Abstract: A broadcast network for selectively transmitting individualized weather output signals to at least one of a plurality of communicator devices remotely located from the broadcast network. The broadcast network comprises a user input database, a communicator location database, a weather analysis unit, and a communication network. The user input database contains a plurality of user profiles. At least some of the user profiles contains parameters provided from a pre-defined user profile. Each user profile includes a user identifier code. The communicator location database contains real-time data indicative of the spatial locations of the communicator devices. The weather analysis unit automatically and continuously compares the parameters in the user input database and the spatial locations of the corresponding communicator devices contained in the communicator location database with real-time weather data to generate individualized weather output signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid segment having a coding region segment encoding enzymatically active Streptococcus equisimilis hyaluronate synthase (seHAS), and to the use of this nucleic acid segment in the preparation of recombinant cells which produce hyaluronate synthase and its hyaluronic acid product. Hyaluronate is also known as hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan.

Abstract: Polymers of differing refraction indices are embedded within a PCB to provide optical connectivity of the PCB with other circuit boards via an optic backplane. The creation of islands of polymer material of refractive index n1 completely surrounded by polymer material with refractive index n2 where n1 has a higher index than n2 allows the islands of n1 indexed polymer to serve as optical waveguides. A process of forming a multi-layered PCB with the optical waveguide islands using successive laminations and using laser ablation to write the optical connection scheme is taught. Further, the use of uniquely marked targets in a copper layer to align the optical waveguides in production is also taught. Additionally, the use of clearing polymer materials and reinforcing polymer voids with prepreg lamination to allow a simple, high tolerance insertion of through-holes is taught.

Abstract: A broadcast network for selectively transmitting individualized output signals to remote communicator devices. The broadcast network is comprised of a user input database, a communicator location database, an information database, an analysis unit and a communication network. The user input database contains user-defined parameters and each of the user-defined parameters includes a user profile. The user profile in each of the user-defined parameters utilizes a user identifier code and identifies a communicator device associated with a particular user. The communicator location database contains real-time data indicative of the spatial locations of the communicator devices. The information database contains real-time data for the spatial locations contained in the communicator location database. The analysis unit repeatedly compares the spatial location of each communicator device contained in the communicator location database with the real-time data and generates an individualized output signal.

Abstract: A wrapper for flower pots. The wrapper is a sheet of material with each segment having a lower portion sized to surround a sidewall of the flower pot and an upper portion detachable from the lower portion via a detaching element such as perforations. The sheet of material can be formed about the flower pot and the adjacent edges of the segment joined and sealed.

Abstract: Method for producing decorative grass, such as Easter grass, from a sheet or web of material having printed material and/or embossed patterns thereon. The printed material and embossed patterns may be in register or out of register with one another. A method for producing decorative grass having the appearance of a blend of decorative grasses is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes an electrolytic plating system with an elecrolytic plating bath, means for positioning the printed circuit boards in the bath, and means to alternately generate a laminar flow of electrolyte on each side of the printed circuit boards. A preferred means to alternately generate a laminar flow of electolyte comprises a floating shield with a venturi-shaped partition and an aligned partition below the printed circuit boards, and operating a plurality of eductors below the floating shield. The means to alternately generate a laminar flow of electolyte can further comprise a transport mechanism that moves the floating shield and its partitions from side to side relative to the eductors or a mechanism to move the eductors. The plating can be also be improved by using a vibrator and a spring-mounting system that prevents vibration energy being absorbed by fixed portions of the plating system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating the weight of horses. To estimate the weight of a horse, a girth, a length, and a height of the horse are measured. The measurements can be taken with commercially available measurement tapes, for example. The weight of the horse is then estimated based on the girth, the length and the height of the horse. The present invention will be utilized in the care and management of horses thereby resulting in advanced equine health and nutrition, better training results, and improved overall health monitoring.

Abstract: An analytic plate such as a microscope slide or a diagnostic plate and kit having the slide or plate, the slide or plate having a containment border for containing a liquid or liquid sample. The containment border is substantially transparent and is substantially flush with the surface of the slide or plate for containing the liquid or liquid sample disposed thereon and thereby preventing spreading or migration of the sample across the slide or plate.

Abstract: A tilt compensator and delay element for use in an interferometer. The interferometer can be a scanning or a non-scanning interferometer. For example, the interferometer can be a Michelson-Morley interferometer or a Mach-Zehnder interferometer having a scanning mirror. The tilt compensator and delay element removes the tilt effects of the scanning mirror in two axes. The interferometer receives light and passes the light through a beam splitter. The light passed through the beam splitter is reflected by at least two mirrors. The beam splitter and the mirrors are positioned in a first plane. The tilt compensator and delay element of the present invention is provided with an odd number of mirrors. The odd number of mirrors includes at least three mirrors. For example, the odd number of mirrors in the tilt compensator and delay element can include three mirrors, five mirrors, seven mirrors, nine mirrors, etc.

Abstract: A sensor circuit for detecting the occurrence of welding is disclosed. The sensor circuit uses a phototransistor operative to receive a light input and produce an output representative thereof. A resistor is coupled between the phototransistor's base and emitter to control the phototransistor's response to low intensity and high intensity light. An amplifier may be coupled to the output of the phototransistor so as to provide a gain for the output of the phototransistor; and feedback means may coupled to the phototransistor to bias the phototransistor, the feedback means comprising a resistor capacitor circuit for following the output of the phototransistor, a feedback transistor to provide a feedback signal to the phototransistor, and a resistor coupled between the base and the emitter of the phototransistor. Preferably the phototransistor is a planar phototransistor having a surface mount.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to fit a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a curvilinear lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve, the curvilinear lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.

Abstract: A multiple integrated machine system (hereafter referred to as “MIMS”) capable of performing as at least two or more digital machines. The MIMS comprises two or more digital machine elements controlled by the same operating system software. Each of the digital machine elements includes hardware portions and software portions and each digital machine element is capable of performing as part of one of the digital machines. Each of the digital machine elements is different. A digital machine element grouping control unit is also provided. The digital machine element grouping control unit automatically and operatively connects predetermined digital machine elements in a first combination to form a first digital machine upon receipt of a first digital machine selection, and automatically and operatively connects predetermined digital machine elements in a second combination to form a second digital machine upon receipt of a second digital machine selection.

Abstract: A bench assembly is provided which includes a seat assembly and at least two backrest assemblies. The back assemblies are rotatable from one side of the seat assembly to an opposite side independently of one another such that persons sitting on the seat assembly can be facing in the same direction or in opposite directions.

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: The present invention is directed to a kissing shield game and method teaching safe affection to at least one person playing the kissing shield game. The kissing shield game includes a plurality of removable pegs, a playing surface, a gaming member, a plurality of frames and a plurality of thin, flexible membranes forming a kissing shield, and a resetable timer. The playing surface has a plurality of holes arranged in a predetermined pattern with each of the plurality of holes being capable of receiving at least one of the plurality of removable pegs. Each side of the gaming member has a different color associated therewith as well as a predetermined set of alphanumeric symbols associated therewith. The kissing shield is used when a selected person or object determined by a player is kissed so that the player learns safe affection and the proper use of the kissing shield through repetition.

Abstract: A container which is a flattened sleeve which includes a lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion and optionally an upper portion attached to the base portion. The container contains a growing medium and a botanical item without having a pot disposed therein.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.