Abstract: This invention relates to a nucleic acid construct. The construct includes a nucleic acid molecule configured to silence Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), a 5? DNA promoter sequence, and a 3? terminator sequence. The nucleic acid molecule, the promoter, and the terminator are operatively coupled to permit transcription of the nucleic acid molecule. The present invention also relates to expression vectors, host cells, and transgenic plants containing the nucleic acid construct of the present invention. Also disclosed are methods of imparting BBTV resistance to plants.

Abstract: A combustor comprises an annular combustor chamber formed between the inner and outer liners. Fuel nozzles each have an end in fluid communication with the annular combustor chamber to inject fuel in the annular combustor chamber, the fuel nozzles oriented to inject fuel in a fuel flow direction having an axial component relative to the central axis of the annular combustor chamber. A plurality of nozzle air holes are defined through the inner liner and the outer liner adjacent to and downstream of the fuel nozzles. The nozzle air holes are configured for high pressure air to be injected from an exterior of the liners through the nozzle air holes generally radially into the annular combustor chamber. A central axis of the nozzle air holes has a tangential component relative to the central axis of the annular combustor chamber.

Abstract: The build-up of carbon deposition on the front face of a combustor heat shield is discouraged by jetting air out from the front face of the heat shield with sufficient momentum to push approaching fuel droplets or rich fuel-air mixture way from the heat shield.

Abstract: A robotic first responder system provides injured patients with first response medical care and extracts the injured patient from a dangerous or remote area. After assessing of the level of consciousness of an injured patient, the robotic unit utilizes an inflatable immobilization device for safe robotic rescue of injured patients. The robotic unit lifts and transfers an injured patient to an extraction vehicle, a secure, bullet-proof wheeled system that can be pulled by the robot to safe location. The extraction vehicle continues serving as the evacuation stretcher to a medical station. The robotic unit utilizes zero moment point control to maintain stability while lifting the patient. A robot first responder tows the extraction vehicle or the extraction vehicle self-navigates incorporating with power drive and autonomous navigation systems.

Abstract: A medical robotic system comprises a drive track unit being operable for moving the medical robotic system along a floor. An upper torso unit is joined to the drive track unit. The upper torso unit comprises at least one actuator assembly. At least one bimanual dexterous manipulator is joined to the actuator assembly in which the actuator assembly imparts torque and movement to the bimanual dexterous manipulator for lifting an object. The bimanual dexterous manipulator comprises a pair of dexterous manipulators. Each of the dexterous manipulators comprises a length being configured to support lifting an adult patient, and an end comprising a planar structure being configured for placing between the adult patient and a patient platform. The drive track unit is operable for moving the medical robotic system to the patient platform and the bimanual dexterous manipulator is operable for lifting the adult patient from the patient platform.

Abstract: A system comprises a platform being configured for locomotion in a plurality of directions over a surface. A robotic unit is configured for dexterous manipulation comprising at least lifting of objects. The robotic unit is joined to the platform. At least one extender unit is joined to the platform and is configured for controlled extension beyond the platform to contact the surface to stabilize the system at least during the manipulation by the robotic unit. At least one controlling unit is configured to be operable for at least determining a center of gravity and a zero moment point for the system and for at least controlling an extension of the extender unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nucleic acid construct. The construct includes a nucleic acid molecule configured to silence Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), a 5? DNA promoter sequence, and a 3? terminator sequence. The nucleic acid molecule, the promoter, and the terminator are operatively coupled to permit transcription of the nucleic acid molecule. The present invention also relates to expression vectors, host cells, and transgenic plants containing the nucleic acid construct of the present invention. Also disclosed are methods of imparting BBTV resistance to plants.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle having a fuel conveying member surrounded by a sheath. An air passage is defined between the fuel conveying member and the sheath for directing air to an air swirler provided at one end of the fuel conveying member. At one flow director is provided in the air passage for promoting air and fuel uniformity and distribution at a spray tip of the fuel nozzle.

Abstract: A piezoelectric lighter includes a lighter casing, an ignition nozzle, a gas releasing valve, a piezoelectric unit, and a hidden push button arrangement. The hidden push button arrangement includes a push button which has a pusher end portion, a pivot end portion pivotally mounted at the lighter casing at the button receiving slot thereof, and a button surface extended from the pusher end portion and the pivot end portion, adapted to pivotally fold between an operation position and a hidden position. At the hidden position, the pusher end portion of the push button is folded into the button receiving slot to align the button surface of the push button with the outer surface of the lighter casing so as to completely hide the push button in the button receiving slot within the lighter casing.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle having a fuel conveying member surrounded by a sheath. An air passage is defined between the fuel conveying member and the sheath for directing air to an air swirler provided at one end of the fuel conveying member. At one flow director is provided in the air passage for promoting air and fuel uniformity and distribution at a spray tip of the fuel nozzle.

Abstract: A carbon-doped hard mask includes a dielectric material containing carbon which is released from the hard mask during a metal etching process. The released carbon is deposited on and bonds to sidewalls of the metal structure during the metal etching process to passivate the sidewalls of the metal structure and prevent lateral etching of the sidewalls during the metal etching process. The released carbon also prevents accumulation of metal residue in open fields.

Abstract: A carbon-doped hard mask includes a dielectric material containing carbon which is released from the hard mask during a metal etching process. The released carbon is deposited on and bonds to sidewalls of the metal structure during the metal etching process to passivate the sidewalls of the metal structure and prevent lateral etching of the sidewalls during the metal etching process. The released carbon also prevents accumulation of metal residue in open fields.

Abstract: A carbon-doped hard mask includes a dielectric material containing carbon which is released from the hard mask during a metal etching process. The released carbon is deposited on and bonds to sidewalls of the metal structure during the metal etching process to passivate the sidewalls of the metal structure and prevent lateral etching of the sidewalls during the metal etching process. The released carbon also prevents accumulation of metal residue in open fields.

Abstract: A carbon-doped hard mask includes a dielectric material containing carbon which is released from the hard mask during a metal etching process. The released carbon is deposited on and bonds to sidewalls of the metal structure during the metal etching process to passivate the sidewalls of the metal structure and prevent lateral etching of the sidewalls during the metal etching process. The released carbon also prevents became relation to metal residue in open fields.

Abstract: Squash mosaic virus coat protein genes are disclosed. Expression vectors containing squash mosaic virus coat protein genes are disclosed. Transgenic plants that contain squash mosaic virus coat protein genes and that are resistant to infection by squash mosaic virus are disclosed.