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This invention consists of a sampling apparatus that utilizes one or more cyclone separators to collect airborne particles from the atmosphere. The apparatus not only separates out aerosols from the atmosphere, but also serves as a collection tube for aerosol particles. Through its unique design, this CDC-developed apparatus is able to use the centrifugal force of the air flow on aerosolized particles forcing them to separate by size. Since the sample is collected directly in a microcentrifuge tube, in situ analysis of the ambient particulates can be performed.

This invention relates to a warning system designed to protect individuals working near hazardous machinery. The system consists of a proximity-warning transmitter mounted to hazardous machinery and a receiver, worn by a worker, capable of detecting the transmitter signal. This worker-safety system can incorporate visual alerts and audible alerts. It also allows automatic shutdown of machinery upon receiver activation and may be particularly useful in the mining industry.

This CDC invention entails methods and apparatuses for in situ testing seal integrity and improved operation of respiratory masks (respirators). A variety of external factors, such as individual face shape, user environment, mask age and material used to construct the respirator, can lead to device malfunction and failure to sufficiently protect a user. To address these limitations, this invention relies on ultrasonic wave detection to assess face seal quality and other potential leak paths, as needed.

Improper positioning of an extension ladder frequently results in "ladder slide-outs," which are the most common cause of ladder-fall scenarios. This invention relates to an extension ladder positioning indicator which is easily installed in a ladder rung; provides multiple cues (visual, sound, and vibration) for rapidly identifying and positioning correct ladder inclination.

This technology pertains to monitors for measuring the mass concentration of ambient particulate matter in an atmosphere containing both larger/coarser (e.g., respirable dust) and smaller/finer (sub-micrometer particles such as diesel particulate matter - DPM) particulate mixtures. The monitoring device can be configured for operation with a controller unit adapted to ionization sensor and/or light-scattering modules. The controller translates the sensor output signal into a quantifiable value, determining mass concentration of particulate matter within the ionization chamber.

CDC/NIOSH scientists have developed an effective point-source control for silica-containing dusts that can be generated from machinery on sites where hydraulic fracturing is occurring. The CDC/NIOSH mini-baghouse retrofit assembly is a bolt-on control designed to contain silica-containing respirable dusts generated during refill operations of sand movers during hydraulic fracturing.

This CDC-developed invention entails a system of electrical and hydraulic circuits used to stop a rotating winch in an emergency. Amongst other locations, one stop switch can be positioned on a capstan winch horn. This location makes it available to a victim entangled in rope being retrieved on a gypsy drum. As designed, the stop circuit could be used with an electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated winch. A variant of this safety system has been successfully tested on a purse seining fishing vessel in Alaskan waters.

This CDC-developed technology describes an automated system for monitoring worker hazard exposures by recording data about where and when hazards occur in a workplace or other environment. This allows the hazards to be avoided and harmful exposures and risks reduced. This field-tested technology consists of an integrated, hand-held electronics instrument and software system that will precisely correlate multiple exposure levels with position coordinates of the user and features real-time data acquisition.

This CDC developed technology entails a novel method of near real-time elemental analysis of aerosols by corona assisted microwave induced plasma spectroscopy (CAMPS).

Boats and other watercrafts have emergency lifesaving equipment like strobe lamps to help rescuers locate individuals overboard in the event of a disaster. The battery life of the equipment is limited, so the amount of time rescuers have to find the victims is also limited. An emergency battery charger that can power emergency equipment is needed to remove this limitation.