Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for rapidly introducing genes into germplasm which involves the use of crossing, backcrossing, intense selection and agronomic trait selection. More specifically, the method comprises the steps of: (a) crossing two parents of two different species, one of the parents (the donor parent) contains the gene of interest; (b) backcrossing the resultant progeny with the parent not containing the gene of interest (recurrent parent) for two to four backcrosses; (c) performing intense selection on a segregating generation of the progeny from the backcrossing step; and (d) selecting final germplasm on the basis of desired agronomic traits. The present invention further relates to two new and distinctive high yielding Pima Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) Bollgard.RTM. cotton cultivars, designated 926 B Pima and 930 B Pima, which have been prepared in accordance with the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A coal/coke sample is heated under controlled circumstances as a step in determining content of volatile matter. The sample is placed in a crucible having a lid and which is suspended by means of a crucible holder in a heating cavity of a furnace. The invention provides precisely, mechanically guiding the crucible holder and crucible into and out of the cavity to prevent inadvertent touching of the cavity wall by the crucible and thus also to prevent possible dislodging of the lid and spoiling of the sample. The crucible holder is secured to a lid of the furnace, and the furnace lid is guided along upwardly extending guide rods. Lifting and lowering of the lid may be manually. Instead, it may be hydraulically or pneumatically.

Abstract: A cylindrical "shell and plug" assembly has the plug rotatably received within the shell. The plug has a central rear shaft and an engagement portion thereon. The engagement portion has a pie-shaped stop member and a pie-shaped engagement member. A connecting member rotatably held within the shell has an inner engagement that can engage the pie-shaped engagement member and an operation key slot capable of receiving an end of an operation key. The plug can be rotated until the engagement member is positioned behind the flange to retain the plug with the connecting member, and the plus can be rotated so that the engagement member can be positioned away from the flange, thereby permitting the plug to become disengaged from the connecting member.