Chemical sampling and multi-function detection methods and apparatus
AssigneeExcellims Corporation
InventorChing Wu
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention describes a sample collection method that could release and collect residues of explosives and other chemicals from a surface; the described method is implemented into a compact detection system that can be used as a “wand” for screening chemicals residues on human body. The wand configuration includes multiple functionalities for contrabands detection. The invention further describes a desorption method that can control chemical fragmentation pathway during desorption. The invention describes a combined detection device that detects trace chemicals and metal at the same time.
Claims20
A non-contact interrogating apparatus comprising,
- a) a front sampling region;
- b) more than one pair of facing air jet ports arranged in a linear array;
- the air jet ports form a sheet-like air flow that releases and/or carries some sample from a targeted surface;
- c) at least some sample is collected at a intake port that is located between the sheet-like impinging air flow;
- and
- d) a critical angle of the sheet-like air flow, which determines the standoff distance during sampling, such that the sheet-like air flow reaches the targeted surface before passing the midpoint of the pair of facing air jet ports arranged in a linear array, administering the sheet-like air flow and return air flow such that chemicals vapors and/or particles surrounded by the front sampling region, sheet-like air flows, and the targeted surface are suctioned with a return air flow into the intake port.
A dynamic inspection method, comprising:
- a) moving an interrogating apparatus in a non-contacting sweeping motion whereby one or more sweeps along a targeted surface area are performed for the targeted surface area;
- b) dislodging and collecting particles from the targeted surface area from a standoff distance controlled by the critical angle of the sheet-like air flow, such that the sheet-like air flow reaches the targeted surface before passing the midpoint of the pair of facing air jet ports arranged in a linear array, administering the sheet-like air flow and return air flow such that chemicals vapors and/or particles surrounded by the front sampling region, sheet-like air flows, and the targeted surface are suctioned with a return air flow into the intake port, and
- c) detecting particles with a detector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.