Patent · US Expired

Vapor sampling probe

US4909090A · kind A · utility

56Cited by
2References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 24, 1989
Grant dateMar 20, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 24, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01N2001/022
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable, hand-held vapor sampling probe for collecting vapors of compounds such as cocaine, heroin, and explosives prior to their desorption and analysis in a vapor detector. Rechargable batteries power a lamp in the front face of the probe for heating target portions of a sampling surface, a puffer assembly for directing air jets at the target, and a motor for drawing air samples through a collector coil on whose surfaces vapors are trapped. A flexible U-shaped shroud on the front face partially encloses the lamp and collector and helps to regulate air flow over the target and to protect the probe from damage. Upon contact with a surface, the shroud may activate a switch which, together with a second switch on the probe handle and a lamp pyrometer, regulates heating of the target.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.