Pressure activated sampling system
US6895801B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 24, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/173845
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Screening of items for the presence of contaminants, such as explosives residue, is accomplished by subjecting an item loaded into a pressure chamber to a pressure substantially in excess of atmospheric pressure conditions and rapidly decompressing the item to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The rapid decompression serves to scavenge vapors and particles from the exterior and interior of the item and any objects it contains. A sample of the vapors and particles removed from the item by the rapid decompression is sampled and is tested to determine whether a predetermined contaminant is present in the sample. Depending on the types of contaminants for which the sample is tested, it is possible to detect whether explosives, biological or chemical agents, and/or narcotics residues are present on or in the item being screened.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.