Abstract: A uniform shear valve for an extruder machine includes a body having a generally annular wall that defines an interior area extending along a longitudinal axis thereof. The interior area extends between an inlet proximate a first end of the body and a second end of the body. The second end is opposite the first end. The body has a first bore extending through the wall along a traverse axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a first position and second position. A flow control member is sealingly and slidingly positioned partially in the first bore at the first position and extends out of the body. The flow control member defines a first seat on an end thereof. An outlet is located in the first bore at the second position. A second seat is positioned proximate the outlet and is concentric with the first seat along the traverse axis. A uniform flow area is defined by a gap between the first seat and the second seat.

Abstract: The variety ‘T-959’ ripens around the first week of June in southern Georgia. The fruits of the new ‘T-959’ variety are very large, firm, and have good flavor. The new ‘T-959’ variety is vigorous with an estimated chilling requirement of about 500 to 550 hours at or below approximately 7° C. The new variety is reliably propagated vegetatively.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of apple tree variety ‘Picnic’ is described herein. ‘Picnic’ fruit is small, conical, red, not smooth, low brightness, and matures in late September.

Abstract: A new and distinct Malus domestica Mill. apple tree named ‘Smeralda’ particularly characterized by having a compact habit with short branches and therefore very easy to manage. Precocious fruit bearing. Consistent high productivity with no tendency to biennial bearing. Resistant to scab. The ripening time is 30 days before ‘Granny Smith’. The fruit is medium-large with a smooth, uniform green color. The fine, crispy, juicy, pleasant flesh is yellow with an excellent flavour, feeling fresh in the mouth because of its high sugar content and elevated acidity. The taste is similar to ‘Granny Smith’ but sweeter and more fragrant. Long storage capacity and long shelf life.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 1. Fruit with attractive dark red skin color. 2. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality. 3. Regular and productive bearer of medium to large size fruit. 4. Fruit being relatively uniform in size and maturity throughout the tree. 5. Fruit with an average Brix of 22.5°. 6. Tree with vigorous, semi-spreading.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica sub species nuciperisica), denominated varietally as ‘Burnecttwentysix’, and which produces an attractively colored firm-fleshed, acid, clingstone nectarine, which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 1 to August 12 under ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica sub species nuciperisica), denominated varietally as ‘Burnecttwentyfive’, and which produces an attractively colored firm-fleshed, acid, clingstone nectarine, which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately July 14 to July 21 under ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 1. Vigorous, upright tree growth. 2. Heavy and regular production of large size fruit. 3. Fruit with a high degree of attractive red skin color. 4. Firm, white flesh fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. 5. Fruit with very good storage and shipping quality.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of the muscadine grape plant, Vitis rotundifolia Michx., named ‘Ga. 5-1-45’, which has: early ripening berries, typically beginning in the first week in August in Georgia; black berries; self-fertile flowers; berries with flesh that adheres to the skin (non-slip skin); berries that are firm in texture and with a high soluble solids content; and berries that are large for a self-fertile cultivar.

Abstract: A new and distinct Clematis patens named ‘SUZY MAC IMPROVED’ is disclosed, characterized by a unusually abundant flowering, long flowering season. Plants are easy to grow in pots and in the ground, and easily propagated by vegetative cuttings. Plants are resistant to Clematis wilt. The new cultivar is a Clematis typically suited for ornamental container and landscape use.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) named ‘BC6.8’ originated as a controlled cross between varieties. The cultivar ‘BC6.8’ can be blue or red depending on the acidity of the soil and the presence of aluminum. The variety ‘BC6.8’ has relatively compact, attractive inflorescences with relatively large sepalous florets, distinct sepal pigmentation and good commercial characteristics. When grown in the presence of aluminum, the sepals are R.H.S. 71 A (red-purple group).

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Dianthus plant named ‘Shishika-01’, characterized by its upright and mounding plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; short internodes and freely branching habit; red purple-colored flowers with white-colored centers that are positioned above the foliar plane; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new Chrysanthemum plant named ‘CIDZ0034’ particularly distinguished by the red colored anemone-type inflorescences that have good color retention, has a very uniform growth habit and a 7.5 week flowering response.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named ‘Suntapilila’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; early and freely flowering habit; and light purple violet-colored flowers that are held above and beyond the foliar plane.

Abstract: A new and distinct Dracaena cultivar named ‘2004030D’ is disclosed, characterized by strong foliage, with a unique dark green edge separated from a grayish green middle by a thin white stripe. The new variety is a Dracaena, typically produced as an ornamental plant.

Abstract: A new Helleborus plant particularly distinguished by abundant red-purple flowers, upright plant habit and a vigorous growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct Heuchera plant characterized by medium, jagged edged leaves, red spring to very dark summer through winter leaf color, creamy white flowers on short dark stalks, medium, mounding habit, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Salvia cultivar named ‘EGGBEN005’ is disclosed, characterized by a dense, bushy plant habit, dark red-purple colored flowers, dark colored calyx and a rigid inflorescence. The new variety is a Salvia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Salvia cultivar named ‘EGGBEN001’ is disclosed, characterized by a dense, bushy plant habit, distinctive light mauve colored flowers, and a rigid, short inflorescence. The new variety is a Salvia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Salvia cultivar named ‘EGGBEN002’ is disclosed, characterized by a dense, bushy plant habit, salmon colored flowers and a rigid, short inflorescence. The new variety is a Salvia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Salvia cultivar named ‘EGGBEN004’ is disclosed, characterized by a dense, bushy plant habit, distinctive dark mauve colored flowers, with a white eye, and a rigid, short inflorescence. The new variety is a Salvia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Salvia cultivar named ‘EGGBEN003’ is disclosed, characterized by having distinctive lavender flowers, a compact, very well-branched plant habit, and early, flowering. The new variety is a Salvia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for determining the denomination of a coin with a disk-type coin processing system comprises moving a coin along a coin path with a rotatable disk, generating an encoder pulse for each incremental movement of the rotatable disk, directing a light beam transverse the coin path, detecting the light beam with a light detector, developing a signal at the light detector indicating the presence of a coin in the coin path, counting a number of encoder pulses occurring while developing the signal at the light detector, and comparing the counted number of encoder pulses to a plurality of stored numbers of encoder pulses corresponding to the particular coin denominations.

Abstract: An improved bit holder with its mating bit block is disclosed utilizing a slight taper in the bit block bore, and a tapered shank on the bit holder that includes a second larger diameter tapered distal segment that combines with an axially oriented slot through the side wall of the bit holder shank to allow a substantially larger interference fit between the distal tapered shank segment and the bit block bore than previously known. When inserting the bit holder in the bit block bore, the distal first tapered segment resiliently collapses to allow insertion of that segment into the bit block bore. A second shank tapered portion axially inwardly of the first distal tapered portion. The dual tapered shank allows the insertion of the bit holder in the bit block with an interference fit that provides a secure mounting of the bit holder in the bit block.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a radio frequency identification device that utilizes multiple operating frequencies. In one embodiment of the present invention, one frequency (e.g., an ultra-high frequency such as 915 MHz, 800 MHz, 915 MHz, or microwave frequency such as 2.45 GHz) is used for data transmission, and another frequency (e.g., a low or high frequency such as 13.56 MHz) is used for field penetration. In another embodiment, one frequency is used for reading information received from the multi-frequency identification device, and another frequency is used for writing to the multi-frequency identification device. In an additional embodiment, the multi-frequency identification device utilizes one antenna for all frequencies. In another embodiment, the multi-frequency identification device utilizes two or more antennas for different frequencies, and one common memory. In other embodiments, one or two digital parts, analog parts, antennas, and memories can be used.

Abstract: An image coding apparatus which includes a frame memory selecting unit (35) for selecting, in response to a selection signal, an image to be continuously stored in a plurality of frame memories (9, 10) as a background image and storing the background image into the plurality of frame memories (9, 10), and a background motion compensating unit (14, 39) for performing motion compensating prediction corresponding to an input image based on the background image to generate a predicted image based on the motion compensating prediction, and an image decoding apparatus corresponding to the image coding apparatus.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprised of at least one bead conjugated to a solid support and further conjugated to at least one nucleic acid and preferred methods for making the novel compositions are described. As compared to “flat” surfaces, beads linked to a solid support provide an increased surface area for immobilization of nucleic acids. Furthermore, by selecting a bead with the desired functionality, a practitioner can select a functionalization chemistry for immobilizing nucleic acids, which is different from the chemistry of the solid support.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for interacting with a mobile telephone are provided. A remote control unit receives a user command and transmits it to a TV system which recognizes the user command as a telephone function command and transmits the function command to the mobile telephone if the TV system is set to Telephone Mode. The TV system may also output data received from the mobile telephone in response to the transmitted function command. Thus, a user may interact with a mobile telephone using an interactive TV system by displaying text/image data received from the telephone and by inputting various telephone function commands using a remote control unit. Upon receiving a function command from the TV system, the mobile telephone generates output data in response to the function command and transmits itto the TV system. A display unit of the TV system displays the text/image data, and a speaker outputs the sound data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a continuous analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose sensor. One such system utilizes first and second working electrodes to measure analyte or non-analyte related signal, both of which electrode include an interference domain.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ring (i.e. class, championship, or affiliation) begins by receiving order data specifying a series of personalization elements, such as the addition of text and icon designs. A geometric model for each personalization item is constructed. To assemble text panels, the operating system provides font geometry for a desired TrueType font. Then a set of splines are created from the font geometry and are then tessellated to generate polyline sets of data, which are then spaced and mapped between two boundary curves. The personalization elements are then projected onto one of the model's 3D surfaces. A set of machining instructions for a milling machine is generated by obtaining a set of machining pattern strategies, generating a set of curves, projecting the toolpath onto the surface of the ring to calculate the 3D toolpath, and rotating it to a desired angle.

Abstract: An encryption chip is programmable to process a variety of secret key and public key encryption algorithms. The chip includes a pipeline of processing elements, each of which can process a round within a secret key algorithm. Data is transferred between the processing elements through dual port memories. A central processing unit allows for processing of very wide data words from global memory in single cycle operations. An adder circuit is simplified by using plural relatively small adder circuits with sums and carries looped back in plural cycles. Multiplier circuitry can be shared between the processing elements and the central processor by adapting the smaller processing element multipliers for concatenation as a very wide central processor multiplier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a for obtaining a plant showing a reduced susceptibility towards infection with a pathogen, in particular an oomycete, comprising treating MO seeds of a plant species to be modified with a mutagenic agent to obtain M1 seeds and growing plants therefrom the thus obtained M1 seeds to obtain M1 plants, inoculation of the thus obtained M1+n plants with the pathogen and selecting plants that show a reduction or absence of sporulation of the pathogen as plants having a reduced susceptibility phenotype. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, pollen, cells and tissues that have the reduced susceptibility towards oomycetes.

Abstract: A suit includes a hard upper torso providing shoulder apertures. A repositionable scye bearing is arranged at a shoulder aperture. An adjustable shoulder device interconnects the scye bearing and the hard upper torso. The adjustable shoulder device is configured to move the scye bearing between first and second shoulder width positions relative to the hard upper torso. A method of donning a suit includes the steps of adjusting a scye bearing relative to a hard upper torso to a desired shoulder width position. The scye bearing can be subsequently repositioned for desired crewmember fit and use while the desired shoulder width position is maintained.

Abstract: An eye protector (16) is provided for mounting on a helmet (10) of the type worn by a firefighter or other emergency worker, the helmet having a brim (14) that projects forwardly and laterally from a lower part of a crown (12). The eye protector (16) includes a bracket (20) mounted to the brim (14), a pair of eye shields (18) movable between a storage position extending along the brim (14) and a usage position extending downward from the brim (14) to shield the eyes of the wearer, and a pair of hinges (22) to connect the eye shields (18) to the bracket (20) for movement between the storage and usage positions.

Abstract: A combination headgear assembly and protective eyewear system includes protective eyewear that attaches to a headgear assembly via magnetic connectors. The headgear assembly includes an adjustable headrest with first and second ends. The first end connects to a first spherical capsule having a first side wall, and the second end connects to a second spherical capsule having a second side wall. The protective eyewear includes a vision blade with a first end attaching via a first finger to a first telescoping member while a second end attaches via a second finger to a second telescoping member. A first magnetic connector is positioned between the first telescoping member and the first side wall of the first spherical capsule, and a second magnetic connector is positioned between the first telescoping member and the second side wall of the second spherical capsule.

Abstract: The present invention is a novelty mitt to be worn on a person's hand at a sporting event such as baseball game. In one embodiment, the novelty mitt comprises a flexible base having inner and outer surfaces, left and right edges, and a bottom edge. The flexible base further comprises a lower portion, a left upper portion, a central upper portion, and a right upper portion. The central upper portion is spaced apart and disposed between the left and right upper portions. The outer surface of the left and right upper portions are removably engaged with the inner surface of the central upper portion to form the curved shape of the novelty mitt. The novelty mitt further comprises first, second, third, fourth and fifth finger pockets removably engaged with the outer surface of the flexible base to accommodate different size hands. The novelty mitt further comprises a wrist strap removably engaged with the lower portion of the flexible base to secure the novelty mitt to the person's hand.

Abstract: A garment such as a shirt or pants has a front layer with portions which define a central opening defined by an inner periphery and positionable to overlie a portion of the joint to be protected such as a knee or an elbow. A removable protective insert is larger than the central opening and has a unitary cap sewn thereto. The cap has an upper segment separated from a lower segment by a bending joint defined by at least one groove which extends substantially across the cap. The upper segment and the lower segment are separately fixed to the protective insert by stitching. The upper segment and the lower segment have an outwardly projecting flange which overlies the protective insert, the flange having portions which engage the front layer of the garment between the cap flange and the protective insert. A slot in the insert ventilates through the front layer.

Abstract: An item of headgear comprised of a visor bill attached to a square piece of cloth along the diagonal of the cloth and slightly below the center of the cloth. The visor bill is encased in a pocket-shaped visor bill cover before it is stitched to the square piece of cloth. The present invention can be worn as a visor, or it can be opened up and wrapped over the top of the head to form the shape of a more traditional hat.

Abstract: A convertible winter garment converts from a cap or hat configuration to a neck gaiter, face cover, or hand warmer. The garment is a four-edged fabric with two layers such that opposing side edges of the fabric provide openings for insertion of the user's hands between the layers when the garment is used as a hand warmer. A transparent window through one layer of the garment permits observation of a mobile device held between the layers. Clips mounted along the edge opposing the longest edge can be attached to edges of the bill of a baseball cap worn by the user and anchor the garment to the baseball cap. In one embodiment, a bill having view openings is attached to the garment such that it can be used to shield the user's face from either overhead or below.

Abstract: Nonwoven safety garments are described. Features of the stitching of some embodiments limit the number of particulates emitted from seams between cut edges. Attachments features may be included on the garments to enable secure, external attachment of measuring equipment. Doffing features, such as loops, are provided to help the wearer safely remove the garment, either by helping her pull off part or all of the garment or by starting to separate closure devices. In some embodiments, a repositionable closure on a neck flap covers the neck up to the bottom of a face mask or respirator, and a grasping tab helps the wearer safely open the repositionable closure and the neck flap.

Abstract: A pair of trousers has two side seams, a front seam, a back seam, an inseam, an outer part, and an inner part. The outer part constitutes the trousers and is formed by sub-parts joined at the seams. The inner part is arranged along a front part of the outer part and is joined to the outer part at the side and front seams. The outer part is made from a first material and the inner part is made from a second material, the first material having a higher elasticity than the second material. The inner part includes at least two stitchings extending from a first side seam towards the front seam, and at least two stitchings extending from a second side seam towards the front seam which follow the shape of an abdomen of a person wearing the trousers to thereby support the abdomen.

Abstract: A chin guard has a shell with a cup suitable for fitting upon a human chin and a resilient layer received within the cup of the shell. The resilient layer is suitable for contacting the human chin. The shell has a first strap-receiving slot on one side thereof and a second strap-receiving slot on an opposite side thereof. Each of the first and second strap-receiving slots open through a thickness of the shell. A first strap extends through the first strap-receiving slot and a second strap extends through said second strap-receiving slot. The first and second slots are arranged transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shell.

Abstract: In certain variations, head and/or neck protection apparatus and methods are provided. A head and/or neck protection apparatus may include shoulder pads, a collar and/or a helmet. The shoulder pads may include a central opening for receiving a user's neck. A collar may extend from the periphery of the central opening or the collar may be positioned at or around the periphery of the central opening. The helmet may surround but remain spaced apart from a user's head. The helmet may be removably connected or fastened to the collar or shoulder pads. The helmet may be connected or fasted to the collar or shoulder pads such that the helmet cannot move relative to the shoulder pads and a force applied to the helmet is distributed to the collar and transferred to the shoulder pads, shoulders, chest and/or back of a user.

Abstract: A concussion indicator that may easily be applied to a helmet is provided. The concussion indicator may visually or audibly provide indicators relating to impacts creating accelerations of the helmet that likely cause a concussion. In some embodiments, three separate indicators may be used within a single base; each indicator is configured to indicate at impacts relating to different concussion grades. A rear of the base is attachable to a surface such as an interior or exterior of a helmet. Upon a concussion triggering acceleration, the concussion indicator will indicate that a concussion is likely. This display may be seen or heard by observers if the indicator is on an exterior of the helmet, and by the user or someone who removes the user's helmet if it is on the inside of the helmet.

Abstract: A reversible chest protector includes internal padding configured to absorb impacts against both the front and rear-facing surfaces of the chest protector. The chest protector includes inner and outer layers of fabric that are molded to an internal foam core. The foam core may include outer layers of closed-cell foam molded to the fabric layers, and an internal layer of open-cell foam molded to the closed-cell foam layers, such that the padding layup is symmetrical. Other features and advantages will appear hereinafter.

Abstract: A portable and disposable sanitary toilet seat cover comprises an annulus for placement on the toilet seat, the annulus having depending from its inner and outer boundaries inner and outer skirts. A drawstring is reaved into the annulus adjacent the relatively outer boundary thereof and also passes through a perforation at the rear of the cover where there is provided a glove in a stowed condition. When the toilet has been used, actuation of the drawstring collapses the annulus and its skirts and releases the stowed glove. Following full collapse of the cover, a hand is inserted into the glove to grasp the crumpled cover and the glove is then inverted to encase the used toilet seat cover for hygienic disposal.

Abstract: A sanitary washing device includes: a nozzle including a water discharge port and configured to squirt water from the water discharge port to wash user's human private parts; a flow channel configured to supply the water to the water discharge port; a water supply device configured to supply the water; a sterilizing water producing device provided midway along the flow channel and being operable to produce sterilizing water; and a controller configured to perform control for retaining the sterilizing water produced by the sterilizing water producing device for a prescribed time in the flow channel, and then draining the sterilizing water out of the flow channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an odor seal for a vacuum toilet drain system whose cross section in the state of no throughflow tapers off in such a way in the downstream direction that the interior walls on the downstream end of the odor seal rest against each other so that the odor seal in a downstream direction allows throughflow while in the opposite direction it blocks throughflow, wherein the downstream end of the odor seal is closed in the state of throughflow and no throughflow of the odor seal. Furthermore, the invention relates to a drainage device comprising such an odor seal and a sieve which is arranged upstream of the odor seal. Moreover, the invention relates to a vacuum toilet system for an aircraft, comprising such an odor seal or a drainage device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing water from freezing in a spa or hot tub featuring a spa pack having a pump, heater and controller connected to a spa power supply through a ground fault circuit interrupter. A sensor is used to monitor an operating condition of the spa pack that is initially electrically connected to the spa power supply in order to activate at least one freeze prevention device if the operating condition of the spa pack changes due to electrical disconnection from the spa power supply by the ground fault circuit interrupter. The freeze prevention device features a heater, a circulating pump or both, and keeps water in the tub and the piping associated therewith from freezing. A switching arrangement is provided for deactivating the system outside the winter season when freeze protection is not required.

Abstract: A motorized back scrubber device for installing in a shower featuring two parallel poles for securing to the shower wall, a motor housing slidably disposed on the first pole; a brush motor and track motor disposed in the motor housing; an elongated brush that engages the brush motor, wherein the brush motor functions to rotate the brush in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction and the track motor functions to move the motor housing up and down on the pole; a drive lever with control panel extending outwardly from the motor housing, the control panel functions to control speed of rotation and direction of rotation of the brush motor and functions to control direction of the track motor; and a soap dispenser operatively connected to the control panel to pump soap to the brush.