AUSTIN, TX /MARKET WIRE via COMTEX/ -- Nano-Proprietary Inc. (NNPP) announced that its subsidiary, Applied Nanotech Inc. (ANI), has been awarded an SBIR Phase I contract for the development of a "Dual Sensor Module for Human Detection" from the Homeland Security Advanced Research Project Agency (HSARPA). Applied Nanotech will design, develop and demonstrate a high-reliability, low-cost, low-power chemical sensor to detect humans hiding in cargo shipping containers, with the ability to operate in the harsh shipping environment. Humans hiding in shipping containers can be a serious threat to our homeland security. A reliable detection system to identify the presence of individuals in cargo shipping containers is required to reduce this threat. ANI will develop a sensor system that will monitor and detect human presence in a shipping container in real time. The sensor detection system will continually monitor for the presence of individuals from the moment that the container is sealed until it is released at its final destination. It is estimated that 9 to 11 million shipping containers enter the U.S. each year, and that in excess of 40 million cargo shipping containers are in use worldwide. Additionally, the ANI developed sensor technology is adaptable to multiple modes of transportation, such as trucking, air cargo, and rail shipping.
"We are pleased that we have been awarded a Phase I SBIR contract by the Department of Homeland Security. We are honored to be able to contribute to the important project of making cargo transport safer and more secure," said Dan Burck, chief executive officer of Nano-Proprietary Inc. "Our sensor technology has the ability to enable carriers, shippers, and law enforcement agencies to screen containers throughout their movement in real time."
Using its advanced GMOS sensing technology, ANI will develop a sensor system with the highest protection probabilities and with low false alarms rates. The advanced design will have a small compact size, be wireless enabled, have minimal power requirements, and be able to withstand the rigors of harsh maritime shipping in a wide range of environmental conditions, such as extreme temperature ranges, thermal shock, humidity, physical handling and shock, and electromagnetic interference.
"This represents yet another important application for our sensor technology," said Dr. Zvi Yaniv, president and chief executive officer of ANI. "We are extremely pleased with this additional contract, which validates our sensor technology platforms and our expanding sensor line of business."
Acknowledgment of Sponsorship
Applied Nanotech Inc. acknowledges that the project for "Cargo Shipping Container Human Detector" is sponsored by the Homeland Security Advanced Research Project Agency as set forth in the schedule of contract. The content of the information does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Government and no official endorsement should be implied.
About Nano-Proprietary Inc.
Nano-Proprietary Inc. is a holding company consisting of two wholly owned operating subsidiaries. Applied Nanotech Inc. is a premier research and commercialization organization dedicated to developing applications for nanotechnology with extremely strong positions in the fields of electron emission applications from carbon film/nanotubes, sensors, functionalized nanomaterials, and nanoelectronics. Electronic Billboard Technology Inc. (EBT) possesses technology related to electronic digitized sign technology. The companies have over 200 patents or patents pending. For more information on Nano-Proprietary, visit the company's Web site or contact William J. Spina at 781-383-0369 or [email protected].