Abstract: A remotely operable opening mechanism for potentially booby-trapped latched panels has a clamp member for clampable engagement with a fixed structure on the panel. A displaceable actuator is mounted on the clamp member. The displaceable actuator has a protruding element engageable with a latch on the latched panel and a coupling element for connection to a line to permit remote activation of the actuator to release the latch member and thereby permit the latched panel to be opened from a safe distance.

Abstract: A hair root collection kit for delivering hair samples to a laboratory for DNA analysis of the root sheaths includes a card with an adhesive strip extending thereacross for holding the hair samples on the card. With the hair samples on the card, the root sheaths overlie a non-adhesive impermeable plastic area. The card is covered by a clear plastic cover for protecting the hair during delivery to the laboratory.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a foam-forming composition, for suppression/containment of blast from explosive devices. The composition comprises, a) a surfactant 40-80% w/w b) a foam stabilizer 0-7% w/w c) a polyalkylene glycol 10-30% w/w d) water, balance to 100%.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is an apparatus for explosive blast suppression, and a method therefor, the apparatus comprising a hemispherical enclosure (10) defined by an upstanding wall, positioning means (42) associated with the enclosure, for positioning the explosive device substantially equidistant from any point on the wall, and in a preferred embodiment includes an integral floor (40) and a rounded lower wall, to provide a substantially even distribution of blast forces in all directions toward the wall. The enclosure is made of composite textile material, comprising one or several layers of a ballistic material (e.g. Dyneema Kevlar) sandwiched between inner and outer layers of a light-weight rip-stop nylon fabric material.

Abstract: A method and foam formulation are provided for enabling both blast suppressing and decontamination, particularly desirable when faced with an explosive device which has been rigged with a contaminant for destructive dissemination. A formulation is foamed to surround the explosive CB contaminant device, preferably encapsulated in a containment structure. The preferred composition of foamer-compatible decontaminant and foamer to foam and surround the device is about 1% to 3%/w of hydrated chloroisocyanuric acid salts and more including lithium hypochlorite, about 1% of a co-solvent selected from the group consisting of polypropylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, and derivatives and mixtures thereof; about 1% to about 5% of a surfactant and foam stabilizer; and a buffer system to initially maintain said formulation at a pH from about 11.0 to about 8.5 for a minimum of 30 minutes; and the balance being water.

Abstract: A welded joint suitable for connecting armor plates in armored vehicles obtained by providing one of the armor plates, or an interconnecting element, with a semi-circular rounded lobe; and welding the lobe to the plate to be joined to form a U-shaped welded region such that the ends thereof are directed to the outside edge of the plate so that a crack formed in the weld will tend to propagate along the weld to the outside of the plate. The joint can be used for lap joints, angled joints, and joints involving multi-layers of plates. The joints facilitate utilizing the armor plates to provide a unitary mechanical structure for the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a composition and method for enhancing the contrast of the lipid component of fingerprints and the like. The composition includes a metal chelate of the structural formula I ##STR1## wherein R is a UV-absorbing aromatic group, X is an electron attracting group, G is a synergic group containing a suitable polar functional group, and M is a metal ion, a suitable water-soluble organic solvent and water, at pH of 3 to 10.