Abstract: An inbred sweet corn line, designated I778S, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line I778S, to the plants of inbred corn line I778S and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing the inbred line I778S with itself or another corn line. The invention further relates to hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line I778S with another corn line.

Abstract: An inbred sweet corn line, designated I784S, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line I784S, to the plants of inbred corn line I784S and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing the inbred line I784S with itself or another corn line. The invention further relates to hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line I784S with another corn line.

Abstract: A system for laser marking a gemstone (10) is provided. A pulsed laser (20) generates a laser pulse (40) which is then directed towards a focusing element (60) through optical means (30). Lens (60) focuses the laser pulse into focused pulse (70). The focused pulse (70) is projected onto a surface of gemstone (80) which is mounted in fixture (90). A computer control system (110) allows a user to input and control a predetermined path of displacement between the gemstone (80) and the focused laser pulse (70).

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for a variable force solenoid for controlling the flow of a fluid in a housing having a bore for receiving the fluid flow, at least one port for exhausting the fluid flow, and a seat extending between the port and the bore. The solenoid includes a valve member disposed in the housing. In a closed position, the valve member is engaged with the seat, preventing fluid flow from the bore to the port. In an open position, the valve member is not engaged with the seat, allowing fluid flow from the bore to the port. A subassembly is disposed in the housing and surrounds a portion of the valve member for moving the valve member to its closed position. The subassembly has a movable armature for engaging the valve member, an annular member for attracting the armature, and a gap defined between the armature and the annular member. The gap is maintained by engagement of the armature by the valve member. A coil is disposed in the housing radially outward from the subassembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, and aspects thereof, and a method for the decomposition of organic material and/or micro-organisms in a solution. The apparatus and the method concerns the provision and irradiation of a semiconductor material in the presence of an applied voltage so as to ensure that electrons liberated by a photochemical reaction are transported away from the semiconductor material, so aiding decomposition of the organic material and or micro-organisms. Further the invention concerns the use of a thermally formed semiconductor film and/or an aerogel semiconductor film for the decomposition of organic material and/or micro-organisms; and also the use of a doped semiconductor film.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a conductive polymer which is highly transparent to visible light in at least one of its conductive and non-conductive states. A solution containing a monomer component and an electrolyte is introduced into an electrochemical cell and subjected to polymerization by cyclic voltammetry. The solution is maintained at a temperature within a range of from 0.degree. to -40.degree. C. inclusive. Prior to the polymerization, cyclic voltammetry is firstly performed at a potential below that at which anodic or cathodic polymerization may take place, anodic and cathodic limits (A) and (B) being held at respective values. A trace of current/voltage is monitored until the trace becomes stable, and thereafter the value of the limit (B) is progressively increased until the said value reaches a critical potential having a magnitude at which anodic or cathodic polymerization is initiated.

Abstract: Discharge tubes formed of metal fluoride gases are used in apparatus for emitting high frequency laser and fluorescent light. The discharge tubes are resistant to corrosion from halogen-containing gas mixtures subjected to high frequency excitation in the apparatus.

Abstract: A high-power, high-frequency discharge apparatus is disclosed. An electrical wave is guided toward the discharge region by a hollow waveguide that is coupled to a discharge electrode via a waveguide transition element. The waveguide transition element can be formed of various shapes. Obstacles placed in the waveguide provide impedance matching and minimize power reflected back toward the source. The obstacles may be movable to optimize impedance matching.

Abstract: In a high-frequency discharge apparatus utilizing a discharge tube positioned between an electrode and a ground plane, the electrode is shaped so as to increase the uniformity of the electric field across the discharge tube. Furthermore, a transmission line is formed between a conductor connected to the electrode and the ground plane, and impedance matching in the transmission line is provided by metal and/or dielectric tuning slugs inserted between the conductor and the ground plane.

Abstract: An optical harmonic microscope assembly and an examination method which provides for focusing lased coherent light as an incident beam onto a specimen, disposing the optical path of a microscope and the incident beam at a relative angle in a range which is at least as broad as 0.degree.-90.degree., blocking the fundamental frequency of the lased light and viewing light of a harmonic of said fundamental frequency generated by nonlinear diffraction by said specimen.

Abstract: For use with lettuce heads growing in double rows between furrows, there is provided a wheeled cart having a body adapted to be drawn along a furrow and carrying a radiant energy detector and an indicator, printer or readout for the detector, as well as a power supply and auxiliary equipment for the indicator and detector. One or a pair of outrigger bodies are articulated to and movable toward and away from the cart body. Each outrigger body runs between the lettuce heads in one of the double rows on opposite sides of the furrow. A source of radiant energy is located in one or both outrigger bodies and beams through the lettuce heads to the detector. Except when away from the cart body in operating position, the energy source is or the sources are shielded to block release of radiant energy. The source and detector locations may be interchanged.