Abstract: Coolant pump service in a crowded engine compartment is provided by forming the side wall of the pump drive pulley with a centralized and radially lobed opening which can accommodate the radial arms of the drive hub that are normally connected by screws to the pulley side wall. The drive hub is fixed to the outboard end of the coolant pump drive shaft that extends through the housing of the pump that is removably secured by screws to the block of an internal combustion engine. The pump impeller is mounted on the inboard end of the drive shaft for fluid pumping operation in a coolant-receiving cavity in the coolant circuit of the engine. In the event of interference, which prevents or hampers the removal of the pulley axially from the drive shaft, the hub screws are removed and the pulley is turned into alignment with the lobes of the opening so that the pump housing screws are accessible.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a poppet valve made of a .gamma.-TiAl base alloy for internal combustion engines. In this method, the .gamma.-TiAl blank is first subjected to primary forming, for example, by extrusion, in such a manner that thereafter it has approximately the diameter of a valve head and the material properties required for the valve head. The secondary forming is then carried out by extrusion using a die designed in such a manner that the diameter of the inlet opening corresponds approximately to that of the blank after primary forming, and a cylindrical section corresponding to this diameter, followed by a transition in the form of a narrowing which corresponds approximately to the valve cone to the outlet opening. The outlet opening has at least approximately the same diameter as the diameter of the valve shaft. The extrusion process is terminated when the desired thickness of the valve head has been attained.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a vehicle body shell, the linking of an integral support to a forward structure of a known vehicle body shell may lead to tolerances which require readjustments of the axle geometry of the front axle. Accordingly, the bearing points of each wheel installation unit for the upper transverse control arm bearing which are situated behind one another in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle are brought to a defined distance range by a tensioning of the wheel installation unit, and a center fixation of the forward structure takes place relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A safety razor system includes an elongated housing pivotably attached to a member connecting the housing to a handle. The housing is substantially rectangular, having arcuate end portions. A plurality of razor blades and a guard member extend from the upper surface of the housing and an annular retainer clip is disposed about the periphery of the housing serving to retain the blades onto the housing and position the blades relative to the guard member. The connecting member pivotably supports the housing by four coaxial bearing surfaces contacting mating surfaces on the housing during rotation of the housing relative to the connecting member.

Abstract: Single-head bi-directional razor devices having an elongated bi-directional razor head with flexible guards along both outer longitudinal edges are disclosed. The razor head may be constructed as a removable cartridge if desired, and has first and second sets of razor blade strips are positioned within the head in a substantially common working plane, with their sharpened edges pointing outwardly. The working plane is defined in part by the flexible guards, which preferably are formed as elongate pliable fins arranged adjacent the outer edges of the razor head. The first and second sets of razor blade strips may consist of one, two or three razor blade strips, and are each preferably mounted for individual spring-loaded movement.

Abstract: Wire stripping apparatus includes a block rotatable by either a drill element or a ratchet wrench element relative to wire being stripped includes at least a single bore which extends axially of the block. Communicating with the bore is a slot which holds a cutter blade. The cutter blade extends into the bore which receives the wire a depth sufficient to remove the insulation from the wire, leaving only the conductive core free from or stripped of the insulation. The depth of the bore and the location of the cutter blade determine the maximum length of the wire from which the insulation is stripped. The wire is thus fed into the wire stripping bore of the cylinder as the cylinder is rotated to easily and speedily remove the insulation.

Abstract: A utility knife having a holder body for supporting a blade slidably between a protruded position and a returned position, the utility knife comprising a spring means to be operated against a slider supporting the blade, a slider for manually moving said blade to a protruded position, a lock means for locking the slide movement of said slider at said protruded position resisting against the spring force of the spring means, and a means for releasing the lock of said lock means, wherein upon use, the blade temporarily fixed to the slider will be protruded from the holder by manually sliding said slider, and the blade could be locked at the end position of the slide. When storing the blade, the lock could be released by pressing on the lock release button, which allows the slider to be pulled back by the spring, and along with this movement, the blade could be stored automatically inside the holder body.

Abstract: A lopping apparatus includes a first handle having a first blade storage compartment. The lopping apparatus further includes a first blade member connected to the first handle, the first blade member having a first cutting portion. The lopping apparatus additionally includes a second handle having a second blade storage compartment. Moreover, the lopping apparatus includes a second blade member connected to the second handle, the second blade member having a second cutting portion. The lopping apparatus additionally includes a first connecting link pivotally coupled to both (i) the first handle at a first pivot location which defines a first pivot axis, and (ii) the second handle at a second pivot location which defines a second pivot axis. The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis define a line L. The lopping apparatus is positionable in a lopping mode of operation and a storage mode of operation.

Abstract: An elongated flexible cutting string, or substantially self-supporting strut cutting element, is connectable to a rotating device for use in a method of cutting vegetation. The cutting string has numerous advantages over conventional cutting strings, having a drag coefficient which is at least about 5% (e.g. 10-300%) less than the drag coefficient of a string having a substantially round and smooth cross-section. The drag coefficient of aerodynamic line 10 is 1.0 or less, e.g. about 0.35 or less. The cross-sectional configuration preferably simulates a tear drop (with or without an extension nose), and can have a textured (e.g. with golf ball simulating dimples, saw toothed or a wavy configuration) exterior surface. The pitch of the line is positively maintained while it is rotated in a cutting plane, e.g. controlled with an eyelet and/or a compound taper. Other cross-sectional configurations are an ellipse of at least 1.

Abstract: A battery powered circular saw is provided with a novel motor housing and handle assembly having a rearwardly extending primary handle inclined 15.degree. to 40.degree. relative to a rearwardly longitudinally extending tubular housing member. A battery pack is attached to the rear end of the primary handle and is provided with an elongated projection which extends into the elongate tubular housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for surface profile measurements of large samples. The sample is held by a stationary chuck, while a four-axis (X, Y, Z and theta axis) positioning assembly manipulates and positions an overhead scan assembly and measurement stylus to perform the profilometry. To observe the sample surface in the vicinity of the measurement stylus, an illumination and imaging capability is also provided. Backlash and error are reduced in the Z axis assembly through use of cams and cam followers, and in the scan assembly through use of multiple tensioned wires, with low-friction sliding elements. The apparatus reduces vibration and supports heavy (up to 400 kg) samples while allowing accurate profile measurements.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for use with a computerized grade rod comprising a housing containing a tunnel adapted to receive the grade rod and having the grade rod extend therethrough. A sensing wheel is mounted on the housing and tangentially engages the outer surface of the grade rod and rotates as the housing ascends and descends the grade rod. A brake assembly is carried by the housing in a predetermined longitudinal position with respect to the grade rod. The brake assembly includes first and second spaced apart brake shoes spaced apart longitudinally of the grade rod. A mounting plate is carried by the housing. First and second arms carry respectively the first and the second brake shoes. Each of the said brake shoes has a center point. First and second spaced apart pivot pins are provided for pivotally mounting the first and second arms. The first and second pivot pins are positioned off center with respect to the center points of the first and second brake shoes.

Abstract: An alignment device for use in welding which includes a saddle style support which rests upon a first pipe. A second pipe is clamped to the saddle style support in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the first pipe upon which the saddle style support rests. The second pipe serves as a carrier member of a fitting, such as a weldolet. Cinch straps can be used with the saddle style support to facilitate welding on the underside of horizontal pipes or on vertical pipes.

Abstract: A pipe fitting tool is provided including a square having a pair of planar rectangular strips coupled at ends thereof in perpendicular relationship. Also included is at least one holder having a pair of lower surfaces which form an angle with respect to each other. The holder further has a top surface secured to the square such that the same resides in a plane in which an intersection of the lower linear surfaces resides.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a coordinate measuring apparatus in bridge configuration wherein a bridge spanning the measuring pad is guided on two guides laterally of the measuring pad. To avoid measurement errors, which are caused by different warming of the coordinate measuring apparatus, the guides are mounted on the support rods which have a low thermal coefficient of expansion and the support rods are arranged in a support structure.

Abstract: A plate shaped rapid brake device for a tape rule accommodated in the tape housing with a brake block protruding towards an upper edge of a tape outlet, at one end, with a pivot axis laid transversely at the other end. A projected block protruded in an opposite direction to the brake block, is formed near the brake block. The pivot axis is inserted into holes in inner walls of both sides of the tape housing, and both the projected block and the brake block are respectively exposed out of a hole provided at the bottom portion of the tape housing so that the tape may slightly touch the projected block during its extending and rewinding motion. Moving the brake block towards the upper edge of the tape outlet and reducing size of the tape outlet rapidly clamps the moving tape and stops its movement. There are two balancers extending outwardly from opposite sides of the brake block for a balancing brake function of the brake device when the brake block moves by preventing the brake device from swinging.

Abstract: An alcohol vapor dryer system includes a vapor generating chamber, a heater, a process chamber, a gas supplier, a drain vessel, and a suction device. The vapor generating chamber of cylindrical shape contains liquid alcohol supplied from an outer source and includes a fan installed above the surface of the liquid alcohol. The heater installed below the vapor generating chamber heats the liquid alcohol contained in the vapor generating chamber at a temperature lower than the boiling point of the liquid alcohol. The process chamber communicates with the vapor generating chamber through a plurality of fluid ducts and includes a body and a cover plate for covering the body. The gas supplier generates heated nitrogen gas and supplies the gas in order to transfer the heated nitrogen gas and the alcohol vapors to the fluid ducts which are connected to the process chamber. The drain vessel communicates with the bottom of the body of the process chamber and also with the bottom of the vapor generating chamber.

Abstract: A continuous drying apparatus for a porous web including a porous web for traveling on a drying line, a heating cylinder for contacting the porous web at its circumferential surface and rotating in synchronization with the travel of the porous web to heat the porous web, a drying band for contacting and supporting a surface of the porous web which is out of contact with the heating cylinder and also for rotating in synchronization with the travel of the porous web, and a pressure rotating body disposed near the circumference of the heating cylinder and outside the drying band. The pressure rotating body is constructed of a rotating member for rotating and contacting an exterior surface of the drying band and a pressure device for pressurizing the rotating member toward the heating cylinder. With this, a porous web can be efficiently dried.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dryer apparatus for fiber webs (10), such as webs of natural fiber, synthetic fiber and the like. The apparatus comprises a rotating dryer cylinder (1), the interior of which is provided with elements (8) for injecting hot heat-transfer fluid against the inner cylinder surface and for discharging if from the cylinder interior. The invention relates also to a method for heating a cylinder by injecting hot heat-transfer fluid against the inner surface of the heating cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a continuous web includes a plurality of rollers arranged for cooperative rotation. Each of the plurality of rollers have a first circular end surface, a second circular end surface and a cylindrical middle surface. The plurality of rollers define a corresponding plurality of nips. First and second sealing panels are provided for engaging the first and second circular ends of each of the plurality of rollers. The first and second sealing panels and the plurality of rollers define a chamber. The first and second sealing panels are structured and adapted to conform generally to the shape of the first and second circular end surfaces, respectively, of the plurality of rollers. End panel sealing of the chamber is provided by mechanical sealing, fluid sealing, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A dryer for curing articles with printings thereon is disclosed. The system includes an exterior housing, an interior lining defining a drying chamber within the exterior housing, means for heating an article within the drying chamber, and a surface for supporting the article within the drying chamber. The dryer housing preferably includes an entrance opening and an exit opening to allow articles to pass through the drying chamber. The dryer may include a conveyor system for automatically moving the articles from the entrance to the exit. The means for heating the articles or directing heated air onto the articles is preferably adjustable in a vertical direction, while the interior lining is made from a non-conductive material, such as fiberglass or a fiberglass cloth. An air duct carrying air into the drying chamber is connected at the one end of the lining, preferably on the dryer's top wall, while a return air duct is preferably connected to a separate bottom wall panel of the drying chamber.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for mechanical and thermal dewatering of solid-liquid mixture, particularly industrial and sewage sludges, feeds the sludge to a dewatering device to produce a dewatered material which is then dried in a thermal drier. The dewatered sludge is reduced to a granulate-like structure without any intermediate stage and is then dried immediately afterwards. An apparatus for implementing the process includes a mechanical dewatering device being directly connected to a feed unit to produce a granulate-like structure and which is permanently connected to the thermal drier.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is described for drying a load of moist fibrous material, particularly a load of laundry washed and placed in a washer/drier machine or a clothes drier, wherein a closed-circuit flow of superheated steam at 102-180.degree. C. and substantially at atmospheric pressure is passed through the load of fibrous material. The method is characterized in that, prior to the superheated steam drying step, the air in the closed circuit is flushed therefrom with steam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for cooling and reducing fluoride emissions from a hot, spent anode butt removed from an electrolysis cell. The system comprises an elongated fluidised bed cooling chamber comprising particles of alumina and conveyor means for transporting a hot, spent anode butt through the fluidised bed. A lower air distributor is provided for injecting fluidising air into the chamber to create the fluidised bed and an upper air distributor is provided which is adapted to direct fluidised particles into contact with the top surface of the hot anode butt, whereby the fluidised bed surrounds the hot anode butt and serves to simultaneously uniformly cool the hot anode butt and significantly reduce fluoride emissions from the hot anode butt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a thickened slimes fraction blended with a tailing fraction for delivery to a discharge or disposal point (38). The method includes the steps of forming a bed of tailings fraction on a de-watering screen (28) and delivering a thickened slimes fraction onto the bed of tailings fraction. The slimes fraction (30) is then allowed to de-water through the bed and the screen.

Abstract: A cooling unit reduces the temperature of heat shrink tool holders and extensions to ambient temperature. The cooling unit includes a housing with a removable cooling tray. The cooling tray is formed with a plurality of receptacles configured to accommodate a heat shrink tool holder or extension. Additionally, a blower is disposed within the housing for propelling a flow of ambient temperature air over the cooling tray to cool the heat shrink tool holders or extensions to ambient temperature. The blower in the cooling unit may be an axial fan with an axial inlet in fluid communication with the ambient temperature air and a radial outlet to direct the flow of air over the cooling tray. Additionally, the housing may further includes a damper disposed between the radial outlet of the fan and the cooling tray for selectively regulating the flow of air over the cooling tray.

Abstract: An elbow for use in connecting the exhaust vent of a clothes dryer to an exhaust duct. The elbow having a depth equal to or less than the exhaust duct diameter while maintaining a constant exhaust airflow velocity. Preferably, the elbow comprises a rectangular portion connected to the dryer exhaust vent and an adapter portion extending from the rectangular portion and connecting to the exhaust duct.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing particles in reactors. The apparatus includes an enclosure for processing the semiconductor wafers. The enclosure has a wafer handling chamber connected by an isolation gate valve to a processing chamber. Additionally, the apparatus includes pipes for delivering a purge gas into the wafer handling chamber. The purge gas is used to eliminates particles from the enclosure. The apparatus also includes a pilot operated back pressure regulator for regulating the delivery and removal of the purge gas from the enclosure. The apparatus actuates the isolation gate valve in a controlled rate to reduce disturbances from the purge gas entering into the enclosure. The apparatus also includes a Bernoulli wand for lifting and holding a single semiconductor wafer. A dome loaded regulator is used to control the ramp rates of the gas to the Bernoulli wand. The dome loaded regulator is actuated by a pilot gas.

Abstract: A drying machine includes a first chamber, a second chamber, a first control device mounted in the first chamber and including a first main condenser, a first secondary condenser, a first main evaporator, and a first secondary evaporator, a second control device mounted in the second chamber and including a second main condenser, a second secondary condenser, a second main evaporator, and a second secondary evaporator, and a common compressor supplying a refrigerant to the first control device and to the second control device. In such a manner, when the first control device performs a cycle to increase the temperature in the first chamber, the second control device performs a cycle to decrease the temperature in the second chamber, and when the first control device performs a cycle to decrease the temperature in the first chamber, the second control device performs a cycle to increase the temperature in the second chamber.

Abstract: A metatarsal guard for footwear comprises an arched body which covers a dorsal surface of a wearer's metatarsal foot area. The arched body has lateral bottom edges for engaging a footwear sole to transmit loads from the arched body to the footwear sole. Slits are defined in a rear portion of the arched body so as to form a longitudinally extending central T-shaped tongue and two longitudinally extending lateral tongues in order to increase the flexibility of the metatarsal guard. The T-shaped tongue has a rear edge extending in a concave curved line transversally of the footwear so as to prevent transmission of punctual loads to the wearer's foot. By optimizing the number and the configuration of the tongues, both the wearer's comfort and protection are maximized.

Abstract: An infant footwear leash for preventing the loss of footwear worn by infants is provided. The leash includes a string and a slidable element through which the ends of the strings are completely inserted to define a loop that rests around the infant's ankle, while the leash is in use. In an open position, the slidable element allows adjustment of the size of the loop as necessary. In a closed position, the slidable element prevents adjustment of the size of the loop to prevent the loop from enlarging and causing the leash to fall off the infant's foot. A clip is attached to one end of the string. The clip is clipped onto the infant footwear. Thus, if the footwear falls off the infant's foot, it is held by the clip and is kept dangling from the leash.

Abstract: A golf shoe includes an outsole having a forefoot, a shank, and a heel. A stability ridge is disposed on the outer surface and along the perimeter of the forefoot, the heel, or both the forefoot and the heel. This ridge provides additional traction and stability, particularly when the golfer swings his club to take a shot.

Abstract: The visitor registers on the Invisilog by printing in one of the ten sections on Page One (Figure One). Each section is perforated to tear out and insert in a standard plastic badge holder which is worn as an identification badge. The registration information transfers to Page Three but does not transfer to Page Two. This information transfer is achieved by mechanical pressure on carbonless paper which is coated on the back of Page Two and coated on the front of Page Three. The first page (Badge Page) is attached at the bottom edge to the second page (Privacy Page).The second (Privacy Page) and third page (Visitor Log Page) are attached at the top and bottom. The Privacy Page acts as a blockout over the Visitor Log Page. The Visitor Log Page has received the entry information from Page One. The security guard or receptionist can separate Pages Two (for disposal) and Three (for filing).

Abstract: A decorative amusement device includes a transparent sphere that is mounted on and that cooperates with a base to confine a water receiving space to be filled with water. A drive unit is mounted inside the base, and has a rotary drive shaft extending through the base into the water receiving space, and a water agitator mounted on the drive shaft inside the water receiving space. A decorative member is mounted on the base inside the water receiving space, and includes a prop, a rotary vane mounted rotatably on the prop, and a guide member disposed around the water agitator so as to guide the water that was agitated by the water agitator toward the rotary vane to result in rotation of the rotary vane inside the water receiving space when the drive shaft rotates.

Abstract: A drive-by restaurant illuminated rotating menu order stand is formed by an upright housing having a translucent part-circular wall end portion and is mounted on a support by an opposite bifurcated end wall. A menu supporting cylinder axially mounted upright in the part-circular end is angularly rotated by a motor. Lamps within the housing and cylinder illuminate the menu and housing.

Abstract: A lighted, rotatable display device for presenting advertising or other information is disclosed which includes a hollow transparent member supported for rotation on a drive motor. The drive motor includes a shaft extending into the hollow member and a light bulb is mounted on the shaft. Light from the light bulb makes information on the surface of the hollow member visible as the hollow member rotates.

Abstract: A portable display system is provided for use by exhibitors at tradeshow and other events that is comprised of a plurality of display stands and display-stand connectors. The individual display stands are comprised of a free-standing frame and a rollable panel that is attached to the frame for viewing. Multiple display stands may be easily connected and arranged relative to each other to create larger displays, for example, a substantially-curved wall or a triangular tower. The exhibitor has the flexibility of using the display stands individually or connected together.

Abstract: A posting or framing device for displaying a generally flat, lightweight item to be displayed comprising: a body portion formed from a pair of walls which define a pocket to receive the item to displayed, the walls being such as to permit the item to be displayed to be seen therethrough; and a tab extending from at least one edge of the body portion by means of which the posting or framing device can be affixed to a surface.

Abstract: Semi-automatic breech locking pistol having a reciprocally movable slice defining an upwardly and laterally outwardly open ejection port and a barrel including a rear part having a rearwardly extending headspace extension hood and exposed within and providing a closure for the ejection port in locked breech condition. A rearwardly open notch formed in the headspace extension hood facilitates determination of chamber status by direct visual observation.

Abstract: An exemplary fishing lure evaluation system includes a light transmission element, such a red-free green filter of 50% transmissivity, arranged relative to a light source for illuminating the lure under evaluation primarily with light transmitted through the element so as to reproduce the natural underwater illumination for the lure including the effects of the water coloration and the light level preference of the type of fish targeted. Preferably, a viewing element is included through which the lure is observed, such as a clear lens or red-free green filter of 50% transmissivity, to duplicate the effects of the water between the fishing lure and the fish for a nominal presentation distance.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for scenting a bucktail type fishing lure in the area of the hair-like skirt of the bucktail, approximate the hook. The device includes a body of absorbent material that is suitably fastened or affixed to the lure. Fish scent is applied to the body, which retains the scent and prevents the scent from soaking and clumping the bristles of the bucktail skirt. The body could take various shapes and sizes, including for example a tab or disk shape, a cone or bullet shape, a rectangular strip-like shape, or one or more spherical shapes. The absorbent material is preferably wool or wool-like material, or an absorbent porous material. The body further assists the bristles of the bucktail skirt to assume a conical shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial, bi-parabolic fish lure made from a flat, solid strip of sheet material of a uniform thickness having three segments that smoothly transition from one to the next. A relatively long, parabolic anterior section that makes up about three-fifths of the fish lure's length. Next is a circumvoluted middle section comprising about one-fifth of the total length and causes the lure to spin through the water like a propeller when pulled behind a fishing line. A relatively short, parabolic posterior section that also makes up about one-fifth of the total length. The fish lure has a center of gravity rearward of its longitudinal center. In a preferred embodiment, the fish lure is made of shiny metal and is stippled with numerous indentations resembling scales so that the fish lure closely resembles a minnow.

Abstract: A fishing line clamp with a tension adjusted hinge having line centering surfaces including a streamline clamp for attachment to a fishing line in front of a worm weight to prevent the worm weight from sliding along the fishing line with the clamp and worm weight coacting to present a streamline shape to inhibit action that might twist the line as the line and sinker are pulled through the water.

Abstract: The data acquisition film medium is a gridwork of lines applied to read the distribution and population of insects captured on sticky material on a substrate. The data acquisition gridwork of lines may be applied to the substrate under the sticky material or may be applied to a separate transparent data acquisition film which is applied over the sticky material and insects captured thereon after use of the substrate with its sticky material. The separate transparent data acquisition medium may be in panels to cover the sticky material on capture glueboards, on either one side or both sides of the glueboard, may be in bag form for receiving the glueboards, may be on a roll with tear-off edge, may be wrapped around a single-sided or double-sided glueboard, or may be a long length of film to apply onto a long length of substrate carrying sticky material in an advancing manner in an insect light trap.

Abstract: A multifunction flyswatter and broom for swatting and sweeping one of flies and bugs away from an area. The multifunction flyswatter and broom includes a handle including a side wall forming a pool therein and an open top end leading into the pool. A plurality of substantially rigid strands are partially received by the pool and extend through the top side of the handle forming a surface for one of swatting and sweeping flies and bugs. A loop may also be provided extending from a second side of the handle for carrying or hanging the multifunction flyswatter and broom. At least one band may be included to extend around the plurality of rigid strands for retaining the plurality of rigid strands together in a bunch, one of the bands may be positioned outside of said pool and moveable along a length of the plurality of rigid strands.

Abstract: An improved watering device is provided for automatically watering one or more potted plants with a predetermined volume or quantity of water, in response to the weight of the potted plant which indicates the moisture content of the plant soil. The watering device comprises a plant carrier for movably suspending the potted plant from a hanger assembly, with a main spring reacting between the plant carrier and hanger assembly for controlling the vertical position of the plant carrier in response to the weight of the potted plant. Upon upward displacement of the carrier as the plant soil dries, an adjustably set and spring-loaded pin engages and operates a control member such as an electrical switch for opening a water flow valve to deliver water to the potted plant, whereupon the carrier translates downwardly as water is added to the plant soil ultimately to result in sufficient disengagement with the control member to close the water flow valve and halt water flow to the potted plant.

Abstract: A plant package comprising a flower pot and a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is provided with a base portion, a skirt portion and an upper portion. The base portion of the sleeve surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot, and the skirt portion of the sleeve extends from the base portion. The upper portion of the sleeve is detachably connected to the skirt portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A bulb casing encases a plant bulb and properly positions, feeds and protects the plant bulb, in a biodegradable casing including two joinable, substantially hemispheric cavity members, preferably having plant nutritional supplements on or in an inside surface adjacent to the bulb's outer surface and rodent repellent materials on or in the outside surface thereof. The plant nutritional supplements can be plant food, such as bone meal. Artificial rodent repellents such as mothball materials or biodegradable, non-toxic chemicals such as cayenne pepper can be used. Preferably, the hemispheric cavity members are formed out of biodegradable cardboard or cellulosic material, such as moldable paper pulp or starch resins, so that the casings will degrade in the ground as the bulb grows to a plant.

Abstract: A protective container for a potlike or boxlike container capable of receiving plants, flowers, bulbs, fruits and the like and provided with a closed tubular wall ending in an outwardly extending flange and with a lower wall having openings, wherein the protective container is provided with a closed circumferential wall ending in an outwardly extending collar edge and a bottom wall without openings and is manufactured from a resilient plastics material, wherein the container and the protective container are coupled relative to each other by an annular element manufactured from a resilient material and comprising an annular wall in which at least two circumferentially extending slots are provided, each for receiving a part of both the collar edge and the flange lying thereon.

Abstract: A flower pot system for use on a patio table having an umbrella pole projecting upwardly form the center thereof. The flower pot system provides two flower pot members that together form a tubular passageway through which an umbrella pole is positionable. The two flower pot members are easily installable and removable from around an umbrella pole without lifting the umbrella pole from the patio table. A pair of drip trays are provided to hold the two flower pot members together and to provide a fluid pathway between the two flower pot members.