Abstract: A multimode interference device and method of making the same comprises at least one input port, at least one output port, a multimode interference region separating the input port from the output port, and at least one subregion in the multimode interference region, wherein a self-image length within the multimode interference region is reduced by a factor that is approximately equal to one plus a number of subregions configured in the multimode interference region, wherein the at least one subregion is configured to have an effective width and effective refractive index running longitudinally through the multimode interference region. Additionally, the subregion may comprise at least one slot.

Abstract: The invention provides purified and isolated DNA fragments from Bacillus anthracis chromosomal DNA, primer sets and probes derived therefrom, as well as kits and detection methods for B. anthracis. The methods of the invention provide for specific detection of anthrax over closely related strains of Bacillus, as well as accurate detection of low numbers of B. anthracis in an environmental sample containing large amounts of non-specific DNA. The invention is applicable to food, health care, and military applications.

Abstract: In this application is described the expression and purification of a recombinant Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) AMA-1 ectodomain. The method of the present invention produces a highly purified protein which retains folding and disulfide bridging of the native molecule. The recombinant AMA-1 is useful as a diagnostic reagent, for use in antibody production, and as a protein for use alone, or as part of, a vaccine to prevent malaria.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a parachute reefing system having a flexible ring section. The flexible ring section has a circumference. The reefing system includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced loops attached to the flexible ring section and a plurality of link members wherein each link member is attached to a corresponding loop and sized to allow at least one suspension line to pass therethrough. The reefing system also has a cross-connecting section comprising pair of intersecting members that are attached to the flexible ring section. The intersecting members are attached to each other at an intersection point that is coincident with the center of flexible ring section. The reefing system has a position cord having a first end attached to the intersection point and a second end opposite the first end. A yoke is attached to the second end of the position cord and has a vertex and at least two legs that extend from the vertex. Each leg extends from the vertex to a distal end.

Abstract: A chemical-biological protective mask having a weight distribution that imparts a balanced center-of-gravity to the wearer of the mask, and is adaptable for different operational requirements by adjusting or altering the air flow through the mask. The protective mask includes a head covering to fully cover the wearer's head including a hood, a face piece having a visor contoured to the wearer's face, ducting within the mask connected to a filtering system mounted at the rear of the head covering and a purge airflow through the hood. Additional side or front mounted filters can be added to provide either parallel or series filtration with the rear mounted filters. A blower system may also be used to impart an airflow into the mask and improve breathing resistance.

Abstract: A mechanism for retrofitting a turret that has a manual rotation system with a motorized turret rotation system includes a gear box mechanically coupled to the turret, an electrically powered prime mover unit mechanically coupled to the gear box, a user operated control device electrically coupled to the prime mover unit, and an electrical power supply electrically coupled to the prime mover unit. The turret rotates relative to a body structure. The gear box and the prime mover unit are mounted to the body structure. The control device and the electrical power supply are positioned on the turret. The power supply provides electrical power to the prime mover. The control device presents a control signal to the prime mover when the user actuates the control device, and the turret rotates in response to the control signal.

Abstract: An improved design for turbines increases efficiency while reducing potential for fish kill. In an embodiment of the present invention as relates to Kaplan turbines, the gap between stay vanes and their corresponding wicket gates is reduced or eliminated by provision of an extension to the trailing edge of the stay vane. In alternative embodiments, the extension may be added to the wicket gate or affixed to both in an arrangement that permits free movement of the wicket gate. To facilitate eliminating the gap altogether, the extension may be made of a pliable material or be fabricated in a telescoping or accordion arrangement to permit contact with opposing parts without damage thereto. By designing extensions using accepted hydraulic principles, a better fit of the stay vane to its associated wicket gate, and possibly to the turbines runners may be effected, further improving operational efficiency and possibly even extending maintenance intervals.

Abstract: Reacting MnO2, a lithium compound and a bismuth compound produces a lithium battery cathode material for lithium electrochemical systems. The same results can also be achieved by reacting MnO2, lithium, or a compound containing lithium and bismuth, or a compound containing bismuth. Manganese based mixed metal oxides with lithium and bismuth were initially examined as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium and lithium-ion batteries in order to provide a new mixed metal oxide cathode material as the positive electrode in rechargeable lithium and lithium ion electrochemical cells. A stable mixed metal oxide was fabricated through a solid-state reaction between manganese dioxide, a lithium compound and bismuth or a bismuth compound.

Abstract: A vaccine, effective in inducing the production of antibodies with which to immunize a second subject passively against infection by Gram-negative bacteria and LPS-mediated pathology, comprises a non-covalent polyvalent complex formed between purified, detoxified LPS derived from E. coli and purified outer membrane protein derived from N. meningitidis. The same vaccine will also actively immunize a host subject against Gram-negative bacterial infections and LPS-mediated pathology. Meningococcal infections are included among those Gram-negative bacterial infections protected against by the vaccine.

Abstract: A new mechanism substantially reduces the vulnerability of explosive load munitions to thermal stimuli, such as fire or heat during transport and storage, thus enhancing personnel safety and the survivability of adjacent munitions. The mechanism includes a threaded fuze adapter made of plastic and having a melting temperature that is lower than the auto-ignition temperature of the explosive. The adapter secures a fuze or metal closing plug to an explosive loaded projectile and is designed to permit venting of combustion gases through the nose of the projectile upon auto-ignition of the explosive, thereby preventing detonation of the explosive and fragmentation of the projectile body.

Abstract: An imaging spectropolarimeter for measuring the polarization and spectral content and the spatial signature of a target scene. The imaging spectropolarimeter includes an objective optic for receiving an electromagnetic signal and a modulator for modulating the electromagnetic signal The amplitude of each frequency component of the resulting modulated electromagnetic signal is a function of the particular polarization state of each frequency component of the electromagnetic signal. A linear polarizer passes a single polarization of the modulated electromagnetic signal to a tunable filter, which is tunable through a frequency spectrum. The tunable filter outputs a plurality of electromagnetic signal samples at predetermined frequency increments. A focal plane array receives each electromagnetic signal sample and outputs a spectrum signal and a processor applies Fourier transformation to the spectrum signal to obtain at least one Stokes polarization vector component for each pixel within the scene.

Abstract: A low velocity air burst munition and launcher system allows the user to program the munition to detonate in the air at a specified range from the muzzle. The system further allows the munition to detonate upon impact or self-destruct if the target is missed. The system allows the user to program and reset the munition multiple times, and allows the user to perform this operation at night in cold weather conditions. The system requires the user to manually input the range into a fuze programming device prior to projectile launch. The fuze programming device is capable of direct interface with electronic range determining devices. The system employs electrical contacts in the chamber of the munition launcher barrel and on the projectile body to complete the circuit used for programming. Furthermore, this system is capable of integrating a magnetic induction method of programming.

Abstract: An assembled hematin is formed by depositing hematin on an electrically charged substrate in one or more layers alternating with one or more layers of polyelectrolyte, preferably a cationic polymer. In a method for polymerizing an aromatic monomer, the assembled hematin is contacted with the monomer and a template, preferably an anionic polymer. In a method for polymerizing aniline, the aniline, sulfonated multi walled carbon nano tubes, PEG hematin and a reaction initiator are dispersed in water.

Abstract: A self-contained, leak-proof sampling device and kit employing said device for collecting chemical and biological samples from various surfaces. The invention provides a sampling device and kit that may be employed to easily collect chemical and biological samples, safely transport the collected samples, safely dispense collected samples for analysis and provide optimum sample recovery. The sampling device is in the form of a leak proof container that comprises a lid and base. The lid contains a sterile absorbent collection means integrated into and positioned on the inside surface of the lid. The base contains a means to facilitate sample recovery from the absorbent collection means via compression and/or scraping of the absorbent collections means. Methods for employing the present invention are described herein.

Abstract: A low-impulse, non-lethal telescoping cartridge for deployment of non-lethal ordnance. The cartridge includes a payload cup containing at least one non-lethal projectile. The payload cup is telescopically mounted upon a cartridge case base. When fired, the payload cup telescopes out from the base and releases the non-lethal projectiles at a non-lethal velocity. The telescoping feature of the cartridge allows the cartridge to be fired from an automatic weapon, such as a 40 mm MK19 grenade machine gun.

Abstract: A vaccine, effective in inducing the production of antibodies with which to immunize a second subject passively against infection by Gram-negative bacteria and LPS-mediated pathology, comprises a non-covalent polyvalent complex formed between purified, detoxified LPS derived from E. coli and purified outer membrane protein derived from N. meningitidis. The same vaccine will also actively immunize a host subject against Gram-negative bacterial infections and LPS-mediated pathology. Meningococcal infections are included among those Gram-negative bacterial infections protected against by the vaccine.

Abstract: In this application is described the establishment and maintanence of a normal human hepatocyte cell line able to support complete development of malaria parasite development in vitro. Advantages and uses of the cell line are also described.

Abstract: Article of footwear includes a sole, an insole overlying the sole, the insole having in a surface thereof a groove having an inlet and outlet in an edge of the insole, the groove winding substantially throughout the length and width of the insole upper surface. A tube is disposed in the groove and extends throughout the length of the groove and has an inlet portion extending from the groove inlet at the edge of the insole and an outlet portion extending from the groove outlet. An upper fixed to the sole has apertures through which extend the tube inlet and outlet portions.

Abstract: An energetic sabot allows part of the sabot to burn away at a controlled rate, adding propellant energy to the gun while at the same time completely support the projectile rod. The energetic sabot is thicker or larger at shot start to support the projectile without breaking. As the energetic sabot travels up the gun tube, the energetic sabot then thins out or otherwise decreases in mass as the force on the energetic sabot decreases. The weight of the projectile consequently decreases as it travels up the gun tube, allowing the gun gases to push a lighter projectile, giving the projectile a higher velocity. Due to its continually decreasing weight in the gun tube, the projectile experiences greater acceleration and exits the gun with a higher muzzle velocity. A secondary effect comes from increased pressure in the gun tube from the gases relinquished in the burning of the sabot, further increasing the velocity of the projectile.

Abstract: An optical data storage device includes an optically readable disk that has a body extending in a radial direction from a central axis. The body has a side and an elongated portion that extends along the side. The elongated portion includes a first side surface and a second side surface. A plurality of optically readable discontinuities may be located on each of the first side surface and the second side surface of the elongated portion.