Abstract: The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a system and a method for the detection and limited identification of biological agents. The system is small, light weight, requires little power to operate and uses few consumables. The system can be configured for use in either stationary or mobile applications. The system incorporates elements that enable it to obtain an air sample, extract particulates from the air sample, exposes the particulates to electromagnetic radiation, and monitor for fluorescent emissions. To the extent that fluorescent emissions are detected and exceed a predetermined value, an alarm is triggered.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a system and a method for the detection and identification of biological agents. The system incorporates elements that enable it to obtain an air sample, extract particulates from the air sample onto a stationary-phase collection media, expose the particulates to electromagnetic radiation, and monitor for fluorescent emissions. In some embodiments, particulates are exposed to electromagnetic radiation using a plurality of LEDs, wherein some of the LEDs emit electromagnetic radiation at relatively shorter wavelengths and some other of the LEDs emit electromagnetic radiation at relatively longer wavelengths.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a unmanned aerial vehicle that includes a sensing system for the detection and limited identification of biological agents. The system is small, light weight, requires little power to operate and uses few consumables. The system incorporates elements that enable it to obtain an air sample, extract particulates from the air sample and retain them on a stationary-phase collection media, exposes the particulates to electromagnetic radiation, and monitor the particulates for fluorescent emissions. To the extent that fluorescent emissions are detected and exceed a predetermined value, an alarm is triggered. In some embodiments, in addition to performing real-time analyses on the extracted particulates, the collection media is removed from the system and the sample is subjected to more detailed analysis via additional equipment.

Abstract: A hair curling device includes a handle having a front end provided with a socket in which an enlarged cylindrical rear end of an electrically heated hair curling barrel is rotatably mounted. An annular cap-like coupling member secured to the handle couples the barrel rear end in the socket. The barrel is rotated by an electric motor in the handle coupled to the enlarged barrel end by a drive shaft which also carries electrical connection means permitting electric power to be supplied to the heating element in the barrel while the barrel rotates. A pivoted hair clip extends along and parallel to a major portion of the heated barrel and the other end of the barrel is provided with a heat insulating tip member including a radially extending annular portion. Electric power is supplied to the motor and heating element through a power cord connected to the other end of the handle by a swivel connector. Separate switches for controlling the motor and heating element are provided.