Abstract: A cleaning robot may determine a three-dimensional model of a physical environment based on data collected from one or more sensors. The cleaning robot may then identify a surface within the physical environment to clean. Having identified that surface, the robot may autonomously navigate to a location proximate to the surface, position an ultraviolet light source in proximity to the surface, and activate the ultraviolet light source for a period of time.

Abstract: A method of forming a low moisture block with cold flow resistance proceeds by subjecting a feed mixture containing molasses-like liquids to mixing to form a homogenous mixture; dehydrating the molasses-like mixture to less than about 2.0% moisture using heating; adding to the dehydrated molasses-like liquid mixture one or more feed ingredients in dry ingredient form, comprising 10% to 50% by weight of the resulting mixture; and adding to the dehydrated molasses-like mixture a composition comprising CaO or reactive MgO or combinations thereof, with the composition comprising 0.1% to 10% by weight of the resulting mixture. The composition is mixed in to form a homogenous mixture.

Abstract: A deodorizer for insertion into athletic and other equipment, having an outer housing that is infused with an antimicrobial agent and that has ventilation holes, and containing a moisture absorbing deodorizer within the outer housing. The deodorizer absorbs moisture that allows bacteria to grow and the antimicrobial infused outer housing kills existing bacteria, thereby reducing bacteria and odor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an X-ray irradiator for single blood bags, comprising: an X-ray irradiator main body provided with a chamber configured to safely hold a single blood bag therein and an X-ray tube configured to irradiate the chamber with X-rays; a loading part configured to load the blood bag; and a transfer part configured to transfer the blood bag between the loading part and the chamber to which X-rays are to be emitted. The X-ray irradiator for single blood bags according to the present invention can treat a single blood bag with X-rays, such that treatment optimized for a small amount of a blood bag can be performed, and a system configuration can be simplified by using an X-ray tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining yeast proteins comprising the following steps: a) providing a yeast cream; b) exposing this yeast cream to a thermal plasmolysis at a temperature between 70 and 95° C. for a time of between 30 seconds and 4 hours; c) subjecting the whole to the activity of at least one ribonuclease and a glucanase, sequentially or simultaneously, at a temperature between 40 and 65° C. for a period of between 8 and 24 hours; and d) separating the insoluble fraction from the soluble fraction; wherein the insoluble fraction collected in step d) is taste-free, has a nucleotide content less than 3% and a true protein content of at least 72%.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making a multilayer confectionery product provided. The method and apparatus include at least two sets of forming drums that form and laminate confectionery sheets.

Abstract: A method includes providing an exercise mat having first and second ends, first and second sides, and first and second major surfaces, providing a pliant substrate including an oligodynamic material having a biocidal or antimicrobial effect, forming a prepared exercise mat by overlying the pliant substrate over the first major surface, the pliant substrate extending across the first major surface between the first side and the second side and between the first end and the second end, and rolling up the prepared exercise mat into a spiral roll including the pliant substrate spiraled between the first major surface and the second major surface, the oligodynamic material contacting, and exerting the biocidal or antimicrobial effect on organisms on or carried by, the first major surface and the second major surface over a period of time while maintaining the prepared exercise mat in the spiral roll.

Abstract: Packaging for prosthetic heart valves including an assembly for stabilizing dry prosthetic tissue implants such as heart valves during storage. The packaging assembly can be used for storing a bioprosthetic heart valve without a liquid preservative solution. The packaging assembly can have a valve holder configured for removably attaching a bioprosthetic heart valve, a storage tray comprising an open end and a cavity, and a retaining member configured for removably attaching the valve holder. The retaining member can be generally planar and have a slot having a closed end and an open outer end. The valve holder can be configured to be retained at the closed end of the slot in the retaining member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing food products by means of co-extrusion, wherein at least two casing material components are mixed to make a viscous gelling solution. This viscous gelling solution is subsequently co-extruded whereby the gelling solution is forming the external layer of an extruded strand of food dough. The invention also relates to a viscous gelling solution obtainable by such method as well as a system for co-extrusion of food products.

Abstract: A human-activity-environment air-purifying apparatus is provided that draws in airflow from an ambient environment, kills germs in the airflow within the apparatus and expels purified airflow back into the environment. The apparatus has a housing with an interior chamber. An airflow enters the chamber through an inlet. From the interior chamber, the airflow is expelled through an outlet. The apparatus has a germ-killing-system that kills germs in the airflow and has an airflow-generator which causes the airflow to flow from the inlet to the outlet. In one aspect, the apparatus has a three-dimensional filter structure that has air-filter-surfaces that define a filter interior region and encompassed by the air-filter-surfaces of the filter structure. The filter is positioned in connection with the inlet so that airflow entering the inlet is dispersed into the housing interior chamber in multiple directions exclusively through the air-filter-surfaces of the three-dimensional filter structure.

Abstract: An edible and 3D printable ink composition is disclosed herein, which includes a chocolate-based material including a chocolate syrup, a chocolate paste, or a combination thereof, and cocoa powder present in an amount ranging from 5 to 25 w/w %, wherein the edible and 3D printable ink composition is both printable and remains in a single phase at a temperature ranging from 20° C. to 30° C. A method of 3D printing the edible and 3D printable ink composition, and a system operable for printing the edible and 3D printable ink composition, are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating substantially enclosed environments by using ultrasonic cavitation of a cleaning fluid to produce a low pressure, low air flow mist that can be activated by a nonthermal plasma actuator to create a cloud of activated hydroxyl species with the capacity to decontaminate articles, open surfaces or substantially enclosed spaces of pathogens, including bacteria, and other pathogenic microorganisms. An automated system and related non-transitory computer medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to: determine the structure of a novel steviol glycoside which is detected from species containing a large amount of Reb. C (also referred to as dulcoside B), and a trace amount of which is capable of influencing the quality of taste; and understand the taste characteristics of said steviol glycoside. The present invention provides a compound represented by formula (1) or a salt thereof, or a hydrate thereof.

Abstract: A meat-packaging procedure and a machine for packaging meat cuts for long-term storage is operated at temperatures of between 28° and 42° F. The process includes sealing meat cuts or full poultry birds or bird pieces within a master bag containing (i) oxygen scavenger materials capable of reducing the residual oxygen content of the atmosphere within the bag to 0 ppm within 96 hours of sealing, and (ii) a CO2 generator capable to generate CO2 in the amount of at least 100 mL per pound of meat or poultry within 7 days of sealing. Gas is injected into the master bag to form a CO2-rich storage environment of at least 50% CO2. For meat trays containing meat with poor color stability, oxygen scavengers are preferably placed within the meat trays. For cuts with good color stability, the oxygen scavengers may be placed outside the meat trays.

Abstract: Methods of preparing novel steviol glycosides are described herein. The methods utilize biocatalysts for converting a starting steviol glycoside to a target steviol glycoside. Compositions and consumables comprising said novel steviol glycosides as well as methods of purifying and using said novel steviol glycosides, are also provided.

Abstract: A scent release system includes scent cartridges containing temperature activated scent media. The scent cartridges may bear machine-readable identification that specifies which scent media are carried by the cartridge. The scent release system can be controlled by a timer to initiate a phase change of the scent media to selectively release one or more scents, followed by a reverse phase change to selectively stop release of the respective scents. A scent release system in conjunction with a mobile electronic device, such as a smart phone, allows sending and receiving scent messages. The scent release system can be built into a case for the mobile electronic device, eliminating the need for a separate unit. A private scent delivery device in the form of a headset can be worn by users of a scent release system or by scent message recipients.

Abstract: A pathogen disinfection apparatus includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source configured to emit UV light toward a target location to at least partially inactivate pathogens exposed to the emitted UV light in the path of the emitted light and a surface of the target location. The UV light has a mean peak wavelength between 200-280 nanometers. Further, the pathogen disinfection apparatus includes a distance sensor configured to determine a distance between the UV light source and the target location. Moreover, the pathogen disinfection apparatus includes dosimetry circuitry configured to monitor a dose of the UV light at the target location in real-time based at least in part on an intensity of the UV light and the distance between the UV light source and the target location.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrostatic spray drying process for encapsulating a core material, such as a volatile flavor oil, within a carrier or wall material. The process is achieved by atomizing a liquid emulsion comprising the core material and the wall material, applying an electrostatic charge at the site of atomization, and drying the atomized emulsion into an encapsulated, free-flowing powder. Applying an electrostatic charge at the site of atomization allows the spray drying to be accomplished at significantly reduced temperatures, in particular, inlet temperatures in the range of 25° C. to 110° C., and outlet temperatures in the range of 25° C. to 80° C. The low drying temperatures impart improvements in the resulting encapsulated powdered product, including better retention of volatile flavor components, a flavor profile comparable to that of the starting liquid formulation, and better hydration and dissolution in water-based applications.

Abstract: A method for sanitizing the sand of a beach or strand, comprising a step of scattering on the sand to be treated at least one first layer of lime, followed by a step of mechanical mixing of the sand treated with the lime. It is then optionally possible to repeat the two preceding steps to then move on to a step of mechanical ventilation of the sand treated with the lime.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispersing scent around the exterior of a vehicle. A scent-dispersing device is attached to the exterior of a vehicle. The device is configured so that the airflow through or around the device causes scent to be dispersed around the vehicle. In one embodiment, the device is installable in the tailpipe of a motorized vehicle so that the exhaust passes through or around the device and thereby disperses scent into the area around the vehicle and into the surrounding environment.