Abstract: A system for reducing airborne pathogens and contaminants in exhaled air from a person. The system includes a collection device for collecting the exhaled air from the person; a purification device positioned in fluid communication with the collection device and being configured for receiving the exhaled air therefrom, said purification device deactivating and/or filtering airborne pathogens and contaminants in the exhaled air; and a suction device positioned in fluid communication with the purification device and the collection device, said suction device being configured for drawing the exhaled air from the collection device and through the purification device.

Abstract: A system for reducing airborne pathogens and contaminants in a breathing zone of a person is disclosed. A manifold assembly includes a tube fitted with an air intake nozzle. The air intake nozzle is positioned at the breathing zone of the person such that an air gap is created between the person and the nozzle. Exhaled air is routed from the person to the manifold assembly via the tube. A purification unit deactivates and/or filters airborne pathogens and contaminants of the exhaled air supplied from the manifold assembly. A suction assembly draws the exhaled air from the breathing zone of the person, through the manifold assembly and the purification unit, to a one-way exhaust valve.

Abstract: A system for reducing airborne pathogens and contaminants in a breathing zone of a person is disclosed. A manifold assembly includes a tube fitted with an air intake nozzle. The air intake nozzle is positioned at the breathing zone of the person such that an air gap is created between the person and the nozzle. Exhaled air is routed from the person to the manifold assembly via the tube. A purification unit deactivates and/or filters airborne pathogens and contaminants of the exhaled air supplied from the manifold assembly. A suction assembly draws the exhaled air from the breathing zone of the person, through the manifold assembly and the purification unit, to a one-way exhaust valve.

Abstract: A system and method for passive collection of oil from water based on a density differential. A sealed column of water is elevated above the oil/water surface within a low pressure contained volume, and oil moves upward into the contained volume displacing the water due to the lower density of the oil. Filled containers of oil are exchanged for containers of water, or oil is transferred from the filled containers.

Abstract: A direct-view optical microscope system is provided which uses high-energy light from a phenomenon known as non-resonant Raman-scattering to illuminate a biological specimen. One embodiment of the system combines two discrete light sources to form a combined incident light source for the microscope. The system includes a method and apparatus for modulating the intensity of the scattered light when two light waves are combined to produce the incident light. By varying the frequency of the two source light waves, the intensity of the combined Raman-scattered light can be modulated to achieve finer resolution. In one embodiment, the system provides illumination and observation of microscopic agglutination events between pathogenic antigens and specific antibodies, for prompt detection and identification in the field.