SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING PARTICLES
First Claim
1. A method of detecting particles during inspection, said method comprising:
- establishing a security checkpoint including a detection system, the detection system comprising a chamber defining a passage and including a plurality of jets;
passing an individual through the passage and enhancing a convection plume including particles from the individual by blowing air through at least one of the plurality of jets;
absorbing the particles in a preconcentrator comprising a filter encased in a frame having a high thermal conductivity; and
evaporating the particles absorbed in the preconcentrator; and
using a detector to determine whether the particles are from at least one of an explosive material and a narcotic substance.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of detecting particles during inspection is provided. The method includes establishing a security checkpoint including a detection system, wherein the detection system includes a chamber defining a passage and includes a plurality of jets. The method also includes passing an individual through the passage, enhancing a convection plume including particles from the individual by blowing air through at least one of the plurality of jets, and absorbing the particles in a preconcentrator including a filter encased in a frame having a high thermal conductivity. Moreover, the method includes evaporating the particles absorbed in the preconcentrator and using a detector to determine whether the particles are from at least one of an explosive material and a narcotic substance.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of detecting particles during inspection, said method comprising:
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establishing a security checkpoint including a detection system, the detection system comprising a chamber defining a passage and including a plurality of jets; passing an individual through the passage and enhancing a convection plume including particles from the individual by blowing air through at least one of the plurality of jets; absorbing the particles in a preconcentrator comprising a filter encased in a frame having a high thermal conductivity; and evaporating the particles absorbed in the preconcentrator; and using a detector to determine whether the particles are from at least one of an explosive material and a narcotic substance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of manufacturing a preconcentrator configured to decrease desorption time, the method comprising:
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forming a frame having four sides that define an opening; positioning a filter over the opening in the frame; and bending each of the four sides of the frame about a corresponding side of the filter, wherein the frame has a high thermal conductivity. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A system for detecting particles, said system comprising:
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a chamber, a plurality of jets, a preconcentrator, a detector, and a controller; wherein said chamber includes a passage; wherein said controller is configured to determine whether an individual is positioned within the passage; and wherein said plurality of jets is positioned within said chamber and configured such that at least one of said plurality of jets blows air on an individual within the passage to enhance a convection plume including particles from the individual, wherein the preconcentrator includes a filter encased within a thermally conductive plate, wherein the filter is configured to absorb the particles and wherein the detector is configured to determine whether the particles are at least one of an explosive material and a narcotic substance. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. An apparatus for detecting particles during inspection, said apparatus comprising:
a preconcentrator configured to decrease desorption time, wherein the preconcentrator comprises a filter encased by a thermally conductive frame. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
Specification