Method and apparatus for rapid detection of contraband and toxic materials by trace vapor detection using ion mobility spectrometry

A method for determining the presence of vapors a selected substance within closed baggage and the like, comprising the steps of

• a) placing the baggage item within a sealed sampling chamber;
• b) extracting at least a portion of the gaseous contents of the baggage to the exterior of the baggage, whereby such contents is mixed with the atmosphere within said chamber;
• c) collecting the molecules of the desired substance from said mixture to create a sample, wherein the concentration of said molecules is substantially above the initial vapor concentration thereof;
• and
• d) analyzing said sample to determine the presence of said selected molecule.

Apparatus for the analysis of baggage and the like for the presence of predetermined vapors, comprising

• a baggage-analysis module comprising a first baggage-acceptance compartment and a second compartment, said first and second compartments being joined by a flexible, piston-forming wall;
• means for loading baggage into said first compartment for analysis and subsequently removing it therefrom;
• means for transferring at least a portion of the air from said first compartment to a vapor collector chamber;
• a vapor collector array located with said vapor collector chamber for collecting molecules of the predetermined vapors;
• means for removing the molecules of the predetermined vapors from said collector and transferring same to a vapor sensor;
• a vapor sensor for the analysis of said molecules;
• and
• means for varying the pressure within said second compartment whereby said piston-forming wall is driven to cause pressure variation within said first compartment to extract vapors from the interior of baggage placed therein and combine said vapors with the air of said first compartment.