Abstract: Novel bacterial isolates of B. thuringiensis are disclosed which have enhanced toxicity with respect to previously resistant or insufficiently susceptible insect species, including, but not limited to, Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera exigua, as well as certain secondary pests such as Trichoplusia ni. Such isolates may be characterized by their possession of a particular subset of the genes coding for the various B. thuringiensis &dgr;-endotoxin proteins and by a characteristic plasmid profile, or array, known to be associated therewith.

Abstract: Novel bacterial isolates of B. thuringiensis are disclosed which have enhanced toxicity with respect to previously resistant or insufficiently susceptible insect species, including, but not limited to, Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera exigua, as well as certain secondary pests such as Trichoplusia ni. Such isolates may be characterized by their possession of a particular subset of the genes coding for the various B. thuringiensis .delta.-endotoxin proteins and by a characteristic plasmid profile, or array, known to be associated therewith.

Abstract: An air-powered projectile launcher includes a housing defining a cylindrical launch tube for receiving a projectile and a cylindrical cylinder bore. A piston having an extending piston rod is sealingly movable within the cylinder bore and is coupled at its forward end to a coil spring. The piston rod extends rearwardly through a trigger and cocking mechanism which in turn is coupled to a pivotal pump handle. A ratcheting mechanism is operatively coupled between the pivoting pump handle and the piston rod to facilitate the incremental drawing motion of the piston rod and piston stretching the power spring. The trigger mechanism holds the piston rod against the force of the stretched spring until the user pulls the trigger into its release position. Thereafter, the stored energy of the spring drives the piston forward against the launch tube and projectile providing an air burst which launches the projectile.

Abstract: A doll with a rotatable head having oppositely positioned visible and hidden faces. One arm of doll may be rotated to load a torsion spring biasing the hidden face to an exposed position. The hidden face is held back by a detent. A pushbutton in the back of the doll may be pushed to release the detent so that the hidden face is suddenly moved to an exposed position by the torsion spring.