Chemical Agent Sensor Firm Avir Receives Funding, Tests Prototype.Business Editors CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 2002 Avir, L.L.C. (www.avirsensors.com), a developer of patented technology for the remote sensing Deriving digital models of an area on the earth. Using special cameras from airplanes or satellites, either the sun's reflections or the earth's temperature is turned into digital maps of the area. of chemical and biological agents for the military, first responders, facility protection, and environmental testing, has announced a significant investment in the company as it continues to test prototypes and pursue new markets and strategic partners. Aerwav Holdings LLC (Logical Link Control) See "LANs" under data link protocol. LLC - Logical Link Control (www.aerwav.com), a privately held investment company, has invested in Avir and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Shiver shiver involuntary shaking of the body, as with cold. It is caused by contraction or twitching of the muscles, and is a physiological method of heat production in all animals. has joined Avir's board of directors. Terms of the investment were not disclosed. "With its outstanding technology and strong management team, Avir is an attractive investment," Shiver said. "Aerwav's resources will support Avir with its ongoing R&D, prototype creation and testing, and ultimately, the commercialization of its sensor system." Avir sensors can be installed in a handheld device, or networked together for a monitoring system. The company has completed a working prototype of its single chemical detector, and continues work on a multi-chemical detector. Avir's TOVA TOVA Test of Variables of Attention (Universal Attention Disorders, Inc.) (TM) (Totally Optical Vapor Analyzer) sensor can be configured as handheld device for detecting toxic chemicals at distances of up to 1000 feet, a market with a potential of $1 billion in sales. Earlier this year, Avir received a contract from the Office of Naval Research The U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR), headquartered in Arlington, Virginia (Ballston), is the office within the U.S. Department of the Navy that coordinates, executes, and promotes the science and technology programs of the U.S. to develop a lightweight remote detector for payload on expendable, unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). The TOVA(TM) sensor is the only low-cost truly portable system that allows chemical weapons to be detected from a distance. Other sensors that have similar size or cost require direct exposure to the chemical. In addition to chemical warfare chemical warfare, employment in war of incendiaries, poison gases, and other chemical substances. Ancient armies attacking or defending fortified cities threw burning oil and fireballs. A primitive type of flamethrower was employed as early as the 5th cent. B.C. agents, the technology can also be utilized to detect toxic industrial chemicals, natural gas pipeline leaks, electrical fires, and chemicals released by illegal drug production. The company plans to work with strategic partners to enter the civilian security market, producing a network of fixed detectors to monitor buildings, airports, subways, and other public buildings. "The investment by Aerwav, and their expertise and experience in the fixed security industry will help us explore this, and other new market opportunities," Avir President Kevin Burke Kevin Burke is an Irish fiddler. He was born in London to parents from County Sligo in 1950. He took up the fiddle at age eight, eventually acquiring a virtuosic technique in the Sligo fiddling style. said. Avir participates in Darden's Progressive Incubator(TM), which assists University of Virginia entrepreneurs in taking their first steps in developing business ideas into viable enterprises. About a dozen venture teams are in the program currently, housed in facilities in downtown Charlottesville. For more information on the Darden Progressive Incubator The Darden Progressive Incubator is a program designed to support promising early-stage business ventures involving Darden MBA students. The Incubator is located on the campus of the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration in Charlottesville, Virginia. , go to: www.darden.virginia.edu/batten/bte_dpi.htm. |
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