Abstract: A method for purchasing an item using a mobile device is provided. The method includes but is not limited to inputting identification information into the mobile device which identifies the item for purchase and generating an order for the item identified by the identification information. The method also includes but is not limited to displaying on a display of the mobile device an optical machine-readable representation of the order.

Abstract: An apparatus for additively manufacturing a heterogeneous structure (50) using a plastic fiber (10) and an energy transfer material (20) is disclosed. Additive manufacturing is performed in a vertical direction (z) perpendicular to a horizontal plane (x-y). The apparatus comprises: a nozzle device (110) adapted to provide the plastic fiber (10) for additive manufacturing; a feeding device (120) adapted to move the energy transfer material (20) back and forth in a vertical direction (z); and moving device (130) adapted to independently move (or rotate) the feeding device (120) and the nozzle device (110) in the horizontal plane (x-y) to fabricate the heterogeneous structure (50) in the horizontal plane (x-y).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for foldable containers for manual and robotic use. In one embodiment, an example foldable container may include a first container wall, a second container wall configured to rotate outwards in a first direction with respect to the first container wall, and a bottom container platform configured to rotate outwards in a second direction with respect to the first container wall. The bottom container platform may include an automatic locking mechanism configured to engage with the second container wall when the foldable container is in an unfolded position, where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Some embodiments may include a number of wheels. The foldable container may be configured to be transported using (i) the plurality of wheels via manual pushing, and (ii) robotic manipulation to lift and move the foldable container.

Abstract: A sensor-based item transport system, and a method therefore are described. The system includes, for example, a cart station, within a restricted area including a plurality of automated drive. A light curtain is adjacent to the cart station. A first sensor and a second sensor are spaced apart from the first sensor within the cart station. A first mode associated with the light curtain is maintained causing an alarm system associated with the light curtain to remain armed. The first mode is caused to change to a second mode associated with the light curtain, the second mode causing the alarm system to be muted, based at least in part on the identity of the cart. The identity is determined based at least in part on one or more signals received from the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: The Lactobacillus curvatus strain deposited as DSM18775 is used as a biopreservative culture in a wide range of meat products due to its production of bacteriocin. The present invention relates to Lactobacillus curvatus strains having an extended lag phase of at least 24 hours at 30° C. relative to DSM18775. In a presently preferred embodiment, the strains are mutants of DSM18775, such as the Lactobacillus curvatus strain deposited as DSM32590 and the Lactobacillus curvatus strain deposited as DSM 32591. Further, the invention relates to a method for inhibiting Listeria in a food product comprising adding bacteria of a Lactobacillus curvatus strain according to the invention to a food product in a concentration of at least 105 CFU/g.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for foldable containers for manual and robotic use. In one embodiment, an example foldable container may include a first container wall, a second container wall configured to rotate outwards in a first direction with respect to the first container wall, and a bottom container platform configured to rotate outwards in a second direction with respect to the first container wall. The bottom container platform may include an automatic locking mechanism configured to engage with the second container wall when the foldable container is in an unfolded position, where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Some embodiments may include a number of wheels. The foldable container may be configured to be transported using (i) the plurality of wheels via manual pushing, and (ii) robotic manipulation to lift and move the foldable container.

Abstract: The Lactobacillus curvatus strain deposited as DSM18775 is used as a biopreservative culture in a wide range of meat products due to its production of bacteriocin. The present invention relates to Lactobacillus curvatus strains having an extended lag phase of at least 24 hours at 30° C. relative to DSM18775. In a presently preferred embodiment, the strains are mutants of DSM18775, such as the Lactobacillus curvatus strain deposited as DSM32590 and the Lactobacillus curvatus strain deposited as DSM 32591. Further, the invention relates to a method for inhibiting Listeria in a food product comprising adding bacteria of a Lactobacillus curvatus strain according to the invention to a food product in a concentration of at least 105 CFU/g.

Abstract: Described herein are polymorphisms, and in particular single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with late onset of sexual maturation in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In particular, provided are methods for predicting late onset of sexual maturation in rainbow trout, methods for selecting a rainbow trout having late onset of sexual maturation and kit suitable for carrying out said methods. Further provided are rainbow trout cells, sperm and unfertilized eggs carrying at least one allele conferring late onset of sexual maturation in their genome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the concentration of Gram-negative bacteria in a food product, the method comprising adding a red wine extract produced from red wine by dealcoholization, concentration and drying, and a culture comprising at least one class IIa bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacterial strain to a food product, ripening the food product, and storing the food product at a temperature of at the most 15° C. until a concentration less than 1 E-1 of Gram-negative bacteria. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, Gram-negative bacteria already present are eliminated. In one embodiment of the invention, the Gram-negative bacteria are Salmonella ssp. The bacteriocin-producing culture may comprise at least one of Lactobacillus curvatus (DSM 18775) and Pediococcus acidilactici (DSM 28307).

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymorphisms indicative of altered milk fatty acid composition in female milk-producing cattle. In particular, the present invention provides methods for selecting a cattle which possesses a genotype which in female milk-producing cattle is indicative of a desired milk fatty acid composition and cattle selected by said method. Further, the present invention provides milk produced by the female milk-producing cattle, methods for selective breeding and non-human gametes. Use of a nucleic acid molecule or an oligonucleotide in an in vitro method for determining the presence of at least one allele, which in a female milk-producing cattle is indicative of a desired milk fatty acid composition, is also part of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the concentration of Gram-negative bacteria in a food product, the method comprising adding a red wine extract produced from red wine by dealcoholization, concentration and drying, and a culture comprising at least one class IIa bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacterial strain to a food product, ripening the food product, and storing the food product at a temperature of at the most 15° C. until a concentration less than 1 E-1 of Gram-negative bacteria. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, Gram-negative bacteria already present are eliminated. In one embodiment of the invention, the Gram-negative bacteria are Salmonella ssp. The bacteriocin-producing culture may comprise at least one of Lactobacillus curvatus (DSM 18775) and Pediococcus acidilactici (DSM 28307).

Abstract: Method for determining states of a system by means of an estimation filter, in which first state values are determined by calculating a mean value of a probability distribution for the states, in which a probability for deviation for the case that the first state values deviate from the actual states of the system is calculated, and in which the states of the system are measured as state data. In the method the first state values are corrected by means of the state data then, if the probability for deviation is larger than a threshold.

Abstract: Method for determining states of a system by means of an estimation filter, in which first state values are determined by calculating a mean value of a probability distribution for the states, in which a probability for deviation for the case that the first state values deviate from the actual states of the system is calculated, and in which the states of the system are measured as state data. In the method the first state values are corrected by means of the state data then, if the probability for deviation is larger than a threshold.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and apparatuses for the synthesis of 5-(chloromethyl)-2-furaldehyde (CMF) from saccharides in pure or crude form, the method comprising: (a) continuously contacting saccharides in pure or crude form, hydrochloric acid, and an organic solvent, by way of a continuous, biphasic-flow reactor assembly at a temperature from about 60 degrees C. to about 200 degrees C. and pressures from about 1 atmosphere to about 20 atmospheres, such that CMF is produced; (b) separating 5-(chloromethyl)-2-furaldehyde by liquid/liquid and solid/liquid phase separation; (c) producing at least five kilograms per day with at least 50% yield. Embodiments of the present invention can produce CMF in a continuous fashion, with high yield and without degradation of CMF to such side products as 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF), 2-(2-hydroxyacetyl)furan (HAF) and levulinic acid (LA).

Abstract: Paper cutting mechanisms for cutting paper in a printing device including a drive mechanism, a cutting device coupled to the drive mechanism, and a retention mechanism including a trigger and a retaining portion configured to mechanically interact with the cutting device to selectively deploy the retention mechanism to retain the paper. In some examples, paper cutting mechanism includes a trigger including an elbow, a first arm extending from the elbow, and a second arm extending from the elbow offset from the first arm, and a rotation shaft extending from the elbow transverse to a plane defined by the first arm and the second arm. In some further examples, the paper cutting mechanism includes a resilient member cooperatively coupled with a paper engaging end of the retaining portion.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of reddening of food products. In particular the present invention relates to a two-phase fermentation method for boosting the nitrate reductase activity of Staphylococcus strains with nitrate reductase activity comprising a first aerobic phase in the absence of nitrate and a second anaerobic or oxygen limited phase with continuous nitrate feeding and use of the Staphylococcus strains for reddening of meat products.

Abstract: Paper cutting mechanisms for cutting paper in a printing device including a drive mechanism, a cutting device coupled to the drive mechanism, and a retention mechanism including a trigger and a retaining portion configured to mechanically interact with the cutting device to selectively deploy the retention mechanism to retain the paper. In some examples, paper cutting mechanism includes a trigger including an elbow, a first arm extending from the elbow, and a second arm extending from the elbow offset from the first arm, and a rotation shaft extending from the elbow transverse to a plane defined by the first arm and the second arm. In some further examples, the paper cutting mechanism includes a resilient member cooperatively coupled with a paper engaging end of the retaining portion.