Abstract: A platform system useful for constructing, maintaining, or repairing greenhouse roofs comprises a platform section providing a working area surface formed with removable treads supported on left and right platform rails. The platform section is supported by downwardly projecting upper and lower support bases appointed to rest on structural members of the roof, thereby providing a clearance between the working area surface and the roof beneath. Guardrails extend along the sides of the platform section between guardrail posts attached at the upper and lower ends of the platform rails. The system is light-weight, minimizing the loading imposed on the roof and permitting it to be readily positioned by a small work crew. The support base may include retractable rollers that permit it to be slid upward across the eaves and onto the roof. A deployment assist cart may be used to erect, support, and access the platform system.

Abstract: A bag hanger device for holding a flexible bag containing a flowable material having a multi-sided, D-shaped or circular frame; a cross-member having two ends wherein one end is attached to one side of the frame and an opposite end is unattached to the frame; a closing device attached to an opposite end of the cross-member; a locking device attached to the frame opposite the closing device and in alignment with the closing device attached to the cross-member; at least one hanging means attached to the cross-member for holding the bag hanger device and a flexible bag attached thereto in a dispensing system; wherein the bag hanger device when inserted into the flexible bag having at least one pocket enables engagement of the closing device with the locking device and holds the flexible bag in a position to prevent collapse, wrinkling or deformation of the flexible bag.

Abstract: A bag hanger device for holding a flexible bag containing a flowable material having a multi-sided, D-shaped or circular frame; a cross-member having two ends wherein one end is attached to one side of the frame and an opposite end is unattached to the frame; a closing device attached to an opposite end of the cross-member; a locking device attached to the frame opposite the closing device and in alignment with the closing device attached to the cross-member; at least one hanging means attached to the cross-member for holding the bag hanger device and a flexible bag attached thereto in a dispensing system; wherein the bag hanger device when inserted into the flexible bag having at least one pocket enables engagement of the closing device with the locking device and holds the flexible bag in a position to prevent collapse, wrinkling or deformation of the flexible bag.

Abstract: Methods and apparati for screening compounds for agricultural activity has now been developed which employ e.g., intact plants grown in microtiter plates on very small amounts of plant growth media containing a test compound. In comparison to the standard greenhouse screen, the microscreen requires vastly less space, labor, and test compound. However, unlike in vitro screens, responses of intact plants are assayed. Using the microscreen, high-throughput screening of test compounds can be accomplished using whole plant responses as the assay.

Abstract: A method of extracting cellular components, e.g., nucleic acids, particularly DNA, from biological, especially solid tissue, samples, particularly from plants, is provided, whereby all of the steps can be performed in one vessel, and the entire process can be automated. A vessel suitable for this process is provided, as well as a system for the automated performance of the process steps.

Abstract: A layered yarn package is formed of continuous filament yarn wads wherein the yarn alternates between compacted and extended lengths by axially compacting the yarn into a length, segmenting the length into alternating extended and compacted lengths, then arranging the compacted lengths in a common axial direction one next to the other to form a layer. The segmenting is accomplished by jetting pressurized fluid onto the continuous filament yarn wads in a programmed manner.

Abstract: A layered yarn package is formed of continuous filament yarn wads wherein the yarn alternates between compacted an extended lengths by axially compacting the yarn into a length, segmenting the length into alternating extended and compacted lengths then arranging the compacted lengths in a common axial direction one next to the other to form a layer. The layer may be compressed. One or more layers may form the package.

Abstract: A layered yarn package is formed of continuous filament yarn wads wherein the yarn alternates between compacted and extended lengths by axially compacting the yarn into a length, segmenting the length into alternating extended and compacted lengths then arranging the compacted lengths in a common axial direction one next to the other to form a layer. The layer may be compressed. One or more layers may form the package.

Abstract: A layered yarn package is formed of continuous filament yarn wads wherein the yarn alternates between compacted and extended lengths by axially compacting the yarn into a length, segmenting the length into alternating extended and compacted lengths then arranging the compacted lengths in a common axial direction one next to the other to form a layer. The layer may be compressed. One or more layers may form the package.