Abstract: A system and method for the detection of one or more analytes in a collected sample employs capillary action in a sample card containing a sample substrate, at least one test capsule and an absorbent pad. The absorbent pad absorbs the contents of the test capsule and delivers the same to the sample substrate, with the contents of the test capsule chemically reacting with at least one detection reagent to establish an optical indicator for the analyte(s). The sample card can be automatically tested within a reader device, which records and processes an optical signal produced by the chemical reaction and outputs a test result. The collected sample can then be further analyzed using a second device. Additionally, an adhesive component can be provided so that a sample can be collected thereon. Furthermore, the at least one detection reagent can include a surfactant.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection of one or more analytes in a collected sample employs capillary action in a sample card containing a sample substrate, at least one test capsule and an absorbent pad. The absorbent pad absorbs the contents of the test capsule and delivers the same to the sample substrate, with the contents of the test capsule chemically reacting with at least one detection reagent to establish an optical indicator for the analyte(s). The sample card can be automatically tested within a reader device, which records and processes an optical signal produced by the chemical reaction and outputs a test result. The collected sample can then be further analyzed using a second device. Additionally, an adhesive component can be provided so that a sample can be collected thereon. Furthermore, the at least one detection reagent can include a surfactant.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection of one or more analytes in a collected sample employs capillary action in a sample card containing a sample substrate, at least one test capsule and an absorbent pad. The absorbent pad absorbs the contents of the test capsule and delivers the same to the sample substrate, with the contents of the test capsule chemically reacting with at least one detection reagent to establish an optical indicator for the analyte(s). The sample card can be automatically tested within a reader device, which records and processes an optical signal produced by the chemical reaction and outputs a test result. The collected sample can then be further analyzed using a second device. Additionally, an adhesive component can be provided so that a sample can be collected thereon. Furthermore, the at least one detection reagent can include a surfactant.

Abstract: An analyte detection system and method for the detection of one or more analytes in a sample, the analytes selected from the group consisting of explosives, narcotics, gunshot residue, organophosphate reagents, and toxic industrial chemicals, based on a capillary action in a sample card. The sample card includes a housing with at least one cavity made of flexible material, a sample substrate for collecting the sample with a portion of the substrate exposed from outside the housing, at least one test capsule in the cavity and an absorbent pad. The test capsule(s), the sample substrate, and the absorbent pad comprise at least one or more reagents. The test capsule(s) is ruptured with a rupture mechanism upon inserting the sample card into a reader device. The absorbent pad absorbs a liquid from the test capsule and delivers the same to the sample substrate.

Abstract: A product and method for the detection of one or more analytes in a collected sample employs capillary action in a sample card containing a sample substrate, at least one test capsule and an absorbent pad. The absorbent pad absorbs the contents of the test capsule and delivers the same to the sample substrate, with the contents of the test capsule chemically reacting with at least one detection reagent to establish an optical indicator for the analyte(s). The sample card can be automatically tested within a reader device which supplies one or more light sources, records and processes an optical signal produced by the chemical reaction, and outputs a test result.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously detecting peroxide and nitrogen-based explosives includes the steps of applying a conversion reagent to a sample, the conversion reagent oxidizing in the presence of peroxide and inorganic nitrate explosives; applying a test reagent including a luminescent compound to the sample; exciting the luminescent compound with ultraviolet light; and simultaneously determining the presence of one or more explosives based on quenching, brightening or a shift in wavelength of the luminescence over time. Explosives may also be detected based on color changes of the sample. Optionally, phase transfer reagents, catalysts, colorimetric agents and zinc dust may be added to improve detection of explosives. Alternatively, an assay-type method may be utilized wherein a sample is added to the conversion and/or test reagents and the reagent is spotted on a substrate before exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An interactive security screening system includes a main housing, a contact or palm pad provided on the main housing and a sample sheet positioned upon the contact pad. A sensor is operatively connected to the contact pad to measure pressure applied to the contact pad during a sample collection process. A feedback system, operatively connected to the contact pad and the sensor, provides the subject or screener with at least one of a visual signal and an audio signal to indicate whether requisite pressure was applied to the contact pad. A sample processing system analyzes the sample collection sheet through series, parallel or image processing to determine whether the trace residue sample contains a threat residue. The screening system also employs a spatial recognition system that focuses the sample processing system on particular portions of the sample collection sheet to increase overall system accuracy.

Abstract: A system and method for event mapping and analysis utilizes a portable event logging device including a geo-locating device, a processor and a plurality of dedicated event logging keys associated with unique event states. In use, a user utilizes the dedicated event logging keys to record event state data, such as a positive detection of explosives residue. The event state data is recorded as an event specific data set with associated geographic location data from the geo-locating unit. Additional data, such as bar code data recorded by an indicia reader of the logging device, is stored with the event specific data set. A collection of event specific data sets is uploaded into a computer system where it is processed and presented in the form of a map to reveal patterns and trends in event states, such as the presence of explosives residue in a particular geographic region.

Abstract: An interactive security screening system includes a main housing, a contact or palm pad provided on the main housing and a sample sheet positioned upon the contact pad. A sensor is operatively connected to the contact pad to measure pressure applied to the contact pad during a sample collection process. A feedback system, operatively connected to the contact pad and the sensor, provides the subject or screener with at least one of a visual signal and an audio signal to indicate whether requisite pressure was applied to the contact pad. A sample processing system analyzes the sample collection sheet through series, parallel or image processing to determine whether the trace residue sample contains a threat residue. The screening system also employs a spatial recognition system that focuses the sample processing system on particular portions of the sample collection sheet to increase overall system accuracy.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously detecting peroxide and nitrogen-based explosives includes the steps of applying a conversion reagent to a sample, the conversion reagent oxidizing in the presence of peroxide and inorganic nitrate explosives; applying a test reagent including a luminescent compound to the sample; exciting the luminescent compound with ultraviolet light; and simultaneously determining the presence of one or more explosives based on quenching, brightening or a shift in wavelength of the luminescence over time. Explosives may also be detected based on color changes of the sample. Optionally, phase transfer reagents, catalysts, colorimetric agents and zinc dust may be added to improve detection of explosives. Alternatively, an assay-type method may be utilized wherein a sample is added to the conversion and/or test reagents and the reagent is spotted on a substrate before exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A fully integrated portable screening system includes a main housing and a contact pad. The contact pad is removably positioned in the main housing and covered by at least one sample sheet. The contact pad is preferably constituted by a cylindrical baton which carries a roll of sample collection sheets. A test subject interacts with the contact pad, leaving a trace sample on the sample collection sheet. The contact pad is then placed within the main housing and the trace sample is exposed to a test medium designed to interact with a specific analyte of interest potentially present in the trace sample. After exposure to the test medium, the sample sheet is subjected to a testing mechanism which exposes any interaction between the test medium and the analyte of interest to produce a test result.

Abstract: An interactive security screening system includes a main housing, a contact pad provided on the main housing and a sample sheet positioned upon the contact pad. A sensor is operatively connected to the contact pad to measure pressure applied to the contact pad during a sample collection process. A feedback system, operatively connected to the contact pad and the sensor, provides the subject or screener with at least one of a visual signal and an audio signal to indicate whether requisite pressure was applied to the contact pad. A sample processing system analyzes the sample collection sheet through series, parallel or image processing to determine whether the trace residue sample contains a threat residue. The screening system also employs a spatial recognition system that focuses the sample processing system on particular portions of the sample collection sheet to increase overall system accuracy.

Abstract: A fully integrated portable screening system includes a main housing and a contact pad. The contact pad is removably positioned in the main housing and covered by at least one sample sheet. The contact pad is preferably constituted by a cylindrical baton which carries a roll of sample collection sheets. A test subject interacts with the contact pad, leaving a trace sample on the sample collection sheet. The contact pad is then placed within the main housing and the trace sample is exposed to a test medium designed to interact with a specific analyte of interest potentially present in the trace sample. After exposure to the test medium, the sample sheet is subjected to a testing mechanism which exposes any interaction between the test medium and the analyte of interest to produce a test result.

Abstract: A detection system includes a mobile unit in the form of a trained/in-training animal controlled, either directly or indirectly, by a handler. The mobile unit carries a portable electronics package linked to a remote unit. The animal is trained to search for target odors originating from a specified object, such as drugs, weapons, chemicals, a person or the like. Once a target odor is detected, data generated by the animal, as determined through body position, biometric or other sensors provided in the portable electronics, is either stored in memory for later review or forwarded to a remote unit for immediate evaluation. In this manner, the handler is provided with confirmation that the animal has sensed a target odor, thereby increasing the overall efficacy of the detection system and reducing the possibility of incorrectly reinforcing responses that are not associated with the desired target odors.

Abstract: A security screening and support system for a venue having a plurality of access points includes a plurality of screening centers connected to a central control. The plurality or screening centers are arranged so as to be located in relation to the plurality of access points of the venue. The screening centers collect threat samples from subjects entering the venue, with the samples being screened for a threat signature, such as explosives. If a subject tests positive, an alert status is sent to the central control and a response, which is preferably randomized from a plurality of standard operating procedures, is enacted. The central control enables security personnel to view, monitor, respond and analyze threat situations.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting trace explosives is provided that utilizes a lumnescent reagent, such as blue-fluorescent biphenyl compound, to simultaneously detect multiple nitrogen-based explosives on a sample substrate. The test reagent is mixed with a solvent to improve mixing and maximize the dissolution of the reagent and any trace explosives present on the substrate. A thin film of reagent is applied to the substrate either before or after the substrate contacts a sample area to be tested. Heated air is then applied to the substrate to improve the sample reading. A light source is utilized to illuminate the reagent and expose any quenched portions of the substrate that indicate the presence of an explosive. Quenched portions may be detected visually, or utilizing an analyzing apparatus, such as a fluorimeter or camera. A computer may also be utilized to interpret and record test results.

Abstract: A high throughput security screening system employed at access points of a transportation system includes a control portion, an ID portion and a screening portion. The screening portion includes a main housing, an input port provided in the main housing for receiving exhibits, sampling media positioned in the main housing that obtains a trace sample from the exhibits and a processing system for scanning the trace sample for a threat indicator. The screening system also includes a memory for storing information related to threat indicators for later processing. The memory also stores image data, time data and date data relating to each trace sample. With this arrangement, the screening system is capable of processing a high volume of exhibits while mitigating passenger inconvenience or wait times while still maintaining a high level of security.

Abstract: A personnel security screening and control system includes a screening center having a threat screening system incorporating a sample collector and a sample analyzer. The sample collector obtains a threat sample from the subject which is subsequently analyzed by the sample analyzer to determine whether the individual represents a potential threat. The overall system also incorporates a demographic screening system including a demographic collector and a demographic analyzer. The demographic collector obtains a demographic indicator which is subsequently analyzed to determine a particular demographic of the subject. The screening center provides an interactive system for determining whether a subject has encountered or handled a substance that may pose a potential threat, e.g., explosives, and also presents targeting advertising or other information to the subject.

Abstract: A visitor control and tracking system for a venue having various access points and multiple destination points includes a monitoring system that tracks location and movement of visitors to the venue. Prior to entering the venue, visitors first interact with one of a plurality of screening centers which performs a security scan. A controller operatively connected to the plurality of screening centers determines a visitor associated metric for each of the plurality of destination points. Once the controller determines the visitor associated metric, information is provided to the visitors that will help guide them about the venue. The information can be provided on a display provided on each of the plurality of screening centers and/or on displays provided about the venue.