Capturing air samples for forensic investigation
US7770476B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2001/024
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In one embodiment, air is automatically sampled within a zone of interest in response to an event caused by a mammal. The release of material from the mammal may be induced by directing an increased velocity airflow at the mammal or by introducing a sneezing agent into the zone of interest and capturing the air sample after the mammal has sneezed. Materials contained within the sampled air may include organic material such as skin, hair, saliva, or mucus, and gases such as CO2 and methane. The materials may be forensically analyzed to confirm the presence or to determine the identity of the mammal. The organic materials may contain DNA, in which case the forensic analysis may include a DNA analysis to determine the identity of the mammal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.