Abstract: Nucleotide sequences are disclosed that encode novel chimeric insecticidal proteins exhibiting Lepidopteran inhibitory activity. Particular embodiments provide compositions and transformed plants, plant parts, and seeds containing the recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding one or more of the chimeric insecticidal proteins.

Abstract: A device, for holding a garment waistband, has a flat, elongated elastic band stretchable across two belt loops, and a pair of fastener components formed by metal wire bent to form a back bar for the elastic-band-mounting end and a hook-loop fastener end for hooking onto a post member mounted to the elastic band. The back bar is formed in a thin channel shape defining a concave cross-sectional gap with a thickness such that it can be seated around the exposed length of the belt loop and clasp it by its thickness. The device provides the wearer with a slimmer profile and is more comfortable to wear than a waist-length belt. The back bar may be formed with bar halves separated by a cut-away gap to allow the elastic band to be sleeved on and off, to interchange elastic bands and/or other decorative fastener components.

Abstract: An underwater nuclear material reconnaissance system includes an underwater vehicle propelled/steered by a plurality of propulsion pods distributed thereabout. The underwater vehicle includes nuclear material sensors for generating sensor data indicative of the presence of nuclear material, a tunnel thruster for providing vertical thrust for the underwater vehicle, and a bi-directional communications cable deployable from the underwater vehicle. A remotely-located communications base station coupled to the bi-directional communications cable transmits control commands to the underwater vehicle and receives sensor data transmitted from the underwater vehicle.

Abstract: A reconnaissance/surveillance system for remote viewing of a selected location while providing a standoff distance from the selected location for personnel controlling the reconnaissance/surveillance system includes a remote controlled underwater vehicle and a delivery vehicle formed to deliver the remote controlled underwater vehicle to an underwater deployment position. An operator control console in the delivery vehicle is connected to the remote controlled underwater vehicle via a fiber optic communications link. A battery powered propulsion apparatus moves the remote controlled underwater vehicle through water to a viewing station under control of the operator control console. The remote controlled underwater vehicle includes sensing apparatus that provides signals that the operator control console uses to navigate the remote controlled underwater vehicle to the viewing station.

Abstract: A small target weapon (STW) delivers a warhead to a remote target and detonates it in response to remote command signals from a swimmer delivery vehicle (SDV) and internal control signals generated by a self-contained internal electronics section. When deployed from the SDV, STW is capable of traveling several nautical miles underwater. The STW contains a warhead section and has a spool of optical fiber disposed aft to deploy optical fiber from the housing as it transits through water from a submerged delivery vehicle. Motor-driven propellers disposed aft on the housing of the STW propel it the through the water, and a mast member extends above the housing. Control fins disposed aft on the housing, a vertical thruster and the motor driven propellers are controlled by electronics sections and guidance and control sections to selectively keep the housing beneath the surface of the water and the mast member extending through the surface.

Abstract: A mine neutralization device (MND) is deployed from launch platform, such as an aircraft or surface craft, and travels several miles underwater to destroy a mine. Optical and/or acoustic command signals are coupled to the MND through an optical fiber and ambient water to control the MND on its way to the mine. The MND has a visible light system to illuminate the region around the MND, a camera system to provide optical data signals, and a sonar system to provide acoustic data signals transmitted to the launch platform. The optical and acoustic data signals are representative of images of features in the region to permit control signals from the platform to navigate the MND along the marine topography until the mine is located and identified. Once the mine is located and identified, explosives aboard the MND are detonated to destroy the mine.