Product Overview - March 2014 · Product Overview• March, 2014 • Page 2 Research International History Formed in 1990 Headquarters in Monroe, WA Focus areas:

Product Overview• March, 2014 • Page 1

Product Overview - March 2014


Research International History

Formed in 1990

Headquarters in Monroe, WA

Focus areas: – Sensors/instrumentation,

chemical, biological, physical parameters

– Microfluidics – Custom machining services – Product manufacturing

Manufacturers of air samplers and CBRN equipment for 18 years

Regional provider of machining and molding services for over 20 years

18,000 square foot company-owned headquarters


Capabilities Profile

Research International has been active in CBRN for over 18 years- first as an R&D house, then later as a product manufacturer.

We are adept at transitioning technology from lab to marketplace: – Design strengths include analog & digital electronics; optics; fluid dynamics;

mechanical design; injection molding; and embedded software. – Capital equipment supports machining, forming, welding, molding, vacuum

deposition, micromachining, and select semiconductor processing methods.

Our product line is a combination of: – In-house developed technologies (frequently covered by patents); – Licensed technologies (typically redesigned prior to market introduction); – Private-label and products where RI has exclusive distribution rights; and – Specialty products developed for RI under contract


International Representative and Distributor Regions

Canada Europe

– France – Netherlands – Italy – Sweden – Germany – Spain – Finland

China India

Japan Middle East Pakistan Russia/Eastern Europe Singapore South Korea Taiwan Australia Vietnam New Zealand Turkey


Product Lines


Research International has several off-the-shelf collection systems that can be configured for various applications

RI’s Air Sampler Product Line

SASS 2300 Wet Biocollector and SASS 2400 Low-Volume Wet Biocollector

SASS 3100/3100R Dry Filter Aerosol Collector

SASS 4000 and 4100 Concentrator/Collector

SASS 4200 Vehicle-Mount High-Volume Dry Aerosol Collector


Research International has several COTS chemical and biological systems that can be configured for various applications

RI’s Detection Products

TacBio ™ Aerosol Biodetector

RAPTOR™ 4-Channel Bioidentifier

ORACLE ™ Toxic Gas Detector

BioHawk® 8-Channel Collector / Bioidentifier


NEW: OEM Electrochemical Gas Detector Array

A 6-gas electrochemical gas detector array with microprocessor-based electronics is available from RI.

This proprietary OEM system is designed and manufactured to RI Specifications by a foreign supplier.

1 second update rate. Pellistor explosive gas channel

also installed Quantitative calibrated output,

comparable sensitivity to IMS Operating range: -30° to 60°C. Typical cell life of 2 to 3 years.

Electrochemical cell with transmitter electronics


NEW: Sources for Sensor Performance Verification

No easy methods have been available for confirming that chemical and biological detectors are working.

This has usually required that the equipment be brought back to a testing facility.

A line of biological aerosol and chemical simulants in the form of pressurized medical nebulizers and standard “paint cans” have been introduced.

These sources allow users to do a qualitative go/no-go check anywhere.

Medical nebulizer technology repurposed for CBRN application


Research International has several COTS multifunctional systems that can be configured for various applications

RI’s Multi-Purpose Products

UAV Flying Laboratory

TacBioHawk Combo Sampler / Biodetector / Bioidentifier ASAP V

CBRN Multi-Threat

Detection System Remote

Sensing Node


Monitoring and Toxic Plume Software

The U.S. government has developed a comprehensive suite of software programs to assist U.S. emergency personnel in the event of a toxic gas release.

This Government-certified software has been licensed by RI and is used in RI products.

One such study for Sarin flowing from a pressurized tank in Seoul, South Korea is shown.

CBRN system monitoring software is sold under the name “ASAP Sentry™.


Radiological Detection Product Line

Exclusive agent outside Russia for Aspect Scientific Production center, Dubna, Russia

Several optional devices are available: – Radiological detection gateways for

airports and foot traffic pinch-points. – Gamma spectrometers for monitoring

and identifying radioisotopes

Devices typically detect in real-time (Less than 2 seconds).

High-reliability products.

Technologies widely used on borders, in subways, and on UAVs.


CBRN Monitoring Vehicles

Research International team members have delivered mobile and modular laboratories customized for the global market since 1996.

These have ranged from very basic vehicles to Sprinter vans with chemical and biological filtered air and self-contained air conditioning systems to protect both drivers and technical workers from toxic exterior environments.


“Tiger” Mobile Monitoring System

SASS 3100R Biological / Radiological dry air sampler

TacBio bioaerosol detector

ASPECT radiation detector

SYSTEMS INSIDE VEHICLE

LCD 3.3 chemical

warfare agent detector

Electrochemical detectors

Embedded computer


PR 610-2 Overview

Research International has licensed certain robotic bioassay technologies to Canon Chemical for use in Japan.

High-sensitivity fluoroimmunoassay technology Sample vials permit enrichment prior to assay Dirty, raw, unprocessed samples acceptable State-of-the-art sensitivity in a 10 to 15 minute assay Sensitivities to 10-1000

CFU/ml for E. coli O157 Supports assays for fungi,

bacteria, viruses, toxins Operable by minimally-trained

personnel – Robotic protocols


High-speed Container Interrogation

Research International has worked with both DHS and the DoD to develop ocean-going container interrogation solutions to rapidly extract and identify vapors and particulates in suspicious containers worldwide.

Research International is the only private company that has been funded by the US govt. to develop sampling methods.


Product Highlights


SASS 2300 Cyclonic Sampler

SASS2300® is a portable microprocessor-controlled 300 LPM wet sampler. Sample water levels stay constant independent of extended collection time, temperature, or relative humidity

U.S. patent 6,532,835


SASS 3100R Dry Air Sampler

Lightweight and portable- 2.8 kg w/bat. 24-hour operation on battery power Biological and radiological aerosol electret filters are available Collection efficiency for bio-filter:

- 0.5 µm dia: 50% - 1.0 µm dia: 75% - 2.0 µm >dia: 90%

Efficiency for radiological filter: >99% for >0.3 microns dia. Operable from -40C to 70C Programmable/digitally controllable SASS 3100 Top performer out of 10 competitors at 2008 TRE 08-2; top contender for JBTDS program


SASS 3000 Proprietary Filters

RI’s filter media has an extremely high efficiency coupled with a pressure drop that is 5% of a comparable conventional filter.

Filter media are unusual fibrous ‘electret’ materials – A complex electric field emanates from each

polypropylene filter fiber; – ‘Action-at-a-distance’ electrostatic attraction

draws aerosols to the fibers; – Electrostatic forces cause captured aerosols

to cling tightly to each filter’s fibrous matrix – Can withstand prolonged water immersion; – Stable for a decade or more; – Will withstand temperatures to 700C; – 44 mm nominal active diameter

Portable samplers based on these filters exceed all others in collection ability, small system size, temperature range and operating life


The felt-like polypropylene electret material is mounted in a polypropylene frame using one of two placement methods: – Sonic welding; or – A friction-lock approach wherein the

filter “biscuit” is sandwiched between the frame and an annular backing scrim

The latter is convenient for forensic applications since the biscuit can be removed with tweezers for analysis.

The filter assembly is mounted onto the sampler by pressing and friction-locking it onto an inlet boss. There is no inlet ducting to become contaminated.

Contamination by previous test residues is minimized.

Filter Assemblies


SASS 4000 Aerosol Concentrator

These concentrators process large air flows and transfer the aerosol particles into a small concentrated secondary flow

– The secondary aerosol concentrate is typically drawn off at 1% to 10% of the primary flow;

– It can be operated over a wide temperature range: There are no liquid freezing issues;

– The secondary flow is easily extracted and is compatible with most aerosol analyzers

Primary air discharges vertically as a well-defined turbulent jet U.S. Patent pending, 200910166843.8(Ch)


Mobile SASS 4200/2300 System

3600 LPM aerosol concentrator Processes high volume of air

in exterior loop, passes small volume of aerosol concentrate to SASS 2300 wet sampler in vehicle

10 times increase in aerosol level Minimizes heating needed

when sampling at low temperature

System installed on NATO Vehicle


SASS 3010 Manual Particle Extractor

Extracts particulates from the electret filters used with SASS 3100 or SASS 4100; A 4 to 10 ml charge of extraction fluid is

added from a 16 ml dropper bottle Sonic agitation dislodges particulates from

the fibrous matrix The extracted sample is discharged into the

dropper bottle; use with HHA’s or any wet bioanalyzer 1 minute process time 60-80% efficiency Supported in DoD technology upgrade

program (JBTDS application) Top performer in U.S. DoD trials out of 10

competitors when used with SASS 3000 U.S. patents 8,057,608; 8,142,570


TacBio™ Bioaerosol Detector:Conceptual Basis

Many biological materials fluoresce when subjected to ultraviolet light.

This is not a common response for nonbiological materials.

By subjecting particles in a moving air stream to UV light and monitoring both scattered and fluorescence light levels as particles pass through the light, non-biological and biological aerosol concentrations can be simultaneously monitored.


TacBio Bio-Aerosol Trigger

DoD technology licensed by RI in 2010 Detailed technology transfer:

– Engineering drawings, circuit board layouts, parts lists, and firmware

– Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between ECBC and RI

Detects and triggers in the presence of respirable biological aerosols

Senses bio-aerosol fluorescence UV LED based; 20,000 to 30,000 hour source life;

stable operation to 85C Electro-optics is based on photon counting;

minimal calibration drift Communication: RS-232 or wireless Windows software for setup and monitoring Removable data card - 5 yr capacity Will control RI air samplers/bio-identifiers 24+ hour operation with battery 8.8 pounds (4 kg)


TacBio History

Basic concept developed in 2002-2003: Focus on soldiers in the field, robots, and UAV's

- Compact - Lightweight - Low power - Low cost

Final DoD embodiment with current features prototyped in 2007

Refined through 13 field trials and field demonstration programs

Supported by DARPA, DTRA, DoD Chemical Defense Program, DHS, Program Manager for Biological Defense, and U.S. Marines

RI has done two comprehensive engineering upgrades since licensing to enhance function and serviceability


The Best Excitation Wavelengths

Biological materials typically fluoresce in the 300 to 400 nm wavelength range.

Optimum excitation wavelengths are <300nm. However, such solid state UV sources currently have lifetimes of only a few hundred hours.

Research International has pioneered the use of stable 365nm UV LEDs as excitation sources.

Older first-generation competitors use 405nm blue laser diodes. These only excite the biological fluorescence ‘tail,’ resulting in low sensitivity and large electric power demands .


Bioassay Products: RAPTORTM

Field-portable militarized pathogen detection system

4 parallel channels 10-15 minutes from start to result Operable by minimally-trained personnel

in MOPP suits Disposable molded coupons Bar coding allows operation by untrained

personnel Evanescent-wave fiber optic detection:

– Dirty samples tolerated – Supports assays for spores, bacteria,

viruses and toxins BA-5590/U battery provides 9 to 24 hours

of operation 14 lb weight with battery MIL-STD-810E


RAPTOR Sensor Operating Principles

Excitation light is launched down the axis of a molded plastic waveguide element.

A patented aspheric cone section maximizes optical excitation at the waveguide surface in the “Evanescent Wave” region.

Fluorescent molecules within this region produce light energy which is collected by the waveguide and focused on a photodetector.


Optical Waveguide Element

Injection-molded high-purity polystyrene; nominal waveguide diameter about 0.75 mm.


Assay Coupon

Waveguides are mounted in a disposable ‘coupon.’ A barcode identifies the bioassay protocol to be performed. A self-sealing hermetic multi-needle septum seal provides fluidic

coupling to the Raptor.


BioHawk® Portable Bioassay System

Automated air sampler/wet bioassay protocols Complex protocols supported:

– Air sampler only; – 8 channel bioidentifier only; – Air sampler + bioidentifier; and – Sample transfer/control by other devices

Disposable 8-channel molded bioassay coupons – A coupon bar code identifies the sampling and assay

protocols to be executed; – All reagents needed are stored on each coupon,

providing convenience and versatility Evanescent wave-excited fluoroimmunoassays:

– Dirty samples tolerated; minimal sample prep – Targets: spores, bacteria, viruses and toxins

10-15 minute assay times Onboard confirmatory sample storage Operable by minimally-trained personnel Primary or rechargeable battery- 14 to 45 hour 27 lb/ 0.8 ft3 with battery & fluids MIL-STD-810g


BioHawk: Basic Design Strategy

BioHawk was funded by the U.S. Marine Corps. It is conceptually very similar to the Raptor except that reagents are stored directly on the coupon and it has 8 bioassay channels instead of four.

Software-controlled pumps and valves control fluid flow through a bioassay coupon as specified by an assay “recipe.”

Samples can be transferred to the coupon from either the air sampler or a Sample Port. Sampled fluids can be discharged either to a sample vial or to a waste tank.

Each recipe is loaded into the BioHawk’s programmable memory under a protocol number. A barcode on each coupon specifies that coupon’s protocol number. It is automatically read during coupon insertion.


Operational Overview: Block Diagram


BioHawk: Bioassay Coupon

Four biological target-specific waveguide sensors have been integrated into a disposable plastic assay ‘coupon’

All biological reagents needed to perform an assay are contained within the coupon – Immobilized capture antibody – Lyophilized (freeze-dried)

fluorescently-tagged secondary antibodies

The assay coupon connects with fluidic circuitry in the BioHawk through 12 septum seals.

These connections are automatically made when the coupon is inserted into the BioHawk’s Coupon Compartment.

A bar code is read during coupon insertion that identifies the assay procedure to be run.


Oracle Long Baseline Spectrometric Gas Sensor

Open path, non-contact continuous chemical identification and concentration estimates up to 50 meters away.

Over 40 chemicals can be detected and individually identified.

Fast: identification within 1 second possible.

Low maintenance continuous monitoring

IR Source Multi-channel receiver with optional IR camera


Typical Application: Oracle™ in Subways

Public areas, assembly lines, entry ways and facility perimeters are challenging to monitor efficiently and cost effectively with point sensors

Oracle is the ideal tool for monitoring such extended areas.

In a subway the source and receiver may be positioned parallel to the tracks along the train platform, or overhead at an entrance or exit pinch point.


ASAP V: Large Infrastructure CBRN Monitor

Continuous monitor for chemical, biological, and radiological hazards.

High flow rates stimulate large circulation cells in monitored space- allow large areas to be monitored as in airports, subways, train stations, etc.

Exterior shell available in different shapes and finishes.

Internet connected; can be accessed and controlled from anywhere in the world.

800 watts electric power. Installation shown is in Kazan,

Tatarstan.


ASAP V Rotating Stage Provides Uniform and Continuous Gas/Aerosol Sampling From all Directions

Rotating multi-element airfoil sampler- Video clip


Remote Sensor Node: Portable CBRN Monitors

Remote Sensor Nodes are portable CBRN monitoring stations designed for temporary use in large public areas such as stadiums, sports centers, railways, and airports.

RSN with optional weather station


Remote Sensor Node Features

Simultaneous chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, optical and audio monitoring

Wireless data communication at 2.4 GHz: 100 MBPS and 2 km range; up to 64 nodes interrogated in 6 seconds.

-30 to 60C operating temperature range.

Weather station and video or thermal IR camera, optional.

20 cm diameter and 1m height; 30 kg weight.

Remote Sensor Node with optional mast-mounted weather station.


Example Van-based RSN Network

Each node has a unique ID, and its location is displayed on a Google map in ASAP Sentry™ software.

High wireless capacity allows the simultaneous transmission of data and video

Nodes are assignable to any vehicle within range.

The system may be set up to transfer video only when an alarm occurs, minimizing data storage/transmission issues

Data may be transferred to a headquarters location by any user-preferred method


Example Van-based RSN Network in Operation

Van Mounted Sending and Receiving Unit

Remote Sensors

Remote Sensors


Remote Sensor Node Components

Main section provides: → Aerosol sampler, 300 LPM → Biological aerosol detector; → 1.8 GHz embedded PC; → 6 Electrochemical sensors → Flammable gas sensor → IMS CWA and TIC detector → Radiation detector → 200 LPM draw fan → Rechargeable 12VDC LiFePO3 lithium ion

battery → Electronic battery maintenance module

Mast section provides: → Weather station (wind direction and

velocity, temperature, and humidity); → GPS; → Visible or IR video; → Audio; and → TCP/IP wireless access point


Typical CBRN Capabilities & Response Times

Toxic chemicals and chemical warfare agents

– Less than 10 seconds Biological aerosol detection

– 60 seconds Biological aerosol collection

– Collection time set by user Radioisotopes and SNMs

– Less than 2 seconds Radiological aerosol collection

– Collection time set by user


Flying Laboratory for Monitoring CBRN Threats

The Flying Laboratory is a multipurpose UAV equipped to monitor for CBRN threats and/or perform video and thermal IR surveillance. Its capabilities are unique in the world.

Car top launch


A Pioneer in the Field of Surveillance

Virtually all UAV development worldwide is focused on video surveillance.

Research International (RI) is the world leader in development of UAV platforms for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear detection.

The first demonstration in the world of real-time automated biodetection on a UAV was done by Research International and a U.S. Naval Research Laboratory team in September, 1996 at Dugway Proving Grounds: - Flight of the Biosensor, G. P. Anderson et. al., 1997

NRL Review.


The Flying Laboratory is an Integrated System

The Flying Laboratory integrates detection and collection products from the world’s best counter-terrorism equipment companies onto a single mini-class UAV.

Multi-step protocols such as detection, collection, and analysis can be programmed by the user and automatically performed during flight.

System capabilities can be modified to meet customer needs and budget within the constraints of UAV payload size and weight limits.


Key Flying Laboratory Features

Full CBRN monitoring plus video and thermal IR options

Instrumentation is controlled by a 1GHZ embedded micro-PC.

Data is down-linked and also stored on UAV

10 kg/20 liter payload volume and weight.

-30 to 60C operating temperature range.

47 to 130 km/hr speed range; 250 km distance. 13 km manual control distance with 2.4 GHz avionics link or up

to 100 km with custom links at other frequencies.


UAV Airframe Video Overview


Research International, Inc.

17161 Beaton Road SE Monroe, WA 98272-1034

Phone: 360-805-4930 • Toll Free: 1-800-927-7831 www.resrchintl.com • [email protected]

Documents

Product Overview - March 2014 · Product Overview• March, 2014 • Page 2 Research International History Formed in 1990 Headquarters in Monroe, WA Focus areas: