Abstract: A method and kit for the detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in aquatic and biological samples such as surface water or feces. The method relies on the use of primers to detect all or a portion of at least one DNA sequence characteristic of C. parvum, the sequence being all or part of the genomic regions referred to as 38G and HemA contained within recombinant plasmids pINV38G, and pHem4, respectively.

Abstract: A shipping carton including a box assembly and a plurality of pots containing floral groupings. A bonding material is applied to the lower end of the pots and the pots containing floral groupings are disposed in the retaining space of the box so that the bonding material engages and connects each of the pots to the box. Retaining inserts may be disposed in the retaining space of the box to retain the growing medium contained in the pots within the pots during movement or shipment of the box assembly. Methods of using a shipping box.

Abstract: A method for automatically changing programs broadcasted by a broadcast unit based on audience response. Responses from individuals comprising the audience are received and the program is automatically altered or changed based on such audience response. The altered or changed program then is broadcasted.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a bonding material disposed upon an inner or outer portion of the sleeve for attaching the sleeve to the pot or item.

Abstract: A method for delivering an item or plurality of items to a predetermined destination. Packaging a plurality of items within a carton wherein the items are connectingly bonded to interior walls or inserts within the carton, and transporting the carton with the items disposed therein to the predetermined location. The items may be items of china, flower pots, vases or other similar items.

Abstract: A wrapping material for both wrapping a floral arrangement and removing the wrapping material from the floral arrangement, comprising a sheet of material having a pull tab and pull indicia thereon, the pull tab sized to be easily graspable, a bonding material disposed on the sheet of material near the pull tab. A floral arrangement is utilized, the floral arrangement being wrapped in the sheet of material and being substantially surrounded and encompassed thereby, the pull tab and pull indicia readily visible on the wrapped floral arrangement so that the pull tab is readily graspable to remove the sheet of material from the floral arrangement, the removal being accomplished without causing damage to the floral arrangement. Methods of using the wrapping material to both wrap a floral arrangement and to remove the wrapping material from the floral arrangement.

Abstract: A container and jig assembly for dispensing a sheet of material and for wrapping the sheet of material about a flower pot or floral grouping. The container accommodates a roll of sheet material suitable for wrapping flower pots or floral groupings. In addition, the container may have a cutter for separating a sheet of material from the roll of sheet material. The jig assembly is attached to the container and has a jig opening surrounded by a sheet-supporting surface. The jig opening is sized and shaped to receive a lower portion of a flower pot or a stem end portion of a floral grouping. In operation, a sheet of material is separated from the roll of sheet material and disposed on the sheet-supporting surface over the jig opening. The lower portion of the flower pot or the stem end portion of the floral grouping is inserted through the jig opening and carries a portion of the sheet of material with it. In the process, the sheet of material is formed into a covering about the flower pot or floral grouping.

Abstract: A shipping carton including a box assembly and a plurality of pots containing floral groupings. A bonding material is applied to the base of the box assembly and the pots containing floral groupings are disposed in the retaining space of the box so that the bonding material engages and connects each of the pots containing floral groupings. Retaining inserts may be disposed in the retaining space of the box to retain the growing medium contained in the pots within the pots during movement or shipment of the box assembly. The retaining inserts may be secured to the inner surface of the side walls of the box through a securing means such as a clip to prevent displacement of the retaining inserts during movement or shipment of the box assembly.

Abstract: A wrapping material for providing a decorative covering for an item wherein the wrapping material has a width and at least a first end. The first end of the wrapping material is positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the item to be wrapped and the wrapping material is wrapped about the outer peripheral surface of the item while moving the wrapping material generally over the outer peripheral surface of the item until the wrapping material covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the item.

Abstract: A protective wrapper about a vase containing a floral grouping. A connecting bonding material and a closure bonding material are disposed on the sheet. The sheet is wrapped about the vase causing the connecting bonding material to connect the sheet to the vase. The closure bonding material is sealed above the floral grouping to enclose the floral grouping within the sheet of material. The sheet may have a second closure bonding material for effecting a vertically sealed area in the sheet.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A wrapping material comprising a sheet of material having a bonding material comprising a cold seal adhesive used to wrap floral groupings and/or flower pots, the outer periphery of the pots having a cold seal adhesive disposed theron as well. Methods for using both a wrapping material and flower pots having a cold seal adhesive thereon comprising shaping the sheet of wrapping material to form a sleeve having an opening for disposing the flower pot such that at least on portion of the cold seal adhesive disposed on the outer surface of the pot is aligned with another portion of the cold seal adhesive of the inner surface of the sleeve, connecting the sleeve to the flower pot by pressing the aligned cold seal adhesive portions together to form a bonding connection, thereby forming a wrapper about the flower pot.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral arrangement wherein a sheet of material having one end of a band connected thereto is wrapped about the floral arrangement so as to provide a decorative covering. The band has a bonding material disposed on at least a portion thereof, such that when the sheet of material is extended about the floral arrangement and a portion of the decorative covering is crimped to provide a decorative covering for the floral arrangement, the second end of the band is connected to the sheet of material forming the decorative covering or to the band for securing the band in position about the sheet of material.