Abstract: A stand-off chemical detector has an array of charge-coupled-device electromagnetic radiation sensing elements. One or more first charge-coupled-device electromagnetic radiation sensing elements of the array are selectively responsive to non-visible electromagnetic radiation having at least a first wavelength, and one or more second charge-coupled-device electromagnetic radiation sensing elements of the array are selectively responsive to non-visible electromagnetic radiation having at least a second wavelength that is different that the at least first wavelength.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enzymatic decontamination by inactivation of Hazardous agents are provided. Hazardous agents of microbial and chemical origin can be neutralized by H2O2. The methods described herein provide for enzymatic production of H2O2 in situ using oxidoreductase enzymes that use oxygen as an acceptor and their alcohol substrates. The enzymatically produced H2O2 and corresponding aldehydes have potent antimicrobial properties. The enzymatically produced H2O2 also can detoxify chemical agents in situ. The decontaminating power of the oxidoreductase enzymes that use oxygen as an acceptor may be amplified by addition of reagents, such as acetyl donors or base catalysts that, in the presence of H2O2, yield peroxy acid derivatives and hydroperoxy anions. Such derivatives can neutralize biological and chemical agents, thus providing a broadly applicable decontamination method.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for chemical warfare agent detection training are provided. More particularly, methods and apparatus are provided to simulate the detection of low volatility chemical warfare agents by simulating the use of currently fielded U.S. Army detection kits without exposure to hazardous agents. A simulant is disposed in a sample heating assembly. The sample heating assembly is placed over a detection window of a detector, and the simulant is heated in order to make a simulated detection.

Abstract: An embodiment of a chemical detector has at least one detection window and at least first and second ampoules selectively communicatively coupled to the at least one detection window. The first ampoule contains a first substance that can hydrolyze a nerve agent. The second ampoule contains a second substance that can react with a hydrolyzed nerve agent to produce a color change.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of submicron sized particles in a sample taken from the environment. More particularly, the system may be used to detect and identify bacteria by detecting the presence of bacterial pili which have been separated from bacterial cells in the sample. The system includes means for collecting a sample from the environment, separating pili from bacteria in the sample, and purifying and concentrating the submicron sized pili in the sample based on the size of the pili. The purified and concentrated pili are detected with an apparatus which includes an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary, a differential mobility analyzer which receives output from the capillary, and a condensation particle counting device for counting the number of pili sized particles that pass through the differential mobility analyzer.

Abstract: This invention provides safe, non-infectious chimeras that include the nucleic acid signature of most bacterial and viral biological threat agents. These chimeras mimic properties of threat agents and are useful as simulants to develop, evaluate, test, and train on nucleic acid-based biodetectors and diagnostic products of interest in biodefense, without the need for accessing or producing virulent agents.

Abstract: A flow modulator to control the flow of an aerosol to an aerosol detection and/or monitoring system and other aerosol flow systems includes a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a diverging section of the chamber beneath the inlet that has a flow divider at the center to divide the aerosol into fractions, a recirculation section in which the divided aerosol fractions are recombined, and a converging section that channels the recombined aerosol fractions to the outlet of the chamber.

Abstract: This invention provides safe, non-infectious chimeras that include the nucleic acid signature of most bacterial and viral biological threat agents. These chimeras mimic properties of threat agents and are useful as simulants to develop, evaluate, test, and train on nucleic acid-based biodetectors and diagnostic products of interest in biodefense, without the need for accessing or producing virulent agents.

Abstract: A mobile All Hazards Receipt Facility (AHRF) is provided in an enclosure suitable for mounting on a base vehicle such as a semi-trailer. The AHRF includes a containment area compliant with BSL-3 standards, a containment area compliant with BSL-2 standards, a unique bleaching/decontamination station having an airlock to the outside for receiving incoming sample containers, a class III Biosafety Cabinet (Glovebox) connected to the bleaching station via an airlock through which samples are passed for processing, a biosafety cabinet as well as an onboard air handling system that provides air conditioning, filtration and exhaust and maintains appropriate BSL-2 and BSL-3 air pressure differentials.

Abstract: Highly immunoreactive viral peptides are disclosed which are derived from the E protein of major groups of the Flavivirus genus by computational analyses. These peptides are used in reliable diagnostic methods for the detection and diagnosis of Flavivirus, detecting the presence of antibodies against Flavivirus, and to form vaccine composition(s) for the prevention of Flavivirus infections in humans.

Abstract: A modular helmet-mask assembly for protecting a user's head and face from hazards such as from chemical and biological warfare agents. The invention includes an impact resistant helmet; a face protection assembly, which can be attached and detached from the helmet; and a transparent, impact resistant lens. The face protection assembly includes an impact resistant face protection shell with a vision port, through which the transparent lens can be positioned; a flexible nosecup assembly positioned to engage the mouth and nose of the user, which also includes a breathe-through airflow assembly and filter unit; and a flexible face seal which surrounds the nosecup assembly and lens and engages the face of the user. An adjustable head harness is attached to the shell or face seal, for adjustably securing the face seal and nosecup to the user's face to maximize comfort and protection while preventing fogging of the lens.

Abstract: This invention provides safe, non-infectious chimeras that include the nucleic acid signature of most bacterial and viral biological threat agents. These chimeras mimic properties of threat agents and are useful as simulants to develop, evaluate, test, and train on nucleic acid-based biodetectors and diagnostic products of interest in biodefense, without the need for accessing or producing virulent agents.

Abstract: A decontamination composition and method for detoxifying chemical warfare agents on surfaces, wherein said composition comprises mixtures of household cleaners and chemicals such as ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, baking soda and washing soda.

Abstract: A container for facilitating bulk storage and transport of goods, which includes a top portion, a base portion, and a sidewall portion which define an interior cavity, and a polyurea layer of sufficient thickness adhering to and coating at least the exterior areas of the top, base and sidewall portions. The top, base, and sidewall portions are preferably composed of polystyrene. The sidewall portion further includes a plurality of panels, wherein each of the plurality of panels includes end portions configured for interlocking engagement with one another to form a rigid joint exhibiting tensile strength.

Abstract: Airflow is improved for multi-agent chemical biological air-purifying apparatus by providing a filter module that has multiple filter elements contained within a substantially sealed housing. The housing secures the filter elements in a spaced relation such that the top and bottom faces of each filter element are exposed to the flow of air and provides an air path within the housing adapted to channel air through the multiple filter elements in a parallel flow. The filter module may be made from a flexible and resilient plastic material and may be contoured to conform to the shape of a helmet liner or similar headgear.

Abstract: A particle detection device and method wherein a bulk sample of particles is selectively collected based on scattering properties of the particles and fluorescence properties of the particles. The bulk sample of particles is then excited to produce an atomic emission from the bulk sample of particles. The atomic emission from the bulk sample of particles is used to determine atomic emission properties of the particles and identify biological particles in the bulk sample.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of submicron sized particles in a sample taken from the environment. More particularly, the system may be used to detect and identify bacteria by detecting the presence of bacterial pili which have been separated from bacterial cells in the sample. The system includes means for collecting a sample from the environment, separating pili from bacteria in the sample, and purifying and concentrating the submicron sized pili in the sample based on the size of the pili. The purified and concentrated pili are detected with an apparatus which includes an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary, a differential mobility analyzer which receives output from the capillary, and a condensation particle counting device for counting the number of pili sized particles that pass through the differential mobility analyzer.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices enabling simultaneous detection of several biological threat agents, including viruses and bacteria. The device includes a plurality of chambers and conduits which can be manually operated to so that reagents and sample are passed through the device and nucleic acid hybridization membranes to permit detection by the naked eye. The device has minimal logistical requirements since it is self-contained and includes all the reagents required to process a sample suspected of containing a variety of biological threat agents, it does not require electrical or other external sources of energy, it is disposable, and it can operated by a soldier or responder without microbiological training or expertise.

Abstract: A method for in situ generation of a decontamination solution adapted to decontaminate mustard agents by oxidation and nerve agents by perhydrolysis, comprising the steps of generating a stable precursor solution of aqueous NH4HCO3 by bubbling CO2 and NH3 into a container of water; and adding a peroxide component to the precursor solution. The step of bubbling CO2 into a container of water may be accomplished by bubbling fossil fuel engine exhaust including CO2 directly into the container of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and products simultaneously enabling detection of several biological threat agents, including viruses and bacteria, during a combat situation or in any suspected contamination situation.