Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing the quality of a seed lot utilizes image analysis equipment to generate an indication of seed quality. In one method, the quality of the seed lot may be determined by generating an image of a plurality of seedlings grown from a plurality of seeds selected from the seed lot, determining the leaf surface area of each of the seedlings from the image, determining the total leaf surface area of the seedlings from the image, determining a surface area threshold relating to the leaf surface areas of a plurality of the seedlings, determining the proportion of the seedlings which have a leaf surface area that exceeds the surface area threshold, and generating an indication of seed quality based upon that proportion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing the quality of a seed lot utilizes image analysis equipment to generate an indication of seed quality. In one method, the quality of the seed lot may be determined by generating an image of a plurality of seedlings grown from a plurality of seeds selected from the seed lot, determining the leaf surface area of each of the seedlings from the image, determining the total leaf surface area of the seedlings from the image, determining a surface area threshold relating to the leaf surface areas of a plurality of the seedlings, determining the proportion of the seedlings which have a leaf surface area that exceeds the surface area threshold, and generating an indication of seed quality based upon that proportion.

Abstract: A combustion air system for fireplaces capable of introducing outside air to the firebox of a fireplace in a position for efficient distribution within the firebox. The system includes both manual and thermostatic operation for controlling the quantity of combustion air reaching the firebox. The system employs the existing ash trap as the source of combustion air thereby allowing the installation of this improved combustion air system without structural modification of the firebox and without interference with the normal use of the ash trap. The system includes a domed chamber which is substituted for the ash trap door and a draft controlling damper for controlling the quantity of combustion air. The damper is controlled by a manual push rod extending from the exterior of the fireplace to the firebox and engages the same damper.

Abstract: An automatic buttonholing device which uses a specially modified presser foot into which electrical contacts are inserted for actuating an electromechanical buttonholing assembly. The operator places small conductive markers on the fabric at the top and bottom of the desired buttonhole location. When the contacts on the presser foot ride over the markers, a circuit is completed and proper steps in the buttonholing sequence are initiated.

Abstract: An automatic buttonhole sizing device for sewing machines which includes a sensing wheel which by resting on the material being sewn, turns as the material is fed and has a rotatable setting ring which programs the size of the buttonhole. Incorporated in the sensing wheel are one fixed and one movable tab for holding any one of many buttons of various sizes therebetween, wherein the size of the button determines the position of the movable tab. The movable tab is so associated with the setting ring of the sensing wheel that when the two tabs are positioned touching opposite sides of a button by rotating the setting ring, the size of the buttonhole is automatically determined from the final positioning of the setting ring.

Abstract: In a sewing machine in which any one of a variety of stitch patterns, each of which may have a different number of successive needle penetrations, may be produced repetitively, an operator influenced control is disclosed capable of limiting the operation of the sewing machine to the stitching of a single execution of any selected stitch pattern. After the stitching of the single pattern has been completed, further operation of the sewing machine is inhibited by suspension of needle reciprocation, needle jogging and work feed motion.