VAPOR WAND PATENT


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The Team that Built It

David Weaver ~ Read David's Bio

As project director of the NIJ grant I was able to call on many forensic scientists from around the world. Corporations from 3m to Locktight and agencies from Japan and Australia provided historic R&D documents which aided in the background research. It was thru the efforts of Dr. Rau director at that time of NIJ, Dr Henry Lee , Secret Service Dr. Cantu and Crime Lab Director George Taft that we received approval of my research grant and original funding.

The original research effort was focused on tagging the superglue bloom with a fluorescent tag. The vapor wand made this possible for the 1st time.
More research is needed and continues currently with various sublimation dyes.

Crime Lab Director George Taft made for an environment in which this research could be accomplished.

People like Robert Shem, Everett Clary, Chris Behiem, helped consistently through out the process.

George Taft ~
Crime Lab Director George Taft recruited me from Texas to Alaska. He promised to build the worlds very best Crime Lab and he delivered! During the mid to late 80s and early 90s I worked under him and Latent Chief Michael Goetz. This Crime lab was state of the art, with the best people I have ever worked with. It was a progressive environment well funded and the quest was always "catch the bad guy" whatever it took. No stone was left unturned, especially when it came to Homicides. At that time we provided evidence processing, crime scene response on a state wide basis as well Law Enforcement training. It was the best work environment I have ever had. I expected to see similar scenarios in my nationwide travels, I realize now it is not so. The forensic community should look to the Alaska State Crime Lab and George Taft to outline the very best forensic capabilities.

George Taft is now retired and a NIJ consultant.


Robert Shem ~
After 1.5 years of struggle, with limited dye crossover at elevated temperatures I asked  Robert Shem firearms examiner for his advice and assistance.  Robert put in my hand a small portable butane torch. It didn't take long for Bob and I to come up with the Sublimation Chamber.  The 1st crude attempt I made from aluminum foil. Robert immediately suggested a brass cartridge of .22 250 caliber it fit perfectly on the end of the small torch.  Yureka!!  We had done it.  Without Robert Shem's innovative suggestions and assistance this project would not have succeeded.

Everett Clary ~ I could never describe sufficiently the assistance provided by Chief Chemist Everett Clary. I was blessed with his assistance and knowledge in chemistry, at the very rudimentary level he walked me thru the basic to advanced challenges we faced. I never asked a question that he couldn't answer. He would also direct me to the Merck, Aldrich Chemical supply catalogs etc. I wish he were near me today, as his knowledge and assistance was superb. I remember calling him at midnight the day after UV evaluation of the 3m dye, both of us were suffering "Welders Eye" we were both so excited with the UV superglue crossover we forgot to put on the goggles.
Thank you Everett!!!

 

White House Presentation

 

David's Forensic Technology
Next Patent?

David has continued the research, and is about to announce and release an exciting new technology in fingerprint development. Coming soon, check back here to see this new invention!

 


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