Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the micropropagation of reed grasses, particularly Arundo donax. In addition, the present invention provides methods for the macropropagation of bamboo and reed grasses, which utilize a unique float bed system and apparatus. The advantages of the present invention are that desirable plant clones can be obtained for planting in plantations and the methods are much more cost and labor efficient than traditional propagation techniques.

Abstract: The invention consists of several novel solutions to overcome specific problems currently encountered in propagating bamboo. The invention consists of these novel solutions both individually and in combination.

Abstract: The invention consists of several novel solutions to overcome specific problems currently encountered in propagating bamboo. The invention consists of these novel solutions both individually and in combination.

Abstract: A control system is provided for efficiently regulating the discharge of material from a mobile material distribution device having a product tank or bin, a boom with at least one boom section, a plurality of outlet ducts (e.g., nozzles and/or distribution ports) associated with each boom section, shut-off valves for selectively enabling each boom section, and a selectively-movable control valve for regulating the flow of material to the boom sections. The control system includes a boom sensing input for monitoring whether the shut-off valves are open or closed (i.e., whether the associated boom sections are enabled or disabled), and a processing system for maintaining a substantially stable pressure level between the control valve and each shutoff valve by positionally locking the control valve at its last controlled position upon receiving a signal from the boom sensing input indicating the shut-off valves are closed.

Abstract: A universal modular control system for controlling a mobile material distribution apparatus is disclosed. The universal modular control system is adaptable for use with any of a plurality of distribution apparatus. It includes a control module for controlling the distribution apparatus and a user console for communicating with a user. The control module and user console are coupled via a data link.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the operation of a mobile distribution apparatus is disclosed. The disclosed control system includes an alarm tracking system wherein any errors noted by the control system are recorded in an addressable memory in chronological order. This addressable memory can be read out at any time in order to perform diagnostics and the like. In order to control the length of the list of errors generated by the system, the system will only record the same error three times. Upon the fourth occurrence of a given error, the oldest record of the error is deleted. In addition, the control system classifies errors into distinct categories and provides the user of the system with both audible and visual indications of the occurrence of an error.

Abstract: Displacement measuring apparatus for measuring the displacement and movement of an object includes a sensor having an operative surface and circuitry for producing an electrical output signal whose value is dependent upon the area of the operative surface covered by an electrical/magnetic field producing member. The apparatus also includes an elongate, flexible band capable of producing an electric/magnetic field, where the band is attached at one end to the sensor to roll over and cover or unroll from over and uncover the operative surface as the object whose displacement is to be measured is moved. The value of the electrical output signal produced by the circuitry is thus dependent upon the area of the operative surface covered by the band and thus by the position and movement of the object.

Abstract: Displacement measuring apparatus for measuring the displacement and movement of an object includes a sensor having an operative surface and circuitry for producing an electrical output signal whose value is dependent upon the area of the operative surface covered by an electrical/magnetic field producing member. The apparatus also includes an elongate, flexible band capable of producing an electric/magnetic field, where the band is attached at one end to the sensor to roll over and cover or unroll from over and uncover the operative surface as the object whose displacement is to be measured is moved. The value of the electrical output signal produced by the circuitry is thus dependent upon the area of the operative surface covered by the band and thus by the position and movement of the object.

Abstract: Displacement measuring apparatus for measuring the displacement and movement of an object includes a sensor having an operative surface and circuitry for producing an electrical output signal whose value is dependent upon the area of the operative surface covered by an electrical/magnetic field producing member. The apparatus also includes an elongate, flexible band capable of producing an electric/magnetic field, where the band is attached at one end to the sensor to roll over and cover or unroll from over and uncover the operative surface as the object whose displacement is to be measured is moved. The value of the electrical output signal produced by the circuitry is thus dependent upon the area of the operative surface covered by the band and thus by the position and movement of the object.

Abstract: Displacement measuring apparatus for measuring the displacement and movement of an object includes an array of sensors having an operative surface and circuitry for producing an electrical output signal whose value is dependent upon the disposition of an electrical/magnetic field producing member along the sensor array. The field producing member is disposed to contact and slide over the operative surface as the object whose displacement is to be measured is moved. The value of the electrical output signal produced by the circuitry is thus dependent upon the position of the field producing member along the sensor array and thus by the position and movement of the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and medium for the in vitro propagation of bamboo through organogenesis of vegetative explants from mature bamboo plants and somatic embryogenesis of the resulting organogenic callus. Optimal organogenesis is obtained by culturing vegetative explants from mature bamboo plants on first stage bamboo nutrient media comprising vitamins, MS salts, and supplemented with 1-naphthalemic acid, 6-benzylaminopurine and sucrose. Explants from the organogenic calli obtained from first stage media are cultured on second stage media (nutrient media comprising MS salts, vitamins, and supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 6-benzylaminopurine and sugar) to induce somatic embryogenesis.

Abstract: Displacement measuring apparatus for measuring the displacement and movement of an object includes a sensor having an operative surface and circuitry for producing an electrical output signal whose value is dependent upon the area of the operative surface covered by an electrical/magnetic field producing member. The apparatus also includes an elongate, flexible band capable of producing an electric/magnetic field, where the band is attached at one end to the sensor to roll over and cover or unroll from over and uncover the operative surface as the object whose displacement is to be measured is moved. The value of the electrical output signal produced by the circuitry is thus dependent upon the area of the operative surface covered by the band and thus by the position and movement of the object.

Abstract: Displacement measuring apparatus for measuring the displacement and movement of an object includes an array of sensors having an operative surface and circuitry for producing an electrical output signal whose value is dependent upon the disposition of an electrical/magnetic field producing member along the sensor array. The field producing member is disposed to contact and slide over the operative surface as the object whose displacement is to be measured is moved. The value of the electrical output signal produced by the circuitry is thus dependent upon the position of the field producing member along the sensor array and thus by the position and movement of the object.

Abstract: A field-based movement sensor adapted for measuring strain along a certain axis in an object on which the sensor is attached. The sensor includes a substrate having a working surface and formed with a pair of fingers projecting from a first direction, and a third finger projecting from a direction oppposite the first direction, to a position between the pair of fingers. The pair of fingers and third finger extend generally perpendicular to the axis along which strain is to be measured, with the pair of fingers being moveable with respect to the third finger along the axis when the strain occurs. An electrically charged element for producing an electric field is disposed on the working surface of the third finger, and a pair of field-effect transistors (FETS) are each disposed on a working surface of a different one of the pair of fingers.

Abstract: Apparatus for non-planar treatment of a workpiece utilizing exposure beam lithography includes a vacuum chamber, an exposure beam generator such as an electron beam generator disposed in the chamber for directing a beam towards a work location, a chuck disposed in the chamber for holding and positioning the workpiece at the work location, a rotary motorized stage disposed in the chamber and responsive to first control signals for selectively rotating the chuck, and thus the workpiece, to thereby expose different areas of the workpiece to the beam, and a linear motorized stage disposed in the chamber on which the rotary stage is mounted, said linear motor being responsive to second control signals for selectively moving the rotary stage and thus the chuck and workpiece in a linear direction which is generally parallel with the axis of rotation of the rotary stage. The workpiece is thus exposed over additional areas by operation of the linear stage.

Abstract: A field-based movement sensor adapted for measuring strain along a certain axis in an object on which the sensor is attached. The sensor includes a substrate having a working surface and formed with a pair of fingers projecting from a first direction, and a third finger projecting from a direction opposite the first direction, to a position between the pair of fingers. The pair of fingers and third finger extend generally perpendicular to the axis along which strain is to be measured, with the pair of fingers being moveable with respect to the third finger along the axis when the strain occurs. An electrically charged element for producing an electric field is disposed on the working surface of the third finger, and a pair of field-effect transistors (FETS) are each disposed on a working surface of a different one of the pair of fingers.

Abstract: A transducer for measuring strain in an object on which the transducer is placed includes a flexible, generally planar frame member for placement on the object. The frame member, in turn, includes a pair of generally parallel beams, one of which is moveable with respect to the other when the object is subjected to strain, and a plurality of spaced-apart laterally flexible connecting beams extending between the pair of beams. The transducer also includes a force field emitter disposed on the one moveable beam for producing a force field which diminishes in strength with distance from the force field emitter. A spacer plate is disposed on the other of said parallel beams and a substrate is disposed on the spacer plate so as to be be positioned above, but spaced from the frame member.

Abstract: A field-based movement sensor adapted for measuring strain along a certain axis in an object on which the sensor is attached. The sensor includes a substrate having a working surface and formed with a pair of fingers projecting from a first direction, and a third finger projecting from a direction opposite the first direction, to a position between the pair of fingers. The pair of fingers and third finger extend generally perpendicular to the axis along which strain is to be measured, with the pair of fingers being moveable with respect to the third finger along the axis when the strain occurs. An electrically charged element for producing an electric field is disposed on the working surface of the third finger, and a pair of field-effect transistors (FETS) are each disposed on a working surface of a different one of the pair of fingers.

Abstract: An eccentric motion motor includes a hollow cylindrical stator in which is positioned a cylindrical armature in rolling engagement with the stator. Elongate conductive strips are disposed in the inside wall of the hollow of the stator to extend substantially the length thereof, with the strips being circumferentially spaced about the stator hollow. The conductive strips are coupled to a commutator voltage source which applies a voltage to successive ones of the conductive strips to produce an electrostatic force which attracts the armature and causes it to roll in the hollow of the stator. The armature may be made either of a conductive material or a dielectric material.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the position and movement of an object in up to six desired degrees of freedom. The system comprises an armature which is provided with a distribution of electric charge. The armature may also include one or more magnetized regions. The system further comprises a base having components that may be actively controlled so as to cause a force to be exerted on the electric charge distribution of the armature. By appropriately controlling the components of the base, the position and movement of the armature with respect to the base can be selectively controlled.The base may also include passive electric and/or magnetic components which assist in stabilizing the armature in one or more degrees of freedom. In addition, the base may be provided with position sensors which provide position information to control circuitry such that the position and movement of the armature with respect to the base can be controlled automatically.