Abstract: A robotic vehicle (10,100,150A,150B150C,160,1000,1000A,1000B,1000C) includes a chassis (20,106,152,162) having front and rear ends (20A,152A,20B,152B) and supported on right and left driven tracks (34,44,108,165). Right and left elongated flippers (50,60,102,154,164) are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage (70,156,166) connects a payload deck assembly (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806), configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end (70A) rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot (71), and a second end (70B) rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot (73). Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers (72,74) operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots (71,73) to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806) with respect to the chassis (20,106,152,162).

Abstract: A process for enzymatic preparation of a highly linear poly(?1,3 glucan) from sucrose is disclosed. The glucosyltransferase enzyme (gtfJ) from Streptococcus salivarius is used to convert sucrose to a highly linear poly(?1,3 glucan) in high titers. Hydrolyzed poly(?1,3 glucan) is used as the primer for the gtfJ enzyme reaction resulting in the formation of highly linear poly(?1,3 glucan).

Abstract: Solutions formed by combining poly(?(1?3) glucan) with CS2 in aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution have been shown to produce the xanthated form of the poly(+(1?3) glucan). The solutions so formed have been shown to be useful for solution spinning into fiber of poly(?(1?3) glucan) when the spun fiber is coagulated in an acidic coagulation bath. The fibers so produced exhibit desirable physical properties. The poly(?(1?3) glucan) employed was synthesized by fermentation.

Abstract: A process for enzymatic preparation of poly (?1, 3 glucan) from sucrose is disclosed. The glucosyltransferase enzyme (gtfJ) from Streptococcus salivarius is used to convert sucrose to fructose and poly (?1, 3 glucan). Application of semi-permeable membranes to continuously remove fructose, a by-product of the gtf enzyme, thus increasing the poly (?1, 3 glucan) liter, is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for enzymatic preparation of a highly linear poly(? 1, 3 glucan) from sucrose is disclosed. The glucosyltransferase enzyme (gtfJ) from Streptococcus salivarius is used to convert sucrose to a highly linear poly(? 1, 3 glucan) in high titers. Hydrolyzed poly(? 1, 3 glucan) is used as the primer for the gtfJ enzyme reaction resulting in the formation of highly linear poly(? 1, 3 glucan).

Abstract: Peptides have been identified that bind to tooth enamel. Compositions and methods comprising peptide-based oral care reagents having at least one tooth enamel-binding peptide and an oral care benefit agent are provided to adhere the benefit agent to the oral surface.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel processing for preparing fibers from poly(?(1?3)glucan). The fibers prepared according to the invention, have “cotton-like” properties, are useful in textile applications, and can be produced as continuous filaments on a year-round basis. The process comprises solution spinning a 5-20% solids concentration of poly(?(1?3)glucan) in an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide, in particular NaOH at concentration of 2 to 10 weight-%, and coagulating the spun fiber in an acid coagulation liquid.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel solution composition useful for preparing fibers from poly(?(1?3) glucan). The fibers prepared according to the invention, have“cotton-like” properties, are useful in textile applications, and can be produced as continuous filaments on a year-round basis. The solution comprises a 5-20% solids concentration of poly(?(1?3) glucan) in an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide, in particular NaOH at concentration of 2 to 10 weight-%.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle including a chassis having front and rear ends, an electric power source supported by the chassis, and multiple drive assemblies supporting the chassis. Each drive assembly including a track trained about a corresponding drive wheel and a drive control module. The drive control module including a drive control housing, a drive motor carried by the drive control housing and operable to drive the track, and a drive motor controller in communication with the drive motor. The drive motor controller including a motor controller logic circuit and an amplifier commutator in communication with the drive motor and the motor controller logic circuit and is capable of delivering both amplified and reduced voltage to the drive motor from the power source. In one instance, the drive control module is separately and independently removable from a receptacle of the chassis as a complete unit.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle (10,100,150A,150B150C,160,1000,1000A, includes a chassis (20,106,152,162) having front and rear ends (20A,152A,20B,152B) and supported on right and left driven tracks (34,44,108,165). Right and left elongated flippers (50,60,102,154,164) are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage (70,156,166) connects a payload deck assembly (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806), configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end (70A) rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot (71), and a second end (70B) rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot (73). Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers (72,74) operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots (71,73) to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck (D1,D2,D3,80,158,168,806) with respect to the chassis (20,106,152,162).

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: Peptide-based organic sunscreens, formed by coupling a skin-binding peptide with an organic sunscreen agent, are described. The skin-binding peptide part of the peptide-based organic sunscreen binds strongly to the skin, thus keeping the organic sunscreen agent attached to the skin for long lasting protection. Sunscreen compositions comprising the peptide-based organic sunscreens are also provided.

Abstract: Peptides have been identified that bind with high affinity to hair. Peptide-based hair reagents formed by coupling a hair-binding peptide to a benefit agent are described. The peptide-based hair reagents include peptide-based hair conditioners and hair colorants. The peptide-based hair conditioners and hair colorants are comprised of at least one hair-binding peptide coupled to a hair conditioning agent or a coloring agent, respectively.

Abstract: Peptides have been identified that bind with high affinity to dyed hair. Peptide-based hair reagents formed by coupling a dyed-hair-binding peptide to a benefit agent are described. The peptide-based hair reagents include peptide-based hair conditioners and hair colorants. The peptide-based hair conditioners and hair colorants are comprised of a dyed-hair-binding peptide coupled to a hair conditioning agent or a coloring agent, respectively. The peptide-based hair reagents or the dyed-hair-binding peptides may also be used as a protective sealant to improve color retention of dyed hair.

Abstract: A mobile robot includes a chassis defining at least one chassis volume and first and second sets of right and left driven flippers associated with the chassis. Each flipper has a drive wheel and defines a flipper volume adjacent to the drive wheel. The first set of flippers is disposed between the second set of flippers and the chassis. Motive power elements are distributed among the chassis volume and the flipper volumes. The motive power elements include a battery assembly, a main drive motor assembly, and a load shifting motor assembly.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a deck system to the chassis. The deck system includes a deck base and a payload deck configured to support a removable functional payload. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: An inertia assisted engine starting apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus includes an internal combustion engine and an accessory drive system including an accessory. The accessory includes a rotatable member. An electric motor is selectively rotationally coupled to the accessory drive system. A mechanical coupling device selectively transfers rotational kinetic energy from the accessory drive system to start the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility, adaptability, and the capability of being remotely controlled in hazardous environments. The robotic vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear ends and supported on right and left driven tracks. Right and left elongated flippers are disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis and operable to pivot. A linkage connects a payload deck, configured to support a removable functional payload, to the chassis. The linkage has a first end rotatably connected to the chassis at a first pivot, and a second end rotatably connected to the deck at a second pivot. Both of the first and second pivots include independently controllable pivot drivers operable to rotatably position their corresponding pivots to control both fore-aft position and pitch orientation of the payload deck with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for a robotic vehicle to climb a step. The robotic vehicle uses tracked flippers to engage the top of the step and drives with additional tracks other than the tracked flippers. The robotic vehicle also shifts and tilts a payload in order to move the CG of the payload ahead of the vehicle chassis and past the edge of the step.

Abstract: Peptide-based coloring reagents are described in which a body surface-binding peptide is covalently attached to a pigment, the surface of which is coated with a layer containing at least 3 atom percent of silicon. The peptide-based coloring reagents are useful for coloring body surfaces such as hair, skin, nails, and teeth.