Target odor detection and security apparatus

DESCRIPTION

Target odor detection and safety appliance

Countryside

This description refers to the field of detecting characteristic odors emitted by prohibited materials. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for collecting odor samples from vehicles and supplying the odor samples to an inanimate odor detector for the identification of target odors of prohibited materials.

Background

There are many situations in which parcels, pedestrians, means of transportation, and the like (vehicles) may be carrying materials that are prohibited from being transported in or out of a designated area. Some examples are airports, sports stadiums and high security facilities. Prohibited materials can include, for example, explosives, drugs, or even a product that has been stolen.

One method of searching for various materials is to search each vehicle for the prohibited material. Unfortunately, individual search is very time consuming and requires an inordinate number of searchers and an inordinate period of time.

Many prohibited materials, such as explosives and drugs, are known to emit odors that are characteristic and can be detected in very small amounts by specialized inanimate detectors that have been calibrated to identify those target odors. However, putting expensive, and often bulky, detection equipment in direct contact with large numbers of pedestrians and / or transportation presents risks. The timely placement of such equipment is important as well as the protection of the equipment itself, which is often costly, and the protection of the personnel responsible for such equipment.

Thus, an apparatus for detecting explosive substances is known published in document US 4 202 200. This apparatus is provided with a passage or tunnel for foot passengers, cars or other light means of transport, substantially in a single queue. The tunnel is provided with two openings on both sides and the openings are connected with conduits outside the tunnel in a symmetrical arrangement. Each duct is provided with a fan to generate an air stream through the ducts and tunnel and a rotation pattern is established in the middle of the tunnel. One or more vapor detectors are arranged in the ducts.

Document WO 2006/08599 A1 refers to detecting hidden security threats having in one embodiment a revolving door mechanism with a security inspection system with a source that emits air from the ground, so that it passes over the people and baggage and is subsequently captured in an air sampling device in an upper or opposite part.

From document US 2008/0250726 A1 a modular access system with portable containers is known and it is provided with a control room between two or more corridors with revolving doors within a passage room. The walk-through room may include one or more security devices such as metal detectors, x-ray scanners, or explosives detectors, etc.

US 4 045 997 describes a novel air curtain device suitable for use in detecting certain characteristic vapors emitted from objects located in the air curtain. The device produces an air curtain with a laminar flow between two booths when an individual stands in a booth within the air curtain between the booths. The air curtain is generated by fans in one of the cabins, which draw the air through grilles into the other cabin with the vapor detectors inside.

From US 2009/0248319 A1 some concepts for examining correspondence and packages having a vapor concentrator and a sampling means are known. The mail or package is placed inside a casing and a sample of vapors and / or particles is collected and transported to a mass spectrometer and an explosives detector.

Another examination system for detecting explosives is described in US 5 345 809 B1. The system has a sampling chamber, a detection system and a control and data processing system for the detection of vapor emissions in a non-invasive way, so that the free passage of people and luggage is not unduly interrupted. . The sampling medium is an inlet of a sampling chamber in which internally generated air circulates sweeping away the vapor emissions emanating from the particles associated with an individual object that passes through the chamber to a collection area. Also disclosed in another embodiment is an automatic baggage / parcel sampling chamber provided with several sampling heads and rotating brushes that sweep the exposed surfaces and introduce the particles and any vapor emanating from the object into a volume of air. shows.

IS 2 745 142 T3

In BECHER C ET AL: "The detection of evaporating hazardous material released from moving sources to gas sensor network", SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B: CHEMICAL, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL DEDICATED TO THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL TRANSDUCERS, ELSEVIER SA, CH, vol. 146, no.2, April 29, 2010, (04-29-2010), pages 513-520, XP027020557, ISSN: 0925-4005 [retrieved on 0601-2010] describes a security help system with a plurality of sensors in bottlenecks. This allows the position of the sensor to be adjusted within a stream of air for best detection results.

What is needed, therefore, is a reliable and consistent system to screen people or vehicles for consistent positive identifications of prohibited material while achieving, for example, some or all of the objectives listed above.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present description will become better understood by referring to the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying figures, where the elements are not to scale in order to show more. details clearly, where like reference numerals indicate like items throughout the various views, and where:

FIG. 1 shows a somewhat schematic perspective view of a target odor detection apparatus;

FIG. 2A shows a somewhat schematic side view of a conduit and some safety features associated with it;

FIG. 2B shows a sectional view along line AA of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 shows a somewhat schematic side view of a target odor detection apparatus;

FIG. 4A shows a somewhat schematic side view of an odor detection apparatus;

FIG. 4B shows a somewhat schematic side view of the target odor detection apparatus shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 shows a somewhat schematic profile view of a target odor detection apparatus;

FIG. 6 shows a somewhat schematic side view of a detection station;

FIG. 7 shows a somewhat schematic side view of a target odor detection apparatus;

FIG. 8A shows a somewhat schematic plan view of a mobile target odor detection apparatus;

FIG. 8B shows a somewhat schematic side view of the mobile target odor detection apparatus shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 shows a somewhat schematic side view of a target odor detection apparatus; Y

FIG. 10 shows a somewhat schematic plan view of the target odor detection apparatus shown in FIG. 9.

Detailed description

Several of the terms used herein have particular meanings. Some of these terms are defined below for the sake of clarity. The definitions given below are intended to cover all forms of the words that are defined (eg, singular, plural, present tense, past tense). If the definition of any term below differs from the commonly understood definition and / or the dictionary definition of that term, the definitions below rule.

Air re: broadly defined to include a scientific definition of air and / or other pure gases and gas mixtures and all solid, liquid and gaseous substances entrained therein.

Draft inducer: an apparatus used to cause air to move relative to the apparatus (for example, a fan, pump, or other similar device, with or without moving mechanical parts) by pushing or pulling air.

Inanimate Odor Detector: A non-living device that has been calibrated or otherwise learned through, for example, algorithms and / or computer learning programs, how to properly detect and identify a specific target odor. Inanimate odor detectors can include, for example, products sold by Scent Detection Technologies, Ltd. by Herzliya Pituach, Israel, and ScentLogix of Annapolis, Maryland, which include such technologies such as ion mobility spectrometry, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography, most or all of which are capable of individually detecting or in combination a target odor (s) in very low concentrations.

IS 2 745 142 T3

Duct - An apparatus configured to direct or otherwise channel gas from a first location to a second location.

Gas: defined in general terms to include pure gases and gas mixtures (including solid and liquid particles carried by them).

Porous structure: a structure that includes several openings that allow gas to migrate or be otherwise propelled from a first side of the structure to an opposite side of the structure.

Security Detection Session: A period of time during which one or more odor emitters are being examined for a target odor.

Target odor: an odor of interest that may indicate the presence of a contraband substance such as, for example, narcotics, explosives, chemical weapons, biological weapons, or anything illegal considered a potential threat to an area that is secured.

Response signal: a specific response given by an inanimate odor detector in response to the inanimate odor detector detecting a target odor.

Triggering Event: A situation in which an inanimate odor detector emits a response signal, indicating that a target odor has been detected.

Wall: an object located in any orientation, with a length much greater than its thickness, and that has an essentially continuous surface, except for openings or other objects that are through or on it.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a security apparatus 100 that includes a detection station 102, an observation room 104 located away from the detection station 102, a conduit 106 that includes a first end 108A and a second end 108B, and an air current inductor 110. Detection station 102 includes a three-dimensional detection zone 112 through which people, animals, and / or things (collectively, "vehicles" or odor emitters) pass to be examined for one or more target odors. The detection zone 112 can be configured as a corridor through which several people (up to approximately 100) can pass at the same time, with different ranges of speeds and locations within the corridor, depending on the degree of security desired for the particular situation. . The detection zone 112 is defined next to an entrance portal 114 through which the odor emitters enter the detection station 102, and an exit portal 116 through which the odor emitters of the detection station exit. 102. Observation room 104 can come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the number and type of inanimate odor detector used (eg, from about 1 ft³ (28.3168 l) to a room large enough to accommodate one or more people). Duct 106 can be configured to have several possible configurations, but is preferably configured such that observation room 104 is at a distance D1 from about 50 feet (15.24 m) to about 250 feet (76.20 m). and, more preferably, from about 175 ft (53.34 m) to about 225 ft (68.58 m), of detection zone 112. Detection station 102 is attached adjacent to conduit 106 near first end 108A of conduit 106 and observation room 104 is attached adjacent to conduit 106 near second end 108B of conduit. Air inducer 110 is used to push, pull, or otherwise induce gas flow from within detection zone 112, through conduit 106 to observation room 104, carrying odors from odor emitters that they are examined therewith so that an inanimate odor detector 118 located in the observation room 104 is exposed to the odors to examine the odors for one or more target odors. The cross-sectional area through which the air circulates preferably ranges from about 1 ft.² (0.092903 m²) to approximately 10 ft² (0.92903 m²).

If the inanimate odor detector 118 detects the presence of a target odor, it will respond with a response signal to alert an observer and / or security alarm system that a specific odor has been identified. Security personnel can then direct the interception, detention or release of the odor emitter or group of odor emitters that emitted the detected target odor. Stopping within detection station 102 of an odor emitter causing a triggering event may be desirable or undesirable depending on numerous factors, including what type of target odor was identified, whether detection station 102 is fortified or resistant. otherwise to blast waves and / or small projectiles, and whether the detection station 102 is essentially watertight. For example, if an odor emitter emits a target odor that results in a triggering event from an inanimate odor detector calibrated for certain high-powered explosives, it may be desirable to close detection station 102 and stop the odor emitter in its tracks. interior if detection station 102 is reinforced for explosives. However, if the detection station 102 is not ruggedized or otherwise resistant to high explosives, it may be more convenient to temporarily release the odor emitter in a direction away from a protected building or event. However, if a target odor indicating the presence of narcotics caused a triggering event, it may be more convenient to stop the odor emitter regardless of whether the detection station 102 is hardened because there is no imminent threat of explosion. Similar logical scenarios are contemplated in relation to firearms,

ES 2 745 142 T3 chemical weapons and biological weapons, and the protocol used in these situations would vary depending on the embodiment of the security apparatus 124 that is used.

Preferably, the security apparatus 100 includes a first door 120 for closing the entrance portal 114 and a second door 122 for closing the exit portal 116. Furthermore, the security structure according to the present invention preferably includes a porous structure 100 defining a porous zone 126 between detection zone 112 and conduit 106. Porous structure 124 can come in many forms and is used to filter air flowing through porous area 126, to block an odor emitter entering conduit 106, and to act as a visual barrier to prevent it from an odor emitter looks down the duct. In addition to or as an alternative to the use of porous structure 124, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, conduit 106 may include one or more baffles 128 to protect inanimate odor detector 118 and any personnel in observation room 104 from, for example, explosive debris, small arms fire, the use of chemical weapons and / or the use of biological weapons emanating from, or near, the detection zone 112. In addition to baffles 128 within conduit 106, one or more guard walls 130 are included in some embodiments to further isolate observation room 104 from detection zone 112.

In some embodiments as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3, the security apparatus 100 includes a second observation room 132 remote from the detection zone 112, wherein the conduit 106 further includes a third end 108C attached adjacent to the second observation room 132. Preferably, a second inanimate odor detector 134 calibrated to detect one or more target odors is placed in the second observation room 132 to examine the emitted odor as it passes through the detection zone. Preferably, the second inanimate odor detector 134 is tasked with detecting a different target odor than the first inanimate odor detector 118 is detecting. In accordance with the present invention, the inanimate odor detector 134 is in communication with an event indicator 140 and a computing device 142, which further includes an internal or external memory unit 144. The computing device may include, for example, personal computers, portable computers, integrated circuits (simple or complex such as, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), integrated computers, servers, process control units ( CPU), microprocessors. Data corresponding to a minimum threshold of a response signal is stored, uploaded, downloaded, or otherwise provided to memory unit 144. During operation of security apparatus 100, trigger apparatus 136 is essentially continuously monitored by computing device 142 so that event flag 140 is activated if / when an inanimate odor detector gives a response signal within calibration parameters.

The event indicator 140 can be presented in many different ways, including, for example, a siren, a flashing light, and / or one or more security features that can be activated in response to a triggering event. In one example, security apparatus 100 includes a first lock 146 (eg, an automated and / or manual deadbolt lock or magnetic lock), a second lock 148, and a control system 150 that may include, for example, the inanimate odor detector 134, event indicator 140, computing device 142, and memory unit 144. The first door 120 can be activated by the first lock 146 and the second door can be activated by the second lock 148, and the lock status of one or all of the doors is preferably monitored and partially or fully controlled by the control system. control 150. In an embodiment where at least two different inanimate odor detectors are used to examine the odor emitters, the resulting control response based on a triggering event initiated by, for example, the first inanimate odor detector 118 is different from the resulting control response based on a triggering event initiated by the second inanimate odor detector 134. As shown in FIG. 4A, the first inanimate odor detector 118 and the second inanimate odor detector 134 may be in the same observation room 104. Regardless of how the inanimate odor detectors are located, the first inanimate odor detector 118 can be associated with a first type of triggering event (e.g., explosive material), while the second inanimate odor detector 134 is associated with a second type of triggering event (for example, illegal narcotics). The control response to the first trigger event can be, for example, activate, close and lock the first door 120 and the second door 122, while the control response to the second trigger event can be, for example, activate, close and lock just one of the doors, activate a siren and / or a flashing light or do nothing. In a related embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, a single inanimate odor detector 118 can be used to filter multiple detection stations including, for example, detection station 102 shown in FIG. 4A and a second detection station 103.

Preferably, in the various examples described above, air is drawn into security apparatus 100 through inlet vent 156 where inlet conduit 156 is preferably located adjacent to detection zone 112. Also, preferably, the air circulates from the detection zone 112, through the duct 106, into the observation room 104 (and into the second observation room 132, if applicable), and exits through one or more outlet vents. 158, one of which is preferably located adjacent to observation room 104.

FIG. 3 also shows a configuration according to the present invention in which a first internal barrier 159 and a second internal barrier 160 are included. In accordance with the present invention, these

ES 2 745 142 T3 internal barriers include actual doors or downward facing blower fans (commonly referred to as air curtains). One purpose of the internal barriers is to further isolate the air within the detection zone 112 from the air outside the detection station 102 with respect to, for example, temperature, humidity and / or odors outside the detection station. 102. In addition, the space between the second interior barrier 160 and the second door 122 allows time for the second door 122 to lock during a triggering event before the odor emitter (s) at detection station 102 have ( n) had time to pass through the second door 122.

FIG. 5 shows a profile view of a security apparatus 161 including detection station 102, observation room 104, duct 106, air flow inducer 110, detection zone 112, inanimate odor detector 118 and porous structure 124; however, observation room 104 is not located far from detection station 102 and conduit 106 consists essentially of porous structure 124.

FIG. 6 shows part of a security apparatus 162 that includes a detection station 164 that further includes a transport system 166 for transporting an odor emitter from a first location 168 within a detection zone 170 to a second location 172 within the detection zone 170. Transport system 166 further includes a conveyor support surface 174 to support an odor emitter during a detection period. The length of the detection period is generally dependent on the speed of the transport system, as the odor emitters preferably remain stationary relative to the carrier surface 174 during the detection period. By providing the transport system 166, the movement of multiple odor emitters through the detection zone 170 is standardized to better ensure the quality of the detection results by presenting a similar test sample to the inanimate odor detector 118 for each odor emitter. Conveyor system 166 may be in the form of, for example, one or more motor driven conveyor belts or an escalator that includes multiple steps.

FIG. 7 shows a security apparatus 176 that includes detection station 102, observation room 104, draft inducer 110, detection zone 112, entry portal 114, exit portal 116, and airflow detector. inanimate odors 118 located in observation room 104. The security apparatus 176 further includes a first closed corridor 178 defining a first transfer zone 180 between the detection zone 112 and the observation room 104, wherein the first closed corridor 178 is attached to the adjacent detection station 102 and adjacent to observation room 104 to provide a passageway for gas to flow from detection zone 112, through transfer zone 180, to observation room 104. Security apparatus 176 also includes a first camera 182 for acquiring a first set of visual data from a first area of ​​interest on or adjacent to security apparatus 176. Security apparatus 176 also includes remote monitoring zone 184 that includes electronic display apparatus 186 for a person to remotely monitor the first area of ​​interest. Preferably, a transmission system 188 is also provided to transmit visual data from the first camera 182 to the electronic display apparatus 186. Preferably, the transmission system 188 includes a first visual data transmitter 190 and a first visual data receiver 192 .

In one embodiment, visual data (eg, video or time-lapse photography) is recorded in temporary memory storage 194 (eg, volatile memory such as, for example, random access memory (RAM) of various forms) and such visual data is retained for a limited period of time (e.g. one week) before it is erased or otherwise overwritten with more current visual data. If a triggering event occurs, in response to a signal from sensing device 138, computing device 142 begins to record visual data in permanent memory storage 196 (e.g., non-volatile memory in various ways including read-only memory (ROM) in various ways) and retrieves some or all of the visual data stored in temporary memory storage 194 and saves that visual data in permanent memory 196. Additionally or alternatively, if a triggering event occurs, in response to a response signal, the computing device 142 marks the recorded visual data close to that period of time with a timestamp so that that particular portion of the recorded video is easily recorded. accessible and / or retrievable later.

FIG. 7 also shows a second detection station 198 that includes a second detection zone 200 defined between a second entrance portal 202 and a second exit portal 204. The second observation room 132 is also shown. The second inanimate odor detector 134 is in communication with a second event indicator 206 and the computing device 142, which further includes the internal or external memory unit 144. Data corresponding to the timing of a response signal is saved, uploaded, downloaded, or otherwise provided to the memory unit 144. During operation of the security apparatus 176, one or more animated odor detectors (for example, the second animated odor detector 134) are essentially continuously monitored by the computing device 142, so that the second indicator Event box 206 is triggered if / when an inanimate odor detector gives a response signal. A second closed corridor 208 defines a second transfer zone 210, wherein the second closed corridor 208 joins adjacent to the second detection station 198 and the second observation room 132 to provide a corridor for gas to circulate from the second zone. detection 200, through the second transfer zone 210, to the second observation room 132. The second inanimate odor detector 134 is located in the second observation room 132, and a second air inducer 212 is provided to induce the

ES 2 745 142 T3 air flow from within the second detection zone 200, through the second transfer zone 210, and to the second observation room 132 to carry the odors in the second observation room 132 that were emitted in the second detection zone 200, such that the second inanimate odor detector 134 is exposed to entrained odors to examine the odors for one or more target odors. Preferably a second inlet vent 214 is included to selectively draw ambient air into the detection zone as needed.

Preferably, security apparatus 176 further includes a second camera 216 for acquiring a second set of visual data from a second area of ​​interest. In one embodiment, the first area of ​​interest is located in a first geographic area 218 that includes the first detection station 102 and the first observation room 104, and the second area of ​​interest is located in a second geographic area 220 that includes the second detection station 198 and the second observation room 132. In this embodiment. the transmission system 188 transmits the second visual data from the second camera 216 to the electronic display apparatus 186, and a person can remotely monitor the first area of ​​interest and the second area of ​​interest in the remote monitoring area 184. The first geographic zone 218 can be, for example, at least 50 feet (15.24 m) from the second geographic zone 220. In other embodiments, the first geographic areas 218 can range from about 1000 ft (304.80 m) to about 5500 ft (1,524 km) from the second geographic area 220. In other embodiments, the first geographic area 218 is at least 100 miles (160,934 km) from the second geographic area 220, and these areas can be separated by thousands of miles if necessary. In other embodiments, the first geographic area 218 is at a distance of at least about 5000 feet (1,524 km) from the second geographic area 220 and remote monitoring zone 184, and the second geographic area 220 is at a distance of at least approximately 5000 feet (1,524 km) from remote monitoring zone 184. These distances are made possible by modern wired and / or wireless communications technologies, including, without limitation, cellular communications, satellite communications, Wi-Fi ™ or other technology based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, Bluetooth ™ technology, and other electromagnetic communication technologies, whether digital or analog.

With respect to the security apparatus 176 described above, the first closed corridor 178 and the second closed corridor 208 can be elongated conduits, which allows a greater distance between the respective detection stations and the observation rooms. Alternatively or additionally, the first closed aisle 178 and the second closed aisle 208 may include, for example, porous structures such as porous structure 124 defined above with respect to security apparatus 100 in FIG. 5.

Security apparatus 176 may further include a control system 222 in communication with first inanimate odor detector 118 and a manual entry apparatus 224 located in remote monitoring area 184. Manual entry apparatus 224 is for selective activation by a person in response to observation of an event of interest displayed on electronic display apparatus 186, thereby activating manual entry apparatus 224 and / or the Triggering a response signal causes the control system 222 to generate a control signal directed to a security resource 226 to activate the security resource 226. In embodiments that include the second inanimate odor detector 134, the control system 222 is in communication with the second inanimate odor detector 134 and the manual input apparatus 224. A security feature 226 may include, for example, a door, a door lock, an air inductor, a siren, a light, a fire suppression system (eg, a sprinkler system), an agent emitter repellent (for example, a pepper spray nozzle) and / or a specially trained person who has been contacted through telecommunications equipment (for example, a text message or an email message indicating that an event of interest has occurred in a specific location).

In related embodiments, the security apparatus 176 described above may further include an electronic scanning apparatus 228 located within or adjacent to the sensing station 102. By including the scanning apparatus 228, an odor emitter passing through the detection zone 112 can be scanned by the animated odor detector 118 for target odors and can also be scanned by a person supervising the scanning apparatus. electronic scanning 228. Electronic scanning apparatus 228 may include, for example, a metal detector and / or a body image scanner, as used in many airports. In a preferred embodiment, electronic scanning device 228 is in communication with transmission system 188 and / or control system 222 so that events that trigger electronic scanning device 228 observed by a person in the area remote monitoring 184 or otherwise performed generate a control signal directed to one or more security resources 226 to activate security resource 226.

FIG. 8A and 8B show a mobile version of a security apparatus 230 that includes a detection camera 232; a detection zone 234 within detection chamber 232; an observation chamber 236 for locating an inanimate odor detector 238 to examine the odor emitters for target odors as the odor emitters pass through the detection zone 234; a porous structure 240 through which air can flow from the detection zone 234 to the observation chamber 236; at least one entrance portal 242 through which an odor emitter can enter detection chamber 232; preferably a

ES 2 745 142 T3 exit portal 244 through which an odor emitter exits the security apparatus 230; an air stream inducer 246 to induce air stream from within detection zone 234, through porous structure 240, and into observation chamber 236 to be examined by inanimate odor detector 238 calibrated to detect a target odor and generating a response signal when a target odor is detected; and an inanimate odor detector 238 in communication with an event indicator 250. The inanimate odor detector 238 is calibrated and / or programmed to generate a response signal if the inanimate odor detector 238 detects a target odor, the generation and transmission of which , in turn, activates event flag 250 to indicate that a target odor has been detected. Other features described above with respect to other non-mobile embodiments of security devices can be incorporated into the mobile security apparatus 230 such as, for example, the control system 222 shown in FIG. 7. Mobile security apparatus 230 is preferably housed in a trailer, but other embodiments are contemplated such as, for example, a bus, motorhome, van, or other similarly sized mobile transportation.

Preferably, the mobile security apparatus 230 also includes a monitoring zone 252 (which may optionally be remote from the detection chamber 232, as described with respect to other prior embodiments), a first camera 182, and a display apparatus. electronic 184. If the surveillance zone 252 is located directly outside a conveyor structure 254, it is preferable to attach a retractable canopy 256 adjacent to an outer surface 258 of the conveyance structure 254 to provide some protection against the elements. Preferably, a first door 260 is included to cover the entrance portal 242 and, if applicable, a second door 262 is preferably provided to cover the exit portal 242. In embodiments where access to observation chamber 236 is through the entrance portal, an access door 264 is preferably provided to separate detection chamber 232 from observation chamber 236. In one embodiment, the security apparatus 230 includes one or more tail indicators 266 such as, for example, lights that glow green when it is time for an odor emitter to advance and that glow red when it is time. that an odor emitter remains immobile. Additionally or alternatively, one or more queue indicators can include an automated voice system that gives audible commands through a speaker system, where different commands in different languages ​​can be stored in a memory module such as, for example, permanent memory storage 196. These and related features are also used in other non-mobile embodiments described herein, and preferably a queue flag violation results in a triggering event.

In one embodiment, a pair of foot pads 268 (eg, foot-shaped decals) may be provided to show the odor emitter how and where to stand in the detection zone 234. To better ensure that an odor emitter stands in the correct position, the 268 foot pads may additionally include one or more sensors (for example, a piezoelectric pressure pad, accelerometer, or other sensor such as those used with respect to to trigger apparatuses described herein) to detect whether an odor emitter is stepping on the foot pads 268 in an appropriate manner. These and related features are also used in other non-mobile embodiments described herein, and in some embodiments, detection of incorrect posture results, for example, in a local alarm to notify security personnel. facility that helps an odor emitter to pass through the corresponding detection zone. Alternatively, improper and intentional standing, as evidenced by, for example, camera images, can result in an automatic or manual triggering event.

In one embodiment, the detection zone 234 is further isolated by barriers 270 (eg, flexible polymer curtains or small doors) to further reduce the volume of air in the detection zone 234.

FIG. 9 and 10 show a security apparatus 286 for examining multiple vehicles (eg, cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles). The security apparatus 286 includes at least one lane 288 for passing a vehicle, an essentially closed aisle 290 through which at least one lane 288 extends, a main exhaust chamber 292, an air mixer 294 ( e.g. a mechanical fan) to create turbulent air conditions within the main exhaust chamber 292, a conduit 296 for directing a fraction of the total air stream in the main exhaust chamber 292 to an observation room 298 similar or identical to the observation rooms (104, 132) previously described with respect to FIGS. 1, 3 and 7. The fraction of the total air stream directed through conduit 296 preferably ranges from about 5% to about 15%, and more preferably about 10% of the volume of the total air stream flowing through the chamber. main exhaust 292. Aisle 290 further includes a side portion 300 that includes multiple air inductors 302 to direct air within aisle 290 toward primary exhaust chamber 292; an entrance opening 304 through which vehicles can enter the aisle 290; and an exit opening 306 from which vehicles can exit the aisle 290.

Preferably, the flow of traffic along each lane is controlled by one or more queue indicators 308 (eg, a traffic light). Preferably, a maximum speed limit for vehicles is published and monitored for each vehicle as each vehicle passes through aisle 290. Such speeds are preferably monitored using, for example, radar or laser detection devices 310, used

ES 2 745 142 T3 normally by traffic law enforcement personnel. A security zone 312 is defined and controlled up to a defined distance D2 from the outlet opening 306, so that if an inanimate odor detector in the observation room 298 generates a response signal, security personnel and / or automated control system (s) have sufficient time to stop traffic within security zone 312 to more closely inspect the one or more passing vehicles down corridor 290 near the time the inanimate odor detector gave a response signal. This can be achieved at least in part, for example, by one or more safety barriers 314. The defined distance D2 preferably ranges from about a quarter of a mile (0.402339 km) to about a mile (1.60934 km) and more preferably from about a half mile (0.80467 km) to about three quarters of a mile ( 1.20705 km).

By creating turbulent air conditions in the main exhaust chamber 292, the air in it mixes rapidly such that a sample of the air within the main exhaust chamber 292 is a more reliable cross-sectional sample of the entire air environment within corridor 290. Therefore, when the air in duct 296 is exposed to an inanimate odor detector, the inanimate odor detector is more likely to detect any odor that may be (or was very recently) present within the covered hallway 290.

Various embodiments described herein can be used in many different security situations and applications, including, for example, airport security, building security, event security (e.g., a large outdoor concert, a collegiate or professional sporting event), and the security of the government structure.

An object of the description is to provide an apparatus for providing the distance between the detection zone where the odor emitters pass and the observation room where an inanimate odor detector is normally present for detection, possibly with accompanying personnel. Placing an observation room at a minimum distance from a detection zone is important for a number of reasons, including protecting an inanimate odor detector from weapons used in or near the detection zone (e.g., explosives, chemical weapons, and biological weapons). ); and lessen the possibility of human or animal odor emitters knowing that the detection inanimate odor detector is detecting them.

Still another object of the description is to provide a safety apparatus that can isolate, repel or otherwise control an odor emitter causing a triggering event. If a non-threatening target odor (for example, illegal narcotics) is detected, the suspect odor emitter can be locked inside a detection station. Alternatively, if a threatening target odor is detected (for example, high-powered explosives), the suspect odor emitter can be ejected from the detection station away from the building / event being secured by using a repellent agent (for example, an automatic pepper spray nozzle inside the detection station). If the detection station is explosion-resistant, it may be better to isolate an odor emitter suspected of carrying high explosives within the detection station by automatically closing and locking the corresponding doors. If a chemical weapon or biological weapon is detected, an embodiment of a security apparatus as described herein may be configured to automatically close all vents, doors, and other openings to the detection station, sealing off this mode virtually the detection station so that said weapons cannot spread outside the detection station. Various control logic options are contemplated using the security apparatus described herein and variations thereof in which certain types of triggering events cause certain security features to fire in a specific order or manner. The resulting safety measures taken in any given scenario will ultimately depend on the programming of the corresponding controller (and associated software, firmware, or other items), the specific configuration and construction of the safety appliance being used, and the number and type of target odors being tested at any given time.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a highly reliable security apparatus for examining one or more target odors and also for examining odor emitters using other technologies including metal detection, body scan, bio-scan (e.g. scans fingerprint scanners, retinal scans), plate scans, and other types of security scanning and detection devices.

The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure have many advantages, including consistency in detection of target odors, protection for examining inanimate odor detectors and odor emitters alike, protection against explosions or flying projectiles, examination for different types of target odors at the same time, the visual monitoring of multiple detection stations located far away from each other and far from the remote monitoring area, the automated detection monitoring of multiple detection stations located far away from each other and separated, the mobility of certain versions of the monitoring device. safety, flexibility in programming a security appliance controller based on the particular situation / event / building for which a security appliance will be used to protect and other advantages described herein.

IS 2 745 142 T3

The ability to quickly scan vehicles moving at high speeds is a significant improvement compared to scanning vehicles (e.g. cars) one by one at checkpoints, where the vehicles must each stop at one point. queue for sometimes long periods of time.

Although the rapid detection techniques described herein with respect to moving vehicles are not necessarily reliable for detecting small amounts (i.e., less than about 10 kilograms) of a contraband substance (e.g., explosives), the target is to quickly eliminate someone who moves a nearby vehicle to a safe area and, for example, detonate a large amount of explosives. Likewise, the detection of small consignments of narcotics crossing a federal border is not the goal of this specific example technology. Rather, one of the main objectives is to quickly and efficiently identify large quantities of narcotic drugs and other illicit substances in order to dismantle large consignments of illicit contraband. Therefore, for this particular application, the detection of small quantities is not as important as the detection of large quantities of contraband substances.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The preferred embodiments described are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the scope of the disclosure to the particular form (s) disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations may be made in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the discussion and their practical application, and to thereby make it easier for someone skilled in the art to use the concepts presented in the discussion, in various ways. embodiments and with various modifications, as are suitable for the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims.