Abstract: An apparatus and method for a switch that is activated by a predetermined mechanical load includes a first layer of plastic material, a second layer of plastic material, a layer of elastomeric material having first and second surfaces, the first surface bonded to the first layer of plastic material by a layer of adhesive material and the second surface of the elastomeric material bonded to the second layer of plastic material by a layer of adhesive; and a conductor disposed in contact with one or more of the layers of material wherein a conductive path of the conductor is broken when at least one of the adhesive bonds is displaced by the predetermined mechanical load.

Abstract: Compositions of matter and methods for enhancing bioassay performance are disclosed. More particularly, the composition of matter comprises a molecularly compact polymer-ligand conjugate capable of self-orienting on a surface to improve the orientation of the ligand/receptor binding domains within the bioassay at the nanoscopic level. In a preferred embodiment, the molecularly compact polymer comprises a dendrimer polymer such as a fifth generation polyamidoamine dendrimer having exterior surface hydroxyl and amine functional groups, and the ligand/receptor comprises an antibody or Fab.

Abstract: A baffle system is provided for insertion into a stirred vessel. In order to be able to be inserted through the relatively narrow orifice at the opening of the vessel, the baffle system is collapsible. Due to the structure of the baffle system, it may be inserted through the narrow orifice and then be manipulated, via articulated joints, such that it rests adjacent to the wider walls of the vessel.

Abstract: The various embodiments provide an incendiary device utilizing a multiple hollow core-burner technique that facilitates producing large diameter cuts through steel targets. To facilitate this result, the various embodiments incorporate a multiple-core burning design with multiple orifices at the base for directing multiple jets of molten reaction product at the target. The various embodiments further incorporate an optional holding device as a means for locking the device onto a target. Devices in accordance with the invention having a base diameter of 2.312″ have been shown to be capable of producing an approximately 2″ diameter hole through ¼ inch thick steel plate using a 275 g thermite charge within a container three-quarters the size of a standard AN-M14 Thermite Grenade package.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for filtering airborne biological and/or chemical agents from air for breathing, comprises an outer hood adapted to seal with and encompass at least the head and neck of a wearer from ambient atmosphere, at least one transparent lens attached to the outer hood for providing visual sight to the wearer, at least one filter assembly attached to the outer hood, the filter assembly adapted for filtering airborne biological and/or chemical agents from air passing therethrough, an airflow regulator located in the outer hood, the airflow regulator including an outlet adapted for expelling exhaled air to ambient, and an inlet adapted for drawing air thereinto, and air conveying means located in the outer hood for conveying air filtered through the filter assembly from ambient to the inside surface of the transparent lens for drawing into the airflow regulator inlet.

Abstract: A Thermal Luminescence Water Monitor system and method for real-time remote sensing and identification of chemical and biological materials (CBMs) in a liquid source, comprising an irradiation component having a microwave radiation source tuned to water's vibration-rotation exciting energy, a glass cell for holding a liquid sample contained within a sealed chamber for its irradiation and concomitant liberation of thermal luminescence, a spectrometer analysis component for collecting and processing thermal luminescence emissions, a neural network component for filtering thermal luminescence difference-spectra components and pattern recognition of predetermined CBMs to determine their presence in the liquid source.

Abstract: A process for the decontamination of chemical warfare agents. More particularly, a process for the decontamination of the vesicant HD by oxidation to its corresponding sulfoxide and nerve agents VX and GD by perhydrolysis to their non-toxic phosphonic acids using environmentally safe reactants, specifically a peroxomolybdate compound having a dominant tetraperoxomolybdate species and peroxy anion.

Abstract: A chemical adsorption system and method comprising an apparatus containing a solid adsorption article comprising a known amount of a chemical adsorbate material disposed on a solid adsorbent material. Trace amounts of the adsorbate are released from the adsorbent using an inert gas. By controlling various parameters such as the temperature of the adsorption article, the amount of the adsorbate on the adsorbent, and the flow rate of inert gas through the apparatus, the amount of chemical adsorbate material vapor that is released from the adsorbent can be precisely controlled and predicted. The apparatus contains no liquid chemical materials, and serves as both an internal chemical reference standard to the attached chemical vapor monitor and as a chemical surface passivator. Furthermore, the invention is capable of spanning several orders of magnitude in chemical vapor concentration from the parts-per-million (ppm) to parts-per-trillion (ppt) range.

Abstract: 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 rupture mechanism being adapted for rupturing the common wall or septum upon actuation by a user.

Abstract: A portable containment system includes a glovebox apparatus, a self-contained filter unit, and removable conduits extending therebetween. The glovebox apparatus includes a first module for releasably covering a first sidewall opening. The first module, which has body and flange portions, has a storage position where the body portion is positioned through the first sidewall opening into the glovebox interior and an operative position where the body portion is positioned exterior of the glovebox. The glovebox apparatus includes second modules for releasably covering a second sidewall opening where the second modules are smaller than the first sidewall opening for inserting the second modules into the interior of the glovebox for storage. The filter unit includes a plurality of gas filters, an air pump, and detectors for monitoring the air flow through the system.

Abstract: Nanocapsules useful for encapsulating bioactive molecules such as proteins are disclosed. These nanocapsules are comprised of branched or hyperbranched polymers and copolymers and have a core-shell structure forming a pocket volume appropriate for complexing and retaining enzymes and other bioactive molecules. The nanoencapsulated bioactive molecule is stable in extreme temperatures and pH, soluble in aqueous or organic solvents, and can be lyophilized to a dry powder for long-term storage without loss of enzyme activity.

Abstract: A rifle muzzle launched projectile having a launch tube defining an interior cavity, and having an opening at one end with an inner diameter sized to fit over the end of a rifle muzzle; a bullet trap located in the launch tube cavity; and a payload assembly mounted on the launch tube. The payload assembly is further configured for safely releasing a payload in a controlled manner. The payload assembly also includes a casing for retaining an aerosol composition; a propellant located in the casing; a primer for igniting the propellant; and a frangible portion of the casing in contact with the aerosol composition.

Abstract: A holding device for a pyrotechnic, incendiary device. More particularly, a holding device for a thermite or thermate based destructive device or enhanced incendiary grenade. The device assembly allows for firm attachment of pyrotechnic, incendiary devices, particularly enhanced incendiary grenades, to targets having various surface shapes and orientations, or formed of various materials. The holding device is inexpensive and easily reproducible.

Abstract: A hand-held chemical vapor detector for detecting biological substances in an indoor and outdoor setting is claimed. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plasma chromatograph (PC) vapor detector that is interfaced to a biological sample processing and transfer introduction system. The biological sample processing was accomplished by quartz tube thermal decomposition (TD), and the resultant vapor was transferred by gas chromatography (GC) to the PC detector. This system is comprised of a thermal decomposition module, gas chromatography module and a plasma chromatograph detector. These components are connected in a series fashion. The device is referred to as a Biological Classifier System (BCS). The BCS can be described as a hyphenated device where two analytical dimensions (the GC and PC), in series, allow the separation and isolation of individual components from the thermal decomposition of biological analytes.

Abstract: A biodegradation process for the organophosphonate product of Sarin (O-isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate) hydrolysis, i.e., isopropylmethylphosphonate (IMPA). This process provides a feasible biodegradation demilitarization alternative to Sarin incineration. Public opposition of nerve agent incineration is widespread, and alternative methods are sought to help the U.S. Army meet the 2007 demilitarization deadline imposed by the Chemical Weapons Convention. This process uses a two-step approach to IMPA biodegradation. In the first step, a concentrated IMPA solution is used as the sole nutritional carbon and phosphorus source for microbial cultures. The second step involves diluting the culture and adding an inexpensive carbon source to encourage bacterial phosphate assimilation. The biodegradation typically involves a consortium of microorganisms comprising Methylobacterium radiotolerans GB21, Agrobacterium tumefaciens GB2GA, Klebsiella oxytoca GB2CS, GB272, Aureobacterium sp.

Abstract: Particles in a fluid cause an arc at a certain electric field whose value depends on the nature of the particles (size, composition, and the like). By applying an electric field across the fluid and determining the value of the electric field at which the arc occurs, the nature of the particles can be determined. For example, if their composition is known, their size can be determined, and vice versa. The device for carrying out such testing has a first electrode with an interior opening and a second electrode having a pin through the interior opening to define a passageway for the fluid. The electric field is varied, either by varying a voltage applied between the electrodes or by forming the passageway to be tapered. Multiple such passageways can be provided, as by forming the first electrode from honeycomb-expanded metal, thus reducing pressure drop, energy consumption without decreasing sensitivity to low concentrations.

Abstract: An absolute reference aerosol sampler system and method based on isokinetic and isoaxial sampling principles wherein the position of a collection inlet for an aerosol sampling head is adjusted relative to the actual wind direction in real time. In addition, flow rate of the air at a collection inlet within the absolute-reference sampler is matched to the real time actual wind speed. These adjustments and controls enable the absolute reference sampler system to obtain particulate samples from the immediate environment without biasing the size distribution in any manner, resulting in a fully unbiased, representative sample.

Abstract: A composition for simulating and evaluating chemical agent contamination which can be used to safely train military personnel in handling chemical agent contamination. It has a vapor generating component having a vapor pressure of from about 0.1 to about 30 mm Hg at 25° C.; a fluorescent dye; and a solvent which uniformly disperses the vapor generating component and fluorescent dye.

Abstract: A smoke generating composition including at least one smoke generating material and an effective amount of a polymerized monosaccharide or disaccharide as a binder. The polymerized monosaccharide or disaccharide serves the dual purpose of being both a binder and a fuel to provide a more efficient and safer smoke generating composition.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for rapidly identifying biological agents in a sample suspected of containing the same. The biomarkers are released from biological agents present in a sample, separated from contaminants present in the sample, ionized to form an ionized stream of biomarkers which are sent to a mass spectrometer to obtain a mass spectral profile of the biomarkers in the sample for analysis and identification. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus useful for carrying out the steps of the above method in an automated mode.