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.
Claims20
1-16. (canceled)
A system that collects a trace sample from an object for detection by a detector, said system comprising:
- a housing defining at least one return passage to receive the trace sample and a nozzle configured to direct a jet of fluid onto the object;
- a vapor filter coupled to said housing and coupled in fluid communication with said at least one return passage, said vapor filter configured to absorb vapor from the trace sample;
- a particle filter coupled to said housing and coupled in fluid communication with said at least one return passage, said particle filter configured to collect particles from the trace sample;
- a heater;
- and,
- a controller configured to control said 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, said method comprising:
- directing a jet of fluid onto an object;
- heating the object;
- extracting a trace 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 trace sample with the vapor filter;
- heating the particle filter and the vapor filter to create a vapor sample;
- and,
- transferring the vapor sample to the detector.
A portable concentrator for collecting a trace sample for detection by a detector, said portable concentrator comprising:
- a housing configured to receive the trace sample;
- a particle filter coupled to said housing, said particle filter configured to collect particles from the trace sample;
- a vapor filter coupled to said housing, said vapor filter configured to absorb vapor from the trace sample;
- and,
- electrical contacts connected to said particle filter, said electrical contacts configured to transmit electrical current to said particle filter to heat said particle filter.
A method for collecting a trace sample for detection by a detector, said method comprising:
- collecting a particle on a particle filter;
- collecting a vapor on a vapor filter;
- inserting the particle filter and the vapor filter into a sample delivery system;
- desorbing a vapor sample from the particle filter and the vapor filter;
- and,
- transferring the vapor sample to the detector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.