Abstract: Apparatus for providing a decorative cover for a flower pot comprising a collar wherein the collar clamps a sheet of material to the flower pot or wherein the sheet of material is connected to the collar and the collar is connectable to the flower pot.

Abstract: A method of reducing the resistance of a sleeping mammal to arising at a preselected wake up time by exposing the mammal to at least one source of artificial light for a period of exposure of at least about 0.5 hour and no longer than about 8 hours before the preselected wake up time. The intensity of the artificial light may increase during the period of exposure. An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a normally deactuated source of artificial light capable of illuminating a mammal, comprising a plurality of electric lamps, a control device, such as a timer, for signalling the commencement of a period of exposure preceding the mammal's preselected wake up time and an increase in illumination intensity during the period of exposure, after its commencement. The apparatus further features circuitry and a power supply, responsive to the control device, for actuating one lamp in response to the commencement signal, and for actuating additional lamps later during the period of exposure.

Abstract: The impellor of a blood pump is supported by permanent magnets on the impellor and pump housing and stabilized by an electromagnet on the housing. A control circuit supplies current to the electromagnet to maintain the axial position of the impellor at a control position in which the impellor is in mechanical equilibrium under permanent magnet forces and static axial forces on the impellor to minimize energy consumption in the support of the impellor. The impellor is rotated magnetically and stator coils in the housing are supplied with electric currents having a frequency and amplitude adjusted in relation to blood pressure at the pump inlet to match the flow characteristics of the pump to physiological characteristics of the natural heart. A cavity is formed in the impellor to match the average specific gravity of the impellor and portions of the suspension and drive systems thereon to the specific gravity of blood to further minimize power consumption by the pump.

Abstract: A flower pot cover made by placing a sheet of natural or synthetic burlap or combinations thereof, natural or synthetic fiber or combinations thereof, or paper over a material capable of being formed into a predetermined shape by forming a plurality of overlapping folds in said material and then forming at least the two materials simultaneously into the predetermined shape of the flower pot cover.A flower pot cover comprising a sheet of natural or synthetic burlap or combinations thereof, natural or synthetic fiber or combinations thereof, or paper treated with a shape-sustaining agent to retain the predetermined shape of the flower pot cover.

Abstract: A method for forming a mask to be placed over at least a portion of an individual's face wherein a plurality of overlapping folds are formed in the sheet of material while the sheet of material is formed into the mask shape, the overlapping fold cooperating to maintain the sheet of material in the formed, predetermined mask shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a sheet of material into a flower pot or flower pot cover comprising means for engaging portions of the sheet of material and forming pleats in predetermined portions of the sheet of material having a predetermined shape whereby the formed flower pot or flower pot cover has pleats in predetermined portions and of predetermined shapes.

Abstract: A flower pot cover comprising a rigid open framework having a fabric cover and a water-resistant lining.

Abstract: A method for treating siliceous and carbon central structures with a water repellant composition wherein an effective amount of water repellant composition is dispersed in water and the mixture then is applied in a continuous process after the mixing to the structure to be treated. The method uses a dispersing agent and/or a dispersing device to effect a more uniform dispersion of the water repellant composition on the structure to be treated.

Abstract: An improvement in a woven conveyor belt comprising a plurality of links wherein the improvement comprises a plurality of connectors with each connector having one portion connected to one of the links and another portion connected to another link for cooperating to substantially prevent the woven conveyor belt from becoming unwoven or unconnected.

Abstract: An apparatus for pullingly removing pins from a concrete form using a lifting mechanism. The apparatus comprises a clamp assembly having a first and a second jaw connected thereto. The clamp assembly is movable to an opened position wherein the first and the second jaws are spaced a distance apart and the clamp assembly is movable to a closed position wherein the jaws are positioned in clamping engagement with the pin. The clamp assembly is moved to the opened position and the jaws are positioned generally about the pin to be removed. The clamp assembly is connected to the lifting mechnism. The lifting mechanism is moved in an upwardly direction thereby causing the clamp assembly to be moved to the closed position for moving the first and the second jaws into clamping engagement with the pin. The lifting mechanism then is further moved in the upwardly direction for pullingly removing the pin.

Abstract: A retractor support assembly for assisting a surgeon by supporting a portion of a breast of a patient during reconstructive surgery. The retractor support assembly includes a retractor having a blade which is insertable into a wound generally under a portion of the breast whereby a portion of the breast is supported generally on the blade. The retractor support assembly also includes a retractor support connected to the retractor for exerting a predetermined force on the retractor pulling the retractor a predetermined distance in a generally upwardly direction whereby the portion of the breast supported on the blade of the retractor is lifted and moved in the generally upwardly direction the predetermined distance toward a breast lifted position. The retractor support supports the retractor and the portion of the breast supported on the retractor in the breast lifted position during the reconstructive surgery.

Abstract: A recombinant vector adapted for transformation of a suitable microorganism host to produce and secrete streptokinase. The recombinant vector comprises a plasmid into which a polydeoxyribonucleotide fragment from Streptococcus equisimilis H46A which codes for streptokinase synthesis and secretion has been inserted. The transformant microorganism including this recombinant plasmid vector produces streptokinase suitable for clinical fibrinolytic usage after purification.

Abstract: A air conditioning device adapted to be used with a cup comprising a lid with a blower assembly means connected to the lid. The lid is removably connectable to an upper end of the cup and the lid has an air entry opening and an air exit opening. The blower means blows air into the air entry opening and the air passes into the cup space and over a substance in the cup space to provide an air exit stream. The air exit stream passes from the cup space through the air exit opening for passing a cool air exit stream from the lid. When the substance is a cool substance, the air exit stream is cool and, when the substance is a hot substance, the air exit stream is hot.