Systems and methods for residue collection with improved letter handling capability

US7168293B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Engineered Support Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• James J. Strohmeyer · Ballwin, US
• William Blumfelder · Florissant, US
• John Tehan · Chesterfield, US
• Dennis Osterhorn · Chesterfield, US
• Joseph Matteoni · Holden, US
• William J. Nelgner · Holden, US
• Brian Lybarger · Bourbonnais, US
• David Schenken · Chesterfield, US
• James Wagy · Olivette, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 18, 2005
• Grant date: Jan 30, 2007
• Expiry date: Nov 18, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2015/019
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces. The system also utilizes aerosol chambers using at least two arrays of pinch rollers to provide for decreased incremental changes on mail pieces and decrease the likelihood of mail piece damage.