U.S. patent application number 10/788558 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-06 for explosives tester.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Regents of the University of California. Invention is credited to Joel D. Eckels, Jeffrey S. Haas, Douglas E. Howard, Peter J. Nunes.
Application Number | 20110002822 10/788558 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43412777 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110002822 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haas; Jeffrey S. ; et
al. |
January 6, 2011 |
EXPLOSIVES TESTER
Abstract
An explosives tester that can be used anywhere as a screening
tool by non-technical personnel to determine whether a surface
contains explosives. First and second explosives detecting reagent
holders and dispensers are provided. A heater is provided for
receiving the first and second explosives detecting reagent holders
and dispensers.
Inventors: |
Haas; Jeffrey S.; (San
Ramon, CA) ; Howard; Douglas E.; (Livermore, CA)
; Eckels; Joel D.; (Livermore, CA) ; Nunes; Peter
J.; (Danville, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY, PO BOX 808, L-703
LIVERMORE
CA
94551-0808
US
|
Assignee: |
The Regents of the University of
California
|
Family ID: |
43412777 |
Appl. No.: |
10/788558 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10610904 |
Jun 30, 2003 |
7294306 |
|
|
10788558 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
422/430 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 2001/022 20130101;
G01N 2001/007 20130101; G01N 2001/028 20130101; G01N 33/22
20130101; G01N 31/22 20130101; G01N 1/02 20130101; G01N 33/227
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/430 |
International
Class: |
G01N 31/22 20060101
G01N031/22 |
Goverment Interests
[0002] The United States Government has rights in this invention
pursuant to Contract No. W-7405-ENG-48 between the United States
Department of Energy and the University of California for the
operation of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. A tester for testing for explosives associated with a test
location, comprising: a tester body; a first reagent for detecting
explosives; a first reagent container for receiving said first
reagent means; a second reagent for detecting explosives; a second
reagent container for receiving said second reagent means; a flat
disk sample collection pad for exposure to said test location,
exposure to said first explosives detecting reagent, and exposure
to said second explosives detecting reagent, said flat disk sample
collection pad operatively connected to said tester body, wherein
said first reagent container is operatively connected to said body
and positioned to deliver said first reagent to said flat disk
sample collection pad, wherein said second reagent container is
operatively connected to said body and positioned to deliver said
second reagent to said flat disk sample collection pad; and an
environmental means for receiving said flat disk sample collection
pad, said environmental means being a heater or a dryer operatively
connected to said tester body for heating or drying said flat disk
sample collection pad and testing the test location for the
explosives.
14. The tester of claim 13 wherein said environmental means is a
heater.
15. The tester of claim 13 wherein said environmental means is a
dryer.
16. The tester of claim 13 wherein said environmental means is a
heater and dryer.
17. The tester of claim 13 wherein said environmental means is a
chemical heater.
18. The tester of claim 13 wherein said environmental means is an
electric heater.
19. The tester of claim 18 including a heating pad.
20. The tester of claim 18 including a receiving unit for receiving
said flat disk sample collection pad.
21. The tester of claim 18 including a heating pad and a receiving
unit for receiving said flat disk sample collection pad.
22. The tester of claim 18 including a battery for providing power
to said heater.
23. The tester of claim 18 including a switch for controlling said
heater.
24. The tester of claim 18 including a battery for providing power
to said heater and a switch for controlling said heater.
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/610,904 entitled "Inspection Tester
for Explosives," filed on Jun. 30, 2003 by Jeffrey S. Haas, Randall
L. Simpson, and Joe H. Satcher. The disclosure of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/610,904 entitled "Inspection Tester for
Explosives," filed on Jun. 30, 200 by Jeffrey S. Haas, Randall L.
Simpson, and Joe H. Satcher is incorporated herein in its entirety
by this reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. Field of Endeavor
[0004] The present invention relates to testing and more
particularly to an explosives tester.
[0005] 2. State of Technology
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,166 for an apparatus and method for
rapid detection of explosives residue from the deflagration
signature thereof issued Jun. 10, 1997 to Herbert O. Funsten and
David J. McComas and assigned to The Regents of the University of
California provides the following state of the art information,
"Explosives are a core component of nuclear, biological, chemical
and conventional weapons, as well as of terrorist devices such as
car, luggage, and letter bombs. Current methods for detecting the
presence of explosives include vapor detection, bulk detection, and
tagging. However, these methods have significant difficulties
dependent upon the nature of the signature that is detected. See,
Fetterolf et al., Portable Instrumentation: New Weapons in the War
Against Drugs and Terrorism," Proc. SPIE 2092 (1993) 40, Yinon and
Zitrin, in Modern Methods and Applications in Analysis of
Explosions, (Wiley, New York, 1993) Chap. 6; and references
therein. Vapor detection is achieved using trained animals, gas
chromatography, ion mobility mass spectrometry, and
bioluminescence, as examples. All of these techniques suffer from
the inherently low vapor pressures of most explosives. Bulk
detection of explosives may be performed using x-ray imaging which
cannot detect the explosives themselves, but rather detects
metallic device components. Another method for bulk detection
involves using energetic x-rays to activate nitrogen atoms in the
explosives, thereby generating positrons which are detected. This
technique requires an x-ray generator and a minimum of several
hundred grams of explosives. Bulk detection is also accomplished
using thermal neutron activation which requires a source of
neutrons and a .gamma.-radiation detector. Thus, bulk detection is
not sensitive to trace quantities of explosives and requires large,
expensive instrumentation. Tagging requires that all explosives be
tagged with, for example, an easily detected vapor. However, since
tagging is not mandatory in the United States, this procedure is
clearly not reliable. It turns out that there are no technologies
for performing accurate, real-time (<6 sec) detection and
analysis of trace explosives in situ. Only trained dogs can achieve
this goal.
[0007] It is known that surfaces in contact with explosives (for
example, during storage, handling, or device fabrication) will
readily become contaminated with explosive particulates as a result
of their inherent stickiness. This phenomenon is illustrated in
studies that show large persistence of explosives on hands, even
after several washings (J. D. Twibell et al., "Transfer of
Nitroglycerine to Hands During Contact with Commercial Explosives,"
J. Forensic Science 27 (1982) 783; J. D. Twibell et al., "The
Persistence of Military Explosives on Hands," J. Forensic Science
29 (1984) 284). Furthermore, cross contamination in which a
secondary surface is contaminated by contact with a contaminated
primary surface can also readily occur. For example, a measurable
amount of ammonium nitrate (AN) residue has been found on the lease
documents for a rental truck, and significant amounts of the
explosives PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate) and/or AN have been
found on clothing and inside vehicles of suspects in two
well-publicized bombings. Therefore, explosive residue will likely
persist in large amounts on the explosive packaging and environs,
as well as on the individuals involved in building the explosive
device, which can provide an avenue for detection of the presence
of explosives.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,584 for a method for chemical detection
issued Oct. 2, 1997 to Daryl Sunny Mileaf and Noe Esau Rodriquez,
II provides the following state of the art information, "a method
for detecting a target substance which includes collecting a
substance sample; introducing the substance sample into a substance
card having at least one preselected reagent responsive to the
presence of the target substance and having a light-transmissive
chamber; and inserting the substance card into a substance detector
device having a photosensor and adapted to receive the substance
card. Once the substance detector card has been inserted into the
substance detector, the method continues by mixing the substance
sample with the preselected reagents for a preselected mixing
period, thus producing a measurand having a target substance
reaction."
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,730 for a dry transfer method for the
preparation of explosives test samples issued Oct. 29, 2002 to
Robert T. Chamberlain and assigned to The United States of America
as represented by the Secretary of Transportation provides the
following state of the art information, "method of preparing
samples for testing explosive and drug detectors of the type that
search for particles in air. A liquid containing the substance of
interest is placed on a flexible Teflon.RTM. surface and allowed to
dry, then the Teflon.RTM. surface is rubbed onto an item that is to
be tested for the presence of the substance of interest. The
particles of the substance of interest are transferred to the item
but are readily picked up by an air stream or other sampling device
and carried into the detector."
SUMMARY
[0010] Features and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description. Applicants are providing
this description, which includes drawings and examples of specific
embodiments, to give a broad representation of the invention.
Various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of
the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
this description and by practice of the invention. The scope of the
invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms
disclosed and the invention covers all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the claims.
[0011] The present invention provides an explosives tester system.
The explosives tester system can be used anywhere as a primary
screening tool by non-technical personnel to determine whether a
surface contains explosives. One embodiment of the present
invention comprises an explosives tester system for testing for
explosives associated with a test location. The system comprises a
first explosives detecting reagent; a first reagent holder and
dispenser, the first reagent holder and dispenser containing the
first explosives detecting reagent; a second explosives detecting
reagent, a second reagent holder and dispenser containing the
second explosives detecting reagent; a sample collection unit for
exposure to the test location, exposure to the first explosives
detecting reagent, and exposure to the second explosives detecting
reagent; and a environmental unit for receiving the sample
collection unit and processing the sample collection unit for
testing the test location for the explosives. In another
embodiment, the explosives tester system comprises a body with a
sample collection unit. A first reagent holder and dispenser is
operatively connected to the sample collection unit. The first
reagent holder and dispenser contains a first explosives detecting
reagent (reagent A) and is positioned to deliver the first
explosives detecting reagent to the sample collection unit. A
second reagent holder and dispenser is operatively connected to the
sample collection unit. The second reagent holder and dispenser
contains a second explosives detecting reagent (reagent B) and is
positioned to deliver the second explosives detecting reagent to
the sample collection unit. A environmental unit for processing the
sample collection unit for testing the test location for the
explosives is operatively connected to the sample collection
unit.
[0012] The explosives tester uses a simple and rapid method of
operation. The collection unit is exposed to a suspect substance.
This may be accomplished by the collection unit being swiped across
a surface containing the suspect substance or the collection unit
may be exposed to the suspect substance in other ways such as
adding the suspect substance to the collection unit. The first
reagent (reagent A) is deposited onto the collection unit with the
suspect substance. If the collection unit becomes colored, it's
positive for explosives. If no color appears then the additional
steps are performed. In the next step, a heater is activated. If a
color appears on the collection unit, the test positive for
explosives. If no color appears then the additional step is
performed. In the next step, the second reagent (reagent B) is a
deposited onto the collection unit with the suspect substance. If
the collection unit becomes colored, the test is positive for
explosives. If no color appears then the test is negative for
explosives.
[0013] The invention is susceptible to modifications and
alternative forms. Specific embodiments are shown by way of
example. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to the particular forms disclosed. The invention covers all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate specific
embodiments of the invention and, together with the general
description of the invention given above, and the detailed
description of the specific embodiments, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a one embodiment of an explosives tester
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of an explosives
tester constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of an explosives
tester constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another embodiment of an explosives
tester constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of an explosives
tester constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an explosives
tester constructed in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring now to the drawings and the following detailed
description, detailed information about the invention is provided
including the description of specific embodiments. The detailed
description serves to explain the principles of the invention. The
invention is susceptible to modifications and alternative forms.
The invention is not limited to the particular forms disclosed. The
invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives
falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by
the claims.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1 the drawings, an illustration of one
embodiment of an explosives tester constructed in accordance with
the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment of the
explosives tester is designated generally by the reference numeral
100. The explosives tester 100 comprises a first explosives
detecting reagent 101, a first reagent holder and dispenser 103, a
second explosives detecting reagent 102, a second reagent holder
and dispenser 104, containing said second explosives detecting
reagent, a sample collection unit 110, and a heater 105 for
receiving said sample collection unit 110. The first reagent holder
and dispenser 103 contains and dispenses the first explosives
detecting reagent 101. The second reagent holder and dispenser 104
contains and dispenses the second explosives detecting reagent 102.
The heater 105 is positioned on a battery pack 109 that provides
electrical power for the heater 105. The heater 105 includes a
ceramic heating pad 106 and a receiving unit 107 for receiving the
sample collection unit 110. A button switch 108 controls the
battery pack 109 to turn the power on for a predetermined amount of
time. Other types of heaters can be used for the heater 105, such
as chemical heaters. In another embodiment the heater 105 is a
chemical heater and the battery pack 109 is not included. Chemical
heaters are well known in the art and need not be described
here.
[0023] The structural details of embodiment of an explosives tester
100 for explosives constructed in accordance with the present
invention having been described, the operation of the explosives
tester 100 will now be considered. The explosives tester 100 uses a
simple and rapid procedure summarized by the following four step
operation:
[0024] STEP 1) A sample collection unit 110 is exposed to the
suspect substance. This may be accomplished by the sample
collection unit 110 being swiped across a surface containing the
suspect substance or the sample collection unit 110 may be exposed
to the suspect substance in other ways such as adding the suspect
substance to the sample collection unit 110.
[0025] STEP 2) The first explosives detecting reagent 101 from
first reagent holder and dispenser 103 is deposited onto the sample
collection unit 110 with the suspect substance. If the sample
collection unit 110 becomes colored, it's positive for explosives.
If no color appears then the additional steps are performed.
[0026] STEP 3) The heater 105 is activated. The sample collection
unit 110 is positioned in the receiving unit 107. The button switch
108 is pushed and the heater 105 is activated for a predetermined
amount of time heating the ceramic pad 106 and the sample
collection unit 110. If a color appears on the sample collection
unit 110, it's positive for explosives. If no color appears then
the additional step is performed.
[0027] STEP 4) The second explosives detecting reagent 102 from
second reagent holder and dispenser 104 is deposited onto the
sample collection unit 110 with the suspect substance. If the
sample collection unit 110 becomes colored, it's positive for
explosives. If no color appears then the test is negative for
explosives.
[0028] Optional Additional Step--The heater 105 is activated. The
sample collection unit 110 after is has been exposed to the second
explosives detecting reagent 102 is positioned in the receiving
unit 107. The button switch 108 is pushed and the heater 105 is
activated for a predetermined amount of time heating the ceramic
pad 106 and the sample collection unit 110. If a color appears on
the sample collection unit 110, it's positive for explosives. If no
color appears then the test is negative for explosives.
[0029] The particular embodiment of the explosives tester 100 uses
reagents depending on the type of explosives present, the chemistry
reaction scheme, the types of chemicals, the concentrations, the
quantity, and the heat. A large number of common military and
industrial explosives can be easily detected such as HMX, RDX, NG,
TATB, Tetryl, PETN, TNT, DNT, TNB, DNB and NC. Many more compounds
are being added to this list.
[0030] The explosives tester 100 is fast, sensitive, and is easy to
implement. The explosives tester 100 can be used virtually
anywhere, car portal checkpoints, airports, first responders,
Federal, State, and local agencies. The explosives tester 100 can
be used as a primary screening tool by non technical personnel to
determine whether a surface contains explosives. Explosive
Ordinance Disposal teams cannot simply explode suspect packages for
concerns of disbursing radioactive material, biological agents, or
chemical agents.
[0031] The particular embodiment of an explosives tester 100 will
now be described in greater detail. As shown in FIG. 1 a swab 111
is attached to one end of a pencil sized wand 112 to provide the
sample collection unit 110. The other end of the wand 112 serves as
a handle. The swab 111 can be made of cotton, paper, polymer, or
various other materials that will serve to retain and/or collect a
sample. The wand 112 can be made of plastic, wood, metal, or
various other materials. The swab 111 is attached to the wand by
any suitable means such as glue, heating, crimping or various other
means of attachment to provide the sample collection unit 110.
[0032] The sample collection unit is exposed to the first
explosives detecting reagent 101. The first explosives detecting
reagent 101 contains Meisenheimer complexes. Subsequently the
sample collection unit 110 is exposed to the second explosives
detecting reagent 102. The second explosives detecting reagent 102
provides a Griess reaction. The Meisenheimer complexes and Griess
reaction are well known in the art and need not be described
here.
[0033] The explosives testers 100 can be stored and carried in a
case. The explosives tester for explosives 100 can be used
virtually anywhere, car portal checkpoints, airports, first
responders, Federal, State, and local agencies. A large number of
common military and industrial explosives can be easily detected
such as HMX, RDX, NG, TATB, Tetryl, PETN, TNT, DNT, TNB, DNB and
NC.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2 another embodiment of an explosives
tester for explosives constructed in accordance with the present
invention is illustrated. This further embodiment is designated
generally by the reference numeral 200. The explosives tester 200
comprises a body 201 with a sample collection unit 206 operatively
connected to the body 201. A first explosives detecting reagent 204
(reagent A) is contained in a first reagent holder and dispenser
202 that is operatively connected to the body 201 and the sample
collection unit 206. The first reagent holder and dispenser 202
containing the first explosives detecting reagent 204 is positioned
to deliver the first explosives detecting reagent 204 to the sample
collection unit 206. A second explosives detecting reagent 205
(reagent B) is contained in a second reagent holder and dispenser
203 operatively connected to the body 201 and the sample collection
unit 206. The second reagent holder and dispenser 203 containing
the second explosives detecting reagent 205 is positioned to
deliver the second explosives detecting reagent 203 to the sample
collection unit 206. A heater 207 is operatively connected to the
sample collection unit 206.
[0035] The sample collection unit in the embodiment 200 comprises a
disk shaped cotton pad 206 that is attached to the body 201. The
pad 206 can be made of cotton, paper, polymer, or various other
materials that will serve to retain and/or collect a sample. The
body 201 can be made of polymer, plastic, wood, metal, or various
other materials. The pad 206 is positioned on the heater 207. The
heater 207 is attached to the body 201 by any suitable means such
as thermoset, glue, or various other means of attachment.
[0036] The first reagent holder and dispenser 202 contains the
first explosives detecting reagent 204 (reagent A) and the second
reagent holder and dispenser 203 contains the second explosives
detecting reagent 205 (reagent B). The reagent A contains
Meisenheimer complexes. The reagent B provides a Griess reaction.
The Meisenheimer complexes and Griess reaction are well known in
the art and need not be described here.
[0037] The first reagent holder and dispenser 202 is positioned to
deliver the first explosives detecting reagent (reagent A) 204 to
the pad 206. The second reagent holder and dispenser 203 is
positioned to deliver the second explosives detecting reagent
(reagent B) 205 to the pad 206. The first and second reagent
holders and dispensers 202 and 203 have openings 208 and 209
respectively that allow deliver of the first explosives detecting
reagent (reagent A) 204 and the second explosives detecting reagent
(reagent B) 205 to the pad 206. Instead of simple openings 208 and
209, the first and second reagent holders and dispensers 202 and
203 can have dispensing units such as needle valves. This type of
dispensing vial is well know in the art and is readily availed for
purchase from many suppliers.
[0038] The heater 207 is located beneath the pad 206 and in contact
with the pad 206. The heater 207 is an electrical heater with a
heating element extending in zig zag arrangements and electrical
leads 210 and 211. The electrical leads 210 and 211 can be
connected to an external battery 212 with corresponding lead holes
213 and 214. Other types of heaters can be used for the heater 207,
such as chemical heaters. In another embodiment the heater 207 is a
chemical heater and the electrical leads 210 and 211 and battery
212 are not included. The chemical heater 207 is well known in the
art and need not be described here.
[0039] The structural details of embodiment of an explosives tester
for explosives constructed in accordance with the present invention
having been described the operation of the explosives tester 200
will now be considered. The explosives tester 200 uses a simple and
rapid procedure summarized by the following four step
operation:
[0040] STEP 1) A suspect surface is swiped with the pad 206. This
will cause any explosives residue to be collected and held by the
pad 206.
[0041] STEP 2) The dispensing vial 202 is used for dispensing
reagent A 204 through opening 208 onto pad 206. The regent A 204
contacts any explosives residue that has been collected by pad 206.
If the pad 207 becomes colored, the test is positive for
explosives. If no color appears the test for explosives is negative
to this point.
[0042] STEP 3) The heater 207 is activated. This causes the pad
207, reagent A 204, and any explosives residue to become heated. If
the pad 207 now becomes colored, the test is positive for
explosives. If no color appears the test for explosives is negative
to this point.
[0043] STEP 4) The dispensing vial 203 is used for dispensing
reagent B 205 through opening 209 onto pad 206. The regent B 205
contacts any explosives residue that has been collected by pad 206.
If the pad 207 becomes colored, the test is positive for
explosives. If no color appears the test for explosives is
negative.
[0044] In one use of the explosives tester 200 provides a simple,
chemical, field spot-test by to provide a rapid screen for the
presence of a broad range of explosive residues. The explosives
tester 200 is fast, extremely sensitive, low-cost, very easy to
implement, and provides a very low rate of false positives. The
explosives tester for explosives 200 provides a fast, sensitive,
low-cost, very easy to implement system for testing the suspected
packages. The explosives tester for explosives 200 is inexpensive
and disposable. The explosives tester for explosives 200 has
detection limits between 0.1 to 100 nanograms, depending on the
type of explosives present. A large number of common military and
industrial explosives can be easily detected such as HMX, RDX, NG,
TATB, Tetryl, PETN, TNT, DNT, TNB, DNB and NC. The explosives
tester 200 is small enough that a number of them can fit in a
pocket or brief case.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 3 another embodiment of an explosives
tester for explosives constructed in accordance with the present
invention is illustrated. This further embodiment is designated
generally by the reference numeral 300. The explosives tester 300
comprises a body 301 with a sample collection unit 306 operatively
connected to the body 301. A first explosives detecting reagent 304
(reagent A) is contained in a first reagent holder and dispenser
302 that is operatively connected to the body 301 and the sample
collection unit 306. The first reagent holder and dispenser 302
containing the first explosives detecting reagent 304 is positioned
to deliver the first explosives detecting reagent 304 to the sample
collection unit 306. A second explosives detecting reagent 305
(reagent B) is contained in a second reagent holder and dispenser
303 operatively connected to the body 301 and the sample collection
unit 306. The second reagent holder and dispenser 303 containing
the second explosives detecting reagent 305 is positioned to
deliver the second explosives detecting reagent 303 to the sample
collection unit 306. A heater 307 is operatively connected to the
sample collection unit 306.
[0046] The sample collection unit in the embodiment 300 comprises a
disk shaped cotton pad 306 that is attached to the body 301. The
pad 306 can be made of cotton, paper, polymer, or various other
materials that will serve to retain and/or collect a sample. The
body 301 can be made of polymer, plastic, wood, metal, or various
other materials. The pad 306 is positioned on the heater 307. The
heater 307 is attached to the body 301 by any suitable means such
as thermoset, glue, or various other means of attachment.
[0047] The first reagent holder and dispenser 302 contains the
first explosives detecting reagent 304 (reagent A) and the second
reagent holder and dispenser 303 contains the second explosives
detecting reagent 305 (reagent B). The reagent A contains
Meisenheimer complexes. The reagent B provides a Griess reaction.
The Meisenheimer complexes and Griess reaction are well known in
the art and need not be described here.
[0048] The first reagent holder and dispenser 302 is positioned to
deliver the first explosives detecting reagent (reagent A) 304 to
the pad 306. The second reagent holder and dispenser 303 is
positioned to deliver the second explosives detecting reagent
(reagent B) 305 to the pad 306. The first and second reagent
holders and dispensers 302 and 303 have openings 308 and 309
respectively that allow deliver of the first explosives detecting
reagent (reagent A) 304 and the second explosives detecting reagent
(reagent B) 305 to the pad 306. Instead of simple openings 308 and
309, the first and second reagent holders and dispensers 302 and
303 can have dispensing units such as needle valves. This type of
dispensing vial is well know in the art and is readily available
for purchase from many suppliers.
[0049] The heater 307 is located beneath the pad 306 and in contact
with the pad 306. The heater 307 is a chemical heater. Chemical
heaters, such as heater 307, are well known in the art and need not
be described here.
[0050] The structural details of embodiment of an explosives tester
for explosives constructed in accordance with the present invention
having been described the operation of the explosives tester 300
will now be considered. The explosives tester 300 uses a simple and
rapid procedure summarized by the following four step
operation:
[0051] STEP 1) A suspect surface is swiped with the pad 306. This
will cause any explosives residue to be collected and held by the
pad 306.
[0052] STEP 2) The dispensing vial 302 is used for dispensing
reagent A 304 through opening 308 onto pad 306. The regent A 304
contacts any explosives residue that has been collected by pad 306.
If the pad 307 becomes colored, the test is positive for
explosives. If no color appears the test for explosives is negative
to this point.
[0053] STEP 3) The heater 307 is activated. This causes the pad
307, reagent A 304, and any explosives residue to become heated. If
the pad 307 now becomes colored, the test is positive for
explosives. If no color appears the test for explosives is negative
to this point.
[0054] STEP 4) The dispensing vial 303 is used for dispensing
reagent B 305 through opening 309 onto pad 306. The regent B 305
contacts any explosives residue that has been collected by pad 306.
If the pad 307 becomes colored, the test is positive for
explosives. If no color appears the test for explosives is
negative.
[0055] In one use of the explosives tester 300 provides a simple,
chemical, field spot-test by to provide a rapid screen for the
presence of a broad range of explosive residues. The explosives
tester 300 is fast, extremely sensitive, low-cost, very easy to
implement, and provides a very low rate of false positives. The
explosives tester for explosives 300 provides a fast, sensitive,
low-cost, very easy to implement system for testing the suspected
packages. The explosives tester for explosives 300 is inexpensive
and disposable. The explosives tester for explosives 300 has
detection limits between 0.1 to 100 nanograms, depending on the
type of explosives present. A large number of common military and
industrial explosives can be easily detected such as HMX, RDX, NG,
TATB, Tetryl, PETN, TNT, DNT, TNB, DNB and NC. The explosives
tester 300 is small enough that a number of them can fit in a
pocket or brief case. Referring now to FIG. 4 yet another
embodiment of an inspection tester for explosives constructed in
accordance with the present invention is illustrated. This further
embodiment is designated generally by the reference numeral 400.
The inspection tester 400 comprises a body 401 with a sample pad
406 operatively connected to the body 401. A first explosives
detecting reagent 404 (reagent A) is contained in a first reagent
holder and dispenser 402 that is operatively connected to the body
401 and the sample pad 406. The first reagent holder and dispenser
402 containing the first explosives detecting reagent 404 is
positioned to deliver the first explosives detecting reagent 404 to
the sample pad 406. A second explosives detecting reagent 405
(reagent B) is contained in a second reagent holder and dispenser
403 operatively connected to the body 401 and the sample pad 406.
The second reagent holder and dispenser 403 containing the second
explosives detecting reagent 405 is positioned to deliver the
second explosives detecting reagent 403 to the sample pad 406. A
heater 407 is operatively connected to the sample pad 406.
[0056] The sample pad in the embodiment 400 comprises a disk shaped
cotton pad 406 that is attached to the body 401. The pad 406 can be
made of cotton, paper, polymer, or various other materials that
will serve to retain and/or collect a sample. The body 401 can be
made of polymer, plastic, wood, metal, or various other materials.
The pad 406 is attached to the body 401 by any suitable means such
as thermoset, glue, or various other means of attachment.
[0057] The first reagent holder and dispenser 402 contains the
first explosives detecting reagent 404 (reagent A) and the second
reagent holder and dispenser 403 contains the second explosives
detecting reagent 405 (reagent B). The reagent A contains
Meisenheimer complexes. The reagent B provides a Griess reaction.
The Meisenheimer complexes and Griess reaction are well known in
the art and need not be described here.
[0058] The first reagent holder and dispenser 402 is positioned to
deliver the first explosives detecting reagent (reagent A) 404 to
the pad 406. The second reagent holder and dispenser 403 is
positioned to deliver the second explosives detecting reagent
(reagent B) 405 to the pad 406. The first and second reagent
holders and dispensers 402 and 403 are squeezable vials with
internal valves 408 and 409 respectively that deliver the first
explosives detecting reagent (reagent A) 404 and the second
explosives detecting reagent (reagent B) 405 to the pad 406. This
type of squeezable vial is well know in the art and is readily
availed for purchase from many suppliers.
[0059] The heater 407 is located beneath the pad 406 and in contact
with the pad 406. The heater 407 is an electrical heater with a
heating element extending in zig zag arrangements and electrical
leads 410 and 411. The electrical leads 410 and 411 can be
connected to an external battery 412 with corresponding lead holes
413 and 414. Other types of heaters can be used for the heater 407,
such as chemical heaters.
[0060] The structural details of embodiment of an inspection tester
for explosives constructed in accordance with the present invention
having been described the operation of the inspection tester 400
will now be considered. The inspection tester 400 uses a simple and
rapid procedure summarized by the following four step
operation:
[0061] STEP 1) A suspect surface is swiped with the pad 406. This
will cause any explosives residue to be collected and held by the
pad 406.
[0062] STEP 2) The squeezable vial 402 is pressed dispensing
reagent A 404 through internal valve 408 onto pad 406. The regent A
404 contacts any explosives residue that has been collected by pad
406. If the pad 407 becomes colored, the test is positive for
explosives. If no color appears the test for explosives is negative
to this point.
[0063] STEP 3) The heater 407 is activated. This causes the pad
407, reagent A 404, and any explosives residue to become heated. If
the pad 407 now becomes colored, the test is positive for
explosives. If no color appears the test for explosives is negative
to this point.
[0064] STEP 4) The squeezable vial 403 is pressed dispensing
reagent B 405 through internal valve 409 onto pad 406. The regent B
405 contacts any explosives residue that has been collected by pad
406. If the pad 407 becomes colored, the test is positive for
explosives. If no color appears the test for explosives is
negative.
[0065] In one use of the inspection tester 400 provides a simple,
chemical, field spot-test by to provide a rapid screen for the
presence of a broad range of explosive residues. The inspection
tester 400 is fast, extremely sensitive, low-cost, very easy to
implement, and provides a very low rate of false positives. The
inspection tester for explosives 400 provides a fast, sensitive,
low-cost, very easy to implement system for testing the suspected
packages. The inspection tester for explosives 400 is inexpensive
and disposable. The inspection tester for explosives 400 has
detection limits between 0.1 to 100 nanograms, depending on the
type of explosives present. A large number of common military and
industrial explosives can be easily detected such as HMX, RDX, NG,
TATB, Tetryl, PETN, TNT, DNT, TNB, DNB and NC. The inspection
tester 400 is small enough that a number of them can fit in a
pocket or brief case.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 5 of the drawings, an illustration of
another embodiment of an explosives tester constructed in
accordance with the present invention is illustrated. This
embodiment of the explosives tester is designated generally by the
reference numeral 500. The explosives tester 500 comprises a first
explosives detecting reagent 501, a first reagent holder and
dispenser 503, a second explosives detecting reagent 502, a second
reagent holder and dispenser 504, containing said second explosives
detecting reagent, a sample collection unit 510, and a dryer 505
for receiving said sample collection unit 510. The first reagent
holder and dispenser 503 contains and dispenses the first
explosives detecting reagent 501. The second reagent holder and
dispenser 504 contains and dispenses the second explosives
detecting reagent 502. The dryer 505 is positioned on a battery
pack 509 that provides electrical power for the dryer 505. The
dryer 505 includes a blower 506 and a receiving unit 507 for
receiving the sample collection unit 510. Holes 508 in the
receiving unit 507 provide vents for the air produced by blower
506. Other types of dryers can be used for the dryer 506. Dryers
are well known in the art and need not be described here.
[0067] The structural details of embodiment of an explosives tester
500 for explosives constructed in accordance with the present
invention having been described, the operation of the explosives
tester 500 will now be considered. The explosives tester 500 uses a
simple and rapid procedure summarized by the following four step
operation:
[0068] STEP 1) A sample collection unit 510 is exposed to the
suspect substance. This may be accomplished by the sample
collection unit 510 being swiped across a surface containing the
suspect substance or the sample collection unit 510 may be exposed
to the suspect substance in other ways such as adding the suspect
substance to the sample collection unit 510.
[0069] STEP 2) The first explosives detecting reagent 501 from
first reagent holder and dispenser 503 is deposited onto the sample
collection unit 510 with the suspect substance. If the sample
collection unit 510 becomes colored, it's positive for explosives.
If no color appears then the additional steps are performed.
[0070] STEP 3) The dryer 505 is activated. The sample collection
unit 510 is positioned in the receiving unit 507. The blower 506
blows air across the sample collection unit 510. If a color appears
on the sample collection unit 510, it's positive for explosives. If
no color appears then the additional step is performed.
[0071] STEP 4) The second explosives detecting reagent 502 from
second reagent holder and dispenser 504 is deposited onto the
sample collection unit 510 with the suspect substance. If the
sample collection unit 510 becomes colored, it's positive for
explosives. If no color appears then the test is negative for
explosives.
[0072] Optional Additional Step--The dryer 505 is activated. The
sample collection unit 510 after is has been exposed to the second
explosives detecting reagent 502 is positioned in the receiving
unit 507. The blower 506 blows air across the sample collection
unit 510. If a color appears on the sample collection unit 510,
it's positive for explosives. If no color appears then the test is
negative for explosives.
[0073] The particular embodiment of the explosives tester 500 uses
reagents depending on the type of explosives present, the chemistry
reaction scheme, the types of chemicals, the concentrations, the
quantity, and the heat. A large number of common military and
industrial explosives can be easily detected such as HMX, RDX, NG,
TATB, Tetryl, PETN, TNT, DNT, TNB, DNB and NC. Many more compounds
are being added to this list.
[0074] The explosives tester 500 is fast, sensitive, and is easy to
implement. The explosives tester 500 can be used virtually
anywhere, car portal checkpoints, airports, first responders,
Federal, State, and local agencies. The explosives tester 500 can
be used as a primary screening tool by non technical personnel to
determine whether a surface contains explosives. Explosive
Ordinance Disposal teams cannot simply explode suspect packages for
concerns of disbursing radioactive material, biological agents, or
chemical agents.
[0075] The particular embodiment of an explosives tester 500 will
now be described in greater detail. As shown in FIG. 5 a swab 511
is attached to one end of a pencil sized wand 512 to provide the
sample collection unit 510. The other end of the wand 512 serves as
a handle. The swab 511 can be made of cotton, paper, polymer, or
various other materials that will serve to retain and/or collect a
sample. The wand 512 can be made of plastic, wood, metal, or
various other materials. The swab 511 is attached to the wand by
any suitable means such as glue, heating, crimping or various other
means of attachment to provide the sample collection unit 510.
[0076] The sample collection unit is exposed to the first
explosives detecting reagent 501. The first explosives detecting
reagent 501 contains Meisenheimer complexes. Subsequently the
sample collection unit 510 is exposed to the second explosives
detecting reagent 502. The second explosives detecting reagent 502
provides a Griess reaction. The Meisenheimer complexes and Griess
reaction are well known in the art and need not be described
here.
[0077] The explosives testers 500 can be stored and carried in a
case. The explosives tester for explosives 500 can be used
virtually anywhere, car portal checkpoints, airports, first
responders, Federal, State, and local agencies. A large number of
common military and industrial explosives can be easily detected
such as HMX, RDX, NG, TATB, Tetryl, PETN, TNT, DNT, TNB, DNB and
NC.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 6 of the drawings, an illustration of
yet another embodiment of an explosives tester constructed in
accordance with the present invention is illustrated. This
embodiment of the explosives tester is designated generally by the
reference numeral 600. The explosives tester 600 comprises a first
explosives detecting reagent 601, a first reagent holder and
dispenser 603, a second explosives detecting reagent 602, a second
reagent holder and dispenser 604, containing said second explosives
detecting reagent, a sample collection unit 610, and a dryer 605
for receiving said sample collection unit 610. The first reagent
holder and dispenser 603 contains and dispenses the first
explosives detecting reagent 601. The second reagent holder and
dispenser 604 contains and dispenses the second explosives
detecting reagent 602. The dryer 605 is positioned on a battery
pack 609 that provides electrical power for the dryer 605. The
dryer 605 includes a blower 606, a heating unit 611 and a receiving
unit 607 for receiving the sample collection unit 610. Holes 608 in
the receiving unit 607 provide vents for the heated air produced by
blower 606 and heating unit 611. Other types of dryers can be used
for the dryer 606. Dryers with heaters are well known in the art
and need not be described here.
[0079] The structural details of embodiment of an explosives tester
600 for explosives constructed in accordance with the present
invention having been described, the operation of the explosives
tester 600 will now be considered. The explosives tester 600 uses a
simple and rapid procedure summarized by the following four step
operation:
[0080] STEP 1) A sample collection unit 610 is exposed to the
suspect substance. This may be accomplished by the sample
collection unit 610 being swiped across a surface containing the
suspect substance or the sample collection unit 610 may be exposed
to the suspect substance in other ways such as adding the suspect
substance to the sample collection unit 610.
[0081] STEP 2) The first explosives detecting reagent 601 from
first reagent holder and dispenser 603 is deposited onto the sample
collection unit 610 with the suspect substance. If the sample
collection unit 610 becomes colored, it's positive for explosives.
If no color appears then the additional steps are performed.
[0082] STEP 3) The dryer 605 is activated. The sample collection
unit 610 is positioned in the receiving unit 607. The blower 606
and heating unit 611 blows hot air across the sample collection
unit 610. If a color appears on the sample collection unit 610,
it's positive for explosives. If no color appears then the
additional step is performed.
[0083] STEP 4) The second explosives detecting reagent 602 from
second reagent holder and dispenser 604 is deposited onto the
sample collection unit 610 with the suspect substance. If the
sample collection unit 610 becomes colored, it's positive for
explosives. If no color appears then the test is negative for
explosives.
[0084] Optional Additional Step--The dryer 605 is activated. The
sample collection unit 610 after is has been exposed to the second
explosives detecting reagent 602 is positioned in the receiving
unit 607. The blower 606 and heating unit 611 blows hot air across
the sample collection unit 610. If a color appears on the sample
collection unit 610, it's positive for explosives. If no color
appears then the test is negative for explosives.
[0085] The particular embodiment of the explosives tester 600 uses
reagents depending on the type of explosives present, the chemistry
reaction scheme, the types of chemicals, the concentrations, the
quantity, and the heat. A large number of common military and
industrial explosives can be easily detected such as HMX, RDX, NG,
TATB, Tetryl, PETN, TNT, DNT, TNB, DNB and NC. Many more compounds
are being added to this list.
[0086] The explosives tester 600 is fast, sensitive, and is easy to
implement. The explosives tester 600 can be used virtually
anywhere, car portal checkpoints, airports, first responders,
Federal, State, and local agencies. The explosives tester 600 can
be used as a primary screening tool by non technical personnel to
determine whether a surface contains explosives. Explosive
Ordinance Disposal teams cannot simply explode suspect packages for
concerns of disbursing radioactive material, biological agents, or
chemical agents.
[0087] The particular embodiment of an explosives tester 600 will
now be described in greater detail. As shown in FIG. 6 a swab 611
is attached to one end of a pencil sized wand 612 to provide the
sample collection unit 610. The other end of the wand 612 serves as
a handle. The swab 611 can be made of cotton, paper, polymer, or
various other materials that will serve to retain and/or collect a
sample. The wand 612 can be made of plastic, wood, metal, or
various other materials. The swab 611 is attached to the wand by
any suitable means such as glue, heating, crimping or various other
means of attachment to provide the sample collection unit 610.
[0088] The sample collection unit is exposed to the first
explosives detecting reagent 601. The first explosives detecting
reagent 601 contains Meisenheimer complexes. Subsequently the
sample collection unit 610 is exposed to the second explosives
detecting reagent 602. The second explosives detecting reagent 602
provides a Griess reaction. The Meisenheimer complexes and Griess
reaction are well known in the art and need not be described
here.
[0089] The explosives testers 600 can be stored and carried in a
case. The explosives tester for explosives 600 can be used
virtually anywhere, car portal checkpoints, airports, first
responders, Federal, State, and local agencies. A large number of
common military and industrial explosives can be easily detected
such as HMX, RDX, NG, TATB, Tetryl, PETN, TNT, DNT, TNB, DNB and
NC.
[0090] While the invention may be susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been
shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in
detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention
is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed.
Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the following appended claims.
* * * * *