Patent ID: 6228657
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
An airborne hazardous material reader device, comprising:a body forming a slot area capable of receiving a collection element therein;a crushing mechanism located within said slot area capable of breaking a plurality of ampules attached to said collection element sufficient to release chemical testing reagents therefrom;a micro-pump positioned proximate to said slot area and capable of moving airborne hazardous material into said slot area;means for regulating the temperature within said slot area;a diode reading component incorporated within said body, the diode reading component capable of distinguishing color changes on said received collection element;an indicator alarm means effective to indicate the presence of a hazardous material when said diode reading component distinguishes color changes; and,a microprocessor incorporated into said body, said microprocessor: monitoring and controlling said temperature regulation means to control the temperature within said slot area; controlling said diode reading component to evaluate said collection element's physical condition by checking for white, clean detector areas to ensure that said collection element has not been contaminated with dirt; activating said crushing mechanism in an appropriate sequence and time to crush said ampules; controlling said micro-pump to regulate the airflow over said collection element; and initiating a time-interval color reading of said collection element by said diode reading component and monitoring the frequency and intensity of color changes detected by said diode reading component; and activating the indicator alarm means in relation to said color reading.