Abstract: Described is a method of measuring fiber digestion in ruminants and calibrating spectrophotometers using the measured fiber digestion values. The method includes the steps of harvesting rumen fluid from at least one ruminant animal and combining the rumen fluid with a primer composition comprising a carbohydrate. The rumen fluid and carbohydrate are then incubated in a sealed container until a pre-determined pressure is achieved within the sealed container. A plant matter sample is digested with the rumen fluid so treated. The digested sample is the measured for absorbance or reflectance using a spectrophotometer. The digestion values and the absorbance or reflectance values are then correlated to construct a standard curve for predicting fiber digestion values using spectrophotometric analysis, preferably NIRS analysis.

Abstract: Described is a method of measuring fiber digestion in ruminants and calibrating spectrophotometers using the measured fiber digestion values. The method includes the steps of harvesting rumen fluid from at least one ruminant animal and combining the rumen fluid with a primer composition comprising a carbohydrate. The rumen fluid and carbohydrate are then incubated in a sealed container until a pre-determined pressure is achieved within the sealed container. A plant matter sample is digested with the rumen fluid so treated. The digested sample is the measured for absorbance or reflectance using a spectrophotometer. The digestion values and the absorbance or reflectance values are then correlated to construct a standard curve for predicting fiber digestion values using spectrophotometric analysis, preferably NIRS analysis.

Abstract: A package for shipping fluorescent lamps comprising a rectangularly shaped first carton closed at both ends and containing said lamps within and being disposed inside a hexagonally shaped second carton or sleeve. The longitudinal axes of both cartons are parallel and two opposing sides of the first carton are parallel to and in proximate contact with the inside surface of two respective opposing sides of the second carton inside the second carton. The package contains two triangularly shaped and opposing cavities each of which contains a triangular shaped spacer to prevent rotation of the first carton within the second carton.

Abstract: A package for shipping fluorescent lamps comprising a rectangularly shaped first carton closed at both ends and containing the lamps within and being disposed inside a second rectangularly shaped carton with the longitudinal axis of both cartons parallel and the first carton being rotated inside the second carton such that the four longitudinal sides of the first carton contact the respective side wall inside the second carton to form four triangularly shaped cavities and wherein two of the cavities contain a triangularly shaped spacer to prevent rotation of the first carton within the second carton.

Abstract: A paperboard carton for simultaneously protecting and displaying a twin tube or U-tube type of fluorescent lamp which comprises a rectangular sleeve having a panel which fits into the longitudinal space separating the leg members, between the base of the lamp and the transverse member, to hold the lamp in place in the carton.

Abstract: A weeding tool includes a long metal handle and a metal head attached to the lower end of the handle. The head includes a metal annular, planar ring, the periphery of which includes a plurality of spaced trapezoidal teeth. The entire peripheral edge of the ring is sharpened, and the entire circular inner edge of the annular ring also is sharpened. A pair of cross-braces attach the ring to the lower end of the handle. The tubular metal member and the handle are inclined at an angle of approximately 38 degrees to the plane of the ring. In use, the annular ring is placed on a ground surface and the handle is raised or lowered to aim the front or rear portion of peripheral edge into the ground. As the front edge portion of the ring is pushed into and forward through the soil, it passes over the edge of the ring and through the opening in the ring.

Abstract: A boxboard carton for fragile articles such as a glass electric lamp is shaped so that when the object is within the carton the carton will have an octagonal shape and include intermediate supporting panels to engage one end of the lamp and an end closure construction such that end panels will engage the end of the lamp and inner locking panels will engage the sides of the lamp to form an interference fit between the carton panels and the lamp thereby preventing movement of the lamp relative to the carton.