Abstract: A process for making unsaturated .alpha.-amines from olefins wherein the process includes adding an aminating agent, an olefin and a molybdenum based catalyst to a reaction vessel having a nitrogen atmosphere. The catalyst may be described by the general formula LL'MoO.sub.2, L.sub.2 L'MoO.sub.2, or LL'MoO(X--Y).

Abstract: An illusion assembly for retaining at least a portion of an item and creating the illusion that the retained portion of the item disappeared. The illusion assembly includes a container having a front transparent area and a rear transparent area. The container includes a retainer assembly defining a retaining space with at least a portion of the item being disposed in the retaining space. At least a portion of the retaining space is disposed between the front transparent area and the rear transparent area in the container. Illusion devices are disposed in the container between the front transparent area and the rear transparent area for creating the illusion of seeing through the front transparent area and through the container and through the rear transparent area without seeing the retainer assembly or the portion of the item stored in the disposed space of the retainer assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stemming a flower in which the flower stem is cut substantially simultaneously with attaching a flower pick to the flower stem, thereby eliminating the separate steps of cutting the flower stem and subsequently attaching a stem pick by combining these two operations. In another aspect of the invention, the flower stem is cut in an environment which displaces air from the region of the severed plant stem by submerging the portion of the plant stem in the region of severance underwater or by subjecting it to a flow of water or a spray of water or other material which would prevent formation of an air gap in the vascular tissue of the plant and/or skinning over of the tubules. The water or other material used for displacing air in the region of severance may contain a floral preservative or nutrient or bacteria stat or other material to help prolong the shelf life of the flower.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering portions of an object having an outer peripheral surface with a sheet of material having an upper surface and a lower surface with a pressure sensitive adhesive on at least a portion of the lower surface by wrapping the sheet of material about portions of the outer peripheral surface and positioning the sheet of material so that the pressure sensitive coating either contacts portions of the outer peripheral surface of the object and is bonded thereto or contacts overlapping portions of the sheet of material and is bonded to other adjacent portions of the sheet of material having the pressure sensitive coating thereon or overlapping portions of the sheet of material are bonded by the pressure sensitive adhesive and wherein the sheet of material may be constructed from paper and have an embossed pattern therein.

Abstract: A water cooled engine includes a thermostat interposed in a water flow passage way. The thermostat operates a valve which opens and closes to regulate the temperature of water. A bypass structure assembly is associated with the thermostat for permitting the flow of water through the thermostat to be controlled by the valve in the thermostat in an operating position of the bypass structure assembly and for bypassing the thermostat in a bypass position wherein water flows through the flow passageway bypassing the thermostat. A bypass position assembly is associated with the bypass structure assembly for positioning the bypass structure assembly in the operating position and in the bypass position.

Abstract: A fine-needle aspirator for collecting a biosample from a subject into a closed sterile system. The aspirator is adapted for use with a variety of needles and comprises a motor driven pump capable of continuous suction in a biosample collection system. The biosample collection system may comprise a biosample connector such as elastomeric tubing in communication with the needle and a collection space in a biosample container whereby a biosample collected by the needle may be transferred to the collection space. A flushing substance flushes the biosample through the biosample collection system. Additives may be added to the biosample after collection in order to treat, preserve or analyze the biosample.

Abstract: A top-entry check valve having a seat, cage, disc and removable bonnet utilizes threaded fasteners to prevent movement of the seat, cage and disc in the downstream direction. An annular shoulder in the valve body prevents movement of the seat, cage and disc in the upstream direction. The disc has a hinge pin which is cradled in hinge pin supports of the cage. Removal of the bonnet allows access to the valve chamber for replacement of the seat, cage, disc or threaded fasteners.

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: A method and apparatus for disarming a pipe bomb wherein one of the end caps of the pipe bomb is knocked off with a sudden blow, such that the pipe bomb will be spun around somewhat in circles and the powder and/or contents employed in the bomb will be thrown out without detonation. The apparatus employs an explosively driven piston, acting like a hammer, with the explosive driving the piston, being detonated using a time delay fuse.

Abstract: A machine including a frame with a working implement assembly connected thereto and a steering assembly for steeringly guiding the frame. The frame is movably supported on a first, second and third wheel. The steering assembly is connected to the first and the second wheels for steeringly turning the first and the second wheels simultaneously in opposite directions for steeringly causing the machine to be turned.

Abstract: The impellor of a blood pump is supported by permanent magnets on the impellor and pump housing and stabilized by an electromagnet on the housing. A control circuit supplies current to the electromagnet to maintain the axial position of the impellor at a control position in which the impellor is in mechanical equilibrium under permanent magnet forces and static axial forces on the impellor to minimize energy consumption in the support of the impellor. The impellor is rotated magnetically and stator coils in the housing are supplied with electric currents having a frequency and amplitude adjusted in relation to blood pressure at the pump inlet to match the flow characteristics of the pump to physiological characteristics of the natural heart. A cavity is formed in the impellor to match the average specific gravity of the impellor and portions of the suspension and drive systems thereon to the specific gravity of blood to further minimize power consumption by the pump.