Abstract: In some cases, a delivery service system may include a handheld electronic device for use with a delivery service (e.g., a grocery delivery service). When operating in a voice input mode, the handheld electronic device may record and store audio data in memory. The stored audio data may be communicated from the handheld electronic device (e.g., via a Wi-Fi connection) to the delivery service for speech processing. When operating in a scanner input mode, the handheld electronic device may record and store item identifier information (e.g., barcode data) in memory. The stored data may be communicated to the delivery service for item identification processing. In some cases, a user interface associated with the delivery service may allow the user to review and confirm an order prior to submission of the order for delivery.

Abstract: In some cases, a delivery service system may include a handheld electronic device for use with a delivery service (e.g., a grocery delivery service). When operating in a voice input mode, the handheld electronic device may record and store audio data in memory. The stored audio data may be communicated from the handheld electronic device (e.g., via a Wi-Fi connection) to the delivery service for speech processing. When operating in a scanner input mode, the handheld electronic device may record and store item identifier information (e.g., barcode data) in memory. The stored data may be communicated to the delivery service for item identification processing. In some cases, a user interface associated with the delivery service may allow the user to review and confirm an order prior to submission of the order for delivery.

Abstract: Embodiments of the apparatus of this disclosure can comprise a portable compactor apparatus for compacting material in a container, wherein the portable compactor apparatus comprises a. At least one base support, b. A linear actuator attached to the at least one base support, the linear actuator having an extendable and retractable shaft, the shaft having a proximal end within the actuator and a distal end, c. A compression head connected to the distal end of the shaft, and d. Control means for controlling extension and retraction of the shaft, The container having a top lip portion, the base support positioned on the top lip portion, the linear activator having a first position and a second position, in the first position the shaft is fully retracted into the linear actuator, in the second position the shaft is extended further below the top lip portion of the container.

Abstract: A method is shown for reducing the adverse swelling action of sulfates in clay bearing soils during lime stabilization by treating soils having high sulfate content with a soluble aluminum compound that can react with the sulfate ions in the soil to form ettringite or other swelling species during the initial reaction with lime stabilization prior to compaction and paving of the lime treated soil. The amount of soluble aluminum ions added to the soil is determined by the concentration of sulfate in the soil and the other soil parameters such as the soils PI, clay type, etc.

Abstract: A method is shown for reducing the adverse swelling action of sulfates in clay bearing soils during lime stabilization by treating soils having high sulfate content with a soluble aluminum compound that can react with the sulfate ions in the soil to form ettringite or other swelling species during the initial reaction with lime stabilization prior to compaction and paving of the lime treated soil. The amount of soluble aluminum ions added to the soil is determined by the concentration of sulfate in the soil and the other soil parameters such as the soils PI, clay type, etc.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for improving the customer experience and simplifying the purchase of items are disclosed. In general the devices, methods, and systems allow a customer to speak a name or type of item, or scan a code (such as a barcode) of an item, and the item is automatically added to a shopping cart of the customer. For example, speech recognition and machine learning techniques may be used to process audio input and identify potential products relating to the input. When there is a high confidence that an identified product is the product the customer intended to purchase, the identified product is automatically added to the customer's shopping cart. When the confidence is not high enough, a list of potential products may be generated and added to the customer's shopping cart. The customer may then select the intended product right from the list in the shopping cart.

Abstract: In some cases, a delivery service system may include a handheld electronic device for use with a delivery service (e.g., a grocery delivery service). When operating in a voice input mode, the handheld electronic device may record and store audio data in memory. The stored audio data may be communicated from the handheld electronic device (e.g., via a Wi-Fi connection) to the delivery service for speech processing. When operating in a scanner input mode, the handheld electronic device may record and store item identifier information (e.g., barcode data) in memory. The stored data may be communicated to the delivery service for item identification processing. In some cases, a user interface associated with the delivery service may allow the user to review and confirm an order prior to submission of the order for delivery.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanostructures such as carboxysomes that encapsulate RubisCO and carbonic anhydrase to provide a protected environment to maximize CO2 assimilation. Conditions are disclosed were RubisCO can be sequestered into a variety of self-assembling nanotubes. The encapsulated protein was enzymatically active and was clearly associated with the nanotubes and removed from solution based on a number of criteria. These nanostructures were also found to enhance the stability of RubisCO toward proteases and other environmental factors. These structures can be used in scalable CO2 conversions and other processes.

Abstract: A high bandwidth signal probe device and a method of probing a high bandwidth signal are provided. The high bandwidth signal probe device includes a probe tip for probing a stub of a backdrilled via of a printed circuit board. The probe tip is adapted to fit in the backdrilled via. The probe tip has a length adapted to reach the stub of the backdrilled via. The probe tip is adapted to contact a plated portion of the stub of the backdrilled via. A resistive element is associated with the probe tip. The method includes inserting a probe tip of a signal probe device in the backdrilled via, placing the probe tip in contact with a plated portion of the stub of the backdrilled via, and receiving an electrical signal through a path which includes a resistive element of the probe tip of the signal probe device.

Abstract: In some cases, a delivery service system may include a handheld electronic device for use with a delivery service (e.g., a grocery delivery service). When operating in a voice input mode, the handheld electronic device may record and store audio data in memory. The stored audio data may be communicated from the handheld electronic device (e.g., via a Wi-Fi connection) to the delivery service for speech processing. When operating in a scanner input mode, the handheld electronic device may record and store item identifier information (e.g., barcode data) in memory. The stored data may be communicated to the delivery service for item identification processing. In some cases, a user interface associated with the delivery service may allow the user to review and confirm an order prior to submission of the order for delivery.

Abstract: A high bandwidth signal probe device and a method of probing a high bandwidth signal are provided. The high bandwidth signal probe device includes a probe tip for probing a stub of a backdrilled via of a printed circuit board. The probe tip is adapted to fit in the backdrilled via. The probe tip has a length adapted to reach the stub of the backdrilled via. The probe tip is adapted to contact a plated portion of the stub of the backdrilled via. A resistive element is associated with the probe tip. The method includes inserting a probe tip of a signal probe device in the backdrilled via, placing the probe tip in contact with a plated portion of the stub of the backdrilled via, and receiving an electrical signal through a path which includes a resistive element of the probe tip of the signal probe device.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, low-density, open-cell, thermoplastic, absorbent foam formed from a foam polymer formula including a balanced amount of a plasticizing agent and a surfactant in combination with a base resin. Thermoplastic elastomers can be added to the foam polymer formula to improve softness, flexibility, elasticity, and resiliency of the resulting foam. The surfactant may be either a single surfactant or a multi-surfactant system. The foam possesses a number of qualities, such as softness and strength, which render the foam particularly suitable for use in a variety of personal care products, medical products, and the like.

Abstract: A hybrid absorbent foam includes an integrated hybrid foam layer having an open surface, a closed surface, and a foam body extending between the open and closed surfaces. The integrated hybrid foam layer has an open-cell content of at least 50%, while the closed surface provides a barrier to aqueous liquids. The integrated hybrid foam layer is formed as a single layer, and has a substantially uniform polymer composition throughout its thickness. The integrated hybrid foam layer combines the functions of liquid absorbency, retention, and barrier into a single layer, and is useful in a wide variety of absorbent articles.

Abstract: A wet mop head assembly for use with a mop handle is disclosed. The mop head includes a laminate mop substrate having a first layer of scrubbing material, a second layer of scrubbing material and an absorbent foam layer sandwiched between the scrubbing material layers. At least one bond is present to join the scrubbing and absorbent foam layers together.

Abstract: An embodiment of a launch/recovery device for both surface and underwater vehicles includes a plurality of driven wet-traction members arranged to form a low drag (e.g., water flow-through) ramp design. The wet-traction members provide traction even when wet between the water vehicle and the launch/recovery device. As a result of utilizing driven wet-traction members, the use of conventional hoists, special capture devices such as hooks and tow lines, and personnel located within the water to attach the capture devices to the water vehicle is eliminated. The wet-traction members provide both strength and flexibility to the launch/recovery device. That is, while the wet-traction members are strong enough to support the weight of the water vehicle, they are at the same time flexible enough to deflect a distance (e.g., about 6 to 15 inches) to accommodate a soft landing of the water vehicle on the ramp, while providing recovery forces and motion.

Abstract: An absorbent elastic laminate includes an elastic backing layer and a flexible thermoplastic absorbent foam layer. The flexible absorbent foam layer gathers when the laminate is in the relaxed state, permitting the elastic backing and the overall laminate to exhibit elastic stretch and recovery properties. The absorbent elastic laminate is useful in a wide variety of personal care absorbent articles, medical absorbent articles and absorbent wiping articles.

Abstract: An embodiment of a launch/recovery device for both surface and underwater vehicles includes a plurality of driven wet-traction members arranged to form a low drag (e.g., water flow-through) ramp design. The wet-traction members provide traction even when wet between the water vehicle and the launch/recovery device. As a result of utilizing driven wet-traction members, the use of conventional hoists, special capture devices such as hooks and tow lines, and personnel located within the water to attach the capture devices to the water vehicle is eliminated. The wet-traction members provide both strength and flexibility to the launch/recovery device. That is, while the wet-traction members are strong enough to support the weight of the water vehicle, they are at the same time flexible enough to deflect a distance (e.g., about 6 to 15 inches) to accommodate a soft landing of the water vehicle on the ramp, while providing recovery forces and motion.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, low-density, open-cell, thermoplastic, absorbent foam formed from a foam polymer formula including a balanced amount of a plasticizing agent and a surfactant in combination with a base resin. Thermoplastic elastomers can be added to the foam polymer formula to improve softness, flexibility, elasticity, and resiliency of the resulting foam. The surfactant may be either a single surfactant or a multi-surfactant system. The foam possesses a number of qualities, such as softness and strength, which render the foam particularly suitable for use in a variety of personal care products, medical products, and the like.

Abstract: A wet mop head assembly for use with a mop handle is disclosed. The mop head includes a laminate mop substrate having a first layer of scrubbing material, a second layer of scrubbing material and an absorbent foam layer sandwiched between the scrubbing material layers. At least one bond is present to join the scrubbing and absorbent foam layers together.

Abstract: A hydraulically entangled nonwoven fabric that includes recycled synthetic fibers and fiber-like materials having at least one thread element composed of synthetic material with at least one irregular distortion generated by hydraulic fracture of the thread element to separate it from a bonded fibrous material while the bonded fibrous material is suspended in a liquid. This material may be used as a wiper or an absorbent material. A method of forming the material includes the steps of: (a) providing a layer of recycled synthetic fibers and fiber-like materials having at least one thread element composed of synthetic material containing at least one irregular distortion generated by hydraulic fracture of the thread element to separate it from a bonded fibrous material while the bonded fibrous material is suspended in a liquid; (b) hydraulically entangling the layer to form a nonwoven web; and (c) drying the web.