Abstract: To enable the on-machine measurement of selected features of a workpiece formed on a live spindle lathe with a positioning rotary table, both the machine itself and the electronic touch probe used to conduct the measurements are calibrated. The accuracy of the machine itself is measured and calculated by including the measured errors not only in the x and z linear axes, but also in the y linear axis. Calibration of the touch probe is made by determining a correction factor which is obtained by the touch probe measurement of an artifact whose dimensions are precisely known by other means. This correction factor is then made to the nominal measurements made by the touch probe on the selected features of the workpiece to be measured, to obtain the actual dimensions thereof. Adjustments are also made to compensate for the differences in radial positions between the workpiece and the artifact.

Abstract: A template device and method of using same, the template device includes: a substantially planar member defining a plurality of channels therein; wherein, the channels at least partially define a plurality of concentric shapes each corresponding to a known electrical box configuration, respectively. The device may include at least one leveling indicator such as a leveling bubble container. The device may include a stud finding device, or means for attaching to a stud finding device. The device may be integrated with, or include means for attaching to, a sheet rock square.

Abstract: An adhesive tape pedestal is equipped with a cyclometer associated with a visual window to indicate the length of tape the user should pull out which just meets with the desired length so as to preclude wasting the tape. Besides, the cyclometer can indicate the total length of tape contained in a roll when it is used up that helps the user check whether or not the actual length of tape in a roll is in comply with the nominal length warranted by the manufacturer. The motion of the bobbin which carries the tape coiled on it is transmitted to actuate the cyclometer either by gear transmission means or by sensor actuating switch.

Abstract: An adhesive tape pedestal is equipped with a cyclometer associated with a visual window to indicated the length of tape that helps the user pull out just desired length of tape so as to preclude wasting of tape. Besides, the cyclometer can indicate the total length of tape contained in a roll when it is used up that helps the user check whether or not the actual length of tape is in comply with the nominal length.

Abstract: Devices configured to measure a length of rope moving through the device. The devices of the present invention employ a sheave mounted for rotating within a housing. A rotation measuring assembly may determine the number of rotations of the sheave, and, thus, information about the length of the rope passing through the device. Information such as net rope length, gross rope length, current rope speed, maximum rope speed, or total rope length displaced during a certain period may be determined and displayed. A signaling device is configured to communicate the information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to devices for measuring the thickness and/or length of objects (12) such as tablets, making use of a magnetic length-measuring system comprising a magnetic belt (5, 15) provided with pole pitches and with a magnetic field sensor (6, 20) located across from the magnetic belt (5, 15), having an electric evaluation circuit and having a placement surface (25) for the object (12) to be measured. The magnetic field sensor (6, 20) is mounted so as to be stationary while the magnetic belt (5, 15) is moved lengthwise past the magnetic field sensor (6, 20). A projecting arm (10, 21) is connected to the magnetic belt (5, 15) for purposes of making contact with the object to be measured, said arm accompanying the movement of the magnetic belt (5, 15), whereby the direction of movement of the magnetic belt (5, 15) is either parallel to the normal of the placement surface (25) or else it runs perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: A self-cleaning centrifugal dryer system and method for removing surface moisture allow complete removal of plastic pellets, flakes and particles from the dryer and water-conveying or water processing system during or after each drying cycle. By eliminating plastic particulate retention in the dryer and throughout the water conveyance and processing systems whereby contamination of different type materials dried during a subsequent drying cycle is avoided. Air and water alone or in combination under pressure are discharged toward various accumulation or occlusion (“hang-up”) points in the dryer and throughout the water-conveying or processing system to remove retained plastic pellets, flakes and particles.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for use with many kinds of objects, but is particularly suited for use in drying most kinds of produce and vegetables including leaf vegetables. In one embodiment, the dryer includes a canted drum design which provides a number of benefits and advantages over prior art designs. The canted design allows the use of a spin drying method that breaks up clumps of material in the dryer and assists in the even distribution of material, thereby improving load balance. The canted design provides ergonomic advantages to the operator when loading and unloading the dryer, and, the canted design allows easy access to the drive system for maintenance and repairs.

Abstract: A dispensing device for use in combination with a clothes dryer wherein the device is designed to uniformly treat fabric. The invention further relates to a method for treating a fabric article in need of treatment that combines a clothes dryer and liquid dispensing system designed to uniformly treat fabric.

Abstract: A lumber drying system includes a drying compartment having an arched roof, a plurality of baffle boxes, wherein each baffle box further includes a main chamber, an air intake that forms an entrance into the chamber, an air outtake that forms an exit from the chamber, a plurality of interleaved plates disposed within the chamber between the air intake and the air outtake, and a water outlet disposed beneath and in communication with the plurality of interleaved plates. The plurality of baffle boxes are distributed on the sides of the roof, each air intake of the baffle boxes being in communication with an upper portion of the drying compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of absorbing water vapour and malodour from a cavity, for example a drawer or wardrobe or the inside of a shoe. This is achieved by placement in the cavity of a package permeable to water vapour and retaining a particulate dehumidifying compound, a particulate odour-combating compound, and a filler comprising starch or a starch derivative or cellulose or a cellulose derivative, or which acts as a thickener or gelling agent for the water inside the package.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a moving substrate of indefinite length. The apparatus has a control surface positioned in close proximity to a surface of the substrate to define a control gap between the substrate and the control surface. A first chamber is positioned near the control surface, with the first chamber having a gas introduction device. A second chamber is positioned near the control surface, the second chamber having a gas withdrawal device. The control surface and the chambers together define a region wherein the adjacent gas phases possess an amount of mass. Upon inducement of at least a portion of the mass within the region, the mass flow is controlled to significantly reduce dilution of the gas phase component in the adjacent gas phase. This is accomplished through the introduction of a controlled gas stream thereby reducing the flow of an uncontrolled ambient gas stream due to pressure gradients in the system.

Abstract: System and method for controlling an appliance for drying clothing articles is provided. The appliance has a container for receiving the clothing articles. A motor is provided for rotating the container about an axis. A heater is provided for supplying heated air to the container during a dry cycle. A sensor is provided for providing a signal indicative of moisture content of the articles. Memory is provided memory for storing historical stop time data of respective dry cycles. A noise-reduction filter is coupled to receive the signal from the moisture sensor to provide selectable filtering to that signal. A timer provides a signal indicative of elapsed time upon start of the dry cycle. A module is responsive to the historical data in the memory for determining an initial estimate of the stop time of the dry cycle to be executed. A processor allows for estimating the stop time of the dry cycle as the cycle is being executed.

Abstract: Support elements for footwear or other products include: (a) a base member having first and second major surfaces; and (b) an extending arm having a free end for engaging a portion of a footwear structure. The extending arm may engage and further support a heel-supporting portion or other structural portion of an article of footwear or other foot-receiving device. Such foot-receiving devices may include: (a) a foot-covering member (such as a footwear upper); (b) a foot-supporting member (such as a footwear sole structure) engaged with the foot-covering member; and (c) a lateral-reinforcing member that includes an extending arm engaged with at least one of the foot-covering member or the foot-supporting member.

Abstract: A footwear construction including a midsole having medial and lateral flanges, and that defines a recess in the heel. An upper can be joined to the flanges along a lower peripheral allowance of the upper. The flanges can be separated into a medial forefoot flange segment and a medial heel flange segment, and a lateral forefoot flange segment and a lateral heel flange segment, respectively. The footwear optionally can include an outsole and an optional heel wedge, either or both of which can define a secondary recess into which the midsole interfits. A method for constructing the footwear includes providing the midsole, joining an upper peripheral allowance with the flanges, and joining an outsole with the midsole. Optionally, a heel wedge can be secured between the midsole and the outsole.

Abstract: A footwear includes an outer member, an inner lining, an instep member, and a lace. The outer member defines an outer surface of the footwear. The inner lining is positioned within the outer member. The instep member extends across an instep portion of the inner lining. The instep member can be positioned between the outer member and the inner lining or embedded within the inner lining. The lace is coupled to the instep member and to the outer member. Applying a tension force to the lace causes the instep member to apply a force against the instep portion of the inner lining, thereby applying an instep force against an instep portion of a user's foot that is positioned in the footwear. The instep force against the user's foot holds the user's foot against a bottom and rear portion of the footwear.

Abstract: A footwear base (320) and a structurally designed footwear bracing system (340) including a footwear base is provided. The footwear bracing system reduces the likelihood of ankle injuries when incorporated in a variety of footwear. The footwear bracing system permits the production of a very high structurally designed footwear base (320) by coupling it to and working in unison with a simple articulated but structurally designed support system (340). Very large forces can exist with this footwear and moderate but very injurious forces can be experienced in many types of footwear and these forces cannot be controlled by the ankle alone. Using the principles of the present invention these forces can be transferred to and resisted by the lower leg. The support system controls the forces generated by the footwear height or ground unevenness and relieves the ankle of this task.

Abstract: The present invention provides individual solutions to workplace fatigue and stress by determining the specific support needed for each individual. Specifically, the present invention defines and utilizes an ergonomic interaction factor to enable selection of a proper fitting shoe. Such selection occurs in one embodiment by dividing a person's weight by the contact area of the bottom of their feet.

Abstract: A trip lock device for replacing a return spring of a snow plow assembly having a trip mechanism. The device includes an extensible body having a first end for connection to a moldboard a second end for connection to a plow frame. A limiting member is provided to the extensible body to limit its range of extension. A method of installing the device involves removing a return spring from a first and second mounting locations and attaching the extensible body to the first and second mounting locations. The device may also include a load-limiting frangible link.

Abstract: A multi-motor drive system for a work machine has a first traction device and a second traction device substantially aligned transversely of a primary travel-direction of the work machine. The drive system also has a first drive-group power-transfer system that connects the first traction device and the second traction device. The drive system may also include a third traction device and a fourth traction device substantially aligned transversely of the primary travel-direction of the work machine. Further, the drive system also includes a second drive-group power-transfer system that connects the third traction device and the fourth traction device. Additionally, the drive system has an inter-group power-transfer system that connects the first drive-group power-transfer system to the second drive-group power-transfer system. A first drive motor may operatively connect to the first drive-group power-transfer system separate of the inter-group power-transfer system.

Abstract: An arrangement for fixing an add-on piece (1), e.g., an excavator shovel, to a shovel boom (2) or to a vehicle in a replaceable manner is provided. Two parallel holding bolts (3, 4) are arranged on the add-on piece (1) and can be gripped by grippers (6, 7) that can be displaced in relation to one another and which are arranged on a holding element (5) on the shovel boom. The grippers (6, 7) include at least partially open insertion openings (8, 9) for the holding bolts (3, 4). One gripper (6) is connected to the holding element in a fixed manner and the other (7) is held in a guide of the holding element in a linearly displaceable manner. Spring elements (11) acting in a closing direction of the gripper (7) are associated with the linearly displaceable gripper (7).

Abstract: For automatic gripping of a corner (71) of a laundry article (70) the latter is drawn over a support surface by a positioning gripper and is set down there so that the rearmost tip comes to rest on an edge plate (17) and the remainder on a transverse conveyor (16) which moves the laundry article (70) transversely to a corner gripping apparatus (12). The latter is then moved transversely to the edge plate (17), optical sensors (32) located above said edge plate registering edge points of the laundry article (70). For determining the position of the corner (71), interpolation is then effected between those registered edge points which are closest to a front gripping edge (27) of the edge plate (17) whereupon the corner gripping apparatus (12) approaches the tip determined and a corner gripper (24) is advanced from the gripping edge (27) so that a lower jaw (25) thereof grips under the edge plate (17). An upper jaw is then lowered onto the corner (71) of the laundry article (70).

Abstract: For aligning and gripping an edge (72) of a laundry article (70), the latter is drawn by a tensioning conveyor (34) with a tensioning gripper (35) which has gripped said laundry article at a corner (71) in a tensioning direction over a narrowing channel (43), the base (44) of which is convex in the tensioning direction. Optical sensors arranged on the channel (43) detect the rear end of the laundry article (70), which is then gripped by a clamping unit at the end thereof. By lowering the channel (43), a detectable edge (72) which slides along a guide plate (55) is aligned so that it is detected by a sensor (58) on a first edge gripper (56) which is then moved downwards along an approximately perpendicularly aligned pivot arm (53) until the sensor (58) detects the corner (73) at the lower end of the edge (72).

Abstract: A product display base for use with a product display tray. The display base includes a first, second, front and back vertical side. The sides define an interior hollow space that allows a base to be nested into another. A product display shelf and a support surface together define an L-shaped product support member that supports a product display tray. The base includes at least one set of wheels for transporting the base. A kit for displaying products includes a display base, a plurality of product display trays and means for attaching the product display tray to the display base. A method for displaying products includes providing a display base, providing a product display tray, coupling the display tray to the display base via fasteners, providing products, and coupling at least one removable graphic panel to the display base.

Abstract: A bumper guard mountable to a vehicle license-plate mounting fixture, the mounting fixture being adapted to receive a license-plate having at least one mounting recess. The bumper guard comprises a first member having a front and rear surface. The rear surface is configured to be disposed adjacent to the mounting fixture. The license plate can be disposed on the front surface of the first member or on the rear surface between the rear surface of the first member and the mounting fixture. At least one recess in the first member is arranged to align with a fastening member of the vehicle license plate mounting fixture. At least one guard arm extends a predetermined distance from the front surface of the first member. The first member is mountable to the vehicle license plate fixture fastening member by at least one fastening device.

Abstract: A container having a label ledge elevated from the base of the container for receiving label is disclosed. When formed in mold, the ledge protects the leading edge of the label from the flow of resin through the cavity walls of the mold. Because the label leading edge is protected, the resin flows over the label and pins the label to the cavity wall of the mold, creating a container with the label formed on the container wall. A container lid with side walls defining a skirting is also disclosed. The lid includes a ledge to facilitate label placement on the skirting.

Abstract: A precisely measured removable cover for reusable beverage containers with releasable closures. The cover has a flexible sheet with a graphical display imprinted on one side and a cover fastener for removably fastening the cover to a container. The sheet is advantageously adapted to substantially cover the side walls of the container. The cover fastener has one or more releasable closures, and at least one of the releasable closures includes a fluked tab interlock locking tab and slot structure, wherein the fluked tab is on one end of the cover and the slot is proximate the opposite end of the cover and parallel to the fluked tab. A cam/slot paired closure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for storing and displaying at least one still image, wherein the at least one still image can convert to a video display. A method for presenting a still image and then converting the still image to display a video.

Abstract: A multi view display (5) provides different viewing angles for different images (3, 4). The display (5) may comprise a single screen on which two or more images (3, 4) are interleaved, or a number of overlapping screens on which respective images (3, 4) are displayed. Viewing manipulation means such as privacy films or lenticular arrays control the viewing angles for each image (3, 4). The multiview display (5) may be used in a vehicle, to simultaneously display a movie (3) to a passenger (1), and a navigation image (3) to a driver (2).

Abstract: A display device has an array of display elements (2) each driven by an input provided on a data conductor (6). These inputs are generated by data conductor addressing circuitry (9) which has a plurality of controllable driver circuits (32,34,40), each for providing an input to an associated data conductor. The number of controllable driver circuits is at least one greater than the number required for providing data to all data conductors. A reference driver circuit (30) is used for calibrating at least one of the controllable driver circuits whilst the other controllable driver circuits provide inputs to the data conductors. This provides a reduction in the spread of driver circuit outputs by calibration of the driver circuits using a reference driver circuit.

Abstract: A display assembly includes a translucent signboard, a housing and a light source. The housing has a base, a cover and a pair of lateral covers fixedly secured to each other to define a rectangular opening for supporting the signboard therein. The light source is fixedly secured to an inner surface of one of the base, cover and lateral covers for illuminating the signboard. A method for manufacturing the housing includes the step of extruding frame members and cutting the frame members to length to form the base, cover, and lateral covers.

Abstract: A video display for a pick-up truck tailgate is disclosed, wherein a video screen is adapted for mounting in a truck bed for rearwardly facing projection of video images such as advertising, promotional video, entertainment, warning or cautionary information, and the like. The display is mounted using a pair of vertical brackets that support the video screen at the rear edge of the truck bed at the tailgate location. A power converter in the truck cabin produces AC power from the truck's DC battery that can be used to power the display. Using a plug and socket arrangement, the video screen may be releasably connected to a cross-beam type brace spanning the truck bed to fix the screen in the designated position, allowing for viewing from behind the vehicle.

Abstract: A picture is provided that is capable of acting as a gift identifier, and later as a special occasion memento. The picture frame has a decorative body having a front side, a back side, and an annular recess, wherein at least said front side is shaped to evoke memories of a certain holiday, event, or other occasion. A window is located through said decorative body for viewing an inserted picture. A retaining block is attached to said back side, forming a slot, wherein photographs or other media can be inserted through said slot. A removable stake can be removably inserted into the annular recess for display of the frame. An attached magnet is provided to secure the frame in an alternative display environment.

Abstract: A firearm includes a frame and a firing mechanism having a sear (e.g., configured for controlled release of a firing pin) and a trigger bar for actuating the sear. The trigger bar is disengageable from the sear. A locking mechanism is attached to the frame and can be actuated (e.g., by using a key) to selectively disengage the trigger bar from the sear. The locking mechanism may include a pin extending through the frame and axially rotatable in place. A first end of the pin is accessible from the exterior of the frame for key actuation, and a second end of the pin is positioned proximate to the trigger bar in the interior of the frame. The second end of the pin is provided with a cam surface for laterally shifting the trigger bar out of engagement from the sear when the pin is axially rotated using a key.

Abstract: A weapon grip assembly (16) for attachment to a forward portion of a weapon is provided. The invention includes a base assembly (20) supported for operative engagement by a handle (22). The base assembly includes clamps (24) adapted to be secured to a forward portion of the weapon and further includes a post (38) having a clamp end adapted to retain the clamps (24) for pivot motion with respect thereto. The post (38) of the base assembly (20) is received within a bore of the handle, a mandrel (32) being interposed between the handle (22) and the clamps (24) of the base assembly (20). As the base assembly (20) is drawn into the handle (22), by rotation of the handle (22) about the post (38) of the base assembly (20), the mandrel (32) receives the clamp end of the post (38), with an upper free surface thereof engaging the clamps for pivoted closure about a portion of the weapon in furtherance of securing the weapon grip assembly (16) thereto.

Abstract: Gun scope and action cover comprises a water-proof, breathable/air-permeable, reversible, light-weight, highly-flexible fabric pouch formed by an enclosed, cinchable elastic cord that fits over the optical scope of a rifle or hand gun, and that is universal in size, quiet in use, easy to put on and take off, and easy to store. The pouch area, formed by cinching and locking the cord, is bounded with an extended skirt that drapes down over the mechanical action of the gun. 2-ply waterproof/breathable fabric is preferred. Additional features include a securing cord for adding camouflaging ghillie strips, hook and loop fastener silencer(s) that prevent accidental adhesion to clothing, the release of which causes game-spooking sound, and a pocket for a warmer unit. The cover employs a variety of camouflage patterns on one or both sides, or one side may be a dark, a light, or a safety color, such as neon orange.

Abstract: A downrigger system for suspending a lure or bait at a depth during trolling includes a controller for adjusting the operating depth in response to detecting fish on a sonar or upon reaching a navigation waypoint entered in a GPS system. Information received from a sonar or a GPS receiver system are compared to preselected parameters to determine whether the operating depth of the downrigger weight should be adjusted. Sonar transducers or a reflector may be added to the weight to permit more accurate control of the operating depth. Fish attractors may be attached to the weight to take advantage of the weight being positioned at the depth of detected fish.

Abstract: A fishing lure consisting a wingcase wobbler that is arranged for releasable attachment to a bait having, as opposite ends, an eyelet and a barbed hook. The wingcase wobbler is formed from a flat section of a flexible plastic material, may be clear or colored, is shaped with a rounded bow end, and tapers along opposite sides to a flat stern having a slot formed along its longitudinal axis, and with a port formed at a point along the wobbler longitudinal axis that is spaced a greater distance from the stern than the bow. The bait eyelet end fits through the port and the wobbler is bowed to where the slot fits over a stop that is secured to the bait body. The wobbler can be clear or colored, can be notched or serrated along its sides between the port and stern, can include attached items secured along its longitudinal axis, or can be slotted thereacross, and the bait can be wrapped with thread, have feathers attached thereto, or the like, lending an insect appearance to the lure.

Abstract: Weighted fish hooks having a hook shank having a bend at one end and a hook eye at an opposite end. A double-tapered weight is provided on the hook shank between the bend and the hook eye. The double-tapered weight has a top weight taper and a lower weight taper. The weighted fish hooks are at least partially embedded in a lure.

Abstract: A support for fishing lures and tools used in the fishing arts. The system is known as a tackle rack. It is manufactured so that a front row of holes or apertures may receive the hook portion of a fishing lure. A back row of holes or apertures is provided for the receipt of fishing tools. The overall system and method provides quick access so that a tournament fisherman can rapidly change lures at a critical time. The tackle rack is designed to be placed on a wall of a fishing boat. Various advantageous methods of arranging fishing lures in a logical manner are described.

Abstract: An insecticidal activatable bait station including a base, the base having an integral structured reservoir provided therein,.a series of piercing spikes extend upwardly from the base of the reservoir, and are provided for piercing the seal of a container holding a supply of liquid insecticide, to allow for the deposition into the base when prepared for usage. A series of columns extend upright form the base, holds the containerized liquid either in an elevated position, as during shipment, storage, display, or while awaiting its usage, but that when the liquid container is lowered, and pierced, the container is held into its lowered position, its seal having been pierced, for deposition of its liquid insecticide into the base reservoir, for consumption by any insects. Convenient ramps are provided to allow access through slots into the reservoir, when attracting any insect located nearby.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nano-granule fuel oil, which substantially contains no granule greater than 10 nm. This nano-granule fuel oil can be obtained by treating conventional fuel oils under a magnetic field with a air gap magnetic field intensity of at least 8000 Gauss and a magnetic field gradient of at least 1.5 tesla/cm. The nano-granule fuel oil of the present invention significantly improves the combustion degree of fuel oil as compared with the conventional fuel oils. Its application can considerably economize fuel oil and reduce the emissions of CO and the like in tail gas.

Abstract: An additive composition comprises at least one polyoxyalkylene compound and at least one ethylene polymer, wherein the at least one ethylene polymer, in addition to units derived from ethylene, comprises units of the formula (I): and optionally, units of the formula (II): wherein each R1 group independently represents hydrogen or methyl; wherein each R2 group independently represents an alkyl group having 5 or more carbon atoms; wherein each R3 group independently represents hydrogen or methyl; wherein each R4 group independently represents an alkyl group having between 1 and 4 carbon atoms; wherein the proportion of units of formula (I) in the ethylene polymer is between 16 and 30 mol %; and wherein the total proportion of units of formula (I) and formula (II) in the ethylene polymer is between 19 and 30 mol %. The composition is particularly suitable for improving the low temperature properties of fuels having sharp distillation tails and low final boiling points.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a synthetic fuel from solid, combustible materials by treating these materials with a water-redispersible polymer powder composition.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for collecting landscape trimmings. A plurality of rigid pieces adjoin to form a receptacle around an object. The object may be a shrub, bush, or tree, for example. The receptacle has an opening to allow the pieces to surround the object. The receptacle also has an outer raised edge and an inner raised edge for containing the landscape trimmings.

Abstract: An artificial seedbed used in growing vegetation. The artificial seedbed comprises a base layer formed of a biodegradable product having a porosity and wet density that permit a root of the desired vegetation to penetrate the base layer and establish the vegetation for growing. The artificial seedbed also comprises an intermediate layer comprising a plurality of seeds for use in growing the desired vegetation. A cover layer cooperates with the base layer to form an envelope about the intermediate layer. The cover layer can be coextensive with the base layer and secured to the base layer by a bonding agent. The cover layer is formed of the same or different biodegradable product as the base layer. The material used in the cover layer permits the sprouting vegetation to penetrate it during the growing process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting spent water-based drilling mud into fertile indigenous top soil at a well site or location. The fertile indigenous top soil is produced by the steps of: admixing, at a well site, effective amounts of spent water-based drilling mud, mature compost, organic fertilizer, and top soil from the well site to provide a mixture containing spent water-based drilling mud, from about 30 to about 150 volume percent mature compost, from about 5 to 20 volume percent organic fertilizer, and from about 5 to 20 volume percent top soil from the well site wherein each of the volume percents is based on the volume of the spent water-based drilling mud present in the mixture; stirring the mixture for a period of time effective to form a substantially homogenous mixture; and drying the substantially homogenous mixture so as to provide fertile indigenous top soil possessing similar microbial and enzyme characteristics as the top soil at the well site.

Abstract: Several planters 10, 200, 300, and 400 which may be utilized in an “above ground” or “in ground” application and which allow complex geometric shapes to be made in an aesthetically pleasing overall appearance.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a cartridge including a reservoir having a first reactant and a reaction chamber, and a receiver that can include a flow control device. The receiver is adapted to receive the cartridge and to transport the first reactant to the reaction chamber after connection with the cartridge. The flow control device is adapted to stop the transport of reactant when the pressure in the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined pressure.