Huntsville physician named new medical and environmental health services director at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, Ala. – August 22, 2007 – Dr. Claiborne Lee Moquin, an employee with AJT & Associates, Inc., is the new director of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health Services at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
Moquin, a physician who retired after more than 25 years in private practice, has worked at AJT’s offices within the space flight center since 2005. AJT, a scientific and technical company headquartered in Cape Canaveral, Fla., is contracted by NASA to manage the center’s medical and environmental health services. In his new position, Moquin oversees onsite medical care for 2,300 space flight center employees.
“Dr. Moquin is a seasoned professional and an asset to our team. There is no doubt he will bring the necessary leadership needed for an operation as expansive as the space flight center’s medical center,” said Alfredo J. Teran, president and CEO of AJT and Agrimond LLC.
Moquin, 54, has been re-certified in family medicine three times and is a FAA-certified senior aviation medical examiner. His links to the space center began with his father, Joe Moquin, former president of Teledyne Brown Engineering who worked under Dr. Wernher von Braun, one of the founding architects of the U.S. space program.
The space flight center’s medical facility conducts physical exams and health risk assessments for its civil service employees and contractors facing possible job risk exposures. The clinic also treats civil service patients at the space flight center who have minor illnesses and occupational injuries.
Moquin, who grew up in Huntsville, is married to Madison County District Court Judge Susan Moquin and has two sons, Richard and Cole.
Cape Canaveral Companies Debut Revolutionary Portable Restroom Facilities
Clean, odorless units feature state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system
Cape Canaveral Fla. – August 21, 2007 – Agrimond, LLC., a water and wastewater treatment systems designer, together with AJT & Associates, Inc. a scientific and technical services company based in Cape Canaveral have adapted their revolutionary wastewater treatment system, known as The Marine Dragonfly, to provide a black water treatment system, which eliminates the need for dumping or pumping of wastewater, on the world’s largest gambling ship, the Sterling Casino Lines’ Ambassador II.
In this application, the revolutionary system biologically treats 8,000 to 10,000 gallons of wastewater every day turning 100% of the wastewater into reclaimed water that can be used to flush toilets and urinals. The patented, eco-friendly and chemical-free Marine Dragonfly system simply eliminates the need for pumping or dumping waste. Instead, it uses advanced technology involving aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to convert human waste and paper products into water, water vapor, oxygen, carbon dioxide gas, and nitrogen gas.
“These nonpolluting, everyday components are found in the air people breathe,” said Harland Hyde, vice president of industrial projects at AJT. “The Dragonfly is one of the most advanced wastewater recovery systems on the market today.”
While there are similarities to the way wastewater is treated in our municipal wastewater treatment system there are several unique and patented methods that make this an environmentally sound solution. The process aerates the wastewater in the presence of scientifically selected, non-pathogenic bacteria quickly breaking down the human waste and paper thereby eliminating odor. The treated black water (collected wastewater) enters a clarifier, where the clear liquid is separated from the biomass and undigested waste. The biomass is recycled to the aeration system and the clear liquid is transferred to the first stage of the tertiary treatment. Oxygen-based cleaning technology is used for disinfecting the water. The excess oxidant reverts back into oxygen gas, and the disinfected water is pumped back into the toilets. This complex process is controlled by a computer using a proprietary program developed by AJT and Agrimond.
Besides the marine application, the company is also turning its attention to developing applications of this same technology for residential systems in small and large developments, self-contained systems for specialty homes, and for RVs and emergency response units. The Dragonfly system is also installed in the Indian River Queen, a 100-foot riverboat cruise ship that sails out of Cocoa, Fla.
Agrimond, L.L.C. was established to design water and wastewater treatment systems, conduct research and development into the benefits of oxygen-based cleaning technology applications, biologically-engineer bacteria to consume contaminates and other materials, and offer effective and cost efficient environmental solutions to various industries. Agrimond has manufacturing facilities in Oldsmar and Cape Canaveral, Florida.
AJT & Associates, Inc. is engineering and sciences service company that has been in operation since 1988. The company is headquartered in Cape Canaveral, Florida, with offices in Florida and Huntsville, Alabama.
Cape Canaveral Companies Debut Revolutionary Portable Restroom Facilities
Clean, odorless units feature state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system
Cape Canaveral Fla. – June 26, 2006 – AJT & Associates, Inc., a scientific and technical services company based in Cape Canaveral, teamed with Agrimond LLC, a water and wastewater treatment systems designer, to create Meadowhawk, a portable restroom facility that includes the revolutionary wastewater treatment system known as Dragonfly.
The Meadowhawk is designed to be a versatile, transportable restroom facility with fully operational sinks, air conditioning, tile accents, and ceramic floors. Models range from a single-unit facility, featuring one restroom stall and sink, to multiple-unit facility trailers. Units are available for events of all sizes and have been used at the NHL’s Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup finals, and locally at the Cocoa Beach Community Fest.
“These aren’t the usual portable restrooms,” said Alfredo Teran, founder of AJT & Associates, Inc. “The one-of-a-kind Meadowhawk provides a clean, odorless facility with fresh water. It’s a luxurious restroom designed and built to rival those in upscale establishments.”
The patented, eco-friendly and chemical-free Dragonfly system eliminates the need for septic or holding tanks and waste disposal. Instead, it uses advanced technology involving aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to convert human waste and paper products into water, water vapor, oxygen, carbon dioxide gas, and nitrogen gas. It is being developed for residential systems in small and large developments, self-contained systems for specialty homes, and for RVs and emergency response units. Currently, the Dragonfly system is being installed in the Indian River Queen, a 100-foot riverboat cruise ship that sails out of Cocoa, Fla.
“These nonpolluting, everyday components are found in the air people breathe,” said Harland Hyde, vice president of industrial projects at Agrimond. “The Dragonfly is one of the most advanced wastewater recovery systems on the market today.”
The process aerates the wastewater in the presence of scientifically selected, non-pathogenic bacteria quickly breaking down the human waste and paper thereby eliminating odor. The treated blackwater (collected wastewater) enters a clarifier, where the clear liquid is separated from the biomass and undigested waste.
The biomass is recycled to the aeration system and the clear liquid is transferred to the first stage of the tertiary treatment. Ozone is used for sterilizing the bacteria and decolorizing the impurities. The excess ozone reverts back into oxygen gas, and the sterilized reuse water is pumped back into the toilets. This complex process is controlled by a computer using a proprietary program developed by AJT and Agrimond.
“Because the water is recycled and reused it’s not pumped out of the Meadowhawk unit,” Teran said. “And, because there are no chemicals used, there is clean, fresh water in the sinks.”
AJT receives “Florida Alliance Partner of the Year” Award
Cape Canaveral Fla. – June 13, 2006 – AJT & Associates, Inc., a scientific and technical services company based in Cape Canaveral, has received the prestigious “Florida Alliance Partner of the Year” award from the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP).
The award was presented at the 5th Annual Alliance Partner Appreciation event held recently in Washington, D.C. Recognition was given to SATOP’s 55 partners nationwide for providing outstanding technical assistance to small businesses during the last year.
AJT, a premier designer of aerospace and aviation facilities, airport traffic control towers and the state-of-the-art Dragonfly water treatment system, has been a SATOP partner for more than five years. The company currently is one of only four platinum partners in the NASA-funded program; a status that requires a pledge of 2,000 hours of engineering support to small businesses over a two-year period.
“AJT gets to give back to the community by helping small businesses succeed,” said Monica I. Teran, company spokeswoman. “Our engineers take great pride in being able to participate in the program.”
Chemical engineer Nidal Samad, research and development director at AJT was recently able to provide essential technical expertise to the designer of an automatic dilution apparatus that uses light to measure the amount of various particles in water. In another project, Samad gave a Virginia-based, kettle popcorn maker invaluable production and packaging information that would extend the shelf life of his product.
As an added benefit the SATOP program gives AJT’s mechanical and electrical engineers the opportunity to work on diverse projects that ultimately broaden their capabilities in the field. “Engineers love to play and this is very interesting work to them. There are many benefits for program participants and alliance partners,” she added.
AJT & Associates, Inc., founded in 1988, provides a full range of technology development and environmental services. Log on to www.ajt.com for more company information.
SATOP is a cooperative program administered by the State of Florida’s Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA). It supplies small businesses with free technical assistance through the use of the U.S. Space Program, aerospace contractors, universities and colleges.
AJT builds new hurricane-resistant air traffic control tower for Grand Bahamas International Airport
Cape Canaveral, Fla. – June 12, 2006 – AJT & Associates Inc., a scientific and technical services company will complete finishing touches this month on the new air traffic control tower that it designed and built for the Grand Bahamas International Airport in Freeport, Bahamas.
The airport, one of the largest privately-owned in the world, lost its original tower when Hurricane Frances pummeled Grand Bahamas Island in 2004.
Reef Cavalier Construction Company joined with the Grand Bahamas Airport Company to award AJT’s Airport Services Division the $1 million-plus construction contract.
“Since the hurricane, air traffic controllers have been operating out of a FAA-approved control mobile trailer,” said Mike Dack, project manager for Reef Cavalier Joint Venture Ltd. “The new tower will bring the airport facilities back up to FAA status.”
The tower, complete with state-of-the-art communications equipment and 16 one-inch thick, hurricane-resistant window panes, were primarily constructed at AJT’s Cape Canaveral headquarters. It was then shipped in two pieces to Freeport on May 31 where the AJT construction crew reassembled the building and is currently completing the roofing, lighting and flooring projects.
The new four-position, 60-foot tower houses a three-position radar control (TRACON), weather position and remote station. At 24-feet wide with 480 feet of floor space, the cab is spacious and designed with the air traffic controller in mind. “The controller’s mission is to ensure safe take off and land of aircraft,” said Peter Deeks, AJT’s senior vice president and director of engineering. Our job is to make sure we design and build a safe, well-equipped, comfortable place for the controller to accomplish that vital mission.”
“The tower’s design quality is excellent, but I didn’t expect anything less from an industry-leader like AJT,” Dack said, “The workmanship and quality, as well as their professionalism, is top notch.”
Founded in 1988, AJT has designed and built air traffic control towers for dozens of regional airports and military installations across the country including the Cheyenne Airport, Garden City Regional Airport, Ormond Beach Municipal Airport, and the NASA Space Shuttle Landing Facility.
AJT has offices in Cape Canaveral, Fla. as well as Huntsville, Ala. The company serves an international customer base including NASA, U.S. Air Force, Northrop-Grumman, SAIC, Jacobs-Sverdrup, Boeing, and other government and commercial organizations.
NASA-Funded Outreach Program Helps Texas Entrepreneur with 'Cool' Dilemma
HVAC Installer Invents Line Guide for Setting Copper Refrigerant Lines
DALLAS, Texas (May 2, 2006) – Thanks to assistance from the NASA-funded Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP), a local HVAC installer has created a safe and efficient means to solve the normally tedious and difficult task of setting copper refrigerant lines when installing A/C systems.
Vess Polk, president of A-Redemption, a product development company, has devised a line guide that would enable one person, instead of the usual two, to install the copper refrigerant line while at the same time reducing the potential for damage to the lines.
SATOP, administered through the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, provides free engineering assistance to small businesses with technical challenges through the expertise of the program’s 50 Alliance Partners, made up of aerospace companies, universities and NASA field centers involved in the U.S. Space Program.
The path to success for Polk’s creation was not an easy one. “I discovered in my 21 years of installing air conditioning systems that it was impossible to position the lines by yourself in tightly constrained attic space. Plus, nails and other impediments would frequently damage the lines” explained Polk.
Polk’s initial idea of a line guide sounded feasible, although early prototypes created friction. “I had resistance when pulling the line set through my invention; obviously, this had to be resolved in order for the guide to work,” said Polk.
Fortunately, Polk learned about SATOP through the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Services Department. After Polk filled out a Request for Technical Assistance (RTA) with SATOP he was matched with John Dillon, a mechanical engineer with Alliance Partner AJT & Associates in Cape Canaveral, Fla.
“Vess Polk’s design had a tendency to compress the insulation against the line, which could affect the insulation integrity and also bend or kink the pipe, thereby impeding the delivery of the coolant,” said Dillon. “I began working on a design that would reduce drag in the line guide with any size of piping and insulation.”
Dillon suggested a two-piece opening in the metal guide that would allow the user to adjust the opening to whatever width is needed and still keep the wall stud structurally firm. “Therefore, if the installer needed to create a wider opening for piping, they could do that by widening the wall stud opening and installing the two piece guide,” he said. Dillon’s adjustment appeared to work without damaging the copper lines and insulation. Polk, who has patented the idea, is now working to generate interest for the line guide among A/C contractors. He also is making presentations to wholesalers and manufactures for licensing agreements. In fact, another SATOP Alliance Partner, Ed Handwerk of MEI Technologies in Houston is assisting in this effort by helping to identify possible manufacturers for the line guide. Handwerk also made recommendations that would expand the market to other types of construction.
“SATOP really helped make my dream a reality,” said Polk. “Without their assistance and technical advice, I would still be stuck in the attic with a good idea in my head.”
“The entire SATOP staff views this product as a real asset to the home building industry,” said David Braun, a project engineer with SATOP Texas. “This device aids in the installation of air conditioning systems by allowing the refrigerant line to be installed without damaging the line as it enters the attic. It should set the standard in the HVAC industry.”
For more information on the Line Guide, contact Vess Polk at 214.282.8777 or e-mail at vesspolkjr@yahoo.com.
About SATOP
The NASA-funded Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP) provides small-businesses with free technical assistance through the expertise of the U.S. Space Program, as well as aerospace contractors, NASA field centers, universities and colleges. These organizations join SATOP as Space Alliance Partners and donate time and expertise to help solve technical challenges for small businesses. Platinum level Space Alliance Partners include AJT & Associates, New Mexico State University, Raytheon, and The Boeing Company. For more information about SATOP, or to request technical assistance, please visit www.SpaceTechSolutions.com.
AJT Grows Engineering & Airport Services by Adding to Seasoned Team
Cape Canaveral, FL. – October 21, 2003 – Alfredo Teran, CEO of AJT & Associates, a science and engineering firm headquartered in Cape Canaveral, Fla. announced an increased focus on the firm’s Engineering and Airport Services group. Teran hired three new employees for the group including air traffic control industry veteran Bobby Jones to serve as director of business development. Jones will lead marketing activities for the rapidly growing airport control tower design/build business segment at AJT.
“Bobby’s distinguished Air Force career coupled with his extensive knowledge of air traffic control protocol give him a unique edge when communicating AJT’s capabilities to airport officials,” says Teran. “The addition of Bobby to our team signals an increased focus on airport control tower design, construction and outfitting as a core aspect of AJT’s business mix.”
By combining the company’s respected engineering professionals with trained military and industry experts, AJT has successfully balanced all sectors of its engineering and airport services business, including regional airport and military control tower designs and installations.
For AJT’s increasing air traffic control tower (ATCT) business segment, Jason Pochily was hired to provide contract support. Pochily brings five years of experience in troubleshooting and installing electronic equipment as a U.S. Marine Corps air traffic control radar technician.
To compliment the burgeoning ATCT team further, veteran installation and designer Alexander Zvondaryov was also hired. Zvondaryov, an expert in the installation and design of electrical and computer systems, has worked on airport sub-systems and components at major airports such as Los Angeles International Airport and Houston International Airport.
“Zvondaryov’s experience in field investigations and production of reports and recommendations for the Federal Aviation Authority will be very helpful to AJT,” says Teran. “I’m looking forward to the company’s growth as a result of hiring such a distinguished list of professionals.”
About AJT & Associates
AJT & Associates, Inc. is an engineering and science services company that has been in operation for over fifteen years. The airport control tower design/build business segment is based at the company’s headquarters in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The group has designed and built air traffic control towers for regional airports and military installations across the country including the Cheyenne Airport, Garden City Regional Airport, Lake City Municipal Airport, Vandenberg Airport and the NASA Space Shuttle Landing Facility. AJT has offices in Cape Canaveral and Orlando, Fla. as well as Huntsville, Ala. AJT currently employs a staff of over 150 serving an international customer base including NASA, U. S. Air Force, Northrop-Grumman, SAIC, Jacobs-Sverdrup, Boeing, and other government and commercial organizations.
NASA Awards AJT $11.2 Million Contract
Huntsville, Ala. – September 22, 2003 - NASA awarded AJT & Associates, Inc., a science and engineering/manufacturing firm based in Cape Canaveral, Florida, the Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health Services Contract (OMEHS). The total contract value is over $11.2 million over a 5-year period. Under this contract AJT will work to protect employee health in the workplace through the operation of the Marshall Space Flight Center’s Medical Center. The role will include managing the clinic, environmental health services and ambulance services.
The AJT team’s mission is to prevent occupational illnesses by anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards. AJT will also monitor employee health by providing physicals, training through monitoring programs and responding to emergencies. Marshall Space Flight Center uses thousands of different chemicals and employs radiation in its mission to support the space program and technological research. As part of AJT’s role in protecting employee health, the company’s personnel will monitor chemicals, radiation, air quality, and noise throughout the facility.
“We are very excited to win the OMEHS contract. AJT has enjoyed the opportunity to work on this contract over the past six years and is very proud of our staff who makes up the OMEHS team. The OMEHS team has a long proven track record at providing Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health Services to NASA at MSFC and was instrumental in our winning this competition. We look forward to the next five years with anticipation of great things to come.”
In addition to the OMEHS contract, AJT also holds the Marshall Space Flight Center Engineering Design Services Contract (EDS)
AJT & Associates, Inc. is an Engineering and Sciences service company that has been in operation for over 15 years. The company is headquartered in Cape Canaveral, Florida, with offices in Orlando, Florida and Huntsville, Alabama. AJT currently employs over 150 and major customers include NASA, U.S. Air Force, Northrop-Grumman, SAIC, Jacobs-Sverdrup, Boeing, and other government and commercial customers.