Abstract: The present invention can be characterized as a trainer kit for a Colorimetric Reconnaissance Explosive Squad Screening (“CRESS”) kit, which contains a control compound and a set of simulated explosive compositions (“SEC”). The control compound contains no explosive precursor, while each SEC is a combination of one or more explosive precursors that is to be detected by CRESS, and at least one non-explosive additive that reduces the kinetics of the explosive precursor. The SEC retains the colorimetric characteristics of the explosive precursor, but is stable in heat and non-hazardous.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a colorimetric detection kit comprising a unit containing chemical reagents and a sample collector for collecting a sample analyte from a surface and a separate unit for visualizing a possible reaction of the chemical reagent and sample, the unit holding the chemical reagents and sample collector being placeable on the visualization unit, whereby when the chemical reagents are released, they are directed onto the sample collector for reaction and the reacted reagents absorbed on a visualization media, such that the presence of a specified analyte in the sample results in a color change in the visualization media.

Abstract: A chemical agent detection system is provided that includes a fluid sampling collector suitable for the collecting, concentrating, filtering and storing of chemical agents. Preferably a solid phase extraction syringe is coupled to an adaptor via an injection port. The adaptor forms an outer surface of a sample containment reservoir that allows the fluid sampling collector to associate with a chemical agent detector such as the M256A2 chemical agent detector. The inventive chemical agent detection system allows rapid, low level on-site detection of chemical agents such as nerve agents in fluid media.

Abstract: A portable protective shield for an IED or other suspected explosive devices includes a plurality of toroidal rings clamped between a lid and a base of the shield. The device is capable of withstanding high-pressure blast waves, thermal release and/or high-velocity fragments.

Abstract: An embodiment of a chemical detector has at least one detection window and at least first and second ampoules selectively communicatively coupled to the at least one detection window. The first ampoule contains a first substance that can hydrolyze a nerve agent. The second ampoule contains a second substance that can react with a hydrolyzed nerve agent to produce a color change.

Abstract: An inflatable separation device and method of using the device to form a gas-impermeable barrier in a structural location such as a hallway. The device also provides a safe, effective passage across the barrier to form a concealed region for decontamination protocols. The inflatable separation device includes an inflatable support frame and a cover that envelops the support frame and forms an enclosed interior space when the support frame is inflated. An inflatable perimeter sealing bladder is disposed about the cover and adapted to form a seal between the cover and exterior surfaces of a structural space when the support frame and the sealing bladder are inflated.

Abstract: A water sampling device and method for use with a radiation probe. The device includes a base, filtrate reservoir, filter media support disc, and sample reservoir. The sample reservoir may be interchanged with a radiation probe adaptor. The device and method provide a simple and convenient means to separate particulate solids from a water sample prior to measuring radioactivity without the need for a heat source or electrical power to evaporate the water. The device and method can be used with a variety of commercially available radiation probes and is suitable for field applications.

Abstract: A device for use with a detection means and a solvent source for sampling low volatility hazardous chemicals within a sample matrix is comprised of a sonicator having a probe for providing mechanical agitation to the sample matrix; means for transporting solvent gas from the solvent source to the sample matrix; means for transporting sample gas from the sample matrix to the detection means; and a heating element for heating the sample gas, solvent gas, and sample matrix. The device may include a thermocouple for providing a temperature reading. It also may include a plurality of interchangeable probe tips of different shapes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for chemical warfare agent detection training are provided. More particularly, methods and apparatus are provided to simulate the detection of low volatility chemical warfare agents by simulating the use of currently fielded U.S. Army detection kits without exposure to hazardous agents. A simulant is disposed in a sample heating assembly. The sample heating assembly is placed over a detection window of a detector, and the simulant is heated in order to make a simulated detection.

Abstract: An embodiment of a chemical detector has at least one detection window and at least first and second ampoules selectively communicatively coupled to the at least one detection window. The first ampoule contains a first substance that can hydrolyze a nerve agent. The second ampoule contains a second substance that can react with a hydrolyzed nerve agent to produce a color change.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for chemical warfare agent detection training are provided. More particularly, methods and apparatus are provided to simulate the detection of low volatility chemical warfare agents by simulating the use of currently fielded U.S. Army detection kits without exposure to hazardous agents. A simulant is disposed in a sample heating assembly. The sample heating assembly is placed over a detection window of a detector, and the simulant is heated in order to make a simulated detection.

Abstract: A system and method for providing hazardous incident decision support and training includes a user interface component that receives situation definition data, a hazard assessment component and a decision aid. Decision support advice and decision prompts are presented by the system in response to the situation definition interface and hazard assessment. The hazard assessment and expert advice of the system are updated with elapsed time. In another embodiment of the present invention, graphical user interfaces are provided to display a set of menu entries wherein individual menu entries represent a hazardous incident characteristic. The user may select one or more of the menu entries to create a situation definition. Such definitions may be used, for example, to identify a hazardous agent based upon user-inputted signs and symptoms data.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for detecting airborne hazards in a gaseous environment are disclosed. An embodiment of the system includes a plurality of sets of one or more detectors, where the detectors of each set measure different types of properties of gases, such as the color emitted when the gases are exposed to certain reagents or the ionization potential of the gases. Environmental gases enter the system and are split into a plurality of air flow streams, with each stream directed to pass through one of the sets of one or more detectors. Data from all the sets of one or more detectors is sent to a computer programmed to integrate this data in order to determine information related to the identity (e.g., the specific identity or a classification) of chemical compounds (e.g., hazardous compounds) present in the gases.

Abstract: A system and method for providing hazardous incident decision support and training includes a user interface component that receives situation definition data, a hazard assessment component and a decision aid. Decision support advice and decision prompts are presented by the system in response to the situation definition interface and hazard assessment. The hazard assessment and expert advice of the system are updated with elapsed time. In another embodiment of the present invention, graphical user interfaces are provided to display a set of menu entries wherein individual menu entries represent a hazardous incident characteristic. The user may select one or more of the menu entries to create a situation definition. Such definitions may be used, for example, to identify a hazardous agent based upon user-inputted signs and symptoms data.

Abstract: A system and method for providing hazardous incident decision support and training includes a user interface component that receives situation definition data, a hazard assessment component and a decision aid. Decision support advice and decision prompts are presented by the system in response to the situation definition interface and hazard assessment. The hazard assessment and expert advice of the system are updated with elapsed time. In another embodiment of the present invention, graphical user interfaces are provided to display a set of menu entries wherein individual menu entries represent a hazardous incident characteristic. The user may select one or more of the menu entries to create a situation definition. Such definitions may be used, for example, to identify a hazardous agent based upon user-inputted signs and symptoms data.

Abstract: A composition for simulating and evaluating chemical agent contamination which can be used to safely train military personnel in handling chemical agent contamination. It has a vapor generating component having a vapor pressure of from about 0.1 to about 30 mm Hg at 25° C.; a fluorescent dye; and a solvent which uniformly disperses the vapor generating component and fluorescent dye.

Abstract: A sample heater assembly which permits the detection of low volatility agents by existing chemical agent detectors is described. Existing chemical agent detectors often lack the capability to accurately detect low volatility agents, such as the chemical warfare agent VX. The sample heater assembly provides this capability by heating low volatility agents to vaporization and interfacing with the existing chemical agent detector. The sample heater assembly comprises a sample containment reservoir for holding the low volatility agent sample, which can be attached to the chemical agent detector, and a heating element which attaches to the sample containment reservoir for heating the sample.

Abstract: A system and method for providing hazardous incident decision support and training includes a user interface component that receives situation definition data, a hazard assessment component and a decision aid. Decision support advice and decision prompts are presented by the system in response to the situation definition interface and hazard assessment. The hazard assessment and expert advice of the system are updated with elapsed time. In another embodiment of the present invention, graphical user interfaces are provided to display a set of menu entries wherein individual menu entries represent a hazardous incident characteristic. The user may select one or more of the menu entries to create a situation definition. Such definitions may be used, for example, to identify a hazardous agent based upon user-inputted signs and symptoms data.

Abstract: A composition for simulating and evaluating chemical agent contamination which can be used to safely train military personnel in handling chemical agent contamination. It has a vapor generating component having a vapor pressure of from about 0.1 to about 30 mm Hg at 25° C.; a fluorescent dye; and a solvent which uniformly disperses the vapor generating component and fluorescent dye.

Abstract: An airborne hazardous material reader device capable of receiving a collection element. The reader device has a body forming a slot area for receiving the collection element. The body has a crushing mechanism located within the slot area for breaking ampules attached to the collection element containing chemical testing reagents, a micro-pump positioned proximate to the slot area for controlling the temperature next to the collection element, a diode reading component incorporated within the body for distinguishing color changes from the release of chemical testing reagents from the broken ampules, an indicator for indicating the presence of a hazardous material when the diode reading component distinguishes color changes and a microprocessor that coordinates the sequence of the reader device. A method for airborne hazardous material detection also is disclosed.