Abstract: A device can include one or more inputs, which, in operation, receive one or more signals indicative of toilet-lid positions and one or more signals indicative of user-toilet proximity; and control circuitry coupled to the one or more inputs. The control circuitry can, in operation, determine a position of a toilet lid based on the one or more signals indicative of toilet-lid positions; respond to a determination that the toilet lid is in a closed position by entering a power-save mode of operation; and respond to a determination that the toilet lid is not in a closed position by selectively generating, based on the one or more signals indicative of user-toilet proximity, toilet-lid-actuator control signals to cause a toilet-lid-actuator to move the toilet lid toward a closed position. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating an oil comprising a chlorophyll substrate, the process comprising contacting the oil with a polypeptide having decolorase activity or a composition comprising the polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of: a. a polypeptide which has at least 80% identity to amino acids 1 to 318 of SEQ ID NO: 1; and, b. a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 80% identity to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the color of phospholipid compositions comprising lecithin are disclosed. The phospholipid composition is exposed to ultraviolet light to reduce the color of the composition. The phospholipid composition may be diluted and/or heated prior to exposure to ultraviolet light to improve the flow properties of the composition. The phospholipid composition may be cooled and/or concentrated after color reduction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating an oil comprising a chlorophyll substrate, the process comprising contacting the oil with a polypeptide having decolorase activity or a composition comprising the polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of: a. a polypeptide which has at least 80% identity to amino acids 1 to 318 of SEQ ID NO: 1; and, b. a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 80% identity to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for improved oilseed extraction methods using sequential extractions with polar solvents and non-polar solvents or extractions with an azeotrope of a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent to produce oilseed meal concentrates having increased protein content and reduced soluble carbohydrate and anti-nutritional compound content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating an oil comprising a chlorophyll derivative. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an improved process for removing impurities, including chlorophyll derivatives and/or trace metals, from an oil using an adsorbent comprising a silica treated with an alkali earth metal oxide, such as magnesium oxide. The process comprises contacting the oil with the adsorbent, wherein the pH of the silica is about 7 or greater, including from about 7 to about 10. The process may further comprise contacting the oil with a polypeptide having decolorase activity or a composition comprising the polypeptide, prior to contact with the adsorbent.

Abstract: A device can include one or more inputs, which, in operation, receive one or more signals indicative of toilet-lid positions and one or more signals indicative of user-toilet proximity; and control circuitry coupled to the one or more inputs. The control circuitry can, in operation, determine a position of a toilet lid based on the one or more signals indicative of toilet-lid positions; respond to a determination that the toilet lid is in a closed position by entering a power-save mode of operation; and respond to a determination that the toilet lid is not in a closed position by selectively generating, based on the one or more signals indicative of user-toilet proximity, toilet-lid-actuator control signals to cause a toilet-lid-actuator to move the toilet lid toward a closed position. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A fence system may include stably coupleable posts, railings, and pickets. A post may include components configured to snap fit such as a post housing and post cover. A post cover may include a hole to snap fit to an end of a railing. A railing may include components configured to snap fit such as a railing housing and railing cover. Railing components may include holes positioned to correspond when the components are snap fit. The corresponding holes may be dimensioned to snap fit an end of a picket. Railings, pickets, or both may be pivoted when snap fit with a respective post or railing.

Abstract: Provided here is an enzymatic process for extraction of oil from algae biomass. The oils produced by the processes herein are used in animal feed and human consumption.

Abstract: A fence system may include stably coupleable posts, railings, and pickets. A post may include components configured to snap fit such as a post housing and post cover. A post cover may include a hole to snap fit to an end of a railing. A railing may include components configured to snap fit such as a railing housing and railing cover. Railing components may include holes positioned to correspond when the components are snap fit. The corresponding holes may be dimensioned to snap fit an end of a picket. Railings, pickets, or both may be pivoted when snap fit with a respective post or railing.

Abstract: Provided here is an enzymatic process for production of low saturate oil, in one embodiment, low palmitic oils from triacylglycerol sources. The enzymes used in the processes herein are saturase enzymes, including palmitase enzymes. The oils produced by the processes herein are used in food products.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) enzymes, nucleic acids encoding them, antibodies that bind specifically to them, and methods for making and using them. Industrial methods and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for hydration of non hydratable phospholipids (NHPs) within a lipid matrix. The methods enable migration of NHPs to an oil-water interface thereby allowing the NHPs to be reacted and/or removed from the lipids. In certain embodiments, provided is a method for removing NHPs, hydratable phospholipids, and lecithins from vegetable oils to produce a degummed oil or fat product that can be used for food production and/or non-food applications. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for hydration of NHPs followed by enzymatic treatment and removal of various phospholipids and lecithins.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) enzymes, nucleic acids encoding them, antibodies that bind specifically to them, and methods for making and using them. Industrial methods and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for hydration of non hydratable phospholipids (NHPs) within a lipid matrix. The methods enable migration of NHPs to an oil-water interface thereby allowing the NHPs to be reacted and/or removed from the lipids. In certain embodiments, provided is a method for removing NHPs, hydratable phospholipids, and lecithins from vegetable oils to produce a degummed oil or fat product that can be used for food production and/or non-food applications. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for hydration of NHPs followed by enzymatic treatment and removal of various phospholipids and lecithins.

Abstract: Provided here is an enzymatic process for production of low saturate oil, in one embodiment, low palmitic oils from triacylglycerol sources. The enzymes used in the processes herein are saturase enzymes, including palmitase enzymes. The oils produced by the processes herein are used in food products.

Abstract: A drill head has a domed leading face and carries cutting teeth. A tubular drill string can be used to drive the head into the ground. An off-center aperture communicates with the bore of the string, by means of a connecting passage, which defines an oblique cone. During drilling, a flushing medium can be pumped down the bore and out through the aperture. As the drill string and head are withdrawn, an elongate member can be introduced down the bore, out through the aperture, to be left in the passage drilled by the head. The form of the mouths and connecting passage avoid the elongate member encountering any discontinuities which would prevent it leaving the head. The elongate member could be reinforcing bar for a cast-in-situ pile, or part of a ground loop for a ground heat energy system.

Abstract: A connector for connecting elongate members, such as pile sections, in an end-to-end relationship. A housing is fitted to each end of a reinforcing bar in the elongate member. The housing has a first attachment socket at one end, the first attachment socket having an internal thread for accommodating helical protrusions formed on an outer surface of a standard reinforcing bar. A second attachment socket having a circular cross section is provided at the other end of the housing. Protrusions having a saw tooth cross section project inwardly from the second socket walls. The connector also includes an initially separate joining member which comprises a hollow cylinder having a short central portion with no protrusions therefrom and serrated sections extending from each end thereof, each having protrusions of a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the protrusions from the second attachment socket.

Abstract: A connector for connecting elongate members, such as pile sections, in an end-toend relationship. A housing is fitted to each end of a reinforcing bar in the elongate member. The housing has a first attachment socket at one end, the first attachment socket having an internal thread for accommodating helical protrusions formed on an outer surface of a standard reinforcing bar. A second attachment socket having a circular cross section is provided at the other end of the housing. Protrusions having a saw tooth cross section project inwardly from the second socket walls. The connector also includes an initially separate joining member which comprises a hollow cylinder having a short central portion with no protrusions therefrom and serrated sections extending from each end thereof, each having protrusions of a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the protrusions from the second attachment socket.

Abstract: A pile for driving into the ground to provide support for a structure is elongate and is substantially rectangular in cross-section when viewed along its length. The ratio of the side lengths in cross-section may be 2:1 or greater, or may be 3:1 or greater. The pile is preferably formed of concrete and is preferably formed by extrusion. The pile preferably comprises at least one cavity running lengthwise along and within the pile, and preferably comprises at least one reinforcing bar running lengthwise along and within the pile. The arrangement of the cavities and/or reinforcing bars is preferably symmetrical about the central axis of the pile.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a pile in the ground has an elongate member (12, 112), at least one helical thread flight (16, 116) on the elongate member (12, 112), and a torque transmission device (24, 124) to transmit torque from a drive structure to the elongate member (12, 112) and the at least one helical thread flight (16, 116) thereon. The outer diameter of the transmission device is greater than the outer diameter of the elongate member so that the apparatus can be inserted into the ground through a frustoconical depression (50) in the ground by rotating the torque transmission device (24, 124) in a first direction, and upon the reversal of the direction of rotation, a hole is left in the ground with a diameter which is the same as that of the transmission device, and with helical grooves of substantially the same shape as the at least one helical thread flight (16, 116).