Abstract: An earwax removal device may include a collector body in the shape of a helix. The collector body may have a lumen that accommodate a control line. The control line may have one end fixed to a distal tip of the helix, and a free end extending from an opening in the proximal end of the helix. The collector body may be removably mounted on the shaft of a handle assembly. The handle assembly may include an actuator mounted for pivot action on the shaft. The free end of the control line may be connectable to the actuator. The collector body and the handle assembly may be inserted into an ear speculum. The ear speculum may be screw coupled to the handle assembly to provide for controlled rotation and insertion of the collector body into an ear canal. The actuator may be pulled in a proximal direction to collapse the collector body and capture earwax that has been scraped from the ear canal.

Abstract: A subsurface monitoring system and method is provided that includes a sensor array and a monitoring system in communication with the array. The sensor array may include several sensors, such as subsurface temperature sensors, water-level sensors, and oxidation reduction potential sensors may be disposed in a vertical and/or horizontal fence through the subsurface of the monitored site. The sensor array may measure, collect, and analyze the subsurface conditions and provide the measurements to a monitoring system. The monitoring system may provide access the measurements via a user interface for analysis of the measurements. In addition, the monitoring system may process the measurements to generate one or more graphs of information for better understanding of the conditions of the subsurface of the monitored site.

Abstract: A subsurface monitoring system and method is provided that includes a sensor array and a monitoring system in communication with the array. The sensor array may include several sensors, such as subsurface temperature sensors, water-level sensors, and oxidation reduction potential sensors may be disposed in a vertical and/or horizontal fence through the subsurface of the monitored site. The sensor array may measure, collect, and analyze the subsurface conditions and provide the measurements to a monitoring system. The monitoring system may provide access the measurements via a user interface for analysis of the measurements. In addition, the monitoring system may process the measurements to generate one or more graphs of information for better understanding of the conditions of the subsurface of the monitored site.

Abstract: The invention allows for nearly real-time analysis of the anthrax bacillus in atmospheres based on the presence of pyridine-2,6-dipicolinic acid in the spores of the bacillus. The spores are captured on the interior wall of an expanded Teflon™ tube. A solution of gem polychlorinated hydrocarbon, such as chloroform, and a hindered organic base, such as tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, is then reacted with the spores. The resulting reaction is a modified Fujiwara reaction allowing for an absorbance or fluorescence analysis of the bacillus. The reaction, coupled with the use of the expanded Teflon™ tube, will allow for the creation of an instrument capable of automatically sampling and analyzing for the bacillus in atmospheres.