Abstract: A curved decorative structural member, e.g., an architectural panel is formed of an array of marbles or other translucent or transparent beads or spheroids that are sandwiched between curved front and rear apertured grids. There are spacer members fastened to the front and rear grids, and the marbles are held in respective grid openings in the grids. The lateral distance between grid openings, and the width of the land or bar between openings is different between the front and rear grids in response to the curve. The lands in the rear grid are narrower for convex portions and wider for concave portions. The panels may have a single axis of curvature, or may be of a more complex curved shape such as spherical or conic. The spheroids may be arranged in a design, and can produce a dramatic effect when illuminated from behind. An unapertured curved plastic sheet or plate can be used in place of the rear grid member.

Abstract: An improved method and container providing a root housing assembly to the plant which restricts the plant's thickest roots (greater than 1.5 millimeters in diameter) to remain within specified parameters. Regardless of the preferred container size, the lower seven eights portion of a container, perforated with a plurality of holes encircling the container permits fine, fibrous roots (less than 1.5 millimeters in diameter) to penetrate through to the soil surrounding the outside of the buried container's walls, whereas, the upper one eighth of the container is used for handling purposes, is not perforated, and provides a line of demarcation which will not permit root penetration into the soil environment outside of the container's walls. The holes with diameters of substantially 1.5 millimeters are equally spaced at distances of 3 millimeters apart. The roots which pass through these holes are not air-pruned, since the container is buried, but are restricted to the diameter of 1.5 millimeters.

Abstract: A seed-sowing preparation press is a tool which will make quick and accurate impressions in nursery beds. The sowing press consists of a plurality of square rods each with screws at one end and receptacles at the other end so to be interconnected at will. On one side, and along the entire length of each rod, ruler impressions in inches and centimeters are printed. The rods are connected with a plurality of outer-press attachments, consisting of two square tubes, stacked and fixed perpendicularly, which allow for upper rods to cross perpendicular to lower rods, and thus forming the seed-sowing press framework. Along the length of the lower rods, a plurality of inner-press attachments, having only one square tube, are fastened at desired intervals within the framework. Two detachable thumbscrews fasten into the upper portion of each outer-press attachment and one detachable thumbscrew fastens into the upper portion of each inner-press attachment, securing rods and attachments at desired positions.

Abstract: An engine comprises two counter rotating multilobate cams which are acted upon by a pair of diametrically opposed pistons which are rigidly interlinked by connecting rods. Differential gearing is provided to time the counter rotation of the cams.The following is an examiner's statement of reasons for allowance: The prior art fails to teach or fairly suggest the invention as a whole including a shaft having a first multilobate cam axially fixed to said shaft and an adjacent second multilobate cam differentially geared to said first multilobate cam for axial counter rotation about said shaft, at least one pair of cylinders, the cylinders of each pair being diametrically opposed with respect to said shaft with said multilobate cams interposed therebetween, and a piston in each said cylinder, said pistons of a pair of cylinders being rigidly interconnected.

Abstract: The protector comprises a protective element, e.g. a cap (16), movable in use along the implement between an inoperative position in which it exposes the pointed end or sharp edge portion of the implement and an operative position (FIG. 3) in which it covers the pointed end or sharp edge portion of the implement. The protector also comprises a holder (15) for fitting to the implement and a device, e.g. arm (17), connecting the protective element to the holder to in use allow the protective element to move along the implement between the inoperative and operative positions but to prevent separation of the protective element from the implement. In a preferred embodiment, the protective element flips into a tilted position to prevent unintentional movement of the protective element from its operative to its inoperative positions.

Abstract: A decorative or structural panel is formed of an array of spheroids of transparent or translucent material held in place in a grid member. This can be front and back grid members with the spheroids sandwiched therebetween. The panel can employ a semirigid grid member, or the grid can be molded in place around the spheroids.

Abstract: A picture frame has a front frame member, with a central picture opening. A cast zinc one-piece picture holder is secured to the frame member with double-sided tape.

Abstract: A picture frame has a front grid member and a back grid member, with an arrangement of marbles or similar spheres or spheroids retained between the grid members at a central picture opening. A cast zinc one-piece picture holder is secured in place with double-sided tape.