Abstract: A container including an elongated hollow member having two ends, an axis, a maximum width and an aperture and being adapted to contain objects; a decorative element being axially attached to one of the ends of the elongated hollow member and having a maximum width greater that the maximum width of the elongated hollow member; a pom-pom-like portion included in the decorative element, this portion having segments that radiate in substantially three dimensions to substantially fill a central region; an attachment system for the pom-pom-like portion for axially attaching the pom-pom-like portion to the elongated hollow member; and an openable cover adapted to obscure the aperture and to substantially contain the objects in the elongated hollow member. Also, a plurality of different containers and arrangements thereof in bouquets, fans, frontals, laterals, cascades, conicals, fountains and other geometries.

Abstract: A method for processing an image, consisting of a foreground and a background, to produce a highly compressed and accurate representation of the image, including the steps of scanning the image to create a digital image of the image, comparing the digital image against a codebook of stored digital images; matching the digital image with one of the stored digital images of the codebook; producing an index code identifying the background of the stored digital image as having matched the digital image; subtracting the stored digital image from the digital image to produce a second digital image representing the foreground of the stored digital image; and storing the second digital image with the index code. Techniques are also provided to enable merge/purge of the database(s) thereby created.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring apparel, having an elongated member with a surface, a first reference point on the surface and a second marking on said surface such that the distance between said first reference point and the second marking is equal to the distance from the neck to the crotch of an average person at a particular age and a third marking on the surface such that the distance between the first reference point and the third marking is equal to the distance from the neck to the crotch of an average person at a second particular age.

Abstract: A method for screening for cancer, a cancer test, a screening system a patient monitoring system and medicinal dosage form for measuring stimulating a specific, detectable response from a stimulus-responsive neoplasm, comprising administering a neoplasm-affecting treatment, in sufficient quantity to stimulate the response; and drawing a blood sample at a time after administration sufficient to distinguish the response. Administering a GnRH analog to a woman prior to measuring circulating serum tumor markers for ovarian epithelial carcinoma provides an improved screening result.

Abstract: A system of stackable containers including a plurality of carriers, each container comprising means for linking a carrier with a next adjacent stacked carrier, a plurality of means for containing objects, a handle, adapted to suspend the carrier and containers and a plurality of inferiorly stacked carriers with containers, and a lower recess adapted to receive a handle from an inferior stacked carrier.

Abstract: A centerpiece assembly in which an array of floral-like elements is supported on a rack to simulate a bouquet of cut flowers. Each element in the array has a stem formed by a transparent tubular wand filled with pellets of candy whose color imparts color to the stem. The lower end of the wand is provided with a removable stopper, the upper end having a decorative flower-like pom-pom attached thereto. The rack, fabricated of transparent material, is composed of a base plate having a center post anchored thereon on which are supported at least two tier plates, one above the other, each tier having a ring of equi-spaced holes therein coaxial with the center post. The upper tier ring has a diameter greater than that of the lower tier ring, whereby each hole in the upper ring is spaced a greater distance from the post than the corresponding hole in the lower ring.