Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel engineered target-biomolecule-producing bacterial strains and methods of producing the same. To engineer bacterial strains capable of producing substantial levels of a target biomolecule, the methods may implement the use of metabolic modeling and machine learning methods. The methods and bacterial strains produced by the methods may be implemented in further optimizing a biosynthetic pathway, e.g., to improve the production of a target biomolecule of interest, e.g., an amino acid, such as threonine.

Abstract: A packaging material includes a web of pouches and an outer skin. One panel of the web has an inflation pattern that is not inflated. The web has a continuous inflation channel that is in fluid communication with the inflation pattern. Each of the pouches of the web can be inflated by inflating the inflation pattern while the outer skin already attached to the outside of the web. The outer skin is attached to the web only along edge lines of the pouches. The outer skin is detached from the web between the edge lines of the pouches. The outer skin is attached to the outside of the web such that the continuous inflation pattern extends above the outer skin.

Abstract: A system can include one or more processors configured to identify a candidate molecule, provide the candidate molecule as an input to a simulation, operate the simulation, monitor at least one parameter of the simulation, modify the candidate molecule based on the at least one parameter, and output the modified candidate molecule responsive to a convergence condition being satisfied.

Abstract: A method for converting a web of preformed pouches to on-demand inflatable packaging. The method may include moving the web along a path of travel, attaching an outer skin to the outside of the web, and packaging the web into a non-inflated and stored configuration. The method may also include moving the web along a path of travel, depositing at least one product into each of a plurality of the preformed pouches, and inflating each of the preformed pouches to form a cushioning material.

Abstract: A preformed web and a method of producing dunnage units from the preformed web. The web is an elongate flattened thermoplastic tube having an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. The tube includes lines of perforations that allow adjacent dunnage units to be separated. A starting point of the lines of perforations is spaced apart from the inflation edge. The positions of the starting point of the lines of perforations with respect to the inflation edge is selected such that a cutter that cuts the inflation edge clears the line of perforations. Binding or wrinkling is therefore not caused by engagement of the cutter with the lines of perforations.

Abstract: A method for converting a web of preformed pouches to on-demand inflatable packaging. The method may include moving the web along a path of travel, attaching an outer skin to the outside of the web, and packaging the web into a non-inflated and stored configuration. The method may also include moving the web along a path of travel, depositing at least one product into each of a plurality of the preformed pouches, and inflating each of the preformed pouches to form a cushioning material.

Abstract: An elongate flattened thermoplastic tube has an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. The tube includes lines of weakness that allow adjacent dunnage units to be separated. A frangible line of connection is disposed in one two superposed layers of the tube proximate to the inflation edge. This frangible connection may be broken to permit inflation of the inflatable pouches.

Abstract: An exemplary method for converting a web of preformed pouches to at least one padded envelope includes moving the web along a path of travel, inserting a first inflation pin into a first inflation channel of a preformed pouch, and inserting a second inflation pin into a second inflation channel of the preformed pouch. In addition, the method includes inflating inflation patterns of each panel of the preformed pouch by providing air through at least one of the first inflation pin and the second inflation pin, such that the preformed pouch is in an inflated position. The method also includes simultaneously sealing the outer skin and each side panel of the preformed pouch to maintain the preformed pouch in the inflated position.

Abstract: A preformed web and a method of producing dunnage units from the preformed web. The web is an elongate flattened thermoplastic tube having an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. In one embodiment, the web is configured such that a gap forms between each pair of adjacent pouches when the pouches are inflated. In one embodiment, an inflation edge of the web comprises a frangible connection that allows the inflation edge to be broken by an unsharpened object.

Abstract: An elongate flattened thermoplastic tube has an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. The tube includes lines of weakness that allow adjacent dunnage units to be separated. A frangible line of connection is disposed in one two superposed layers of the tube proximate to the inflation edge. This frangible connection may be broken to permit inflation of the inflatable pouches.

Abstract: An exemplary web of preformed bags includes first and second layers, first and second side edges that hermetically join the first and second layers, a plurality of transverse seals extending between the first and second side edges, a plurality of first lines of weakness in the first layer, and a plurality of second lines of weakness in the second layer. The first lines of weakness are weaker than the second lines of weakness. The preformed bags are defined by the first and second side edges, the first and second lines of weakness, and the transverse seals.

Abstract: A machine converts a web of preformed pouches, which are defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge, into inflated dunnage units. A sealing arrangement is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal intersecting the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form a dunnage unit. The sealing arrangement has at least two sealing belts. Each belt is positioned so that respective first sides engage a surface of the web and pull the web through sealing elements positioned on either side of the web. A heating element is on a second side of the first belt not engaging the web. A compliant material is on a second side of the second belt not engaging the web. As the web passes between the heating element and compliant material, imperfections in the web are smoothed by the compliant material and the layers of the web are sealed by the heating element.

Abstract: A machine converts a web of preformed pouches, which are defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge, into inflated dunnage units. A sealing arrangement is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal intersecting the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form a dunnage unit. The sealing arrangement has at least two sealing belts. Each belt is positioned so that respective first sides engage a surface of the web and pull the web through sealing elements positioned on either side of the web. A heating element is on a second side of the first belt not engaging the web. A compliant material is on a second side of the second belt not engaging the web. As the web passes between the heating element and compliant material, imperfections in the web are smoothed by the compliant material and the layers of the web are sealed by the heating element.

Abstract: In a method of making packages, a web of preformed inflatable bags is moved along a path of travel. The preformed inflatable bags include two inflatable panels, and each inflatable panel includes a first ply and a second ply that are sealed together to form an inflation pattern. Each of the preformed inflatable bags are inflated and sealed across the seals of the inflation pattern. A product is deposited into each of the preformed inflatable bags, either before or after the inflation and/or sealing. Each of the preformed inflatable bags and contained product are loaded into a non-inflatable bag.

Abstract: A web, method, and apparatus for forming dunnage units. The web includes first and second elongated layers. A plurality of seals that hermetically join the first elongated layer to the second elongated layer to form a plurality of inflatable pouches and an inflation channel that is in fluid communication with pouches and is disposed outside of the pouches. An inflation side line of perforations, a gap forming area, and an opposite side line of perforations are arranged in a line between pair(s) of the pouches.

Abstract: An elongate flattened thermoplastic tube has an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. The tube includes lines of weakness that allow adjacent dunnage units to be separated. A frangible line of connection is disposed in one two superposed layers of the tube proximate to the inflation edge. This frangible connection may be broken to permit inflation of the inflatable pouches.

Abstract: An exemplary web of preformed bags includes first and second layers, first and second side edges that hermetically join the first and second layers, a plurality of transverse seals extending between the first and second side edges, a plurality of first lines of weakness in the first layer, and a plurality of second lines of weakness in the second layer. The first lines of weakness are weaker than the second lines of weakness. The preformed bags are defined by the first and second side edges, the first and second lines of weakness, and the transverse seals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for managing and preventing liability issues relating to regulating usage and control of controlled substances. Systems include various means of administering controlled substances that are designed to prevent misuse and injury. Methods include various means of controlling dosage and preventing usage by minors or unapproved consumers. Methods include transparent labeling wherein all ingredients are clearly labeled and described as well as any potential health risks associated with use on the product packaging. Methods also include product marking tracing scenarios.

Abstract: An exemplary reclosable bag includes a first ply joined to a second ply to define a main bag portion having a compartment and a product receiving opening. A reclosing flap is connected to the main bag portion and is spaced apart from the product receiving opening. A reclosing material and a release material are applied to the bag and are arranged such that the reclosing material releasably adheres to the release material. The reclosing flap is movable between a passive position and an active position. A bag opening zone formed in the main bag portion proximate the reclosing flap may be opened to create a product retrieval opening for retrieving a product from the compartment. The product is returned to the compartment through the product retrieval opening, and the compartment is reclosed by moving the reclosing flap from the passive position to the active position.

Abstract: An elongate flattened thermoplastic tube has an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. The tube includes lines of weakness that allow adjacent dunnage units to be separated. A frangible line of connection is disposed in one two superposed layers of the tube proximate to the inflation edge. This frangible connection may be broken to permit inflation of the inflatable pouches.