Method and apparatus for detection of illegal substances in commerce
First Claim
1. A method for detecting a selected substance in bulk cargo, comprising placing bulk cargo in an enclosed environment capable of sustaining a reduced atmospheric pressure;
- reducing the pressure within the enclosed environment to a level that causes vaporization of the selected substance;
collecting a vapor sample released from said cargo under the reduced pressure; and
analyzing the vapor sample for the presence of the selected substance.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides methods and related systems for efficiently detecting substances that are illegally transported in commerce, particularly by common carriers. The methods rely on a vacuum-induced collection of particulates from bulk material used to subvert or deter conventional detection methods. The disclosed methods are particularly adaptable for detecting illegal drugs such as cocaine but are also applicable to explosives and toxic materials. The methods may be employed for inspecting cargo shipments as well as smaller packages such as luggage and airline carry-on items.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for detecting a selected substance in bulk cargo, comprising
placing bulk cargo in an enclosed environment capable of sustaining a reduced atmospheric pressure; -
reducing the pressure within the enclosed environment to a level that causes vaporization of the selected substance;
collecting a vapor sample released from said cargo under the reduced pressure; and
analyzing the vapor sample for the presence of the selected substance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An apparatus comprising:
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a closed housing capable of sustaining a reduced atmospheric pressure;
a vacuum system connected to said housing;
a pressure controller for maintaining a constant selected pressure;
a sampling chamber for sampling vapors in the closed housing under the reduced atmospheric pressure; and
an analysis device connected to the sampling chamber. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification