Abstract: An article and method for shaping a sheet of material around an object such as a flower pot, the article comprising a ring-shaped collar adapted to be secured around the object. The collar may comprise pinch rings or barbed piercing elements, disposed about the periphery of the collar for attaching the sheet of material to the collar, or the collar may be adapted to be secured around at least a portion of the object so that the sheet of material is held between the object and the collar. The article also may be used alone for shaping a sheet of material.

Abstract: An exercise aid for use by individuals which is adapted to be supported on a support surface such as a floor. The exercise aid comprises a pad assembly having a pad channel formed through an upper surface and extending a distance through the pad assembly through the lower surface. The individual sits on the upper surface of the pad assembly with the individual's spine being about aligned with the pad channel and the lower surface of the pad being disposed on the support surface.

Abstract: A system for characterizing the pressure, temperature, movement and flow patterns of a fluid under high pressure within a test cell. The test cell is lined internally with adjustable rock facings. Pressure is measured within the test cell using a device employing pressure-distortable optical fibers. Fluid velocity, flow direction, and filter-cake buildup are measured with laser Doppler velocimetry. The flow pattern of the fluid is viewed using corresponding arrays of transmitting and receiving optical fibers. Temperature of the fluid is estimated using a combination of thermal sensors. The pressure, velocity, viewing and temperature systems are integral to the rock facings of the test cell.

Abstract: A system for characterizing the pressure, temperature, movement and flow patterns of a fluid under high pressure within a test cell. The test cell is lined internally with adjustable rock facings. Pressure is measured within the test cell using a device employing pressure-distortable optical fibers. Fluid velocity, flow direction, and filter-cake buildup are measured with laser Doppler velocimetry. The flow pattern of the fluid is viewed using corresponding arrays of transmitting and receiving optical fibers. Temperature of the fluid is estimated using a combination of thermal sensors. The pressure, velocity, viewing and temperature systems are integral to the rock facings of the test cell.

Abstract: A method for both disposing an agent in a body organ, preferably a sexual organ, of a human or animal and retrieving a fluid sample containing the agent from the body organ of the human or animal, utilizing a percutaneous access port. A portion of the percutaneous access port is implanted in a body organ of the human or animal and connected to the body organ so that fluid communication exists between the body organ and the fluid chamber of the percutaneous access port, wherein the fluid chamber is not percutaneously implanted. An agent is disposed in the fluid chamber of the percutaneous access port, and flushed to the organ. At a later time, a fluid sample containing the agent is withdrawn from the fluid chamber, and the amount of the agent in the sample is determined.

Abstract: A stowage band adapted for releasably maintaining parachute suspension lines in a looped condition and also relates to a method of using such stowage band. The stowage band includes an elastic, hollow, seamless, endless ring, or alternatively, an elastic, hollow tube having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. One of the longitudinal ends is inserted within the interior of the other longitudinal end, and the longitudinal ends are permanently secured together by an adhesive. The stowage band is capable of stretching to a relatively great degree and is capable of rolling and twisting to a relatively great degree. Also, the stowage band tends not to break during normal usage, but is sufficiently weak so that breakage will occur if the suspension lines are severely snagged. The stowage band is wrapped about a stowage holder such that only portions of the stowage band other than the region of the interconnected longitudinal ends surrounds the looped suspension lines.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies against autoimmune RNA proteins such as La/SSB, Ro/SSA, nNP and Sm. These monoclonal antibodies, which are produced by a continuous hybridoma cell line, may be used in methods for detecting the presence of selected autoimmune RNA proteins and antibodies against such proteins in biological samples, and may be incorporated into diagnostic test kits for this purpose. The monoclonal antibodies may be applied in methods for screening subjects for systemic lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous erythematosus, neonatal lupus, Siogren's syndrome, complete congential heart block, and other disorders which involve the presence of antibodies against autoimmune RNA proteins.

Abstract: An orthodontic's hand instrument for installing a lingual bar on the lower arch of a patient's teeth. The hand instrument includes a handle having a first end and a second end with a clamp connected to the second end of the handle. A portion of the clamp extends a distance downwardly from the handle and another portion of the clamp extends a distance back toward the first end of the handle terminating with a clamp end. The clamp is movable to an opened position whereby a portion of the clamp near the clamp end is insertable over a portion of the lingual bar and the clamp is movable to a closed position whereby a portion of the clamp near the clamp end is clampingly closed over a portion of the lingual bar for clampingly holding the lingual bar. The clamp holding the lingual bar is movable into the patient's mouth and lowerable to position the lingual bar near the lingual side of the patient's lower teeth for connecting opposite ends of the lingual bar to the patient's lower teeth.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a substrate of foil and/or synthetic organic polymer and a water-based ink affixed thereto which is water-resistant upon curing. A method of disposing a water-based, water-resistant ink on foil and/or synthetic organic polymer substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface comprises a truck with a hydraulic system and a trailer with a blast assembly, dust collector and electric power generator. The apparatus is configurable into an operating mode and a transport mode. In the operating mode, the apparatus is driven by means of the hydraulic system, the blast assembly is lowered to the surface by a hydraulic cylinder and the blast assembly extends beyond the width of the trailer to clean a wide area. Abrasive material is propelled against the surface by a plurality of motor-driven centrifugal blast wheels and is returned for reuse by a return auger and an elevator. Air flow created by the dust collector facilitates return of spent abrasive material for reuse. In another preferred embodiment, a recapture assembly is attached to the blast assembly to capture abrasive material escaping between the blast assembly and the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A device constructed of resilient foam material for positioning a prematurely born infant. The device comprises an infant-supporting layer having a head end, a foot end, and an upper surface with a central torso area. A pair of lateral members are attached to the upper surface of the infant-supporting layer to bound the torso area on each side. A transverse member is secured to the upper surface of the infant-supporting layer at the foot end. The upper surface of the infant-supporting layer around the torso area is convoluted to provide air and additional cushion to the head and shoulders of the infant. A foot member is attached on the transverse member between the torso area and the foot end. An infant may be placed in the device in the supine, prone or fetal positions.

Abstract: A flower pot or flower pot cover and method of making comprising a base and a skirt connected to an upper end of the base. The base includes a plurality of overlapping folds for providing structural integrity. The skirt includes a plurality of folds which are not connected to provide an overall pleated appearance. Portions of the folds in the skirt are connected and portions of the folds in the skirt are unconnected. In one embodiment, some of the folds in the base are connected and the remaining portions of the folds in the base are unconnected.