Systems and methods for detecting particles
First Claim
1. A method of detecting particles during inspection, said method comprising:
- absorbing particles from an individual in a preconcentrator comprising a filter encased in a frame configured to transfer heat to the filter to facilitate improved evaporation of the particles by conducting the heat from the frame to the filter, the filter having a thickness of less than 2 millimeters;
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.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
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.
35 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of detecting particles during inspection, said method comprising:
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absorbing particles from an individual in a preconcentrator comprising a filter encased in a frame configured to transfer heat to the filter to facilitate improved evaporation of the particles by conducting the heat from the frame to the filter, the filter having a thickness of less than 2 millimeters; 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, 7)
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8. A method of manufacturing a preconcentrator configured to decrease desorption time, the method comprising:
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forming a substantially planar frame having sides that define an opening; positioning a filter over the opening in the substantially planar frame, the filter having a thickness of less than 2 millimeters; and bending each of the sides of the substantially planar frame about a corresponding side of the filter, wherein the frame is configured to transfer heat to the filter to facilitate improved evaporation of particles on the filter by conducting the heat from the frame to the filter. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. A system for detecting particles, said system comprising:
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a chamber comprising a passage; a preconcentrator comprising a filter encased within a thermally conductive frame, said thermally conductive frame configured to facilitate improved evaporation of particles on said filter by conducting heat from said conductive frame to said filter, said filter having a thickness of less than 2 millimeters; a detector; a controller configured to determine whether an individual is positioned within said passage; and a plurality of jets positioned within said chamber and configured such that at least one of said plurality of jets blows air on the individual within said passage to enhance a convection plume including particles from the individual, said filter configured to absorb the particles and said detector configured to determine whether the particles are at least one of an explosive material and a narcotic substance. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus for detecting particles during inspection, said apparatus comprising:
a preconcentrator configured to decrease desorption time, wherein the preconcentrator comprises; a filter having a thickness of less than 2 millimeters; and a thermally conductive frame encasing said filter, said thermally conductive frame configured to facilitate improved evaporation of particles on said filter by conducting heat from said thermally conductive frame to said filter. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
Specification