Abstract: A packaging and method for displaying a card having coded data disposed on one side thereof are provided. The packaging comprising an opaque backing and a transparent covering. The data card is disposed on one side of the backing with the coded data positioned against the backing and the covering laminated to a portion of the backing and the data card so as to seal the data card between the covering and the backing and mask the coded data on the data card.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.

Abstract: A system of hygienic control employing a name tag to be attached to each worker in a hygienically controlled area. Each name tag has a clear signaling light source thereon indicating the worker is sanitary, and an unsanitary signaling light source thereon indicating the worker has not practiced the proper sanitation procedures. The unsanitary light source is enabled when the worker enters a sanitation area, such as a rest room, and is disabled when the worker has washed his/her hands with soap and water. Also, the clear signaling light source is enabled when the worker has complied with the proper sanitation procedure.

Abstract: A utility belt for painters having a holders for painting devices and tools, and releasable connectors for connecting the holders to the utility belt. Methods of using a utility belt for painters.

Abstract: Sheets and rolls of sheets with labels having multiple choice blocks and information areas corresponding to the choice blocks. The sheets include a closure bonding material for securing the sheets around items to be wrapped. The labels are detachably connected to the sheets with an adhesive, a perforation or a tear line. Spots of closure bonding material may be placed on the labels to hold the labels in a wrapped position. The information areas typically include data which may be selected to describe the source, type and characteristics of the items to be wrapped in the sheets. The sheets may also include detachable sleeve areas for protecting wrapped items during shipping and handle areas which may be punched out of the sheets for grasping the wrapped items. The handle areas may also contain information similar to that on the detachable labels. Sheets having labels with choice blocks may also be used for forming flower pots or flower pot covers.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a composition and method for treating septic shock in a mammal or as a prophylactic treatment prior to a surgical procedure, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a bacterial lipopolysaccharide binding peptide derived from CAP37 protein. In a preferred version, the composition and method of use may comprise a peptide comprising amino acids 20-44 of CAP37 or a subunit thereof.

Abstract: A protective glove adapted to be fitted over an individual's hand area and wrist area. The protective glove includes a hand cover constructed of a flexible material adapted to cover and surround the hand area of the individual and a hand protector. The hand protector includes at least a portion constructed of a rigid material capable of being hit with a hard thrown baseball without substantially bending or breaking. The hand protector is connected to the hand cover and positioned on the hand cover whereby the hand protector is positioned over carpals in the hand. The protective glove also includes a wrist protector having at least a portion constructed of a rigid material capable of being hit with a hard thrown baseball without substantially bending or breaking. The wrist protector is connected to the hand cover and positioned on the hand cover whereby the wrist protector is positioned over a portion of the ulna in the wrist area.

Abstract: A floral container having a water-impermeable external layer for a floral grouping comprising a holding material and having a water-impermeable external surface layer. The holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping, botanical item or propagule and supporting the botanical item, floral grouping or propagule. A sheet of material may be extended about a portion of the holding material and a crimped portion or bonded portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion or the bonded portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the holding material to provide a decorative cover. A bond or other tying device may also be used to bond the sheet of material to the flower pot.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: A ribbon assembly including a strip of material divided into segments. A material having a stretched condition and an unstretched condition is disposed on one surface of the strip of material and extends along a length of the strip of material. In the stretched condition, the strip of material extends in a substantially straight line. In the unstretched condition, each segment of the strip of material is formed into a curved segment for making a ruffle or bow.The present invention also contemplates the use of an adhesive or cohesive for holding the strip of material in the form of the bow.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a stem pick to a flower stem wherein the stem pick has laterally directed fingers for wrapping around the stem of a flower. The apparatus includes means for positioning a stem pick into a position ready for attachment to the flower stem, means for attaching the stem pick to the stem of a flower, and pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of the stem pick fingers. The pressure adjusting means comprises a clutch mechanism having means for adjusting the torque applied to the means for attaching the stem pick to the stem of a flower.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting an object, such as a fishing lure, to a line without formation of a knot in the line. The connecting device includes a first shank angularly disposed from a second shank, a line engaging hook and a line retaining loop.

Abstract: A method of lining a basket with a basket lining material, in which the basket lining material comprises an unpreformed sheet of material. The sheet of material is disposed in the basket without first preforming the sheet of material to conform to the inner surface of the basket, and the sheet of material disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the basket. The sheet of material is crushed and flattened against the inner surface of the basket thereby forming a liner.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxed paper or waxed tissue. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A method of producing spinel Li.sub.2 Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4 from LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4, lithium metal and graphite. A mixture of black LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4, lithium metal and carbon powders is prepared at a 1:1 molar ratio of Li to LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4 and a 1:9 weight ratio of carbon to LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4. Then, the mixture is heated at a temperature between 170.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. until spinel Li.sub.2 Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4 is produced. Alternatively, Li and carbon may be reacted together to produce LiC.sub.6 or LiC.sub.12. Then the LiC.sub.x may be mixed and heated with LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4 to produce spinel Li.sub.2 Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus of the type in which an object is transported on a conveyor belt and in which the conveyor belt slidingly engages a guide member, the guide member having a plurality of nodules extending therefrom so as to form a plurality of channels and define a low friction contact surface for reducing drag between the conveyor belt and the contact surface when the conveyor belt is set in motion. The low friction contact surface of the guide member also is slidingly engagable with the object when the guide member is used as a side rail.

Abstract: A fluid collection device having a primary container and a secondary container and a two stage fixation system for facilitating and controlling the fixation of cells in a sample of a biological fluid such as urine. The primary container generally comprises a plastic cup having a filtering apparatus disposed within it for filtering cells from the fluid. The primary container may contain a first stage fixative. The device further comprises a cover comprising a pressurizing chamber for forcing fluid through the filter and fixative delivery chamber for dispensing a fixative into the primary container. The filtered fluid may be reserved within a secondary container attached to the primary container. The filter having the cells retained on its surface is removable from the primary container for the purpose of laboratory analyses of the cells.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus and filtering method for removing free-oils, particulate matter and dissolved heavy metals from a machine coolant by withdrawing a portion of the machine coolant from a machine coolant reservoir through a skimmer assembly and thereafter passing the machine coolant through a filter assembly containing an oil absorbent, a particulate matter filter and a filter element having metal particles bound together in a porous metal sponge-like structure.

Abstract: A method for treating a fluid or gas containing contaminants wherein the fluid or gas is passed through a contactor having at least one reticulated foam structured fluid treatment element formed from metal particles bound together in an interconnected form and capable of promoting a reduction/oxidation reaction between the contaminants and the reticulated foam structured fluid treatment element. The metal particles employed in the fabrication of the reticulated foam structured fluid treatment element are selected from a group of particles comprising zinc, copper or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a molecular or atomic fluorine jet or beam under vacuum for etching surfaces. The apparatus uses a hollow crystalline tube preferably fabricated from a crystal of a Group II fluoride such as magnesium fluoride. A terminal portion of the tube is heated to over 1000.degree. C. and a mixture of fluorine gas and an inert carrier gas is induced under pressure into the tube. An atomic fluorine jet is emitted from the opposite end of the tube. The jet can be collimated into a beam and can be directed at masked surfaces for selective etching of the surface. The atomic fluorine source has a very high intensity resulting in rapid etching of materials and as a beam is capable of highly anisotropic etching. The jet may be primarily molecular fluorine if the tube is heated to a lower temperature.