System for thwarting terrorists from becoming suicide bombs

Abstract

This invention describes techniques for thwarting terrorists from successfully performing their destructive missions. The suspected person is identified through sniffers that can detect the presence of ammunition and/or chemicals on the person, and produce an electrical signal upon detection, which signal is amplified, closing a relay circuit with a power supply which then is applied to solenoid-operated fluid valves that blast out high pressure air and Mace at the suspect, rendering the suspect temporarily paralyzed, so the suspect can be apprehended. Persons with sniffers also could help detect terrorists and call 911 with a cell phone to alert authorities of danger, and to come to the rescue. Unmarked police vehicles would have both sniffers and fluid valves mounted on all four sides of the vehicle, ready to blast on the suspect and render him disabled, so he can be apprehended.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a continuation of a previous application.

RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

[0002] None of the work on this invention was performed under any Federally-Sponsored or State-Sponsored research and development, Gabriel used his own resources on every phase of his project.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] This invention is in the field-of thwarting criminals from performing their destructive missions. In particular this invention's objective is to thwart a terrorist from performing his mission of blowing himself up and thereby killing innocent bystanders in crowded places. Today there is an urgent need to identify such a person and to prevent him from performing his evil, deadly mission, and causing a panic.

[0005] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0006] The inventor is primarily aware of patents issued and pending under his name. A pending patent is application Ser. No. 10/270,386, on “Collision Protection and Avoidance System for Cars”. Another pending patent that was abandoned was application Ser. No. 09/433,916 on “Air Blast System for Thwarting Bank Robberies”, filed Nov. 3, 1999. Patents issued include “Hold Up Preventing Device”, U.S. Pat. No. 1,502,537, A. E. Analeon, inventor, and “Gas Security System”, U.S. Pat. No. 3,915,103, Rupert et al., inventors. Patents issued on sniffers include “Handheld Sensing Apparatus” by Sunshine et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,783 B2. Gabriel is using sensors capable of sniffing ammunition and fluid blast systems for disabling a suspected terrorist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This is an uncomplicated system for attempting to thwart a terrorist from performing his deadly mission of blowing himself up in crowded places in order to kill the innocent and create a panic. The system embraces the application of several technologies. Sensors capable of sniffing the ammunition's odor are used to detect the would-be perpetrator, and avoid being close to his location. The sniffers could be located on a vehicle. When a sniffer detects ammunition, it conveys the information electrically to a relay. When closing the relay applies voltage through a power supply to solenoid-operated air valves. The air valves then would blast a mixture of high-pressure air and MACE unto the suspected person, rendering him partly paralyzed, and simultaneously sending a siren to clear the area of pedestrians in danger of being hurt, should the ammunition ignite creating an explosion. The blasts from the valves would be directed toward the suspected terrorist. In the suspect's paralyzed condition, anti-inflammatory liquid and explosive prevention fire extinguisher could be directed at his body to prevent the ammunition from exploding and causing havoc. Using the above procedure, one could avoid anyone from becoming seriously hurt. Should the suspected terrorist not be harboring deadly explosives, no great harm to the individual has been done. Gun fire could be deadly, and would be avoided.

[0008] One of the described techniques could be applied to businesses, such as the banking, using high pressure air and MACE to thwart a would-be criminal from committing his evil act. The air and the MACE would throw the individual onto the floor, and his weapon wrestled from him.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] For the purpose of illustrating the system for thwarting terrorists from becoming suicide bombs, the following drawings show forms that are presently preferred. It is to be understood that this invention is not necessarily limited to the process arrangement, instrumentalities and field of utility as thereon demonstrated.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of sniffing sensors, a signal amplifier, a normally-open relay, which automatically closes when explosive ammunition is sensed, opening the solenoid-operated air-valve to blast high pressure air with MACE at a would-be terrorist. For manual operation of the air valves, a double-pole, double-throw valve is positioned to disengage the automatic-operation.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a picture of the front and side of an auto with suggested locations for the air valves and sniffing sensors. In addition, rubber pads could be fastened to the bumpers.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a picture of an auto's rear and with suggested locations for the air valves, sniffing sensors and rubber bumper pads.

[0013] FIG. 4 is another block diagram for the sniffing sensor for the air valves located at the auto's rear end. Both manuals and automatic operation of the air valves are provided.

[0014] FIG. 5 shows a top or plan view of the auto, showing air valves located on all four sides of the vehicle.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electro mechanical servo positioning system for the auto's front-end valves, permitting the motorist to adjust the direction in which to simultaneously face both the valves and the sniffing sensors, when the valves are to operate as described in FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 7 shows a mechanical diagram of the fluid valves located at four sides of a vehicle including at both the front and rear ends of a vehicle, including a pressurized fluid tank with MACE, to disable a would-be terrorist.

[0017] FIG. 8 shows a picture of a would-be robber and a bank teller wherein the teller is able to close a switch to blast high pressure air and MACE onto the robber to render him temporarily helpless.

[0018] FIG. 9 shows a schematic block diagram for the manual operation of the compressed air and MACE valves.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a schematic for the front end of auto 24, showing odor sniffers 1, 1′ and 1″ which produce a voltage when the presence of ammunition or chemicals are detected on a person, component 2 amplifies the voltage sufficiently to close relay 3. When double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) switch is in position A, for automatic operation, then solenoid-operated air valves 10 blast a mixture of high pressure air and MACE from fluid tank 9 onto a suspected terrorist, rendering him partially paralyzed. Tank 9 has air valve 9′. Simultaneously, horn 7 sounds via voltage transformer 6. The motorist has the option of operating air valves 10 manually by switching DPDT switch to position B disconnecting voltage supply 4. Then voltage supply 8 would operate the solenoids of air valves 10. Sniffer 1 detects one type of chemical or ammunition; sniffer 1′ detects another type and sniffer 1″ detects still another type, such as dynamite. Off-the-shelf air quality detectors are now available, such as MIE pDR-1000AN, giving immediate information about levels of smoke and fumes, manufactured by Pine Environmental, Cranbury, N.J., A firm producing gas detectors is The Engwald Corp., Inwood, N.Y. 11096. These firms could design instruments that could sniff the odor of dynamite, if so requested.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows the front and side views of an auto 24 and suggested locations for two adjustable solenoid-operated air valves 10′ and horn 7 in front and three stationery solenoid-operated air valves on the side, as shown. Compressed air tank with Mace 9 could be located underneath the auto where space is available, with hose lines running to the valve inlet ports of valves 10′ and 10. If insufficient fluid is provided by a single tank, a second tank of fluid could be added for the air valves 10 on the side.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows the rear-end of auto 24 and suggested locations for two solenoid-operated fluid valves 10, horn 14 and red-colored lamp 13. Compressed air tank 9′ could be located inside the trunk compartment, not shown. The connections for the rear components are shown in schematic block diagram, FIG. 4.

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of components for thwarting terrorists from blowing themselves up, when approaching the vehicles rear.

[0023] In FIG. 4, odor sniffer 1 senses the presence of ammunition and produces a voltage, amplified by amplifier 2. Manual switch 11 is provided in case the motorist wishes to deactivate the rear fluid valves from blasting fluid to passersby. Voltage V is sufficiently large when switch 11 is close to illuminate lamp 13, blow horn 14 and activate solenoid-operated fluid valves 10, receiving their fluid from tank 9 with air valve 9′. Time-delay relay 12 is adjustable to turn on after horn 14 and lamp 13 have turned on, to warn innocent passersby of the high pressure fluid blast. The horn and lamp could perform a double duty of warning or second vehicle coming from behind of a possible collision and to warn the second vehicle to apply its brakes.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows a top or plan view of Vehicle 24, to indicate suggested locations of solenoid-operated fluid valves 10 on all four sides of the vehicle. Horns 14 are included on the front and rear sides. A red lamp 13 also is shown on the vehicle's rear end. The four sides would be ozoned, so that only the side that sniffs ammunition odor is activated and will blast out high pressure fluid, capable of partially paralyzing a person. In FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 only the two front fluid valves 10′ are capable of being horizontally adjustable, although they may not be adjustable.

[0025] FIG. 6 shows a positioning control servo mechanism with an input voltage, adjustable by the motorist, seeking to identify a suspected terrorist. Input bi-polar positioning potentiometer 16 with knob 23, whose output voltage is E3, is applied to summing network 17. The summer's output, the error signal, is applied to voltage amplifier 18. Then the amplified signal is applied to power amplifier 19, whose output now has sufficient current to drive a direct current (DC) motor 20. Motor 20's shaft speed is reduced appreciably by gear train 21, commercially available as part of the DC motor; its output shaft drives potentiometer 22, identical in resistance with input potentiometer 16. Output shaft of gear train 21 also rotates mechanically adjustable fluid valves 10′, as indicated in FIG. 6, rotating the valve's outputs in the desired direction, to directly face the suspected terrorists and blast paralyzing fluid on the person. The theory and the mathematical analyses of position control servomechanisms are well known and explained clearly for electrical engineers studying automatic controls to understand, so the theory will not be repeated here. Servo mechanisms may be obtained off-the-shelf to perform as desired from SERVO SYSTEMS CO., Montville, N.J. Because tank 9, FIG. 6, may be a foot or more away from fluid valves 10′, high pressure flexible hose is suggested to connect the outlet port of tank 9 to the inlet of fluid valve 10′. A signal from DPDT switch 5 would activate valves 10′.

[0026] FIG. 7 shows a simplified manual technique for blasting fluid from a vehicle unto a suspected terrorist by manually closing a switch. Four zones are provided, one for each side of a vehicle. Fluid is blasted out of discharge openings 25, two for each of the four sides of a vehicle. Each two openings are provided with a solenoid-operated valve 26; voltage to each valve being provided from a manual switch 28, when closed. A voltage source is connected to terminals 29 of each of the four manual switch. Fluid, including MACE is provided from fluid tank 27, which has a fluid pressure meter indicator 30 and air valve 31. The fluid tank is not drawn to scale. A switch is closed manually by the motorist to blast fluid at a suspected terrorist, coming from any one of the four directions. Piping 32 conveys the fluid from valve 26 to discharge openings 25.

[0027] There are instruments capable of detecting-dynamite (nitroglycerine). One of them is RAE Systems mini RAE 2000 Model PGM-7600. In this instrument, the vapors are ionized for density by a photo ionization detector (PID). To distinguish on vapor from another, the parts per million (ppm) density of the vapor is determined by the instrument and a voltage signal emitted, when identified. An experiment will need to be conducted to determine the ppm for nitroglycerine vapors. This instrument may have the size of 2″×3″×6″, when only a single vapor needs to be detected.

[0028] If satisfactory sniffers are unavailable, dogs could be used to sniff ammunition and chemicals until satisfactory instruments are developed.

[0029] For people boarding public transportation, dogs could sniff the presence of chemicals, ammunition on a person and metal detectors the presence of guns on a person.

[0030] Passengers who do not pass the test would not be allowed to board the mode of transportation, whether a bus, a railroad train or an aircraft, until searched further by authorities.

Description of Another Preferred Embodiment

[0031] FIG. 8 is a scene at a bank teller's window with the teller ready to hand out a bag of cash while the robber is reaching out for the cash, just prior to the teller pressing a switch for activating the Mace blast system. Then the air blast system automatically activates. The air and Mace valves are shown in outline form with their outlet ports pointing at the robber. The robber could be a terrorist needing money to perform his evil work.

[0032] Mace valve 33 and air valve 34 have their outlet ports pointing at the robber's upper torso. First the robber is partially paralyzed from the Mace; then he is thrown to the ground by the blast of high pressure air, in which condition, he could be immediately handcuffed by personnel in the bank. Any business, such as a jewelry store could utilize this technique to avoid a robbery.

[0033] Valves 33 and 34 may be fitted with loose covers 35, decorated to conceal their presence in the paneling.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of a combination air blast and Mace spray system for immobilizing either a robber or a terrorist, the Mace spray temporarily immobilizing the would-be bandit. FIG. 9 shows two teller cages 43 and 44. More cages could be provided with the combination air blast and Mace spray.

[0035] In FIG. 9, container 40 of Mace and solenoid-operated valve 33 are shown in the system, in addition to the compressed air tank. The solenoids of the air and Mace valves are electrically connected in parallel, and in series with push-button switch 42, with voltage supply 38 providing the electrical power. Each high pressure air tank 36 is connected via piping to an air valve 34, also via gate valve 37. Similarly, each high pressure Mace container 40 is connected to a Mace valve 33. When switch 40 is closed, voltage is immediately applied to the coils of the solenoid-operated Mace valves 33, but delayed for a second or two before being applied to air valves 34 by time-delay relay 39. This delay enables the robber to be immobilized first before being blasted off his feet by high blasts of air from valve 34, directed against his body. In his disabled condition, the robber could be immediately handcuffed, then apprehended by police.

[0036] In terrorist places like Israel, the procedure for thwarting terrorists from committing suicide bombing acts would be the following:

[0037] Equip each person with a sniffer to sniff the presence of ammunition such as dynamite, on a would-be terrorist. If the scent of ammunition is detected, then the person would dial 911 with a cell phone for police with unmarked vehicles to come and spray Mace and high pressure air onto the suspected terrorist, before apprehending the would-be terrorist. The area would be cleared of people before the police apprehended the terrorist, to avoid anyone from experiencing bodily harm, in case the explosive device, if any, should go off. This way no one would be bodily injured, not even the terrorist.

[0038] Instruments could be designed to simulate the sniffing ability of a dog and to emit an electrical signal when the scent of ammunition, such as dynamite, is detected, or when any scent of a harmful substance is detected.

[0039] In FIG. 11, all vapor frequencies enter an electronic velocity filter 48. A selected vapor frequency in the form of air velocity is filtered out and enters Ashcroft transducer 49 which converts air velocity into a signal output. The elctrical signal is amplified via amplifier 50 and applied to an electrical relay 3 which closes the circuit to the loop that applies the required voltage and current via supply 8 to the coil of a solenoid-operated fluid valve 10. The valve blasts out paralyzing fluid onto the suspected terrorist. Thus, the terrorist is thwarted from committing his destructive act. Vapor filter 48 would he designed by industry to produce the desired type of output, whether an air velocity or an electrical signal. If an electrical signal, then transducer 49 could be eliminated.

Claims

1. A system for thwarting a terrorist with an explosive weapon for committing a destructive act, wherein said system includes a vehicle having four sides with a front side, rear side and two broad sides, solenoid-operated fluid valves with inlet and outlet ports mounted on all four sides of said vehicle, compressed fluid tanks on said vehicle connected to said fluid valves via piping; for automatic operation, a first circuit being provided including weapon sniffers for sensing specific vapors producing an electrical output signal when detecting a desired specific vapor, said output signal being applied to an electrically-operated relay, said relay output connected in series with a first voltage supply and with one position of a double-pole, double throw (DPDT) manual switch, said switch's output applied to the solenoids of said fluid valves, the coils of said solenoids being connected in parallel; for manual operation, a second voltage supply being provided connected in series with the other position of said DPDT switch, the output of said DPDT switch being applied to the solenoids of said fluid valves, when said DPDT switch in said other position, the fluid being blasted out from said outlet ports.

2. A system for thwarting a terrorist in accordance with claim 1, wherein the solenoid-operated fluid valves mounted on said front side being swivable about pivots, and wherein remotely-controlled means being provided for rotating said valves horizontally within prescribed limits about said pivots, said means being an electromechanical servo positioning system, comprising an input potentiometer, a resistor summing network, providing an error signal applied to a voltage amplifier, then to a power amplifier, a direct current electric motor, a gear speed reducer with an output shaft, connected both to said swivable valves, to said swivable sniffer and to the shaft of a second potentiometer whose output voltage being fed back to said resistor summing network, to provide said error signal, thus enabling the driver of said vehicle to have both air valve outlet ports and sniffers pointing toward a suspected terrorist.

3. An air blast system for thwarting robberies, wherein said system including provisions for blasting high pressure air and Mace onto a robber in order to disable and render the robber helpless temporarily, and wherein said system having at least one counter, paneling and a floor below said counter; said provisions including at least one compressed air tank being connected via piping, to at least one solenoid-operated air valve with an enclosure, and including one container of Mace connected, via piping, to one solenoid-operated Mace spray valve with a body, each said valve having an outlet with a loose-fitting cap, facing the body position of said robber, said system also including a electrical circuit with a voltage supply, a push-button switch, electrically-wired to the solenoid of each said valve, said solenoids connected in parallel in an electrical loop and in series with said voltage supply and said switch, each said enclosure and said body located in said paneling and being tipped upward to face toward the upper portion of a robber's torso, an appropriately-sized hole in said paneling for the outlet of each said valve, when said push-button depressed, thus closing said electrical circuit, to enable both high pressure air and Mace to be discharged separately to immobilize said robber temporarily.

4. An air blast system for thwarting robberies in accordance with claim 3, wherein said circuit comprising said solenoid-operated air valve with the solenoid of said air valve having an input voltage “on” time-delay-relay means to allow said Mace spray valve with its solenoid coil in the said circuit to be discharged first before the air blast from said air valve being discharged, thus immobilizing temporarily a robber before said robber being blasted with high pressure air, throwing said robber unto said floor.

5. An air blast system for thwarting robberies in accordance with claim 4, wherein said Mace spray valve solenoid coil having an input voltage “off” time delay means to limit the time for said spray valve to discharge Mace in the direction of said robber, said time “ON” length being adjustable, so as not to cause unnecessary discomfort to employees.

6. A system for thwarting a terrorist with an explosive weapon from committing a destructive act in accordance with claim 1, wherein more than one said sniffer being provided on each side of said vehicle, each one capable of sniffing the vapor from a different deadly weapon, each weapon capable of killing many persons.

7. A system for thwarting a terrorist, in accordance with claim 1, wherein components on said rear side, including a rear bumper, a horn, said solenoid-operated fluid valves and said sniffer, with an output signal, being mounted on the rear side of said vehicle, with a compressed fluid tank connected to the inlet ports of said fluid valves via piping; a voltage supply being connected to power amplify said signal sufficiently to blow said horn and activate the solenoids of said solenoid-operated fluid valves, said components of said rear side energized via a manual switch con-nected to the output of the amplified signal when said switch closed and said sniffer producing an electrical signal.

8. A technical system for thwarting a terrorist from committing a destructive act, wherein a person is equipped with a dynamite sniffer, a Mace spray container and a cell phone, and provisions for hiding these items upon his body; his sniffing instrument notifying him of the presence of dynamite, via a signal, the person then notifies police, via his cell phone, then if the opportunity presents itself, using his Mace spray container to spray Mace on the suspect's head to paralyze the suspect, thus thwarting him from committing his destructive act.

9. A technical system for thwarting a terrorist from committing a destructive act, in accordance with claim 8, wherein the electrical frequency of the vapor of dynamite being known, and said frequency being applied to an electronic band-pass filter, said filter rejecting the passage of all other vapor frequencies, said band-pass filter emitting an electronic signal when the vapor of dynamite being detected, said signal being amplified and applied to a light-emitting diode, denoting the presence of dynamite when lit.