Abstract: A method for forming a mask to be placed over at least a portion of an individual's face wherein a plurality of overlapping folds are formed in the sheet of material while the sheet of material is formed into the mask shape, the overlapping fold cooperating to maintain the sheet of material in the formed, predetermined mask shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a sheet of material into a flower pot or flower pot cover comprising means for engaging portions of the sheet of material and forming pleats in predetermined portions of the sheet of material having a predetermined shape whereby the formed flower pot or flower pot cover has pleats in predetermined portions and of predetermined shapes.

Abstract: A flower pot cover comprising a rigid open framework having a fabric cover and a water-resistant lining.

Abstract: A method for treating siliceous and carbon central structures with a water repellant composition wherein an effective amount of water repellant composition is dispersed in water and the mixture then is applied in a continuous process after the mixing to the structure to be treated. The method uses a dispersing agent and/or a dispersing device to effect a more uniform dispersion of the water repellant composition on the structure to be treated.

Abstract: An improvement in a woven conveyor belt comprising a plurality of links wherein the improvement comprises a plurality of connectors with each connector having one portion connected to one of the links and another portion connected to another link for cooperating to substantially prevent the woven conveyor belt from becoming unwoven or unconnected.

Abstract: An apparatus for pullingly removing pins from a concrete form using a lifting mechanism. The apparatus comprises a clamp assembly having a first and a second jaw connected thereto. The clamp assembly is movable to an opened position wherein the first and the second jaws are spaced a distance apart and the clamp assembly is movable to a closed position wherein the jaws are positioned in clamping engagement with the pin. The clamp assembly is moved to the opened position and the jaws are positioned generally about the pin to be removed. The clamp assembly is connected to the lifting mechnism. The lifting mechanism is moved in an upwardly direction thereby causing the clamp assembly to be moved to the closed position for moving the first and the second jaws into clamping engagement with the pin. The lifting mechanism then is further moved in the upwardly direction for pullingly removing the pin.

Abstract: A recombinant vector adapted for transformation of a suitable microorganism host to produce and secrete streptokinase. The recombinant vector comprises a plasmid into which a polydeoxyribonucleotide fragment from Streptococcus equisimilis H46A which codes for streptokinase synthesis and secretion has been inserted. The transformant microorganism including this recombinant plasmid vector produces streptokinase suitable for clinical fibrinolytic usage after purification.

Abstract: A retractor support assembly for assisting a surgeon by supporting a portion of a breast of a patient during reconstructive surgery. The retractor support assembly includes a retractor having a blade which is insertable into a wound generally under a portion of the breast whereby a portion of the breast is supported generally on the blade. The retractor support assembly also includes a retractor support connected to the retractor for exerting a predetermined force on the retractor pulling the retractor a predetermined distance in a generally upwardly direction whereby the portion of the breast supported on the blade of the retractor is lifted and moved in the generally upwardly direction the predetermined distance toward a breast lifted position. The retractor support supports the retractor and the portion of the breast supported on the retractor in the breast lifted position during the reconstructive surgery.

Abstract: A air conditioning device adapted to be used with a cup comprising a lid with a blower assembly means connected to the lid. The lid is removably connectable to an upper end of the cup and the lid has an air entry opening and an air exit opening. The blower means blows air into the air entry opening and the air passes into the cup space and over a substance in the cup space to provide an air exit stream. The air exit stream passes from the cup space through the air exit opening for passing a cool air exit stream from the lid. When the substance is a cool substance, the air exit stream is cool and, when the substance is a hot substance, the air exit stream is hot.

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: An apparatus for receiving loosely aggregated filamentary material, such as Easter grass, and producing, at a substantially uniform rate, weighed charges of the filamentary material. The apparatus comprises scales to weigh the charges to preselected weights, blowers to provide a stream of the filamentary material to the scales, conduits to convey the material from the outlet of the blowers to the scales, and a magazine which receives material charges at irregular intervals and dispenses the same charges at a substantially uniform rate.