Hand-held trace vapor/particle sampling system
AssigneeMorpho Detection, Inc.
InventorJack A. Syage
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sampling system that contains filter components for collecting and concentrating vapor and particles in high-volume flows. The sample is then vaporized and delivered to a detector at a low-volume flow. The invention also has a sampling probe that contains an air-jet to help dislodge particles from surfaces and a heating lamp to help vaporize compounds on surfaces or objects. The sampling system is especially useful for screening for explosives and other illicit chemicals and toxins on people, baggage, cargo, and other objects.
Claims35
1-9. (canceled)
A probe for collecting a trace sample from an object for detection by a detector, comprising:
- a housing comprising a nozzle configured to emit a jet of fluid and a collection line, wherein at least a portion of said collection line is positioned proximate said nozzle;
- a plurality of valves configured to control flow through said nozzle and said collection line in a predetermined sequence that facilitates dislodgment and collection of the trace sample from the object;
- and
- a controller coupled to said plurality of valves.
(canceled)
(canceled)
A method for collecting a trace sample for detection by a detector, comprising:
- directing a jet of fluid onto an object through at least one nozzle valve;
- collecting the trace sample from the object through a collection line including a plurality of valves;
- and
- controlling a flow of the jet of fluid through the at least one nozzle valve and a flow of fluid through the plurality of collection line valves in a predetermined sequence, thereby facilitating dislodgement and collection of the trace sample from the object.
(canceled)
A system that collects a trace sample for detection by a detector, comprising:
- a housing that has a return passage and a nozzle configured to emit a jet of fluid;
- a vapor filter in fluid communication with said return passage;
- a particle filter in fluid communication with said return passage;
- and,
- a controller configured to control a heater to heat said particle filter to a temperature that also heats said vapor filter.
A method for collecting a trace sample for detection by a detector, comprising:
- directing a jet of fluid onto an object;
- heating the object;
- extracting the trace a sample from the object;
- transferring the trace sample to a concentrator that has a particle filter and a vapor filter;
- collecting at least one particle from the trace sample with the particle filter;
- collecting a vapor from the sample with the vapor filter;
- and,
- heating the particle and vapor filters to create a vapor sample;
- and,
- transferring the vapor sample to the detector.
A portable concentrator for collecting a trace sample detection by a detector, comprising:
- a housing;
- a particle filter coupled to said housing;
- a vapor filter coupled to said housing;
- and,
- electrical contacts connected to said particle filter.
A method for collecting a trace sample for detection by a detector, comprising:
- collecting a particle on a particle filter;
- collecting a vapor on a vapor filter;
- inserting the particle and vapor filters into a sample delivery system;
- desorbing a vapor sample from the particle and vapor filters;
- and,
- delivering the vapor sample to the detector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.