Abstract: Methods, apparati, and computer-readable media for providing authorization and other services. In a preferred embodiment, an authorization service includes both a messaging specification and a set of rules that govern its use. A first customer wishing to use the authorization service prepares a request that complies with the service's messaging specification and transmits it to a first participant. The first participant transmits the request to a second participant, which processes the request according to authorization information provided by a second customer and rules that have been specified for the service. The second participant then prepares a response that complies with the service's messaging specification.

Abstract: A compact, high-sensitivity magnetometer, including: an optical interface to accept a linearly polarized first light; a pump light source to produce a circularly polarized pump light; a vapor cell comprising a sealed vessel containing an alkali-metal gas, a first input port to receive the first light, a second input port to accept the pump light from a direction perpendicular to the first light, and an output port configured to produce a second light; an electromagnetic source configured to apply an electromagnetic field to the vapor cell at a direction perpendicular to the first light and the pump light; a second linear polarizer, having an axis of polarization perpendicular to the first light, the second polarizer configured to receive the second light and to produce a third light; and a photodetector configured to receive the third light, to produce an intensity measurement of the third light.

Abstract: A collapsible food-straining device made of a resilient material is disclosed. When in use, the strainer is in an unstable extended configuration. When not in use, the strainer can be easily stored in drawers or small spaces in a contracted configuration.

Abstract: A handle grip useful for securing to domestic tools such as utensils and cleaning apparatus, comprising a spine, and at least one wing extending from the spine, said wing being deformable. In preferred embodiments the handle grip comprises more than one deformable wing, with said wing or wings preferably being capable of moving in a substantially arcuate path toward the spine.

Abstract: Methods, apparati, and computer-readable media for providing authorization and other services. In a preferred embodiment, an authorization service includes both a messaging specification and a set of rules that govern its use. A first customer wishing to use the authorization service prepares a request that complies with the service's messaging specification and transmits it to a first participant. The first participant transmits the request to a second participant, which processes the request according to authorization information provided by a second customer and rules that have been specified for the service. The second participant then prepares a response that complies with the service's messaging specification.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing authorization and other services. In a preferred embodiment, an authorization service is defined that includes both a messaging specification and a set of rules that govern its use. A first customer wishing to use the authorization service prepares a request that complies with the service's messaging specification and transmits it to a first participant. The first participant transmits the request to a second participant which processes the request according to authorization information provided by a second customer and rules that have been specified for the service. The second participant then prepares a response that complies with the service's messaging specification.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing authorization and other services. In a preferred embodiment, an authorization service is defined that includes both a messaging specification and a set of rules that govern its use. A first customer wishing to use the authorization service prepares a request that complies with the service's messaging specification and transmits it to a first participant. The first participant transmits the request to a second participant which processes the request according to authorization information provided by a second customer and rules that have been specified for the service. The second participant then prepares a response that complies with the service's messaging specification.

Abstract: A method for producing a transformed fruit plant which produces ripened fruit with improved flavor as compared to ripened fruit produced by its parental plant, said method comprising;stably transforming explants of said parental plant with at least one DNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding alcohol dehydrogenase II (ADH2) or a functional portion thereof operably linked to a suitable promoter sequence, such that transformed fruit plants grown from said explants express said DNA molecule(s) in fruit tissue, andselecting a transformed fruit plant which produces ripened fruit with improved flavor as compared to ripened fruit produced by said parental plant.

Abstract: An isolated DNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an inducible soft fruit promoter, particularly the alcohol dehydrogenase 2 promoter from tomato, is described. Isolated DNA molecules encoding the alcohol dehydrogenase 2 enzyme are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated DNA sequence which encodes at least part of the tomato enzyme endopolygalacturonase PG1 beta-subunit. This DNA sequence preferably encodes a polypeptide, the N-terminal amino acid sequence of which is: E-K-H-S-G-D-I-H. In other preferred forms of the invention the DNA sequence encodes a polypeptide which includes one of the following amino acid sequences: E-K-H-S-G or N-Y-G-Q-X-F-N-E-G. The DNA sequence of the present invention may be used to produce genetically engineered tomato plants with modified ripening characteristics.

Abstract: A folding portable play enclosure for children includes a plurality of panels connected in a series in an accordion-fold manner by a plurality of folding joints. The panels are formed by cardboard sheets sandwiched between inner and outer flexible vinyl layers. The folding joints are formed by the provision of spaces between the ends of each adjacent pair of cardboard sheets in the series. First indicia on one face of each of the panels simulates an exterior appearance of a home and includes trees, exterior windows, exterior doors, and fences, for example. Second indicia on an opposite face of the panels simulates an interior appearance of a home and includes furniture, interior windows, interior doors, and bookshelves, for example. Cooperating snap fasteners allow the enclosure to be selectively secured in an erected orientation forming a closed play space or in a compact collapsed orientation for transportation and storage.