Abstract: A dust monitor is disclosed that is suitably deployed in dusty environments and capable of providing near real-time indications of exposure to airborne particulates. The monitor includes a filter and filter assembly made of materials that do not interfere with subsequent instrumental (such as spectrometric) analysis for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte. In some disclosed embodiments, the filter is made of nylon or other material that is readily subjected to thermal destruction prior to spectrometric analysis. The dust monitor also includes a humidity correction feature that permits the filter to be made of ashable organic materials even if those materials are not highly hydrophobic. Transport devices are provided for shipment of the filter and/or filter assembly to an analytical laboratory which prevent loss of particulate matter and which facilitate an accurate analysis procedure.

Abstract: A dust monitor is disclosed that is suitably deployed in dusty environments and capable of providing near real-time indications of exposure to airborne particulates. The monitor includes a filter and filter assembly made of materials that do not interfere with subsequent instrumental (such as spectrometric) analysis for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte. In some disclosed embodiments, the filter is made of nylon or other material that is readily subjected to thermal destruction prior to spectrometric analysis. The dust monitor also includes a humidity correction feature that permits the filter to be made of ashable organic materials even if those materials are not highly hydrophobic. Transport devices are provided for shipment of the filter and/or filter assembly to an analytical laboratory which prevent loss of particulate matter and which facilitate an accurate analysis procedure.

Abstract: A variety of methods and systems related to automated quantitative analyses via digital spectroscopy techniques can be used to determine the quantity of one or more analytes in a sample. A parameter file can be used to control automated analysis. Suspect conditions related to parameters can be identified and-appropriate advisories provided. Suspect conditions related to analysis can be identified and appropriate warnings provided. Various algorithmic techniques are supported and can be selected by a user by modifying parameters via a parameter-editing user interface presented by software.