Abstract: Screening of items for the presence of contaminants, such as explosives residue, is accomplished by subjecting an item loaded into a pressure chamber to a pressure substantially in excess of atmospheric pressure conditions and rapidly decompressing the item to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The rapid decompression serves to scavenge vapors and particles from the exterior and interior of the item and any objects it contains. A sample of the vapors and particles removed from the item by the rapid decompression is sampled and is tested to determine whether a predetermined contaminant is present in the sample. Depending on the types of contaminants for which the sample is tested, it is possible to detect whether explosives, biological or chemical agents, and/or narcotics residues are present on or in the item being screened.

Abstract: A frequency-stepped radar may be used to detect buried landmines by sequentially inducing vibrations of different frequencies in the landmine. A sensor detects signals associated with the vibrations, and a processor processes the signals to detect the landmine.

Abstract: Sensing characteristics of an object includes transmitting a stepped-frequency radar through an object and detecting, with multiple receiving structures, deflected portions of the radar signal. The detected portions are processed to generate processed data including information associated with amplitudes and phases of the deflected portions, and with the locations of the receiving structures at which the deflected portions were detected. The processed data is analyzed to determine information corresponding to dielectric properties particular positions within the object.

Abstract: A concealed object detection system for detecting objects concealed on a person includes radar transceivers that are each configured and positioned to direct a radar signal at a person and to detect a portion of the radar signal reflected by the person. A processor connected to the radar transceivers processes the portions of the radar signals detected by the radar transceivers to determine whether the person is carrying a concealed object. The system may produce a real-time alert, such as an audible alert, when a concealed object is detected.

Abstract: A frequency-stepped radar may be used to detect buried landmines by sequentially inducing vibrations of different frequencies in the landmine. A sensor detects signals associated with the vibrations, and a processor processes the signals to detect the landmine.

Abstract: A frequency-stepped radar may be used to detect buried landmines by sequentially inducing vibrations of different frequencies in the landmine. A sensor detects signals associated with the vibrations, and a processor processes the signals to detect the landmine.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system, which includes a gas bottle having nitrogen dioxide in air, converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide and employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. A nitric oxide delivery system may be used to generate therapeutic gas including nitric oxide for use in delivering the therapeutic gas to a mammal.

Abstract: A concealed object detection system for detecting objects concealed on a person includes radar transponders that are each configured and positioned to direct a radar signal at a person and to detect a portion of the radar signal reflected by the person. A processor connected to the radar transponders processes the portions of the radar signals detected by the radar transponders to determine whether the person is carrying a concealed object. The system may produce a real-time alert, such as an audible alert, when a concealed object is detected.

Abstract: Inhalation of low levels of nitric oxide can rapidly and safely decrease pulmonary hypertension in mammals. Precise delivery of nitric oxide at therapeutic levels of 20 to 100 ppm and inhibition of reaction of nitric oxide with oxygen to form toxic impurities such as nitrogen dioxide can provide effective inhalation therapy for pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract: Inhalation of low levels of nitric oxide can rapidly and safely decrease pulmonary hypertension in mammals. Precise delivery of nitric oxide at therapeutic levels of 20 to 100 ppm and inhibition of reaction of nitric oxide with oxygen to form toxic impurities such as nitrogen dioxide can provide effective inhalation therapy for pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract: A handheld radar frequency scanner system for detecting objects concealed on a person, the system includes a radar transmitter coupled to a transmit antenna that is configured and positioned to direct a radar signal at a person, a radar receiver coupled to a receive antenna that is configured to detect a portion of the radar signal reflected by the person, and a processor connected to the radar receiver and operable to process the portions of the radar signals detected by the radar receiver to determine whether the person is carrying a concealed object. The system may produce a real-time alert, such as an audible alert, when a concealed object is detected.

Abstract: Screening of items for the presence of contaminants, such as explosives residue, is accomplished by subjecting an item loaded into a pressure chamber to a pressure substantially in excess of atmospheric pressure conditions and rapidly decompressing the item to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The rapid decompression serves to scavenge vapors and particles from the exterior and interior of the item and any objects it contains. A sample of the vapors and particles removed from the item by the rapid decompression is sampled and is tested to determine whether a predetermined contaminant is present in the sample. Depending on the types of contaminants for which the sample is tested, it is possible to detect whether explosives, biological or chemical agents, and/or narcotics residues are present on or in the item being screened.

Abstract: A concealed object detection system for detecting objects concealed on a person includes radar transponders that are each configured and positioned to direct a radar signal at a person and to detect a portion of the radar signal reflected by the person. A processor connected to the radar transponders processes the portions of the radar signals detected by the radar transponders to determine whether the person is carrying a concealed object. The system may produce a real-time alert, such as an audible alert, when a concealed object is detected.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system for delivering nitric oxide to a patient to treat a medical condition includes a container, a nitric oxide generation chamber, and a pump. The container is designed to contain a nitrogen-containing compound. The nitric oxide generation chamber includes a heat source and is designed to generate nitric oxide from the nitrogen-containing compound. The pump is designed to transfer at least a part of the nitrogen-containing compound from the container to the nitric oxide generation chamber.