Abstract: Provided are methods of assessing penetration of biologicals into surrogate tissues.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting whether a person has handled explosives, narcotics or other substances of interest. The apparatus includes a metallic sample collection surface on which a person may place a finger. Upon removal of the finger, the metallic sample collection surface is moved to a desorber. The desorber heats the metallic surface sufficiently to vaporize residue transferred from the person. The vaporized residue then is transmitted to a detector for analysis. The detector also may include a fingerprint reading apparatus for reading the fingerprint of the person and comparing the fingerprint to known fingerprint data.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting whether a person has handled explosives, narcotics or other substances of interest. The apparatus includes a metallic sample collection surface on which a person may place a finger. Upon removal of the finger, the metallic sample collection surface is moved to a desorber. The desorber heats the metallic surface sufficiently to vaporize residue transferred from the person. The vaporized residue then is transmitted to a detector for analysis. The detector also may include a fingerprint reading apparatus for reading the fingerprint of the person and comparing the fingerprint to known fingerprint data.

Abstract: A device is provided for testing surfaces of a card for the presence of explosives, drugs or other substances of interest. The device includes a slot for receiving the card. Thin metallic wiper blades are dispose in alignment with the slot and wipe over surfaces of the card as the card is passed through the slot. Thus, substances on the surface of the card are transferred to the wiper blade. The wiper blade then is enclosed and rapidly heated to desorb the material retrieved from the card. The enclosure then is placed in communication with a detector to test for the presence of substances of interest.

Abstract: Sample traps or wipes are provided for a detection system for detecting contraband materials. The sample trap is formed from an open weave glass fabric coated with a thin layer of Teflon and roughened to cut through the surface of Teflon and to break some of the glass fibers. Alternatively, the sample trap is non-woven felt fabric made of high temperature polyamide fiber. The sample traps are used in a detector, such as an ion trap mobility spectrometer. The detector includes a desorber which feeds dry air from a manifold above and below the sample trap through a series of holes along the mouth of the desorber. The dry air passes through the trap and purges out unwanted atmospheric constituents that could otherwise affect the performance of the detector. The purged air passes to the outside atmosphere, thus creating a dry curtain at the entry to the desorber.

Abstract: A tool for installing and removing a staple comprising an elongated body which has an installing head at one end and a base at the opposite end. In between the head and the base is mounted a graspable handle which is to be slideable to exert a hammering force on a collar which is mounted on the body. This collar is to be adjustable longitudinally on the body to any desired position that will be convenient to the user. The head of the tool includes a staple removing device which is to be connected to a staple to effect removal thereof after it has been installed.