University of Rhode Island

The Government of the United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security

Council on Postsecondary Education

James L Smith

Jimmie Oxley

Alexander Yevdokimov

Gerald Kagan

Taylor Busby

Robert Ichiyama

Jonathan N Canino

Kevin Colizza

Athina Kominia

The present disclosure describes an improved sample preparation technique, swab, swab holder and solvent for the removal of trace chemical materials from swabs and delivery of the trace materials into a mass spectrometer (MS) or an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). The devices and techniques aid the delivery of the analyte into the instrument inlet and concurrently serves as an ionization source. The technique includes the steps of positioning or shaping the swab so that a pointed analyte release area is directed toward the inlet of the MS or IMS, adding a solvent to the swab and charging the swab to create an ionized analyte spray (Taylor Cone spray) into the inlet of the detection instrument. Solvent may include a chemical for depressing the ionization of residual solvent or enhancing the ionization of the desired analyte and this chemical may serve as an internal standard or benchmark.

Apparatus and methods for preparation and introduction of trace samples into an ionizing detection system

Examples are directed toward collecting, by a LC-MS device, a full scan of ion chromatograms of a sample. The LC-MS device determines observed ions contained in the full scan, based on mass-to-charge ratios (m/z), and determines, for a formation curve of an observed ion, a formation point at which fifty percent of the observed ion has formed. The LC-MS device determines a fragmentation curve of a precursor ion, based on a fragmentation point of the fragmentation curve equivalent to the formation point at which fifty percent of the precursor ion has fragmented, and identifies the precursor ion by referencing the LC-MS library to confirm that the observed ion is a product of the fragmentation of the precursor ion. The LC-MS device indicates a goodness of fit between the fragmentation curve, as observed, and a model fragmentation curve, as stored in the LC-MS library.

Fragmentation resilience energy mass spectrometry (FREMS)

The present disclosure describes a unique, two-part, water-soluble polymer matrix material and a method of application that immobilizes a wide variety of loose powder or crystalline hazardous materials and renders them 'safe' or at least “safer” for handling and transport. The polymer matrix material is a two-part polymer material comprising a liquid cross-linking polymer and a cross-linking agent, initiator, or biocide contained in a solution. The cross-linking agent functions to cross-link the polymer and cause it to harden in place.

Polymer immobilization matrix for containment of hazardous materials and methods of using the same

A plasticized pyrotechnic material can be easily portioned and formed or molded into a desired shape and burns at a high temperature (>2000° C.) but does not detonate. The plasticized pyrotechnic material may preferably include a combination of about 70-99% by weight of a pyrotechnic composition and about 1-30% by weight of a plasticizer composition comprising various low to mid molecular weight polyisobutylenes. The pyrotechnic material comprises inorganic oxidizers (e.g. metal oxides, oxohalide salts, nitrates, nitrites, chlorates/perchlorates) and metal or metal oxides powders mixed intimately. The plasticizer may include a small amount of a fluoropolymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and may also include up to 1-2% by weight of a processed oil, such as a mineral oil or motor oil. Some embodiments may also include a biocide precursor molecule.

Plasticized flexible pyrotechnic material

The present disclosure describes an improved sample preparation technique and adapter device for the removal of trace materials from swabs and delivery of the trace materials into a mass spectrometer (MS) or an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). The adapter device and technique aids the delivery of the analyte into the instrument inlet and concurrently serves as an ionization source. The technique includes the steps of positioning or shaping the swab so that a pointed analyte release corner or tip is directed toward the inlet of the MS or IMS, adding a solvent to the swab and charging the swab to create an ionized analyte spray pointed at or positioned within the inlet of the detection instrument.

A non-detonable source of at least one of an explosive or explosive vapor is disclosed, as well as a method of preparing the explosive or explosive vapor that includes the step of mixing the explosive with at least 50% inert material which retains the explosive vapor until heat is applied.

Growing community of inventors

Narragansett, RI, United States of America

James L Smith