Portal trace detection systems for detection of imbedded particles
First Claim
1. A method for enhancing detection of particles of interest in a portal detection system, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a portal having a plurality of sidewalls and a passage between the sidewalls, a ceiling connecting the sidewalls and disposed above the passage and a particle detection apparatus having an inlet in the ceiling and communicating with the passage for receiving air flowing adjacent to a human suspect in the passage; and
directing a plurality of short puffs of air into the passage with sufficient velocity for dislodging particles of interest trapped in clothing of the human suspect in the passage.
11 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A portal trace detection apparatus is provided for detecting minute particles of interest, such as traces of narcotics, explosives and other contraband. The apparatus includes a portal through which a human suspect will pass. A detection apparatus is disposed at least partly in the ceiling of the portal, and hence above the human subject in the portal. Particles of interest will be entrained in the human thermal plume that exists in the boundary layer of air adjacent the suspect, and will flow upwardly from the suspect to the detection apparatus in the ceiling of the portal. The portal includes a plurality of vertically aligned arrays of air jets. The air jets are fired sequentially from bottom to top to produce short bursts of air sufficient to disturb the clothing of the suspect and to dislodge particles of interest from the clothing. The dislodged particles of interest are entrained in the air in the human thermal plume and are transported upwardly to the detector.
50 Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method for enhancing detection of particles of interest in a portal detection system, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing a portal having a plurality of sidewalls and a passage between the sidewalls, a ceiling connecting the sidewalls and disposed above the passage and a particle detection apparatus having an inlet in the ceiling and communicating with the passage for receiving air flowing adjacent to a human suspect in the passage; and
directing a plurality of short puffs of air into the passage with sufficient velocity for dislodging particles of interest trapped in clothing of the human suspect in the passage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification