Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for estimating stiffness or elasticity profiles across timber. This involves measuring a velocity of a plane compression wave propagating in the timber, determining density information relating to the timber and estimating an initial elasticity profile. A reiterative process is then conducted whereby a revised elasticity profile is determined using the density information and initial elasticity profile. The revised elasticity profile is then used to determine how the timber is utilised.

Abstract: This invention relates to plants having modified reproductive capacity. In particular, it relates to a plant reproductive tissue specific promoter, the PrAG1 promoter isolated from Pinus radiata, and its use in promoting transcription/expression of associated sequences in plant reproductive tissue, including for the purpose of producing plants which have diminished reproductive capacity or which are sterile.

Abstract: Apparatus (preferably portable) enabling a felled tree stem or log to have its stiffness characterized. The analysis is performed with best fit recognition procedure or one that emphasizes high harmonics to determine a fundamental frequency related to acoustic speed, which is indicative the stiffness characteristics of the tree stem or log. The apparatus uses a compliantly mounted accelerometer pressed against one end of the tree stem to defect reflections from the other end after impacting the first end. Also disclosed is a method of cutting a stem into logs by establishing a function that represents the nature of speed variation with distance along the stem characteristic for a species and locality. The average speed along a stem and the speed function are used to compute the likely speed at points along the stem, and then the stems are routed for cutting according to their speed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for predictively assessing one or more characteristics of wood pulp produced from solid wood. The method comprises the steps of determining the velocity of sound through the solid wood, and assessing characteristic(s) of wood fiber or wood pulp produced from the wood by reference to the velocity of sound through the solid wood. The method may also comprise the steps of causing a sound wave to be transmitted through the wood, determining the velocity of the sound wave through the wood, and comparing the result to stored information on fiber characteristic(s) versus sound velocity through the wood-type to determine the fiber characteristic(s) for the wood.

Abstract: Use of a single end testing of stems of felled trees whereby by inducing a sonic wave with an impact and by reference to detected reflections and with a knowledge of the length of the stem the stiffness and/or strength characteristics of the stem or logs to be cut therefrom can be derived. A preferred procedure is a determination of the fundamental frequency f0 which relates to velocity V, the speed of longitudinal compressional motions along the stem, and L, the length of the stem, as follows: V=2Lf0. From that value V or a function of V can be derived an indicator of stiffness and/or strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a single end testing of stems of felled trees whereby by inducing a sonic wave with an impact and by reference to detected reflections and with a knowledge of the length of the stem the stiffness and/or strength characteristics of the stem or logs to be cut therefrom can be derived. A preferred procedure is a determination of the fundamental frequency f0 which relates to velocity V, the speed of longitudinal compressional motions along the stem, and L, the length of the stem, as follows: V=2Lf0. From that value V or a function of V can be derived an indicator of stiffness and/or strength. For example the modulus of elasticity (MOE) is such an indicator and can be determined by the equation MOE=&rgr; V2 where &rgr; is density. For green felled timber &rgr; can be estimated as approximating 1000 kg/m3.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of producing mature somatic conifer embryos at a higher yield. Explants of immature embryos are placed on or in an initiation medium or on a nurse culture which is on or in the initiation medium. Over a period of time, initiation takes place and the initiated embryos are ultimately matured on an appropriate maturation medium. The initiation medium and the maturation medium may be the same or different but the initiation medium must contain at least ABA and at least one amino acid or at least one amino acid and no ABA. The maturation medium must contain ABA and at least one amino acid. Advantages of the present invention include ensuring greater efficiency in both initiation and maturation of any initiated embryogenic tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of producing mature somatic conifer embryos at a higher yield. Explants of immature embryos are placed on or in an initiation medium or on a nurse culture which is on or in the initiation medium. Over a period of time, initiation takes place and the initiated embryos are ultimately matured on an appropriate maturation medium. The initiation medium and the maturation medium may be the same or different but the initiation medium must contain at least ABA and at least one amino acid or at least one amino acid and no ABA. The maturation medium must contain ABA and at least one amino acid. Advantages of the present invention include ensuring greater efficiency in both initiation and maturation of any initiated embryogenic tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moulded plastic container which defines at least one receptacle for receiving a food material or the like, the container further including a utensil such as a spoon which is frangibly detachable from the container when the utensil is to be used for mixing, stirring or eating purposes. In a preferred form of the invention the moulded plastic container has two receptacles adjacent each other wherein the utensil is provided between the two receptacles along a fold axis between each of the receptacles, the fold axis allowing for the pivoting of each of the receptacles relative to each other for the transferring of contents from one receptacle to the other.

Abstract: A method of flooring using butting panels fixed to a frame primarily of joists, joints transverse of the longitudinal axes of the joists being largely unnogged. To support such joints unsupported by a framing element reliance is placed on panel edge to panel edge adhesion. In a preferred form particle board panels each provided with an edge groove have the effect of ensuring both a sufficient availability of adhesive for an effective butt joint whilst, in addition, providing a keying or splining between the adjacent panels.

Abstract: Mature somatic embryos are treated to provide viable storage over time. The embryos are placed on a gas permeable membrane which separates the embryos from a water source preferrably a water-containing matrix. The system is sealed in a gas environment while the embryos are starved.

Abstract: A container formed from a blank to define indexing longer walls having an inward incline but a double thickness provided by a foldline at the tops thereof so that the indexing projections are receivable within corresponding openings in the base of a corresponding container. Each part of the indexing walls has an extension such that at each end thereof one extension attaches to the outside of an end wall while the other attaches to the inside of an end wall with preferably that attaching to the inside of an end wall through a pair of parallel vertical folds providing a support at least in part for the weight of a stacked container.

Abstract: A case forming panel and case structures incorporating the case forming panel, the material of which being a laminate of internal and exterior liners on a flute providing medium of corrugated board having a flute pitch in depth greater than that of "A" flute, the flutes to extend in use substantially vertically, and preferably having a flute pitch of about 54 mm, a flute depth of about 27 mm, and a take up of about 1.54:1.

Abstract: A bin formed with a general circular shape in plan being formed from an outside liner of paperboard and an inner paperboard flute providing medium which is affixed to the outside liner. The flutes of the flute providing medium are larger than those of "A" flute. A removable sleeve interior, an optional base and lid are provided together with methods of carriage using same.