Gunpowder particle test kit

A gunpowder particle test kit comprising:

• a tubular member formed of a transparent flexible acid resistant plastic material, a heat seal transversely applied against one end of said sleeve to form a closure thereat;
• said tubular member being reversely folded at the other end with the inner surfaces of the sleeve forming an internal test cavity;
• a generally U-shaped retaining clip having a pair of spaced legs compressively engaging said folded upper end to establish a closure thereat;
• a rectangular planar test strip in said cavity, said test strip being formed of a smooth transparent polyester film and having a pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive layer on a rectangular wall;
• an opaque label on an exterior surface of said tubular member opposite said adhesive layer in assembly;
• a removable cover layer engaging said adhesive layer;
• and a crushable ampoule in said cavity carrying a solution of diphenylamine and sulfuric acid effective for developing a distinctive coloration against said opaque label after adhering gunpowder particulates to said adhesive layer.

A gunpowder particle test kit comprising:

• a sleeve formed from clear flexible material having an internal cavity formed by sealed lower end and a reversely folded upper end;
• a retaining clip compressively engaging said folded upper end;
• a test strip in said cavity having a base layer including an adhesive area on a front surface;
• a removable cover layer engaging said adhesive area;
• a label on the exterior surface of said sleeve opposite said test strip;
• and a crushable ampoule in said cavity carrying a solution of diphenylamine and sulfuric acid effective for changing coloration after contacting gunpowder particulates at said adhesive area.

A method of contemporaneous onsite determination of gunpowder particulate at an investigation area, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a flexible container of transparent material having an inner cavity with a open end;
• providing closure means for closing said open end of said container;
• inserting into said cavity a test strip and a crushable reagent ampoule containing a diphenylamine solution providing a distinctive coloration upon contacting gunpowder residue;
• providing said test strip with an adhesive area;
• covering said adhesive area with a removable protective layer;
• determining an investigation area;
• removing said closure means from said container;
• withdrawing said test strip from said cavity;
• removing said protective layer to expose said adhesive area;
• applying said adhesive area to selected areas of said investigation area;
• returning said test strip after said applying to said cavity;
• attaching said retaining means at said open end to seal said cavity;
• crushing said ampoule to release said solution into said cavity and onto said adhesive layer;
• placing an opaque surface behind said adhesive layer;
• and visually determining a presence of a distinctive coloration on said adhesive layer in contrast with said opaque surface indicative of gunpowder residue removed from said investigation area.