1. Odor Delivery for Canine Training on Binary Explosives
2018 FLC Award Winner for Excellence in Technology Transfer
Amanda Horansky McKinney Head, Office of Technology Transfer
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
DISTRIBUTION A. Approved for public release: distribution unlimited. R/Ns: and

2. Critical Need: Binary Explosive Detection
Commonly found in IEDs
Increasingly common place in Middle East
Also used in bombings/bombing attempts in the US and Europe
Components usually have legal uses, but mixed, create explosive
Oxidizer and fuel mixture:
Ease of detonation depends on fuel and oxidizer ratio
Examples of oxidizers: Ammonium nitrate (AN), potassium chlorate (KClO4)
Examples of fuels: Sugar, aluminum powder (Al), fuel oil (FO)
Homemade explosives (HMEs) are an increasing threat
Ingredients are easy to obtain / manufacture
Oklahoma City
1995
Oslo, Norway
2011

3. Main challenge for training on HMES = SAFETY
The Problem
Main challenge for training on HMES = SAFETY
Work is often limited due to instability and sensitivity of the materials
Storage and transport limitations
Production quantity limits
Oversight from specialized chemists
Makes routine training with HMEs difficult

4. Mixtures are important!
The Problem
For safety purposes, detection is often focused on the oxidizer alone BUT
Mixtures are important!
Canine trials have shown that canines are more proficient when trained on AN/Al mixture as opposed to AN alone
Canines did not alert on fuel alone
Similar results for potassium chlorate + fuel
Vapor signatures from fuel AND oxidizer are important
Office of Naval Research, Marine Corps Warfighting Lab. Quicklook: Potassium chlorate-based HME detection by trained dogs, November 29, 2012.
Lazarowski, L. et. al.; Applied Animal Behavior Science 151 (2014)

5. MODD: The Solution MODD = Mixed Odor Delivery Device
Canine training device
Instrumental vapor delivery device
Oxidizer and fuel sources are separated, but vapor is mixed
DeGreeff, L.E., Malito, M., Brandon, A., Katilie, C.J., “Mixed Odor Delivery Device (MODD),” U.S. Patent, Pub. No. US 2016/ , 23 June 2016.

6. Why MODD? Physical mixing of components not required
Holds four segregated samples
Highly adjustable
Restrictor plug
Sample lids can have holes of varying size to alter odor availability
Cleaning easy so samples can be changed in the field
Made entirely of PVC
Lowers concentration at outlet
Reduces release of vapor to the environment
Small physical size
Restrictor plugs

7. Transferring MODD
Along the way, scientist compiled a list of VERY interested potential customers.
Small, niche market – canine training for explosives detection.
Fragmented, small players in the space, none wanted to make MODD – only use it…

8. Transferring MODD December 2016 – Innovation Discovery Event
Significant interest as-is – from panelists!
BUT: market size too small to support non-exclusive licensing!
U.S. coverage only
Advertised in Federal Register.
Licensed exclusively in May 2017
Product – Odor Trace - was on the market by Fall 2017