Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for neutralizing airborne pathogens and chemical toxins in ventilated air, and in heating or air conditioning systems. The pathogen-chemical toxin neutralization system is effective against a wide spectrum of pathogens and toxins, it incorporates commercially available components, and it can be readily integrated into commercial HVAC systems where it decontaminates large volumes of ventilated air in real time without any chemical reagents. The system has a flow-through reaction chamber that contains a UV light source that emits short intense flashes of broad-spectrum UV light, a source aqueous hydrogen peroxide that can be a reservoir or a hydrogen peroxide generator, and optionally a source of ozone. The interaction of UV light and hydrogen peroxide generates hydroxyl radicals that neutralize pathogens and chemical toxins as they pass through the reaction chamber in real time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for neutralizing airborne pathogens and chemical toxins in ventilated air, and in heating or air conditioning systems. The pathogen-chemical toxin neutralization system is effective against a wide spectrum of pathogens and toxins, it incorporates commercially available components, and it can be readily integrated into commercial HVAC systems where it decontaminates large volumes of ventilated air in real time without any chemical reagents. The system has a flow-through reaction chamber (101) that contains a UV light source (106) that emits short intense flashes of broad-spectrum UV light, a source aqueous hydrogen peroxide that can be a reservoir or a hydrogen peroxide generator (106), and optionally a source of ozone. The interaction of UV light and hydrogen peroxide generates hydroxyl radicals that neutralize pathogens and chemical toxins as they pass through the reaction chamber (101) in real time.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is provided herein and is configured to have two ionization sources, in which a first ionization source, such as MALDI, ESI and the like, which is capable of providing in addition to ions a set of normally intractable desorbed neutrals that are ionized by a second EI source coupled with the first source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for particle collection (30) that is characterized by co-aerosolizing fluids (62) into an air stream (34) containing the particles to be analyzed to significantly enhance their collection and identification efficiency is provided.

Abstract: Techniques to modify and apply aerogel coatings are described, including the application of spray-coated aerogels. The approach eliminates several of the wet chemical techniques previously needed for processes such as MALDI processing, and simplifies the automation of processes such as continuous monitoring in a sensor based format. With respect to MALDI processing, the preferred embodiment uses an acid-doped silica aerogel coated tape as the collection media as well as the matrix support. Although aerogels are disclosed as a preferred matrix material, other materials may alternatively be used, including linoleic acids, oleic acids, PEG (polyelthylene glycol), preferably in tape format.

Abstract: Techniques to modify and apply aerogel coatings are described, including the application of spray-coated aerogels. The approach eliminates several of the wet chemical techniques previously needed for processes such as MALDI processing, and simplifies the automation of processes such as continuous monitoring in a sensor based format. With respect to MALDI processing, the preferred embodiment uses an acid-doped silica aerogel coated tape as the collection media as well as the matrix support. Although aerogels are disclosed as a preferred matrix material, other materials may alternatively be used, including linoleic acids, oleic acids, PEG (polyelthylene glycol), preferably in tape format.