Abstract: A system includes a cutting sub-system arranged for cutting a box into a first half and a second half and including at least one pair of cutting elements, a dunnage gripper sub-system arranged downstream of the cutting sub-system and including a dunnage gripper configured to selectively grip and release a portion of the box, and a robotic system including at least a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm. The first robotic arm includes a plurality of grippers configured to selectively grip and release items contained in the box. The second robotic arm includes a plurality of grippers configured to selectively position the items into a tote positioned at a second predetermined location.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has a pair of upper tracks and a pair of lower tracks that are connected to one another so as to define a closed movement path in a vertical plane. The module has a plurality of carriers arranged end-to-end along the upper and lower tracks. Each carrier is elongate along a direction that extends between a pair of the upper or lower tracks so as to carry a set of the storage containers that are arranged side-by-side. Each carrier has first and second first wheel assemblies that couple the carrier to the pairs of upper tracks and lower tracks when supported by the pairs of upper tracks and lower tracks, respectively. The storage module can move the inventory carriers around the movement path until a desired one of the inventory carriers is presented at one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an storage module has first and second guide rails that are spaced from one another along a lateral direction. Each guiderail has an upper track and a lower track spaced from one another along a vertical direction, and first and second connecting tracks that connect the upper track to the lower track at first and second ends, respectively. A plurality of inventory carriers that are supported between the guiderails and are arranged end-to-end along the upper and lower tracks. A drivetrain drives the carriers to translate along the upper and lower tracks at a first speed, and drives the carriers to translate along the connecting tracks at a second speed, faster than the first speed. Increasing the speed of the carriers at the connecting tracks can prevent the carriers from colliding with one another when transitioning between the upper track and the lower track.

Abstract: Compositions and method of delivering a molecule to a plant are provided. In an embodiment, an avenic acid transporter is introduced into a plant. The plant may be a non-graminacious or dicotyledonous plant which does not comprise the transporter in the wild type form. The transporter may be modified to increase uptake of avenic acid along with iron chelated by the avenic acid and/or a molecule conjugated with the avenic acid. Further embodiments provide for conjugating the avenic acid with a molecule for uptake and delivery to the plant. In this manner plant health may be improved by uptake of iron where it would otherwise not occur and/or uptake of the conjugated molecule. The molecule may be a molecule that improves health of the plant. Still further embodiments provide for analogs of avenic acid. Embodiments provide for interplanting Avena sativa which natively produces avenic acid with another plant. Additional embodiments provide for time release of avenic acid provided to a plant.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided where a plant comprising an avenic acid transporter is planted in a field with a target plant in need of increased iron uptake. The plant comprising the avenic acid transporter in an embodiment further comprises one or more constructs comprising nucleic acid molecules expressing heavy and light chains forming an antibody specific to the avenic acid transporter or functional small peptide and may also include a sequence targeting the apoplast. The antibody or functional small peptide is operably linked to a floral promoter or inducible natural or synthetic promoter. Upon expression regulated by the floral promoter or exposure to the inducing conditions, or both, the plant increases its production of avenic acid transporter antibodies, enters senescence and eventually dies. As a result, the plant is not harvested with the target plant, provides a cover crop, and does not continue to use nutrients, and other resources that benefit the targeted plant.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has first and second guiderails that are spaced from one another along a lateral direction. Each guiderail has an upper track and a lower track, and first and second connecting tracks that connect the upper track to the lower track at first and second ends of the storage module, respectively. The module has a plurality of inventory carriers that are supported between the first and second guiderails, are arranged end-to-end along the upper and lower tracks along a longitudinal direction, and are elongate along the lateral direction. The module can also have a plurality of storage containers carried by each inventory carrier in a side-by-side relation along the lateral direction, where the plurality of storage containers carry a plurality of inventory items.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has a pair of upper tracks and a pair of lower tracks that are connected to one another so as to define a closed movement path in a vertical plane. The module has a plurality of carriers arranged end-to-end along the upper and lower tracks. Each carrier is elongate along a direction that extends between a pair of the upper or lower tracks so as to carry a set of the storage containers that are arranged side-by-side. Each carrier has first and second first wheel assemblies that couple the carrier to the pairs of upper tracks and lower tracks when supported by the pairs of upper tracks and lower tracks, respectively. The storage module can move the inventory carriers around the movement path until a desired one of the inventory carriers is presented at one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage system has a vertical stack of storage modules that extend from a first stack end to a second stack end, and are stacked on top of one another. Each storage module defines a path that forms a loop in a vertical plane, and each storage module has a plurality of inventory carriers that translate around the loop. The vertical stack has a first end section that extends from the first stack end towards the second stack end, and that includes a first end of each loop of the stack. The vertical stack also has a second end section that extends from the second stack end towards the first stack end, and that includes a second end of each loop of the stack. The sections can be transported separately by a truck or container and then coupled together at the destination.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an storage module has first and second guide rails that are spaced from one another along a lateral direction. Each guiderail has an upper track and a lower track spaced from one another along a vertical direction, and first and second connecting tracks that connect the upper track to the lower track at first and second ends, respectively. A plurality of inventory carriers that are supported between the guiderails and are arranged end-to-end along the upper and lower tracks. A drivetrain drives the carriers to translate along the upper and lower tracks at a first speed, and drives the carriers to translate along the connecting tracks at a second speed, faster than the first speed. Increasing the speed of the carriers at the connecting tracks can prevent the carriers from colliding with one another when transitioning between the upper track and the lower track.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage system has a vertical stack of storage modules that extend from a first stack end to a second stack end, and are stacked on top of one another. Each storage module defines a path that forms a loop in a vertical plane, and each storage module has a plurality of inventory carriers that translate around the loop. The vertical stack has a first end section that extends from the first stack end towards the second stack end, and that includes a first end of each loop of the stack. The vertical stack also has a second end section that extends from the second stack end towards the first stack end, and that includes a second end of each loop of the stack. The sections can be transported separately by a truck or container and then coupled together at the destination.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has first and second guiderails that are spaced from one another along a lateral direction. Each guiderail has an upper track and a lower track, and first and second connecting tracks that connect the upper track to the lower track at first and second ends of the storage module, respectively. The module has a plurality of inventory carriers that are supported between the first and second guiderails, are arranged end-to-end along the upper and lower tracks along a longitudinal direction, and are elongate along the lateral direction. The module can also have a plurality of storage containers carried by each inventory carrier in a side-by-side relation along the lateral direction, where the plurality of storage containers carry a plurality of inventory items.

Abstract: Compositions and method of delivering a molecule to a plant are provided. In an embodiment, an avenic acid transporter is introduced into a plant. The plant may be a non-graminacious or dicotyledonous plant which does not comprise the transporter in the wild type form. The transporter may be modified to increase uptake of avenic acid along with iron chelated by the avenic acid and/or a molecule conjugated with the avenic acid. Further embodiments provide for conjugating the avenic acid with a molecule for uptake and delivery to the plant. In this manner plant health may be improved by uptake of iron where it would otherwise not occur and/or uptake of the conjugated molecule. The molecule may be a molecule that improves health of the plant. Still further embodiments provide for analogs of avenic acid. Embodiments provide for interplanting Avena sativa which natively produces avenic acid with another plant. Additional embodiments provide for time release of avenic acid provided to a plant.

Abstract: A sectionalized flood control barrier (10) for mounting on top of a levee or a river bank to prevent flooding. The barrier (10) consists of a footing (20) with a series of support channels (24) that are butted end to end attached to the footing. The support shells are sealed watertight at the interface with each other and also to the footing. A series of primary channel bridge assemblies (32) and secondary channel assemblies (46) are disposed within the support channels (24) and are also butted end to end. Wind protectors (60) contiguously engage each support channel (24) and rest upon the footing for diverting the wind over the barrier. Stepped fastening risers (62) are attached to the footing on each end and over the channel assemblies, and wind protectors hold them securely in place.

Abstract: A disposable beverage maker (10) made from a single sheet of flat, insoluble cardboard or plastic in various sizes. The beverage maker (10) consists of a base (12) having four scored marks (14, 16, 18, 20). Extending outward from two of the scored marks are located a first side wall (22) and a second side wall (36); on the adjoining sides are located a right stabilizing flap (50) and a left stabilizing flap (56). When each of the two side walls (22, 36) are joined at their respective right and left outer sections (32, 34, 46, 48) the beverage maker (10) is fully assembled and may be placed upon the container (70). A filter (72) is then inserted into the beverage maker (10) and a quantity of brewing mix (74), such as coffee grounds, is placed into the filter (72).

Abstract: A disposable beverage maker (10) made from a single sheet of flat, insoluble cardboard or plastic in various sizes. The size depends on whether the beverage maker (10) is to be inserted into a container (110) consisting of a cup, mug or a decanter. The cardboard consists of a lower base (12) having four scored sides. on two of the size is respectively located a first side wall (22) and a second side wall (28); on the adjoining sides is respectively located a first stabilizing flap (84) and a second stabilizing flap (92). From the first side wall (22) extends a first handle (34) and from the second side wall extends a second handle (60). When each of the two handles are joined at their outward sections (42,54) and (68,80), the disposable beverage maker (10) is fully assembled and is inserted into the container (110). Thereafter, a coffee filter (112) is placed into the beverage maker (10) and a quantity of coffee grounds (114) or tea is placed into the coffee filter (112).

Abstract: Superconductor-polymer composite materials comprise a matrix formed of a rmoplastic polymer and a superconductor powder dispersed in the matrix. The superconductor powder preferably has a composition RBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x wherein R is a rare earth metal and x is less than or equal to 1. The thermoplastic polymer matrix comprises a vinylidene fluoride homopolymer or copolymer. The composite materials may be formed as shaped products, sheets or films.

Abstract: A solid polymeric electrolyte which is a two phase interpenetrating network f a mechanically supporting phase of a continuous network of a crosslinked polymer and an ionic conducting phase comprising a metal salt complexing liquid polymer which is a liquid poly(ethylene oxide), poly(propylene oxide), or poly(ethylene imine) complexed with a suitable metal salt. The mechanically supporting phase forms a matrix which supports the interpenetrating ionic conducting liquid polymer phase which provides continuous paths of high conductivity in all directions throughout the matrix.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte having(a) a matrix of linear poly(ethylene imine) having the formula (--CH.sub.2 H.sub.2 NH--).sub.n ; and(b) a metal salt which is LiI, LiClO.sub.4, NaI, NaBr, KI, CsSCN, AgNO.sub.3, CuCl.sub.2, CoCl.sub.2, or Mg(ClO.sub.4).sub.2, wherein the salt is dissolved in and distributed throughout the poly(ethylene imine) matrix and from more than zero to 0.10 moles of salt are used per mole of monomer repeat unit, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 NH--.

Abstract: Aliphatic and cycloaliphatic halogen compounds containing a halogen atom and a hydrogen atom attached to adjacent carbon atoms are dehydrohalogenated to the corresponding unsaturated compounds by contact with a quaternary ammonium fluoride or quaternary phosphonium fluoride.