Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of thin sections of biological tissue, especially for transmission electron microscopy. In the process a fixed tissue sample to be investigated is dehydrated by infiltration of a hardenable medium miscible with water and subsequently embedded in casting resin, whereafter thin sections are cut from the cast body resulting after hardening of the casting resin. Infiltration is carried out by warming the fixed tissue sample in a mixture of formaldehyde, melamine and water. During warming, the mixture forms water soluble monomeric methylolmelamines which infiltrate the tissue and undergo polycondensation to form water-insoluble polymeric methylolmelamine condensates in the tissue. The casting resin is preferably a melamine resin, and the resin is preferably prepared using a methylolmelamine ether solution containing polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: Tissue samples are prepared for embedding and then embedded within wells of an intermittently rotatable rotor. After each successive liquid is supplied to the sample wells, the rotor is spun in order to slough off liquid from the samples. The sloughed liquid is collected by an outer shroud. The shroud is preferably made fluid tight so that the interior region of the shroud can be communicated to vacuum to force embedding material into the interstices of the tissue samples.

Abstract: A process for coating rice seed with calcium peroxide whereby seeds are first coated with hydrogen peroxide by mixing and tumbling. As calcium hydroxide is added to the tumbling seed mass a chemical reaction takes place forming calcium peroxide, plus water and heat. The excess moisture and heat escapes from the seed mass as tumbling continues, resulting in a uniform coat of dry hard calcium peroxide on the seed.

Abstract: A movably mounted element (1) is stabilized with respect to a desired path according to one component of movement. The element is mounted with complete freedom of movement along that component of movement which takes part in the formation of the actual path and to maintain or return the movable member (1) to the predetermined path, for example, maintaining a spray manifold parallel to the ground. With the aid of a jack (10) there is exerted, between the movable member and its support point or points (3) and as a function of the position of the movable member with respect to the desired path, one or more forces whose magnitude is independent of the position of the movable member with respect to the points of support. The invention is applicable to movable members having plural degrees of movement in rotation and/or translation and particularly for the stabilization of a spray manifold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to film-forming compositions for enveloping solid forms such as pharmaceutical or food products or seeds, wherein they comprise, by weight:15 to 85% of a cellulosic film-forming substance,10 to 70% of at least one alpha-cellulose,5 to 30% of at least one plasticizer suitable for consumption.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the cryopreparation of biological tissue samples for ultrastructural analysis. The process comprises vitrifying a biological tissue sample under severely rapid conditions and then depressurized. The depressurized, vitrified tissue sample is brought to equilibrium at a temperature of less than -140.degree. C. The tissue sample is then dehydrated while maintained in a state of thermal equilibrium. After reaching equilibrium the tissue sample is infiltrated with a degassed resin and followed by a polymerization of the resin to form an embedded tissue sample. This invention additionally relates to a sample holder apparatus which has unique use characteristics in the process of this invention.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the controlled release of microbiocides by using a mixture consisting of (a) a hydrolyzable organic titanium compound or a partial hydrolyzate thereof, (b) optionally an organopolysiloxane containing hydroxyl groups or a carbinol-containing polymer, and (c) a microbiocide.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the controlled release of microbiocides by using a mixture consisting of (a) a hydrolyzable silane or an organopolysiloxane containing hydrolyzable silane groups or a partial hydrolyzate thereof, (b) a hydrolyzable organic titanium compound or a partial hydrolyzate thereof, (c) optionally, an organopolysiloxane containing hydroxyl groups or a carbinol-containing polymer, and (d) a microbiocide.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the controlled release of microbiocides by using a mixture consisting of (a) a hydrolyzable silane or an organopolysiloxane containing hydrolyzable silane groups or a partial hydrolyzate thereof, (b) optionally, an organopolysiloxane containing hydroxyl groups or a carbinol-containing polymer, and (c) a microbiocide.

Abstract: A histological specimen infiltrating and embedding composition including paraffin and a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. The copolymer may be between 0.5 and 5% by weight of the paraffin. A surface active compatibilizer soluble in molten paraffin and which reduces the turbidity of the molten paraffin may be added to the composition in an amount between about 0.4% and 2% by weight of the paraffin.

Abstract: A coating for live fishbait, such as minnows, worms and the like which includes cornmeal, a specific color ingredient and scent ingredient to more effectively attract fish to the bait. The coating composition is such that it will not easily wash off of the live fishbait and will remain on the live fishbait for an extended period of time after the live fishbait has been placed in water during normal fishing procedures. The coating composition is in powder form with the individual ingredients being thoroughly mixed and the live fishbait is provided with the coating by merely laying the live fishbait on the powder coating material and rolling or otherwise turning the live fishbait so that the external surface thereof is thoroughly coated with the coating composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a specimen slide for microscopic evaluation by spinning a slide containing a liquid sample on its surface angled 10.degree. to 70.degree. from the axis of rotation, whereby the centrifugal force thereby applied causes the liquid sample to form a thin streak over the slide.

Abstract: A binder solution for applying plant protectants and similar agents to seeds includes a metal pigment such as copper, aluminium or bronze. Presence of the pigment produces a particularly smooth-surfaced coating providing improved abrasion resistance and flow properties.

Abstract: A uniform thin replica film of a specimen for electron microscopy having a high resolution power such as approximately 1 .ANG. is presented. This uniform thin replica film is directly prepared on the specimen by a plasma polymerization technique by depositing organic monomer vapors on a specimen placed on a negative electrode in a high vacuum atmosphere. The deposition is carried out by applying a discharge voltage of from 0.5 to 3 K.V.D.C. between a pair of positive and negative electrodes for 1 to 15 minutes to effect a glow discharge under the conditions of a current density of the glow discharge of from 0.1 and 2 mA/cm.sup.2 and a gas pressure of from 1 to 10.sup.-2 Torr in the system.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing reinforcing fibers for a hydraulic binding material, to be used as an initial material for structural elements comprises the steps of providing a plurality of plant fibers and mineralizing the plant fibers. The mineralizing step includes opening the capilaries of the plant fibers, drying the same, impregnating the plant fibers with a lime water suspension, soaking the plant fibers with a formaldehyde-containing water glass solution, and intermediately drying the plant fibers between the impregnating and soaking steps. The plant fibers, after the drying, can be first impregnated with a lime water suspension, then dried, and after this soaked with a formaldehyde-containing water glass solution. It is also possible that the plant fibers, after drying, can be first soaked with a formaldehyde-containing water glass solution, then dried and after this impregnated with a lime water suspension.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the staining of biological samples in which fluids of differing specific densities are successively introduced to the samples comprises a closed chamber to receive the samples for treatment, the chamber being provided with flow passages at the top and bottom and is in communication with an under pressure generating device so that fluids may be introduced into the chamber either from the top or the bottom depending upon whether a succeeding fluid is of lesser, or greater, specific density than the preceding fluid.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the controlled release of insecticides by using a mixture consisting of (a) a solid polysiloxane containing hydroxyl groups, and (b) a pesticide, e.g., an insecticide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate holder and method of holding a substrate for a spinner apparatus wherein the holder has a first pair of diagonally positioned locking members under which the substrate is locked during acceleration of the rotating holder and a second pair of diagonally positioned locking members under which the substrate is locked during deceleration of the holder.

Abstract: A process for preserving green colored plant tissues while retaining the natural green color thereof, in which the tissues are immersed in a relatively inexpensive solution comprising up to about 90% water, at least one monohydric alcohol, at least one preservative component such as sulphurous acid, and sufficient buffering and mordant reagents such as citric acid and cupric salts such as cupric chloride and cupric sulphate, to control the pH and osmolality of the solution and so as to permanently retain the natural green color in the tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides a sprayable plant care composition which, in its preferred aspects, comprises a continuous aqueous phase comprising gelatin hydrolysate, urea, dissolved phosphorus and potassium salts, and an amount of preservative effective to prevent microbial growth in the composition; a dispersed phase comprising orange peel wax and glycerol as a diluent for the wax; and an emulsifier comprising polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate in an amount effective to provide a stable emulsion and provide a cleansing action when the composition is applied to the foliage of a plant. When applied as a spray to plant leaf surfaces, the composition produces an attractive shine and an appealing aroma, provides plant nutrients absorbable by the leaf, and serves as an effective rinse to cleanse the leaf.

Abstract: A method for assaying a cell culture for mutagenesis is described. A cell culture is stained first with a histochemical stain, and then a fluorescent stain. Normal cells in the culture are stained by both the histochemical and fluorescent stains, while abnormal cells are stained only by the fluorescent stain. The two stains are chosen so that the histochemical stain absorbs the wavelengths that the fluorescent stain emits. After the counterstained culture is subjected to exciting light, the fluorescence from the abnormal cells is detected.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of coated seeds, in which the seeds are initially treated with an aqueous phase. The treated seeds are then coated with a coating agent containing a peroxide compound and a hydrophilic polymer, and the coated seeds are dried.

Abstract: A uniform thin replica film of a specimen for electron microscopy having a high resolution power such as approximately 1 A is presented. This uniform thin replica film is directly prepared on the specimen by a plasma polymerization technique by depositing organic monomer vapors on a specimen placed on a negative electrode in a high vacuum atmosphere. The deposition is carried out by applying a discharge voltage of from 0.5 to 3 K.V.D.C. between a pair of positive and negative electrodes for 1 to 15 minutes to effect a glow discharge under the conditions of a current density of the glow discharge of from 0.1 and 2 mA/cm.sup.2 and a gas pressure of from 1 to 10.sup.-2 Torr in the system.

Abstract: Device for stabilizing the texture of a plastic substance, notably animal excrements, in which said substance is coated in the plastic state with a fast-acting and non-toxic setting material forming a rigid foam of the polyurethane type from two separate constituents including a catalyst, said device being constituted by a container including two individual compartments for holding said two constituents, and a flow means for mixing said two constituents in situ, said flow means being integral or adaptable as a plug to said container and having two closable nozzles the inlets of which are respectively arranged in line with each of said two compartments, the respective capacities of said two compartments corresponding mutually in order to provide a coating which is suitable as to volume and speed of formation of said setting material.

Abstract: A process for preserving green colored plant tissues and in particular coniferous needles, holly and low fiber leaves such as mosses, lichens and ferns in which selected leaves are immersed in a solution comprising (by volume) 35-45% water, 20-30% 2-propanol, 5-12% propionic acid, 5-10% sulphurous acid, 5-10% formalin, 2.5-5% formic acid, 1-5% ethylene glycol, and optionally minor amounts of compounds selected from the group consisting of cupric sulphate, cupric chloride, 20-20-20 fertilizer, citric acid, DBE, magnesium sulphate, acetic acid, cupric acetate, cupric nitrate, sodium phosphate, sodium sulfite, butylated hydroxytolulene and glycerol, for a sufficient time to exchange the naturally occurring water in the tissues with the "chemical water" of the solution and thereby permanently retain and biologically fix the green color of the leaves.

Abstract: A method for preserving a large section of biological tissue with a curable polymer such as an acrylic resin by impregnating the large section with the polymer and pressing the impregnated large section between flat plates. These plates are further separated near their edges by an elastomeric material, thereby providing a flat cell in which the opposing cut surfaces of the impregnated large section abut the inner surfaces of the cell plates. Thereafter the cell is filled up with uncured polymer. The polymer is then cured, the plates moving toward each other due to the polymer shrinkage during curing. Finally, the plates are removed. The resulting plastinated sheet is a permanently-preserved large section of biological tissue whose tissue water is completely replaced by a cured polymer, the sheet having a uniform thickness and smooth, even surfaces.

Abstract: An enclosed spray chamber for the application of toxic compounds in micro liquid volumes as a function of time using air as a carrier. The spray chamber is cylindrical and vertically mounted about its longitudinal axis. A spray nozzle is mounted in the top of the spray chamber which uses a syringe and needle reservoir system as an accurate means of controlling the amount of solute dissipated. An air pump provides a stream of air that passes in front of the spray nozzle which pulls the spray solute and solvent out of the syringe by vacuum. An exhaust fan and exhaust outlet are provided to safely dispose of the spray solute and solvent outside of the working area of the chamber. A timer system operates the exhaust fan and air pump so that spray droplet fallout and impingement time can be varied and calibrated.

Abstract: A thin cover sheet for use in microscopic staining consists essentially of a transparent, water-insoluble plastic carrier and a coating thereon comprising a colorant, and at least one polymer which is soluble both in water and in lower aliphatic alcohols. A method of microscopic staining comprises applying an aqueous solution or a lower aliphatic alcohol solution onto the side of a microscopic plate containing a test sample to be stained or onto the coating of such a thin cover sheet for use in the microscopic staining and contacting the test sample side of the microscopic plate and the coating side of the thin cover sheet.

Abstract: A method for preserving cut plant material comprising immersing, within a pressure vessel, the particular material in a treatment agent constituted of glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol or mixtures thereof; said treatment agent having a specific gravity within the range of 1.10 and 1.16; there being a suitable dye provided with said agent. The immersed material is subjected to an applied pressure greater than atmospheric, as within the range of 5 to 40 psi; but under ambient temperature and humidity, the material being maintained under such pressure for a predetermined period dependent upon the applied pressure for absorption of the agent and dye. The material is then washed and thereafter permitted to be dry under room conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evaporator apparatus and method for encapsulating individually isolated particles with a coating material wherein uniformally sized droplets, normally having no more than one particle, are formed from a mixture of the coating material, the suspended particles, and a carrier liquid; the droplets then being charged, steered by an electrostatic arrangement of a tubular electrode and at least one other electrode so as to be retained in a temperature controlled, predetermined area for a sufficient time period to allow the complete evaporation of the carrier liquid.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the controlled release of pesticides by using a mixture comprising: (a) a carbinol-containing organic polymer; crosslinking agents for said polymer consisting essentially of (b) a hydrolyzable silane or an organopolysiloxane containing hydrolyzable silane groups or partial hydrolyzates thereof and (c) a hydrolyzable organic titanium compound or a partial hydrolyzate thereof; and (d) a pesticide.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the controlled release of pesticides by using a mixture comprising (a) a carbinol-containing organic polymer, (b) a crosslinking agent for said polymer consisting essentially of a hydrolyzable titanium compound or a partial hydrolyzate thereof, and (c) a pesticide.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the controlled release of pesticides by using a mixture comprising (a) a carbinol-containing organic polymer, (b) a crosslinking agent for said polymer consisting essentially of a hydrolyzable silane or an organopolysiloxane containing hydrolyzable silane groups or partial hydrolyzates thereof, and (c) a pesticide.

Abstract: A process for preserving green colored plant tissues while retaining the natural green color thereof, in which the tissues are immersed in a solution comprising: water, at least one monohydric alcohol, at least one preservative component selected from the group comprising lower carboxylic acids, di and tri hydric alcohols, and sufficient buffering and mordant reagents to control the pH and osmolality of said solution, so as to permanently retain said green color in said tissues. In a preferred embodiment the treated tissue is subjected to a secondary treatment in a holding solution comprising glycerin and water.

Abstract: A solid, substantially anhydrous body essentially consisting of animal or vegetal tissue and a synthetic resin substantially uniformly distributed in the tissue is prepared from a water-bearing, normally soft tissue, subject to rapid decomposition and loss of weight by evaporation of its water content in air at 20.degree. C., by substantially completely removing the water content while substantially maintaining the original tissue shape and volume, uniformly impregnating the water-free tissue with a fluid precursor composition capable of being polymerized into a solid synthetic resin, and holding the impregnated tissue under polymerization conditions until the precursor composition is cured to a solid resin more rigid than the original tissue.

Abstract: A process for preserving substantially any variety of flower while retaining the natural colors thereof, in which the flower is immersed in an essentially water-free composition comprising: at least one dehydrating alcohol, a carboxylic acid, a urea-containing compound, an alkaline citrate, and zero to an effective amount of at least one of a silicone fluid, a silicone resin, an alkaline formaldehyde sulfoxylate, aluminum or magnesium sulphate and cupric or other transitional metal sulphate for sufficient time to dehydrate the flower, said composition also containing a sufficient quantity of at least one compound in the group consisting of an alkaline phosphate, a lower carboxylic acid and phenol so as to ensure that the composition has a pH in the range 5-7. Following immersion the flower is dried and, if desired coated with a silicone resin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evenly dispersing trace quantities of biologically active chemicals encapsulated in a microdispenser which utilizes a rotating applicator device. The apparatus includes a hopper for the dispenser and means for moving the dispensers to the applicator device. A "sticker" substance is mixed with the dispensers. In one embodiment the applicator device consists of a rotating cone and the dispensers are deposited on a surface of the cone for dispersion. In another embodiment, the applicator consists of a rotating drum or wheel for contact application of the dispensers to living organisms.

Abstract: A technique for making a permanent imprint of trichoglyphs (cowlicks). A liquid solvent is applied to the surface of the trichoglyph. A flexible sheet of solvent-soluble material is pressed over the wetted trichoglyph area. The sheet is marked and indexed with respect to externally recognizable anatomical features of the animal adjacent to the trichoglyph area. This results in the impression of the trichoglyph configuration in geometric relation to indexed markings on the sheet indicative of the position of the trichoglyph on the body of the animal. The sheet is subsequently removed and dried. The resulting impression can be used to produce prints for later comparison purposes and for recording of the trichoglyph features.

Abstract: A process for the gas and liquid-permeable encrusting, pilling and granulating of seed material with the utilization of a three-layer mineral as a laminar coating material which is expandable under the effect of a liquid; the three-layer mineral being constituted of vermiculite or hydrous mica to form the basic material and providing a fine-grained reversibly expandable coating material when applied onto the seed, and which rapidly absorbs and gives off polar liquids such as water. The basic material consists of particles in the form of extremely thin, uniformly even platelets which comprise over 50% of the basic material.

Abstract: A material used to coat earthworms or the like for facilitating the baiting of the earthworm onto a hook. The coating material comprises a wood flour of powdered wood preferably mixed with dehydrated ground worms, mussels, shrimp, clams and the like food products. The powdered wood is preferably made from hardwood such as maple or hard birch. The mixture may also be used as "chum" or for preventing the drying and breaking of sea worms.

Abstract: A solution and process for preserving Douglas Fir needles while preventing shedding thereof from the branch to which they are naturally attached, producing a natural looking product suitable for display purposes. The branches, with attached needles, are immersed in a solution comprising (in amounts per liter of solution):300-500 ml water200-300 ml ethyl alcohol0-75 ml ethylene glycol50-75 ml propionic acid0-20 ml glycerin100-150 ml formalin50-175 ml propylene glycol40-75 gms citric acid1-7 gms magnesium sulphate15-25 gms cupric sulphate5-10 gms sodium sulphite0-10 gms seaweed extract,for a period of up to about two weeks and subsequently air dried.

Abstract: A method and device for embedding in a plastic block a selected part of a specimen being prepared for microscopic examination. The device has a frame with a horizontally disposed base member and a vertically disposed headboard and footboard. A mold jockey slides longitudinally along the base member. A slide jocket slides transversely to the direction of motion of the mold jockey and supports a glass microscope slide horizontally above the mold jockey, such that a mold held in the mold jockey may be moved beneath any selected location on the microscope slide. A constricted mouth of a plastic mold held in the mold jockey is pressed against a plastic impregnated specimen held to the underside of the microscope slide. The plastic is cured, embedding a section of the specimen in the face of the plastic block formed within the plastic mold. After curing, excess plastic is removed, leaving the selected portion of the specimen embedded in the end of the plastic block, with a known orientation and location.

Abstract: Living plants, in particular coniferous plants, with the exception of Picea, Abies, Tsuga, Larix, Taxus and Cedrus genuses, are preserved by having them suck up a preservative liquid which is based on glycerin and water in volume proportions of 18:82 to 35:65 and contains dyestuffs for replacing the color of the plant parts after preservation. The dyestuffs are to comprise, apart from a blue and possibly also a red dyestuff, tartrazine (C.I. 19140, E102) in a concentration of from 2-10 g/l of preservative liquid. The blue dyestuff comprises preferably patent blue V (C.I. 42051, E131) in a concentration of from 0.1 to 0.8 g/l and the red dyestuff most preferably of new coccine (C.I. 16255, E124) in a concentration of from 1 to 20 g/l. The relative concentrations between the different dyestuffs are adapted into conformity with the sought-for color of the preserved plant.

Abstract: Plant seeds are coated by applying a coating composition over the entire seed surface, intentionally agglomerating the seeds in a static mass and then breaking up the agglomerated seeds during the time span in which the seeds can be promptly again accumulated without agglomerating and in which said breaking up can be effected without causing the coatings to suffer substantial rupture damage which would occur if said breaking up was delayed closer to the point of final cure of the coating composition. The process is particularly useful in producing seeds coated for purposes of delaying germination.

Abstract: A process for mounting palynological specimen on a support employing a solution comprising water and at least one substance selected from the group consisting of water-soluble salts of carboxyalkyl hydroxyalkyl cellulose and water-soluble salts of carboxyalkyl cellulose.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions of matter useful for marking and identification purposes comprising a toluene, xylene or benzene solvent, a quinazolone fluorescent material and an alkyd resin and a method of marking and identifying objects therewith.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the controlled release of insecticides by using a mixture consisting of (a) an organopolysiloxane containing hydroxyl groups or functional groups which are hydrolyzable to hydroxyl groups, (b) a hydrolyzable organic titanium compound or a partial hydrolyzate thereof, and (c) a pesticide, e.g., an insecticide.

Abstract: A solid, substantially anhydrous body essentially consisting of animal or vegetal tissue and a synthetic resin substantially uniformly distributed in the tissue is prepared from a water-bearing, normally soft tissue, subject to rapid decomposition and loss of weight by evaporation of its water content in air at 20.degree. C., by substantially completely removing the water content while substantially maintaining the original tissue shape and volume, uniformly impregnating the water-free tissue with a fluid precursor composition capable of being polymerized into a solid synthetic resin, and holding the impregnated tissue under polymerization conditions until the precursor composition is cured to a solid resin more rigid than the original tissue.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the controlled release of insecticides by using a mixture consisting of (a) a hydrolyzable silane or an organopolysiloxane containing hydrolyzable silane groups or partial hydrolyzates thereof, and (b) a pesticide, e.g., an insecticide.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the controlled release of insecticides by using a mixture consisting of (a) a hydrolyzable silane or an organopolysiloxane containing hydrolyzable silane groups or partial hydrolyzates thereof, (b) a hydrolyzable organic titanium compound or a partial hydrolyzate thereof, and (c) a pesticide, e.g., an insecticide.