Abstract: The invention relates to novel maize plants, seeds and compositions, as well as improvements to maize plant breeding and methods for creating modifications in maize plant genomes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing a rechargeable battery in a self-charging electronic device from being charged while the electronic device is resting in a charging cradle comprising placing an isolation element between a first set of electrical contacts on a charging cradle and a second set of electrical connections on a self-charging device. The isolation element preferably comprises a material with a sufficiently high dielectric constant to prevent current from flowing from the first set of electrical contacts to the second set of electrical contacts. Therefore, the rechargeable battery is not subjected to a constant recharging current flow which can limit the total recharge capacity of the battery.

Abstract: A post-mix soft drink dispenser includes, in the feed water supply, a reverse osmosis unit for treating the inlet water and a carbonator for adding carbon dioxide to the treated water. The use of RO water provides a better tasting soft drink, allows the use of substantially less soft drink syrup or a combination thereof. An ingredient water tap downstream of the reverse osmosis unit allows the use of RO water in recipes, particularly for baked products, providing surprising results.

Abstract: An improved coin operated vacuum cleaner canister with coin mechanism is disclosed. A blank having a polygonal or rectangular opening is rolled into a canister sidewall. A frame comprising a plurality of straps defining a polygon with an open side is mounted within the opening in the sidewall with the frame depending from the opening into the interior of the canister. A coid mechanism enclosure is detachably mounted to said frame such that a coin mechanism and coin container are receivable within the enclosure. The enclosure includes a flange which surrounds the opening of the enclosure and overlies the sidewall surrounding the opening in the sidewall. The flange is curved generally codiametrically to the sidewall. An alternative embodiment provides a coin duct disposed within the canister for passage of coins handled by the coin mechanism from the coin mechanism into a vault mounted in the base on which the vacuum cleaner is mounted.