Method and apparatus for detecting low volatility atmospheric vapors
US5027643A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2030/626
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method is provided for detecting terrorist bombs. The apparatus is operative to detect small amounts of low volatility atmospheric vapors which are emitted into the surrounding air from the bomb. The apparatus includes a heated inlet nozzle which delivers the air to a silicone membrane. A pair of identical capillaries are disposed downstream from the membrane, with one capillary being polarized, and the other being non-polarized. The heating of the inlet nozzle is periodically increased rapidly to cause extremely low volatility explosive vapors to evaporate and diffuse through the membrane. Detectors disposed downstream from the capillaries detect the presence of the vapors impinging thereon. Differences in the signals generated by the two detectors is indicative of the presence of an explosive. A microprocessor is provided to recalibrate the detectors after each heating cycle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.