Abstract: High strength presulfided catalyst for hydrogenating hydrocarbon resins without an in situ sulfiding step. The catalyst particles have a supported metal catalyst structure with presulfided interstitial surfaces with about 20 weight percent of a low molecular weight hydrocarbon resin, based on the weight of the porous supported metal catalyst structure, filling from 90 to 95 percent of the pore volume to improve a crush strength of the catalyst particles. The presulfided catalyst can be stored and/or shipped in an airtight container with an inert atmosphere. The catalyst particles are made by preparing the oxidized catalyst, presulfiding the catalyst, contacting the catalyst with the low molecular weight hydrocarbon resin in an inert atmosphere, sealing the catalyst in a storage/shipping container, loading the reactor with the presulfided, filled catalyst, and contacting the catalyst with an unsaturated hydrocarbon resin under hydrogenation conditions.

Abstract: A new and distinct shrub type Rosa hybrid named ‘Noasplash’ is disclosed, characterized by excellent resistance to common diseases of Rosa in the landscape, including blackspot, mildew and rust. Plants produce unique bi color bright pink/light pink flowers. Plant form is compact, with arching branches forming a spreading plant, especially suited for landscape applications. The new cultivar is a Rosa typically suited for ornamental container and landscape use.

Abstract: A new and distinct Pieris japonica plant is provided that was discovered as a spontaneous mutation of unknown causation of the ‘Valley Valentine’ variety (non-patented in the United States). The new plant was discovered during April 2000 when present in a controlled environment among a population of ‘Valley Valentine’ plants that had been asexually reproduced by tissue culture. The new plant displays an attractive upright well-branched generally uniform moderately vigorous growth habit. Large clusters of pink flowers are displayed. The attractive new growth displays a brick red coloration. The foliage is variegated green with irregularly presented yellow margins when mature. The plant is well suited for providing attractive ornamentation throughout the year.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Forsythia plant named ‘Minfor6’, characterized by its compact, upright and rounded plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy growth habit; freely and continuous flowering habit; long flowering period; bright yellow-colored flowers; resistance to Phytophthora; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new Saxifraga plant named ‘SAXZ0008’ particularly distinguished by the blushed red-purple flower color with a darker eye, short peduncles on a vigorous plant habit, and is very early to mature and flower.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Dianthus plant named ‘WP10 SAB06’ which is characterized by compact plant habit and fragrant double flowers which are vibrant orange-pink in color. In combination, these characteristics set ‘WP10 SAB06’ apart from all other existing varieties of Dianthus known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct Phalaenopsis plant named ‘Troubadour’ particularly characterized by flowers which are off white with large purple marks; plants which may be propagated economically and uniformly using tissue culture; plants which produce more than one inflorescence; long and sturdy inflorescences; and relatively short, dark-green foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct Phalaenopsis plant named ‘Humming Bird’ particularly characterized by flowers which are bronzed (yellow/green covered with red/purple stripes and spots), with a purple labellum with some yellow and a white column; plants which may be propagated economically and uniformly using tissue culture; plants which produce more than one inflorescence; long and sturdy inflorescences; and relatively short, dark-green foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct Phalaenopsis plant named ‘Brunello’ particularly characterized by flowers which are violet with a little bit of a white mark in the center and some yellow and orange at the labellum; plants which may be propagated economically and uniformly using tissue culture; plants which produce more than one inflorescence; long and sturdy inflorescences; and dark-green foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named ‘Dapalex’, characterized by its double-type, dark red and yellow bicolored flowers, medium green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, compact-upright growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Kalanchoe plant named ‘Joyce’, characterized by its medium plant size; upright, uniform and moderately vigorous growth habit; medium-sized dark green-colored leaves with crenate margins; uniform and freely flowering habit; single medium-sized yellow orange-colored flowers with darker yellow orange-colored throats; and excellent postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Balspunurst’, characterized by its purple and white star-patterned bicolored flowers, medium green-colored foliage, and compact, upright-mounded growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Sunpapuhu’, characterized by its mounding and trailing plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; green and pale yellow variegated leaves; long flowering period; medium-sized red purple-colored flowers with violet-colored throats; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct Vriesea plant named ‘VENGA’ characterized as a funnel form rosette plant, measuring about 40 cm to 45 cm in height (when flowering) and 45 cm in diameter, producing compound, red in color (RHS 45A), bipinnate spike inflorescence, measuring about 30-35 cm in height and about 18 cm in diameter, about 7 to 9 branches, and yellow-green foliage, measuring about 25-30 cm in length and about 4.5 cm to 5 cm in width.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Pericallis plant named ‘Ochkeipila’, characterized by its upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching growth habit; freely flowering habit; and daisy-type inflorescences with pink-colored ray florets and red purple-colored disc florets.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle, a head extending from the handle, and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, such as tufts of bristles, extending from the head. Each tooth cleaning element is supported for rotation about primarily only one axis. Each tooth cleaning element is rotatable independent of the other tooth cleaning element(s).

Abstract: Methods for synthesis of nanocrystalline apatites are presented, as well as a series of specific reaction parameters that can be adjusted to tailor, in specific ways, properties in the recovered product. Particulate apatite compositions having average crystal size of less than 150 nm are provided. Products also can have a surface area of at least 40 m2/g and can be of high density. Hydroxyapatite material is investigated in particular detail. Compositions of the invention can be used as prosthetic implants and coatings for prosthetic implants.

Abstract: A color filter having two-layered light-shielding sections without a black matrix is provided, which reduces the level difference from the colored materials for pixels with a simple method and makes it possible to remove the color layer on the said sections. A red color layer having stripe-shaped red pixel formation sections and a blue color layer having stripe-shaped blue pixel formation sections are overlapped to form two-layered light-shielding sections. A green color layer having island-shaped green pixel formation sections is overlapped with the red and blue color layers, placing the green pixel formation sections in the overlapped green pixel windows of the red and blue color layers. Only the peripheries of the green pixel formation sections are placed on the light-shielding sections to facilitate the removal of the peripheries by polishing.

Abstract: A process for heterogeneously catalyzed partial dehydrogenation of a hydrocarbon, in which a reaction gas mixture input stream comprising the hydrocarbon to be dehydrogenated is conducted through a fixed catalyst bed disposed in a shaft and the reaction gas mixture input stream is obtained in the shaft by metering an input gas II comprising molecular oxygen upstream of the fixed catalyst bed into an input gas stream I which comprises molecular hydrogen and the hydrocarbon to be dehydrogenated and is flowing within the shaft toward the fixed catalyst bed.

Abstract: A system and method of standardizing modular probe housings so that the standardized probe housings may be incorporated into probes adapted to work with at least one of a multiplicity of manufacturers' oximeters. The probe housings are adapted to matingly engage at least a disposable bandage apparatus and a reusable finger attachment device. A sensor system for sensing a physiological parameter of a patient. A reusable probe sensor comprises a first housing element and a second housing element. The first housing element comprises at least one light emitter and the second housing element comprises at least one light detector. The first and second housing elements are movably coupled and configured to receive a disposable sensor shield. A disposable sensor shield comprises a first liner portion having a first aperture and a second liner portion having a second aperture. The first and second liner portions are configured to receive an appendage.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and/or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.

Abstract: An eye patch is presented that is usable with eyeglass frames comprising a lens and side arm. The eye patch comprises a conoidal member to be positioned over a front of the lens such that a frontal and a peripheral vision of an eye is substantially blocked and a flap having a releasable securing device, wherein the flap is to be positioned over a back of the lens such that the releasable securing device secures the eye patch to the eyeglass frames.

Abstract: The present invention is a pillow bib that generally comprises of a body portion and a plurality of adjustable straps. The body portion has a front panel and a rear panel. The front panel of the pillow bib includes an opening. The plurality of adjustable straps is provided with at least one fastening means on their free ends, for fastening the free ends together. In use, a pillow is inserted into the opening provided on the front panel of the pillow bib. The opening provides a storage space for the pillow. The pillow is in the shape of the opening, thus allowing a perfect fit. The size of the bib may be configured according to the size of the user. The bib can be tied across the shoulder in either direction, thus allowing the wearer to hold the child in either shoulder.

Abstract: A clean room suit (1) comprising at least one first grasping means (16) on an inner face for facilitating dressing.

Abstract: A slimming outer garment covering at least a portion of a wearer's lower torso having a garment torso portion for covering the wearer's lower torso with an encircling top edge and a transition band having an edge attached to the garment torso portion along the encircling top edge. The transition band has face-to-face interconnected elastic inner and outer members, where the inner member has a generally straight configuration when in an independent unstretched state and the outer member has an upwardly-directed curved contour when in an independent unstretched state.

Abstract: Helmets and methods for manufacturing a helmet are described. An example helmet includes an upper helmet component having a shell and a shock absorbing liner and further having a lower helmet component having a shell and a shock absorbing liner. The shock absorbing liner of the lower helmet component has an angled interface portion to which the upper helmet component is attached. A vent sill is attached to the shock absorbing liner of the upper helmet component and a vent shutter is slidably attached to the vent sill. An example method include forming a first in-mold component having a shell and shock absorbing liner and forming a second in-mold component having a shell and shock absorbing liner, the shock absorbing liner having a seamless headform. After a vent shutter assembly is attached to the first in-mold component the second in-mold component is attached to the first in-mold component.

Abstract: An article of apparel may include may include a garment portion and at least one protective element. The garment portion and the protective element have a configuration that forms a gap, separation, or pleat structure through, for example, folding or overlapping of a textile element of the garment portion. The gap, separation, or pleat structure may permit the protective element to move independent of other portions of the apparel at the joint, thereby enhancing a range of movement of the individual and the overall comfort of the apparel.

Abstract: In one aspect of the subject invention, a spacer is provided for supporting a closet flange above a sub-flooring, the closet flange having a pipe section and an annular flange extending radially outwardly from the pipe section. The spacer includes a disc-shaped body having spaced apart first and second faces, and spaced apart inner and outer edges extending between the first and second faces. The inner edge defines an opening extending through the body, the opening sized to permit passage therethrough of the pipe section of the closet flange but not the annular flange of the closet flange. The outer edge is generally smooth and arcuate. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a spacer is provided usable with a closet flange to provide elevation thereof.

Abstract: A device for covering a pool, for example a swimming pool, has an upper component composed of a closed cell polymeric foam and a lower component composed of an open cell polymeric foam. The device can have, or can acquire in use, a convex upper surface which reduces the danger that it will be blown off the pool by wind.

Abstract: A spa cover constructed of layers of pliable insulation encapsulated within a weatherproof vinyl reinforced fabric or a rubber membrane which is attached to rigid square support tubes that run parallel to the short end of the spa. The encapsulated insulation is fastened to the bottom of the square support tubes with corrosion-free nylon anchors which allows the soft insulation assembly to span over the water and rest directly on the spa bartop surface sealing the heat in and keeping debris out. An arched fiberglass rod structure supports a weatherproof rainfly which is permanently affixed to the flat cover assembly to shed rain and debris. The entire assembly is held in place at each end with adjustable straps which stretch the cover from end to end keeping the rainfly taut. Removing the cover to access the spa involves undoing the straps on one end and rolling the cover assembly towards the other end until the desired amount of spa exposure is reached.

Abstract: A drain system for a tub of the type having a tub body defining a bathing cavity, a doorway with door sill in the tub body and a door in the doorway. The drain system comprises a drain piping section adapted to be in fluid communication with a tub drain hole in a bottom of the bathing cavity for drainage of bathing liquid therethrough. A drain unit is adapted to be connected to a door drain hole in the door sill for drainage of liquid therethrough. The drain unit has an inner cavity and a check valve held releasably captive in the inner cavity. The check valve is manually removable from an exposed surface of the door sill. A pipe connects the drain unit to the drain piping section to direct liquid collected by the drain unit to the drain piping section.

Abstract: A method for providing a cushion and tub assembly includes obtaining a cushion with magnets within the cushion. The method also comprises obtaining a metallic member, the metallic member magnetically attracting to the magnets in the cushion. The metallic member is permanently secured to a hidden surface of a tub at a location corresponding to a desired location of the cushion on the exposed surface of the tub. The tub and cushion are provided with a cushion being releasably connectable to the exposed surface of the tub at the desired location by attraction forces between the magnets and the metallic member through the tub wall.

Abstract: A system for showering includes a showerhead and a water conveying device having two water conveying members turnable relative to one another about a turning axis and having openings for water entry and exit formed so that in an assembled position of the conveying members the openings of the conveying members extend transversely to the turning axis and are coaxial with one another.

Abstract: A device to prevent a sink sprayer hose from becoming caught on under sink plumbing, such as shut-off valves, is herein described. The device comprises a semi-circular shield and a hinged retaining mechanism mounted to an underside of a kitchen sink around shut-off valves and adjacent to the sink sprayer hose. It is held in place to the wall or cabinet surface via a foam adhesive tape. The sprayer hose rests against it, thus preventing it from becoming caught on the shutoff valve as it is withdrawn. This allows for full withdrawal of the hose and elimination of the aggravation that occurs when the hose becomes caught on the valve/piping that is present.

Abstract: A hospital bed with conveyor mattress that includes a loop mattress disposed overlying and attached to a conveyor belt disposed in operational communication with a plurality of transverse rollers horizontally disposed within a mattress frame, wherein the loop mattress is moveable in each of a first direction and a second direction and a plurality of hydraulic jacks enable inclinations of specific sections of the mattress relative each other to comfortably position a patient disposed upon the bed, as desired, and extant electronics and medical accoutrements are supportable, powerable, and securable proximal a patient disposed in the bed, whereby a patient is moveable upon the mattress at the press of a button and able to control peripheral electronics while in bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for a mattress and bed deck. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mattress and bed deck cover for an adjustable bed that reduces the exposure of the mattress and bed deck to unsanitary conditions.

Abstract: A patient support table is provided. The patient support table includes a table plate that may be moved manually or by at least one motor having a control facility. At least one sensor is provided on the table plate. The at least one sensor is operable to determine a force exerted by a user on the table plate for table plate movement and produce a sensor signal. The at least one sensor is operable to communicate with the control facility of the motor. The control facility is operable to control the motor as a function of the sensor signal that is based on a predetermined reference force value such that the reference force value is not exceeded during the table movement.

Abstract: An articulating bed incorporates a support frame having an upper body support section. A lumbar actuation lever extends from a rotatable torque tube with angle arms extending from the torque tube to a lumbar support element. The lumbar support element is retracted against the upper body support section creating minimal deflection in a lumbar region of a mattress. The torque tube is rotated with to elevate the lumbar support element. A head support bracket is mounted to a neck angle adjustment section. The neck angle adjustment section is aligned with the upper body support section. or rotated about hinge elements to provide an angled head and neck position with respect to the upper body support section.

Abstract: A patient head support system comprises a base unit, a head support, and an intervening member for connecting the base unit and the head support. The base unit includes a handle assembly with an elongated body, a bore at one end thereof, and a lever that moves relative to the body between closed and open positions to contract and to expand the bore, respectively. A sleeve retained within the bore is sized to receive and hold a shaft of the intervening member, so as to hold the intervening member in a fixed position when the lever is closed. The sleeve remains retained in the bore when the transition member is disconnected, to resist contracting of the bore caused by inadvertent closing of the lever when the intervening member is unattached, and to protect against the unwanted intrusion of material into the bore.

Abstract: A sacral support for a surgical table, comprising a plate having two spaced-apart openings formed therein. The openings are aligned along an axis of the plate and disposed adjacent one end of the plate. A pad is attached to the plate. The pad is dimensioned such that the openings in the plate are exposed. A positioning post is attachable to the plate. The post has a lower end dimensioned to be received in the openings in plate, wherein the post is mountable in the plate in one of two different positions.

Abstract: An internal valve (10, 10? or 10?) and its methods of use for stabilizing and reinforcing inflatable objects are disclosed. The internal valve is a novel, simple modification to conventional check valves with the addition of a discharging means (14, 22 or 28)for external control. An internal supplemental chamber comprises one or more partitions that are secured, directly or by I-beams (40?), to main chamber's walls (40) of an inflatable object and stretched when the main chamber is inflated. With the internal valve as the passage to and from the main chamber, the enclosed or isolated supplemental chamber (30, 30?, 32, 34, 36 or 38) functions as a stabilizing or reinforcing component. A plurality of chambers 36 can form cylinder beams for an inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A mattress with built-in massage capabilities that is arranged so the mattress can be used as a standard sleep surface when the massage function is idle. In standard sleep mode a user will not notice the massage aspects of the mattress. Massage is performed by air pumps and air bags controlled to simulate various massage protocols such as wave, stretching, kneading, and percussion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ramp (2) for escape from passenger transport vehicles (1), said ramp (2) being foldable and, under normal working conditions, remaining folded and kept inside the vehicle (1), wherein the deployment of said ramp only requires manual actuation, and said ramp (2) comprises two portions (9, 10) that are connected by a hinge (18) and a mat (12) that is capable of supporting the passage of users, the mat (12) being made of two portions (12a) and (12b), each portion comprising a distal end (9c, 10a) hinged to one end of the gateway (12), respectively, and a proximal end (21a, 21b) connected to at least one cable (21).

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is disclosed. The electric toothbrush includes at least one switch element and a control unit. The at least one switch element is operable by a user to switch the toothbrush to an on/off state, and operable by a user during the time that the at least one switch element is in its on state to select a brushing mode from a set of at least a first brushing mode and a second brushing mode. The control unit is arranged to control the electric toothbrush such that when the at least one switch element is operated to select a particular brushing mode in the on state, the toothbrush will then operate in that particular selected brushing mode when the at least one switch element is thereafter switched to an off state and then subsequently switched back to an on state, provided that the toothbrush was in the off state for a time period less than a threshold period (T).

Abstract: A device with two or more regions configured to clean or treat a working surface is disclosed. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device with a power cleaning head. The power cleaning head comprises two or more regions, wherein at least one of the regions is configured to move and wherein at least one of the regions comprises a squeegee element. Preferably, the regions are configured to independently rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while cleaning teeth and gums and can each include bristles, nodules, squeegee elements, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush with a removable brush section having a transponder communicating with a handle portion of the toothbrush via a non-contacting inductive coupling.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a rotary tool (1) for surface treatment. This is equipped with a brush holder (3) which can be driven in rotation for an annular brush (4) with a brush strip (5) and bristles (6) protruding outwardly from the brush strip (5). According to the invention, coolant for the cooling thereof is supplied to the brush holder (3) and/or the annular brush (4).

Abstract: A toothbrush is proposed that includes a handle, a neck, and a head arranged along a longitudinal axis thereof. The head is open on one side and functions as a protective screen. Movable ring-shaped holders with bristles radially secured thereon are mounted in the head. The holders' butt ends are joined to one another and to the protective screen by movable seals forming a hermetical body to protect the toothbrush's drive mechanism from penetration of water and toothpaste. Two design options allow the holders for accomplishing-angular oscillatory movements, or -rotating in opposite directions about the longitudinal axis, thus ensuring bristles' movements from top to bottom along the user's teeth. The proposed design ensures a high cleaning effectiveness, water tightness, and compensation of a reactive torque of the toothbrush, which extends the service life of the toothbrush and facilitates the use thereof.

Abstract: A fabric care device comprising a body having first and second ends for attaching respective first and second fabric care attachments, wherein at least one of the first and second ends is adapted to detachably attach one of the first and second fabric care attachments. An attachment for a fabric care device selected from the group consisting of a depiller, a delinter, a fabric pile restorer, and a brush.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a novel scraper assembly having a plurality of interchangeable scraper heads and handles and corresponding method for use. The scraper assembly further comprises a plurality of abrasive mechanisms, namely spring bristles, coiled springs, chainmail abraders and wire cloth abraders capable of effectively cleaning a surface without scoring or otherwise damaging the surface. The invention may be particularly useful for cleaning grills and ovens. Additionally, the invention may also be useful for shaping, adding texture to, stripping materials from or otherwise preparing a surface, including wood, metal or ceramic surfaces.