The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 06, 1987
Filed:
Apr. 11, 1986
Lorne Elias, Nepean, CA;
Canadian Patents and Development Limited, Ottawa, CA;
Abstract
The specification discloses a method and apparatus for concentration of vapors present in trace quantities in the atmosphere in a continuous and rapid manner. It relates especially to a device to enhance the concentration of trace vapors to such a level that they may be more readily analyzed by appropriate instrumentation. This is of considerable value in connection with the detection of certain vapors which are associated with explosive devices and bombs. These are of considerable importance now in connection with security at airports and the like. The specification discloses a method and apparatus for the continuous concentration of trace gases in a gaseous medium, such as air, comprising the steps of bringing the air into intimate contact with a suitable free-flowing adsorption powder in an adsorption region, passing the air containing the treated powder and adsorbed vapors through a cyclone separator to produce a substantially powder-free air stream and a powder containing adsorbed vapors, then passing the powder through a desorption region whereby the powder carrying trace vapors is heated in a heating zone in the presence of a carrier stream at a temperature sufficient to release the adsorbed trace vapors of interest, and thus to produce a vapor-enriched carrier gas stream. The powder is then normally recycled into the air inlet stream.