Non-invasive method and apparatus for detecting the presence of illicit substances
First Claim
1. A system for screening a target for the presence of one or more target substances comprising:
- a. a portable detection unit having;
i. a handle for use by a user to hold the unit and scan the target;
ii. a metal detection module for detecting metal proximate to the portable detection unit; and
iii. at least one chemical detection module having an inlet and an outlet;
b. a support module having a vacuum source and a power source; and
c. a conduit between the support module and the outlet which permits the movement of air from the portable detection unit to the vacuum source and the transmission of power from the power source to the portable detection unit to power the at least one chemical detection module,wherein, when the vacuum source is actuated and the portable detection unit is positioned proximate to the target, a sample of air is drawn from the air proximate to the portable detection unit through the inlet into the chemical detection module for analysis and detection of target substances in the sample of air, andwherein a target substance is detected by the portable detection unit when the metal detection module or the at least one chemical detection module detect the presence of the target substance in the sample of air.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a system for screening the content of the air proximate to a target for the presence of one or more illicit substances by using a chemical detector, a metal detector and a radiation detector all houses within a portable detection unit that may be carried by hand to detect threat substances on a target. The system also comprises a support module that is coupled either wirelessly or though a conduit to the portable detection unit to support the operations of the portable detection unit by proving processing and analysis of the detected results and power. The system also comprises a vacuum source for drawing air proximate to the target into the portable detection unit for vaporization and analysis. The vacuum source may be within the support module and drawing air through a hose in the conduit, or may be within the portable detection unit itself. The system may be used by passing the portable detection unit over or near to a target in a manner similar to airport metal detectors.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A system for screening a target for the presence of one or more target substances comprising:
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a. a portable detection unit having; i. a handle for use by a user to hold the unit and scan the target; ii. a metal detection module for detecting metal proximate to the portable detection unit; and iii. at least one chemical detection module having an inlet and an outlet; b. a support module having a vacuum source and a power source; and c. a conduit between the support module and the outlet which permits the movement of air from the portable detection unit to the vacuum source and the transmission of power from the power source to the portable detection unit to power the at least one chemical detection module, wherein, when the vacuum source is actuated and the portable detection unit is positioned proximate to the target, a sample of air is drawn from the air proximate to the portable detection unit through the inlet into the chemical detection module for analysis and detection of target substances in the sample of air, and wherein a target substance is detected by the portable detection unit when the metal detection module or the at least one chemical detection module detect the presence of the target substance in the sample of air. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification