Abstract: A variable turbine geometry turbocharger with an actuator pivot shaft with a rolling-element bearing having a rolling element between an inner race and outer race. Replacing a standard actuator shaft bushing with a rolling-element bearing may reduce friction and adverse movement in certain applications. Various seals may be feasible, such as a face seal attached to the inner or outer bearing race that could seal against the opposing race.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of rose with long lasting, novel apricot-orange flowers, and attractive foliage with very good disease resistance. It exhibits an upright to bushy habit, as well as moderately vigorous growth with abundant flowers. The new variety propagates well from cuttings and by grafting. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of rose with long lasting, novel hot pink flowers, and attractive foliage with above average disease resistance. It exhibits vigorous growth with abundant flowers. The new variety propagates well from cuttings. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: Description and specifications of a new and distinct ornamental blueberry cultivar that originated from seed produced from open pollinated flowers of CVAC 45 (PI 296412) is provided. This new ornamental blueberry can be distinguished by its ability to flower on new growth, its attractive combination of dark green and glossy leaves, along with flowers and edible fruit in late summer and fall; and it's vigorous, vase-shaped, compact plant habit.

Abstract: A new and distinctive variety of a Malus domestica apple tree, named ‘WA 38’ that is distinguished by its intense and nearly full color, internal indices that are different than its parents, and its long common storage life.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Lobularia plant named ‘Inlbusnowhi’ that is characterized by a compact rounded and mounding habit and small white flowers with lilac colored sepals.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Bkgardpu’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; dark green-colored leaves; uniform and early flowering response; freely flowering habit; decorative-type inflorescences with dark red purple-colored ray florets; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Zalsasno’, characterized by its erect and strong flowering stems; vigorous growth habit; white-colored flowers; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Zaprikate’, characterized by its compact, upright, somewhat outwardly spreading and uniformly mounded plant habit; vigorous growth habit; bright red-colored flowers; and excellent container and garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Alstroemeria plant named ‘Zalsafruz’, characterized by its erect and strong flowering stems; vigorous growth habit; dark red-colored flowers; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Epidendrum plant named ‘Big Red’, characterized by its upright and columnar plant habit with outwardly arching leaves; freely clumping growth habit; strong stems; freely flowering habit; and dark red-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Fipetsilvein’, characterized by its outwardly spreading and mounding growth habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; large white-colored flowers with dark violet blue-colored venation; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Salvia plant named ‘S1013-3’ that is characterized by a large overall size, a large number of sterile red flowers, a long flowering season and a vigorous growth habit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a karaoke CD format and a device for controlling audio signals utilizing the karaoke CD format which provides a user with selective reproduction of the voice of a player. The karaoke CD format includes a CD format divided into video sectors and audio sectors. The audio sectors are further divided into a part for recording accompaniment sound and playing sound at the same time and a part for recording accompaniment sound only. There is provided record coding information for distinguishing the parts.

Abstract: A device and method provide a user with a template for a message having fields that can be pre-filled with data to reduce the manual entry of data into the message. The method includes, but is not limited to, executing an application at a device, wherein context data including context data items is associated with the executing application, selecting a messaging technology to send a message from the device, selecting a template for the message, wherein the template comprises one or more dynamic fields, selecting a context data item from the context data associated with the executing application, and inserting the selected context data item in the dynamic field to facilitate the creation of a message.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for composing and communicating Digital Composition Coded Multisensory Messages (DCC MSMs). The present invention also relates to the design, composition, creation, and communication of the multisensory messages. Multisensory messages, while rich in content and meaning, are to be composable from a great variety of platforms, from cell phones to mainframes.

Abstract: A food molding mechanism for a patty-forming machine that uses a servomotor to drive a crank arrangement. The crank arrangement drives a mold plate. The mechanism uses a reducer with a replaceable output shaft. The reducer engages a servomotor utilizing a double enveloping worm gear providing gear enmeshment across an arc portion of the servomotor main gear. A servomotor driven knockout apparatus comprises a cam and lever arrangement. Oil reservoirs for the knock-out cams are substantially sealed in the mold cover.

Abstract: A transmitter apparatus effective for activating a remotely situated appliance includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. The RF transmitter is configured to be mounted to a structural element of a building and configured to receive an actuation by a user to wirelessly transmit a signal. An antenna is coupled to the RF transmission circuitry and is arranged and configured to transmit the signal to a remotely situated appliance. The antenna is disposed within an opening in the structural element of the building and is of dimensions so as to extend at least partially through the opening. The antenna transmits the signal to the appliance without significant interference or absorption from the structural element of the building.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing data transfers between a secure location and a less secure location. A data transfer checker operating on a mobile device determines whether an attempted data transfer between two locations is permitted. If it is not permitted, then the data transfer is prevented and the user may be notified of the data transfer prevention.

Abstract: The structure of conformational, discontinuous binding surfaces that associate with a binding molecule, preferably the epitopes of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) may be discovered. The binding molecule is used to select specific peptides from a peptide library that, in turn, are used as a binding surface (epitope) defining database that is applied via a novel computer algorithm to analyze the crystalline-structure of the original binding surface (antigen). An antigenic epitope-mimetic that is recognized by its original mAb may be reconstituted based on the segments of the epitope identified in the prediction. The basic elements of the binding domain on gp120 that is recognized by broadly neutralizing antibody b12 are disclosed, as in their use in making vaccines for preventing or treating HIV.

Abstract: A method of facilitating payment of health care benefits to on behalf of a payer comprising the step of electronically transmitting a stored-value card account payment of the authorized benefit amount concurrently with an explanation of benefits.

Abstract: A cenotaph memorial facility comprising a plurality of walls containing crypts is dedicated to an honoree who is not interred within the facility. The facility may comprise a large external memorial structure to protect the walls and individual crypts. The cenotaph memorial facility includes a plurality of video cameras to permit remote viewing of various portions of the facility. The video cameras are controlled by a computer system that allows remote access via a network, such as the internet. An individual enters authorization data and, upon authorization, can remotely view one or more portions of the facility. An on-line auction processor can automatically conduct auctions of selected articles using a timed auction over a prolonged bidding period or a real-time auction. In another aspect, a virtual reality (VR) image capture system captures images that may be remotely viewed using VR technology. This may include 3-D imaging, holographic imaging, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates “disarmed” strain variants of Agrobacterium strain K599 (NCPPB 2659), “disarmed” plasmid variants of the Ri-plasmid pRi2659, and derivatives thereof, and methods employing these strains and plasmids in plant transformation.

Abstract: A towel with a hood fixed to the top edge and two wristbands mounted on the interior of the towel. A person's wrist may be inserted through each band to secure the towel on the person and selectively wrap the towel around their body. At least one pocket is attached to the interior of the towel. A neck strap encircles the neck to secure the towel and hood in place. Each end of the strap is secured to the exterior surface of the towel at the sides of the hood. As a safety feature, at least one end of the neck strap ends is releasably secured to the surface and can be detached therefrom when a predetermined force is exerted on the strap. The towel can be folded into the interior of the hood and the neck strap used as a handle to hold the towel.

Abstract: A glove having a hand portion, including dorsal and palmer regions, with a finger portion and thumb portion extending outwardly from the hand portion. A thumb crotch is disposed intermediate the thumb and finger portions. The thumb crotch includes a protective pad shaped to form a top wall and a side wall. A first section of the top wall is curved. An exterior surface of the dorsal region is made from a first material and at least the curved section of the thumb crotch's top wall is made from a second material which is different to the first material. Specifically, the second material has a higher coefficient of friction than the first material. The shape of the top wall and use of the second material improves the cradling and gripping characteristics of the glove.

Abstract: By adding a second smaller bill under the main bill of a cap and creating a gap from the front to the back between the two bills, the two bills create a curved shape that acts like an airfoil and allows the free flow of air over a wearer's forehead, inducing a cooling effect. Besides the benefit of a cooling effect, the appearance of the hat is such that an observer looking at someone wearing it would not be able to tell there was anything overtly different about the design.

Abstract: A protective hood is provided for protecting a wearer's head from environmental elements. The protective hood includes a hood body having a cap section positioned to fit over a top of the wearer's head, side sections positioned to hang adjacent sides of the wearer's head, and a back section positioned to hang adjacent a back of the wearer's head. The hood body defines an interior space for receiving the wearer's head. An outlet is provided for exhausting gas from the interior space of the hood body. The outlet includes a channel defined by first and second portions of the hood body. The channel is in fluid communication with the interior space and includes an open end portion in fluid communication with the environment for exhausting gas from the channel into the environment.

Abstract: Magnetic securing device assemblies and methods for securing a garment away from a breast. The magnetic securing device assembly includes a first and second magnetic element. At least one of the first and second magnetic elements is attached to a cord which is used to carry the magnetic securing device assembly as an ornamental piece of jewelry. In use, the magnetic securing device assembly is positioned around a lifted garment of the wearer. The first magnetic element is separated from the second magnetic element attached to the cord. The first magnetic element is then positioned on an opposite side of the garment, and in alignment with the position of the second magnetic element. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are then magnetically fastened to each other so that the garment is securely held away from the breast.

Abstract: Embodiments of a protective helmet have a shell formed from a cushioning material, a cushioning spacer layer coupled to the shell and only partially covering an inner surface of the shell, a hard inner structure having an outer surface attached to the cushioning spacer layer and an inner surface, and an innermost cushioning pad layer attached to the inner surface of the hard inner structure. A flexible thin cover extending around an outer surface of said shell and with or without graphics may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an automatic toilet seat, including a base body, a toilet lid, a seat, a controller, a first lid lifter, a second lid lifter, a first sensor, a second sensor and a power supply. The controller comprises a micro processor. When the first sensor detects a human body, the micro processor activates the second sensor and drives the toilet lid pivot to a lifting position. When the first sensor detects the human body again, the seat pivots to the lifting position. When the human body is away from the second sensor, the micro processor would drive the toilet lid and the seat pivot to a closing position and deactivate the second sensor. Thus, the automatic toilet seat of the present invention provides a two-stage mechanism of an auto-lifting toilet lid.

Abstract: An installation for the intermediate holding and storage of sewage and effluent, said installation comprising a sealable housing 9 having an inlet 1 for receiving said effluent and an outlet for discharging said effluent, a holding reservoir 2 pivotally mounted and positioned within said housing to receive and temporarily store a quantity of said effluent, wherein said holding reservoir is an asymmetrically shaped open bucket adapted to automatically move about said pivot from a first position adapted for receiving and storing said effluent to a second invented position where stored effluent is emptied into said housing under the influence of gravity once the accumulated effluent reaches a sufficient mass wherein said housing includes an effluent race 11 incorporated into the floor of said housing to divert said effluent directly to said outlet.

Abstract: A system for reducing splatter on and around a toilet when urinating. The system features a weighted base having a telescopic mounting tube. A posterior base end is placed on a ground surface dose to a toilet. The system features a segmented horizontal arm assembly attached to the mounting tube comprising a first arm segment, a second arm segment, and a third arm segment. The system features a disposable cone storage cone located in the first arm segment containing one or more disposable cones. The system features a brush storage cone located in the second arm segment containing a cleaning solution and a cleaning brush. The system features a urinating cone located in the third arm segment. A urinating aperture is located in a urinating cone posterior end. The system features the toilet having a toilet bowl.

Abstract: A cartridge unit for use with a urinal is disclosed that does not need water to work nor does it use a body of oily liquid sealant as an odor barrier. The odor trap cartridge unit used in this urinal has a spring locking mechanism that works as a valve. It is opened by liquid weight when the urinal is used and lets urine or any other liquid pass downwardly through it and prevents odors from flowing back up towards the room. The cartridge unit has a few disks, two main cylindrical devices, a spring, a fastener, an o-ring, and a coupling; these all operate to open and close a spring sealed trap. These are all placed within a unique three-sized shell that supports the entire cartridge and is fitted into a urinal opening. An umbrella shaped part completes the cartridge by protecting its components from violent fluid flow.

Abstract: A flush toilet bowl includes: a bowl portion including a pooling portion in communication with a drain conduit; a rim surface provided above the bowl portion; and a first slit opening configured to spout flush water supplied through a first conduit toward the bowl portion and to spout the supplied flush water in a generally tangential direction of the rim surface, thereby generating a swirling flow flowing forward near a boundary between the rim surface and the bowl portion. A slit opening shape in a cross section generally perpendicular to a flow direction of water flow spouted from the first slit opening is horizontally flattened. There is provided a flush toilet bowl capable of minimizing the overhang of the rim portion.

Abstract: A coupling component has upper and lower surfaces. A nipple extends downwardly for securement to a clean out line. A passageway extends centrally through the coupling component and nipple. A lid is movable between a closed orientation positioning the lid upon the upper surface of the coupling component and an open orientation positioning the lid at an angle with respect to the upper surface of the coupling component. A pedal operatively couples the lid with respect to the coupling component. A spring has a first end operatively coupled with respect to the pedal and a second end operatively coupled with respect to the coupling component. When a user steps on the pedal, the lid will rotate upwardly to the open orientation. When a user removes a foot from the pedal, the spring will rotate the lid to the closed orientation.

Abstract: A toilet device includes a seat (2) with a pair of side walls (14 & 16) pivotally connected thereto. The side walls are capable of three configurations with respect to the seat portion (2). In a first folded configuration they extend towards one another for compact storage of the device. In a second configuration they extend downwardly in right angles to the seat for use as a chamber pot when supplied with a suitable liner. In a third configuration the side walls extend outwardly away from one another so that the device can be placed on a conventional toilet seat and adapt that seat to the user of the device. Locking and locating means are provided for locking and/or locating the device in the three configurations.

Abstract: Devices combining swimming pool skimmers, pumps, and removable, disposable filters into integral, sidewall-mounted systems for above-ground pools and other above-ground liquid containment enclosures, and methods for the use of such systems to remove both larger floating debris and smaller particulate matter to maintain water clarity and hygienic safety within such pools or like liquid containment enclosures are disclosed herein. Specifically, a ring-type above-ground pool comprising a base, a sidewall, and at least a portion of a cleaning system solely supported by the sidewall and mounted at a non-vertical angle such that it is substantially parallel to the sidewall.

Abstract: A molded tub and surround which is formed of a multiple of portions. Wall portions meet a tub portion at a joint with a retaining ledge which extends inward toward a tub bowl from a flange. A ledge interface within the bottom of the wall portions engages the ledge. An angled interface surface is located directly in front of the ledge and slopes downward toward the bowl. A shallow interface within the bottom of the wall portions engages the angled interface surface.

Abstract: A body scrubber includes a housing having two opposing sides, a top, a bottom and an open front face. Positioned within the open front face are a plurality of tiered, motorized cleansing rollers each formed of a hollow, perforated tube encapsulated by an absorbent cleansing sleeve. Either soap or water can be delivered to the interior of each tube using a control panel. A bather first delivers soap to the rollers and places a desired portion of the body against the motorized cleansing sleeves; when the soap has been thoroughly applied, the bather delivers water to rinse the applied soap. Accordingly, a bather may easily cleanse certain bodily areas that would otherwise be inaccessible with conventional cleaning implements.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for altering a height of a baby playpen from the ground to a bottom of the baby playpen is disclosed. The adjustment mechanism includes a foldable skeleton, a seat fabric slideably put on the foldable skeleton to construct a plurality of side surface and a bottom surface for forming an accommodation space, and a height adjustment positioning mechanism disposed between the foldable skeleton and the seat fabric thereby altering the height of the bottom surface from the ground by adjusting the seat fabric.

Abstract: A patient transfer sled having a support structure including at least one air cushion partially disposed within at least one pocket, and a fluid passageway extending through the support structure into the air cushion. Systems for patient transfer that may include a support surface, such as a table, a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and a source of pressurized air. Methods for moving a patient relative to a support surface include positioning a patient on a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and inflating the air cushion with air to form a sheet of flowing air between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The methods may be used, for example, to move a patient on an air film over a surface within a system.

Abstract: A apparatus with an adjustable height mattress can include a crib frame with a stationary support frame secured to it. The mattress rests generally on an elevator frame which slides up and down with respect to the stationary frame. The crib further includes a height adjusting mechanism for adjusting height of the elevator frame, an operating mechanism for operating and locking the height adjusting mechanism and a leveling mechanism for maintaining the level of elevator frame horizontally stable. The mattress height can be adjusted not only on a semi-permanent basis, but can also be varied as needed. The mattress can be set high when a parent is placing a child in the crib and can be lowered with the child on it for the child's safety. The elevator frame may also be manually raised with the child on it via an external handle.

Abstract: A non-inflatable resting device used for heating and cooling is provided with a plurality of interconnected channels located close to an external surface of the resting device. Each channel substantially occupies the space between two support beams and the interior of said external surface. The comfort level of the resting devices is considerably increased while maintaining adequate structural integrity of the channels when the support beams are constructed with a cushion material having layers of different hardness levels. The top layer is a cushion material with high initial softness ratio. The arrangement of the channels and beams allows a non-pressurized conditioned fluid to flow underneath of the external surface providing a resting device with a heating and cooling system with unmatched energy efficiency. The high energy efficiency of the proposed resting device is due to the elimination of the compressor motor and the thick cushion layer used on the top surface as required by the competition.

Abstract: A fitted bed sheet capable of fitting mattresses of multiple lengths is disclosed. The fitted bed sheet has a first section constructed primarily of non-stretch material and a second section sewn to the foot of the first section that is constructed primarily of non-elastic stretch material. The second section stretches to accommodate mattresses of longer lengths thereby eliminating the need to maintain multiple fitted bed sheets. The present invention increases user comfort, can be processed in commercial laundries, reduces the labor of making the bed, is easier to fold, and has a longer useful life than fitted sheets constructed with elastic stretch material. The fitted bed sheet can be washed, ironed, and folded automatically. The present invention may be used in institutional or private settings.

Abstract: A cot operable to fold one or more legs thereof with the advancing of the cot onto a support object is disclosed. The cot comprises a wheeled transporter, having a frame and legs, and a leg release assembly. The leg release assembly comprises a contact member, a leg release member releasably engaged with at least one of the legs, and a linkage member operably connecting the contact member and the leg release member. The contact member is pressure-sensitive and activates with an application of pressure thereto. The leg release member releases the at least one of the legs from an engagement therewith with activation of the contact member. The at least one of legs folds relative to the frame with the release of the engagement with the leg release member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulated bed which comprises a perimetric tubular frame, two mattress support portions articulated at the ends opposite to the respective ends of the frame, and articulated to one another at facing ends by means of a common rotating shaft; a geared motor assembled in the frame which rotationally operates a transverse shaft provided with at least one crank coupled by means of a connecting rod with the common shaft for the articulation of the two mattress support portions, transmitting a vertical oscillation to the common shaft and to the facing ends of the mattress support portions. In one embodiment variant it comprises a second geared motor which transmits an longitudinal alternating movement to the mattress support portions by means of a connecting rod-crank mechanism.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a base, an upper frame supported above the base, and a deck supported on the upper frame. The deck has head, seat, thigh, and foot sections. The deck is movable between a horizontal position to support a patient in a supine position and a chair egress position to support the patient in a sitting position. The hospital bed further has a seat section actuator to articulate the seat section relative to the upper frame about an axis located adjacent a foot end of the seat section such that a head end of the seat section lifts upwardly relative to the upper frame to facilitate egress of the patient from the deck when the deck is in the chair egress position.

Abstract: A medical bed for positioning the patient in the lithotomy position having a mattress pad including a flexible footrest section. The footrest section cascades over and down an end of the medical bed as the mattress pad is translated, or slid, toward the end thereof. The mattress pad is positioned atop the frame, and includes a backrest section, a medial section, and a footrest section. The mattress pad is translatable, or slidable, with respect to the frame. The footrest section includes a plurality of partitioned segments that are pivotable with respect to each other such that the footrest section cascades down and over the foot-end of the frame when the mattress pad is translated toward the foot-end of the bed.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck movable from a use position to a stowed position. The patient-support deck is configured to engage receivers of the patient-support apparatus to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism. A storage structure is configured to support the patient-support deck in a stowed position. The storage structure is configured to deflect under load to prevent damage to the storage structure or patient-support deck.