Abstract: An apparatus compresses a mat against a cylindrical catalyst to provide an exhaust gas cleaning device having the catalyst and the mat wrapped around the catalyst. The apparatus has a base to which first and second rods are movably mounted, and first and second pressers connected to respective ones of the first and second rods. A first drive mechanism moves the first, but not the second, rods to bring the first pressers into contact with first peripheral surface portions of the mat so that second peripheral surface portions of the mat are formed into respective convex portions. A second drive mechanism moves the second rods to bring the second pressers into contact with the convex portions of the mat to compress the convex portions while the first pressers are maintained in pressure contact with the first peripheral surface portions of the mat.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a mat (52) around a catalyst (57) used in an exhaust gas cleaning device and compressing the mat is disclosed. Odd-numbered first presser (15), third presser (24), and fifth presser (32) are caused to move forward in the manner of the arrow (3), and the mat is compressed. The mat is then completely compressed by causing even-numbered second presser (19), fourth presser (31), and sixth presser (33) to move forward.

Abstract: A method for controlling plant growth by exposing plants to light passing through a covering material comprising a base material containing a colorant. The type and content of the colorant are chosen to provide a photosynthetically effective photon flux (PPF) transmittance of 50% or greater when light is passed through the covering material, and an A value suitable for the purpose of promoting or retarding the growth of plants irradiated with light transmitted by the covering material, the A value being defined by the following equation:A=R/Frwhere R is the photon flux of red light in the wavelength range of 600 to 700 nm and Fr is the photon flux of far red light in the wavelength range of 700 to 800 nm.