Abstract: A high-voltage charging arrangement (2) is provided for charging a traction battery (20) of an electric vehicle at a DC charging station (4). The DC charging station (4) has a first voltage (Vin) and the traction battery (20) has a second voltage (Vout). At least one DC-DC converter (10) has a first conduction path (12) with a converter (16) for transforming the first voltage (Vin) into the second voltage (Vout) and a second conduction path (14) has a bypass (18) for bypassing the converter (16). A control device (26) communicates with the DC charging station (4) is possible. An input element (28) is provided for selecting a conduction path (12, 14) and is connected to the control device (26) for control purposes. A method also is provided for performing a charging process for a traction battery (20) of an electric vehicle at a DC charging station (4).

Abstract: A high-voltage charging arrangement (2) is provided for charging a traction battery (20) of an electric vehicle at a DC charging station (4). The DC charging station (4) has a first voltage (Vin) and the traction battery (20) has a second voltage (Vout). At least one DC-DC converter (10) has a first conduction path (12) with a converter (16) for transforming the first voltage (Vin) into the second voltage (Vout) and a second conduction path (14) has a bypass (18) for bypassing the converter (16). A control device (26) communicates with the DC charging station (4) is possible. An input element (28) is provided for selecting a conduction path (12, 14) and is connected to the control device (26) for control purposes. A method also is provided for performing a charging process for a traction battery (20) of an electric vehicle at a DC charging station (4).

Abstract: A plant propagation system is described that can be utilized for micropropagation through early stages of plant development. A system can include multiple plant support matrices, containers for the matrices, and optionally a tool for separating sections of a plant support matrix from the remainder of the matrix. During use developing plant tissue can be transferred between matrices and growth media can be varied with little or no damage to developing plant tissue and lower chances for contamination of the developing plant tissues.

Abstract: A plant propagation system is described that can be utilized for micropropagation through early stages of plant development. A system can include multiple plant support matrices, containers for the matrices, and optionally a tool for separating sections of a plant support matrix from the remainder of the matrix. During use developing plant tissue can be transferred between matrices and growth media can be varied with little or no damage to developing plant tissue and lower chances for contamination of the developing plant tissues.

Abstract: A seed handling tool includes a handle connected to a working body. The working body includes a working surface, which further includes a plurality of seed retention points. A seed retention source is provided to allow the seed handling tool to pick up and retain seeds at the seed retention points. In some embodiments, the seeds may also be released from the seed retention points. A method for retaining a plurality of seeds by the seed handling tool includes moving the seed handling tool to a position where the working surface is adjacent to a plurality of seeds, and picking up and retaining seeds at a plurality of seed retention points fixed at the working surface. In some embodiments, the method may also include releasing the plurality of seeds from the seed retention points.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for applying a coating to an ear of corn are disclosed. An enclosure having a user accessible workspace and a motor to turn an ear of corn therein to apply a coating to the ear of corn rotated by the motor is also disclosed. The method includes providing an enclosure with a user accessible workspace for housing a motor assembly having a motor with a grip, releasably securing the ear of corn to the grip, rotating the ear of corn with the motor, and spraying the coating on the ear of corn with the coating applicator associated with the workspace. Each ear of corn has an identifier to track and index the ear corn during coating and drying.