Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible, readily repairable, minimum thickness reel for cable, conduit, tubing or the like and the components of which are preferably molded of synthetic resin material. The end flanges of the reel each have a flat inner surface and a cellular outer surface for decreased weight. Molded, foldable ribbed tubing support units are interposed between the inner surfaces of the end flanges for receiving and supporting cable, conduit or tubing wound therearound when the support units are extended. The planar, inner surfaces of the end flanges have recesses for complementally receiving the rib portions of the leg segments of respective support units so that when the reel is in its collapsed condition the reel is not substantially thicker than the combined thickness of the side by side end flanges.

Abstract: A material comprising a porous support and a plurality of enzymes for the removal, decontamination or neutralization of hazardous chemicals such as OP compounds is disclosed. The material may be used on a variety of surfaces, including natural, synthetic and biological surfaces such as skin and other delicate membranes. Also disclosed is a process of making the material, kits and various methods and reactivation devices for reactivating the enzymatic activity of the material.

Abstract: An enzymatically active reusable sponge or foam, capable of regeneration with oximes, made of a polymer such as polyurethane is prepared for detoxification of hazardous compounds such as organophosphorus and organosulfur compounds. The foam or sponge contains a plurality of enzymes including enzymes selected from acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, triesterase, pseudocholinesterase, organophosphate hydrase, phosphotriesterase, paraoxonase and organophosphorus and organosulfur hydrolyzing enzymes. The sponge or foam may additionally contain activated carbon and an enzyme reactivation compound. A kit can be formed containing the sponge or foam and the compound for enzyme reactivation. The enzymatically active foam or sponge may be prepared using a two chamber device where enzymes and prepolymer are passed from separate chambers into a static mixing stator and are subjected to low shear mixing and extrusion to form by the sponge or foam.

Abstract: A material comprising a porous support and a plurality of enzymes for the removal, decontamination or neutralization of hazardous chemicals such as OP compounds is disclosed. The material may be used on a variety of surfaces, including natural, synthetic and biological surfaces such as skin and other delicate membranes. Also disclosed is a process of making the material, kits and various methods and reactivation devices for reactivating the enzymatic activity of the material.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and materials useful in the detection of organophosphorous and organosulfur compounds are disclosed. In particular, biosensors wherein a porous or a non-porous support having an enzyme immobilized upon or within are disclosed. The biosensors exhibit enzymatic stability at extreme temperatures and/or denaturing conditions, and similar kinetic characteristics of the soluble form of the enzymes utilized. The enzyme does not leach from the porous or non-porous support and the material retains enzymatic activity after prolonged storage. Differential biosensors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of detoxifying organophosphates using mutant cholinesterase which esists aging. The addition of oximes to the cholinesterase further retards aging of the cholinesterase.

Abstract: An acoustic data acquisition system for shipboard use is disclosed that allows for underwater acoustic data measurements at preselected submerged marine structural coordinates using a free swimming, quiet dynamically positionable remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Moreover, the disclosure provides a method of performing acoustic data acquisition with an ROV by first inputting the marine structural features by use of a computer aided design subsystem, determining the required trajectory path and hovering coordinates for data measurements, next, establishing the acoustic telemetry system for the remotely operated vehicle's control system to operate within and make an absolute positional fix to the marine structure's coordinates then, establish the ambient acoustic conditions of the worksite. The system is monitored and controlled from a computer based system.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a unique method of moving earth and an earth moving device which can be attached at the front end of an endless track vehicle and used for moving earth into a ditch or excavation. The apparatus for moving earth comprises: (a) earth contacting blade; (b) an endless track mounted in association with the earth contacting blade for moving the earth in a direction lateral to the direction of travel of the earth contacting blade; and (c) a vehicle for moving blade (a) and track (b) above in co-operation with one another. The method of moving earth comprises advancing an earth moving blade through a continuous ridge of earth in a manner such that the speed of advance of the advancing earth moving blade is synchronized with the speed of movement of a laterally travelling earth moving track so that substantially all of the earth is moved laterally in the direction of travel of the laterally travelling earth moving track.