Aerodynamic shoe sampling system
Inventors
Staymates, Matthew • Lukow, Stefan Robert
Assignees
National Institute of Standards and Technology NIST • US Department of Homeland Security
Publication Number
US-9983102-B2
Publication Date
2018-05-29
Expiration Date
2032-04-05
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Abstract
The apparatus disclosed herein pertains to the detection of trace explosives or narcotics detection. The apparatus comprises the front-end particle dislodge and sample intake portion of a chemical trace detection system utilizing aerodynamic flow as a transport mechanism whereby compounds indicative of explosives or narcotics contamination are liberated from target surfaces of foot or footwear and then transported by air flow to a sample accumulation feature for chemical analysis. The apparatus is intended for inclusion with additional components, such as an efficient pre-concentrator, a thermal desorption unit, and a chemical analyzer/detector to achieve a complete trace detection system.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed pertains to an aerodynamic shoe sampling system designed for the detection of trace explosives or narcotics contamination from footwear surfaces. It includes a front-end particle dislodge and sample intake portion of a chemical trace detection system that uses aerodynamic flow as a transport mechanism to liberate chemical compounds from footwear and transport them by airflow to a sample accumulation feature for chemical analysis.
The problem being addressed is the inefficiency and sample loss in existing systems that detect trace explosives or narcotics on footwear, particularly those systems that use physical methods like brushes or wipe cloths. Prior aerodynamic devices do not ensure efficient transport of dislodged particles to the collector, leading to spillage or escape of particles from the sampling domain and thus ineffective sampling.
This invention minimizes spillage and sample loss by using high-pressure air jets and air knives arranged about the target footwear to create aerodynamic shear forces that effectively dislodge particulate matter. The liberated particles are held aloft within a high-velocity bulk airflow established by a contoured channel and a primary air mover that draws air through the channel at a steady-state flow rate above 400 liters per second, ensuring consistent particle liberation and transport to a sample accumulation feature, where the particles are collected for subsequent chemical analysis.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim with several inventive features related to an apparatus for particle collection from footwear using aerodynamic methods.
Contoured channel for airflow and sample conveyance
The apparatus includes a contoured channel that receives airflow passed over target footwear and conveys the airflow to a sample accumulation feature, maintaining the integrity of the sample.
Pressurized gas delivery vehicles positioned to impact footwear
The apparatus has gas delivery vehicles positioned about a footwear placement location, oriented to generate high-velocity airflow that impacts the footwear to dislodge particulate matter embedded in or on the footwear.
Air moving device maintaining airflow above 400 liters per second
The air moving device draws airflow that has passed the footwear into the contoured channel, maintaining a flow rate at or above 400 liters per second at ambient temperature during sampling to collect entrained particles efficiently while minimizing spillage.
Configurable channel and gas delivery vehicles for atypical footwear
The contoured channel and gas delivery vehicles are configured to permit reorientation to accommodate and sample footwear having atypical dimensions, ensuring adaptiveness.
The independent claim covers an aerodynamic sampling apparatus that integrates a contoured intake channel, gas delivery vehicles delivering high-pressure airflow to liberate particles, and an air moving device to maintain efficient airflow and collection, with configurable elements to handle atypical footwear sizes.
Stated Advantages
Minimizes spillage or washout of sample during collection from targeted surfaces.
Eliminates sample loss associated with physical sampling methods like brushes or wipes.
Enables non-intrusive, high-throughput, non-contact trace explosives screening, improving passenger screening throughput and compliance.
Provides consistent particle release and transport to the sample accumulation feature for effective chemical detection.
Documented Applications
Inspection for trace explosives or narcotics on footwear at government and military installation entry points.
Screening of persons attempting to board commercial aircraft.
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