Abstract: Described herein are current collectors comprising metal grids as well as electrodes and lithium-metal cells comprising such current collectors and methods of fabricating such current collectors, electrodes, and lithium-metal cells. A thin current collector comprises a polymer base and a metal layer positioned on, directly interfaces, and supported by one side of the polymer base. A thin current collector also comprises a metal grid, which directly interfaces and is supported by the edge of the polymer base. The metal grid is electrically coupled to the metal layer, e.g., by overlapping or at least forming an interface with the metal layer. In an electrode that further comprises an active material layer supported on the metal layer, the metal grid extends away from the active material layer. In an electrochemical cell, the metal grid can be connected to the metal grids of other electrodes and/or cell tabs.

Abstract: Improved inspection techniques are described herein for checking for the presence of and identifying surface defects on a honeycomb body. The improved inspection utilizes measurement of travel of an outer surface of the honeycomb body to collect images of the outer surface. The images are combined into a composite image showing the outer surface of the honeycomb body. The composite image is analyzed to identify surface defects.

Abstract: Systems and method are disclosed for providing advertisements to users by determining the occurrence of user defined external triggering events comprising a moment. One method comprises defining a set of conditions or criteria that define a moment, collecting data associated with said set of conditions or criteria, evaluating whether the conditions or criteria are satisfied and whether the user defined moment has occurred, executing an advertisement campaign associated with said user defined moment, transmitting an advertisement associated with said user defined moment to a target user, and modifying said advertisement in accordance with changes in the data associated with the conditions or criteria.

Abstract: Activation of an automatic driving feature in a vehicle is detected by evaluating sequential vehicle operation data against subtractive and additive heuristic rules that define a likelihood of an automatic driving feature having been engaged as a function of vehicle performance. The sequential vehicle operation data, which does not include an explicit indication of whether the automatic driving feature was engaged, is provided for time intervals of a trip made by the vehicle. Automatic driving information is generated, which provides an indication of whether the automatic driving feature was engaged during a subset of the time intervals.

Abstract: A speed bump section (10, 30, 50; 110, 130, 150) is provided for use in a modular speed bump. The speed bump section comprises an end configured to engage with another speed bump section. The end is one of (i) a male end (16, 36; 116, 136) having a first plurality of angled sides, and a male connector (20, 38; 120, 138) having a corresponding first plurality of angled sides; and (ii) a female end (18, 56; 118, 156) having a second plurality of angled sides configured to receive a said male end, and a female connector (22, 58; 122, 158) having a corresponding second plurality of angled sides configured to engage with a said male connector. A modular speed bump comprising a plurality of speed bump sections is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to one or more aptamers isolated against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and methods of using the same. Certain embodiments of the invention relate to methods of detecting the presence, absence or amount of SARS-CoV-2 in a sample using the one or more aptamers described herein. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to one or more aptamers that are capable of specifically binding to SARS-CoV-2 proteins, including aptamers that are capable of specifically binding to the S1 subunit (including the receptor binding domain (RBD)) and/or the S2 subunit within their native conformation as part of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in its trimeric form or as separate monomers.

Abstract: End effector assemblies for drilling a plurality of spaced-apart holes in a part, robots including the end effector assemblies, and associated methods are disclosed herein. The end effector assemblies include a first force application structure, an end effector, and a second force application structure. The first force application structure is configured to apply a first force to a surface of the part. The end effector is configured to selectively transition the first force application structure between a retracted state and an extended state and to selectively extend a drill bit into the part and subsequently retract the drill bit from the part. The second force application structure is configured to continuously apply a second force to the surface of the part while the first force application structure is in the retracted state and as the end effector assembly transitions from a first predetermined location to a second predetermined location.

Abstract: An audible alert device and method of playing an audible message. The audible alert device includes a motion sensor, a speaker, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to store an audible message, determine whether an activating condition is met in which the activating condition is based on a directionality of movement of the person relative to the motion sensor, and play a corresponding audible message when the activating condition has been met.

Abstract: Compositions comprising aptamers capable of specifically binding to a surface protein of Clostridium difficile spore are provided. A method for detecting, enriching, separating, and/or isolating Clostridium difficile spores is provided.

Abstract: A lightning strike protection (LSP) system minimizes or eliminates both the direct and indirect effects of lightning strikes on aircraft with composite fuselages without adding excessive weight to the aircraft. The LSP system comprises an external current return network and an internal current return network. The internal current return network comprises a wide plane of conductive foil material adhered to, or embedded within, an innermost surface of the fuselage and other portions of the aircraft formed primarily of composite materials. The conductive foil material is provided in wide planar sheets, and in one embodiment, is formed of expanded copper foil mesh. The internal current return network is installed in all areas or zones of the aircraft where cables and wires are routed.

Abstract: An audible alert device and method of playing an audible message. The audible alert device includes a motion sensor, a speaker, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to store an audible message, determine whether an activating condition is met in which the activating condition is based on a directionality of movement of the person relative to the motion sensor, and play a corresponding audible message when the activating condition has been met.

Abstract: The present invention relates inter alia to aptamers that specifically bind to Imatinib and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates inter alia to aptamers that specifically bind to Irinotecan and methods of using the same.

Abstract: An aircraft body section comprises a first layer of composite material, a first group of conductive traces, a second layer of composite material, and a first group of conductive connectors. The first layer of composite material has an upper surface and a lower surface, with the lower surface forming an exterior surface of a body of the aircraft. The first group of conductive traces are formed on the upper surface of the first layer of composite material. The second layer of composite material is positioned on the first layer of composite material and has an upper surface and a lower surface, with the upper surface forming an interior surface of a body of the aircraft. The first group of conductive connectors is formed on the upper surface of the second layer of composite material and is configured to provide electrical connection from external conductors to the conductive traces.

Abstract: A modular post for use in a barrier system comprises a post component and a base. The post component is configured to be attached or attachable on, to or in the base in a deployed configuration. The post component is configured to be housed within the base when the modular post is in a stored configuration. A method of using a modular post suitable for use in a barrier system is also provided. The method comprises providing a post component and a base. The post component is configured to be attached or attachable on, to or in the base in a deployed configuration. The post component is receivable or configured to be housed within the base when the modular post is in a stored configuration.

Abstract: Compositions comprising aptamers capable of specifically binding to a surface protein of Clostridium difficile spore are provided. A method for detecting, enriching, separating, and/or isolating Clostridium difficile spores is provided.

Abstract: A lightning strike protection (LSP) system minimizes or eliminates both the direct and indirect effects of lightning strikes on aircraft with composite fuselages without adding excessive weight to the aircraft. The LSP system comprises an external current return network and an internal current return network. The internal current return network comprises a wide plane of conductive foil material adhered to, or embedded within, an innermost surface of the fuselage and other portions of the aircraft formed primarily of composite materials. The conductive foil material is provided in wide planar sheets, and in one embodiment, is formed of expanded copper foil mesh. The internal current return network is installed in all areas or zones of the aircraft where cables and wires are routed.

Abstract: Systems and method are disclosed for providing advertisements to users by determining the occurrence of user defined external triggering events comprising a moment. One method comprises defining a set of conditions or criteria that define a moment, collecting data associated with said set of conditions or criteria, evaluating whether the conditions or criteria are satisfied and whether the user defined moment has occurred, executing an advertisement campaign associated with said user defined moment, transmitting an advertisement associated with said user defined moment to a target user, and modifying said advertisement in accordance with changes in the data associated with the conditions or criteria.

Abstract: End effector assemblies for drilling a plurality of spaced-apart holes in a part, robots including the end effector assemblies, and associated methods are disclosed herein. The end effector assemblies include a first force application structure, an end effector, and a second force application structure. The first force application structure is configured to apply a first force to a surface of the part. The end effector is configured to selectively transition the first force application structure between a retracted state and an extended state and to selectively extend a drill bit into the part and subsequently retract the drill bit from the part. The second force application structure is configured to continuously apply a second force to the surface of the part while the first force application structure is in the retracted state and as the end effector assembly transitions from a first predetermined location to a second predetermined location.

Abstract: Compositions comprising aptamers capable of specifically binding to a surface protein of Clostridium difficile spore are provided. A method for detecting, enriching, separating, and/or isolating Clostridium difficile spores is provided.