Abstract: Various processes for preparing aldaric acids, aldonic acids, uronic acids, and/or lactone(s) thereof are described. For example, processes for preparing a C5-C6 aldaric acid and/or lactone(s) thereof by the catalytic oxidation of a C5-C6 aldonic acid and/or lactone(s) thereof and/or a C5-C6 aldose are described.

Abstract: A grid framework structure for supporting a load handling device operative to move one or more containers in a stack. The grid framework structure includes a plurality of upright members forming a supporting framework structure mounted to a substructure; a grid structure including a plurality of grid members arranged in a grid pattern having a plurality of grid cells, each of the plurality of grid cells including a grid opening; and solid walled panels distributed internally within the supporting framework structure such that each of the plurality of solid walled panels lies in a respective vertical plane within the supporting framework structure having a first end anchored to the substructure and a second end secured to the grid structure to provide stability to the grid framework structure.

Abstract: A data collection and monitoring system for assessing a crop of living organisms in a controlled environment farming system is provided. The collection and monitoring system includes a data collection device having an imaging capability, a depth sensor capability, and one or more environment sensors; and a data processor receiving collected data from the data collection device, wherein based on collected data the data processor provides topographical mapped information of an imaged area combined with collected environmental data as an output.

Abstract: Processes for converting one or more C1-C5 linear or branched alcohols to one or more C2-C5 olefins are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the process can be a single stage process for the direct conversion of C1-C5 alcohols to olefinic mixtures (e.g., C2-C5) carried out in a reactor using a catalyst that includes zeolite doped with boron and phosphor. Systems for carrying out these processes are also provided.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system in which items are stored in containers. The containers are arranged in stack units. Each stack unit includes a stand including a stand top and one or more legs extending downwardly from the stand top. The containers are arranged in a stack on top of the stand top. Each stack unit is movable by a vehicle dimensioned to allow the vehicle to move underneath the stand top. Each vehicle includes a lifting mechanism moveable between a raised position and a lowered position to raise the stack unit off the ground and lower the stack unit onto the ground respectively.

Abstract: A modular growth unit for forming a three dimensional extendible structure, the modular growth unit including a top wall, a bottom wall and sidewalls to define a box like structure. The top and bottom walls include an interlocking feature to interlock modular growth units when placed in a stack. The bottom wall has a rim to define a growth tray for receiving a growth medium for living organisms. The top wall supports a lighting unit to radiate light within at least one spectral region associated with the growing living organisms. A sidewall window has an opening extending into an interior space of the box-like structure so that the interior space is accessible.

Abstract: A grow tray including a perimeter wall and a base. The base includes an irrigation opening extending through the base for allowing fluid to enter and leave the grow tray. The base is couplable to a conduit to allow fluid communication between the conduit and the base via the irrigation opening.

Abstract: An automated load handling system including: first and second automated storage and retrieval systems each having a grid framework structure, and plural robotic load handling devices; at least one port column through which a respective robotic load handling device is able to access storage containers; and at least one transfer system configured to transfer storage containers or items therein from a port column of the first automated storage and retrieval system to a port column of the second automated storage and retrieval system, and wherein grid openings of the first and second automated storage and retrieval systems are of different size.

Abstract: A grow tray including a perimeter wall and a base. The base includes an irrigation opening extending through the base for allowing fluid to enter and leave the grow tray. The base is couplable to a conduit to allow fluid communication between the conduit and the base via the irrigation opening.

Abstract: Processes for producing two or more different C2-C6 linear or branched olefins are disclosed herein. In one exemplary implementation, the process can include contacting a first feed stream that includes ?-valerolactone with one or more first catalysts in a first reactor to form a mixture. The mixture includes two or more different C2-C6 linear or branched olefins at a yield of at least 60%, and the one or more first catalysts include a doped zeolite. Processes for converting levulinic acid to ?-valerolactone are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A grid framework structure, configured to support one or more load handling devices, includes: a first set of grid members extending in a first direction and a second set of grid members extending in a second direction, to form a grid structure having grid cells. A plurality of vertical uprights create a storage space for storing containers in a stack such that load handling devices operative on the grid structure can lift containers through a grid cell from a stack below the grid structure. The vertical uprights are arranged such that a section of the grid structure including four adjoined grid cells is supported by five or fewer vertical uprights.

Abstract: Processes for oxidative pretreatment of carbohydrate dehydration products are disclosed, which relate to the discovery that functional groups of humins, such as those that result in, or lead to, color formation (e.g., aldehyde groups and/or groups having conjugated double bonds) may be more readily converted by oxidation (in some cases “bleached”) than FDCA-forming furanics. This selective oxidation of humins may use milder oxidation conditions and/or a different reaction system, compared to respective conditions and systems used for oxidation of furan ring-containing compounds. Oxidative pretreatment can beneficially promote the selective oxidation of humin functional groups over FDCA-forming furanics, with the overall result of modifying humins in a manner that can provide a number of improvements.

Abstract: A gripper for latching to a storage container is disclosed which includes: a gripper housing; a pair of gripper arms held in the gripper housing, wherein the gripper arms have cooperating shapes; and a movable rotatable actuator held in a channel between the pair of gripper arms for moving the gripper arms between closed and open positions. A load handling device for lifting and moving storage containers can include one or more grippers. A method of using a gripper, and a grid-based storage and retrieval system which can include at least one load handling device containing one or more grippers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A grid framework structure configured to support one or more load handling devices thereupon includes i) a grid structure including a plurality of grid cells; and ii) a load bearing framework, wherein the grid structure is suspended from the load bearing framework by three or more tension elements connected to a respective number of suspension points on the grid structure, each of the three or more tension elements having a length configured to suspend the grid structure in a substantially horizontal plane.

Abstract: A grid framework structure configured to support one or more load handling devices includes a grid structure including a first set of grid members extending in a first direction and a second set of grid members extending in a second direction, the second set of grid members running transversely to the first set of grid members in a substantially horizontal plane in a grid pattern containing plural grid cells; plural vertical uprights supporting the grid structure; and an adjustable grid levelling mechanism for adjusting the level of the grid structure.

Abstract: A system for guiding the movement of one or more load handling devices in operation includes: a) a first set of parallel tracks and a second set of parallel tracks, the first and second sets of parallel tracks sharing a common track, each track of the first and second set of parallel tracks providing a track surface; and b) a first load handling device and a second load handling device, each having a wheel assembly engaging with the track surface and with the track surface of the common track; wherein each track of the first and second sets of parallel tracks include only two guide surfaces extending from the track surface for guiding the first and second load handing devices along their respective first and second sets of parallel tracks.

Abstract: A track for a grid framework structure configured to guide a load handling device operative to move one or more containers, the rid framework structure including a plurality of grid members converging or intersecting at nodes in a grid pattern to form a grid structure 40 including a plurality of grid cells. The track comprising a plurality of track sections mountable to the grid structure to form a track surface upon which the load handling devices may move on the grid structure, wherein each track section of the plurality of track sections is formed as a unitary body so as to provide a track surface extending in transverse directions.

Abstract: A grid framework structure configured to support one or more robotic load handling devices includes: a grid structure having a first set of parallel grid members extending in a first direction and a second set of parallel grid members extending in a second direction to form a grid pattern of grid cells; a track system; and a supporting framework structure for supporting the grid structure above ground to create a storage space for containers such that load handling devices can lift containers through a grid cell; wherein: the supporting framework structure includes a plurality of prefabricated modular panels.

Abstract: An inventory handling station assembly for a storage and retrieval system is disclosed. A grid framework structure includes a plurality of upright columns for one or more containers to be stacked, the plurality of upright columns being interconnected at their top ends by grid members which support first and second sets of tracks for a load handling device to move containers on the grid framework structure. A supply zone includes at least one vertical chute. A buffer zone vertically accumulates containers and includes at least one bin lift device. An access station is intermediate of the supply zone. A conveyor system conveys containers 10 from the supply zone to the buffer zone via the access station.