Abstract: The disclosure provides nucleic acids, and variants of Bacillus thuringiensis polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera and Diptera. Particular embodiments provide isolated nucleic acids encoding Cyt1A variant polypeptides, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to Bt toxin resistance management. One embodiment relates to the isolation and characterization of polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to novel Bt toxin receptors. The polynucleotides and polypeptides are useful in identifying or designing novel Bt toxin receptor ligands including novel insecticidal toxins.

Abstract: Energy management using a wearable device is described herein. One apparatus includes a user interface, a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive a communication from a utility information system of a utility, wherein the communication includes information associated with energy being provided to a facility by the utility, provide, via the user interface, the information to a user of the apparatus, receive, via the user interface, a command from the user to adjust energy consumption of the facility based, at least in part, on the information, and send the command to an energy management system of the facility, wherein the apparatus is a wearable device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to Bt toxin resistance management. One embodiment relates to the isolation and characterization of polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to novel Bt toxin receptors. The polynucleotides and polypeptides are useful in identifying or designing novel Bt toxin receptor ligands including novel insecticidal toxins.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser fluidly connected to the compressor, an evaporator fluidly connected to the condenser and the compressor, such that fluid may flow from the compressor through the condenser, through the evaporator, and again through the compressor. An expansion device is fluidly connected between the condenser and the evaporator, and a micro-expansion valve is also connected between the condenser and the evaporator.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, such as a pest from the Lepidoptera order, they are capable of decreasing the expression of a target sequence in the pest. In specific embodiments, the decrease in expression of the target sequence controls the pest and thereby the methods and compositions are capable of limiting damage to a plant. The present invention provides target polynucleotides encoding polypeptides from specific protein families and various target polynucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 or active variants and fragments thereof, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more the sequences in the target pest controls the pest (i.e., has insecticidal activity).

Abstract: A bale strapping apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a floor to receive at least one bale of material, a bar, and means for moving the bar. The bar may include at least one dispenser for receiving and dispensing securing members. The securing members may be permanently attached to the dispenser. Furthermore, the bar may be moved laterally above and across the floor and, accordingly, over the at least one bale of material, thereby causing the dispenser to dispense the securing member around the at least one bale. The apparatus may then tighten the securing members, thus securing the bale to the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, such as a pest from the Lepidoptera order, they are capable of decreasing the expression of a target sequence in the pest. Further provided are silencing elements which when ingested by the pest decrease the level of the target polypeptide and thereby control the pest. In specific embodiment, the pest is Spodoptera frugiperda. Plants, plant part, bacteria and other host cells comprising the silencing elements or an active variant or fragment thereof of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a crawler vehicle to the surface of an object. The crawler vehicle may comprise a frame, a number of moveable surface-engaging components attached to the frame, a number of actuators, and an electro-permanent magnet. The number of actuators is operable to move the frame with respect to the object when the number of moveable surface-engaging components is in contact with the surface of the object. The electro-permanent magnet is operable to hold the number of moveable surface-engaging components in contact with the surface of the object by a magnetic force between the electro-permanent magnet and the object when the electro-permanent magnet is activated and to remove the magnetic force when the electro-permanent magnet is deactivated to release the number of moveable surface-engaging components from the surface of the object.

Abstract: Energy management using a wearable device is described herein. One apparatus includes a user interface, a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive a communication from a utility information system of a utility, wherein the communication includes information associated with energy being provided to a facility by the utility, provide, via the user interface, the information to a user of the apparatus, receive, via the user interface, a command from the user to adjust energy consumption of the facility based, at least in part, on the information, and send the command to an energy management system of the facility, wherein the apparatus is a wearable device.

Abstract: A microvalve includes a first plate having an inner surface, a recessed region provided within the inner surface, a normally open fluid port and a normally closed fluid port provided within the recessed region. A first sealing structure extends about the normally open fluid port, and a second sealing structure extends about the normally closed fluid port. A second plate defines a non-movable portion and a movable portion. A surface of the non-movable portion abuts the inner surface of the first plate, the non-movable portion having an opening formed therethrough. The movable portion is formed within the opening, has an axis, and defines a displaceable member connected to the non-movable portion by a convoluted spring formed in the opening.

Abstract: A microvalve includes a first plate having a surface, a recessed region provided within the surface, a fluid port provided within the recessed region, and a sealing structure extending about the fluid port. A second plate defines a non-movable portion and a movable portion, a surface of the non-movable portion abutting the surface of the first plate, the non-movable portion having first and second openings formed therethrough. The movable portion is formed within the first opening and has an axis, the movable portion defining a displaceable member connected to the non-movable portion by a convoluted spring formed in a second opening.

Abstract: A microvalve includes a first plate having a surface, a recessed region provided within the surface, a fluid port provided within the recessed region, and a sealing structure extending about the fluid port. A second plate defines a non-movable portion and a movable portion formed within the first opening and having an axis. A surface of the non-movable portion abuts the surface of the first plate, the non-movable portion having first and second openings formed therethrough. The first opening has a notch formed in each of two longitudinally extending side walls thereof. The movable portion defines a displaceable member connected to the non-movable portion by a convoluted spring formed in a second opening. The displaceable member has a tab extending outwardly from each of two longitudinally extending side walls thereof, each tab positioned within one of the notches.

Abstract: A system comprising a multi-functional boom subsystem integrated with a holonomic-motion boom base platform. The boom base platform may comprise: Mecanum wheels with independently controlled motors; a pair of sub-platforms coupled by a roll-axis pivot to maintain four-wheel contact with the ground surface; and twist reduction mechanisms to minimize any yaw-axis twisting torque exerted on the roll-axis pivot. A computer with motion control software may be embedded on the boom base platform. The motion control function can be integrated with a real-time tracking system. The motion control computer may have multiple platform motion control modes: (1) a path following mode in which the boom base platform matches the motion path of the surface crawler (i.e.

Abstract: A system comprising a multi-functional boom subsystem integrated with a holonomic-motion boom base platform. The boom base platform may comprise: Mecanum wheels with independently controlled motors; a pair of sub-platforms coupled by a roll-axis pivot to maintain four-wheel contact with the ground surface; and twist reduction mechanisms to minimize any yaw-axis twisting torque exerted on the roll-axis pivot. A computer with motion control software may be embedded on the boom base platform. The motion control function can be integrated with a real-time tracking system. The motion control computer may have multiple platform motion control modes: (1) a path following mode in which the boom base platform matches the motion path of the surface crawler (i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a crawler vehicle to the surface of an object. The crawler vehicle may comprise a frame, a number of moveable surface-engaging components attached to the frame, a number of actuators, and an electro-permanent magnet. The number of actuators is operable to move the frame with respect to the object when the number of moveable surface-engaging components is in contact with the surface of the object. The electro-permanent magnet is operable to hold the number of moveable surface-engaging components in contact with the surface of the object by a magnetic force between the electro-permanent magnet and the object when the electro-permanent magnet is activated and to remove the magnetic force when the electro-permanent magnet is deactivated to release the number of moveable surface-engaging components from the surface of the object.

Abstract: A system comprising a multi-functional boom subsystem integrated with a holonomic-motion boom base platform. The boom base platform may comprise: Mecanum wheels with independently controlled motors; a pair of sub-platforms coupled by a roll-axis pivot to maintain four-wheel contact with the ground surface; and twist reduction mechanisms to minimize any yaw-axis twisting torque exerted on the roll-axis pivot. A computer with motion control software may be embedded on the boom base platform. The motion control function can be integrated with a real-time tracking system. The motion control computer may have multiple platform motion control modes: (1) a path following mode in which the boom base platform matches the motion path of the surface crawler (i.e.

Abstract: A bale strapping apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a floor to receive at least one bale of material, a bar, and means for moving the bar. The bar may include at least one dispenser for receiving and dispensing securing members. The securing members may be permanently attached to the dispenser. Furthermore, the bar may be moved laterally above and across the floor and, accordingly, over the at least one bale of material, thereby causing the dispenser to dispense the securing member around the at least one bale. The apparatus may then tighten the securing members, thus securing the bale to the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate magnetic collection and/or manipulation of individual micropallets are provided. The embodiments provided herein are directed to a new method for collecting micropallets once released from a substrate. It is accomplished by endowing the micropallets with magnetic properties by incorporating ferromagnetic or superparamagnetic nanoparticles into the photoresist material or otherwise incorporating magnetically responsive material into the micropallet structure. The magnetic particles, which posses magnetic qualities, e.g., ferromagnetism, ferrimagnetism, paramagnetism, and are composed of iron, nickel, and/or other magnetic materials, are mixed into the bulk photoresist prior to its use in the fabrication of microstructures. Also covered are other methods of incorporating magnetically-attractable material into the micropallet structure, such as plating of the micropallets with a material that is magnetically responsive, such as nickel.