Abstract: A chemical release detection system includes a camera, an output control member, a mitigation member, and a controller in operative communication with the camera, the output control member, and the mitigation member. The camera is configured to detect a chemical release. The output control member is configured to generate commands. The mitigation member is configured to reduce risk generated by the chemical release based on the commands by the output control member. The controller is configured to notify a user of the chemical release, and provide an origin of the release and a direction of the release. The controller controls the operation of the output control member and the mitigation member.

Abstract: A modular safety shelter provides protection from fragment, overpressure, radiation, and toxic hazards through a combination of physical design of modular segments, of joint seals between modular segments, of door assemblies, and of HVAC control systems. The modular shelter is formed of two or more prefabricated concrete modular segments each including a built-in foundation, roof, and side walls, and a prefabricated concrete vestibule segment providing an airlock-like access to the shelter. The prefabricated modular segments and vestibule segment are transported to a site and assembled to each other on-site to provide a fully enclosed space within the modular shelter. A multi-layer joint seal is formed between adjacent modular segments to prevent ingress of toxic, flammable, or thermal hazards. An integrated HVAC controller monitors toxic or flammable hazards outside and inside of the shelter, and controls HVAC systems to minimize spread of contaminants upon detecting a hazard.

Abstract: Dust accumulation monitors are provided to autonomously monitor dust accumulations. The dust accumulation monitors include a casing having a translucent portion, a light sensor configured to output a sensing signal based on sensed light penetrating through the translucent portion, a controller coupled to the light sensor to receive the sensing signal and configured to output a dust alert signal based on the received sensing signal, and a communication interface coupled to the controller and configured to output an alert based on the dust alert signal output by the controller. A dust accumulation monitoring system includes a plurality of dust accumulation monitors, and a central monitor communicatively connected to each of the plurality of dust accumulation monitors and configured to receive dust sensing signals from each of the plurality of dust accumulation monitors. The dust accumulation monitors may communicate through wired or wireless links with the central monitor.

Abstract: Dust accumulation monitors are provided to autonomously monitor dust accumulations. The dust accumulation monitors include a casing having a translucent portion, a light sensor configured to output a sensing signal based on sensed light penetrating through the translucent portion, a controller coupled to the light sensor to receive the sensing signal and configured to output a dust alert signal based on the received sensing signal, and a communication interface coupled to the controller and configured to output an alert based on the dust alert signal output by the controller. A dust accumulation monitoring system includes a plurality of dust accumulation monitors, and a central monitor communicatively connected to each of the plurality of dust accumulation monitors and configured to receive dust sensing signals from each of the plurality of dust accumulation monitors. The dust accumulation monitors may communicate through wired or wireless links with the central monitor.

Abstract: A computer processor driven system and method capable of identifying and constructing representations of hazardous areas. The hazardous area classification system has one or more processors, and a computer readable medium containing instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of determining a position of a hazardous area for a predetermined location using a calculation based on a plurality of parameters, and generating a representation of the hazardous area.

Abstract: A flammability test apparatus comprises a chamber, an inlet, an ignition source, a heater, and pressure and temperature sensors. In one embodiment, the chamber includes a horizontally-oriented, cylindrically-shaped section. The inlet allows a fluid to be introduced into the chamber. The ignition source ignites the fluid within the chamber, and the heater adjusts the temperature of the fluid within the chamber. The test apparatus includes a sparger for dispersing the fluid within the chamber, and the sparger disposed within the chamber and attached to the inlet. The test apparatus also includes a relief system for exhausting the chamber after the pressure of the fluid in the chamber exceeds a preset pressure.

Abstract: A shock tube comprises a driver section, an expansion section connected to the driver section, and an extension connected to the expansion section. Shock absorbent material is disposed within a cavity defined by the driver section and extension section. At least one active vent is disposed over respective holes in the extension section that are connected to the cavity. The extension section is adjustable between one of at least two positions such that a length of the extension section in a first position is longer than a length of the extension section in a second position. The length of the gas column contained within the driver section can also be adjusted by the position of a movable bulkhead.