Explosive detection screening system

A hand held wand for use in a portable detection and screening system for detecting molecular vapor from a target material or particulates containing a target material, said target material including explosives, chemical agents, drugs or narcotics, said wand comprising:

• (a) a portable vacuum head for engaging an individual or article to be searched for said target materials and collecting a sample volume of air therefrom, said vacuum head including:
• (i) an inlet port for admitting said sample volume of air, and;
• (ii) a flexible seal surrounding said inlet port for sealing said port to an article to be searched;
• (b) a detection and screening system for collecting and detecting any molecular vapors of a target material present in said sample volume of air;
• (c) a vacuum means for drawing said sample volume of air from said portable vacuum head to said detection and screening system, and;
• (d) a flexible conduit joining said portable vacuum head and said detection and screening system.

A portable detection and screening system for the detection of target vapors or target particulates associated with a defined class of target materials such as explosives, chemical agents, drugs or narcotics, said system comprising:

• (a) sampling means for gathering a sample volume of air from a specific area on an individual or object that may contain vapor or particulate emissions of said target materials;
• (b) means for concentrating said target vapors or vapors emanating from said target particulates contained in said sample volume of air, said means including means for collecting said target vapors or particulate emissions at a first location;
• (c) means for transporting said collected target vapors or particulate emissions to a second location;
• (d) means for desorbing said target vapor or particulate emissions at said second location;
• and,
• (e) detection means responsive to said target vapors or particulate emissions desorbed at said second location to generate a signal in response to the presence of said target materials in said sample volume.