Abstract: A method of peeling tubers includes providing a peeler device defining a cavity surrounded by a peeling mechanism, inputting tubers to be peeled into the cavity, directing electromagnetic radiation from an illumination device into the cavity,-detecting electromagnetic radiation reflected into lens of a camera from tubers located in the cavity during a peeling operation by the peeling mechanism, and operating the peeler device based on the reflected electromagnetic radiation detected by the camera. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of peeling tubers includes providing a peeler device defining a cavity surrounded by a peeling mechanism, inputting tubers to be peeled into the cavity, directing electromagnetic radiation from an illumination device into the cavity, detecting electromagnetic radiation reflected into lens of a camera from tubers located in the cavity during a peeling operation by the peeling mechanism, and operating the peeler device based on the reflected electromagnetic radiation detected by the camera. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of peeling tubers includes providing a peeler device defining a cavity surrounded by a peeling mechanism, inputting tubers to be peeled into the cavity, directing electromagnetic radiation from an illumination device into the cavity, detecting electromagnetic radiation reflected into lens of a camera from tubers located in the cavity during a peeling operation by the peeling mechanism, and operating the peeler device based on the reflected electromagnetic radiation detected by the camera. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Chimeric fusion proteins comprising Neisseria transferrin binding proteins (Tbps) from, for example, N. gonorrhoeae and/or N. meningitidis are provided. The fusion proteins elicit an antibody response in the mucosa of the urogenital and/or oropharynx tract, as well as in the serum. The resulting serum antibodies are cross-bactericidal against heterologous bacterial strains. The chimeric proteins also comprise a mucosal adjuvant such as a toxin subunit, e.g. the B subunit of cholera toxin or of Escherichia coli heat labile toxin II. Methods of inhibiting the growth of Neisseria species on mucosal surfaces of a mammal by either administering the fusion proteins of the invention, or antibodies directed to the fusion proteins of the invention, to the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing an immunological response to an antigen. The method comprises administering to an individual a composition comprising an antigen and an isolated LT-IIa-B pentamer or a mutant thereof, or an isolated LT-IIb-B pentamer or a mutant thereof. The selected LT-II-B pentamer acts as an adjuvant to enhance the immunological response to the co-administered antigen.

Abstract: The present invention describes the adjuvant activity of mutants of LT-IIa and LT-IIb enterotoxin which lack ganglioside binding activity. The adjuvant activity of the LT-IIb(T13I) mutant is comparable to that of the wild type LT-IIb. The adjuvant activity of LT-IIa(T34I) mutant is also described which exhibits a late onset adjuvant activity. These mutants are useful for enhancing immune response to antigens.