Abstract: The present invention is directed to aqueous solid polymer electrolytes that comprise a lithium salt and battery cells comprising the same. The present invention is also directed to methods of making the electrolytes and methods of using the electrolytes in batteries and other electrochemical technologies.

Abstract: A modular satellite chassis includes frame rails having at least two front frame rails and two back frame rails. Transverse parallel ribs are disposed on the interiors of the front and back frame rails. The ribs on the front frame rails correspond in location to one another and to the ribs on the back frame rails. Each rib has a central longitudinal axis and a narrow first slot disposed along the central longitudinal axis. The ribs are spaced apart by wider second slots. Trays are slidingly received by the second slots on the front frame rails and the corresponding second slots on the back frame rails. A left side panel is connected to an outside of one of the front frame rails and one of the back frame rails. A right side panel is connected to an outside of the other front frame rail and the other back frame rail.

Abstract: A sealable sampling container includes a vessel having a bottom and walls upwardly extending therefrom and terminating in a sealing surface, the bottom and the walls defining a volume within the open top container. A gasket is configured to engage with the sealing surface of the vessel and a lid is configured to engage with the gasket at the sealing surface and lock to the vessel. A sampling port is affixed to one side of the vessel or the lid, the sampling port providing fluid communication between the volume within the open top container and an external environment. The sealable sampling container safely stores volatile chemical vapors and enables training on use of chemical detection equipment without resort to ventilation hoods or the use of respiratory protection equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to aqueous solid state electrolytes that comprise a fluoride additive to stabilize the interface between the anode and aqueous electrolyte. The present invention is also directed to methods of making the solid state electrolyte materials and methods of using the solid state electrolyte materials in batteries and other electrochemical technologies.

Abstract: An electrode for beta-photovoltaic cells includes: a substrate formed of a conductive layer with a thickness ranging between about 10 nm to 1 micron; a composite layer of radioluminescent phosphor with radioisotope particles homogeneously dispersed therein formed on conductive substrate with a thickness ranging between about 1 and 25 microns; and a semiconductor comprising a P-i-N/P-u-N junction or a N-i-P-P junction. The radioisotope may be a beta-emitter, such as Ni-63, H-3, Pm-147, or Sr-90/Y-90.

Abstract: Antiviral drugs targeting the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the spike receptor binding domain (RBD) and methods of treating a subject suffering from coronavirus.

Abstract: An enclosure for a UAS includes a housing having a base and a plurality of sidewalls coupled to the base, a motive apparatus coupled to the housing, a platform coupled to the motive apparatus, and a plurality of lids pivotably coupled to the sidewalls and the platform. The platform and the plurality of lids move collectively under control of the motive apparatus (e.g., a linear actuator). Driving the motive apparatus in a first direction causes the platform to raise from a stowed position toward a deployed position and causes each of the plurality of lids to pivot from a closed position toward an open position. Conversely, driving the motive apparatus in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the platform to lower from the deployed position toward the stowed position and causes each of the plurality of lids to pivot from the open position toward the closed position.

Abstract: An in vitro model of an in vivo gastrointestinal tract including an in vitro model of an in vivo small intestine including a plurality of fermentation vessels and an in vitro model of an in vivo large intestine including a plurality of fermentation vessels is provided. A method of simulating a biotransformation of food product through the human digestive tract using an in vitro model of an in vivo gastrointestinal tract is provided.

Abstract: Apparel that is adjustable. For example, in one embodiment, the apparel is provided that includes a torso. The torso includes a front, a back, a first side connecting the front to the back, a second side connecting the front to the back, a bottom, and a top. A plurality of shell fabric portions is on the torso. Each portion in the plurality of portions of shell fabric is adapted to receive an elastomeric member. Bunched fabric is on the first side and second side of the torso. Pleats are on the front of the torso. A centrally located flap is on the torso and has a longitudinal axis that is substantially vertical. Sleeves are connected to the torso. A first zipper track is located on the bottom of the torso. Pants may include a second zipper track adapted to mate with the first zipper track and secure the pants to the torso.

Abstract: An exoskeletal orthosis includes a proximal cuff including a hinge along an upper edge of the cuff; an ankle section/footplate; and at least one posterior strut connecting the proximal cuff to the ankle section and foot plate.

Abstract: A nucleic acid vaccine composition comprising one or more of a plasmid-based nucleic acid vaccine and immunotherapy, as well as a lipid formulation, is provided. In addition, the present invention provides a method of enhancing the potency of plasmid-based DNA vaccines and immunotherapies, by formulating a vaccine and/or immunotherapy in a lipid formulation, which is stable when refrigerated or stored frozen, is then delivered to a vaccinee by either needle/syringe, jet injection, or microneedles. The lipid formulation of the present invention comprises one or more lipid excipients selected from 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, Cholest-5-en-3?-ol, 1,2-Dimyristoyl-rac-glycero-3-methylpolyoxyethlene, and or more symmetric ionizable cationic lipids. The present invention increases vaccine potency dramatically.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tribometer comprises: an infrared (IR) transparent and optically transparent disk coupled to a platform, the disk having an observation side disk surface on an observation side of the disk and a contact side disk surface on a contact side of the disk; a motor coupled to the disk to rotate the disk around a rotational axis of the disk; a pivot support coupled to the platform; a pivoting member connected to the pivot support to pivot along a pivot plane; a sample holder configured to hold a sample and be coupled with the pivoting member to place the sample in contact with the contact side disk surface of the disk; and an IR camera and an optical microscope disposed on the observation side of the disk to observe the sample in sliding contact with the contact side disk surface of the disk driven in rotation.

Abstract: A remote weapon station (RWS) system for an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) includes a dedicated weapon, multi-axis gimbal and ammunition handling capabilities with all operations functioning remotely and wirelessly. The RWS system is a gas powered, or self-powered, belt fed, rotating bolt lock weapon. In addition, the RWS is man-portable and air-droppable as the major subsystems may be latched together in the field without tooling or needing to make electrical connections.

Abstract: A communication system provides multimedia communications within and between armored ground combat vehicles (GCVs). The system includes client computers within the armored GCVs providing distributed and interconnected multimedia communications among the client computers. The multimedia communication may include a one-to-one communication, a text communication to a group, an audio communication to a group, or a video communication to a group. Logic providing the distributed and interconnected multimedia communications is not located at a single client computer. The client computers display graphical user interfaces (GUIs) enabling soldiers to select parameters of the communication system with some GUIs providing presence discovery among the armored GCVs. One of the plurality of client computers acts as an origination station and other client computers may be configured as receiving communication station(s).

Abstract: A small lightweight weapon system for integration into an unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a weapon operating group which utilizes blowback operation to fire a full-powered centerfire rifle ammunition. An operating rod of the weapon operating group has an axis of translation offset from the longitudinal axis of the barrel thereby creating a moment couple on the system. A motor assembly controls the operation of the weapon operating group. Through a gear train, actuation of the motor assembly lifts a sear against a return torsion spring, which holds the operating group back when not firing. The gear train comprises a one way flywheel disconnect to increase the torque of the direct current motor and overcome the force of the torsion spring. Intelligent motor commutation and burst control are achieved through an encoder and software package.

Abstract: A printed structure including a plurality of overlying layers of elongate polymeric filaments stacked on a surface of a substrate. The elongate polymeric filaments are stacked on each other along their lengths to form a liquid impermeable, self-supporting wall. The liquid impermeable self-supporting wall forms a wall angle of about 30° to about 90° with respect to a plane of the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to relate to fibers, textiles, fabrics, clothing and methods that are retroreflective including fibers having a hollow sheath that is filled with retroreflective particles.

Abstract: The current disclosure provides a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike-based DNA vaccine capable of eliciting immune response to a SARS-CoV-2 in a human subject upon administration. Also provided is a method of eliciting an immune response to a SARS-CoV-2 in a human subject by administering the SARS-CoV-2 spike-based DNA vaccine, for example, intramuscularly using a jet injector.

Abstract: A portable filtration system is described. The system may comprise: a mixing portion, comprising: a pump adaptor and a contaminant regulator. The pump adaptor may comprise: an upper plate, a lower plate, and a screen. The screen may axially extend between the upper and lower plates, wherein the upper plate, the lower plate, and the screen define a channel of a mixing chamber. The contaminant regulator may comprise a through-passage coupled to the upper plate, wherein the through-passage is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A band track including a band having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first side face, and a second side face; a plurality of teeth extending from the inner surface and spaced apart circumferentially around the inner surface; a plurality of lugs extending from the outer surface and each spaced a distance apart circumferentially around the outer surface; a plurality of living hinges defined within the band circumferentially between each of the plurality of teeth; and at least one fiber-reinforcement disposed circumferentially within a neutral plane of the plurality of living hinges and a method of making the same.