Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for simultaneously imaging multiple views of a plant embryo. First, the method provides a camera for receiving a first view of a plant embryo (e.g., the top view). Second, the method provides a first reflecting surface for receiving and reflecting a second view of the plant embryo (e.g., the side view) toward the camera. Thus, the method permits simultaneously imaging both the first and second views of the plant embryo. In one embodiment, the method further provides a second reflecting surface for receiving and reflecting a third view (e.g., the end view) of the plant embryo toward the camera, so that the camera can simultaneously image the first, second, and third views of the plant embryo. The invention reduces the time required to obtain multiple views of an embryo, which can then be analyzed to classify the embryos according to their germination vigor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for three-dimensionally imaging an apical dome located at the cotyledon end of a plant embryo are provided. Three-dimensional information of an apical dome can be obtained by scanning the apical dome at varying focal planes along an axis of the embryo, or by using multiple cameras arranged in a confocal manner to image the apical dome. It can also be obtained by irradiating the apical dome with polychromatic light, wherein light beams of multiple wavelengths are focused at multiple focal planes along the axis of the embryo so that the dome's height information can be obtained based on the wavelength of the light precisely focused and reflected at each surface point of the dome. The three-dimensional information is used to ascertain various morphological features (e.g., size, shape, texture, etc.) of the apical dome, which are in turn used to assess the embryo's germinant vigor.

Abstract: A process for forming an ene reaction product wherein an enophile, such as maleic anhydride, is reacted with reactive polyalkene having a terminal vinylidene content of at least 30 mol. %, at high temperature in the presence of a free radical inhibitor. The polyalkenyl acylating agents are useful per se as additives in lubricating oils, functional fluids, and fuels and also serve as intermediates in the preparation of other products (e.g., succinimides) useful as additives in lubricating oils, functional fluids, and fuels. The presence of the free radical inhibitor during the high temperature reaction results in a reaction product that is low, or substantially free from sediment.

Abstract: A process for producing polyalkenyl acylating agent, wherein, upon completion of the thermal reaction of a polyalkene and an unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid or anhydride compound, the reaction mixture is allowed to cool to below the reaction temperature, an additional amount of unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid or anhydride compound is added to the cooled reaction mixture, which is then maintained in the reactor for a time period, optionally with agitation. Reducing the temperature of the reaction mixture prior to the introduction of additional unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid or anhydride compound minimizes further reaction between the additional unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid or anhydride compound and any remaining unreacted polyalkene, as well as self-polymerization of the unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid or anhydride compound.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of a pharmaceutical composition comprising p-hydroxyacetanilide and L-cysteine or a compound which is converted thereto in vivo comprises mixing p-hydroxyacetanilide and L-cysteine or its precursor in the solid state and then shaping the solid mixture.

Abstract: Sulphonates are prepared by the neutralisation of a sulphonic acid with a basic hydroxide or oxide. The process requires the staged addition of sulphonic acid to a reaction mixture comprising basic hydroxide or oxide dispersed in a water/diluent mixture; the reaction mixture is basic throughout the additions of acid and at least until the point of completion of the neutralisation reaction. The basic hydroxide or oxide may also be added in stages. The sulphonate product has low viscosity, low haze and good stability and is essentially chloride free as halide promoters are not utilised in the manufacture of the product.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of a pharmaceutical composition comprising p-hydroxyacetanilide and L-cysteine or a compound which is converted thereto in vivo comprises mixing p-hydroxyacetanilide and L-cysteine or its precursor in the solid state and then shaping the solid mixture.

Abstract: Sulphonates are prepared by the neutralization of a sulphonic acid with a basic hydroxide or Oxide. The process requires the staged addition of sulphonic acid to a reaction mixture comprising basic hydroxide or oxide dispersed in water/diluent mixture; the reaction mixture is basic throughout the additions of acid and at least until the point of completion of the neutralization reaction. The basic hydroxide or oxide may also be added in stages. The sulphonate product has low viscosity, low haze and good stability and is essentially chloride free as halide promoters are not utilized in the manufacture of the product.

Abstract: Poultry packed in a crate suitable for the transport of live poultry are passed into a chamber having an oxygen depleted atmosphere and held in the atmosphere for a sufficient period of time for the poultry first to lose consciousness and then to die as a result of the lack of oxygen in the atmosphere. The atmosphere typically comprises nitrogen or argon containing less than 1% by volume of oxygen. It is found that the birds so slaughtered exhibit less bone damage than poultry slaughtered by a conventional method including the step of electrically stunning the birds prior to slaughter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for blending, particularly liquid e.g. petroleum products. A number of qualities of the blended product are monitored, on line, to produce electrical signals representative of the respective qualities. The signals are operated on in a computer with a matrix which is an inversion of a matrix representative of the linear property indices of components of the blend to produce output control signals. The output control signals are fed to valves controlling the flow of components of the blend so as simultaneously to control the flow of all components to correct for any deviation of qualities without causing further deviations of other qualities of the blended product.