Abstract: Methods for making substantially water-insoluble, water-swellable, non-regenerated, carboxyalkyl cellulose fibers, wherein the fibers have a surface having the appearance of the surface of a cellulose fiber, and wherein the fibers include a plurality of non-permanent intra-fiber metal crosslinks and a plurality of permanent intra-fiber crosslinks.

Abstract: System for conveying, mixing, leveling, and flaking dewatered pulp to produce pulp flakes suitable to be used in a dryer. The system produces a consistent flow rate of pulp and uniform pulp flakes in terms of pulp flake size and pulp flake moisture content. The system includes a rotating shaftless screw conveyor for mixing and conveying dewatered pulp. The system includes a belt conveyor. The pulp is deposited from the screw conveyor onto the moving belt conveyor through a chute. The system includes a rotary doctor. The pulp is leveled with the rotary doctor located above the belt conveyor to produce a substantially even rate of mass flow of pulp along a length of belt conveyor. Uniform and consistent quantities of pulp per unit time can then be fed from the belt conveyor to a pulp flaker that then translates into an even rate of pulp mass flow to the dryer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing cotyledonary pine embryos. The methods of the invention each include the step of culturing embryogenic pine tissue in, or on, a medium comprising a disaccharide and glucose to yield cotyledonary pine embryos, wherein the disaccharide and glucose are each present in the medium at a concentration of less than 3 percent. The present invention also provides cotyledonary pine embryos prepared by a method of the invention.

Abstract: Absorbent structures with nonwoven meltblown lyocell fiber webs are described which have excellent liquid distribution properties. The absorbent structures comprise at least two nonwoven meltblown lyocell fiber webs with superabsorbent polymer intermediate the two webs. Methods for making the structures are also described. The structures are particularly useful for use in disposable hygienic products.

Abstract: A metering head (20) for a sowing machine (22) is provided. The metering head includes a housing (40) and a metering disc (62) rotatably disposed within the housing. The metering disc includes a seed receptacle (78) substantially defining a perimeter of the metering disc and adapted to engage a seed (44) at any random position along the seed receptacle.

Abstract: A low-cost and efficient process producing improved organic electronic devices such as transistors that may be used in a variety of applications is described. The applications may include radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, displays and the like. In one embodiment, the improved process is implemented by flash annealing a substrate with an energy having wavelengths ranging from about 250 nm to about 1100 nm or higher. In this flash annealing process energy having wavelengths from about 250 nm to about 350 nm or higher is substantially prevented from irradiating the substrate.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a fluid dispensing pump interchangeably connected to a fluid dispensing pump manipulator that is capable of translating the fluid dispensing pump between two known positions along the Z-axis, and at least one open ended container, such as a seedcoat, disposed below the fluid dispensing pump for receiving fluid therefrom. The fluid dispensing system further includes a controller. The controller 30 sends control signals for automating the fluid dispensing process.

Abstract: A method for making crosslinked fibers containing cellulose fibers in which an aqueous solution comprising a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer in water is treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a gel; the gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide mixed polymer fibers; cellulose fibers are added to the mixed polymer fibers; and these fibers are treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked fibers.

Abstract: Methods are provided for rapidly simulating “in-service” warp distortion of a wood product. Methods are also provided for rapidly estimating shrinkage properties of a wood product by using electromagnetic energy to dry and redistribute absorbed water in the wood product.

Abstract: A lock assembly (100) is provided. Such a lock assembly includes a housing (120) and a pin assembly (129) disposed within the housing. The pin assembly is selectively actuatable between a locked position, where a pin (140) is displaced into engagement with first and second frame members (104 and 106), and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A framing bracket is provided. The framing bracket includes a frame having a leg extending from a support arm. The framing bracket also includes a locking bracket attached to one end of the frame and an anchoring bracket attached to a second end of the frame. The locking bracket is affixed to the frame at a non-normal angle relative to a longitudinal axis extending through the leg such that the locking bracket is locked to a framing member of a building and the anchoring bracket supports the second end of the leg against the framing member when the framing bracket is removably attached to the framing member and the framing bracket is in a locked position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an artificial seed (20) is provided. The method includes transporting a seed shell (22) to a media fill station (300) and depositing media (26) into the seed shell. The method also includes sealing (28) the media within one end of the seed shell, depositing an embryo (42) within the seed shell, and sealing (44) the embryo within the seed shell.

Abstract: The method is provided that identifies warp orientation of a wood product in an automated or semi-automated process, and affixes the wood product with indicia that will assist the end user, such as a framing carpenter, a finish carpenter, a trim carpenter, etc., with improved wood product application, e.g., studs, beams, joists, molding, etc, and in-service placement. e.g., location and orientation. Wood products with warp orientation indicia are also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an artificial seed blank (20) is provided. The method includes placing a seed shell (22) on one of a plurality of receptacle (72) containing an end seal formation material (218) at the first assembly station. The method also includes forming an end seal (200) at one end of the seed shell by permitting the predetermined amount of an end seal formation material to change state. Further, the method includes depositing media (26) into the seed shell and positioning the seed shell at a second assembly station. The method also includes removing the seed shell from the receptacle at the second assembly station.

Abstract: Methods for blending first and second fibers to provide fiber blends that include blended fiber flocs composed of a substantially homogeneous blend of first and second fibers.

Abstract: A method of forming an organic inverter includes providing a first metal layer having a first portion for coupling a source of an OFET to a first power supply voltage, a second portion for coupling a drain of the OFET to an output terminal and a first load resistor terminal, and a third portion for coupling a second load resistor terminal to a second power supply voltage, providing a semiconductor layer for overlapping a portion of the first and second first metal layer portions to form an OFET active area, and for overlapping a portion of the second and third metal layer portions to form a toad resistor, providing a dielectric layer for overlapping the active area of the OFET and the semiconductor area of the load resistor to isolates the first metal layer and semiconductor area from the second metal layer, and providing a second metal layer for overlapping the active area of the OFET to form a gate of the OFET and an input terminal.

Abstract: A method of forming an organic inverter includes providing a first metal layer having a first portion for coupling a source of a first OFET to a first power supply voltage, a second portion for coupling a drain of the first OFET to an output terminal and to a source of a second OFET, and a third portion for coupling a drain of the second OFET to a second power supply voltage, providing a semiconductor layer for overlapping a portion of the first and second first metal layer portions to form a first OFET active area, and for overlapping a portion of the second and third metal layer portions to form a second OFET active area, providing a dielectric layer for overlapping the active area and isolates the first metal layer and semiconductor layer from the second metal layer, and providing a second metal layer for overlapping the active area of the first OFET to form a gate of the first OFET and an input terminal, and for overlapping the active area of the second OFET to form a floating gate for the second OFET.

Abstract: Bleached and unbleached pulps are treated with an enzyme in one or more stages of the bleaching process to yield a low DP pulp suitable for lyocell manufacture. This allows higher throughput of fiber an economy of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatus, and imaging systems for using near-infrared spectroscopy imaging of plant embryos for classifying plant embryos. In one embodiment, a method is provided for classifying a plant embryo of an unknown type based on near infrared spectroscopy imaging.

Abstract: A container-forming assembly for forming a container from a container blank generally includes an active mandrel configured for movement from a first position to a second position, and a forming chamber cooperatively configured to receive the active mandrel when the active mandrel is moving toward the second position.