Abstract: The present invention provides a molecular mechanism for gene containment in sexually reproducing transgenic plants. The mechanism is achieved with a molecular construct comprising a blocking construct (BC) that is inserted fully or partially into an intron of a transgene of interest (TGI). The TGI encodes desired gene products, such as heterologous or homologous proteins, peptides or other useful products. The expression of the BC leads to block of at least one molecular or physiological function that is essential for development or reproduction of the transgenic plant. Thereby the BC expression leads to death or incapacity of sexual reproduction of the plant. Moreover, the mechanism comprises an externally applicable recovering tool to recover the functions blocked by the BC. The recovering tool may be a recovering construct (RC).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the conditional or regulated expression of a site-specific recombinase using split intein-mediated protein splicing. This enhances the temporal and tissue-specificity of trait gene expression and allows for fine tuning of expression specificity.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of plant genetics and biochemistry. More specifically, the invention relates to genes associated with the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway. The present invention provides and includes nucleic acid molecules, proteins, and antibodies associated with the genes of the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway. The present invention also provides methods for utilizing such agents, for example in gene isolation, gene analysis and the production of transgenic plants. Moreover, the present invention includes transgenic plants modified to express proteins associated with the tocopherol pathway. In addition, the present invention includes methods for the production of products from the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids and proteins associated with lipid and sugar metabolism regulation are provided. In particular, the present invention provides lipid metabolism proteins (LMP) and encoding nucleic acids originating from Helianthus annuns. The sunflower LMP nucleic acids and proteins are used in methods of producing transgenic plants and modulating levels of total fatty acids in seeds of the transgenic plants transformed with an expression cassette designed to express the sunflower LMP.

Abstract: An ethylene-responsive transcription co-activator (MBF) acts on ethylene-responsive transcription factors (ERFs), which positively controls the expression of ethylene-responsive plant genes. A plant is transformed by the gene of the co-activator, and a promoter that may increase or decrease responsiveness to ethylene depending on its alignment. A method for controlling the responsiveness of plants to ethylene transforms a plant comprising an ERF-dependent gene, which positively control the expression of ethylene responsive genes of plants. This transcription co-activator gene is applied to control ethylene response of plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the modification of galactomannans present in the green coffee bean by reducing the endogenous level of ?-D-galactosidase activity. In particular, the present invention pertains to a plant cell with reduced ?-D-galactosidase activity and to a plant harboring such a plant cell.

Abstract: The field of the invention is inducible gene expression systems wherein expression is controlled by a novel ecdysone or ultraspiracle receptor or its derivatives. The field particularly relates to the isolation and characterization of nucleic acid and polypeptides for a novel ecdysone receptor and a novel ultraspiracle receptor. The nucleic acid and polypeptides are useful in novel gene expression systems inducible with ecdysone or derivative receptor agonists.

Abstract: The invention relates to plant transcription factor polypeptides, polynucleotides that encode them, homologs from a variety of plant species, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides to produce transgenic plants having advantageous properties compared to a reference plant. Sequence information related to these polynucleotides and polypeptides can also be used in bioinformatic search methods and is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated plant-derived polyamine metabolism-related enzyme genes characterized in that their level of expression changes when exposed to environmental stress; antisense DNA or antisense RNA to such genes; plants and their progeny having improved environmental stress tolerance, in which such genes are retained in a stable manner; methods for producing such plants, and methods for producing calli of such plants; method for selecting transformed plants which grow improved more than plants lacking an exogenous polyamine metabolism-related enzyme gene; and microorganims and plants which are transformed by such genes

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved transformation and regeneration system for wheat. In particular, the invention relates to enhancements in the glyphosate selection system. The transformation method is efficient and reliable for production of fertile plants with improved agronomic qualities.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a plant lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferases. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the plant lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferases, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the plant lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferases in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inducing tissue-specific expression, which includes preparing an expression vector having a promoter. The promoter includes any one of the following DNAs (a) to (c): (a) a DNA, which includes the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; (b) a DNA, which includes the nucleotide sequence ranging from nucleotides 1344 to 2843 of SEQ ID NO: 1; and (c) a DNA, which is a DNA fragment that can hybridize under stringent conditions to a DNA fragment including a nucleotide sequence fully complementary to the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein (a), (b) or (c) can control the transcription of a coding sequence located downstream thereof; and wherein the stringent conditions are 5×SSC at 42° C.; The expression vector, also, includes a coding sequence located downstream of the promoter.

Abstract: An SOS gene has been isolated through PCR cloning from Thellungiella halophila and is designated TSOS1. The polynucleotide encodes a transmembrane protein with similarities to plasma membrane Na+/H+ antiporters from bacteria and fungi. The invention encompasses the TSOS1 gene, the corresponding protein, closely related polypeptides that confer salt tolerance, and related polynucleotides that encode a polypeptide that has Na+/H+ antiporter activity.

Abstract: A tetraploid watermelon inbred 90-4194 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds and plants of tetraploid watermelon inbred 90-4194, the methods of propagating the tetraploid inbred 90-4194 through seeds and tissue culture. The invention also relates to methods of producing the triploid seedless watermelon seeds and plants by crossing inbred 90-4194 with diploid watermelon inbreds, and to the triploid plants produced therefrom. The invention further relates to the methods of developing new tetraploid lines by using tetraploid inbred 90-4194 as breeding material, and to tetraploid watermelon seeds and plants produced therefrom.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated MT000792 with high yield potential and tolerance to Roundup™ herbicide, further including the plants and seeds of the cultivar MT000792, methods for producing a soybean plant by crossing the cultivar MT000792 with itself or another soybean plant. The invention also relates to soybean cultivar MT000792 further comprising one or more single gene traits, and to methods of producing a soybean having such traits by introgression, transformation or mutagenesis. The invention also includes using the soybean cultivar MT000792 to produce other soybean cultivars, breeding lines, and progeny.

Abstract: An automatic player piano is broken down into an acoustic piano and an automatic playing system, and solenoid-operated key actuators are driven to rotate the black/white keys of the acoustic piano; the space between the keyboard and the array of black/white keys is so narrow that the manufacturer provides the solenoid-operated key actuators in the space below the key bed; plunger holes are formed in the rear portion of the key bed, and the solenoids occupy the space under the key bed so that the plungers project through the plunger holes into the space beneath the rear portions of the keys; the key bed is does not lose the mechanical strength so that the tuning work is not frequently required for the key action units.

Abstract: A multi-function plectrum includes a substantially triangularly shaped body. The body includes a first leg, a second leg and a third leg. The first leg includes a rounded edge. The second leg includes a rounded edge. One end of the first leg is joined to one end of the second leg. A picking projection extends from the other end of the second leg. The picking projection comes to a substantial point and tapers gradually to meet a thickness of the body. A taping projection extends from the other end of the second and third legs. Material is removed from substantially a middle of the body on at least one side to create a cavity for a finger or thumb. The body is fabricated from a non-flexible material, such as glass, porcelain, stone, granite resin composite, a gemstone, steel, synthetic polymer resin or any other suitable material.

Abstract: A specialized at least bilayered device similiformic with the fretboard/fingerboard/keyboard of an instrument is designed to be removingly disposed between the strings and fretboard or frets of the instrument and prevents or mitigates fret damages (from, for example, dimpling or string grooving) owing to string pressures—such as during transport and storage of the instrument in a case or other. Fret integrity and active or functional life is extended in an industrially efficient, economical and elegant way heretofore uncontemplated and/or commercially realized.

Abstract: This is a device to secure a slide to a slide guitar so that an individual may always have access to the means to play the instrument.

Abstract: A mechanical page turner using a removable rack with space page turning bars operated by preloading the rack with pages of a musical score or the like, mounting the rack in the page turning apparatus and then moving the rack by a spiral rod driven by an electric motor from one portion of the apparatus to another.

Abstract: An automatic player piano is equipped with solenoid-operated pedal actuators for driving the pedals in a playback; since a large quantity of induction is coupled to the solenoid, the driving signal is delayed due to long time constant so that the pedals behave differently from those in the original performance; a controller, which is incorporated in the automatic player, firstly determines a target mean current of the driving signal to be theoretically required for the reproduction of the pedal motion, and a temporary means current twice as much as the target mean current at the maximum; the controller supplies the driving signal at the temporary mean current to the solenoid in an early stage of each cycle, and, thereafter, recovers the driving signal to the target mean current so that the pedal motion becomes close to that in the original performance.

Abstract: A disc for use in an apparatus for signal processing, wherein the disc during its use is placed on the turntable and is provided with a groove which can be followed by the pick-up element, and which comprises a time-code signal wherein during use of the disc the said time-code signal controls the digital audio source.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic musical instrument which is capable of muting by a simple operation. A plurality of fret operating elements are provided on a fingerboard, for determining the pitch. Six stringed operating elements for determining sounding timing are provided on a string input section of the body of the electronic musical instrument. A tone generator and a sound system generate musical tones according to operations of the fret operating elements and the stringed operating elements. A mute fingerboard larger in transverse size than the transverse region over which the six stringed operating elements are arranged is disposed on an operating element holder protecting section engaged with latches of the operating elements. The mute fingerboard is located in the vicinity of operated ends of the stringed operating elements within the range where the stringed operating elements can be operated, and is exposed on a surface of the body.

Abstract: A computerized automated method for determining fingering of musical instruments from digitized scored music or tablature. The computerized automated finger finder method determines fingering such that hand movement is minimized on a specified instrument for maximum performance from analysis of the music score or tablature. The method also provides alternate fingering choices when the musician desires a different tonal stylization or finds an alternate fingering easier to play for their skill level.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stringed, musical instrument where the instrument strings are grounded by a string ground circuit, and wherein the string ground circuit includes a circuit breaker having a current path that defines a portion of the string ground circuit between the strings and a ground.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprises electrically interconnected and mutually spaced photovoltaic cells that are encapsulated by a light-transmitting encapsulant between a light-transparent front cover and a back cover, with the back cover sheet being an ionomer/nylon alloy embossed with V-shaped grooves running in at least two directions and coated with a light reflecting medium so as to provide light-reflecting facets that are aligned with the spaces between adjacent cells and oriented so as to reflect light falling in those spaces back toward said transparent front cover for further internal reflection onto the solar cells, whereby substantially all of the reflected light will be internally reflected from said cover sheet back to the photovoltaic cells, thereby increasing the current output of the module. The internal reflector improves power output by as much as 67%.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module having a reinforcing member integrally stacked by means of a covering material on a rear surface of a solar cell panel having a photovoltaic element that performs photoelectric conversion, wherein a bent portion is formed in each of opposing end portions of the reinforcing member, an output wire member having conductivity is extended from an output portion of the photovoltaic element disposed on a light-receiving surface side of the solar cell panel along a surface of the bent portion so as to get over the bent portion, and a tip end of the extended portion of the output wire member is exposed out of a surface opposite to the reinforcing member of the covering material to form an output terminal portion. Thereby, there is provided a solar cell module that is improved in the area efficiency and weather resistance as well as the workability of electrical wiring and electrical connection during manufacturing and is inexpensive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element (11, 21, 41, 51) for a mechanically and electrically conductive connection, comprising at least one expansion element (14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, 44, 45) which is tensed in a recess which is arranged in the outer contour of the electric conductor (12, 13). The tensing of the at least one expansion element in the recess occurs by means of control elements (18, 26, 47, 48, 56, 57).

Abstract: An improved rework nozzle includes an open housing which when lowered onto the surface of a board forms a closed cavity. The housing includes venting means which expend air that is input to the cavity, thereby using flow through concepts to maintain a uniform temperature in the cavity. The housing also positioning mechanisms for both aligning a the housing and a captive integrated circuit to a desired footprint on the circuit board, and for limiting movement of the integrated circuit during rework.

Abstract: An apparatus for a residential low voltage control system. A low voltage controller is adapted to fit into a standard wiring box, and the controller provides isolation/separation of the low voltage wiring from other wiring. The face plate of the controller, in one embodiment, has a recessed portion with terminals for connecting the low voltage conductors. In another embodiment, the face plate has a recessed portion with an opening for a terminal block to protrude. In still another embodiment, the face plate has an opening for a low profile terminal block to protrude.

Abstract: A lead assembly includes an outer insulative body, a conductor, and at least one electrode electrically coupled with the at least one conductor. The outer insulative body extends from a proximal end to a distal end and has an intermediate portion therebetween. A flexible portion for example having a bellows portion is disposed along the lead body.

Abstract: An earthing electric wire including a conductor; and a coating material outside of the conductor, wherein a water-stopping agent having a flowability is located between the conductor and the coating material on an earthing connection terminal side of the earthing electric wire for connecting a circuit mounted on a vehicle with the earth.

Abstract: An electrical cable includes a cable jacket defining a central longitudinal axis and a plurality of twisted pairs of insulated conductors oriented longitudinally within the cable jacket. Each of the twisted pairs of insulated conductors has a width. A filler element is disposed in the cable jacket and is located adjacent to at least one of the twisted pairs of insulated conductors. The filler element defines a width that is substantially larger than the width of each the twisted pairs of insulated conductors. The filler element has a central axis laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis of the cable jacket. The filler element reduces alien crosstalk from an adjacent cable. A separator is disposed in said cable jacket between the twisted pairs of insulated conductors to reduce crosstalk between the twisted pairs of insulated conductors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cable comprising a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors and a jacket in which the twisted pairs of conductors are located. The jacket defines an interior passage that extends along a length of the jacket, the interior passage including a central air region and a peripheral air region. The plurality of twisted pairs of conductors are positioned within the central air region. The peripheral air region of the interior passage includes a plurality of air channels that are circumferentially spaced relative to one another about the central air region of the interior passage. The channels are in fluid communication with the air in the central air region of the interior passage. Apparatuses and methods of manufacturing the improved cable are also disclosed.

Abstract: A DC superconducting cable which is formed by housing stranded three cable cores in a thermal insulation pipe and in which structure for absorbing thermal contraction occurring during cooling can easily be achieved by adjusting the stranded state of the cores. Also, the structure in which three cores are housed together in the thermal insulation pipe enables the simultaneous cooling of the three cores, allowing the cooling system to be simplified.

Abstract: In a coil wire having a square sectional shape, arc-shaped chamfers are provided at four corners in the section of the square. The sectional area of the coil wire having the chamfers is set to at least 1.15 times as large as that of a circle having a diameter which is the same as the length of one side of the square.

Abstract: The present invention is a stay for retaining cables or other long, flexible structures in a coiled or bundled condition. The stay retains an end of the cable in an shape in which the end is wrapped around the coil or bundle when desired, such that a user of the cable can wrap the end of the cable around the coil or bundle and have the end retained in such position without having to knot the end to keep it wrapped around the cable or bundle. The stay may use a ductile or malleable element oriented along an end of the cable, such that the cable end to which the stay is affixed may be bent into a position in which the end is wrapped around a cable coil or bundle. The stay may use a helical form such that an end of a cable forms a helical shape, such that helical shape may be wrapped around a cable coil or bundle to retain the end around the coil or bundle.

Abstract: A PTFE stud for an ultrahigh-value resistor includes a first portion to be mounted on a substrate and a second portion attached to the first portion so as to not be in contact with the surface of the substrate. The first portion is formed of insulating material and the second portion has a mounting hole that penetrates the second portion so as to be parallel to the surface of the substrate. The mounting hole is adapted such that the lead of the ultrahigh-value resistor is inserted thereinto. The ultrahigh-value resistor can be mounted without soldering.

Abstract: A rigid-flexible circuit board with two rigid areas and one flexible area, with a rigid individual layer which is copper-clad on one side, with an adhesive medium and with a copper foil, the adhesive medium having recesses in the flexible area. The rigid-flexible circuit board can be produced especially easily and economically in that at least in the rigid area there is no flexible individual layer, especially no polyimide film, between the adhesive medium and the copper foil.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for affecting the frequency behavior of connections within a printed circuit board or an integrated circuit are disclosed. Some embodiments include a printed circuit board comprising, a plurality of conductive layers each comprising at least one conductive pad, where each conductive pad on the conductive layers includes a vacancy, and an insulating material disposed about the conductive layers such that the vacancies are at least partially filled with the insulating material.

Abstract: A resilient, electrically conductive EMI gasket is disposed between two jaws. A cam-lever or other actuator is operably linked to the jaws. The cam-lever can be used to drive the jaws closer together, thereby squeezing the gasket and causing a portion of the gasket to protrude, preferably beyond an edge of at least one of the jaws. The protruding portion of the gasket contacts a mating surface of an opening, through which a device was installed, or a mating surface on an adjacent device. This contact seals the space between the EMI gasket mechanism and the mating surfaces, i.e. the contact closes a gap and thus maintains a continuous EMI shield therebetween. The gap is closed against passage of EMI radiation without relying on device insertion force to cause the EMI gasket to adequately contact the mating surface. Alternatively, an inflatable resilient EMI gasket is in fluid communication with a pump, and an actuator is operably linked to the pump.

Abstract: An electrical fitting having an improved arrangement on the trailing end for attaching electrical cables thereto. A tubular body having an inner bore includes a clip member secured externally thereto. At least one leg is included on the clip member extending from outward of the tubular body into the inner bore. The leg is of substantial length and is cantilevered over such a distance so as to enable easy insertion of cable within the inner bore at the trailing end. The electrical fitting is enables increased ease of securing metal clad or armored cable to a panel.

Abstract: A portable scale that allows travelers to calculate the weight of their luggage and compare the weight against weight limits that are imposed by common carriers. The scale includes circuitry for calculating weight and a memory for storing weight limits. Weight and other information is shown to the user via a display screen. In the preferred embodiment, the scale includes a hook and handle that facilitate weighing suitcases and other objects. The preferred embodiment also includes a digital measuring tape that allows the traveler to check the size of his luggage against size restrictions imposed by common carriers. The scale can also be incorporated into a portable weighing mat, which allows weight to be determined simple by placing the object on the mat. The scale can also be incorporated into the handle of a suitcase wherein the weight of the suitcase is calculated when the suitcase is lifted by its handle.

Abstract: A switch device is provided that includes a first switch portion in which an upper electrode and lower electrodes face each other at a predetermined gap and a second switch portion having metal domes which are disposed at a lower side facing the first switch portion and expand to a predetermined height. A first spacer having a predetermined thickness A is disposed in the first switch portion to form a gap between the upper electrode and the lower electrodes, a second spacer having a thickness B equal to or greater than the expanded height of the metal domes is disposed in the second switch portion, and the thickness of the second spacer is greater than that of the first spacer.

Abstract: A contact sensor includes a base, a wall device securely attached to the top face of the base and having a hole defined in the wall device to correspond to the top contacts so as to allow the top contacts of the base to be exposed and a chip receiving space defined to communicate with the hole, a sensing chip received in the chip receiving space and having a sensing area formed on top of the sensing chip and contacts formed thereon to electrically connect to the top contacts of the base and a cover received in the hole to enclose the contacts of the sensing chip and the top contacts of the base yet still allowing the sensing area exposed for application.

Abstract: A switch assembly for an electrical panel configured to receive electrical power from either a first power supply or a second power supply. The switch assembly includes a transfer switch operable to electrically connect the panel to receive electrical power from the second power supply when power is interrupted from first power supply. An indicator light at the panel illuminates so as indicate that electrical power from the first electrical power supply is restored while the transfer switch is positioned to receive electrical power from the second electrical power supply. A light switch is connected to selectively interrupt illumination of the indicator light. An interlock member interconnects the light switch and the transfer switch so that movement of the interlock member to connect the electrical panel to receive electrical power from the first power supply simultaneously moves the light switch so as to interrupt illumination of the indicator light.

Abstract: An in-vehicle knob switch device is provided. The in-vehicle know switch device includes a tubular housing having an opening and defined by a casing and a cover. A holder is disposed inside the housing. A circuit board is disposed on the holder. A first push switch is mounted on the circuit board. An operating knob is exposed through the opening of the housing and provided for pushing the first push switch.

Abstract: A switching hinge having a hinge housing at which a hinge flap is swivellably disposed about an axis. A switching element is coupled to the hinge flap, which switching element triggers a switching operation at a built-in switch in a predetermined position of the hinge flap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tamper resistant PIN entry apparatus for input of a key and for encryption of a password in a cash transaction machine. The PIN entry apparatus supplies the electric power to a memory of an electric circuit section, in such a manner that a first rod and a second rod of a rear case connect contacts of a key scan board, wherein the first rod is protruded on the rear of a key module including a button provided substantially on the front of the key module and the second rod of the rear case is coupled with the rear of the key module. At this time, in case that the rear case is removed from the key module or damaged, thereby changing the location of any one of the first and the second rods at the contact, the electric circuit section detects the event and destroys the memory itself physically. Otherwise, the electric circuit section makes information stored in the memory physically or softwarely unreadable, thereby preventing the leakage of the information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slider which is less likely to cause a drastic change in a contact state such as instantaneous disconnection. The slider according to the present invention has teeth 13 of a comb shaped like a narrow sheet being rectangular in cross section and making a contact at a tip of the teeth with a surface to be slid on. The slider has a slider body extending to a proximal end side of the teeth 13 of a comb, and the teeth 13 of a comb has at the tip thereof a projection 13a, which is narrower than the width dimension of a proximal end portion of the teeth of a comb. A slider having such teeth 13 of a comb will prevent a drastic change in a contact state such as instantaneous disconnection between the tip of the teeth 13 of a comb of the slider and a surface to be slid on from occurring, so that generation of noise in signals (or electric current) flowing through the slider and deterioration in resistance properties of the slider are prevented.