Abstract: Circuit test devices and methods are provided. The method includes measuring a voltage between first and second conductor points (CPs) of a circuit under test (CUT), and determining if the measured voltage is less than a low voltage threshold value (LVTV) indicative of electrical continuity (EC) between the first and second CPs. In response to determining that the measured voltage is less than the LVTV, the method includes: transmitting a test signal (TS) to the first or second CP, and determining if the test signal is received after being transmitted. In response to determining that the TS is received, a presence of EC between the first and second conductor points is reported, and in response to determining that the TS is not received, absence of EC between the first and second CPs, or a lack of electrical contact between the VMC and the first and/or second CP(s), is reported.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of making a training aid for detecting a biohazard, and related devices and methods of using the device, including a canine training aid. The devices are made by positioning a polymer layer in proximity and physically separated from a biological material, so that volatile organic compounds contact and bind or infuse the polymer layer. The device is made render-safe by inactivating the infused polymer layer, such as by heating to a temperature sufficient to inactivate biological agents on or in the analyte-infused polymer layer. The device can be stored in a substantially air-tight configuration for subsequent use in training, such as canine and/or or artificial detectors.

Abstract: Provided herein are shaped charges for focusing a fluid mass and related methods of using the shaped charges for disruption of an explosive target with a spherical projectile. The shaped charge comprises a plastic shell having a special geometric shape configured to support a shape-conforming explosive. A cylindrical plastic body has an interior volume for containing a fluid and the plastic shell. The plastic body closed distal end has a geometric shape that is substantially matched to the shape of the plastic shell. Metal spherical projectiles having an outer layer of metal selected to have an effective density matched to the fluid provide advantageous target disruption capabilities.

Abstract: Provided are methods and related devices for disrupting an explosive device using a propellant driven disrupter (PDD) that propels a rounded projectile (RP) toward an explosive device. The RP travels along a linear trajectory and impacts the target, including a barrier portion of the explosive device. The impacting between the RP and barrier forms a composite projectile via a solid state weld between a portion of the barrier and the RP distal end, thereby minimizing or avoiding spall and fragment generation into the explosive device. The projectile traverses a penetration distance along the linear trajectory, or a defined-angle relative thereto, to disrupt the explosive device without unwanted explosive detonation.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of making a training aid for detecting a biohazard, and related devices and methods of using the device, including a canine training aid. The devices are made by positioning a polymer layer in proximity and physically separated from a biological material, so that volatile organic compounds contact and bind or infuse the polymer layer. The device is made render-safe by inactivating the infused polymer layer, such as by heating to a temperature sufficient to inactivate biological agents on or in the analyte-infused polymer layer. The device can be stored in a substantially air-tight configuration for subsequent use in training, such as canine and/or or artificial detectors.

Abstract: Circuit test devices and methods are provided. The method includes measuring a voltage between first and second conductor points (CPs) of a circuit under test (CUT), and determining if the measured voltage is less than a low voltage threshold value (LVTV) indicative of electrical continuity (EC) between the first and second CPs. In response to determining that the measured voltage is less than the LVTV, the method includes: transmitting a test signal (TS) to the first or second CP, and determining if the test signal is received after being transmitted. In response to determining that the TS is received, a presence of EC between the first and second conductor points is reported, and in response to determining that the TS is not received, absence of EC between the first and second CPs, or a lack of electrical contact between the VMC and the first and/or second CP(s), is reported.

Abstract: Provided are methods and related devices for disrupting an explosive device using a propellant driven disrupter (PDD) that propels a rounded projectile (RP) toward an explosive device. The RP travels along a linear trajectory and impacts the target, including a barrier portion of the explosive device. The impacting between the RP and barrier forms a composite projectile via a solid state weld between a portion of the barrier and the RP distal end, thereby minimizing or avoiding spall and fragment generation into the explosive device. The projectile traverses a penetration distance along the linear trajectory, or a defined-angle relative thereto, to disrupt the explosive device without unwanted explosive detonation.

Abstract: Provided herein are penetrator projectiles for use with explosive ordnance disposal disrupters, and related methods of making and using. The penetrator projectile has a tip, neck, shaft and base, wherein the geometry and composition of the different elements are selected to ensure the projectile is ballistically stable after firing to provide improved free-flight characteristics and corresponding explosive ordnance disruption.

Abstract: A propellant driven disrupter (PDD) for disrupting an explosive target, comprising: a disrupter barrel having a breech and muzzle end; a projectile liquid or gas positioned in the barrel and extending a longitudinal distance in the disrupter barrel. The projectile liquid distal end is located farthest from the disrupter barrel breech end. A jet stabilizing projectile (JSP) is at least partially positioned in the barrel and operably contacts the projectile liquid distal end. The JSP has a JSP proximal end facing toward the disrupter barrel breech end and a distal end opposed to the JSP proximal end, wherein some or all of the JSP is positioned in the barrel. The PDD may contain the JSP, with an air region between the JSP distal end and the muzzle end, or an air region in an adapter that is connected to the muzzle end. Also provided are JSP's having improved flight stability for use with liquid or air-filled disrupters and methods of disrupting a target.

Abstract: Provided herein are shaped charges for focusing a fluid mass and related methods of using the shaped charges for disruption of an explosive target. The shaped charge comprises a plastic shell having a special geometric shape configured to support a shape-conforming explosive. A cylindrical plastic body has an interior volume for containing a fluid and the plastic shell. The plastic body closed distal end has a geometric shape that is substantially matched to the shape of the plastic shell.

Abstract: Provided herein are fluid jet enhancement adapters for use with a propellant driven disrupter, and more particularly muzzle blast suppressor. The fluid jet enhancement muzzle blast suppressor may comprise a suppressor bore extending between the proximal end and the distal end with an inner suppressor surface that defines the suppressor bore. An outer suppressor surface opposably faces the inner suppressor surface, with a suppressor chamber positioned between the inner and outer suppressor surfaces. A plurality of passages connect the suppressor bore with the suppressor chamber, wherein the plurality of passages are sized to allow gas to move from the suppressor bore to the suppressor chamber and minimize liquid movement from the suppressor bore to the suppressor chamber.

Abstract: Provided herein are fluid jet enhancement adapters for use with a propellant driven disrupter. The adapter may comprise: a first end operably connected to a muzzle end of a propellant driven disrupter barrel and a second end, wherein a longitudinal region extends between the first end and the second end. The longitudinal region has: a longitudinal region inner surface that defines a longitudinal region lumen; a longitudinal region outer surface opposably facing the longitudinal region inner surface, with a longitudinal region wall having a wall thickness that separates the longitudinal region inner surface from the longitudinal region outer surface. The longitudinal region lumen has a first end inner diameter that is substantially equivalent to a muzzle inner diameter. The longitudinal region wall forms a continuous surface that radially isolates the longitudinal region lumen from a surrounding environment.

Abstract: Provided herein are fluid jet enhancement adapters for use with a propellant driven disrupter. The adapter may comprise: a first end operably connected to a muzzle end of a propellant driven disrupter barrel and a second end, wherein a longitudinal region extends between the first end and the second end. The longitudinal region has: a longitudinal region inner surface that defines a longitudinal region lumen; a longitudinal region outer surface opposably facing the longitudinal region inner surface, with a longitudinal region wall having a wall thickness that separates the longitudinal region inner surface from the longitudinal region outer surface. The longitudinal region lumen has a first end inner diameter that is substantially equivalent to a muzzle inner diameter. The longitudinal region wall forms a continuous surface that radially isolates the longitudinal region lumen from a surrounding environment.

Abstract: A real-time quantitative PCR assay that utilizes a duplex, synthetic DNA standard to ensure optimal quality assurance and quality control. One embodiment of the invention facilitates amplification of mtDNA by focusing on a 105-base pair target sequence that is minimally homologous to non-human mtDNA. The present invention can also be used to identify the presence of PCR inhibitors and thus indicate the need for sample repurification.