Abstract: A method for identifying particulates in the air, including drawing a predetermined volume of air into a housing defining an airway, flowing the predetermined volume of air over a first adhesive capture member positioned in the airway to yield a first test sample, generating a first optical image of the first test sample with a camera, storing the first optical image in a memory, analyzing the first optical image with the microprocessor to identify captured particulates, automatically counting the identified particulates, storing the first adhesive capture member to preserve the first test sample, and positioning a second adhesive capture member in the airway.

Abstract: A method for identifying particulates in the air, including drawing a predetermined volume of air into a housing defining an airway, flowing the predetermined volume of air over a first adhesive capture member positioned in the airway to yield a first test sample, generating a first optical image of the first test sample with a camera, storing the first optical image in a memory, analyzing the first optical image with the microprocessor to identify captured particulates, automatically counting the identified particulates, storing the first adhesive capture member to preserve the first test sample, and positioning a second adhesive capture member in the airway.

Abstract: A method for monitoring air particulates, including positioning a particulate capture medium, flowing a predetermined volume of air over a particulate capture medium to yield a test sample, measuring the temperature and humidity of the air to generate environmental information, generating optical interrogation data from the test sample, storing the optical interrogation data, and analyzing the optical interrogation data to identify and quantify particulates.

Abstract: A system for measuring air quality, including a housing having an inlet, and outlet, and defining an air pathway therebetween, an air pump operationally connected in fluidic communication with air inlet and outlet for urging along the air flow pathway, a particle collector having an adhesive side positioned in the air flow pathway, and an electronic controller operationally connected to the optical sensor assembly for sending control signals to the optical sensor assembly and for receiving data from the optical sensor assembly. The system also includes an optical sensor assembly positioned for optical interrogate the particle collector, and further including a light source positioned to shine on the particle collector and an optical sensor positioned to receive light travelling from the particle collector.

Abstract: A system for measuring air quality, including a housing having an inlet, and outlet, and defining an air pathway therebetween, an air pump operationally connected in fluidic communication with air inlet and outlet for urging along the air flow pathway, a particle collector having an adhesive side positioned in the air flow pathway, and an electronic controller operationally connected to the optical sensor assembly for sending control signals to the optical sensor assembly and for receiving data from the optical sensor assembly. The system also includes an optical sensor assembly positioned for optical interrogate the particle collector, and further including a light source positioned to shine on the particle collector and an optical sensor positioned to receive light travelling from the particle collector.

Abstract: A method for monitoring air particulates, including positioning a particulate capture medium, flowing a predetermined volume of air over a particulate capture medium to yield a test sample, measuring the temperature and humidity of the air to generate environmental information, generating optical interrogation data from the test sample, storing the optical interrogation data, and analyzing the optical interrogation data to identify and quantify particulates.