Abstract: A drug delivery system which includes a plurality of microcapsules, each microcapsule containing a plasminogen activator entrapped in a biocompatible, biodegradable, substantially water-soluble polymeric matrix such that the plasminogen activator is releasable therefrom upon exposure of the microcapsules to an aqueous environment, as well as methods for preparing same. Methods of treating a thrombotic condition and reducing the time required for reperfusion of an occluded blood vessel are also described, which include parenterally administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition which includes a plurality of such microcapsules.

Abstract: Targets are inserted throughout the layout of a PCB. Post manufacture measurement of the targets are compared to pre-manufacture positions so as to calculate a non-linear regression analysis best fit model. This model is used to predict a feature's location upon or within a PCB given the feature's position on the layout. The non-linear regression analysis results in a set of x and y polynomial equations. These polynomial equations allows for a linear compensation to be applied to the feature position on a layout so as to minimize misregistration of features in the manufacture of PCBs. Models of the features' post production positioning is made before and after linear compensations are made to the pre-manufacture positioning of the features. Graphical presentations using wire frame diagrams and color coded diagrams help identify those areas of the panel that are projected to be in and out of tolerance relative to the specifications.

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: An apparatus having a face mask removably attachable to a firefighting hood is provided. The face mask used in cooperation with a breathing apparatus such as a self-contained breathing assembly or a respirator. The face mask has a rim supporting a seal member that operatively sealingly engages the user's face providing a breathing chamber between the user's face and the face mask that is sealed off from the external environment. The firefighting hood has a compliant material enclosing the wearer's head and a support frame surrounding a front opening in the firefighting hood exposing the wearer's face. The firefighting hood matingly engages the face mask such that a perimeter portion of the firefighting hood around the front opening is nested behind the rim of the face mask so as to prevent gaps between the firefighting hood and the face mask.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve which comprises a base portion tapered to fit a pot and may have a skirt having an edge and having a lower end having excess material therein for forming a bottom. The cover may be bondingly connected to or crimped about the pot.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which dan surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached after the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has an arcuate upper boundary in the flattened condition which when opened, gives the sleeve the appearance of having an upper edge which is parallel to the upper rim of the pot disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to fit about a flower pot or floral grouping. The sleeve has a base with side gussets and optionally bottom gussets for allowing expansion from a flattened position to an opened position. The sleeve may comprise a detachable upper portion, and a skirt portion. The sleeve is preferably secured about a pot or floral grouping via a banding element.

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: A box flap securing device for securing two opposing box flaps in a closed position wherein the box flap securing device includes a bottom member having an edge, a top member disposed a distance from the bottom member and in an overlying relationship with the bottom member, and a post interconnecting the bottom member and the top member. The post has an edge which is disposed in a coextensive relationship with at least a portion of the edge of the bottom member whereby the bottom member, top member and post cooperate to define a box flap receiving slot having a height at least equal to the thickness of the box flap but less than two times the thickness of the box flap.

Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly forming a cementitious panel. A cementitious mixture is introduced into a mold configured to provide the desired surface appearance and profile of the cementitious panel. The cementitious mixture is then subject to an accelerated curing process by applying microwave energy to the cementitious mixture for a predetermined time period. After a relatively short resting or cooling period, the resulting cementitious panel is ready to be removed from the mold.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to contain a botanical item and a growing medium and having a base portion with side 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 new class of synthetic glycosulfopeptides (GSPs) which have one or more sulfated tyrosine residues and a glycan linked to the peptide, the glycan preferably including a sialyl Lewisx group or a sialyl Lewisa group. In a preferred version the GSPs have an O-glycan comprising a &bgr;1,6 linkage to a GalNAc. The present invention further contemplates in vitro methods of the synthesis of these GSPs without the use of the cells and methods of their use in vivo as powerful anti-inflammatory antithrombotic, or anti-metastatic compounds. The invention also contemplates a method of synthesizing oligosaccharides by cleaving the glycan from the GSP.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern has a curved or non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a curved or non-linear upper skirt extending from the base portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing an item or plurality of items for shipment. Disposing one or a plurality of items on a rigid surface having a layer of deformable cushioning material with a bonding material thereon wherein the items are connectingly bonded to the foam layer which is deformed in response to the items. The items may be items of china, floral containers, and flower pots, or other similar items.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping in a sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating that of cloth includes the step of placing a floral grouping in the sleeve and binding the sleeve about a stem portion of the floral grouping via a bonding material disposed on the sleeve.