Patent ID: 7299709
Filing Date: 2007-11-27
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An aerosol collecting device, comprising: a housing adapted for attachment to a chemical vapor detection system, said vapor detection system capable of analyzing a sample suspected of containing a chemical warfare agent, wherein said housing defines a chamber comprising an inlet open to ambient, an outlet, and a through cavity defined therebetween, said outlet being adapted for fluid connection with an input port of the chemical vapor detection system; a collecting funnel attached to the inlet for collecting and channeling droplets or aerosol into the inlet, wherein said funnel includes a coating to facilitate transfer of aerosol droplets; and a heating element for heating the chamber to a temperature above the boiling point of a target chemical agent of interest, wherein the relevant portion of the sample in the form of a droplet or aerosol which may contain the chemical agent is converted into a vapor form as it passes through the cavity from the inlet to the outlet of the chamber, and prior to entering the input port of the chemical vapor detection system.