avaSensor, LLC is a Tennessee limited liability company founded by Fred Tompkins in
August, 2011 for the purpose of developing and commercializing a sensing/detecting/
locating technology. At the time, a candidate “sniffing” technology (LABRADOR)
invented at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
was being offered for out-licensing, and avaSensor moved forward to evaluate the
functional viability of the technology along with its market potential.
To assist in that technology evaluation process, Tompkins solicited the assistance
of, among others, Dr. John Wilkerson, a fellow engineering faculty member at the
University of Tennessee and an expert in sensor systems. The evaluation team
ultimately recommended that avaSensor not pursue rights to that volatile organic
compounds “sniffer” technology as its initial product. Notwithstanding our choice to
pass on LABRADOR, in the process of assessing that technology, important connections
were made with two individuals who were to become key members of the current
avaSensor leadership team. First, John Wilkerson agreed to join avaSensor as Chief
Technology Officer, and we began work on a novel, new sensing/detecting/locating
technology. Second, in the due diligence process with LABRADOR, we were introduced
to ORNL senior research scientist Dr. Arpad Vass, the co-inventor of that technology.
Vass left the employ of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in October 2012 as ORNL
made staffing level adjustments, and effective January 1, 2013, Arpad Vass joined the
avaSensor team as Chief Science Officer.
In the summer of 2013, we solicited the assistance of retired career law enforcement
officer and a former National Sheriff of the Year, Tim Hutchison, in the conduct of an
experiment involving the technology actively under development. Sheriff Hutchison
subsequently joined the avaSensor leadership team as Chief Marketing Officer effective
September 1, 2013.
The avaSensor research and development team has generated a sensing technology for
remotely and unobtrusively detecting the presence of various explosives, gunpowder,
or other modern ammunition propellants. Our current functional, proof-of-concept
prototype instrument detects the unique electromagnetic “signature” that naturally
emanates from a specific target explosive or propellant material. This novel proprietary
technology does not involve air sampling or “sniffing.” No “swabbing” and subsequent
chemical analysis is required. To date, we have consistently been able to remotely
detect the presence of small samples of gunpowder and plastic explosives including C-4
and C-2, those samples either concealed on the person of an approaching individual or
in luggage or containers carried or conveyed by that approaching individual. The three
photographs shown on our home page illustrate the range of challenging circumstances
under which we have successfully detected target materials. In a range of laboratory
tests, detection and alert typically occurs at a distance of several feet or even several
yards from the instrument.
Our detection technology may be employed to enhance security and boost human
safety in transportation systems, in government and educational buildings, and in public
arenas and stadiums as well as at military checkpoints, at border crossings, and at ports
of entry.