Abstract: A seed coating apparatus for applying a coating fluid to seeds, consists of a seed input, a housing connected to the seed input, the housing having a seed output, a rotating seed dispersing member within the housing receiving seed from the seed input, a device adapted to produce a moving air curtain between the seed dispersing member and the seed output, whereby coating fluid applied to the seeds is kept within the seed coating apparatus by the moving air curtain, a rotating fluid dispensing member between the air curtain producing device and the seed output, and a source of coating fluid entering the housing. The rotating fluid dispensing member may preferably be a rotating bowl with apertures arranged vertically along the periphery, so that the fluid is dispensed along a vertical axis.

Abstract: There are provided decorative articles, and methods of making decorative articles, by applying adhesive and coloring agent to a plant, such as a dandelion, the plant having a stalk and an achene assembly, the achene assembly including a receptacle and a plurality of pappus structures; and then drying the adhesive and coloring agent. Also provided are kits for use in such methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for encapsulating seed by gel comprising a seed supplying portion and a processing portion, wherein seed has fallen from a hopper of a seed supplying portion are carried to a plurality of processing nozzles of a processing portion, for encapsulating seed by gelling. A supplying portion comprising the hopper filled with seed, a carrying device disposed below the hopper for arranging seed in correspondence with the number of processing nozzle of the processing portion, and switching devices disposed respectively at the end portions of seed carriage lanes formed by the carrying device so many as the processing nozzles. The carrying device comprising a box-shaped trough, partitions disposed at the upstream portion of the trough for restriction of the height of the flowing of seed, partitions for dividing the flowing of seed into streams so many as the processing nozzles, and a vibrator disposed below the trough.

Abstract: A process for preserving dried flowers includes hanging flowers and floral greens by their stems, spraying them with a preservative solution in a relatively cool atmosphere, leaving them in the cool atmosphere for a selected length of time, and drying the sprayed flowers and greens in a relatively warm atmosphere. The preservative solution is a water solution of a common detergent at a concentration of about 0.25 to 1.0 per cent by weight and corn syrup at a concentration of about 20 to 33 per cent by weight.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing long-lasting decorative items from foliage and other natural plant materials by infusion with an aqueous ethylene glycol solution of tartrazine yellow dye, either singly or with co-dye colorants, about 0.1 to 1.6 g/L dissolved CO.sub.2 and optional low concentrations of a soluble potassium salt, followed by removal of excess solution and application of a topical water-based organic sealant.

Abstract: A method for making a gel coat of gel-coated seed easily disintegrable, in which the gel-coated seed has an aqueous gel layer water-insolubilized with a metal ion, wherein the method comprises blocking the insolubilizing action of the metal ion with a sequestering agent.

Abstract: A gel-coated seed processing method and an apparatus therefore capable of easily accommodating increased capacity of the apparatus to carry out a series of gel-coated seed processing consisting of coating seeds with gelatinization agent and curing the gelatinization agent to produce gel-coated seeds. The gel-coated seed processing method comprises the steps of: substantially linearly transporting seeds to be processed; coating the seeds to be processed with gelatinization agent at a destination to produce coated seeds; substantially linearly moving the coated seeds in curing agent while being immersed in the curing agent such that a direction that the coated seeds is transported in the curing agent when observed from above coincides with a direction that the seeds to be processed are transported when observed from above to harden the coated agent through reaction with the curing agent and obtain gel-coated seeds.

Abstract: An improved coated seed is provided by incorporating a poly(oxyalkylene) substituted organic chromophore in the coating.

Abstract: 4-allylanisole, and seven analogs, anisole, allylbenzene, 4-isopropylanisole, p-anisaldehyde, ethylbenzene, cumene and 4-methoxyacetophenone are demonstrated to be effective repellents for scolytid infestation. Conifers, a particular target for the scolytids, are protected by application of the compounds, either directly or suspended in a carrier.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing long-lasting decorative items from foliage and other natural plant materials by infusion with an aqueous ethylene glycol solution of tartrazine yellow dye, either singly or with co-dye colorants, about 0.1 to 1.6 g/L dissolved CO.sub.2 and optional low concentrations of a soluble potassium salt, followed by removal of excess solution and application of a topical water-based organic sealant.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making preserved plant material having the color and texture of fresh plant material and substantially free from curling or distortion, the method comprising the step of immersing the plant material in an aqueous solution comprising from 40% to 95% by weight of one or more C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 dihydric alcohols at a temperature of from 60.degree. C. to 95.degree. C. The dihydric alcohols preferably comprise a major fraction of propylene glycol. The immersion is preferably carried out for from 5 to 90 minutes at a temperature of from 65.degree. to 85.degree. C. The aqueous solution may also contain dehydrating alcohols and/or polyethylene glycol. The aqueous solution of the dihydric alcohols exchanges for aqueous sap and juices in the plant material, e.g. cut green foliage or cut flowers, without changing the color or texture of the material.

Abstract: The process and product obtained thereby of obtaining substantially dried flower blooms and other natural predominantly carbohydrate products such as flower stems, leaves, other vegetable matter and insects, which substantially retain their original shape and color, comprising the steps of covering the substrate with particulate matter and then subjecting the covered substrate to a reduced pressure environment to remove most of the water from the substrate.

Abstract: An applicator for seed treatment products includes an elongated, cylindrical tube having an enlarged flange at a top end for receiving a canister of treatment products. The bottom end of the tube is inserted into a seed hopper filled with seeds, the tube penetrating beneath the surface of the seeds. A canister of treatment products is opened at one end and inserted into the flange with the open side down. The canister fits snugly in the flange so the treatment products can escape only from the bottom of the tube which is within the seed pile. The user stirs the pile with the tube to distribute the treatment products evenly throughout the pile.

Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for dyeing histological specimens arranged on microscope slides. The microscope slides are transported by a conveyor (18) in object slide holders to processing stations (16) where they are subjected to processing steps that correspond to a selectable dyeing process. The conveyor (18) is designed in such a way that each object slide holder (14) is separated therefrom after entering a processing station (16), so that during the time a processing step is carried out in said processing station other object slide holders (14) can be transported to free processing stations (16) according to the selected dyeing process.

Abstract: A method for cultivating plants comprises using a plant growth accelerating oligosaccharide obtained by decomposing a polysaccharide.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a method of applying a hydrogel coating to embryonic plants to improve early plant growth by controlling the amount of cross-linking. A dry coating of a water-soluble hydrogel in powder form is built up around individual embryonic plants. The powder-coated plants are introduced into a water bath which is free of polyvalent metal ions to partially hydrate the coatings. Rapidly thereafter and before the coatings are fully hydrated, the bath is modified by dispersing cross-linking polyvalent metal ions therein. The contact time of the coated plants in the modified bath is limited so that the polyvalent metal ions diffuse into the coatings and form an inwardly decreasing concentration gradient therein. The plants are separated from the modified bath so that the polyvalent metal ions are redistributed and equilibrated within the coatings. The resulting coatings are in a uniform partially cross-linked condition which promotes leaf emergence and plant vigor.

Abstract: A tissue processor having a process chamber and at least one liquid reservoir. At least one auxiliary reservoir is connected between the process chamber and the at least one liquid reservoir. There is a means to drive liquid from the at least one liquid reservoir to the auxiliary reservoir, and from the auxiliary reservoir to the process chamber. Preferably, there is a second auxiliary reservoir and means to drive fluid from the process chamber back to the liquid reservoir. The apparatus and related method are useful to treat and fix biological tissue samples for microscopic examination.

Abstract: A dry flower, and a process for producing the same, coated on its surface with a polymer film of (R.sup.1 HSiO).sub.a (R.sup.2 R.sup.3 SiO).sub.b (R.sup.4 R.sup.5 R.sup.6 SiO.sub.1/2).sub.c or (2) a film of one or more polymers selected from (i) photopolymerizable polymers, (ii) silane coupling agent polymers, and (iii) copolymers of photopolymerizable monomers and silane coupling agents.

Abstract: Compositions comprising melanin or melanin precursors are useful for preventing or controlling decay of substrates such as cellulosic and other porous organic substrates. The compositions provide useful wood preservatives, wound dressings, and the like. In one embodiment, the compositions comprise melanin complexed with metal ions, particularly copper. The compositions may be applied as penetrating or surface treatments. Certain melanins are also particularly useful for removing metal ions from liquids.

Abstract: An improved process for the phytoprotection of plant seeds, wherein there is simultaneously applied to the seeds, on the one hand, at least one first liquid composition containing at least one phytoprotection product, and on the other hand, a foam formed from a second composition, containing at least one nonphytotoxic foaming agent.

Abstract: 4-allylanisole, and three analogs, anisole, allylbenzene, and 4-isopropylanisole are demonstrated to be effective repellents for scolytid infestation. Conifers, a particular target for the scolytids, are protected by application of the compounds, either directly or suspended in a carrier.

Abstract: Contaminants in particulate materials may be separated and quantitated by contacting the particulate material with an immobilized biomolecule which specifically binds to the contaminant, separating the contaminant-immobilized biomolecule complex from the particulate material, and counting the bound contaminant. The method may be conveniently carried out when the biomolecule is immobilized on a magnetic particle. An apparatus for carrying out the method contains a receptacle for receiving a reaction vessel and magnets positioned such that magnetic particles contained in the reaction vessel will be drawn to and adhere to the sides of the reaction vessel when placed in the receptacle.

Abstract: A method for controlling and/or eliminating harmful lawn grass insects is disclosed, which comprises: foaming a surfactant composition having a total content of components present of from 0.2 to 50% by weight and comprising at least one surfactant selected from an anionic sulfonate, a higher fatty acid containing from 8 to 30 carbon atoms and salts of the higher fatty acid and a thickener; and applying the foam onto the surface of lawn grass in a thickness effective for controlling and/or eliminating the harmful lawn grass insects.

Abstract: A method by process for providing a liquid-free, toxic-free, environmentally friendly, non-transfiguring, flame and fire retardant, immersion-proof, non-pellicular and intra-matrix type aqueous repellent protective barrier to preferred substrates by various related embodiments, with particular utility toward dermal materials, both natural and synthesized. Methods enable durable and complete `breathable` treatments that are generally capable of virtual weightlessness and invisibility, without utilization of liquids. Complete process is particularly adaptable to `pocketable` packageability that is extremely cost-effective, undamageable, and longevous in shelf-life.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sealed ornament of a dried and pressed flower completely sealed by a film having a low melting point in a substantially absolutely dried state and in a state free from air and moisture in order that the dried and pressed flower maintains its gracefulness without discoloring and fading for long periods and method of producing the same. The sealed ornament may be further secured to a base in a substantially absolutely dried state and in a state free from air and moisture, a cover film secured externally of the film having a low melting point as necessary, and the outermost layer coated with a coating resin as necessary.

Abstract: An improved bioactive agent delivery composition and method of application are described. The composition comprises a bioactive agent, a hydrophilic polymer in an incompletely hydrated state and a substantially water-miscible solvent system. The agent and polymer are essentially dissolved in the solvent system to form a sprayable composition having a viscosity of less than 350 cP. Upon dilution with water, the viscosity of the composition increases to in excess of 1000 cP to produce a retentive coating at the site of application which provides enhanced bioavailability of the agent.

Abstract: A method for silicone polymer impregnation and curing in tissue to preserve the tissue. The tissue is frozen without use of an intermediary solvent and then freeze-dried using a first vacuum. The tissue is then immersed in a non-flammable degreasing solvent, particularly 1,1,1-trichloroethane to remove lipids and the like from the tissue. The tissue is then impregnated with a silicone polymer precursor and a curing agent, and then cured under a second vacuum in a chamber (23). The impregnated polymer silicone precursor is then cured in the tissue. The tissue is preferably an anatomical specimen.

Abstract: A system for identifying and tracking samples of biological material during the preparation of that tissue for microscopic evaluation. The system includes a plurality of colored aqueous embedding media, microscope slides marked to correspond to the colored embedding media, and, optionally, color-coded containers for the embedding media. A process for preparing samples of biological material using the identification system is also provided, as well as compositions for several embedding media including one or more coloring agents.

Abstract: Method for preserving natural flowers, in which the lower end of the stem of the flower is immersed into a water/glycerol solution of a dry composition comprising mineral salts, citric acid and dyes, characterized in that the flower to be treated is severed from the upper end of its stem so that the remaining section of said stem still connected to the flower is shorter than 5 cm and preferably of about 1 cm so that the path of said solution towards the flower be as short as possible.

Abstract: Seed is treated with a treatment agent within a rotary drum having rows of circumferentially spaced stirring plates mounted therein. When the drum is rotated about a substantially horizontal axis the plates raise seed from the bottom of the drum. At their uppermost positions the plates are inclined so that seed falls from the plates into a vertical passage defined between adjacent rows of plates. Treatment agent is introduced inside the drum such that the agent is applied to the seed traveling downwardly along the vertical passage.

Abstract: A method for improving the wetting ability of aqueous compositions used to coat substrates by including in the aqueous compositions a mixture of aliphatic glycoside and a fatty alcohol containing from 7 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Non-phytotoxic roots coating compositions comprising a polymer, VAM propagules, and a fungicide that selectively inhibits pathogenic fungi are provided. Also provided are methods of coating plant roots with the aforesaid composition and plants comprising roots coated with a polymer containing VAM propagules and a fungicide.In an alternative approach, the roots are first rolled in a dried polymer composition and then dipped in a suspension of VAM propagules, or attached to a film which is a dried polymer containing a spore suspension.

Abstract: In the field of staining methods for histology and cytology specimens, the improvements of the invention are three-fold. First included is a drying-clearing step whereby a specimen is cleared by drying. Thus, the use of hazardous chemical-clearing agents to remove washing-dehydrating solution prior to cover-slipping is eliminated. Second, in a staining method using spray staining equipment, the use of a low molarity, combination, bluing-washing solution which serves the dual purpose of a washing solution and a bluing reagent, eliminates the use of water in a staining procedure. Third, and also in a staining method using spray staining equipment, the use of a series of sprays of fresh, essentially anhydrous, washing-dehydrating solution to dehydrate a specimen replaces immersion in a series of washing-dehydrating solutions and thereby decreases the amount of chemical consumed and also avoids contamination of the reagent with water and specimen debris.

Abstract: A process for preserving cellular structures includes the steps of pre-treating the structures with a polymeric water solution, drying the structures and then post-treating the structures with an organic solvent, non-water-base solution. Once the structure has been treated with the pre-treatment solution, the specimen is allowed to sit for a predetermined period of time in order for the active ingredients of the solution to penetrate the surface area of the specimen. The specimen is then preferably freeze-dried. The specimens are then treated with a non-water-based post-treatment solution of water-resistant, film-forming polymeric resin to form a barrier coat on the finished product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soybean seed, lucerne seed or clover seed coated with an inoculant composition comprising a carrier medium, a beneficial microorganism and an adhesive polymeric material. A high average loading of viable organisms per seed is maintained in storage.

Abstract: A method is provided for protection of biological materials from the stresses of air-drying and also from destructive reactions, such as oxidation and free-radical attack, which degrade the materials during long-term storage. The method involves drying the materials, which may contain potentially destructive agents such as free-radical generators or reducing sugars, in the presence of a vitrifying substance, and under conditions which allow the protective substance to become vitrified.

Abstract: A gel-coating apparatus for seeds comprising: a nozzle portion for forming and cutting a gel coating film by opening and closing operation of a cutting plunger; a seed storing vessel moving upward and downward; an arm having a rotation shaft at the center thereof and a hollow needle at both ends thereof; a seed supply portion having pipes for communicating the needles with a negative pressure source and a positive pressure source by way of electromagnetic valves; a curing vessel provided below the nozzle portion; and a control section for synchronously operating the movement of the curing vessel, the nozzle portion, the seed storing vessel, the arm, and the seed supply portion.

Abstract: An improved bioactive agent delivery composition and method of application are described. The composition comprises a bioactive agent, a hydrophilic polymer in an incompletely hydrated state and a substantially water-miscible solvent system. The agent and polymer are essentially dissolved in the solvent system to form a sprayable composition having a viscosity of less than 350 cP. Upon dilution with water, the viscosity of the composition increases to in excess of 1,000 cP to produce a retentive coating at the site of application which provides enhanced bioavailability of the agent.

Abstract: A method of wrapping plant materials for storage by wrapping the plant materials with a food wrapping material obtained by stretching a styrene-based polymer film with mainly syndiotactic configuration. The wrapping material is transparent, has gloss and is excellent in physical properties such as gas permeability and heat resistance making it very useful in the method for wrapping material such as vegetables and fruits requiring permeation and diffusion of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A surface treatment process for improving surface properties of a timber as to wetness by exposing the timber to a plasma mixture of an inert gas and a reactive gas at a near atmospheric pressure. Prior to being exposed to the plasma mixture, the timber is treated to reduce a moisture content below a fiber saturation point of the timber so as to eliminate free moisture from the fibers of the timber which would otherwise lead to unstable plasma and therefore detract an uniform improvement over substantially the entire surface expected at the subsequent exposure to the plasma mixture. Thus, the plasma treatment can be effected in the absence of the free moisture to obtain a desired surface improvement uniformly across the surface of the timber, which gives an enhanced practicability of improving the surface properties of the timber, in addition to that the plasma mixture is generated at near the atmospheric pressures readily available without requiring substantial vacuum generating equipments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel desiccant powder and its use for the drying of solid substrates wetted by an aqueous or oily liquid such as, in particular, grains or seeds having undergone a coating or surface film-forming treatment.According to the invention, this desiccant powder contains at least 50% by weight of absorbents with respect to the toal weight of the said powder, being preferably available in the form of particles having a mean diameter less than about 100.mu., the said absorbents being constituted of at least one aluminosilicate, in particular mica, to at least 25% by weight with respect to the total weight of the said absorbents.This powder makes possible, in particular, the drying of colored grains or seeds.

Abstract: Method and composition for retarding bloom development thereby extending shelf life of fresh cut flowers (16) by "blanketing" and "feeding" techniques. Fresh cut flowers, typified by roses are refrigerated and provided a blanketing confinement within a close environment of an essence of aromatic flower (such as lavender or rose) by the presence of essential flower oils or real aromatic flowers. The essence is, effectively, a vapor blanket. Cut stemmed (10) flowers are initially transported, stored or displayed in a container (18') of fresh water (19), in which a light or expanded magnesium carbonate sediment layer (21) provides cut flower end (14') envelopment for bacterial filtration, oxygen buffering and sufficient water-borne nutritional intake with or without the adjunct blanketing. Additionally, freshness is made determinable by a simple testing process which will anticipate the value of applying or reapplying the carbonate treatment technique.

Abstract: The present invention can form lenses with a small radius of curvature by using surface tension due to heat and gravity and by directing the spherical surfaces of lenses downward during thermal processing at a constant temperature.In addition, the present invention can control a distance between lenses in a step of forming lens patterns since the molten lens material during the thermal processing is not extended along the surface of the highest interlayer. Thus, thick lenses with a small radius of curvature can be easily obtained by gravity and a distance between lenses can accurately be controlled.

Abstract: Coated organisms and particularly coated seeds are provided wherein the coating is comprised of one or more polymeric materials which form a coating having a temperature-dependent permeability with respect to a material such as water permeability. The polymeric materials used in making the coatings are relatively impermeable to the material such as water at cooler temperatures (less than optimum growth or germination temperatures) and relatively permeable at higher temperatures (at or greater than optimum growth or germination temperatures). The variable permeability of the coating prevents imbibition at lower temperatures and allows it at higher temperatures. Accordingly, coated seeds can be planted early in a planting season and undergo imbibition followed by germination under favorable moisture and temperature conditions.

Abstract: Gel capsules having a size approximately equal to that of the seed being planted and which contain: (a) an earthworm cocoon having one or more viable eggs; and (b) a material to provide a density to the capsules approximately equal to that of the seed being planted; are mixed with and planted with the seed to introduce earthworms to a field.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a plurality of nozzles for spraying a liquid substance on a product. The nozzles have different flow volumes and are located adjacent the product. A sensor measures the quantity of the product, and a control responsive to the sensor opens selected nozzles to produce a desired ratio of the quantity of the substance to the quantity of the product. There is further provided another sensor for measuring the quantity of the substance, the control being responsive to the two sensors and operative to determine the actual ratio of the quantity of the substance to the quantity of the product and to adjust the actual ratio to match the desired ratio.

Abstract: A method for substantially improving the bulk flow properties of pesticide-treated plant seeds is disclosed. The seeds are treated with low levels of a polydimethylsiloxane lubricant which is applied either to seeds that have already been treated with a pesticidal substance or to seeds simultaneously with a pesticidal substance. The polydimethylsiloxane lubricant can be applied either by coapplication from separate compositions or by the application of a composition containing both the pesticidal substance and the polydimethylsiloxane lubricant.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing coated seeds, which comprises slurrying seeds with an inoculant composition containing a carrier medium, at least one species of microorganism having a beneficial effect on plants which grow from the seeds and an adhesive polymer, slurrying being effected in the presence of an aqueous suspension of an adhesive polymer; and air drying the resulting product at a temperature not greater than 30.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of impregnating a tissue sample with paraffin in which, in a treatment vessel, a tissue sample, which has been fixed with isopropyl alcohol, is maintained under vacuum and simultaneously the molten paraffin and tissue sample are subjected to ultrasonic vibration effective to remove the isopropyl alcohol from the tissue sample and to impregnate the tissue sample with the paraffin.

Abstract: A batch of seed materials is film-coated with a gas- and water-permeable, thin, adherent, uniform non-phytotoxic continuous surface film of a polymeric film-former, by (a) establishing and continuously maintaining a unit compact volume of moisture-containing viable seed materials in a state of continuous agitation and (b) continuously spraying and coating this unit compact volume of seed materials with an adjusted essentially steady predetermined flow rate of a liquid solution or suspension of a polymeric film-former, while simultaneously (i) continuously positively drying the coated seed materials by continuously directing a predetermined flow rate of a gaseous feedstream thereagainst that is at a controlled temperature less than that would adversely affect the viability thereof, (ii) continuously monitoring the temperature within the unit compact volume of seed materials in a state of continuous agitation and (iii) continuously maintaining a moisture content in the final product coated seed materials essent