Electronic Sensor Technology's zNose Profiles Cargo Container Odors, Making Lives a Little Safer.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NEWBURY PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 16, 2004

Electronic Sensor Technology today announced a new anti-terrorist technology based upon their commercial electronic nose, the zNose(R). The zNose(R) is sensitive enough to sniff out and recognize suspicious odors such as explosives, drugs, chemical weapons, and even money in cargo containers. The zNose(R) has completed product testing according to CSA 1010, EN 61010-1 and IEC 61326 protocols and has applied for certification as an anti-terrorist technology by the Office of Homeland Security. The zNose(R) will enhance the capability of shippers and security inspectors alike because it is able to quantitatively separate and measure the chemistry of any fragrance, odor, vapor or smell with part per-trillion sensitivity in 10 seconds. Unlike trace detection technology, electronic noses can be trained to easily recognize an unlimited number of both single-chemical and multi-chemical compound odors.

According to Dr. Edward Staples, the managing Director of EST, "The zNose(R) operates much like a chemical spectrum analyzer for hydrocarbons spanning the range C4 (butane) to C24 (tetracosane)." The availability of an electronic nose with the ability to quantify container odors at part-per-trillion and even trillion sensitivity levels is a significant breakthrough. The technology is expected to enhance the ability of shippers to meet their security requirements under CTPAT and CSI programs. The zNose(R) is the first true electronic nose to mimic the human olfactory response with olfactory images while at the same time providing a quantitative chemical analysis or chemical profile of container odors. The zNose(R) will interface with and enhance the performance of existing security screening measures, including canines, by providing a complementary analysis of ambient odors which has not previously been available.

Details of zNose(R) technology and how it is being applied to cargo container odors will be the subject of a presentation by Dr. Staples on the 21st of April at the 3rd Micro-sensor workshop being held at Arizona State University Kerr Cultural Center and sponsored by the TSA, DEA, ATF and the Office of Homeland Security. The technical paper is entitled "Chemical Profiling of Cargo Containers using Olfactory Images and Virtual Chemical Sensors," and describes work involving explosives, drugs of abuse, bio-markers, industrial chemicals, and even the contraband-of-choice, money.

Electronic Sensor Technology (EST) is a California Limited Partnership Corporation formed in 1995. The company currently has 4 patents, and seeks to expand its marketing, distribution and sales network by strategic alliances with security service providers and shipping companies.

Information on the company's technology and products can be obtained from the company Website: www.estcal.com.