WO2007007212A1 - Systeme d'exploration de contaminants - Google Patents

Systeme d'exploration de contaminants Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007007212A1
WO2007007212A1 PCT/IB2006/050588 IB2006050588W WO2007007212A1 WO 2007007212 A1 WO2007007212 A1 WO 2007007212A1 IB 2006050588 W IB2006050588 W IB 2006050588W WO 2007007212 A1 WO2007007212 A1 WO 2007007212A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
collection system
item
mantle
inspected
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2006/050588
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Fredy Ornath
Original Assignee
Traceguard Technologies Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/542,426 external-priority patent/US7487689B2/en
Application filed by Traceguard Technologies Inc. filed Critical Traceguard Technologies Inc.
Publication of WO2007007212A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007007212A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N1/22—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N2001/022—Devices for withdrawing samples sampling for security purposes, e.g. contraband, warfare agents
    • G01N2001/024—Devices for withdrawing samples sampling for security purposes, e.g. contraband, warfare agents passengers or luggage

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to systems for identifying the presence of chemical materials and in particular to screening systems.
  • One method for scanning luggage for illegal materials is collecting vapors and small particles (referred to collectively herein as vapors) from the luggage and passing the vapors to a detection system (also known as a trace analyzer) which determines whether the vapors include traces of specific materials.
  • a detection system also known as a trace analyzer
  • One type of collection apparatus includes hand held machines, such as described in U.S. patent 4,909,090 to McGown et al., U.S. patent 5,092,220 to Rounbehler, and U.S. patent 5,123,274 to Carroll et al., the disclosures of which documents are incorporated herein by reference. These machines are directed by a human holding the machine to suck air from the surface of inspected luggage. The machines may heat the surface of the luggage and/or direct jets of air at the luggage in order to aid in dislodging vapors from the luggage. These types of hand held collection apparatus suffer from the high cost of operators who need to pass the machine over the luggage and from low accuracy due to collection of only a small portion of the air surrounding the luggage.
  • some systems suggest the use of a swab or brush to remove samples from the luggage. Particles collected by the swab or brush are then provided to the detection system.
  • Other collection systems include chambers into which the luggage is inserted, such as described in U.S. patents 5,942,699 and 6,324,927 to Ornath et al., 4,580,440 to Reid et al., 5,162,652 to Cohen et al., 3,942,357 to Jenkins et al., 3,998,101 to Bradshaw et al., the disclosures of which documents are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the luggage is preferably sealed in the chamber and various methods are used to dislodge vapors from the luggage.
  • the air in the chamber is then passed to an inspection system.
  • the volume of air in these chambers is generally too large such that some contaminants having low dilution rates are not detected.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a vapor collection system with an agitation table which vibrates an inspected item horizontally, or with a horizontal component of motion, at least during part of the time that the agitation table is vibrating the item.
  • the agitation table also vibrates the item vertically, or with a vertical component of motion, at least part of the time.
  • the direction of vibration varies in time, regularly, or at least to some degree randomly.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a vapor collection system including an inspection chamber having an adjustable size. Inspected items are placed in the chamber and before causing the release of vapors from the inspected items, the size of the chamber is adjusted to minimize the volume of the chamber.
  • At least some of the walls of the chamber are formed of a flexible mantle, for example of plastic.
  • a pressure difference is optionally formed between the inside and outside of the chamber, such that the flexible mantle conforms to the shape of the inspected items.
  • the pressure difference is optionally substantially constant and relatively small.
  • the pressure difference is applied by sustaining a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure in the chamber.
  • an external chamber, at a higher pressure, enclosing the inspection chamber is used.
  • the walls of the chamber are closely spaced from the inspected items but not touching the items, over at least a portion of the surface of the inspected items. The spacing of the walls from the inspected items prevents the walls from interfering with collecting the vapors.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to an automatic position adjustment system, which is used to automatically adjust the position of one or more units of the system which interacts with the inspected items.
  • the one or more units which interact with the inspected items optionally include one or more of suction nozzles, air blowing nozzles, heaters and radiation sources.
  • the one or more units whose positions are adjusted are mounted on walls of a chamber in which the inspected items are inserted and their position is adjusted by changing the positions of the walls of the chamber, for example to conform to the outer contours of the inspected items.
  • one or more of the units is mounted on a carrier separate from the walls of the chamber.
  • the units whose positions are adjusted are located in a hermetically sealed chamber. The adjustment of the positions of the units is optionally performed although the chamber is sealed, in order to limit the amount of air or other gas in the chamber that needs to be processed by the trace analyzer.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a vapor collection system, including an inspection chamber and an external chamber at least partially surrounding the inspection chamber.
  • the external chamber optionally has a controlled and variable gas pressure, such that the relative gas pressure between the inspection chamber and the external chamber is controllable, for example kept constant.
  • the pressure within the inspection chamber is varied, while the relative pressure between the inspection chamber and the external chamber is substantially constant.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a method of collecting vapor samples, in which a collection unit is placed in an inspected item without a human holding the collection unit.
  • the inspected item is closed with the collection unit inside the inspected item.
  • the collection unit applies one or more vapor release inducement measures, such as mechanical agitation, air jets and/or radiation.
  • the collection unit is flexible and is inflated and/or deflated in order to induce agitations in the inspected item.
  • the mechanical agitations include direct vibrations applied at a predetermined frequency, for example by an agitation table on which the inspected elements are placed.
  • the agitations include vibrations at a plurality of different frequencies or agitations of random nature not being at any specific frequency.
  • Such random agitations may be applied to an agitation table by a pneumatic device, such as a piston, controlled by a computer that uses a random number generator to determine the random agitations.
  • any other push and/or pull device may be used to apply the agitations.
  • the agitations may be applied by a hammer which at irregular times pushes the agitation table.
  • the collection unit is included entirely in the inspected item and is not connected to external apparatus, through tubes, wires or a wireless link.
  • the collection unit is connected to wirelessly to an external apparatus.
  • the collection unit is connected through wires or tubes to an external collection unit.
  • the collection unit optionally does not include a trace analyzer or collection chamber, but rather passes collected vapors to a collection chamber external to the inspected item.
  • the collection unit placed in the inspected item is used in conjunction with a vapor collection system which collects vapors from the outer surface of the inspected item.
  • the collection unit placed in the inspected item is used in conjunction with a vapor release inducement system, which applies vapor release enhancement measures to the inspected item, from outside of the inspected item.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a method of collecting vapors in which cooperation is achieved between apparatus within inspected items and apparatus outside of the inspected items.
  • vapor release measures are applied from at least one of an internal and external vapor unit and gas samples are collected by the other of the internal and external vapor units.
  • Cooperation of an internal and an external unit generally provide more efficient collection of vapors from the inspected item.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a method of collecting vapor samples, in which a vapor release inducement unit, which does not collect vapors, is placed in an inspected item and induces vapor release while vapors are collected from the inspected item by a separate collection unit.
  • the separate collection unit is located outside of the inspected item.
  • a separate collection unit is inserted into the inspected item adjacent the vapor release unit or remote therefrom.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a vapor release inducement unit which vibrates within an inspected item.
  • the vapor release inducement unit may optionally also collect vapors from the inspected item.
  • the vapor release inducement unit comprises a flexible casing which is inflated and/or deflated to induce vapor release.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to inducing vapor collection from an item by blowing a gas (e.g., air) jet having a substantial vector portion which is tangential to the inspected items.
  • a gas e.g., air
  • the gas jet hits the inspected item with an angle of less than 60° or even 30° to the surface of the inspected item.
  • the gas jet is substantially parallel to a surface of the inspected item, in the proximity of the inspected item. Directing the air jets tangentially to the surface generally achieves a shear gradient and hence causes contaminant release. Directing the air jets with an angle at the inspected item also increases the surface area affected by the air jets.
  • the gas jet is ejected from the pipe at an angle relative to a normal to the wall of the chamber, at the point at which the pipe enters the chamber.
  • the pipe ends flush with the inner wall of the chamber and does not protrude into the chamber.
  • the point at which the pipe enters the chamber is the point at which the pipe ends.
  • the pipe may enter the chamber in the middle of a substantially flat wall, in which case the normal to the wall is at 90° to the entire surrounding wall. In other cases, the wall may be curved, in which case the normal is at 90° to a surface tangent to the wall.
  • the pipe may enter the chamber at a corner connecting two walls which are perpendicular to each other.
  • the normal is at 45° to each of the walls and at 90° to a surface at equal distance from both walls, that passes through the corner.
  • the gas jets enter the chamber at an angle, such that the jet is not at an equal distance from the wall surrounding the point of entrance.
  • the pipe leading the gas of the jet defines a substantial bend in the path of the gas to be injected as the jet, within the chamber.
  • the bend has an angle of at least 30° or even 60°.
  • the bend is of 90°, for example from a direction perpendicular to the inspected item to a direction substantially parallel the inspected item.
  • the pipe has a Y-shape or a T-shape at its distal end.
  • the pipe within the chamber has a three-dimensional shape having a two-dimensional projection having a T-shape or Y-shape.
  • the distal end of the pipe is positioned close to an inspected item such that the jets of air are directed along a surface of the inspected item rather than being directed at the item.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to inducing shock waves into an inspection chamber.
  • the shock waves are optionally induced by generating supersonic jets of gas (e.g., air).
  • gas e.g., air
  • the air in the pipes used to provide the air jets is at a pressure higher than the air pressure within the chamber, such that when the air enters the chamber it expands and generates supersonic shock waves.
  • the outlets of the pipes are flared, such that their outlet diameter is greater than their input diameter.
  • the flaring is optionally of an amount sufficient to generate Shockwaves with the jet velocities and/or pressures of the jets introduced to the chamber.
  • flared pipe outlets are used also without supersonic jets in order to increase the area covered by the jets.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an agitation table of a vapor collection system which moves with irregular movements.
  • the irregular movements comprise random movements determined randomly for each inspection session, such that different sessions involve different sequences of irregular movements.
  • the irregular movements comprise pseudo-random movements of a predetermined sequence repeated in each inspection session.
  • Such irregular agitation movements affect the inspected items as if they were vibrated at a plurality of different low frequencies.
  • the advantage of using a plurality of different frequencies is achieved within a short inspection session.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to vibrating items in a vapor collection system at a plurality of different frequencies, in order to determine one or more frequencies most suitable for inspecting the items.
  • the determined frequency is optionally used thereafter for the remaining portion of the inspection session of the item.
  • the suitable frequencies are resonant frequencies of the inspected item and/or of objects within the inspected item. Using the resonance frequencies ensures that smaller input energies result in more effective agitation.
  • a gage that measures acceleration of the inspected item is placed within the inspected chamber. The readings from the gage are used to determine a vibration frequency at which the acceleration is maximal. Such maximal acceleration is used as an indication of a resonance frequency to be used in the remaining portion of the inspection session.
  • An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a vapor inspection system in which at least one parameter of its vapor release inducement is controlled by feedback from at least one sensor of the system.
  • the feedback is not directly related to the controlled parameter.
  • the at least one sensor includes a pressure or flow sensor which provides indication on the actual application of the release inducement means.
  • the at least one sensor provides an indication of a property of the inspected item, such as the resonance frequency of the inspected item.
  • the sensor comprises a vibration sensor which indicates when the inspected item has maximal vibrations.
  • the sensor provides an indication on the amount of particles released from the inspected items.
  • the feedback is provided on particles not being searched for, such as dust or another particle generally included in inspected items or a test agent induced for test purposes by the inspection system, for example with air jets entering the inspection chamber. This allows for optimal testing, without the inspected item necessarily including the target material, and/or when only very small amounts of the target material are released under non-optimal conditions.
  • the at least one parameter controlled responsive to the feedback optionally includes a parameter of applied air jets, such as their angle relative to the inspected items, their pulse rate, and/or their velocity.
  • the controlled parameter includes a parameter of mechanical agitation, such as a vibration rate of a table carrying the inspected items.
  • a vapor collection system comprising one or more walls that define a chamber for receiving inspected items, at least one pipe adapted to eject a gas jet within the chamber, the gas jet being provided at an angle relative to a normal to the wall of the chamber, at the point at which the pipe enters the chamber, at least one tube adapted to remove gas samples from the chamber and an analysis unit adapted to determine whether the gas samples include one or more particulates.
  • the angle relative to the normal is at least 30° or at least 90°.
  • the at least one pipe is placed such that gas passes into the chamber substantially perpendicular to a wall of the chamber, through which the pipe passes into the chamber.
  • the at least one pipe is placed such that gas is ejected from the pipe within the chamber substantially parallel to a wall of the chamber, through which the pipe passes into the chamber.
  • the at least one pipe has at least one flared outlet and/or is adapted to eject a super-sonic jet.
  • the at least one pipe has a plurality of outlets evenly dispersed around its circumference.
  • the at least one pipe has a plurality of outlets unevenly dispersed around its circumference.
  • the at least one pipe has an outlet of substantially 360° around its circumference.
  • the at least one pipe is adapted to touch an inspected item within the chamber during an inspection session.
  • the chamber is adapted to receive the inspected item at a location, such that the at least one pipe is adapted to eject gas jets substantially parallel to a surface of the inspected item.
  • the chamber is adapted to receive the inspected item at a location, such that the at least one pipe extends perpendicular to the item along most of its extent within the chamber.
  • the one or more walls comprise one or more mantles.
  • the one or more walls are adapted to be moved, such that the volume of the chamber is determined responsive to the size of the inspected item.
  • the at least one pipe has a bend of at least 30° within the chamber, for example, a bend of substantially 90°.
  • a method of collecting vapors from an inspected item comprising placing an item for inspection within a chamber, blowing a gas jet from a pipe within the chamber, at an angle relative to a normal to a wall of the chamber, at a point at which the pipe enters the chamber, removing gas samples from the vicinity of the item and analyzing the removed gas samples for traces of one or more particulates.
  • placing the item in the chamber comprises placing in a chamber defined by a flexible mantle.
  • a method of collecting vapors from an inspected item comprising providing an item for inspection, positioning a gas pipe next to the provided item, blowing gas jets from the pipe along a surface of the inspected item tangential to the surface of the item, the gas jets exiting the pipe in a direction tangential to the surface of the item, removing gas samples from the vicinity of the item and analyzing the removed gas samples for traces of one or more particulates.
  • positioning the pipe next to the provided item comprises positioning the pipe at a corner of the item.
  • positioning the pipe next to the provided item comprises positioning a pipe having a bent head.
  • positioning the pipe next to the provided item comprises positioning a portion of the pipe connected to the bent head perpendicular to the item.
  • a vapor collection system comprising at least one pipe adapted to provide gas jets toward an inspected item, a gas jet source adapted to generate a gas flow which is ejected by the at least one pipe as a supersonic jet, at least one tube adapted to remove gas samples from a vicinity of the inspected item, and an analysis unit adapted to determine whether the gas samples include one or more particulates.
  • the at least one pipe has at least one flared outlet or even at least four flared outlets.
  • a vapor collection system comprising a chamber for receiving inspected items, an agitation table adapted to agitate the inspected items, a controller adapted to move the agitation table with at least one of irregular movements and a plurality of different frequencies, at least one tube adapted to remove gas samples from the chamber and an analysis unit adapted to determine whether the gas samples include one or more particulates.
  • the controller is adapted to move the agitation table with irregular movements.
  • the controller is adapted to move the agitation table with random movements.
  • the controller is adapted to move the agitation table at a plurality of different frequencies.
  • the controller is adapted to select a frequency at which the inspected items have a highest amplitude response to the vibrations of the agitation table.
  • the controller is adapted to apply vibrations at the selected frequency to the agitation table.
  • the vapor collection system comprises a vibration sensor adapted to measure the response of the inspected items to the vibrations.
  • a vapor collection system comprising: a table, having a surface suitable for holding or resting an item thereon for inspection and a base coupled to the surface; a vibrator adapted to vibrate the surface relative to the base, with at least a component of motion in a horizontal direction; at least one exhaust adapted to remove gas samples from a vicinity of an inspected item held or resting on the surface; and an analysis unit adapted to determine whether the gas samples include one or more particulates.
  • the vapor collection system also comprises a vibration controller adapted to control the vibrator so that it vibrates the surface with irregular movements.
  • the vibrator is adapted to vibrate the surface such that the rms amplitude of any motion in a vertical direction that is less than 20% of the total rms amplitude of vibration.
  • the vibrator is also adapted to vibrate the surface with a component of motion in a vertical direction.
  • the vapor collection system also includes a vibration controller adapted to control the vibrator to vibrate the surface in a plurality of patterns of motion in vertical and horizontal directions.
  • the vibration controller is adapted to control the vibrator to vibrate the surface with different frequencies.
  • the vibration controller is adapted to select a frequency and a pattern of motion at which inspected items on the surface have a highest amplitude response to the vibrations of the surface.
  • the vibration controller is adapted to control the vibrator to vibrate the surface at the selected frequency.
  • the vibration controller is adapted to control the vibrator to vibrate the surface with random movements.
  • the vapor collection system also comprises a vibration sensor adapted to measure the response of the inspected items to the vibrations.
  • the base supports at least the surface.
  • the vapor collection system includes one or more walls that define a chamber for receiving the inspected items.
  • the vapor collection system also includes: at least one pipe adapted to provide gas jets toward the inspected item; and a gas jet source adapted to generate a gas flow which is ejected by the at least one pipe as a supersonic jet.
  • the at least one pipe is placed such that gas passes into the chamber at an angle relative to a normal to a wall of the chamber, through which the pipe passes into the chamber.
  • the at least one pipe is placed such that gas passes into the chamber substantially perpendicular to a wall of the chamber, through which the pipe passes into the chamber.
  • the at least one pipe is placed such that gas is ejected from the pipe within the chamber substantially parallel to a wall of the chamber, through which the pipe passes into the chamber.
  • the at least one pipe is adapted to touch an inspected item within the chamber during an inspection session.
  • the chamber is adapted to receive the inspected item at a location, such that the at least one pipe is adapted to eject gas jets substantially parallel to a surface of the inspected item.
  • the chamber is adapted to receive the inspected item at a location, such that the at least one pipe extends perpendicular to the item along most of its extent within the chamber.
  • the one or more walls are adapted to be moved, such that the volume of the chamber is determined responsive to the size of the inspected item.
  • the one or more walls comprise one or more mantles.
  • the vapor collection system also comprises a mantle adapted to surround the item at least on the top and the bottom.
  • the surface is attached to the mantle.
  • the surface is attached to the top of the mantle.
  • the surface is attached to the bottom of the mantle.
  • the bottom of the mantle rests on the surface.
  • the vapor collection system includes also a second surface, attached to the mantle, which second surface vibrates.
  • the surface is attached to the top of the mantle and the second surface is attached to the bottom of the mantle.
  • the second surface is caused to vibrate by the vibrator.
  • the vapor collection system includes a second vibrator, coupled to the second surface, which causes the vibrating of the second surface.
  • the base is inhibited from moving when the vibrator vibrates the surface, due to coupling of the base to a floor.
  • the base is inhibited from moving when the vibrator vibrates the surface, due to inertia of the base.
  • a method of collecting vapors from an inspected item comprising: coupling an item for inspection to a table surface; vibrating the table surface, with the item coupled to it, with at least a component of motion in a horizontal direction with respect to a base coupled to the table surface; removing gas samples from the vicinity of the item; and analyzing the removed gas samples for traces of one or more particulates.
  • the method also includes surrounding the item by a mantle.
  • coupling the item to the table surface comprises placing the item on the table surface, so that the item is coupled to the table surface by the weight of the item.
  • coupling the item to the table surface comprises attaching the table surface to the mantle.
  • attaching the table surface to the mantle comprises attaching the table surface to the top of the mantle.
  • attaching the table surface to the mantle comprises attaching the table surface to the bottom of the mantle.
  • coupling the item to the table surface comprises resting the bottom of the mantle on the table surface.
  • the method includes attaching a second table surface to the top of the mantle, and vibrating the second table surface with at least a component of horizontal motion relative to the base.
  • FIGs. IA and IB are schematic illustrations of a vapor inspection system, in two different operation states, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 1C is a schematic illustration of a vapor inspection system, in accordance with an another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 2A is a cross-section view of a portion of a mantle of a vapor inspection system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2B is a cross-section view of a portion of a mantle of a vapor inspection system, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 3A is a schematic illustration of an air nozzle, within an inspection chamber, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 3B is a schematic layout of nozzles, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a supersonic air nozzle head, within an inspection chamber, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart of acts performed during an inspection session, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figs. 6A-6C schematically illustrate mantle structures, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention;
  • Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of an inspection system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of a collection head for vapors, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a self contained vapor collection unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of a mantle and vibrating table surfaces in a vapor inspection system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Figs. IA and IB are schematic illustrations of a vapor inspection system 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Vapor inspection system 100 optionally includes an external enclosure 102 and a flexible mantle 104 serving as an internal enclosure.
  • inspected items 106 are inserted into an inspection chamber 136, enclosed by mantle 104, as shown in Fig. IA.
  • a blower 124 optionally sucks the air out of the inspection chamber 136, through air pipes 122, such that mantle 104 closely fits around inspected items 106, as shown in Fig. IB.
  • blower 124 optionally sucks air out of the inspection chamber 136 and the sucked air is passed to a collector 126, which accumulates vapors and/or solids for inspection.
  • a trace analyzer 127 analyzes the collected vapors to determine whether they include chemicals that are being searched for.
  • collector 126 comprises a paper filter and/or a scrubber type collector. Alternatively or additionally, any other collection apparatus is used.
  • Trace analyzer 127 is of any type known in the art, for example, as described in U.S. patent 5,345,809 to Corrigan, et al., the disclosure of which patent is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the Ionscan ® 400B trace detector, manufactured by Smiths Detection, is suitable.
  • Trace analyzer 127 optionally operates automatically after an inspection session of system 100 and/or at least partially during the inspection session.
  • a user interface displays the names of chemicals which were identified.
  • an alarm is operated automatically when at least a predetermined vapor amount of a searched substance is identified.
  • trace analyzer 127 is activated after each inspection session of system 100. Alternatively, trace analyzer 127 is activated after a predetermined number of inspection sessions and/or when it is determined to have collected at least a predetermined amount of vapors. Operating trace analyzer 127 for a plurality of inspection sessions reduces the costs of operating trace analyzer 127, at the expense of a less accurate indication of the item in which item the chemicals are contained.
  • trace analyzer 127 may be activated manually by a human operator. For example, the human operator may determine the frequency of operation of trace analyzer 127 according to a suspiciousness level of the inspected items.
  • collector 126 is removed from system 100 after one or more inspection sessions and is placed in a trace analyzer 127 for analysis. Further alternatively or additionally, a plurality of different trace analyzers, optionally searching for different chemicals, are used. Further alternatively or additionally, system 100 does not include a collector and the sucked gas from chamber 136 is provided directly to analyzer 127.
  • a compressor 140 pumps air into inspection chamber 136, for example through air pipes 132, while blower 124 sucks out air for vapor inspection, in order to keep the pressure within inspection chamber 136 constant.
  • Compressor 140 may be implemented together with blower 124 in the same apparatus or may be implemented in separate apparatus. Alternatively, high pressure air is provided from an external high pressure line and compressor 140 is not used or is used as a backup.
  • the air pressure within inspection chamber 136 is set such that mantle 104 does not touch and/or crush inspected items 106, while keeping the air volume within inspection chamber 136 minimal.
  • the volume of chamber 136 is not more than 20%, 10% or even 5% above the volume of inspected items 106.
  • the empty volume of chamber 136 is not greater than a predetermined air volume, for example not more than 1-2 liters. Keeping the air volume at a minimal level prevents dilution of vapors extracted from the inspected items, dilution which may make the identification of illegal materials more difficult.
  • Fig. IA further illustrates a table 130 to which inspected items 106 are coupled, so that motion of table 130 will cause inspected items 106 to move.
  • inspected items 106 are placed directly or indirectly on table 130, and are coupled to table 130 by friction.
  • inspected items 106 are coupled to table 130 by directly or indirectly attaching inspected items 106 to table 130.
  • table 130 may be vibrated in order to induce vapor release, as described, for example, in the above mentioned U.S. patents 5,942,699 and 3,942,357.
  • table 130 is vibrated at a predetermined frequency, for example between 1-10 cycles per second.
  • table 130 is vibrated irregularly so as to increase the chances that at least one of the different jolts will release contaminants which it is desired to detect.
  • table 130 is vibrated at a plurality of different frequencies in order to identify one or more frequencies best suited to release contaminants from the inspected item or items. Thereafter, table 130 is vibrated at the identified frequency for a longer period.
  • the suitability of the frequencies is identified according to the responsiveness of the vibration of the inspected items 106, for example using methods described in U.S. patent 4,381,673 to Klauba et al., and/or in U.S. patent 3,741,820 to Hebel et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the suitability of the frequencies is measured by a particle release sensor which determines the amount of particles being released.
  • table 130 vibrates in a horizontal direction, or with a horizontal component to its motion, at least during part of the time that table 130 is vibrating. Vibrating inspected items 106 in a horizontal direction, or with a horizontal component to their motion, has a potential advantage that particulate matter released by the vibrations may not fall back down onto inspected items 106, and hence may be more easily collected than if table 130 vibrates only in a vertical direction.
  • the present inventor has surprisingly found that horizontal vibration (i.e., motion parallel to the major surface of the object), releases more particulate matter from the surface than does vertical vibration (i.e., motion perpendicular to the surface. While not wishing to be bound by any theory, this may be related to the way that air is blown across the surface in the present embodiment. However, it is believed that this phenomena is more widespread.
  • table 130 vibrates at a frequency or a range of frequencies between 1 and 10 Hz, and/or at frequencies above 10 Hz, and/or at frequencies below 1 Hz.
  • the amplitude of vibration is in a range between 1 and 10 cm, and/or less than 1 cm, and/or greater than 10 cm.
  • table 130 vibrates with components of motion in two orthogonal directions in the horizontal plane.
  • table 130 vibrates with both horizontal and vertical components of motion.
  • Using both horizontal and vertical components of motion to vibrate inspected items 106 has the potential advantage that a greater variety of patterns of motion is possible, and some of these patterns of motion may result in a more effective release of contaminants than vertical motion alone.
  • the table can move inspected items 106 in a linear or elliptical path oriented in any direction, or in a circular or elliptical path going clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the relative amplitude and phase of the horizontal and vertical components.
  • the direction and shape of the motion can change periodically or randomly. If table 130 has one component of motion at a frequency which is a harmonic of the frequency of the other component, or has both components at frequencies which are different harmonics of a third frequency, then inspected items 106 will undergo lissajous figures of motion.
  • the suitability of different patterns of motion for releasing contaminants is evaluated according to the responsiveness of the vibration of inspected items 106. This is done, for example, using any of the methods described above for evaluating the suitability of different frequencies.
  • table 130 is vibrated for a longer period of time with a pattern of motion, or a combination of pattern of motion and frequency, that is particularly effective for releasing contaminants.
  • Fig. 1C shows a mechanism for vibrating table 130, according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Table 130 has a base 170, for example a single pedestal as shown in Fig. 1C, although the base optionally comprises a plurality of legs, as shown in Figs. IA and IB.
  • a vibrator 172 couples base 170 to a surface 174, and chamber 136, with inspected items 106, rest on surface 174.
  • the other features shown in Figs. IA and IB, for releasing, collecting, and analyzing vapor samples from inspected items 106, are also optionally present, but for clarity are not shown in Fig. 1C.
  • Vibrator 172 causes surface 174 to vibrate relative to base 170, with a motion that optionally includes vertical components, horizontal components, or both, as described above.
  • Vibrator 172 optionally comprises an electric motor, and/or a pneumatic motor, and/or a pneumatic piston.
  • a vibration controller 176 optionally controls the pattern of motion, frequency, and other characteristics of the vibrations produced by vibrator 172, including any of the options described above.
  • the function of vibration controller 176 in incorporated in a controller 150, shown in Figs. IA and IB.
  • any other base may be used for placement of inspected items 106.
  • a portion of a conveyor belt is used as a base. Inspected items may be mounted along the entire conveyor belt, while chamber 136 is formed over a portion of the conveyor belt.
  • mantle 104 is lifted, and a group of one or more inspected items is allowed to enter beneath the mantle.
  • Mantle 104 is then lowered and optionally attached to the base to minimize or prevent escape of air.
  • System 100 is then activated as described above. Thereafter, mantle 104 is lifted and the conveyor belt is moved to change the inspected items 106 beneath the mantle.
  • mantle 104 is replaced after each inspection or every predetermined number of items, for example for cleaning.
  • the conveyor belt may have a circular track such that items not removed from the conveyor belt repeatedly enter the inspection chamber or the conveyor belt may have a beginning point at which items are loaded and an end point where inspected items are unloaded. Alternatively or additionally, the conveyor belt moves in a first direction for loading items and in the opposite direction for unloading the items and the same point is used for loading and unloading items.
  • the portions of the conveyor belt on which inspected items 106 are placed are elevated relative to the remaining portions of the conveyor belt.
  • the elevated portion is optionally of a predetermined shape in which a bottom portion of mantle 104 fits.
  • a bottom portion of mantle 104 is rigid and fits onto the elevated portion in a sealed manner.
  • the conveyor belt and/or table 130 may be impermeable to gases, such that a separate mantle base is not required.
  • mantle 104 and/or a separate mantle piece may surround the inspected item from below.
  • a rigid chamber closing element optionally a metal element, is used to close the chamber from beneath.
  • table 130, the conveyor belt and/or any other base on which the inspected items are placed is perforated or otherwise allows air passage, so that air jets may be directed at the items and/or samples may be collected from the inspected items from below.
  • air jets are directed at the inspected items from many directions in order to maximize the surface area from which samples are collected.
  • the conveyor belt comprises a plurality of cylinders which allow air to pass between the cylinders.
  • the conveyor belt or table 130 comprises a net structure on which inspected items are placed.
  • the conveyor belt and/or the mantle is formed of a material which does not absorb contaminant vapors or only minimally absorbs vapors, such as a repellant plastic.
  • the conveyor belt and/or mantle is cleaned after each use, or after each use in which there was a detection, for example by air blasts.
  • the conveyor belt is formed of metal plates, for example welded steel wire trays. The metal plates are optionally moved along sprockets or a steel chain, so that no materials that absorb substantial amounts of contaminants are included in the conveyor belt.
  • the conveyor belt may include a complete surface ring which leads the metal trays back to the starting point or the metal trays may be returned manually to their starting point.
  • inspected items 106 may be hung from above.
  • a crane may lift the inspected items and hold them while a chamber is formed around the items.
  • system 100 includes a cleaning system 138 which cleans mantle 104, periodically.
  • the cleaning may be performed before and/or after each inspection, hourly daily and/or at any other required times.
  • the cleaning is performed by injecting a liquid detergent toward mantle 104 and pumping out the liquid.
  • Compressor 140 and/or blower 124 may be used thereafter to dry the mantle.
  • cleaning may be performed by injecting a liquid detergent, solvent and/or aerosol (optionally heated) through air pipes 132 and sucking the injected material out through pipes 122.
  • a liquid detergent, solvent and/or aerosol optionally heated
  • the pipes are also cleaned.
  • the cleaning process is optionally completed by injecting dry hot air through the system pipes.
  • External enclosure 102 optionally defines a sealed pressure chamber 148 having a controlled air pressure.
  • the air pressure in chamber 148 is larger than in chamber 136 so that mantle 104 is pushed close to inspected items 106.
  • External enclosure 102 may comprise a rigid material or a flexible material as suitable.
  • the air pressure of pressure chamber 148 is optionally held during operation at a desired value relative to the pressure of inspection chamber 136, so that mantle 104 does not change its orientation during operation of system 100.
  • the pressure difference between inspection chamber 136 and its surroundings is small and substantially constant, throughout an inspection session.
  • the air pressure within pressure chamber 148 is substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure, at the beginning of the vapor release stage of an inspection session. Alternatively, a higher or lower pressure is used.
  • external enclosure 102 is not included in system 100 and the external air pressure is atmospheric.
  • the air pressure in chamber 136 is high, for example above 2 atmospheres, such that large amounts of air enter the inspected items.
  • the pressure is reduced in a decompression process and the released air is inspected for contaminants.
  • Use of high pressures makes the decompression more effective.
  • tubes 160 lead from blower 124 and/or compressor 140 so as to control the air pressure within pressure chamber 148.
  • a separate blower and/or compressor are used for pressure chamber 148.
  • tubes 132 and/or 122 and/or portions thereof are used to lead air into and/or out of pressure chamber 148.
  • the decompression takes place rapidly, for example in a time period 5 to 100 times shorter than the time period over which the pressure was raised, optionally at least 20 times shorter than the time period over which the pressure was raised.
  • the decompression takes place in less than 5 seconds, or less than 1 second, or less than 0.5 seconds.
  • the pressure is repeatedly raised and then rapidly lowered. This rapid decompression, particularly if it is repeated several times, may cause additional mechanical agitation of the inspected item, and enhance the flow of contaminants into the air.
  • controller 150 manages the operation of blower 124 and compressor 140, so as to control the relative air pressure between inspection chamber 136 and pressure chamber 148.
  • An air pressure sensor 152 optionally provides pressure readings to controller 150 which accordingly adjusts the air flow into and out of inspection chamber 136.
  • one or more other sensors are used and/or controller 150 operates according to a predetermined scheme without the use of sensors.
  • controller 150 is used to control any other parameter or combination of parameters of the inspection, including timing, duration, and amplitude of the parameters.
  • air from compressor 140 is directed at inspected items 106 in the form of high speed air jets which aid in releasing vapors from the inspected items, as is now described.
  • the air jets are at a speed of at least 10 meters per second.
  • the air jets have much higher speeds of even above 100 meters per second, when they enter the chamber and/or when they pass tangentially along the surface of the inspected items.
  • supersonic air jets are used, which have a speed of above about 330 meters per second.
  • Fig. 2 A is a cross-section view of a portion of mantle 104, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • the upper side of mantle 104 in Fig. 2A is directed toward the inspected items 106.
  • Mantle 104 optionally comprises a flexible and impervious material, for example a plastic, rubber (e.g., latex, silicon rubber), reinforced fabric or reinforced PVC.
  • Mantle 104 may include a stretchable or non-stretchable material.
  • embedded within mantle 104 is a network of suction orifices 202 and conduits 204 which connect to blower 124 through air pipes 122 (Fig. IB).
  • Orifices 202 are optionally distributed throughout the area of mantle 104 so as to collect samples from different positions around inspected items 106. In some embodiments of the invention, orifices 202 are distributed evenly along the area of mantle 104. Alternatively, more orifices 202 are located toward the center of mantle 104 where they have a greater chance to collect samples from items 106. Alternatively to a plurality of suction orifices 202, only a single suction orifice is used.
  • orifices 202 are constantly open and suction is controlled by blower 124.
  • orifices 202 are controllable such that some of the orifices may be closed while others are open.
  • the control of the flow through the orifices may be performed by closing the orifices at the end of the pipes or by valves along the pipes, not necessarily within the inspection chamber.
  • the valves are vacuum actuated valves.
  • each orifice 202 is controlled separately.
  • orifices 202 may be controlled in groups.
  • different orifices 202 may be operated at different times according to a parameter of the currently applied vapor release method, for example the angle at which air jets are directed at items 106.
  • orifices 202 are opened or closed according to the distance between the orifice and inspected items 106.
  • orifices 202 which are too close to, or too far from, inspected items 106 are closed, so that the air that they collect, which does not efficiently collect vapor does not dilute air collected through other orifices.
  • each orifice 202 (or group of orifices) is associated with a distance sensor which senses the distance between the orifice and inspected items 206.
  • orifices 202 are tested. Orifices that are inefficient and/or too efficient (they are far from the inspected items) are optionally closed.
  • the suction is applied continuously throughout the inspection session or during relatively long periods, for example, after applying contaminant release measures.
  • intermittent suction pulses are used to collect vapors from the inspected items. Such suction pulses add to the agitation of the inspected items, thus increasing the contaminant release.
  • a network of jet orifices 206, interconnected by air tubes 208, is optionally also embedded within mantle 104, separate from conduits 204 of suction orifices 202. Jet orifices 206 optionally connect to compressor 140, through air pipes 132. Jet orifices 206 are optionally used to direct air jets at inspected items 106. Orifices 206 are optionally distributed throughout the area of mantle 104 so as to inject air jets toward the inspected items from different positions around inspected items 106. In some embodiments of the invention, orifices 206 are distributed evenly along the area of mantle 104.
  • more orifices 206 are located toward the center of mantle 104 where they have a greater chance to dislodge samples from items 106.
  • a plurality of orifices 206 only a single jet orifice is used.
  • the distribution of orifices 202 and 206 is similar.
  • suction orifices 202 are distributed differently from jet orifices 206.
  • suction orifices 202 are intercalated, in order to reduce the tube length through which collected vapors need to pass on their way to collector 126.
  • orifices 206 are constantly open and the air jets are controlled by activating and deactivating compressor 140.
  • orifices 206 are controllable such that some of the orifices may be closed while others are open.
  • jet orifices 206 include valves that control the air pressure that comes from compressor 140.
  • each orifice 206 is controlled separately.
  • orifices 206 may be controlled in groups. For example, different orifices 206 may be operated at different times according to a parameter of the currently applied vapor release method and/or the currently open suction orifices 202.
  • jet orifices 206 are opened or closed according to the distance between the orifice and inspected items 106, optionally according to any of the methods described above with reference to suction orifices 202.
  • the air tubes may be attached on mantle 104, for example on an inner or outer surface of the mantle.
  • one or more air tubes pass through mantle 104 and are not attached to the mantle and/or are substantially perpendicular to the mantle.
  • a large number of air tubes enter the mantle, for example, above 20, 50 or even 100.
  • air tubes are directed at inspected items 106 from beneath (e.g., are placed on table 130, or beneath the table as described above) or from above.
  • a separate structure within inspection chamber 136, beneath mantle 104 carries the air tubes.
  • this structure also carries other vapor release apparatus, such as one or more heaters.
  • mantle 104 comprises protruding legs 220, which prevent the mantle from closely touching the inspected items 106.
  • protruding legs 220 are positioned evenly throughout the area of mantle 104.
  • protruding legs 220 are positioned with a higher density around suction orifices 202 in order to prevent the mantle from obstructing the flow of air into the suction orifices.
  • the length of protruding legs 220 is adjustable, for example according to the maximal dilution allowed in a specific scanning procedure. Alternatively or additionally, during an inspection session, the length of protruding legs 220 is adjusted to different lengths to maximize the suction and/or air jet effects.
  • the air pressure within chamber 136 prevents the mantle from attaching to inspected items 106.
  • a separate construction is used to prevent mantle 104 from touching inspected items 106.
  • air jets are used to enhance vapor release from inspected items 106.
  • the air jets are at room temperature.
  • the air jets include relatively hot air which is known to increase vapor release rates.
  • compressor 140 streams hot air into air pipes 132.
  • one or more heaters heat the air while it passes through air pipes 132.
  • a heater within the chamber defined by mantle 104 heats the air from compressor 140 before it is shot at inspected items 106.
  • the jets are optionally directed at items 106 intermittently in pulses, for example 2-10 pulses per second.
  • the pulses are very short.
  • the pulses are relatively long, at least a few milliseconds for each pulse, requiring less complex valves.
  • the jets are constant and not pulsed.
  • the term 'jet' used herein is meant to encompass all types of gas flow including both constant and intermittent flow.
  • the intermittent flow is also referred to as bursts and/or pulses.
  • the bursts may be repeated at a specific frequency or randomly.
  • the term 'jet' also encompasses both ordinary straight jets and jets from flared outlets.
  • the jets may be at substantially any velocity including supersonic velocities, constant velocities and varying velocities.
  • the air provided in the air jets is optionally taken from the atmosphere in the vicinity of vapor inspection system 100.
  • the air provided in the air jets by compressor 140 is cleaned, for example using an active carbon filter and/or a silica media filter, such that dirt and/or vapors are removed from the injected air.
  • the filtering optionally reduces the noise level in trace analyzer 127, even if the dirt in the air is not of the same chemicals (or other target material) as being searched for.
  • the air is preconditioned, for example by adding humidity to the air or drying the air in order to remove water vapors.
  • air jets may be directed in parallel to the surface of the inspected items, so as to cover a larger surface area.
  • Fig. 2B is a cross-section view of a portion of a mantle 274, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Mantle 274 is similar to mantle 104 of Fig. 2 A, but includes bent extension pipes, which direct the air jets in a non perpendicular angle relative to the mantle, on at least some of jet orifices 206.
  • mantle 274 includes pipes of a plurality of different shapes.
  • a first pipe 277 has a V shape, within mantle 274, so as to direct air jets at the inspected items with an angle, for example of between 30-60°.
  • Another pipe 276 has a Y shape, such that the slant is outside mantle 274, thus distancing the outlet of the air jets from the mantle to a greater extent.
  • a third pipe 278 has a T shape, providing air jets parallel the inspected item.
  • the pipes are shown as including two outlets, in some embodiments of the invention, the pipes may include only a single outlet or may include a plurality of outlets distributed evenly or unevenly around the circumference of the pipe.
  • mantle 274 does not include protruding legs 220, as pipes 276, 277 or 278 may serve to prevent mantle 274 from collapsing on the inspected items.
  • all jet orifices 206 have pipe heads mounted on them.
  • not all the jet orifices 206 have pipe heads.
  • mantle 104 includes one or more slanted pipes 267 within the mantle, which have a head 269 of any of the types discussed above. As described above with relation to pipe 277, the pipe may also not have a head.
  • Fig. 3A is a schematic illustration of an air nozzle 280, within an inspection chamber, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • a mantle 281 including at least one air nozzle 280 surrounds an inspected item 106.
  • Air jets entering the inspection chamber through air nozzle 280 enter the nozzle perpendicular to mantle 281 and are deflected by a distal portion 285 of the nozzle, which prevents the air jets from impinging on the inspected item 106 directly.
  • Distal portion 285 of nozzle 280 may have concave surfaces 284, as shown, or may have diagonal surfaces, square surfaces, convex surfaces and/or any other shape which is aerodynamically suitable.
  • the air jets are optionally directed substantially parallel to inspected item 106, so as to remove contaminants from a large surface area. In some embodiments of the invention, the air jets are not entirely perpendicular to the items but rather are slightly directed toward the inspected items.
  • Nozzle 280 optionally touches inspected item 106 and optionally aids in preventing mantle 281 from collapsing onto the inspected item.
  • nozzle 280 does not touch the inspected item and is held remote from the item by the air pressure within the inspection chamber, by small spacing legs and/or by any other spacing method.
  • nozzle 280 is open all around in 360°, maximizing the surface area of the inspected item 106 affected by the air jets. In these embodiments, however, the energy of the air jets decreases relatively rapidly.
  • the number of nozzles 280 employed is chosen so as to cover at least a predetermined area (e.g., 50% or even 80%) of the surface of the inspected item 106 with effective air jets.
  • the nozzles may have a plurality of outlets around its circumference through which the air jets are dispensed.
  • the outlets may be closed, allowing control of the number of outlets through which the air jets are dispersed. Closing some of the outlets allows increasing the velocity of the air jets at the expense of affecting a smaller surface area.
  • Fig. 3B is a schematic layout of nozzles 290, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown, each nozzle 290 lets out six air jets, evenly distributed around the circumference of the nozzle.
  • different nozzles are oriented differently in order to prevent overlap of different jets on a same surface area and/or to reduce the surface area not covered by any jets.
  • an air jet 291 from a first nozzle 290A, is directed toward a recess between air jets 292 and 293 of nozzle 290B.
  • each nozzle 290 may have more or fewer outlets.
  • different nozzles have different numbers of outlets.
  • the outlets of some or all of the nozzles are distributed unevenly around the circumference of the nozzle.
  • air jets from one nozzle may be directed at uncovered zones in the vicinity of another nozzle.
  • a combination of entirely open nozzles 280 and nozzles 290 having a predetermined number of outlets is used. This embodiment applies different air flows to different areas of the inspected item 106, and is especially advantageous on items for which it is not clear what type of jets are more effective.
  • one or more nozzles 290 are rotatably mounted on the pipes leading the air from compressor 140 to the nozzle.
  • nozzle 290 is rotated, so that the jets cover substantially the entire surface area surrounding the nozzle.
  • nozzle 290 rotates due to the release of the jets.
  • nozzle 290 is actively rotated by a suitable motor.
  • Nozzle 290 may be rotated throughout the entire release of the jets or may be rotated only during part of the jet release.
  • a break for example controlled by controller 150, is used to prevent the rotation when so required.
  • the air jets have a high pressure within the pipes and the pipes are properly configured, so that the jets generate shock waves when they are released into the chamber.
  • the pulses are at a pressure at least 1 atmosphere above the pressure within the chamber.
  • a pressure of about 1 atmosphere is maintained, and the pulses are provided at pressures of between about 2-3 atmospheres.
  • the chamber is held at a pressure of about 2 atmospheres and the pulses are provided at between about 4-5 atmospheres.
  • a pressure lower than 1 atmosphere is maintained in the chamber, making the production of shock waves much simpler.
  • the ports providing the jets have a relatively large diameter, suitable for generating Shockwaves. Fig.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a supersonic air nozzle head 295, within an inspection chamber, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • an inspected item 106 is covered by a mantle 281.
  • a supersonic nozzle head 295 includes one or more jet ports 296 (e.g., six) that eject supersonic air jets, which provide high speed shear flow 297 and alternating compression and expansion waves 298.
  • the supersonic air jets are optionally generated by over expanding or under expanding the high speed flow of air using flared jet ports 296, which have an increasing diameter towards their outlets.
  • the pipe diameter along its length 287 is between about 3-3.5 mm (e.g., 3.15 mm) and flares to an outer diameter 289 of between about 7-10 mm (e.g., 8 mm), achieving an expansion of between about 2-3 times (e.g., 2.5).
  • a linear flaring is provided, for example, over a length of about 4-5 mm.
  • any other flaring may be used, including a rounded flaring that expands more rapidly closer to the outlet and/or a stepped flaring that expands with a step function.
  • the acceleration of the air to supersonic velocities is due to the expansion of the air stream that is in the straight part of the nozzle at high pressure when it flows into the flared part of the nozzle.
  • the high velocity air flows into a low pressure zone, it forms a shock wave because the high pressure air flows faster. This shock wave reverberates when it is reflected from the walls of the enclosed volume, e.g., the surface of the inspected items 106 and the surface of the mantle.
  • a different carrier gas for example as described in, above mentioned, U.S. patent 6,324,927 is pumped by compressor 104 into the chamber and optionally at the inspected items.
  • the different carrier gas may include a noble gas, such as argon and/or helium and/or may include relatively neutral gases, such as nitrogen and CO2.
  • a gas including a solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol and/or acetone vapors or aerosol, is used, so that the carrier gas enhances the vapor release from inspected items 106.
  • a gas that has affinity to explosive materials such as methyl amine, is used.
  • the carrier gas is ionized before being pumped into the chamber, or into the inspected items.
  • the ionized gas may neutralize electrostatic charges that hold particles to surfaces of the inspected item, thereby increasing the chance of dislodging the particles.
  • the ionization is optionally done by a standard ionizer of the kind used for electrostatic precipitation, in which the gas is passed over one or more charged electrodes, for example in the form of a wire, thin plate, or sharp spikes, at a high voltage.
  • the voltage is optionally at least 3000 volts, DC.
  • the current is optionally in the microampere range.
  • jet orifices 206 all provide pulses of the air jets at substantially the same time.
  • air jets from different jet orifices 206 are provided at different times.
  • air jets are provided through different jet orifices 206 according to a predetermined sequence, so as to induce a lateral air flow with the inspection chamber. Such a lateral air flow may aid in releasing vapor from the inspected items and/or in transfer of air samples to collector 126.
  • suction orifices 202 all suck air from the inspection chamber at the same time. These embodiments allow connection of all of suction orifices 202 through a single conduit 204. Alternatively, suction orifices 202 suck air at different times according to a predetermined scheme (optionally a scheme in common with the control of jet orifices 206), for example in order to induce air flow within the inspection chamber.
  • vapor releasing enhancement methods may be used alternatively or additionally to gas jets.
  • several cycles of increasing and decreasing the air pressure are applied within inspection chamber 136.
  • the air pressure within external enclosure 102 is optionally adjusted accordingly so that mantle 104 does not move due to the pressure change.
  • a high air pressure is formed in chamber 136 in order to force vapors out of the interior of inspected items 106.
  • heaters heat the surface of the inspected item.
  • light, sound (e.g., ultrasound, low frequency sound) and/or shock waves are directed at inspected items 106.
  • vapor release is enhanced by applying mechanical vibration to the inspected items, for example by vibrating table 130.
  • inspected items 106 are placed within mantle 104 on a vibration unit.
  • inspection system 100 is mounted on a vehicle (e.g., ship, truck) which moves during operation so that inspected items 106 are vibrated.
  • any other method of inducing vapor release known in the art, may be used.
  • trace analyzers and/or collection units are embedded within inspection chamber 136 and/or within the tubes leading gas toward collector 126.
  • Embedded trace analyzers may be attached to mantle 104 on an inner surface, may be placed on table 130, may be hung from above and/or may be placed on a separate structure within mantle 104.
  • the embedded trace analyzers are small (having a diameter of about 1 inch and/or a weight of about 20 grams) so that they fit within the tubes (e.g., in a caving), conduits 204 and/or the chamber.
  • the embedded trace analyzers are connected through wires and/or a wireless connection to a control unit which provides indications to a human in charge of system 100.
  • one or more embedded trace analyzers are used to detect specific chemicals which are hard to detect in collector 126.
  • one or more embedded trace analyzers are used for additional accuracy beyond that provided by collector 126.
  • embedded trace analyzers may be of limited accuracy but may detect vapors which have less ability to be sucked through relatively long tubes.
  • the embedded trace analyzers are used instead of collector 126. In some of these alternative embodiments, suction tubes are not used.
  • Fig. 5 is a flowchart of acts performed during an inspection session, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • a lower enclosure surface is spread out (302) on table 130 or on any other surface.
  • Inspected items 106 are then placed (304) on the lower enclosure surface.
  • Mantle 104 is brought to cover (306) inspected items 106.
  • Mantle 104 is optionally connected (308) to the lower enclosure surface in a manner which prevents air leakage from inspection chamber 136.
  • air is pumped (310) out of inspection chamber 136 so that the size and air content of the chamber is minimized.
  • Vapor release measures are applied (312) to inspected items 106 and in addition, air is collected (314) from inspection chamber 136.
  • chamber 136 may be defined by a single piece mantle and/or by a plurality of mantle pieces connected in a different form.
  • FIGs. 6A-6C schematically illustrate mantle structures, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention.
  • a single-piece mantle 401 is shown.
  • inspected items 106 are placed on single-piece mantle 401 while it is spread out flat on a surface. Thereafter, ends 402 of mantle 401 are lifted and connected above inspected items 106, in order to form a sealed chamber.
  • inspected items 106 are optionally placed on a table 412. Thereafter, right and left half mantles 410 are connected to each other forming a sealed chamber.
  • the chamber is defined by walls, one or more of which are movable. After placement of inspected items 106, the walls of the chamber are moved toward the inspected items in order to limit the volume of the chamber.
  • the side walls are optionally partially collapsible in order to allow the ceiling wall to move down toward inspected items 106.
  • Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of an inspection system 500, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • System 500 optionally comprises a fixed casing 502, which defines an inspection chamber 520, in which inspected items 106 are placed, for inspection.
  • inspection chamber 520 is sealed in a manner which prevents air from entering or escaping the chamber.
  • the chamber may be operated while it is partially open, for example when it is not desired to seal the inspected items.
  • One or more air tube structures 504 within inspection chamber 520 have an adjustable position. Air tube structures 504 optionally carry air tubes with suction and/or jet orifices 508 directed toward items 106.
  • air tube structures 504 are mounted on adjustable length arms 510 which control the distance between the structures 504 and items 106.
  • structures 504 are automatically brought to a predetermined distance from the inspected items 106.
  • the positions of structures 504 are optionally adjusted so that the distance between orifices 508 and inspected items 106 is optimal for collecting samples.
  • structure 504 is positioned at different locations, according to a predetermined operation program.
  • the position of structures 504 is adjusted according to inspection of air collected from the surroundings of the inspected items. For example, if in a certain positioning of structure 504 a high dust content or low vapor content is collected, the positioning of structure 504 is changed to achieve better results.
  • the jet orifices are brought close to the inspected items at a position and/or angle which maximizes the contaminant release effect of the air jets.
  • the angle of the air jets are varied during a release session, so as to apply air jets at a wide span of angles, such that contaminants are released at least due to one of the angles.
  • feedback is received on the effectiveness of the jets at each of the angles, and air jets at that angle are provided for a relatively long duration.
  • pressure and/or air velocity sensors are placed within the inspection chamber to determine the actual effect of the air jets within the chamber. Controller 150 optionally receives readings from the sensors and accordingly selects a best angle or other jet parameter (e.g., pulse rate).
  • the air jets are not necessarily directed at the inspected items, but may be directed tangentially to the items.
  • the jet orifices are brought to corners of the inspected item, so as to direct air jets tangential to the surface from the corner of the item.
  • T-shaped nozzle heads may be brought adjacent the inspected item, so as to release air jets tangential to the inspected items.
  • a system-testing tracer chemical (identifiable by systems 100 or 500) is placed on the inspected items or in the injected air in order to serve as a testing trace material for the system. If the testing material is identified within a suitable range, the positioning of structures 504 is considered suitable for detection. Otherwise, the positioning of one or more structures 504 is changed and the test is repeated.
  • the tracer chemical is different from the chemicals (e.g., drugs, explosives) searched for, so that the tracer chemical does not interfere with the inspection of the luggage.
  • the placement of the testing chemical is removed after the positioning of structure 504 is verified, so that the testing chemical does not interfere with detection of the vapors being searched for.
  • testing chemical is used after samples for detection of the vapors searched for are collected, to determine if the results are valid.
  • the tracer chemical may optionally be used for purposes other than adjusting the positioning of structures 504, for example for system development and/or proper operation monitoring.
  • the testing may be used for other reasons, such as selection of vibration frequencies, air jet attributes (e.g., pulse rate, angle, velocity) or other parameters of contaminant release systems.
  • the system testing is used to verify proper operation of the inspection system.
  • a distance sensor is mounted on structures 504 to measure the distance between the structures and inspected items 106.
  • structures 504 include protruding legs of a predetermined or adjustable length which aids in defining the distance between the structure 504 and items 106.
  • a heater 530 is mounted on one or more of structures 504 or is otherwise positioned within chamber 520.
  • air jets from one or more orifices 508 are directed at heater 530 which heats the air jets and redirects the air toward inspected items 106.
  • the angle of heater 530 may be adjusted to achieve better vapor release results.
  • the inspection systems of the present invention may be used for substantially any items, including luggage and cargo.
  • the system may be used to search for explosives, drugs, pests, pesticides, toxin contamination in agriculture produce, and/or any other chemical or biological substances which it may be desired to detect.
  • the inspection systems of the present invention may be used in substantially any location, including, for example, airports and entrances to sensitive buildings.
  • one or more collection heads are inserted into the inspected items before the inspection session of the items begins.
  • the collection heads may be used to further induce vapor release and/or to provide additional collection orifices from within the inspected items, as is now described.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a collection head 600, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Collection head 600 optionally includes one or more suction orifices 605, which connect through a suction tube 602 to collector 126 (Fig. IB) and blower 124.
  • suction tube 602 and/or tube 122 only allow flow in one direction, so as to prevent loss of samples in case of decompression of collection head 600, for example due to power failure.
  • suction tube 602 and/or tube 122 include one way valves which prevent backflow.
  • the pressure in collection head 600 and/or in the chambers to which the tubes lead is controlled, so as prevent flow in the incorrect direction.
  • collection head 600 includes one or more jet orifices 604, connected through a jet tube 603 to compressor 140.
  • one or more valves 610 are used to control the flow to or from one or more specific orifices an/or groups of orifices.
  • one or more entrance valves 612 at the entrance to collection head 600 control all the jet and/or suction orifices together.
  • air jets from jet orifices 604 are always directed in the same direction.
  • the angle of release of air jets from one or more of jet orifices 604 such that the air jets may be directed in different directions during a single inspection session, without moving collection head 600.
  • jet orifices 604 may be rotatably mounted on collection head 600, so as to allow changes in the impinging direction of the air jets.
  • Jet orifices 604 and suction orifices 605 may operate in parallel with respective orifices in mantle 104 (Fig. 2A).
  • the orifices of collection head 600 may operate at complimentary times to the orifices of mantle 104 in accordance with a single session plan.
  • the operation of the orifices of collection head 600 is controlled according to a plan independent of any operation plan of the orifices of mantle 104.
  • collection head 600 includes additional and/or alternative vapor release enhancers.
  • collection head 600 may include a heater, a radiation source and/or a vibrator.
  • collection head 600 comprises a rigid cassette that does not change its volume.
  • collection head 600 comprises an inflatable pillow, which may be inflated and/or deflated in order to induce vibrations.
  • collection head 600 comprises an internal mechanical and/or electrical motor and/or springs which induce vibrations upon command.
  • collection head 600 includes other vibration mechanisms, such as a mechanism for inducing vibration by directing gas jets in one or more directions.
  • collection head 600 includes one or more sensors 620, for example, temperature and/or pressure sensors, whose readings are provided to controller 150. Controller 150 optionally controls the operation of collection head 600, setting one or more vapor release and/or collection parameters, according to the readings of the sensors.
  • sensors 620 for example, temperature and/or pressure sensors, whose readings are provided to controller 150.
  • Controller 150 optionally controls the operation of collection head 600, setting one or more vapor release and/or collection parameters, according to the readings of the sensors.
  • collection head 600 operates in conjunction with mantle 104 or system 500.
  • collection head 600 may be used for both sample collection and enhancement of vapor release or may be used for only one of the tasks, the other task being carried out by mantle 104.
  • collection head 600 may be operated alone without mantle 104.
  • an inspection session may include a first stage including placing an inspection item 106 within chamber 136 and collecting gas samples using mantle 104, and a second stage in which samples are collected by collection head 600 inserted into the inspected item.
  • a human operator may hold collection head 600 and move it around within the inspected item.
  • collection head 600 includes a handle (not shown) for human manipulation of the collection head.
  • gas samples from collection head 600 are provided to the same collector 126 as the gas samples from mantle 104.
  • different collectors may be used for collection head 600 and for mantle 104.
  • the different collectors are optionally connected to the same trace analyzer, which receives samples from the different collectors in parallel or at different times.
  • the different collectors are connected to different trace analyzers, which test for the same chemicals or for different chemicals.
  • collection head 600 serves as a dual purpose apparatus which may be used both for item inspection as described above and for inspection of people.
  • an operator holds collection head 600 and passes it around the inspected person.
  • one or more operation parameters of collection head 600 are adjusted accordingly, for example, the heat of the air jets (so as not to cause discomfort to the inspected person) and/or the direction of the air jets (toward the inspected person).
  • collection head 600 has a plurality of operation modes. For example, a first operation mode is used for inspecting items where collection head 600 is within the item and is substantially surrounded by the item.
  • air jets are optionally transmitted in all directions (according to the distribution of orifices).
  • collection head 600 is used to inspect a person.
  • air jets are directed only in a single direction.
  • collection head 600 includes apparatus other than required for gas sample collection.
  • collection head 600 may include a metal detector. The metal detector may be operated during the second operation mode when used to inspect persons.
  • Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a self contained vapor collection unit 700, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Collection unit 700 is optionally similar to collection head 600, but is self contained and is not connected through air tubes to an external system.
  • Collection unit 700 optionally includes a collector 702, a trace analyzer 704 and a blower 708 which sucks samples through suction orifices 605 into collector 702.
  • trace analyzer 704 is not included in the collection unit. Instead, collection unit 700 is connected after a collection session to an external trace analyzer (not shown) or collector 702 is removed from collection unit 700 and connected to an external trace analyzer.
  • collection unit 700 includes a gas tank 706 which contains gas in high pressure, and serves as a source for gas jets.
  • blower 708 (or a separate compressor) is used to generate gas jets from gas external to collection unit 700.
  • additional vapor release apparatus for example any of those described above with relation to collection head 600, may also be included in collection unit 700.
  • a battery 710 optionally provides power for operation of collection unit 700.
  • collection unit 700 is connected to an external power line.
  • An internal controller 712 optionally controls the operation of collection unit 700 according to pre-programmed instructions. Alternatively or additionally, internal controller 712 is connected through wires or wirelessly to an external controller.
  • Collection unit 700 is optionally placed in an inspected item for an inspection procedure.
  • collection unit 700 is used alone and not in conjunction with system 100 or system 500 described above.
  • one or more collection units 700 are placed in the mail bag or cargo casing before the transfer and is removed after the transfer.
  • an alarm signal may be wirelessly transmitted to a control station if a chemical of interest is found within the inspected item.
  • collection unit 700 may be used for short periods. For example, collection unit 700 may be inserted to the inspected item, operated, and then immediately removed and connected to a trace analyzer. Optionally, in parallel to connecting collection unit 700 to the external trace analyzer, battery 710 is charged such that there is sufficient power to perform additional collection sessions. Alternatively or additionally, between collection sessions, collection unit 700 is cleaned.
  • Collection unit 700 may operate continuously until it is removed from the inspected items or until its power source is drained out. Alternatively, collection unit 700 operates according to a pre-configured operation program stored in controller 712. Further alternatively or additionally, collection unit 700 operates according to commands transmitted from an external unit with which it operates in coordination. For example, collection unit 700 may operate in coordination with system 100 described above.
  • Collection unit 700 includes both vapor collection means and vapor release enhancement means. In some embodiments of the invention, however, a collection unit which only collects vapors and does not induce vapor release may be used. Such a collection unit may be lighter, cheaper and smaller. Alternatively or additionally, a vapor release enhancement unit which does not collect vapors is used.
  • both a vapor release collection means and a vapor release enhancement unit are placed within the inspected item, together and/or at different places or ends in the inspected item.
  • a vapor collection unit or only a vapor enhancement unit may be used.
  • a collection unit may be used on its own and, for example, the transport of the inspected items may be used to induce vapor release.
  • the inspected item is inserted into chamber 136 in order to induce vapor release.
  • a vapor release unit is inserted into the inspected item for operation while the inspected item is within chamber 136.
  • a mantle 1002 either made of a single piece or of a plurality of connected pieces, surrounds an inspected item 1004, on both the top and bottom.
  • a table surface 1006 is optionally in contact with a bottom surface 1008 of mantle 1002, optionally only with a portion of bottom surface 1008.
  • Table surface 1006 vibrates, causing mantle 1002 and inspected item 1004 to vibrate.
  • bottom surface 1008 is not held to table surface 1006 by gravity, or not only by gravity, but bottom surface 1008 is attached to table surface 1006.
  • table surface 1010 there is a second table surface 1010, attached to an upper surface 1012 of mantle 1002, which also vibrates, causing mantle 1002 and inspected item 1004 to vibrate.
  • table surface 1006 is connected to table surface 1010, and a single vibrator, not shown in Fig. 10, causes both surfaces to vibrate.
  • surface 1006 and surface 1010 are caused to vibrate by independent vibrators, but optionally the two vibrators vibrate synchronously.
  • each vibrator to which table surfaces 1006 and 1010 are attached is coupled to a base, and the vibrator causes the table surface to vibrate relative to the base.
  • the base is resting on the floor, and does not move, or does not move very much, because of friction with the floor, or because it is fixed to the floor.
  • the base does not move very much primarily because of its inertia.
  • table surface 1010 is optionally coupled to a vibrator 1014, which is coupled to a "base" 1016, which is optionally located above mantle 1002, for example above or to the side of table surface 1010, rather than resting on the floor below mantle 1002.
  • base 1016 does not move very much when vibrator 1014 causes table surface 1010 to vibrate, because base 1016 has a high inertia.
  • table surface 1010 is attached to top surface 1012 of mantle 1002, and there is no vibrating table surface attached to bottom surface 1008.
  • vibrating table surfaces are attached to side surfaces of mantle 1002, in addition to, or instead of, the top and bottom surfaces of mantle 1002, and cause mantle 1002 and inspected item 1004 to vibrate.
  • any of the options described above for the mode of vibration including vertical or horizontal motion or a combination of the two, single frequency vibrations or a combination of frequencies, and regular or random patterns of vibrations, are optionally used for mantle 1002 and inspected item 1004.
  • Any of the options described above for collecting samples are optionally used for mantle 1002 and inspected item 1004.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un système collecteur de vapeur, qui comprend une table pourvue d'une surface et d'une base, et un vibreur faisant vibrer la surface. La surface est conçue pour faire vibrer un article inspecté, avec au moins une composante de mouvement dans le sens horizontal. Ce système comprend également une évacuation destinée à extraire des échantillons de gaz de la zone entourant l'article inspecté, et une unité d'analyse destinée à déterminer si les échantillons de gaz renferment une ou plusieurs particules.
PCT/IB2006/050588 2005-07-13 2006-02-23 Systeme d'exploration de contaminants WO2007007212A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/542,426 US7487689B2 (en) 2003-01-15 2004-01-07 Contaminant scanning system
US10/542,426 2005-07-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007007212A1 true WO2007007212A1 (fr) 2007-01-18

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PCT/IB2006/050588 WO2007007212A1 (fr) 2005-07-13 2006-02-23 Systeme d'exploration de contaminants

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7487689B2 (en) 2003-01-15 2009-02-10 Tracetrack Technology Ltd. Contaminant scanning system
CN110646461A (zh) * 2018-06-27 2020-01-03 上海梅山钢铁股份有限公司 一种超薄规格厚度钢板的连续冷却相变温度的测定方法

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US6573836B1 (en) * 2002-01-04 2003-06-03 Nevmet Corporation Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of powdered material in envelopes
WO2003058207A2 (fr) * 2001-12-31 2003-07-17 Lockheed Martin Corporation Système et procédé pour la détection de contamination dans des contenants hermétiques
US20040045342A1 (en) * 2001-10-26 2004-03-11 Lockheed Martin Corporation System and method for detecting hazardous materials using agitation
WO2004063697A2 (fr) * 2003-01-15 2004-07-29 Tracetrack Technology Ltd. Systeme de balayage d'agents contaminants

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4718268A (en) * 1985-06-04 1988-01-12 British Aerospace Public Limited Company Method and apparatus for detecting a contraband substance
US20040045342A1 (en) * 2001-10-26 2004-03-11 Lockheed Martin Corporation System and method for detecting hazardous materials using agitation
WO2003058207A2 (fr) * 2001-12-31 2003-07-17 Lockheed Martin Corporation Système et procédé pour la détection de contamination dans des contenants hermétiques
US6573836B1 (en) * 2002-01-04 2003-06-03 Nevmet Corporation Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of powdered material in envelopes
WO2004063697A2 (fr) * 2003-01-15 2004-07-29 Tracetrack Technology Ltd. Systeme de balayage d'agents contaminants

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7487689B2 (en) 2003-01-15 2009-02-10 Tracetrack Technology Ltd. Contaminant scanning system
CN110646461A (zh) * 2018-06-27 2020-01-03 上海梅山钢铁股份有限公司 一种超薄规格厚度钢板的连续冷却相变温度的测定方法
CN110646461B (zh) * 2018-06-27 2022-05-10 上海梅山钢铁股份有限公司 一种超薄规格厚度钢板的连续冷却相变温度的测定方法

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