Abstract: Various screening systems are disclosed, including a system including a radiation detection component, a toxic chemical detection component, a toxic chemical agent sampling component, a bio-threat detection component, a puffer-based bio-threat sampling component, an explosive detection component, and an X-ray based imager, such that it automatically screens mail for the presence of multiple threat agents, such as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats. An automated sample arm collects a sample when a sampling substrate contacts a portion of the item of mail while there is relative motion between the automated sample arm and the item of mail. The sample is conveyed to a detector and the sampling substrate is regenerated by heating it.

Abstract: The current invention provides a passive sampling device suitable for collecting and detecting the presence of target analytes. In particular, the passive sampling device is suitable for detecting nitro-aromatic compounds. The current invention further provides a passive sampling device reader suitable for determining the collection of target analytes. Additionally, the current invention provides methods for detecting target analytes using the passive sampling device and the passive sampling device reader.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling and monitoring the quality of concrete based on the concrete's maturity (which is a function of its time-temperature profile, or temperature history). Five different applications or embodiments of the present invention are discussed, namely, Enhanced Maturity, Moisture-Loss Maturity, Improved Maturity, SPC Maturity, Loggers, Readers, and Software. Enhanced Maturity involves a maturity calibration method to account for the water-to-cementitious-materials ratio, air content, and gross unit weight of the concrete. Moisture-Loss Maturity is a method for determining the appropriate time to terminate moisture-loss protection of concrete and concrete structures. Improved Maturity is a method and system for determining the strength of curing concrete using improved maturity calculations.

Abstract: Platforms for detecting, identifying and/or designating objects. Platforms according to one embodiment of the invention include an extendable mast connected to a skid via a linkage that allows pivoting of the mast with respect to the skid, and preferably does not permit rotation of the mast; at least two actuators connected to the mast; at least one inclination sensor; at least one detection sensor connected to the mast for detecting presence of an object; and circuitry that receives information from the inclination sensors and plumbs the mast. Coupling and actuator mechanisms are disclosed for connecting the mast to the skid in a manner that allows the mast to be stable for accurate use of the sensors, yet easily and quickly deployable for such use, whether the platform is deployed from the bed of a truck or when the skid is on the ground and the mast is fully extended.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to optical devices that can collect and detect signal emissions effectively while allowing the excitation light path and the sample flow path to coexist non-obstructively in a compact format. More specifically, this invention relates to a compact device having a multilayer coating on the structure surface and a wave guiding structure. In the device, using the surface plasmon coupling effect, the majority of the optical emission from the emitter on top of the multilayer coating is distributed toward the wave guiding structure. The wave guiding structure then further directs the emission signal to the detector with a high efficiency.

Abstract: A flare apparatus for burning combustible gases. A flare tip unit comprises an inner member and an outer member defining an annulus therebetween. The annulus defines an annular gas passage through which combustible gas passes. Air moved by a motive force, preferably steam, passes through the inner member and a steam/air mixture exits an outlet of the inner member. The combustible gas and an air/steam mixture mixes in a premix zone between the inner member outlet and the exit opening of the outer member. The combustible gas/air/steam mixture is ignited for burning in the atmosphere above the exit opening. The flare apparatus may include a plurality of flare tip units.

Abstract: The current invention provides a runner for constructing curved surfaces. The runner has at least two sections with each section having at least two layers. The layers used to prepare the sections are substantially identical. However, when assembled to form a section one layer is reversed compared to another layer. Alternatively, each section may be integrally formed. Adjacent sections are pivotal with respect to one another until secured on a desired radius. The runner of the current invention is suitable for constructing curved walls, archways and other curved structures.

Abstract: A process is provided for handling waste solids produced from the chlorination of titanium-bearing ores in the presence of coke as a reducing agent. The process includes the steps of combining waste metal chloride solids and unreacted ore and coke solids with a liquid whereby waste metal chloride solids are dissolved in the liquid and unreacted ore and coke solids are slurried in the liquid, and separating out the unreacted ore and coke solids from the liquid. The liquid including the dissolved waste metal chlorides is then divided into a recycle substream and a bleed substream. The recycle substream is recycled such that it comprises at least a part of the liquid which is combined with the waste metal chloride solids and unreacted ore and coke solids in the product stream. The bleed substream is neutralized to produce a filterable or directly landfillable mass of waste metal hydroxide solids.

Abstract: Surface treated inorganic oxide pigments are provided wherein one or more of the ethylene glycol esters and diesters are applied to the surface of a base inorganic oxide pigment, for example, an anatase titanium dioxide pigment from the calciner of a conventional sulfate route process for making titanium dioxide pigments or especially a rutile titanium dioxide pigment from the oxidizer in a conventional chloride route process for making titanium dioxide pigments.

Abstract: An injection-molded load line connection spillage container for catching and retaining liquid spilled when liquids are pumped between storage tanks and tankers provides an injection-molded reservoir and an injection-molded cover attached to the reservoir by hinges. Reinforcing ribs molded into the reservoir provide strength and ruggedness without the need for reinforcing steel collars and saddles. Gussets molded into the reservoir hinge brackets ensure repeated stresses produced by energetic opening of the cover does not result in failure of the hinge brackets. An optional load line mounting assembly permits secure mounting of the load line container directly onto the load line. An optional cleanout assembly provides a valved suction line for removing retained spillage, and an optional sampling assembly provides a valved sample line for sampling the liquid being transferred.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel spinal disc prosthesis comprising two solid compressible cylinders and methods. A method of the invention for placing the solid compressible cylinders between adjacent spinal vertebrae comprises the steps of forming an enlarged partially circular space from the back and to one side of the space between adjacent spinal vertebrae previously occupied by a degenerated disc, forming additional spaces within the interiors of the adjacent vertebrae, placing a solid compressible cylinder in the spaces within the interiors of the adjacent vertebrae and repeating the above procedure on the other side of the space between the vertebrae.

Abstract: A caulk tool, comprising a caulk remover blade, a caulk smoother blade, and a hinge connecting the caulk remover blade and the caulk smoother blade. The caulk remover blade and the caulk smoother blade can pivot with respect to one another about the hinge.

Abstract: This invention relates to impact sports, and to articles of clothing and for detection systems used to monitor and registering the intensity, location and sources of impacts in contact sports such as boxing, martial arts, fencing, and so forth.

Abstract: The method of treating decreased laryngeal elevation uses a neuro-orthotic device in combination with electrical stimulation of the submandibular muscles to treat the laryngeal elevator musculature. Muscle re-education and rehabilitation is provided using a neuro-orthotic device in combination with electrical stimulation of the submandibular muscles to treat laryngeal elevator musculature.