Abstract: A pressed flower assortment is airtightly sealed in between a transparent plate and a base board so that it remains intact for long without changing or fading its colors. It will be mounted in a frame for display.

Abstract: In combination; a yet to fully open and bloom flower pistil or bud; and, an elongate strip of thin flexible and resilient sheet material having a surface with a fortune applied thereto; said strip is yieldingly, spirally rolled into an elongate cylindrical form and is positioned within the corolla of the bud in substantial axial alignment with the central longitudinal axis of the bud and within the central assembly of petals to be releasably contained thereby; said petals progressively release and allow the strip to unroll and emerge from within the bud as the bud opens toward full bloom.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a card ornamented with a plant or another material. The card comprises a flexible sheet covered on both surfaces with sheets of plastic material that are thermowelded and a plant or other material is applied to the flexible sheet. The plant or other material is first subject to pressure, then dried at an ambient temperature, then subject to a disinfectant wash. The plant is adhered to the flexible sheet. The plastic sheets are placed over the flexible sheet and are thermowelded at an elevated temperature and pressure for sterilization, completing the card. Thermowelding the plastic sheets to the flexible sheet under pressure and temperature is effective for sterilizing the plant or other material.

Abstract: A decorative article of manufacture has a penetrable core into which the ends of sprigs are inserted. Leaves forming the ends of the sprigs preferably conceal the core completely. The sprigs include preserved leaves on the unsupported projecting ends which define an approximate geometric shape. The sprigs have their natural leaves on their unsupported ends and are preferably form of preserved eucalyptus The core is preferably formed of a rigid plastic foam. The geometric shape defined by the sprigs' ends may have for example a conical, semi-conical, toroidal, or spherical shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to wood preservation systems which employ impregnating agents comprising halogenated tannin extracts from plant species which are relatively more resistant to fungi, weathering, rotting, insect attack, etc. Materials contained within the tannin extracts are converted to halogenated substances which are absorbed by the wood species to be treated. The halogenated extract materials can be used with or without other treatment agents (e.g., fixatives or metal salts). Bromine is the preferred halogen material, with optimum treatment occurring when the bromine concentration in the extract exceeds about 2% (most preferably, about 4-5%).

Abstract: Treating an article with an agent capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria and/or fungus in an item susceptible to decay due to growth of bacteria and/or fungus. The article either at least partially is wrapped about or receives therein at least a portion of the item. Some examples of articles are floral wrappings, artificial Easter Eggs, and Easter grass.

Abstract: A novel mechanism and related processes for joining naturally grown and artificially produced parts to create aesthetically appealing, naturally appearing, large artificial plants, such as trees. A novel joint mechanism provides the appearance of naturally occurring outgrowth of branches and the like from proximally disposed trunks and stems. A method for bending and forming artificial foliage provides a more airy, naturally appearing leaf pattern around the crown of a plant.

Abstract: An artificial cactus of landscape timbers simulating natural saguare cactus comprising a generally vertical trunk and a plurality of multi-section arms affixed to said trunk at generally irregular spacing, the first section joined to the trunk at an angle with said trunk of between about 90 and about 60 degrees and each successive section joined to adjacent sections at an angle of between about 15 and about 30 degrees, the last of said sections being oriented in an approximately vertical direction. Each arm has a metallic rod member extending longitudinally through the sections and transversely through the trunk and a plurality of fastener means engaging the rod at intervals with each said fastener bearing against one of the trunk or sections to fix the sections together and to the trunk; and a plurality of natural fiber rope lengths stapled longitudinally along said trunk and each of the arms.

Abstract: A structural member used for the manufacture of a musical instrument such as a plucked string musical instrument, arco string musical instrument or keyboard musical instrument, comprises a structural-member body, which is formed by kneading a mixture including a large number of cut pieces of natural plant and a binder, and compressing the kneaded mixture under heat to form the structural-member body. A decorative plate is fixed to at least a part of the outer surface of the structural-member body.

Abstract: A pumpkin decoration wherein a first decorative piece of vinyl sticks via an adhesive to the pumpkin and a second decorative piece of static cling material clings via static cling to the first piece. Third and fourth pieces of static cling material may also cling to the second piece and to each other such that a number of designs may be created. The first decorative piece of vinyl includes an adhesive which is pressure-sensitive such that the first piece may be repeatedly removed and reapplied to the pumpkin.

Abstract: Biologically stable, fungistatic and bacteriostatic, untanned wet animal hides intrinsically insensitive to mildews, devoid of coloration and chromium values and containing from 50% to 70% of water, from 5% to 30% of inorganic matter, from 0.5% to 1.5% of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and from 85% to 90% of dermal material, are produced by impregnating pickled hides with a basic aluminum polychloride or polychlorosulfate and then alkalyzing the medium of impregnation.

Abstract: A novel mechanism and related processes for joining naturally grown and artificially produced parts to create aesthetically appealing, naturally appearing, large artificial plants, such as trees. A novel joint mechanism provides the appearance of naturally occurring outgrowth of branches and the like from proximally disposed trunks and stems. A method for bending and forming artificial foliage provides a more airy, naturally appearing leaf pattern around the crown of a plant.

Abstract: A water repellent composition for treating surfaces which is an aqueous solution of a water soluble silane coupling agent and an alkyltrialkoxysilane. The alkyltrialkoxysilane is either an alkyltrialkoxysilanes with C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl groups on silicon or a blend of alkyltrialkoxysilanes each with C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl groups on silicon. A treatmetn method for wood and masonry is disclosed.

Abstract: A masonry water repellent composition for treating surfaces which is an aqueous solution of a water soluble silane coupling agent and an alkyltrialkoxysilane. The alkyltrialkoxysilane is either an alkyltrialkoxysilanes with C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl groups on silicon or a blend of alkyltrialkoxysilanes each with C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl groups on silicon. A treatment method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flame retardant plant, having flame retardant material substantially uniformly distributed within the plant. The method of producing such plant involves systemic infusion by contacting a freshly exposed plant surface or cut stem or trunk with an aqueous solution, which contains at least the flame retardant material, for a sufficient period of time. The plant may also contain, along with the flame retardant material, a preservative alone or in combination with a dye, produced by the above method.

Abstract: A miniature tree sculpture wherein the leaves for the miniature tree are seeds or seed hulls adhesively bonded to an imitation branch structure which in turn is connected to the miniature tree truck. Seed hulls dyed different shades of green, red, orange and yellow provide a realistic miniature tree sculpture which is beautifully delicate, yet durable.

Abstract: A flame retardant plant, having flame retardant material substantially uniformly distributed within the plant. The method of producing such plant involves systemic infusion by contacting a freshly exposed plant surface or cut stem or trunk with an aqueous solution, which contains at least the flame retardant material, for a sufficient period of time. The plant may also contain, along with the flame retardant material, a preservative alone or in combination with a dye, produced by the above method.

Abstract: A novel method for producing an article such as a postcard, bookmark or label including a press-dried plant such as a flower is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of interposing a picked plant between two flexible sheets impregnated with a desiccating agent or between one of the flexible sheets and a cushioning sheet; drying the plant under a pressure in a drying atmosphere; hermetically storing the dried plant in a bag of a gas barrier material, the bag containing a desiccating agent and an oxygen absorbing agent; removing the plant from the bag shortly before producing the article carrying the press-dried plant; placing the plant on a surface of a substrate, and; forming a transparent or translucent overlayer over the plant so that air does not remain between the overlayer and the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of preserving plants which achieves reduced bleeding of the preservative material when the plants are subjected to elevated humidity conditions. The method comprises perfusing the plants with an aqueous preservative composition in which the preservative is primarily an alkylene oxide oligomer, 1,3-butanediol, or 1,4-butanediol. Preferred alkylene oxide oligomers are di- and polyethylene glycols in the molecular weight range of about 200-1500 and di- and polypropylene glycols with an average molecular weight below about 450. The preferred materials may be used with lesser amounts of secondary humectant materials selected from glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, magnesium chloride or magnesium bromide hexahydrate, and water soluble cycle phosphonate esters. Plants are conventionally treated by perfusing an aqeous treatment solution into the vascular system through a cut stem or other incision which exposes the xylem.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dry preparation containing essentially 1-6% by weight of citric acid, 30-60% by weight of a dye and 40-60% by weight of an inorganic salt. Said preparation may be used in solution to preserve plants.

Abstract: A method for preserving natural plant material comprising immersion, under about 3 to 30 psig (0.21-2.1 kg/cm.sup.2 gauge) pressure, the material in ethylene glycol having a specific gravity of 1.03-1.10 for a period of 4 hours to 5 days. The material is then withdrawn, washed and dried for use or further treatment. The spent ethylene glycol is restored to its original volume with virgin ethylene glycol and re-used many times without purification. The preserved plant material is topically coated with a hydrophilic polymeric sealer optionally blended with a pigment.

Abstract: A reversible playing and/or performing area having at least one reversible tray which has separately utilizable opposing plane surfaces. The tray has a bottom and shallow sides. The outer surface of the bottom of the tray provides a first playing surface. The space of the tray defined by the inner surfaces of the bottom and the sides of the tray holds a bedding material which provides the base for a second, opposing playing surface. Suitable device is provided for rotatably reversing the playing surfaces. The reversible area may have a plurality of abutting trays which may be of different shapes and dimensions.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated, arcuate, molded synthetic plastic members simulating bark board are interconnectable along their longitudinal edges to provide a simulated tree trunk section assembly the ends of which can be interconnected with like tree trunk section assemblies to provide simulated tree trunks of various diameters and lengths, as desired, for growing vines and climbing plants in a supporting, soil containing pot. Brace rods received through openings in the bark board members near the lower ends of the simulated tree trunk, and frictionally retained in adjusted position to extend radially-outwardly in abutting contact with the inner wall of the supporting pot or container, serve to rigidly support the assemblage in erect position within the pot.

Abstract: A fibrous reinforcing means for cementitiously and bituminously bound composite structures and coatings comprises at least two various groups of fibrous articles. At least one of the groups consists of fibrous articles in the form of a closed filamentary net. The fibres thereof are resilient. They are added to the material to be mixed in a condensed shape such to expand during the mixing step of the preparation of the composite structure.

Abstract: A method for preserving cut plant material comprising immersing, within a pressure vessel, the particular material in a treatment agent constituted of glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol or mixtures thereof; said treatment agent having a specific gravity within the range of 1.10 and 1.16; there being a suitable dye provided with said agent. The immersed material is subjected to an applied pressure greater than atmospheric, as within the range of 5 to 40 psi; but under ambient temperature and humidity, the material being maintained under such pressure for a predetermined period dependent upon the applied pressure for absorption of the agent and dye. The material is then washed and thereafter permitted to be dry under room conditions.

Abstract: A process for preserving green colored plant tissues while retaining the natural green color thereof, in which the tissues are immersed in a solution comprising: water, at least one monohydric alcohol, at least one preservative component selected from the group comprising lower carboxylic acids, di and tri hydric alcohols, and sufficient buffering and mordant reagents to control the pH and osmolality of said solution, so as to permanently retain said green color in said tissues. In a preferred embodiment the treated tissue is subjected to a secondary treatment in a holding solution comprising glycerin and water.

Abstract: A solution and process for preserving Douglas Fir needles while preventing shedding thereof from the branch to which they are naturally attached, producing a natural looking product suitable for display purposes. The branches, with attached needles, are immersed in a solution comprising (in amounts per liter of solution):300-500 ml water200-300 ml ethyl alcohol0-75 ml ethylene glycol50-75 ml propionic acid0-20 ml glycerin100-150 ml formalin50-175 ml propylene glycol40-75 gms citric acid1-7 gms magnesium sulphate15-25 gms cupric sulphate5-10 gms sodium sulphite0-10 gms seaweed extract,for a period of up to about two weeks and subsequently air dried.

Abstract: A solid, substantially anhydrous body essentially consisting of animal or vegetal tissue and a synthetic resin substantially uniformly distributed in the tissue is prepared from a water-bearing, normally soft tissue, subject to rapid decomposition and loss of weight by evaporation of its water content in air at 20.degree. C., by substantially completely removing the water content while substantially maintaining the original tissue shape and volume, uniformly impregnating the water-free tissue with a fluid precursor composition capable of being polymerized into a solid synthetic resin, and holding the impregnated tissue under polymerization conditions until the precursor composition is cured to a solid resin more rigid than the original tissue.

Abstract: Living plants, in particular coniferous plants, with the exception of Picea, Abies, Tsuga, Larix, Taxus and Cedrus genuses, are preserved by having them suck up a preservative liquid which is based on glycerin and water in volume proportions of 18:82 to 35:65 and contains dyestuffs for replacing the color of the plant parts after preservation. The dyestuffs are to comprise, apart from a blue and possibly also a red dyestuff, tartrazine (C.I. 19140, E102) in a concentration of from 2-10 g/l of preservative liquid. The blue dyestuff comprises preferably patent blue V (C.I. 42051, E131) in a concentration of from 0.1 to 0.8 g/l and the red dyestuff most preferably of new coccine (C.I. 16255, E124) in a concentration of from 1 to 20 g/l. The relative concentrations between the different dyestuffs are adapted into conformity with the sought-for color of the preserved plant.

Abstract: A landscape blanket to be used as ground cover in which particles such as crushed stone, marble chips and the like are arranged in a substantially single layer and are held together to form a blanket by sheets of transparent plastic material which conform to the shape of the particles and are bonded thereto without the use of adhesive. The plastic sheets are bonded to the particles by forcing them into contact with the particles while the plastic sheets are in a softened condition.

Abstract: A landscape blanket to be used as ground cover in which particles such as crushed stone, marble chips and the like are arranged in a substantially single layer and are held together to form a blanket by sheets of transparent plastic material which conform to the shape of the particles and are bonded thereto without the use of adhesive. The plastic sheets are bonded to the particles by forcing them into contact with the particles while the plastic sheets are in a softened condition.

Abstract: Seeds, for example, legume seeds, are coated with a mixture containing a caseinate salt and viable rhizobia bacteria.

Abstract: A sculpturing kit and method for producing dehydrated sculptured forms from hydrated articles, such as apples or other fruits and vegetables. The sculpture kit includes a transparent heating chamber for mounting an article on a base which includes an incandescent heating source mounted therein. A plurality of templates are provided for use by the sculptor to shape an apple, for instance, into a facial or other form prior to the dehydration process within the heating compartment. The kit also includes a heat drip shield which prevents liquid extracted from the article from contacting the light source, as well as a plurality of sculpturing tools.