Abstract: In an example, a ventilator includes an outer container containing liquid, an inverted container submerged in the liquid to provide inverted container space between a closed top and an inner container liquid level; gas supply line to supply breathing gas to the inverted container space; and inhalation line having an inlet in the inverted container space to provide breathing gas to patient. The inverted container moves upward from a preset minimum elevation when the inverted container space reaches a hydrostatic delivery pressure and volume of the inverted container space increases. The inverted container stops moving upward and the gas supply line stops supplying when the inverted container reaches a preset maximum elevation. Based on a breath demand signal or preset timing, the inhalation line opens to permit flow of breathing gas to the patient at the hydrostatic delivery pressure, lowering the inverted container due to lost buoyancy resulting in sinkage.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system for reconstructing X-ray spectra includes an integrating detector and a measurement mask, including at least one physical filter, positioned between the integrating detector and an X-ray source spectrum. The integrating detector receives a masked X-ray spectrum after the source spectrum has been filtered in accordance with the measurement mask. As a result of the measurement mask containing one or more physical filters being combined, a measurement mask having energy band-pass regions can be generated, to cover the source spectrum. Measured data, based on the masked X-ray spectrum and characteristics of the measurement mask, is collected from the integrating detector. The X-ray imaging system reconstructs an X-ray spectrum and generates the reconstructed X-ray spectrum based on applying a predetermined algorithm, such as total variation minimization reconstruction, to the measured data.

Abstract: Polynucleotide constructs that express an engineered foot-and-mouth disease (FMDV) P1 precursor protein and a non-FMDV TEV protease and methods for safe and efficient recombinant production of FMDV antigens and immunogens. Recombinant production of FMDV antigens avoids the need to culture highly-infectious FMDV, while conventional culture methods for producing FMDV antigens rely on the native FMDV 3C protease which exerts toxic effects on host cells. The inventors have developed a new system that efficiently and safely processes FMDV P1 precursor without the FMDV 3C protease, thus avoiding the toxic effects associated with use of the 3C protease. The invention is also directed to the FMDV antigens and virus-like particles produced by this system as well as to FMDV vaccines, diagnostics and other biologics.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an artificial skin having a radar absorbing layer and a conductive layer containing an electrically conductive material, wherein the artificial skin has a reflection coefficient substantially equal to a human skin reflection coefficient, the human skin reflection coefficient being determined at an electromagnetic radiation frequency ranging from 1-500 GHz. A human phantom composed of the artificial skin and methods of testing the contrast resolution sufficiency of and active millimeter wave imaging system using the human phantom are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular wound treatment system includes a central modular hub having a modular connection for one or more pneumatically-actuated, modular components, such as a pneumatically-actuated soft robotic gripper component configured to curve and at least partially encircle the wound when actuated and thereby apply direct pressure to the wound, and a pneumatically-actuated tourniquet component configured to apply pressure proximal to the wound to limit the flow of arterial blood to the wound. The system also includes a pressurized gas supply in pneumatic communication with the modular connection, sensors for measuring the amount of pressure being applied by the pneumatically-actuated, modular components, a display for providing system information, and a controller for controlling the system. Methods of treating a wounded subject using the system are also provided.

Abstract: A bin for use in a security checkpoint can include a receptacle surface, sidewalls, a lip provided on the sidewalls, and a geometrical marker. The geometrical marker is radiographically, visually, and tactilely detectable on the lip of one side of the bin. The geometrical marker includes a plurality of tag elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described, and an example system creates a transaction between a biometric station and a user in a group of users. Transaction includes establishing for the user, a ground-truth identity, capturing an image of the user in the biometric station, making a first determination of whether the image is sufficient for identification of the user. When the image is sufficient, the transaction derives biometric information from the image, converts the biometric information into a generic-form biometric information, agnostic of how the biometric information was obtained, and generated hashed user data by applying a hash function to the generic-form biometric information. The transaction makes a second determination, based on the hashed user data, of whether the user is represented in a gallery of sample images. The transactions are repeated for other users in the group.

Abstract: This application relates generally systems and methods for interrupting counterfeiting workflows, and more specifically to methods for adequately concealing aspects of printer configuration, such as number of plates used to print a document or a setup of inks and split fountains. It is therefore possible to obscure the individual plate images and application of ink to those plate images, thereby impeding accurate redrawing of security artwork.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a packaging for a powdered explosive-detection training aid which may include first and second opposing flexible sheets heat sealed together along less than a periphery thereof and defining a storage compartment therebetween, wherein an unsealed portion of the periphery defines an opening to the storage compartment, wherein at least a portion of the first opposing flexible sheet is a semipermeable material permeable to a vapor emitted from the powdered explosive-detection training aid, with the second opposing flexible sheet being impermeable to the powdered explosive-detection training aid vapor; and a sealing member, wherein the sealing member is secured to the first opposing flexible sheet and, in a closing position, covers the semipermeable portion of the first opposing flexible sheet.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system for reconstructing X-ray spectra includes an integrating detector and a measurement mask, including at least one physical filter, positioned between the integrating detector and an X-ray source spectrum. The integrating detector receives a masked X-ray spectrum after the source spectrum has been filtered in accordance with the measurement mask. As a result of the measurement mask containing one or more physical filters being combined, a measurement mask having energy band-pass regions can be generated, to cover the source spectrum. Measured data, based on the masked X-ray spectrum and characteristics of the measurement mask, is collected from the integrating detector. The X-ray imaging system reconstructs an X-ray spectrum and generates the reconstructed X-ray spectrum based on applying a predetermined algorithm, such as total variation minimization reconstruction, to the measured data.

Abstract: An explosive sheet simulant that uses an ethylene vinyl acetate polymer combined with either a mixture of a boron carbide and iron oxide for X-ray attenuating properties or calcium carbonate for millimeter wave properties, wherein the components of the mixture are selected such that the sheet has a predetermined flexural modulus combined with particle density, effective atomic number, x-ray transmission properties, or millimeter wave properties.

Abstract: Customization of screening procedures based on identity information is described. In embodiments, individuals and items associated with individuals are routed based on, among other factors, identity, categorization, and threshold, such as security threshold. Wayfinding is also described for use in identity verification and physical screening of individuals and associated items. The systems, devices, techniques and approaches described herein can be used in a variety of screening situations including, but not limited to, mass transit, border security, correctional facilities, department of motor vehicles, sporting events, testing centers, and so on as understood by one of skill in the art.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described, and an example system includes, in association with an intermediate, a server and a validation module on the server. The server receives a communication from a mobile device, carrying a customs information. The validation module performs a validation on the customs information and in association with an affirmative validation outcome stores the customs information as a validated information. Upon an occurrence, optionally an event and optionally a time, the validation module sends the validated information to an authorization authority server for vetting. The intermediate server receives an electronic receipt from the authorization authority server, the receipt including an indication of a result of the vetting, and communicates, via the network, the receipt to the mobile device.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting low level pulses of millimeter wave electromagnetic radiation has an electromagnetic field receiver including: a receiving antenna configured to receive an input signal at one or more frequencies ranging from 10 GHz to 100 GHz, and a diode detector coupled to the receiving antenna, the diode detector providing an output voltage signal in response to the input signal. The apparatus also has an electronic signal processor. This produces an amplified voltage signal. The electronic signal processor also produces from the amplified voltage signal a reduced bandwidth, unipolar voltage signal proportional to a peak power of the input signal. The electronic signal processor uses this to produce an amplified reduced bandwidth, unipolar voltage signal. At least the electronic signal processor is encased in an electronically shielded housing.

Abstract: Various example implementations of the present invention are directed towards systems and methods to quantify biometric acquisition and identification. A test facility evaluates the acquisition by a biometric station of biometric information. Evaluations can relate to biometric information acquisition speed, rates of acquisition failure, rates of biometric information extraction failure, rates of biometric match failure, calculating a true identification rate, and/or calculating other metrics related to quantifying biometric acquisition and identification. The test facility can calculate an efficiency metric and an effectiveness metric of the quantification determinations, and output such results.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a system and method for synchronized markers. A multiple-scanner X-ray system includes a belt passing by an upper X-ray scanner and a lower X-ray scanner. An upper belt portion is conveyed in a first direction by the upper X-ray scanner and a lower belt portion is conveyed in a second direction opposite the first direction by the lower X-ray scanner, to obtain upper and lower X-rays. A plurality of X-ray reactive markers are positionally synchronized relative to each other and the belt and conveyed by the belt to cause upper visual marker information, corresponding to a visual appearance of the upper scanned belt section, to be consistent with i) upper X-ray marker information of the upper X-ray, and ii) lower X-ray marker information of the lower X-ray.

Abstract: An explosive threat mitigation unit (TMU) stands ready to receive a suspected bomb, enclose it, and contain the explosion if one occurs. An operator protects bystanders and surroundings by putting the suspected bomb in a TMU and then closing the TMU. If the bomb goes off, the TMU mitigates the effects of both the blast and the fragments. One variation has a container, a tube, a cap, and a door. The container includes an opening. The tube, arranged in the container, aligns with the opening. The cap slides through the opening and over the tube. The door slides into place to close the opening and enclose the cap within the container.

Abstract: This application is directed generally to foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) 3C proteases that have been modified by mutating a polynucleotide sequence coding for the FMDV 3C protease. The modified FMDV proteases exhibit proteolytic activity on FMDV P1 precursor protein and exhibit a reduction in one or more toxic or inhibitory properties associated with an unmodified FMDV 3C protease on a host cell used to recombinantly produce it. Vectors carrying polynucleotides encoding modified FMDV 3C protease sequences can induce production of FMDV virus-like particles in a host cell when expressed in the host cell. The modified FMDV 3C proteases can generally be used to produce immunogenic FMDV preparations capable of inducing an immune response against FMDV.

Abstract: This application is directed generally to foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) 3C proteases that have been modified by mutating a polynucleotide sequence coding for the FMDV 3C protease. The modified FMDV proteases exhibit proteolytic activity on FMDV P1 precursor protein and exhibit a reduction in one or more toxic or inhibitory properties associated with an unmodified FMDV 3C protease on a host cell used to recombinantly produce it. Vectors carrying polynucleotides encoding modified FMDV 3C protease sequences can induce production of FMDV virus-like particles in a host cell when expressed in the host cell. The modified FMDV 3C proteases can generally be used to produce immunogenic FMDV preparations capable of inducing an immune response against FMDV.

Abstract: This application is directed generally to foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) 3C proteases that have been modified by mutating a polynucleotide sequence coding for the FMDV 3C protease. The modified FMDV proteases exhibit proteolytic activity on FMDV P1 precursor protein and exhibit a reduction in one or more toxic or inhibitory properties associated with an unmodified FMDV 3C protease on a host cell used to recombinantly produce it. Vectors carrying polynucleotides encoding modified FMDV 3C protease sequences can induce production of FMDV virus-like particles in a host cell when expressed in the host cell. The modified FMDV 3C proteases can generally be used to produce immunogenic FMDV preparations capable of inducing an immune response against FMDV.