Abstract: The system and method of the present invention detect bio-hazardous-sized particles in, on, and around mail. The system collects these bio-hazardous-sized particles, tests for the presence of bio-hazardous particles, generates a signal when bio-hazardous particles are detected, and prepares an analysis sample and performs real-time or near real-time analysis and optionally air treatment.

Abstract: An improved ball and race connection assembly for use in connecting together adjacently disposed ends of railway vehicles is provided. This ball and race connection assembly is particularly useful as a connection member in slackless type drawbar assemblies. The improved ball and race connection assembly includes a race member which is formed from a polymeric and/or composite material, specifically a resin impregnated filament wound material which is wound on a polytetrafluoroethylene/polyester mesh sleeve and cured. The use of these materials enables the race member to have sufficient strength and to be self-lubricating, thus eliminating the costs of providing a lubricating material at the ball and race interface, as is necessary when using a metal race, as well as reducing the amount of friction at this interface resulting in lower L/V ratios.

Abstract: A retainer member for use in either an articulated coupling arrangement and/or a slackless drawbar arrangement for retaining a spherical member in an operating position within a male connection member for connecting together adjacently disposed ends of a pair of railway vehicles in a semi-permanent manner is provided. The retainer member comprises a one piece circular member which is engageable with at least a portion of an inner surface formed by an aperture in a modified male connection member. The circular member is engageable within this aperture of the male connection member to hold the spherical member within the aperture of the male connection member and to form a substantially spherical surface upon which the spherical member rotates against, enabling the male connection member to rotate with respect to the female or car connection member of the railway coupling device.