Abstract: A new and distinct variety of yellow nectarine tree, denominated ‘NECTADIVA’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, and with a semi-sweet orange yellow flesh of high eating quality, with red pigmentation in the stone cavity and around the stone cavity, and an attractive skin homogeneously colored with a high percentage of luminous red blush. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of yellow nectarine tree, denominated ‘NECTASIA’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, and with a semi-sweet orange yellow flesh of high eating quality, with a slightly red pigmentation in the stone cavity and around the stone cavity, and an attractive intense and luminous orange red skin, with a very high percentage of luminous purple red blush. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lantana plant named ‘Apricot Sunrise’, characterized by its low growing, spreading growth habit; leathery, scabrous medium green foliage; continuous flowering; and yellow flower buds that open to yellow with a darker yellow-orange center and age to apricot pink with an orange center.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lantana plant named ‘Sunset Orange’, characterized by its low growing, mounding to spreading growth habit; leathery, scabrous dark green foliage; continuous flowering; and light orange flower buds that open to light orange and age to dark orange.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Mandevilla plant named ‘Lanmontana’, characterized by its compact and bushy plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; glossy dark green-colored leaves; early flowering habit; and red purple-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Mandevilla plant named ‘Lannevada’, characterized by its trailing plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; glossy dark green-colored leaves; early flowering habit; and red-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Mandevilla plant named ‘Lanoregon’, characterized by its compact and bushy plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; glossy dark green-colored leaves; early flowering habit; and dark red purple-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Mandevilla plant named ‘Lanidaho’, characterized by its compact and bushy plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; glossy dark green-colored leaves; early flowering habit; and dark red-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new hop plant named ‘HBC 369’ is disclosed. The cones of ‘HBC 369’ mature in mid September, and yield a crop of 1600 to 2000 pounds per acre. ‘HBC 369’ is used for its unique aromatic quality, resistance to powdery mildew, high alpha acid content and exceptional yield.

Abstract: A new Verbena plant named ‘VEAZ0015’ particularly distinguished by the white and red bi-colored, single to semi double inflorescences, medium green foliage, and an outwardly spreading plant habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Tescreda Improved’, characterized by its upright and uniformly mounding plant habit; sturdy and strong plants; moderately vigorous growth habit; white and red purple-colored flowers with short pedicels; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Tessunlight Improved’, characterized by its upright and uniformly mounding plant habit; sturdy and strong plants; moderately vigorous growth habit; yellow-colored flowers with short pedicels; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hemerocallis cultivar of the dormant type is provided. The new cultivar is very floriferous and forms attractive ruffled bright orange flowers with a deeper orange eyezone displaying substantial substance, and a funnel-shaped form over an extended period of time. In U.S.D.A. Hardiness Zone No. 6, blooming commonly begins during June and commonly ends during mid-September. The new cultivar displays a plurality of fans and a plurality of scapes per fan. In excess of 20 buds commonly are formed per scape. The new cultivar is well suited for growing as distinctive colorful ornamentation in the landscape.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Phlox plant named ‘Sunphlosiro’, characterized by its compact and mounding plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching and flowering habit; long flowering period; white-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct Pelargonium cultivar named ‘DONN'S GOLDSTRIKE’ is disclosed, characterized by bright golden foliage. The new variety is a Pelargonium, typically produced as an outdoor ornamental plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Pelargonium cultivar named ‘CAROLINE'S CITRINE’ is disclosed, characterized by unique bright golden foliage with a green blotch in the center. The new variety is a Pelargonium, typically produced as an outdoor ornamental plant.

Abstract: A new variety of pelargonium named ‘KLEPZ11229’, particularly characterized by large, round, and very shiny lavender blue flowers, medium growth habit and dark green leaves without zonation, is disclosed.

Abstract: The new and distinct cultivar of ornamental Tickseed, Coreopsis ‘Tahitian Sunset’ with short, compact, intensely-floriferous, long-blooming habit and flowers with a blend of watermelon-red and golden-orange petals. It is grown as an annual in zones colder than USDA zone 8 and as a perennial in zones 8 through 10.

Abstract: Display device including a unitary, rigid sheet defining a left center panel, a right center panel pivotally connected to the left center panels, a left side panel pivotally connected to the left center panel and a right side panel pivotally connected to the right center panel. Vertically extending separation lines are formed on a rear planar layer without penetrating or cutting a front planar layer so that the panels are able to pivot about vertical axes. Fold lines may be formed opposite the separation lines on the front planar layer to facilitate folding the sheet whereby the fold lines define the vertical axes about which the panels pivot. Folding of the sheet provides a compact configuration which enables the display device to be easily carried.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine is provided, in which vibration is efficiently attenuated, by a maximum capacity within a size-fixed cabinet is provided, and by which a user does not bend over or sit down to load laundry into the washing machine. The drum type washing machine includes a cabinet forming an exterior of the drum type washing machine, a tub fixed within the cabinet, the tub having a laundry loading entrance at an outer circumference of the tub, a drum rotatably provided within the tub, the drum having an opening on a lateral side of the drum to communicate with the laundry loading entrance of the tub, a motor assembly provided next to one side of the drum to rotate the drum, and a suspension assembly provided to support a weight of the drum and attenuate vibration of the drum.

Abstract: A foldable tool kit having a body constructed of a single elongate member to which is secured a plurality of individual tools pivotally movable about a pin between a folded position and a working position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a food garbage disposer including: a reaction vessel which includes a hopper into which food garbage is introduced, a heating tank filed with heat-medium oil to heat the hopper, and at least one heater to heat the heat-medium oil in the hopper; an automatic filter which includes an automatic injection nozzle and filters vapor discharged from the reaction vessel; a condenser which condenses the vapor passed through the automatic filter and separate the vapor into condensed water and air; a condensed-water purifier which purifies the condensed water produced by the condenser and supplies the purified water to the automatic injection nozzle of the automatic filter; a deodorizer which purifies and deodorizes the air produced by the condenser; and an air circulation adjuster which mixes the air passed through the deodorizer with external air and reintroduces the mixed water into the reaction vessel.

Abstract: An improved electro-hydraulic brake system having features for improving the pedal feel of the system, while further having design features which contribute to the economy of manufacture of certain components of the system. The system provides for an electrically powered normal source of pressurized hydraulic brake fluid, and a manually powered backup source of pressurized hydraulic brake fluid to the vehicle brakes in the event of failure of the normal source. During normal braking, fluid from the backup source is redirected from the vehicle brakes to a pedal simulator. The pedal simulator preferably includes arrangements of spring loaded pistons, expansion volumes, and damping orifices, together with valves selectively controlling the flow of fluid to and from the pedal simulator which provides for an improved pedal feel during vehicle braking.

Abstract: An information system according to the invention comprises a record carrier and a playback apparatus. The record carrier has information marks along a track thereof and exhibits first variations caused by existence and nonexistence of the information marks along the track. The first variations represent an information signal recorded on said record carrier. The record carrier further exhibits second variations caused by variations associated with the information marks. The phase of the second variations is coupled to the phase of the first variations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system of implementing a signal processing facility in a digital transmission system environment. In the invention, the signal between the switching field (GSW) and the interface unit ETS1 is divided into a first (DEOS, DSOE) and second signal (DGO, DSO). The first signal is directed through the signal processing unit and the second signal past it. Either one of the signals is selected and activated depending on the need of the signal processing and the operational status of the signal processing unit; this information the interface unit gets from the control unit.

Abstract: Decoding a video signal comprises receiving a bitstream comprising the multiview video signal encoded according to dependency relationships between respective views, and view-dependency data representing the dependency relationships; extracting the view-dependency data and determining the dependency relationships from the extracted data; and decoding the multiview video signal according to the determined dependency relationships using illumination compensation between segments of pictures in respective views, where the multiview video signal includes multiple views each comprising multiple pictures segmented into multiple segments.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of cell biology, immunology and oncology. The invention relates to the discovery that there is a relationship between the expression levels of the tumor suppressor gene smad4 (also known as dpc4) and integrin ???6, and the responsiveness of patient populations to ???6-active compounds and compositions (e.g., antibodies and other ligands that bind ???6), particularly in cancer cells from such patient populations, more particularly on carcinomas such as pancreatic carcinomas.

Abstract: Described is a process for making closed cell fluoropolymer foam, and the foam so made. The process includes subjecting a fluoropolymer resin an inert gas at a pressure higher than atmospheric to drive gas into the resin, raising the temperature of the resin to or above its softening point, and reducing the pressure while maintaining the temperature at or above the softening point of the resin, in order to expand the resin to result in closed cell fluoropolymer foam. The resin is cross-linked prior to expansion. The resulting foams can be used in various applications, such as in flotation devices and for making thermal and/or acoustic insulation.

Abstract: The invention provides branched copolymers as precursors for preparing silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics represented by the general formulae: [Si(˜)RC(˜)H]xn[SiR1R2CH2]yn,??Formula Type-I wherein n is the degree of polymerization, 0.1?x<0.8, 0.2?y<0.9 and x+y=1; and R=methyl or H, R1 and R2 are randomly composed of hydrogen (H), allyl, methyl (Me), phenyl (Ph), propargyl or vinyl. Another branched copolymer is represented by the general formula: [Si(˜)RC(˜)H]xn[SiR1R2CH2]yn[SiR3R4CH2]zn??Formula Type-II wherein n is the degree of polymerization, 0.1?x<0.8, 0?y<0.8, 0.2?z<0.8 and x+y+z=1; and R=methyl or H, R1 and R2 are randomly composed of hydrogen (H), methyl (Me) and phenyl; R3 and R4 are randomly composed of H, allyl, methyl, phenyl (Ph), propargyl, and vinyl. The invention also provides methods for the preparation of such branched copolymers.

Abstract: A system and method for distribution of content items, such as video or other files, can provide for adjustable pricing for access to a content item based on the popularity of the content item. The price for access can be calculated by adjusting a base access price that is determined based on how many times the content item has been accessed. The adjustment can utilize rating and review data received from users who have previously accessed the content item. In some embodiments, rating and review data is withheld from disclosure during a hold-back period whereby the quality of a user's rating can be evaluated by comparing it to other ratings received during the hold-back period. Other incentives can be provided to drive viewing and reviewing content items by providing discounts for users that provide positively-rated reviews.

Abstract: A distributed computer system, as for transmitting and receiving executable multimedia applications, includes a source of a continuous data stream repetitively transfering data representing a distributed computing application and a client computer, receiving the data stream, for extracting the distributed computing application representative data from the data stream, and executing the extracted distributed computing application.

Abstract: A system and a method dynamically adjusts the quality of service guarantees for virtual servers based upon the resource demands experienced by the virtual servers. Virtual server resource denials are monitored to determine if a virtual server is overloaded based upon the resource denials. Virtual server resources are modified dynamically to respond to the changing resource requirements of each virtual server. Occasionally, a physical host housing a virtual server may not have additional resources to allocate to a virtual server requiring increased resources. In this instance, a virtual server hosted by the overloaded physical host is transferred to another physical host with sufficient resources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prediction-based dynamic thread pool management method and an agent platform using the same. An prediction-based dynamic thread pool management method according to the present invention includes: (a) calculating a thread variation to a variation of the number of threads at a time t1, (b) calculating the number of expected threads expected at a time t2 on the basis of the thread variation, (c) determining a change of the thread variation according to the time elapsed, and (d) decreasing an executing frequency of said steps (a) and (b) when it is determined that the change of the thread variation at said step (c) is small and increasing the executing frequency of said steps (a) and (b) when it is determined that the change of the thread variation is large.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for reordering Reordering bus transactions to increase increases bus utilization in a computer system in which where a split-transaction bus is bridged to a single-envelope bus. In one embodiment, both masters and slaves are ordered, simplifying implementation. In; in another embodiment, the system is more loosely coupled with only masters being are ordered. Greater bus utilization is thereby achieved. To avoid deadlock, transactions begun on the split-transaction bus are monitored. When a combination of transactions would, result in deadlock if a predetermined further transaction were to begin, result in deadlock, this condition is detected. In the more tightly coupled system, the predetermined further transaction, if it is refused if requested, is refused, thereby avoiding deadlock. In the more loosely-coupled system, the flexibility afforded by unordered slaves is taken advantage of to, in the typical case, reorder the transactions and avoid deadlock without killing any transaction.

Abstract: High-strength porous carbon and a method of its manufacture are described for multifunctional applications, such as ballistic protection, structural components, ultracapacitor electrodes, gas storage, and radiation shielding. The carbon is produced from a polymer precursor via carbonization, and optionally by surface activation and post-treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus prevents sun damage of a car occupant while keeping the occupant cool. The apparatus comprises a material mechanically coupled to a pocket and a safety belt attachment device. The material is sufficiently large to cover the occupant's fingers, hand, arm and shoulder. The occupant can place the safety belt attachment device over a safety belt and can insert fingers into the pocket allowing an air conditioner vent or natural air to cool the occupant while the material protects the occupant from ultraviolet light.

Abstract: The main body of the hand muff of the present invention includes a generally cylindrical member having an opening at each opposite end thereof. A viewing panel forms a section of a generally cylindrical wall of the main body of the hand muff. The viewing panel can be formed of one or both of solid transparent material and screen mesh material. A selectively removable cover flap permits the user to see inside the muff when the free edge of the cover flap is selectively detached from the body of the muff. A pocket with a closure is provided inside the body of the muff and is configured to hold a cell phone, a personal digital assistant and the like handheld device.

Abstract: A brief style elastic undergarment designed for the particular needs of a portly person having an enlarged abdomen. The undergarment is constructed of elastic spandex material and has a high cut back and a low cut front so the waistband traverses the torso passing across the small of the back thence under the abdomen. The undergarment further comprising an auxiliary elastic waistband specifically intended to hold abdominal hernias in, and an attached supporting undershirt. Thus the elastic in the briefs and the auxiliary band press small hernias back into the abdominal cavity. For use by males, there is a hole through which the penis and scrotum project to avoid being compressed and allowing a snug, pressure fit across the front. The garment may be used as sleepwear and athletic wear.

Abstract: A shorts S for a male, the shorts having a front opening portion 100 where a pair of cloth members 4, 4? are overlapped, the front opening portion being capable of forming an opening 101 allowing insertion of a penis P for urination. Of respective edge portions 1X, 1Y of the two cloth members 4, 4? forming the opening 101, an upper end of one of the edge portions is joined in an overlapped manner to the other cloth member; and lower ends 1B, 1D of the two edge portions 1X, 1Y are jointed to each other at a width-wise center 16 of the front opening portion 100.

Abstract: The present invention provides protective headgear comprising a shell (26) having an inwardly facing surface which in use faces the head (10) of a user of the headgear and an outwardly facing surface which in use faces away from the head (10) of a user. An outer layer (28) overlies at least a portion of the outwardly facing surface of the shell (26) and rupturing means (30) is provided for fixedly attaching the outer layer (28) to the remainder of the headgear at one or more locations. The rupturing means (30) is configured so as to fail when a force greater than a selected threshold is received on an outer surface (28) of the headgear which acts in an at least part tangential direction to rotate the headgear and the head (10) of the user.

Abstract: A cover for an eyewear strap is provided. The cover may include a first member, a second member associated with the first member and movable toward and away from the first member, and a fastener connected to the first member and the second member for removably connecting the first member to the second member. The cover may be adapted to receive an eyewear strap between the first and second members when the first and second members are disconnected, and the cover may be securable to the eyewear strap when the first and second members are connected together.

Abstract: A cervical spine protection device including a lower portion engaged with a user's shoulders, and an upper portion designed for engagement with a user's helmet when an axial force is applied to a portion of the user's helmet, where the upper portion has an opening at the rearward facing side of a user's body. The device further includes a middle portion disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion, and an inside portion shaped to fit around a user's neck. The axial force applied to the top portion of the user's helmet is at least partially absorbed by the cervical spine protection device and at least partially directed away from a cervical spinal column of the user by the cervical spine protection device. The cervical spine protection device allows extension of the head and neck during athletic movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cageless lavatory dispensing device comprising a hanger (10) and a compressed solid block (50). The hanger (10) has a hook end (20) for suspending the dispensing device to a sanitary-appliance, and the compressed solid block (50) comprises at least one chemical agent. A process for delivering a treatment composition to a sanitary appliance is also disclosed. Said process comprises the steps of: providing and suspending a cageless lavatory dispensing device within the sanitary appliance; periodically flushing water about the exterior of the compressed block to elute at least one chemical constituent to form a treatment composition with said water, which treatment composition provides cleaning and/or sanitizing and/or disinfecting benefit to the sanitary appliance.

Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided for coupling a drive shaft with a drive arm of an actuator for use with an automatic toilet flushing system, wherein the drive shaft is adapted for rotation via a motor in the actuator. The clutch assembly includes a rotatable body extending between the drive shaft and the drive aim and having a first engaging member. A clutch disk is secured to the drive shaft and includes a second engaging member adapted for cooperating with the first engaging member of the body. A fastener secures the clutch disk to the drive shaft and a biasing member is provided for biasing the body toward the clutch disk. The body is adapted to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member should a predetermined torque on the drive shaft be exceeded to disengage the first and second engaging members and prevent damage to the drive shaft.

Abstract: An air activated toilet flush system, including: a toilet bowl; a reservoir; a fluid conduit between the reservoir and the toilet bowl; a system for supplying water into the reservoir; and a system for supplying air into the reservoir, wherein a supply of air into the reservoir causes fluid to flow from the reservoir through the fluid conduit and into the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A flusher assembly includes a main body adapted for mounting to a toilet tank; and a flush handle assembly having a shaft rotatably mounted within the main body and operable in a full flush rotation position and a limited flush rotation. The assembly is simple, reliable and efficiently manufactured, and allows selection of full or limited volume flushing of toilets and, thereby, conservation of water.

Abstract: A stool collector adapted for being positioned in a use position in which it is secured to a standard water closet or toilet to collect a stool sample delivered by a user, said stool collector comprising a rear piece adapted for being secured between rear halves of a toilet bowl and a tip-up toilet seat, respectively, of said toilet.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system for a sanitary installation has a liquid level sensor for detecting the level of liquid in a drainage receptacle. The sensor employs non-contact sensing, for example an electric field, to detect the liquid level and controls the operating of a drainage pump depending on the detected liquid level. The drainage receptacle may for example be the gulley of a shower tray, or a manifold connected to two or more sinks.

Abstract: An encasement for a bedding item includes a cover comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall attaching the top portion to the bottom portion, an opening in the encasement is sized to permit an item to be removably placed therein. A zipper disposed in the opening is configured to reversibly seal the encasement. The zipper includes an open end, a closed end, a zipper pull, and opposing complementary zipper tracks, and a zipper end stop disposed at the closed end of the zipper. The zipper end stop includes an interior support panel, a first securement member affixed to the interior support panel, and a second securement member associated with the opposing complementary zipper tracks. Closing the zipper forms a beg bug impervious seal. The encasement may further include a removable cover.