Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system can include a cassette which is a single use disposable component used to store liquid N2O4 activate upon operator demand, convert N2O4 to NO2 via a heating element(s) controlled by a console to deliver NO2 at a controlled flow rate, direct concentrated NO2 to a contained pair of conversion cartridges and exhaust NO gas to the console for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system can include a cassette which is a single use disposable component used to store liquid N2O4 activate upon operator demand, convert N2O4 to NO2 via a heating element(s) controlled by a console to deliver NO2 at a controlled flow rate, direct concentrated NO2 to a contained pair of conversion cartridges and exhaust NO gas to the console for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system can include a cassette which is a single use disposable component used to store liquid N2O4, activate upon operator demand, convert N2O4 to NO2 via a heating element(s) controlled by a console to deliver NO2 at a controlled flow rate, direct concentrated NO2 to a contained pair of conversion cartridges and exhaust NO gas to the console for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system can include a cassette which is a single use disposable component used to store liquid N2O4, activate upon operator demand, convert N2O4 to NO2 via a heating element(s) controlled by a console to deliver NO2 at a controlled flow rate, direct concentrated NO2 to a contained pair of conversion cartridges and exhaust NO gas to the console for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a sample area is energized. A thermal energy status of the sample area is monitored. The thermal energy status including at least one of a radiant energy and a temperature. A thermal signature of a region included in the sample area is determined based on the thermal energy status of the region. The thermal signature is analyzed to determine whether explosive particles are included in the region.

Abstract: Screening an item for prohibited material may include multiple pressurization and rapid depressurization cycles. Screening an item for prohibiting material may include a pressurization chamber including one or more items to be screened for prohibited material and one or more filler objects.

Abstract: A particle-harvesting material includes a flexible, reusable, and thermally conductive material including a rough surface having dimples of a size within a first range of sizes, a microstructure including interstices of a second range of sizes, the second range of sizes including sizes smaller than the first range of sizes, and an etched portion on the rough surface configured to attract particles upon contact between the particles and the etched portion.

Abstract: A trace sampling detection system includes a gathering device configured to gather particles through a handle-bar, a gate and an air-stream gatherer. A collection tube is configured to deposit gathered particles from the gathering device onto a portion of a sample media. A carousel wheel that includes the sample media is configured to rotate the sample wheel such that the portion of the sample media including the gathered particles is presented to an exothermic decomposition detector that detects, through an infrared sensor, the decomposition of the gathered particles.

Abstract: A method of detecting energetic materials, such as explosives, includes energizing a sample area that contains particles of energetic materials. In the method, temperature characteristics from the sample area are monitored, and a temperature released from exothermic decomposition of the particles is detected. The method further includes analyzing the detected temperature to determine the presence of the exothermic compound which caused the decomposition.

Abstract: A method of detecting energetic materials, such as explosives, includes energizing a sample area that contains particles of energetic materials. In the method, temperature characteristics from the sample area are monitored, and a temperature released from exothermic decomposition of the particles is detected. The method further includes analyzing the detected temperature to determine the presence of the exothermic compound which caused the decomposition.

Abstract: A particle-harvesting material includes a flexible, reusable, and thermally conductive material including a rough surface having dimples of a size within a first range of sizes, a microstructure including interstices of a second range of sizes, the second range of sizes including sizes smaller than the first range of sizes, and an etched portion on the rough surface configured to attract particles upon contact between the particles and the etched portion.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus collects sample air from a subject such as a person. The apparatus includes a bypass that divides the sample air stream into a bypass portion and a collector portion. The collector portion of the air stream is delivered to a collector, which traps entrained particles. After the sampling cycle concludes, a mechanical conveyor removes the collector from fluid communication with the bypass and transports it to a analyzing unit. A chamber in the unit receives the collector, and a diverter couples the chamber with either of two vapor and/or particle analyzers. During analysis, a heater in the unit heats both the chamber and the diverter. A sample collected from one subject can be analyzed in one of the analyzers while another sample is being collected from another subject. The other analyzer can then be used to analyze the second sample.

Abstract: In a contact-type vapor and particle sampling apparatus for collecting vapor or particles from a moving subject, a wand having a plurality of sampling holes is oriented so that the holes extend in the direction of movement of the subject. The external width of the wand is less than a characteristic dimension of the contour of the surface of the subject being sampled, and a central fluid flow passage in the wand is sufficiently wide to prevent substantially all particles of on the order of about 10 microns in diameter from colliding with the wall of the wand as they enter the passage. A collector for use with the apparatus includes a gas impermeable material having a high binding affinity for explosives vapor exposed on a surface of a filter woven to trap explosives particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating contraband vapor/particle detection devices is described. The invention includes a desorb site onto which may be deposited solutions containing known concentrations of one or more of the specific compounds to be detected. The desorb site, which may be rapidly heated to vaporize the particles contained in the solution deposited on its surface, is housed in a sealable chamber. The vapor and/or particles become entrained in an air stream forced across the surface of the desorb site, and the airstream is then delivered through a snout to the contraband vapor particle detector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable, hand-held vapor sampling probe for collecting vapors of compounds such as cocaine, heroin, and explosives prior to their desorption and analysis in a vapor detector. Rechargable batteries power a lamp in the front face of the probe for heating target portions of a sampling surface, a puffer assembly for directing air jets at the target, and a motor for drawing air samples through a collector coil on whose surfaces vapors are trapped. A flexible U-shaped shroud on the front face partially encloses the lamp and collector and helps to regulate air flow over the target and to protect the probe from damage. Upon contact with a surface, the shroud may activate a switch which, together with a second switch on the probe handle and a lamp pyrometer, regulates heating of the target.

Abstract: Apparatus for calibrating an ion analyzer comprises a calibration cell having defined therein a first volume for measuring an ion concentration of a sample when the instrument is operated in a monitoring and a second volume for measuring the ion concentration when the instrument is operated in a calibration mode. The first volume is included in, and forms part of, the second volume so that the matrix for the calibration measurement is essentially identical to that for the sample measurement. A double known-addition is used during the calibration mode to determine the calibration parameters.