Abstract: An apparatus and method for developing latent fingerprints having a heat source and sublimation system wherein the sublimation system is in communication with the heat source. Upon activating the heat source, the heat transforms a cyanoacrylate and a sublimation dye of the sublimation system into vapor. The vapor contacts an object to reveal any latent fingerprints on the object. A light source excites the sublimation dye causing photoluminescent emissions which are viewed through filter goggles.

Abstract: A method for developing latent fingerprints includes placing an apparatus in an area having one or more objects. The apparatus has a breakable capsule containing a cyanoacrylate monomer disposed within an internal chamber of a housing containing a cyanoacrylate catalyst and being adapted for emitting vapors. The housing is impregnated with the cyanoacrylate catalyst or has a layer of cyanoacrylate catalyst on a portion of its interior surface. The apparatus optionally has a breakable capsule breaking mechanism for assisting a user in breaking the breakable capsule within the housing. The user breaks the breakable capsule, causing the cyanoacrylate monomer spilling from the breakable capsule to react with the cyanoacrylate catalyst contained in the housing to create vapor fumes. The vapor fumes contact an object being tested to reveal any latent fingerprints on the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for developing latent fingerprints has a breakable capsule containing a cyanoacrylate monomer disposed within an internal chamber of a housing containing a cyanoacrylate catalyst and being adapted for emitting vapors. The housing is impregnated with the cyanoacrylate catalyst or has a layer of cyanoacrylate catalyst on a portion of its interior surface. The apparatus optionally has a breakable capsule breaking mechanism for assisting a user in breaking the breakable capsule within the housing. Upon breaking the breakable capsule, the cyanoacrylate monomer spilling from the breakable capsule reacts with the cyanoacrylate catalyst contained in the housing to create vapor fumes. The vapor fumes contact an object being tested to reveal any latent fingerprints on the object. The apparatus is sized such that it is adapted for placing in any container, room, vehicle, or appropriate open space.

Abstract: A housing for developing latent fingerprints is formed by positioning a thermally stable porous support material in a hollow tubular member and impregnating the support material with a liquid cyanoacrylate which is allowed to cure. The housing can be placed on an end of a portable heating device having sufficient heat to vaporize the cyanoacrylate and project the vapors against an object to be tested for latent fingerprints.

Abstract: A device for developing latent fingerprints is disclosed. The invention has a housing that holds either a pad of steel wool that is impregnated with liquid cyanoacrylate, or a quantity of solid granulated cyanoacrylate. The cyanoacrylate or steel wool is placed around the periphery of the housing. One end of the housing may be tapered to form a connecting tube. This connecting tube is placed on the end of a small propane torch. The torch is used to vaporize the cyanoacrylate in the housing into a vapor, which is then propelled forward from the torch by the velocity of the torch exhaust gases. This vapor is then projected onto the test object, where latent prints will appear within minutes. This invention can be used in any location, including outdoors and does not need a closed environment to work.

Abstract: Vinylidene halide monomers are polymerized in water to form homo- and copolymer latices that are stable to mechanical agitation during polymerization and thereafter and to heat below 100.degree. C. are obtained when the vinylidene halide monomers are polymerized, optionally with other copolymerizable vinylidene monomers, in water in the presence of a catalyst or initiator and a neutralized polymer additive of an olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer containing at least one carboxylic acid group and a terminal methylene group, H.sub.2 C< copolymerized with at least one other copolymerizable vinylidene monomer containing a terminal vinylidene group CH.sub.2 <, said polymer additive having an acid number of greater than 50 to about 450 and a molecular weight of about 2,000 to about 50,000, used in amount of about one to thirty weight parts per one hundred weight parts of vinylidene monomers.