Abstract: An apparatus includes a first member having a housing that encloses a power source and a controller, a second member coupled to the first member that is seeded with a target product, and a sensing module coupled to the first member to allow power from the power source to be transmitted to the sensing module and sensor data from the sensing module to be transmitted to the controller. The sensing module including a sensor oriented toward at least a portion of the second member. The sensor configured to obtain sensor data associated with at least one characteristic of the target product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the targeted insertion of a nucleotide of interest into a specific chromosomal site within a plant cell. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a plant cell, the plant cell optionally but preferably having a heterologous target site on a chromosome thereof, wherein said target site is flanked by at least one recombination site; and then (b) transforming said plant cell with a transformation vector (e.g., with an Agrobacterium transformation vector) carrying a nucleotide sequence of interest, wherein said nucleotide sequence of interest is flanked by at least one recombination site that corresponds to the recombination sites of said target site, so that said nucleotide of interest is inserted into said chromosome at said target site (when a target site is employed).

Abstract: A method for introducing a heterologous nucleic acid of interest into a plant to thereby produce a recombinant plant is carried out by (a) providing a recombinant nucleic acid of interest, the recombinant nucleic acid comprising the heterologous nucleic acid of interest, and preferably including (i) a matrix attachment region (MAR) positioned 5′ to the heterologous DNA, (ii) a MAR positioned 3′ to the heterologous nucleic acid of interest, or (iii) a MAR positioned 5′ to the heterologous nucleic acid of interest and a MAR positioned 3′ to the heterologous nucleic acid of interest; (b) providing meristem tissue of the plant of interest; (c) introducing the recombinant nucleic acid of interest into the meristem tissue; and then (d) propagating a recombinant plant from the meristem tissue, preferably by a direct propagation technique.

Abstract: A method for introducing a heterologous nucleic acid of interest into a plant to thereby produce a recombinant plant is carried out by (a) providing a recombinant nucleic acid of interest, the recombinant nucleic acid comprising the heterologous nucleic acid of interest, and preferably including (i) a matrix attachment region (MAR) positioned 5′ to the heterologous DNA, (ii) a MAR positioned 3′ to the heterologous nucleic acid of interest, or (iii) a MAR positioned 5′ to the heterologous nucleic acid of interest and a MAR positioned 3′ to the heterologous nucleic acid of interest; (b) providing meristem tissue of the plant of interest; (c) introducing the recombinant nucleic acid of interest into the meristem tissue; and then (d) propagating a recombinant plant from the meristem tissue, preferably by a direct propagation technique.

Abstract: A method of reducing gene silencing, increasing expression, and/or reducing expression variability of foreign DNA in plants or plant cells comprises providing a plant cell capable of regeneration; and then transforming the plant cell with a DNA construct comprising an expression cassette, which construct comprises, in the 5′ to 3′ direction, a first matrix attachment region, a transcription initiation region, a structural gene positioned downstream from the transcription initiation region and operatively associated therewith, and a second matrix attachment region, wherein the first and second matrix attachment regions are different.

Abstract: A nuclear scaffold attachment region isolated from a tobacco gene, and a method of making recombinant cells having increased levels of expression of foreign genes therein, are described. The method comprises transforming the cell with a DNA construct comprising in the 5' to 3' direction, a transcription initiation region, a structural gene positioned downstream from the transcription initiation region and operatively associated therewith, and a scaffold attachment region of the nucleotide sequence provided herein, positioned either 5' to the transcription initiation region or 3' to the structural gene. DNA constructs and vectors employed in carrying out the foregoing method are also discussed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making recombinant plant cells having reduced variability of expression and increased levels of expression of foreign genes therein. The method comprises (a) providing a plant cell capable of regeneration; (b) transforming the plant cell with a DNA construct comprising an expression cassette, which construct comprises, in the 5' to 3' direction, a transcription initiation region, a structural gene positioned downstream from the transcription initiation region and operatively associated therewith, and a scaffold attachment region positioned either 5' to the transcription initiation region or 3' to the structural gene, the expression cassette subject to the proviso that T-DNA borders are excluded therefrom. DNA constructs and vectors employed in carrying out the foregoing method are also disclosed, along with plant cells and plants produced thereby.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for separating two fluids having different specific gravities. The invention also relates to a method for using the separating apparatus of the present invention. This invention particularly relates to the skimming of molten lithium metal from the surface of a fused salt electrolyte in the electrolytic production of lithium metal from a mixed fused salt.

Abstract: An end effector for use with robotic arms and like devices that utilizes a flexible band to draw an object against an anvil having a concave surface. One typical convex surface is created by a V-block, with an apex of the V being centrally located. If an object to be grasped is fragile, the contour of the concave surface closely matches the surface of the object. Typically the movement of the band is effected by a linear actuator, with the anvil remaining fixed relative to a support base. Several embodiments are described that utilize variations in drawing the band toward the anvil, with one of these embodiments described in detail in the form of a fabricated unit. One embodiment includes a cover element that can be moved over an object after the grasping thereof, with this cover potentially serving various functions. Movement of the cover can be effected with a second linear actuator.