Abstract: Methods and materials related to producing D-lactic acid are disclosed. Specifically, isolated synthetic or natural nucleic acids, synthetic or natural polypeptides, host cells, and methods and materials for producing D-lactic acid by direct fermentation from carbon sources are disclosed, along with methods of preparing D-lactic acid polymers.

Abstract: The invention is a system for simultaneously, yet safely, suspending and powering objects through connectors on a wall. The system includes one or more connectors, preferably pins, mounted to a wall. Each connector has a groove and a lip that houses an electrical conductor, which may be a metal rod. One or more suspendable objects, which may be storage bins or electrical appliances, are designed to engage with the connectors. Each suspendable object has at least one horizontal track that guides the lip of each connector into one or more openings in the track. When the lip engages an opening, the object is suspended from the wall. Each opening also contains an electrical conductor that engages with the electrical conductor within the connector, thereby providing power to the suspendable object. The connectors may be attached to rails, and the system may be utilized within an automated storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: The invention is a system for simultaneously, yet safely, suspending and powering objects through connectors on a wall. The system includes one or more connectors, preferably pins, mounted to a wall. Each connector has a groove and a lip that houses an electrical conductor, which may be a metal rod. One or more suspendable objects, which may be storage bins or electrical appliances, are designed to engage with the connectors. Each suspendable object has at least one horizontal track that guides the lip of each connector into one or more openings in the track. When the lip engages an opening, the object is suspended from the wall. Each opening also contains an electrical conductor that engages with the electrical conductor within the connector, thereby providing power to the suspendable object. The connectors may be attached to rails, and the system may be utilized within an automated storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: The invention is an electrically conductive wall hook. The invention is a means to provide power to an object that is being stored in a hanging position. The invention is made up of two parts. The first part is a housing attached to an object to be stored that contains an opening. The second part is a hook attached to a wall. Both the housing and the hook contain electrical conductors. When the hook is fitted securely inside the opening of the housing, the object is suspended from the hook, and the electrical conductors within the housing and the hook mate with each other. The electrical conductor inside the hook is attached to electrical power so that electrical power is provided to the object that is suspended from the hook.