Abstract: A system for detecting gold in a sample using X-ray fluorescence can comprise an X-ray device having an X-ray tube assembly. The X-ray tube assembly can comprise a target material. The target material can comprise uranium (e.g., U-238). The X-ray device is configured to emit X-rays at a core or rock sample.

Abstract: Fire suppression system to extinguish fires present within tanks. The system includes a cylindrical suppression unit that contains a cylindrical aerosol generator. The suppression unit prevents the aerosol generator from sliding into the tank and allows a user to removably attach the system to and from the tank. The aerosol generator uses a potassium aerosol to extinguish the fire and may be engaged via a bulb-thermal actuator or heating of the bulk material that composes the aerosol.

Abstract: A wind spoiler including a vertical member mounted vertically along a roof of a structure to extend above the plane of the roof for creating turbulence in wind flowing over the roof.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus capable of both molecular and elemental spectroscopic analysis includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a molecular spectroscopic analysis system, an elemental spectroscopic analysis system, and a computational and analysis module. The computational and analysis module is coupled to the molecular spectroscopic analysis system and to the elemental spectroscopic analysis system. The integrated apparatus also includes a display device coupled to the computational and analysis module.

Abstract: An x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device and a method for using the same to analyze a sample are described. The EMRXG source of the XRF device has a configuration that allows a greater amount of EMRXG to impinge on the sample being analyzed. The x-ray detector of the XRF device has a configuration that allows a greater amount of x-rays emitted by the sample to impinge on the detector. With such a configuration, the size and cost of the x-ray fluorescence device decreases. As well, fewer EMRXG are needed from the EMRXG source because of the greater efficiency and an exempt EMRXG source that is exempt from radioactivity licensing requirements can be used.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in which one or more elemental taggants that are intrinsically located in an object are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis under vacuum conditions to identify or verify the object's elemental content for elements with lower atomic numbers. By using x-ray fluorescence analysis, the apparatus and methods of the invention are simple and easy to use, as well as provide detection by a non line-of-sight method to establish the origin of objects, as well as their point of manufacture, authenticity, verification, security, and the presence of impurities. The invention is extremely advantageous because it provides the capability to measure lower atomic number elements in the field with a portable instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in which one or more elemental taggants that are extrinsically placed in an object are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis to identify or authenticate the object are described. The taggant is manufactured as part of the object or the taggant is placed into a coating, packaging, label, or otherwise embedded onto the object for the purpose of later verifying the presence or absence of these elements by x-ray fluorescence. The taggant is then analyzed by XRF and the analysis is then converted into a 2D symbol format that can be used in various security and authentication applications. By using x-ray fluorescence analysis, the apparatus and methods of the invention are simple and easy to use, without the limitations experience by current anti-counterfeiting technologies.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in which an elemental constituent, especially low Z elemental constituents, that are intrinsically located—or extrinsically placed—in an object (such as a pharmaceutical) are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis to identify or verify the object or its point of manufacture. The elemental constituent is manufactured as part of the object or placed into a coating, packaging, label, or otherwise embedded within the object for the purpose of later verifying the presence or absence of these elements by x-ray fluorescence to determine the unique elemental composition of the elemental constituent(s). The apparatus and methods of the invention are simple and easy to use, as well as provide detection by a non line-of-sight method to establish the origin of objects, as well as their point of manufacture, authenticity, verification, or security. The invention is extremely advantageous because it is difficult to replicate, simulate, alter, transpose, or tamper with.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in which one or more elemental taggants that are extrinsically placed in an object are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis to identify or authenticate the object are described. The taggant is manufactured as part of the object or the taggant is placed into a coating, packaging, label, or otherwise embedded onto the object for the purpose of later verifying the presence or absence of these elements by x-ray fluorescence. The taggant is then analyzed by XRF and the analysis is then converted into a 2D symbol format that can be used in various security and authentication applications. By using x-ray fluorescence analysis, the apparatus and methods of the invention are simple and easy to use, without the limitations experience by current anti-counterfeiting technologies.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in which one or more elemental taggants that are intrinsically located—or extrinsically placed—in an object are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis to identify or track/trace the object or its point of manufacture, as well as to establish the origin of objects and their authenticity. The taggant is manufactured as part of the object or the taggant is placed into a coating, packaging, label, or otherwise embedded within or onto the object for the purpose of later verifying the presence or absence of these elements by x-ray fluorescence to determine the unique elemental composition of the taggant within the respective object. The apparatus and methods can used in combination with, in place or, or in additional to current anti-counterfeiting technologies.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in which one or more elemental taggants that are intrinsically located in an object are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis under vacuum conditions to identify or verify the object's elemental content for elements with lower atomic numbers. By using x-ray fluorescence analysis, the apparatus and methods of the invention are simple and easy to use, as well as provide detection by a non line-of-sight method to establish the origin of objects, as well as their point of manufacture, authenticity, verification, security, and the presence of impurities. The invention is extremely advantageous because it provides the capability to measure lower atomic number elements in the field with a portable instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in which one or more taggants that are intrinsically located—or extrinsically placed—in an object, such as a personal identification device like a badge. The taggants are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis to identify or verify the object or its point of manufacture. The taggants are manufactured as part of the article or the taggant is placed into a coating, label, or otherwise embedded within the object for the purpose of later verifying the presence or absence of these elements by x-ray fluorescence, thus determining the unique elemental composition of the taggant within the object.

Abstract: An electrical dissipator comprising a multiplicity of fine electrically conductive wires having their proximate ends fitted into a hole in an electrically conductive base member and secured therein by crimping to securely grip the ends of the wires. One embodiment of the base member comprises a hollow tube allowing connection over an existing traditional lightning rod. In another embodiment, the base member comprises a solid rod or hollow tube having its proximal end threaded to allow the traditional lightning rod to be unthreaded from its threaded base and replaced. In a third embodiment, the base member comprises an apertured flange for bolting to the structure to be protected from lightning.