A biological aerosol detector is provided. The biological aerosol detector uses a semiconductor optical source with an ultraviolet emission band to excite biological molecules in an aerosol sample. Filtering optics are configured to attenuate radiation from a secondary emission band of the optical source to prevent false signals due to scattering of secondary emission band radiation from non-biological molecules. An intake/exhaust manifold that includes an intake pipe that fits within a concentr...

A self-contained, leak-proof sampling device and kit employing said device for collecting chemical and biological samples from various surfaces. The invention provides a sampling device and kit that may be employed to easily collect chemical and biological samples, safely transport the collected samples, safely dispense collected samples for analysis and provide optimum sample recovery. The sampling device is in the form of a leak proof container that comprises a lid and base. The lid contains a...

Various embodiments of a system for detecting airborne hazards in a gaseous environment are disclosed. An embodiment of the system includes a plurality of sets of one or more detectors, where the detectors of each set measure different types of properties of gases, such as the color emitted when the gases are exposed to certain reagents or the ionization potential of the gases. Environmental gases enter the system and are split into a plurality of air flow streams, with each stream directed to p...

Disclosed is an aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge containing a propellant. When ignited, propellant gases expand through a diffuser, then through and into a clearing pad and then through and into a filler area, thereby de-agglomerating and fluidizing the filler and increasing pressure until a frangible end seal on the retainer end of the cartridge ruptures and releases the filler as an aerosol cloud. Methods for disseminating an aerosol and for using the device are also disclosed.

A heated capillary tube is axially supported in center of a housing under cuum. One end of the capillary tube receives ions from an ion source. The other end of the capillary tube terminates adjacent to the inner side of a flat plate having an orifice. A transport tube is connected to the outer side of the flat plate and has an open outer end. A first electrical field exists between the capillary tube and the plate to control the flow of ions. A second electrical field exists downstream of the p...

A packaging system comprises a container including at least two compartments, and at least one opening in communication with at least one of the at least two compartments; a common wall or a septum dividing each of the at least two compartments, the common wall or septum being adapted for rupturing to enable the contents of each of the at least two compartments to be mixed together within the container; and a rupture mechanism operatively engaged with the common wall and actuable by a user, the ...

A method for the reduction of toxicity of S-(2-diisopropylamino)ethyl methylphosphonothioate ions in a medium or mixture by reaction with hydrogen peroxide and a strong inorganic acid.

Methods and systems for processing vesicants as well as other irritants are described. In some methods a vesicant, for example, a Lewisite such as the L1 form, the L2 form, L3 form, or combination thereof, is combined with permanganate, for example, as an aqueous solution of sodium permanganate. The methods can include releasing the vesicants or irritants from a munition, for example, by explosively rupturing the munition.

A large-scale system for storage and mixing of a solution comprising a plurality of ingredients not compatible for long-term storage in a pre-mixed formulation includes a storage tank that is divided into a plurality of compartments each of which is adapted to isolate and store a proportionate amount of ingredient, fluid conduits for withdrawing and conveying the ingredients from the compartments, valves for controlling the flow of ingredients and for preventing backflow, a manifold for continuo...

A system and method for providing hazardous incident decision support and training includes a user interface component that receives situation definition data, a hazard assessment component and a decision aid. Decision support advice and decision prompts are presented by the system in response to the situation definition interface and hazard assessment. The hazard assessment and expert advice of the system are updated with elapsed time. In another embodiment of the present invention, graphical u...