Mammal Hair Detection Device (U.S. Patent Pending No. 12/214,697)

In layman's terms, this technology images Hard Keratin Protein (HKP) through a method invented by Dr Robert K. Vincent, Geophysicist at BGSU. Dr. Vincent is recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities in remote sensing.

HKP is what mammal hair; bird feathers, horns, hooves and even fingernails are comprised of. HKP’s qualities of reflectance are unique in the visible spectra and now we have the ability to view this protein for it’s spectral quality in a way you cannot see with the human eye. This is a first of its kind technology.

Planned Product Development (Staged)

Our first-generation of product design and development is of a passive nature, which incorporates the use of available or natural light and offers basic alarm capabilities.

CTI’s second-generation product design will be of an active nature which incorporates the use of artificial illumination such as non-visible laser enhancement and includes basic alarm capabilities.

Our third-generation product design will be both active and passive in nature with alarm action and will include aggressive response capabilities.

History of the Technology

Following the invention of this new technology in 2005, the initial proof of theory laboratory tests were conducted at BGSU employing the use of their spectrometers. The conclusions from those tests resulted in the approval from the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) at BGSU, to pursue a patent in order to protect the intellectual property. In June of 2008 the application for a patent was filed at the US Patent Office. In August of 2009, Proof of Concept tests were made at Wright Patterson Air Force Base with CTI and staff from the Air Force Institute of Technology using their Hyper-Spectral Imaging device. The data from those tests concluded that the invention was indeed able to image HKP based on its reflectance qualities.

The exclusive license from BGSU for the use of the patented technology was issued in April of 2009 and later that year, CTI engaged an Optical Engineering / Consulting firm in Toledo to begin initial studies on the development of prototype units. In March of 2010, another provisional patent application was approved, regarding this new technology, by the OTT at BGSU.

On-going meetings and market research with both government and private agencies is continuing as partners are selected for the prototypes that are being developed. First prototype units are on track for mid 2010 testing and release.