Abstract: There is described a method of separating an asparaginase rich fraction from a thermophilic microoganism and then to divide this fraction into its D- and L-asparaginases. Substantially pure crystals of the D-asparaginase were obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus for flame peeling onions comprises a pair of parallel spaced apart rails along which onions are conveyed by a worm conveyor having a central shaft mounted above and parallel to the rails and having a periphery formed by helical teeth positioned in close proximity to the rails. Curved guards extend outwardly and upwardly from the rails adjacent to the worm conveyor periphery and direct onions displaced from the rails back onto them. A plurality of gas burners located directly below the rails are adapted to scorch the skins of onions being conveyed on the rails. Onions are loaded singly onto the rails from a container by a rotatable wheel having peripheral scoops, the wheel being mounted so that the scoops pass through and collect onions from the container and deposit them onto a chute leading to the rails.

Abstract: A precision sower is described which has the capability of sowing seeds in single in rows parallel to the direction of travel of the sower and in parallel rows normal to the direction of travel. The sower cimprises a hollow rotatable drum provided with series radial holes, each series being in the same plane, and an internal source of vacuum. Pins positively displace seeds from the holes at a predetermined point in the rotation of the drum. The pins are actuated by a cam surface during normal rotation of the drum. The sower can be used in association with rollers, coulters and other implements to assist in the sowing operation.