Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing fruit softening and cell wall polysaccharide degradation by inhibiting endo-1,4-.beta.-glucanase activity using antisense nucleic acid constructions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing fruit softening and cell wall polysaccharide degradation by inhibiting endo-1,4-.beta.-glucanase activity using antisense nucleic acid constructions.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel transgenic plants comprising antisense DNA constructs which inhibit expression of ethylene perception genes. The plants exhibit decreased levels of ethylene-mediated responses, such as fruit ripening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing fruit softening and cell wall polysaccharide degradation by inhibiting endo-1,4-.beta.-glucanase activity using antisense DNA constructions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing fruit softening and cell wall polysaccharide degradation by inhibiting endo-1,4-.beta.-glucanase activity using antisense DNA constructions.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an industrial robot (10) having a lifting or gripping arm (16) is provided with electrical switch means (44) whereby if a work piece extends too far into the lifting or gripping portion the machine is automatically turned off. In accordance with another feature of the invention, shear means (54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64) are provided in the lifting or gripping arms (30, 32) whereby if one or both arms abut an obstruction with sufficient force, the arm will shear off causing only minimal damage to the robot and protecting valuable gear mechanisms and control apparatus.

Abstract: A lock pin assembly (42) is movable axially to engage an opening (96,98,100) in a pin receiving portion (94) of an indexable apparatus (10). The apparatus (10) includes a first member (34) which carries the pin receiving portion (94) and a second member (36) which carries the lock pin assembly (42). The first and second members (34,36) are movable, one with respect to the other, and the lock pin assembly (42) serves to lock the members (34,36) against movement. The lock pin assembly (42) is secured to a moving means (44) which moves the pin assembly (42) into and out of engagement with the pin receiving portion (94). The first and second members (34,36) are subjected to severe loading and vibrations which attempt to move the first member (34) with respect to the second member (36). The lock pin assembly (42) resists the loading and vibrations and isolates the moving means (44) from bending loads imposed upon the pin assembly (42).

Abstract: A pivotal lock member (27) is secured to an earthworking apparatus (10) and a plurality of lock stations (28,29,30) are connected to a mounting assembly (21) which supports the earthworking apparatus (10) for rotation. The apparatus (10) can be rotated to a plurailty of angular positions and must be held against rotation in each position. The lock member (27) pivots in and out of engagement with the lock stations (28,29,30) to allow rotation or locking of the earthworking apparatus (10). The lock assembly (26) holds the earthworking apparatus (10) securely against rotary motion but allows some limited radial motion of the apparatus in a plane co-incident with a line of axial force generated by the operation of the earthworking tool (19).

Abstract: A ripper assembly (10) includes at least two ripper members (16,18) mounted in tandem relationship and adapted for connection to a vehicle (14). A linkage assembly (20) interconnects the ripper members. A hydraulic cylinder (44) is operable to raise and lower the linkage assembly (20) so that the leading ripper member (16) penetrates the ground first and thereafter the trailing ripper member (18) penetrates the ground, vertically below the leading ripper member. The ripper assembly insures efficient ground penetration and a self-cleaning function in comparison with conventional rippers of the multiple-tooth type.

Abstract: A shear assembly has frame means to which a first member is pivotally mounted. A second member comprising a blade is pivotally mounted to the first member, with the first and second members being positionable on opposite sides of the body of a tree. Extension of a cylinder interconnecting the second member and frame means provides a scissoring action of the first and second members to provide shearing of the tree. Means are included for providing that upon withdrawal of the second member from the body of the tree, the first member is also withdrawn therefrom.

Abstract: A tree shear assembly includes first and second blades pivotally connected to each other, and a toggle link system operatively connected with the first and second blades and in cooperative association with an extendible and retractable cylinder for closing and opening the blades.

Abstract: An electrical height control circuit for controlling the height of a plasma arc cutting torch includes a differential amplifier which compares a torch height detector voltage with an adjustable reference voltage for setting the torch height. In accordance with the invention an adjusting circuit is provided for changing the reference voltage to compensate for changes in the detector voltage caused by water or other material on the work piece to insure that the torch is maintained at the desired height above the work piece.

Abstract: A tree shear apparatus includes first and second blades, and linkage means interconnecting the blades so that the first blade makes a partial, relatively small cut of the tree and withdrawal from the tree while the second blade cuts through the tree so that the first and second blades together make a complete cut of the body of the tree.

Abstract: A delimber assembly suitable for use in a tree harvesting machine wherein the delimber assembly has a flexible blade structure for removing limbs from a tree, springs connected to oppositely disposed end portions of the blade for urging the end portions outwardly from the machine, and a movable support member for movably mounting an intermediate portion of the blade means so that the intermediate portion is permitted to float along the tree surface to accommodate crooked trees. A stop is preferably included to limit movement of the support member and thus the blade.

Abstract: A dual shear blade assembly for cutting through an article includes a frame having an outwardly opening article receiving slot therein, a first shear blade arrangement pivotally mounted on the frame and movable between an open position outwardly adjacent one side of the slot to a closed position within the slot, a second shear blade arrangement pivotally mounted on the frame and movable between an open position outwardly adjacent the opposite side of the slot to a closed position within the slot, a linkage apparatus which pivotally interconnectably couples the first and second shear blade arrangements for coordinated closing movement and separating opening movement thereof, and a motoring device pivotally connected to the frame and one of the first and second shear blade arrangements for powerably closing it, and thereby also the other one of said first and second shear blade arrangements for cleanly severing the article disposed in the slot.