Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer - 2003

Department of Energy
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Since the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, detecting and preventing hidden contraband and weapons of mass destruction from entering through American borders is now a high priority. A team of scientists and engineers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is helping to solve this problem by developing the Acoustic Inspection Device (AID), which provides noninvasive examination of sealed containers and helps screen bulk solids. The AID rapidly and reliably discriminates and identifies liquid contents in the sealed containers; determines if there are concealed compartments within the containers; and detects hidden compartments in solid forms that may contain contraband or weapons of mass destruction.

The PNNL team transferred the technology through a licensing agreement to Mehls, Griffin & Bartek Ltd. (MGB Ltd.), an Arlington, Virginia based company. In addition, the U.S. Customs Service provided funding to further development of the technology. MGB Ltd. is currently customizing the AID for the Customs Service, which will be a prime user of the technology.

In general, all Americans will benefit from this technology. The AID will help prevent the smuggling of weapons of mass destruction, as well as other contraband or illegal items into the country, while reducing the amount of time trucks and ships must spend at U.S. border crossings - allowing products to get to market faster and more securely than under current inspection procedures.

Contact: Aaron Diaz, (509) 375-2606, Aaron.Diaz@pnl.gov