Patents by Inventor Keith A. Richards

Keith A. Richards has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9067219
    Abstract: An explosive and narcotics detection system detects the presence of trace particles of those materials that are adhering to surfaces. In order to detect such particles, it is necessary to first dislodge or release them from the surface, next to transport them to the detection instrument, and last to accumulate them on or in a particle collection device associated with the instrument. Narcotics and explosive particles are often bound tenaciously to the surface, and simple techniques, such as blowing air, will either remove only the largest particles or none at all. A nozzle to release particles of narcotics and explosives employs a coaxial configuration that permits particle release at an increased distance from the nozzle compared to existing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Implant Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen N. Bunker, Keith A. Richards
  • Publication number: 20130334343
    Abstract: An explosive and narcotics detection system detects the presence of trace particles of those materials that are adhering to surfaces. In order to detect such particles, it is necessary to first dislodge or release them from the surface, next to transport them to the detection instrument, and last to accumulate them on or in a particle collection device associated with the instrument. Narcotics and explosive particles are often bound tenaciously to the surface, and simple techniques, such as blowing air, will either remove only the largest particles or none at all. A nozzle to release particles of narcotics and explosives employs a coaxial configuration that permits particle release at an increased distance from the nozzle compared to existing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Implant Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen N. Bunker, Keith A. Richards
  • Patent number: 8469295
    Abstract: An explosive and narcotics detection system detects the presence of trace particles of those materials that are adhering to surfaces. In order to detect such particles, it is necessary to first dislodge or release them from the surface, next to transport them to the detection instrument, and last to accumulate them on or in a particle collection device associated with the instrument. Narcotics and explosive particles are often bound tenaciously to the surface, and simple techniques, such as blowing air, will either remove only the largest particles or none at all. A nozzle to release particles of narcotics and explosives employs a coaxial configuration that permits particle release at an increased distance from the nozzle compared to existing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Implant Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen N. Bunker, Keith A. Richards
  • Patent number: 7994453
    Abstract: A chemical sample gas tube that is capable of being rapidly heated and cooled allows rapid purging of condensed chemical vapor from its inside surface. The tube may include a thin foil with an electrically conducting surface, a rigidly separated pair of clamps to shape the thin foil into a cylinder shape, and a temperature-controlled source of electricity that can flow sequentially through the clamps and thin foil for heating. The temperature of the cylindrical thin foil may be increased at a rate of at least 25 degrees Celsius per second, and may be cooled at a rate of at least 10 degrees Celsius per second. A temperature control sequence may be provided that includes at least one temperature that performs at least one of: condensing the chemical vapor, transmitting the chemical vapor, desorbing the condensed chemical vapor, and decomposing the condensed chemical vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Implant Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Keith A. Richards, Stephen N. Bunker
  • Publication number: 20090230111
    Abstract: A chemical sample gas tube that is capable of being rapidly heated and cooled allows rapid purging of condensed chemical vapor from its inside surface. The tube may include a thin foil with an electrically conducting surface, a rigidly separated pair of clamps to shape the thin foil into a cylinder shape, and a temperature-controlled source of electricity that can flow sequentially through the clamps and thin foil for heating. The temperature of the cylindrical thin foil may be increased at a rate of at least 25 degrees Celsius per second, and may be cooled at a rate of at least 10 degrees Celsius per second. A temperature control sequence may be provided that includes at least one temperature that performs at least one of: condensing the chemical vapor, transmitting the chemical vapor, desorbing the condensed chemical vapor, and decomposing the condensed chemical vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Keith A. Richards, Stephen N. Bunker