Systems and methods for residue collection with improved letter handling capability

US8033158B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• DRS Sustainment 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: Dec 12, 2007
• Grant date: Oct 11, 2011
• Expiry date: Aug 9, 2030

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.