Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for the automation of seed planting and analysis comprising automated planting of the seeds, germination, and analysis. The methods generally comprise conveying containers containing seeds to an automated seed planting station, wherein each container includes a machine-readable tag, planting at least some of the seeds in the container onto respective planting trays, wherein each planting tray includes a machine-readable tag, allowing the seeds to germinate, and analyzing the germinated seeds. The systems generally comprise a seed planting system and a planting verification and correction system. Also provided herein are backlit templates comprising a light source and a power interface configured to connect to a power source to power the light source.

Abstract: A portable video-photo machine for permitting a person being photographed to see how he or she will appear the photograph prior to the printing thereof. The machine comprises a collapsible housing having a video camara, video monitor, a still-frame apparatus, and photograph printing device associated therewith. The machine also comprises transporting means and a stand alone power source to facillitate its portability.

Abstract: A conditioning apparatus is provided for working of an upper surface layer of a dirt race track to form a cushion of loosened and uncompacted earth particles. The apparatus includes a rigid structural frame mounted on a single elongated supporting roller extending substantially the entire width of the apparatus. A plurality of transversely extending beams are fixedly secured to the frame and each carries a plurality of vertically extending earth working tines. The frame is vertically adjustable on the roller to a selected elevation and a leveling mechanism is interconnected between the frame and a towing bar to enable pivoting of the frame about the single roller to a horizontal plane when the towing bar is connected to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A process for making a fructose polymer mixture containing chiefly inulin and inulides with minor amounts of impurities is based on the finding that inulin is in a soluble metastable state at room temperature as it exists in the dahlia tuber. Novel steps in the process are the separation, without the use of heat or adding water, of the water soluble from the ground dahlia tuber within about 10 minutes after grinding, followed by separation by coagulation of protein color and flavor bodies by heating at the boiling temperature from 3 to 10 minutes. No chemical defecating agent, such as lime water is used or required. The resulting clear extract is concentrated to 40% to 70% solids. Dry product is recovered by crystallizing the concentrated extract at 1.degree. to 15.degree. C. The product differs from inulin in that the product, in addition to inulin, also contains inulides, protein, color, flavor bodies, and minerals.