Abstract: A permissioned blockchain, using off-chain storage, provides advantages over blockchains that rely on consensus and/or store information within the blockchain. Advantages include enhanced viability, compactness, and the ability to register material with distribution limitations (e.g., military classified). Examples create an immutable public record of data signatures that confirm when data is intact, without distributing the data itself, so that widespread availability of the blockchain (beyond those privileged to see the data) advantageously increases the size of the community that is able to detect spoofing or forgery attempts. A permissioning entity limits submissions to manage blockchain growth, foreclosing problematic material that may risk long-term viability.

Abstract: A permissioned blockchain, using off-chain storage, provides advantages over blockchains that rely on consensus and/or store information within the blockchain. Advantages include enhanced viability, compactness, and the ability to register material with distribution limitations (e.g., military classified). Examples create an immutable public record of data signatures that confirm when data is intact, without distributing the data itself, so that widespread availability of the blockchain (beyond those privileged to see the data) advantageously increases the size of the community that is able to detect spoofing or forgery attempts. A permissioning entity limits submissions to manage blockchain growth, foreclosing problematic material that may risk long-term viability.

Abstract: A permissioned blockchain, using off-chain storage, provides advantages over blockchains that rely on consensus and/or store information within the blockchain. Advantages include enhanced viability, compactness, and the ability to register material with distribution limitations (e.g., military classified). Examples create an immutable public record of data signatures that confirm when data is intact, without distributing the data itself, so that widespread availability of the blockchain (beyond those privileged to see the data) advantageously increases the size of the community that is able to detect spoofing or forgery attempts. A permissioning entity limits submissions to manage blockchain growth, foreclosing problematic material that may risk long-term viability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stemming a flower in which the flower stem is cut substantially simultaneously with attaching a flower pick to the flower stem, thereby eliminating the separate steps of cutting the flower stem and subsequently attaching a stem pick by combining these two operations. In another aspect of the invention, the flower stem is cut in an environment which displaces air from the region of the severed plant stem by submerging the portion of the plant stem in the region of severance under water or by subjecting it to a flow of water or a spray of water or other material which would prevent formation of an air gap in the vascular tissue of the plant and/or skinning over of the tubules. The flower stem may be cut under water and a pick applied under water or cut of the water or out of the water.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a stem pick to a flower stem wherein the stem pick has laterally directed fingers for wrapping around the stem of a flower. The apparatus includes means for positioning a stem pick into a position ready for attachment to the flower stem, means for attaching the stem pick to the stem of a flower, and pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of the stem pick fingers. The pressure adjusting means comprises a clutch mechanism having means for adjusting the torque applied to the means for attaching the stem pick to the stem of a flower.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stemming a flower in which the flower stem is cut substantially simultaneously with attaching a flower pick to the flower stem, thereby eliminating the separate steps of cutting the flower stem and subsequently attaching a stem pick by combining these two operations. In another aspect of the invention, the flower stem is cut in an environment which displaces air from the region of the severed plant stem by submerging the portion of the plant stem in the region of severance under water or by subjecting it to a flow of water or a spray of water or other material which would prevent formation of an air gap in the vascular tissue of the plant and/or skinning over of the tubules. The flower stem may be cut under water and a pick applied under water or cut of the water or out of the water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stemming a flower in which the flower stem is cut substantially simultaneously with attaching a flower pick to the flower stem, thereby eliminating the separate steps of cutting the flower stem and subsequently attaching a stem pick by combining these two operations. In another aspect of the invention, the flower stem is cut in an environment which displaces air from the region of the severed plant stem by submerging the portion of the plant stem in the region of severance under water or by subjecting it to a flow of water or a spray of water or other material which would prevent formation of an air gap in the vascular tissue of the plant and/or skinning over of the tubules. The flower stem may be cut under water and a pick applied under water or cut out of the water. The water or other material used for displacing air in the region of severance may contain a floral preservative or nutrient or bacteria stat or other material to help prolong the shelf life of the flower.

Abstract: A tool reach extender includes a pair of elongated, telescopically coupled, first and second, extension members and a locking assembly for releasably locking the members in a selected position. The second member is slidably received within the first member and also includes a locking hole defined therein. The preferred locking assembly includes a tubular housing coaxially mounted to the first member supporting a transversely shiftable locking pin for receipt in the locking hole for locking the members in a selected relative position.