Package biochemical hazard and contraband detector

• US 7,032,467 B2
• Filed: 10/28/2002
• Issued: 04/25/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sung Hoon Yoon
• Original Assignee: Sung Hoon Yoon
• Inventors: Yoon, Sung Hoon
• Primary Examiner(s): LARKIN, DANIEL SEAN
• Application Number:
  US10/281,680
• Publication Number:
  US 20030136203A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,275 Days
• Field of Search: 738/643.3, 73/310.3, 738/632.2, 73/232, 73/240.1, 73/240.6, 73/310.7, 738/638.1, 340/540, 340/5.3, 209/143
• US Class Current: 73/863.81
• 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 2015/019 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 or, if necessary, creating one by a small incision. The air is injected into the hidden gaps by either probe or socket device 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 are channeled into detection device, where the particulates are concentrated. Display and warning apparatus receives and records the analysis results from detection device. 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 detecting a specific content in an envelope comprising the steps of:

positioning said envelope proximal to an airflow device;

generating air movement internal to said envelope via at least one of a group consisting of a stream of air, a stream of gas, said airflow device, and one or more supplemental airflow devices;

collecting a sample of air via said airflow device;

transmitting said sample via said airflow device to at least one gathering device; and

analyzing said sample to determine whether said content is present in said sample.

2. A method for detecting a specific content in an envelope comprising the steps of:

positioning said envelope proximal to an airflow device;

collecting a sample of air via said airflow device;

transmitting said sample via said airflow device to at least one gathering device; and

analyzing said sample to determine whether said content is present in said sample;

wherein said collecting includes supplying one of a group consisting of air and gas to said envelope via at least one of a group consisting of a stream of air, a stream of gas, said airflow device, and one or more supplemental airflow devices.

3. A method for detecting a specific content in an envelope comprising the steps of:

altering an external dimension of said envelope;

positioning said envelope proximal to an airflow device;

collecting a sample of air via said airflow device;

transmitting said sample via said airflow device to at least one gathering device; and

analyzing said sample to determine whether said content is present in said sample;

wherein said altering is performed with at least one of a group consisting of a clamp and a clip.

4. A method for detecting a specific content in an envelope comprising the steps of:

pulling at least one wall of said envelope away from an inner point of said envelope;

positioning said envelope proximal to an airflow device;

collecting a sample of air via said airflow device;

transmitting said sample via said airflow device to at least one gathering device; and

analyzing said sample to determine whether said content is present in said sample.

5. A method for detecting a specific content in an envelope comprising the steps of:

positioning said envelope proximal to an airflow device;

inserting a probe coupled to an airflow device through a gap in said envelope;

collecting a sample of air via said airflow device;

transmitting said sample via said airflow device to at least one gathering device; and

analyzing said sample to determine whether said content is present in said sample.

6. A method for detecting a specific content in an envelope comprising the steps of:

positioning said envelope proximal to an airflow device;

analyzing pressurization of said envelope;

collecting a sample of air via said airflow device;

transmitting said sample via said airflow device to at least one gathering device; and

analyzing said sample to determine whether said content is present in said sample.

7. A method for detecting a specific content in an envelope comprising the steps of:

positioning said envelope proximal to an airflow device;

analyzing a physical change in at least one external dimension of said envelope;

collecting a sample of air via said airflow device;

transmitting said sample via said airflow device to at least one gathering device; and

analyzing said sample to determine whether said content is present in said sample.

8. A method for detecting a specific content in an envelope comprising the steps of:

creating an aperture through a surface of said envelope via at least one of a group consisting of a sharp object, a scissor, and a syringe;

inserting a probe coupled to an airflow device through said aperture;

collecting a sample of air through said probe via said airflow device;

transmitting said sample via said airflow device to at least one gathering device; and

analyzing said sample to determine whether said content is present in said sample.