Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of the general formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs, salts and/or solvates thereof, wherein LHS is selected from the group consisting of LHSa and LHSb And wherein, the asterisk (*) marks the point of attachment; These compounds exhibit antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, especially S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, therapeutic uses thereof and methods for manufacturing the same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of the general structure (I), which are suitable as antibiotic compounds for the treatment of N. gonorrhoeae infections and related infections.

Abstract: A fruit decapping apparatus and method, particularly suited for strawberries. The fruits items (100) are placed by a robotic arm (200) in a lateral aperture (310) of a plate (300), leaving the calyx (120) and the main body (130) below the plate (300). When the robotic arm (200) pulls from the peduncle (110), the plate (300) also pulls from an elastic connection (500). This movement is detected by a sensor (600) which activates a pair of blades (800) solidarily disposed under the lateral aperture (310) of the plate (300).

Abstract: Machine (1) for the automatic harvesting of fruits cultivated in rows, formed by a self-propelled and autonomous vehicle encompassing at least one crop row (13), including a pair of parallel rails (2), a fruit collector assembly formed by a carriage (3) movably mounted on the pair of parallel rails (2) and a collector robotic arm (4) movably mounted on the carriage (3) for moving transversely with respect to the carriage (3), a carriage motor (5) for moving the carriage (3), and a robotic arm motor (6) for moving the robotic arm (4), the carriage and the robotic arm motors (5, 6) attached to the carriage (3). The carriage is movable horizontally and the robotic arm is transversally movable with respect to the rails.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the automatic harvesting of fruits cultivated in rows, comprising an autonomous vehicle, with a tubular structure (2), formed by stringers (5) attached to one another by means of crosspieces (6), and with wheels (3) encompassing several crop rows (4), incorporating autonomous and independent robotic arms (7) controlled by means of a common processor, being assembled on a platform (8) moving on a guide (9), and the end of which has a viewing and positioning system, and has a curved receptacle (13) in the form of a funnel (14) provided with a groove (15) with an obliquely arranged blade (16). The viewing and positioning system comprises a camera (10), a contact sensor (11) and a distance sensor (12).

Abstract: A proximity sensor for controlling a component that may be installed on a window, on an interior or exterior pillar of a vehicle, on a control panel or any suitable location on a vehicle or any other structure. The sensor includes a substrate and a conductive layer disposed on the substrate. The conductive layer is formed from a conductive ink composition with the conductive layer defining at least one circuit for controlling the component when a user is in proximity to the conductive layer. A protective layer is disposed over the conductive layer. At least one of the conductive layer and the protective layer defines a graphic formed through the layer for visual identification to the user.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a sensor includes a fibrous region contacting at least two electrodes. The fibrous region has an electrically conductive coating. The fibrous region has a resistance and when the fibrous region is compressed, the resistance changes. In another embodiment, a method of making a pressure responsive sensor includes providing a compressible material, applying a conductive coating to the compressible material to provide a coated compressible material having a resistance, and placing the coated compressible material in contact with at least two electrodes, wherein when the compressible material is compressed, the resistance changes.

Abstract: A proximity sensor for controlling a component that may be installed on a window, on an interior or exterior pillar of a vehicle, on a control panel or any suitable location on a vehicle or any other structure. The sensor includes a substrate and a conductive layer disposed on the substrate. The conductive layer is formed from a conductive ink composition with the conductive layer defining at least one circuit for controlling the component when a user is in proximity to the conductive layer. A protective layer is disposed over the conductive layer. At least one of the conductive layer and the protective layer defines a graphic formed through the layer for visual identification to the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of heating an article, and, more specifically, provides a method of heating an article having a plurality of heating elements separated into a plurality of heating zones utilizing a controller. The method comprises the step of providing power to the heating elements of a first heating zone to heat a portion of the article. The method further comprises the step of monitoring at least one parameter associated with the heating elements to determine when a predetermined event occurs. The method yet further comprises the step of simultaneously discontinuing power to the heating elements of the first heating zone and providing power to the heating elements of a second heating zone upon occurrence of the predetermined event. The predetermined event may be, for example, a period of time and/or a temperature.

Abstract: A credit card comprises a plastic layer, a processor, and a keypad. The keypad provides the ability to input a code (e.g., a personal identification number (PIN) code) to the processor as a part of validating the transaction. Illustratively, the entry of a valid PIN code may cause the processor to trigger an alerting device as an indicator to the merchant that the holder of the credit card is authorized for its use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a wood-polymer composite structure and additive systems for use therein. The method of the invention includes extruding a heated mixture that includes from about 20 wt % to about 80 wt % by weight of a thermoplastic polymer, from about 20 wt % to about 80 wt % by weight of a cellulosic filler material, and from about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt % by weight of an additive system. The additive system according the invention includes a 12-hydroxystearic acid salt or amide.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a sensor includes a fibrous region contacting at least two electrodes. The fibrous region has an electrically conductive coating. The fibrous region has a resistance and when the fibrous region is compressed, the resistance changes. In another embodiment, a method of making a pressure responsive sensor includes providing a compressible material, applying a conductive coating to the compressible material to provide a coated compressible material having a resistance, and placing the coated compressible material in contact with at least two electrodes, wherein when the compressible material is compressed, the resistance changes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a wood-polymer composite structure and additive systems for use therein. The method of the invention includes extruding a heated mixture that includes from about 20 wt % to about 80 wt % by weight of a thermoplastic polymer, from about 20 wt % to about 80 wt % by weight of a cellulosic filler material, and from about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt % by weight of an additive system. The additive system according the invention includes a 12-hydroxystearic acid salt or amide.

Abstract: A credit card comprises a plastic layer, a processor, and a keypad. The keypad provides the ability to input a code (e.g., a personal identification number (PIN) code) to the processor as a part of validating the transaction. Illustratively, the entry of a valid PIN code may cause the processor to trigger an alerting device as an indicator to the merchant that the holder of the credit card is authorized for its use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a polymer-wood composite structure and additive systems for use therein. The method of the invention includes extruding a heated mixture that includes from about 20% to about 80% by weight of a thermoplastic polymer, from about 20% to about 80% by weight of a cellulosic filler material, and from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of an additive system. The additive system according the invention includes a blend of from about 10% to about 90% by weight of a nonionic compatibilizer having an HLB value of from about 9 to about 19 and from about 10% to about 90% by weight of a lubricant. Use of the method and additive system according to the invention facilitates the production of highly filled polymer-wood composite structures at a very high output rate while maintaining commercially acceptable surface appearance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a polymer-wood composite structure and additive systems for use therein. The method of the invention includes extruding a heated mixture that includes from about 20% to about 80% by weight of a thermoplastic polymer, from about 20% to about 80% by weight of a cellulosic filler material, and from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of an additive system. The additive system according the invention includes a blend of from about 10% to about 90% by weight of a nonionic compatibilizer having an HLB value of from about 9 to about 19 and from about 10% to about 90% by weight of a lubricant. Use of the method and additive system according to the invention facilitates the production of highly filled polymer-wood composite structures at a very high output rate while maintaining commercially acceptable surface appearance.