Abstract: Disclosed is a floating island construction method for overall transplantation of sandy soil plants, the method comprising the following steps: separation from a surrounding soil body; construction of a buoyancy tank device (13); and waterproof construction, so as to construct a plant floating island from plants to be transplanted in a reservoir area. The floating island protects all the root systems of the plants and most of the undisturbed soil, improves the survival rate, preserves the unique landscape of an original habitat, and can be constructed at the same time as water conservancy project construction, which saves on the construction period, saves costs, and is convenient for on-site overall scheduling.

Abstract: A decorative greeting article comprising a sheet of paper having a written inscription inscribed upon its center portion, readable in an unrolled position, and formable into a rolled cylinder having a hollow interior and an opening in a rolled position. The opening of the cylinder can receive a decorative member which can be a natural or an artificial flower or a bouquet of flowers or other novelty item, and a stem part that extends into the hollow interior of the cylinder. A securing means, optionally decorative, including an adhesive surface, releasably secures the sheet of paper in the rolled, cylinder position. A user can grasp and pull a pull tab to release the securing means from the cylinder, releasing the sheet to be unrolled and viewed by the user.

Abstract: An illuminated wind indicator including a wind chime assembly with a moveable pendulum assembly. The pendulum assembly includes a suspension member to support moveable suspension of the pendulum assembly proximate the wind chime assembly and further includes a component configuration of components including power and control circuitry, at least one solar panel, at least one light source and a striker, wherein each of the components has a distance relationship to the suspension member, where the power and control circuitry, the at least one solar panel and the at least one light source is electrically connected to form an illumination circuit that is separate and spaced apart from the wind chime assembly.

Abstract: A decorative fabric simulating a natural flower, has a plurality of over-lapping fabric segments extending radially from a center area, similar to the petals of a flower, extending outward from the center of the flower. The fabric segments are each shaped to approximate the shape of a natural flower petal. And each of the fabric segments is secured to the center area of the blanket, so that the majority of each segment is left unsecured to any other segment.

Abstract: A light-emitting device which includes a semiconductor layer; a first insulating layer over the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode and a first conductive layer over the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer over the gate electrode and the first conductive layer; source and drain electrodes and a second conductive layer over the second insulating layer; a third insulating layer over the source and drain electrodes and the second conductive layer; a first electrode and a third conductive layer over the third insulating layer; a planarization film covering an end portion of the first electrode; an electroluminescent layer over the first electrode; and a second electrode over the electroluminescent layer and the planarization film is provided. The second electrode is electrically connected to the third conductive layer through an opening portion provided in the planarization film. The opening portion overlaps with the first, second, and third conductive layers.

Abstract: A method for making a decorative flower is disclosed, including folding a material to form a loop, applying an adhesive within a predetermined distance from at least one of two opposing outermost edges of the material to generate a receptacle region, forming a plurality of cuts along the loop, attaching a first end of the receptacle region to a first end of a holder, wrapping a predetermined length of the receptacle region around the holder to form a base of the decorative flower, and securing the receptacle region in wrapped form to the base is disclosed. The decorative flower generally includes a folded material having a plurality of cuts along a fold thereof and an uncut receptacle region, and a holder attached to the receptacle region. The plurality of cuts form a plurality of loops, and the receptacle region forms a base of the decorative flower conveying custom messages.

Abstract: A method of making a craft flower can include the following steps: (i) Providing an adhesive member. This adhesive member can be substantially flat and be kept between two pieces (e.g., sheets) of carrier material. (ii) Removing a top piece of carrier material to expose a top side of the adhesive member. (iii) Providing a strip of material (e.g., fabric, ribbon, paper, plastic, tulle, foil, mylar, film material, etc.) that is sufficiently manipulable so as to be capable of being gathered together. (iv) Wrapping the strip of material around at least the outer portion of the top side of the adhesive member in a desired design and pressing the strip of material onto the adhesive member. Various examples of desired designs are described and illustrated herein.

Abstract: A realistically opening artificial flower has a slidable pusher basket having an upper end and a lower end and is moveable from a first position to a second position. The flower includes a means for moving the slidable pusher basket from the first position to the second position; the means is located generally adjacent the lower end of the slidable pusher basket. The flower also includes a simulated flower with a base that receives the upper end of the slidable pusher basket along with multiple rows of petals disposed on a plurality of vertically stacked supports. The slidable pusher basket is coupled with at least one of the plurality of vertically stacked supports via a petal attachment member. Incident to the slidable pusher basket moving from the first position to the second position, the multiple rows of petals transition from the generally closed position to the generally open position, and each row of petals has varying open and closed angles.

Abstract: A method of making a structural component (and such a structural component) comprising mixing together wood pulp, water, bentonite clay, and calcium chloride and forming the mixture into the structural component.

Abstract: Artificial floral products are provided, and more particularly real touch flowers that feel like real flowers and that have an artificial scent associated with the flower are provided. In particular, the scent is embedded into the flower petals, providing a more lifelike appearance and pleasing smell.

Abstract: An ornamental funeral flower includes a base, a riser fixedly attached to the center of the base, and support members extending from the riser to the edge of the base. The flower also includes an attachment layer attached to one or more of the base, riser, and support members, and petals fixedly attached to the attachment layer.

Abstract: A mask including a transparent substrate, a non-transmitting layer, a first transmitting layer and a second transmitting layer is provided. The transparent substrate has a first region, a second region, and a third region. The non-transmitting layer is disposed in the first region of the transparent substrate. The first transmitting layer is disposed in the second region and the third region of the transparent substrate. The second transmitting layer is disposed on the first transmitting layer in the third region.

Abstract: Kit (100) and method for making plants or flowers comprising a plurality of flower shaped paper punches (12) with at least some of the paper punches provided with a water soluble color mark and put together into a container (10). With a flower punch placed on a pliable surface (32) a smooth edged tool (34) is used for forming at least one curve in the flower punch by pressing this tool down near the center of the flower punch and pulling it outwardly toward the outer edge of the flower punch. Then the curved flower punch is attached to an elongated flexible stem member.

Abstract: An artificial turf system which includes a support layer, a base layer, and an outer layer. The support layer comprises an area of selected size and composition. The base layer comprises at least one grid which consists of a plurality of interconnected cells. The base layer is positioned over the support layer. Each cell forming the grid comprises an upstanding tubular member which includes an upper portion, having a first diameter, and a lower portion having a second diameter. The lower cell portion provides the cell with vertical flexibility. The plurality of cells provide the grid with selected vertical movement on contact providing the artificial turf system with improved softness.

Abstract: A xenotime phosphate protective overlayer (22) for protecting a ceramic material (24) from a high temperature, moisture-containing environment. Yttrium phosphate may be used as a protective overlayer to protect an underlying mullite layer to temperatures in excess of 1,500° C. The coating may have porosity of greater than 15% for improved thermal shock protection. To prevent the ingress of oxygen to an underlying ceramic non-oxide material, such as silicon carbide or silicon nitride, an oxygen barrier layer (34) is disposed between the xenotime phosphate coating and the non-oxide material. Such a protective overlayer may be used for an article having a ceramic matrix composite substrate.

Abstract: A method of making a porcelain flower includes the steps of extending a wire through an apertured finding, twisting the free ends of the wire, forming an amount of porcelain compound into a flat sheet, cutting the shape of a flower petal out of the flat sheet, and wrapping the flower petal around the twisted wires.

Abstract: A fabric having plant material adhered between layers of silk or hand-made paper. The silk or paper layers are translucent to allow the fabric to have the appearance of plant material. The fabric is manufactured by soaking dry plant material in water, pressing and drying the plant material to flatten it, adhering bottom and top layers of silk or paper to the plant material, and applying a stiffening agent to the fabric. Articles of various shapes may be formed by shaping the fabric into a predetermined shape prior to the step of applying the stiffening material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of injection moulding an ornamental product of thermoplastic material the improvement comprising adding a foaming agent to the thermoplastic material, differentially cooling the product inside the mould whereby the parts to be expanded are cooled sufficiently to form a skin, but where said parts have a temperature remaining high enough to permit foaming expansion outside the mould while the balance of the product is cooled below the solidification temperature of the polymer.

Abstract: A unwrappable fabric flower with wand stem for providing a wedding or party novelty and wand keepsake includes a decorative keepsake wand having a removable flexible material wrapped therearound to form a flower.

Abstract: A glass panel assembly for a motor vehicle includes a glass panel and a membrane mounted to one side of the glass panel. The glass panel assembly also includes an adhesive disposed between the membrane and the glass panel, whereby the membrane is ruptured to allow the adhesive to secure the glass panel directly to vehicle structure.

Abstract: A cover for a flower pot, the cover comprising a sheet of material sized to substantially surround and encompass the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot and a fastener comprised of elastic or elasticized materials and forming a generally continuous loop, the fastener connectingly held to either the upper surface or the lower surface of the sheet of material. The fastener can be stretched to an extent sufficient to enable the fastener to be disposed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot and to hold the sheet of material applied thereabout. The invention further comprises a method for wrapping a pot with a covering such as described above, and a preformed pot cover having a fastener connected circumferentially to the interior surface of the pot cover.

Abstract: A universal camouflage system comprised of one or more bundles of elongated material strips attached to a spring-loaded clip. The bundles may be attached by means of the clips to garments, equipment, and natural environment objects and growth, without any requirements that they be modified to receive the bundles.

Abstract: An artificial lily pad is made with polyester fabric flower petals, molded polypropylene or polyethylene stamens and stigmata, ethylene vinyl acetate leaves, polystyrene foam pads, and a bottom anchor ring. An anchor weight is attached to the bottom anchor ring by a monofilament nylon line.

Abstract: An artificial flower capable of exhibiting, with a lapse of time, a variation in color development sufficient to provide a user with visual pleasure as in a natural flower. The artificial flower includes a stem formed into an appearance like a stalk and and the like and constructed so as to suck up water by a capillary action, a receiver formed into an appearance like a receptacle and the like and constructed so as to permit an upper end of the stem to be upwardly inserted therethrough, a corolla section made of a material which exhibits a capillary action when it is wetted, a water-soluble pigment arranged at a central portion of the corolla section, and a holder adapted to be forcedly inserted into the receiver at the central portion of the corolla section, resulting in fixing the central portion of the corolla section in the receiver while keeping the central portion in contact with the upper end of the stem.

Abstract: Articles emulative of, and methods for making, artificial roses. Non-destructive, dry fashioning methods are used to produce artificial rose buds and fuller rose blooms from (a) rectangular sheet(s) of foldable and creasable material. A bud is made by various formative methods that create, in the first instance, an essentially tubular construct, one end of which is crimped and wound with florist wire, and the other end which appears with petal-like curls and pseudo-involution. Petal pairs made of a single sheet of the material are added, as desired, to acquire more mature-looking rose blooms. Throughout the method, no cutting, gluing or other mutilation of the workpiece sheet is employed.

Abstract: The present invention is a container insert for volume reduction and tablet stability. It includes a flexible cup member and a rigid stem member. The flexible cup member is comprised of a plurality of correlate petal-like appendages and a hollow stem member. When the container insert is inserted into the mouth of a container, the flexible cup member appendages are flexed inwardly thereby permitting the insert to be fully inserted. When the insert is in place, it may either reside in the base of a container or, alternatively, in the neck of the same. When flexed, the petal-like appendages conform to the shape and dimension of the inside of the container. To accomplish such conformation, the appendages are capable of successive offset overlapping so as to form a bowl-like shape once inserted, much like the petals of a tulip. Preferably, the cup member includes a centrally located mound, and the stem member includes a desiccant retaining element and at least one venting cut-out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetized artificial floral system wherein artificial flowers have petals formed from a plurality of layers of sheets of flexible sheet material which are fluffed apart in the appearance of a chrysanthemum flower and wired to a magnetic base for removable attachment to a sign assembly which is adapted to vehicle mounting and is foldable for convenient storage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ribbon assembly having a decorative ribbon formed on a support member wherein an elastic member having a stretched condition and an unstretched condition extends between a piece of material and the support member for substantially automatically forming the decorative ribbon.

Abstract: A ribbon assembly including a strip of material divided into segments. A material having a stretched condition and an unstretched condition is disposed on one surface of the strip of material and extends along a length of the strip of material. In the stretched condition, the strip of material extends in a substantially straight line. In the unstretched condition, each segment of the strip of material is formed into a curved segment for making a ruffle or bow.The present invention also contemplates the use of an adhesive or cohesive for holding the strip of material in the form of the bow.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ribbon assembly having a decorative ribbon formed on a support member wherein an elastic member having a stretched condition and an unstretched condition extends between a piece of material and the support member for substantially automatically forming the decorative ribbon.

Abstract: A ribbon assembly including a strip of material divided into segments. A material having a stretched condition and an unstretched condition is disposed on one surface of the strip of material and extends along a length of the strip of material. In the stretched condition, the strip of material extends in a substantially straight line. In the unstretched condition, each segment of the strip of material is formed into a curved segment for making a ruffle or bow.The present invention also contemplates the use of an adhesive or cohesive for holding the strip of material in the form of the bow.

Abstract: The artificial cattail of the present invention includes a stem made from a wooden dowel, and a blossom made from a tubular polyethylene form cord coated with flocking. Synthetic or real leaves are attached to the stem. The artificial cattails can be any color. In making the artificial cattails, the stem is inserted through the tubular cord, which is then coated with adhesive and sprayed with the flocking material.

Abstract: A ribbon assembly including a strip of material divided into segments. A material having a stretched condition and an unstretched condition is disposed on one surface of the strip of material and extends along a length of the strip of material. In the stretched condition, the strip of material extends in a substantially straight line. In the unstretched condition, each segment of the strip of material is formed into a curved segment for making a ruffle or bow.The present invention also contemplates the use of an adhesive or cohesive for holding the strip of material in the form of the bow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of making an artificial flower resembling a dried flower, in which the artificial flower has a plurality of petals made from a fabric, each petal having an upper end with a tip, in which the tips of the petals are heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the fabric in the region of the tips by a heating assembly including a heating coil and a blower, and the petals in areas thereof other than the tips, are protected from the heat to prevent melting thereof, by placing the artificial flower in a recess of a heat sink body such that only the tips thereof protrude from the heat sink body, and as a result, a shrivelled, dried-up appearance is imparted to the artificial flower.

Abstract: A ribbon assembly including a strip of material divided into segments. A material having a stretched condition and an unstretched condition is disposed on one surface of the strip of material and extends along a length of the strip of material. In the stretched condition, the strip of material extends in a substantially straight line. In the unstretched condition, each segment of the strip of material is formed into a curved segment for making a ruffle or bow.The present invention also contemplates the use of an adhesive or cohesive for holding the strip of material in the form of the bow.

Abstract: A CeO.sub.2 -containing enamel frit is disclosed which, upon enamelling, produces an opaque enamel coating with excellent adhesion and acid resistance. The frit can be used to enamel an unpickled or lightly pickled steel plate or article.

Abstract: An artificial flower is made from a stack of juxtaposed, soft, flexible petal members having radially-extending petals, each having an enlarged head portion and a reduced neck portion. Each neck portion is twisted and maintained in a twisted state without the aid of stiffeners due to frictional engagement between adjacent head portions.

Abstract: A paper decoration is made by immersing a perforated mold having a predetermined shape into a liquid pool containing paper-making ingredients. A layer of the ingredients deposited on the mold is then dried in situ, after which, the dried paper layer is detached and formed into the paper decoration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of making an artificial flower resembling a dried flower, in which the artificial flower has a plurality of petals made from a fabric, each petal having an upper end with a tip, in which the tips of the petals are heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the fabric in the region of the tips by a heating assembly including a heating coil and a blower, and the petals in areas thereof other than the tips, are protected from the heat to prevent melting thereof, by placing the artificial flower in a recess of a heat sink body such that only the tips thereof protrude from the heat sink body, and as a result, a shrivelled, dried-up appearance is imparted to the artificial flower.

Abstract: A wrinkled paper decoration is made by jointly coiling an elongated paper strip to which a bendable wire is attached in a continuous spiral. The coiled wire is bent, and the paper strip is simultaneously wrinkled. The bent wire retains the paper strip in a wrinkled configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of making an artificial flower resembling a dried flower, in which the artificial flower has a plurality of petals made from a fabric, each petal having an upper end with a tip, in which the tips of the petals are heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the fabric in the region of the tips by a heating assembly including a heating coil and a blower, and the petals in areas thereof other than the tips, are protected from the heat to prevent melting thereof, by placing the artificial flower in a recess of a heat sink body such that only the tips thereof protrude from the heat sink body, and as a result, a shrivelled, dried-up appearance is imparted to the artificial flower.

Abstract: A decorative plaque formed form a substantially planar backing member having front and rear surfaces and side edges. A flexible translucent membrane overlays the front surface of the backing member. At least one decorative object is disposed between the membrane and the backing member front surface with the decorative object spacing the membrane from the backing member front surface. The decorative plaque may further comprise a frame surrounding the backing member at the side edges thereof and overlaying the backing member front surface and membrane adjacent the backing member side edges.

Abstract: An artificial-flower-forming ribbon comprises a pair of strips overlapping each other, and at least one string placed between and along both strips. Both strips are joined together at a plurality of joint portions placed at opposite sides of the string and also on a plurality of lines spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of both strings. The string is joined at its one end to one ends of both strips. A pair of adjoining lines are parallel to two equilateral sides of an isosceles triangle where a segment parallel to a longitudinal center line of both strips is defined as the base. Both strips have a pair of notches provided at opposite sides of each line to be respectively open to opposite side edges of both strips, and substantially confronting each other in the transverse direction of both strips.

Abstract: An artificial flower comprises at least one petal of microporous material which comprises a matrix consisting essentially of linear ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, a large proportion of finely divided water-insoluble siliceous filler, and interconnecting pores, and which microporous material has regions of stretch-induced molecularly oriented polymer in the matrix.

Abstract: An artificial flower or other decorative or novelty construction is disclosed herein having a flexible semi-rigid support such as a wire provided with a bulbous form about a plurality of shaped components which are attached so as to define a predetermined composite shape. The components are composed of an elastic material having the characteristic of normally biasing edge marginal regions of each component inwardly adding to the desired shape. An an example of such material, rubber latex may be used, and in one version, each component is self-supporting about the form when attached by gluing, while in another version, each component is glued to a supporting wire bent to a given orientation.

Abstract: An improved artificial horticultural product air freshener comprised of a vase-like outer decorative housing formed to appear like crystal, said housing co-axially encompassing a replaceable inner aromatic fluid-containing vessel conforming generally to the shape of the inner wall of the outer housing, but spaced therefrom. The upper rim of the housing is provided with a cap through which extend, supported thereby, one or more stem-like wicks down into the bottom of the vessel and up into one or more artificial leaf-like or flower-like dispenser elements. When the fluid has been dissipated, the vessel may be replaced.

Abstract: The method of forming a money tree or bush comprises the steps of providing at least two rod-like members; providing at least two bills of paper-like negotiable currency; accordion pleating each bill along the length thereof; pinching each pleated bill in the middle area of the accordion; securing each bill at the pinch to a rod-like member; and fanning out the accordion pleated sections of each pleated bill around the place of securement to one of the rod-like members to form a structure looking like an imitation green and white leaf or flower. The money tree or bush formed thereby includes at least two rod-like members and at least two fanned out pleated bills formed in the manner described.

Abstract: An artificial flower apparatus has a stem with a plurality of petals attached to the stem with each petal having a polymer substrate and at least one petal having a thermochromatic liquid crystal mixture sandwiched between a transparent polymer substrate and an absorbing background material which thermochromatic liquid crystal mixture changes color responsive to changes in temperature thereof so that portions of the artificial flower changes color responsive to changes in temperature. The thermochromatic liquid crystal mixture may be microencapsulated and the flower petals may use different thermochromatic liquid crystal mixtures in order to provide a variety of colors among the artificial flower petals.

Abstract: In an artificial representation of a plant formed of plant organ simulating members, such as, stem and leaf simulating members, respectively having rod-like and tubular connecting portions molded of synthetic resin and being axially interengaged to provide a joint for asembling together the respective plant organ simulating members; each tubular connecting portion has an axial bore with an opening at least at one end of the axial insertion of the respective rod-like connecting portion therein and a seating surface extending outwardly from the bore and facing away from the open one end of the latter at a location spaced axially from that one end; and each rod-like connecting portion has a free end with a barb extending therefrom which is flexed inwardly from an original configuration upon the axial insertion of the respective rod-like connecting portion into the bore and which returns to its original configuration upon attaining the location of the seating surface for engaging the latter and thereby locking to

Abstract: An artificial flower display includes leaf, stem and flower elements formed from thermoplastic stock. Simulation of various flowers is achieved by surface grinding and coloring planar stock which is subsequently softened by heating to allow shaping into three-dimensional replicas of flower leaves and petals. Attachment formations on the petal and leaf sub-assemblies permit selective assembly of various sub-assemblies to any one stem element.