Package biochemical hazard and contraband detector

• US 20030136203A1
• Filed: 10/28/2002
• Published: 07/24/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sung Hoon Yoon
• Original Assignee: Sung Hoon Yoon
• Inventors: Yoon, Sung Hoon
• Granted Patent: US 7,032,467 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/864.33
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/00 Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for contact lenses A61L12/00; atomisers for disinfecting agents A61M; sterilisation of packages or package contents in association with packaging B65B55/00; treatment of water, waste water, sewage or sludge C02F; disinfecting paper D21H21/36; disinfecting devices for water closets E03D; articles having provision for disinfection, see the relevant subclasses for these articles, e.g. H04R1/12
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/2202 involving separation of sample components during sampling
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/065 using condensation nuclei counters
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/005 Packages for mailing or similar transport of samples
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/022 sampling for security purposes, e.g. contraband, warfare agents
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/025 postal items
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/2223 aerosol sampling devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2015/0088 Biological contaminants; Fouling
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2015/019 Biological contaminants; Fouling

Abstract

This apparatus and method allows collection concentrated sample of content in shipping packages without unsealing the package by forcing airflow via existing hidden gaps (101) or, if necessary, creating one by a small incision.

The air is injected into the hidden gaps by either probe (114) or socket device (138) to disturb and agitate contents inside the package, causing the contents to loosen and blend particulates on the surface into the air stream. Airborne particles (135) are channeled into detection device (134), where the particulates are concentrated. Display and warning apparatus (137) receives and records the analysis results from detection device (134). If the analysis finds that predetermined selection and sensitivity criteria for target hazard or contraband is met, then the warning apparatus initiates appropriate alert protocols.

Claims

1. A method for sampling contents in a semi-sealed package for analysis comprising steps of:

a. locating a gap or a plurality of gaps between packaging material on said package where one edge joins another edge of said material to form an incomplete seal, and

b. providing means to establish substantial airflow inside said package utilizing said gap, and

c. creating airborne sample particles of the contents inside said package by agitating said contents'"'"' surface employing said airflow, and

d. checking for sufficient said airflow occurred inside said package, and

e. collecting said sample particle via said gap, and

f. concentrating and analyzing said sample, and

whereby cueing or triggering alert to initiate counter measures, if predetermined selectivity and sensitivity of an analytic device is triggered by said concentrated sample.

2. The method of claim 1, further including means to create said gap or opening by using a sharp edged instrument, if said gap is not accessible.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said airflow is caused by any one or more of following, injecting airflow by a probe inserted into the gap, injecting airflow by a socket device fitted on the package, compressing already existing air pocket inside said package by compressors, and pulling away walls from each other of said package to draw said airflow in by temporarily grasping the walls.

4. The method of claim 1, further including, after step c, step of disturbing said package by any one or more of rotating, shaking, and vibrating to agitate the contents inside said package.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the checking for sufficient said airflow by any one or more of following, changing dimensions of said package, changing airflow measurement around said package, and increasing force pulling away said package from said airflow source beyond predetermined level.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said sample collection and concentration by circulating or vacuuming said air with airborne particulates from said probe tip and an opening inside said container to analytic medium.

7. A biochemical hazard package detector apparatus comprising:

a. an airtight container having a first end and a second end;

b. an airtight container opening operatively attached to said first end of said

c. airtight container, said opening timely opens to receive a package and closes air tightly thereafter;

d. a clamper or a plurality damper device resided in said airtight container for holding said package upon receiving;

e. an air circulator resided in said airtight container to disturb interior of said package held by said damper by air;

f. an air collector connected to said airtight container to take air particles out from said package; and

g. a biochemical detector connected to said air collector to analyze said air particles.

8. A detector of claim 7 wherein said container is a box.

9. A detector of claim 7 wherein said opening is a door.

10. A detector of claim 7 wherein the damper device is any one or more of clamp, clip, adhesive, suction, tongs, forceps, pincers, nippers, pliers, and vice.

11. A detector of claim 7 wherein said air circulator contains any one or more of probe of various shape, fan, pump, vacuum, motors, gears, and sensors to guide said device and circulate air.

12. A detector of claim 7, further including means for agitation of said package contents by rotating, shaking, and vibrating.

13. A detector of claim 7, further including sensor or meter devices to detect external change in dimension and the airflow rate of said package after said air circulator operation.

14. A detector of claim 7, further including compressors to press out air trapped inside said package resided in said airtight box.

15. A detector of claim 7 wherein said detector further includes any one or more of said sample concentrating medium, target selection sensing device, and predetermined sensitivity device to said sample characteristics.

16. A detector of claim 7, further including apparatus to send alerts and record said detector output.

17. A detector of claim 7 wherein probing air is mixed with toxic gases to neutralize said biochemical hazard.

18. A detector of claim 7 wherein a portion or portions of said airtight apparatus is removable to be sent for further testing and clean up.

19. A method for utilizing gaps in a sealed shipping package comprising steps of:

a. locating a gap or a plurality of gaps between of packaging material on said package section where one edge joins another edge of said material to form an incomplete seal, and

b. providing means to establish substantial airflow inside said package utilizing said gap, and

c. creating airborne sample particles of the contents inside said package by agitating said contents'"'"' surface employing said airflow via said gap, and

d. collecting said sample particle via said gap, and

whereby channeling said sample particulates into appropriate analytic technology.