Abstract: The invention features methods and systems for detecting the presence of an energetic material in a sample in which the presence of the energetic material is unknown. The method includes the steps of: heating the sample; measuring heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment, e.g., by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and analyzing the measured heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment. An exothermal peak in the measured heat flow indicates the presence of the energetic material in the sample. The system includes a thermal measuring apparatus for performing the heating and measuring steps, and an analyzer for detecting the presence of the energetic material based on the measured heat flow. The invention also features methods and systems for identifying contraband materials (e.g., explosives and drugs) by measuring the thermogram (e.g., by DSC) of a sample to be identified and comparing it to reference thermograms for known contraband materials.

Abstract: The invention features methods and systems for detecting the presence of an energetic material in a sample in which the presence of the energetic material is unknown. The method includes the steps of: heating the sample; measuring heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment, e.g., by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and analyzing the measured heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment. An exothermal peak in the measured heat flow indicates the presence of the energetic material in the sample. The system includes a thermal measuring apparatus for performing the heating and measuring steps, and an analyzer for detecting the presence of the energetic material based on the measured heat flow. The invention also features methods and systems for identifying contraband materials (e.g., explosives and drugs) by measuring the thermogram (e.g., by DSC) of a sample to be identified and comparing it to reference thermograms for known contraband materials.

Abstract: The invention features methods and systems for detecting the presence of an energetic material in a sample in which the presence of the energetic material is unknown. The method includes the steps of: heating the sample; measuring heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment, e.g., by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and analyzing the measured heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment. An exothermal peak in the measured heat flow indicates the presence of the energetic material in the sample. The system includes a thermal measuring apparatus for performing the heating and measuring steps, and an analyzer for detecting the presence of the energetic material based on the measured heat flow. The invention also features methods and systems for identifying contraband materials (e.g., explosives and drugs) by measuring the thermogram (e.g., by DSC) of a sample to be identified and comparing it to reference thermograms for known contraband materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved methods of raising and treating food animals, which employ pH-buffered, redox-stabilized compositions comprising halide and oxyhalide ions. The compositions can be administered to food animals to effect enhanced food utilization, lower mortality, decreased nitrogen excretion, decreased dependence on antibiotics and vaccines, overall enhanced health and immunostimulation in the animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods employing pH-buffered, redox-stabilized compositions comprising halide and oxyhalide ions. The compositions can be administered to food animals to effect enhanced food utilization, lower mortality, decreased nitrogen excretion, decreased dependence on antibiotics and vaccines, overall enhanced health and immunostimulation in the animals. Additionally, the compositions can be used to treat food animal carcasses to reduce foodborne pathogens and spoilage organisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods employing pH-buffered, redox-stabilized compositions comprising halide and oxyhalide ions. The compositions can be administered to food animals to effect enhanced food utilization, lower mortality, decreased nitrogen excretion, decreased dependence on antibiotics and vaccines, overall enhanced health and immunostimulation in the animals. Additionally, the compositions can be used to treat food animal carcasses to reduce foodborne pathogens and spoilage organisms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating contraband vapor/particle detection devices is described. The invention includes a desorb site onto which may be deposited solutions containing known concentrations of one or more of the specific compounds to be detected. The desorb site, which may be rapidly heated to vaporize the particles contained in the solution deposited on its surface, is housed in a sealable chamber. The vapor and/or particles become entrained in an air stream forced across the surface of the desorb site, and the airstream is then delivered through a snout to the contraband vapor particle detector.