Abstract: Sedoheptulose 1,7-bisphosphatase (SBPase) is an enzyme catalyzing the reaction converting sedoheptulose 1,7-bisphosphate into sedoheptulose 7-phosphate. This enzyme is located in the chloroplast in leaves and stems. Overexpression of SBPase in transgenic plants is provided to improve plant yield by increasing leaf starch biosynthetic ability in particular and sucrose production in general. Deregulated variants of the enzymes are also provided.

Abstract: Amino acid and nucleotide sequences relating to the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) enzyme are described. The GDH enzymes described herein were discovered in the alga Chlorella sorokiniana in the form of seven different inducible isoenzymes. These isoenzymes are found in the algae as chloroplast-localized hexamers composed of alpha- and beta-subunits. Plants transformed with nucleotide sequences encoding the alpha- or beta-subunits of the enzyme show improved properties, for example, increased growth and improved stress tolerance. A heterohexamer having both &agr;- and &bgr;-subunits can have higher aminating:deaminating activity ratio than &agr;-homohexamers or &bgr;-homohexamers.

Abstract: The compounds of the invention are represented by the following general structure 1

Abstract: A method for forming a unitary polymeric projection or fastener comprising a thin, strong flexible backing, and a multiplicity of thin spaced hook members projecting from the upper surface of the unitary backing the method generally including extruding a thermoplastic resin through a die plate which die plate is shaped to form a base layer and spaced ridges, ribs or hook elements projecting above a surface of the base layer. When the die forms the spaced ridges or ribs the cross sectional shape of the hook members are formed by the die plate while the initial hook member thickness is formed by transversely cutting the ridges at spaced locations along their lengths to form discrete cut portions of the ridges. Subsequently longitudinal stretching of the backing layer (in the direction of the ridges on the machine direction) separates these cut portions of the ridges, which cut portion then form spaced apart hook members.

Abstract: A method for forming a unitary polymeric projection or fastener comprising a thin, strong flexible backing, and a multiplicity of thin spaced hook members projecting from the upper surface of the unitary backing the method generally including extruding a thermoplastic resin through a die plate which die plate is shaped to form a base layer and spaced ridges, ribs or hook elements projecting above a surface of the base layer. When the die forms the spaced ridges or ribs the cross sectional shape of the hook members are formed by the die plate while the initial hook member thickness is formed by transversely cutting the ridges at spaced locations along their lengths to form discrete cut portions of the ridges. Subsequently longitudinal stretching of the backing layer (in the direction of the ridges on the machine direction) separates these cut portions of the ridges, which cut portion then form spaced apart hook members.

Abstract: A method for forming a unitary polymeric projection or fastener comprising a thin, strong flexible backing, and a multiplicity of thin spaced hook members projecting from the upper surface of the unitary backing the method generally including extruding a thermoplastic resin through a die plate which die plate is shaped to form a base layer and spaced ridges, ribs or hook elements projecting above a surface of the base layer. When the die forms, the spaced ridges or ribs the cross sectional shape of the hook members are formed by the die plate while the initial hook member thickness is formed by transversely cutting the ridges at spaced locations along their lengths to form discrete cut portions of the ridges. Subsequently longitudinal stretching of the backing layer (in the direction of the ridges on the machine direction) separates these cut portions of the ridges, which cut portion then form spaced apart hook members.

Abstract: A dust or chip collection and diversion system is provided for a device having a cutting tool for performing a working operation on a workpiece. The position and orientation of the dust-receiving or dust-collecting opening remains constant with respect to the cutting tool regardless of the position or configuration of the device, the device having a movable blade or other cutting tool, thus greatly enhancing the dust collection effectiveness in any of a number of operational configurations. Such position and orientation of the dust-receiving opening is also independent of the movement or position of any adjustable or movable guard or workpiece-supporting fence.

Abstract: A dust or chip collection and diversion system is provided for a device having a cutting tool for performing a working operation on a workpiece. The position and orientation of the dust-receiving or dust-collecting opening remains constant with respect to the cutting tool regardless of the position or configuration of the device, the device having a movable blade or other cutting tool, thus greatly enhancing the dust collection effectiveness in any of a number of operational configurations. Such position and orientation of the dust-receiving opening is also independent of the movement or position of any adjustable or movable guard or workpiece-supporting fence.

Abstract: Amino acid and nucleotide sequences relating to the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) enzyme are described. The GDH enzymes described herein were discovered in the alga Chlorella sorokiniana in the form of seven different inducible isoenzymes. These isoenzymes are found in the algae as chloroplast-localized hexamers composed of alpha- and beta-subunits. Plants transformed with nucleotide sequences encoding the alpha- or beta-subunits of the enzyme show improved properties, for example, increased growth and improved stress tolerance. A heterohexamer having both &agr;- and &bgr;-subunits can have higher aminating:deaminating activity ratio than &agr;-homohexamers or &bgr;-homohexamers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capping a headed stem fasteners. The precursor web having a backing with a rear surface, a front surface, and a multiplicity of polymeric stems projecting distally from the front surface of the backing is fed into a variable nip between a heated member opposite a support surface. The support surface has a shape generally conforming to the contour of the heated member. The variable nip compressively engages the polymeric stems between the heated member and the support surface so that distal ends of the polymeric stems are deformed. The heated member can be a heated roll or a heated belt. The support surface may be a curved capping shoe or a belt shaped to create a particular nip profile.

Abstract: Amino acid and nucleotide sequences relating to the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) enzyme are described. The GDH enzymes described herein were discovered in the alga Chlorella sorokiniana in the form of seven different inducible isoenzymes. These isoenzymes are found in the algae as chloroplast-localized hexamers composed of alpha- and beta-subunits. Plants transformed with nucleotide sequences encoding the alpha- or beta-subunits of the enzyme show improved properties, for example, increased growth and improved stress tolerance. A heterohexamer having both &agr;- and &bgr;-subunits can have higher aminating:deaminating activity ratio than &agr;-homohexamers or &bgr;-homohexamers.

Abstract: A method of making a hook strip having J-shaped hooks that can be used as a mechanical fastener. The method includes using an initial substrate of material formed as an array of upstanding precursor stems having distal tips at their ends opposite a backing. In addition, a heat source adapted for heating and a mechanism for deforming stem tips is provided. The substrate is positioned relative to the heat source such that a portion of the upstanding stems on the array is heated. Subsequently, the substrate is moved to a position relative to the mechanism for deforming to create a hook strip of J-shaped hooks from the heated portion of the upstanding stems. In addition, an article of manufacture, made in accordance with the method, is provided which includes a hook portion of a hook-and-loop type of mechanical fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a precompression pump with a feature to evacuate air trapped in the pump chamber to thereby assist in priming the pump. In particular, the present invention relates to a precompression pump which uses mechanisms to create gaps of very small size to bridge two seals on a pump piston, in a way that the small size of the gaps allows the passage of trapped air, but because of the viscosity of any liquid in the pump chamber does not allow the passage of liquid past the seals on the pump piston. Flats which define a chord of the inner circumference of the cylinder wall can be used to create the appropriate gaps. In addition, the core creating the inner circumference can be photochemically etched to provide a roughened surface with asperities which create the appropriate gaps. The priming mechanisms preferably create air gaps around both seals of the pump piston.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capping a headed stem fasteners. The precursor web having a backing with a rear surface, a front surface, and a multiplicity of polymeric stems projecting distally from the front surface of the backing is fed into a variable nip between a heated member opposite a support surface. The support surface has a shape generally conforming to the contour of the heated member. The variable nip compressively engages the polymeric stems between the heated member and the support surface so that distal ends of the polymeric stems are deformed. The heated member can be a heated roll or a heated belt. The support surface may be a curved capping shoe or a belt shaped to create a particular nip profile.

Abstract: There is provided a method of capping mechanical fasteners from a web having an array of upstanding stems. A heated surface member is positioned opposite a support forming a nip into which the web is fed. The heated surface member has a series of laterally spaced elongated peak and valley structures such that more than one peak and valley structure contacts and deforms each stem structure. The peak and valley groove structures provided asymmetric elongation and deformation of top portion of the stem structures forming hook heads.

Abstract: Amino acid and nucelotide sequences relating to the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) enzyme are described. The GDH enzymes descnred herein were discovered in the alga Chlorella sorokinina in the form of seven different inducible isoenzymes. These isoenzymes are found in the algae as chloroplast-localized hexamers composed of .alpha.- and .beta.-subunits. Plants transfromed with nucleotide sequences encoding the .alpha.- or .beta.-subunits of the enzyme show imrpoved properties, for example, increased growth and improved stress tolerance.

Abstract: A finger grip for a mechanical fastener and a method of forming the same. The mechanical fastener has a backing layer of a thermoplastic resin with integral fastening members in a fastening member region and at least one protrusion in a finger grip region. The fastening members define a fastening member volume per unit area. The at least one protrusion defines a finger grip volume per unit area. The finger grip volume per unit area is substantially equal to the fastening member volume per unit area. The backing layer comprises a backing thickness in the fastening member region generally equal to a backing thickness in the finger grip region.

Abstract: Amino acid and nucleotide sequences relating to the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) enzyme are described. The GDH enzymes described herein were discovered in the alga Chlorella sorokiniana in the form of seven different inducible isoenzymes. These isoenzymes are found in the algae as chloroplast-localized hexamers composed of .alpha.- and .beta.-subunits. Plants transformed with nucleotide sequences encoding the .alpha.- or .beta.-subunits of the enzyme show improved properties, for example, increased growth and improved stress tolerance.

Abstract: There is provided a method of capping mechanical fasteners from a web having an array of upstanding stems. A heated surface member is positioned opposite a support forming a nip into which the web is fed. The heated surface member has a series of laterally spaced elongated peak and valley structures such that more than one peak and valley structure contacts and deforms each stem structure. The peak and valley groove structures provided asymmetric elongation and deformation of top portion of the stem structures forming hook heads.

Abstract: A mushroom-type hook strip that can be used in a hook-and-loop mechanical fastener. The hook strip comprises a homogeneous backing of thermoplastic resin and, integral with the backing, a high density array of hooks including stems projecting from the backing and circular disc shaped heads at the ends of the stems opposite the backing. The large number, small size, and shape of the heads on the hooks allow them to engage the fibers in conventional types of fabrics and non-woven materials that are not normally used as the loop portions of hook and loop fasteners.