Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safe and secure trailer hitch for use with a towing vehicle. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an optical guiding trailer hitch device which allows an operator of a towing vehicle to easily, accurately, and safely attach a trailer to the towing vehicle. Additionally, the optical guiding trailer hitch device may further include an assembly for aligning the trailer in a horizontal plane relative to the towing vehicle. The present invention in conjunction with a trailer may be used for the transportation of a boat, a camper, a mobile home, or any such object which may be moved from one place to another place using a trailer and a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A sculptor's pressure vessel having a frame, a pressure container and an expandable member for pushing the pressure container against a portion of the frame to seal the container. A pressurized gas supply is connected expandable member to inflate it and to push the pressure container against the top of the frame to seal the pressure container. The pressurized gas supply is also connected to the frame top to pressurize the pressure container when it is in sealed contact with the frame.

Abstract: A ribbon material produced by cutting a sheet or web of flexible material into strips of flexible material having a uniform, predetermined width such that the ribbon material can be wrapped about items and formed into bows and decorative ornamentations containing ruffles, loops and curved segments. The ribbon material can be a flexible material having a holographic design on at least one surface thereof or a flexible laminated material containing a holographic design or an iridescent material. The ribbon material can also be textured, printed and/or embossed. At least a portion of the ribbon material may be provided with a matte or textured finish simulating the appearance of cloth.

Abstract: Flexible polymeric materials having a cloth-like appearance suitable for use in the formation of flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials are disclosed.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve for covering a floral container such as a flower pot, the tubular sleeve having a lower portion constructed from an elastic material which can be stretched about the bottom of a floral container, to secure the sleeve about the floral container.

Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to fit a flower pot, the sleeve having a base with side and bottom gussets for allowing expansion from a flattened position and method of using same. The sleeve may comprise a detachable upper portion, and a skirt portion.

Abstract: A breathable packaging material used for packaging items, such as floral groupings, flower pots, fresh produce, food, medical supplies/equipment and pharmaceutical products, thereby forming a breathable package for containing such items. The breathable packaging material comprises a sheet of material having controlled atmosphere characteristics and a coating composition on at least a portion thereof, the coating composition containing a desiccant and at least one atmosphere control agent so as to provide controlled atmosphere characteristics for items packaged therein. Methods for using breathable packaging materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer decoupling prevention device for preventing the trailer from decoupling from a trailer hitch mounted on a towing vehicle. The trailer decoupling prevention device comprises a bracket, and a connector assembly to connect the bracket to the trailer. A lower plate is movably supported by the bracket. A lower plate stop assembly is provided for selectively permitting movement of the lower plate between a coupled position and an uncoupled position. In the coupled position, at least a portion of the lower plate is positioned to prevent the trailer from being removed from the trailer hitch. In the uncoupled position, the lower plate is positioned to permit removal of the trailer from the trailer hitch. A unique coupling member for selectively coupling a flexible linkage to an attachment member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A meter loop frame assembly for connecting a gas meter to a gas supply line and a gas service line. The meter loop frame assembly includes a gas inlet conduit, a gas outlet conduit, and a brace. The gas inlet conduit is shaped and oriented such that the gas supply line is connectable to a second end of the gas inlet conduit at a location on the rear side of the gas meter and substantially vertically aligned with the centerline of the gas meter so that a pressure regulator of the gas supply line is substantially obstructed from view from a position on the front side of the gas meter.

Abstract: A method of forming a decorative cover, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover for a floral grouping or flower pot from a sheet of material having a printed pattern thereon wherein the printed pattern contains shaded and highlighted areas which provide the printed pattern with a visual perception of depth and thus a three-dimensional appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for semi-automatically forming a sheet of material into an article, such as a flower pot cover, is provided. The apparatus includes a male die, a female die, a presence sensing assembly, and a control assembly. The presence sensing assembly is positioned for sensing the presence of an operator in a sheet feeding zone which is located between an operator's station and a zone of operation of the male die and the female die. The control assembly initiates an article forming sequence, wherein the male die and the female die are moved from a discharge position to a forming position to form the article from the sheet of material and subsequently returned to the discharge position, in response to the operator clearing the presence sensing assembly subsequent to the operator breaking the presence sensing assembly while positioning a sheet of material between the male die and the female die via the sheet feeding area.

Abstract: A cover/wrap system for flower pots and the like allows the use of any sheet of material to cover a pot and be held in place by a sleeve. A transparent sleeve can be used, and colored or patterned material will decorate the pot; and, if the material is subject to moisture damage, an inner sleeve acts as a moisture barrier. The sleeve can be set down, the sheet of material placed over the sleeve, and the pot simply placed on the sheet of material. The pot will sink into the sleeve and will urge the sheet of material around the pot, then hold the material in place.

Abstract: A method of forming a decorative cover, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover for a floral grouping or flower pot from a sheet of material having a printed pattern thereon wherein the printed pattern contains shaded and highlighted areas which provide the printed pattern with a visual perception of depth and thus a three-dimensional appearance.

Abstract: Processes for producing a holographic material involve producing the holographic image on a polished, substantially smooth surface and then transferring the holographic image to a substrate. A metallic coating is applied to a smooth surface of a printing element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is embossed to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is transferred to a substrate via a bonding material, thereby producing the holographic material. The holographic material may be used to provide a decorative cover for an object or item, such as a floral grouping or a potted plant.

Abstract: A composition and treatment method for fixating cells and for preparing them for examination. In particular, the invention contemplates compositions effective in inhibiting crystal formation in the cell sample and effective in enhancing cell adherence to examination slides.

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: 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.