Abstract: The present disclosure provides for sampling instruments and methods of collecting sample particles. The sampling instrument can include a high-pressure pulsed valve coupled to a gas flow system to displace a sample from a surface. Also included can be a voltage supply coupled to a voltage switch, a suction device, a sample collector, and a collection filter. To collect a sample, extractive particles can be deposited onto a sample present on a substrate. At least a portion of the sample becomes coupled to a portion of the extractive particles to form sample particles. High-pressure gas can be discharged at the sample, thereby aerosolizing a portion of the sample particles to disperse aerosolized sample particles. A portion of the aerosolized sample particles can be collected onto a collection filter to form a collected sample.

Abstract: A device (1), for measuring an amount of dirt (50), comprising: a receiver (2) for receiving a sample collector (40), with a dirt sample attached to the front surface (42); a first (11) and second (12) contact; an electrically conductive surface (14); an aligner (20) for positioning the electrically conductive surface (14) in contact with the back surface (44) of the received sample collector (40); and a resistance meter (30) configured to measure an electrical resistance between the first (11) and second contact (12), wherein, when the first (11) and second contact (12) are placed in contact with the front surface (42) and the electrically conductive surface (14) is placed in contact with the back surface (44), the measured electrical resistance between the first (11) and second contact (12) represents the amount of dirt (50) of the dirt sample between the first (11) and second contact (12).

Abstract: An endoscope assembly comprising a handle incorporating a liquid reservoir and injection system, a cannula attaching to the handle, and a distally attached miniature imaging head. The imaging head is a transparent tubular shaped body having an essentially closed proximal end, and a tubular wall extending from the closed proximal end to the distal open end of the body. An optical source is attached to the closed proximal end, and its emitted illumination directed into the tubular wall of the body, such that said illumination is partially internally reflected within the tubular wall and is emitted both radially and from the distal open end. The optical source is disposed radially inwards of the outer dimensions of the tubular shaped body. Alternatively, the optical source can be positioned back-to-back with the camera chip. A system is provided for cell collection from the region in which the endoscope is operating.

Abstract: A non-water-cooled high temperature aerosol quantitative dilution sampling probe includes a dilution gas tube, a gas mixing tube, a sampling nozzle and a three-way shunt tube, in which the dilution gas tube is used for introducing a dilution gas, and forms, together with a gas mixing tube coaxially fitted therein, an annular passage for transporting the dilution gas; and the sampling nozzle is composed of an injection hole, an outer nozzle and an inner nozzle, and an annular gas flow gap formed between the inner nozzle and the gas mixing tube accelerates the flow of the dilution gas, and forms a negative pressure around the inner nozzle, thereby achieving the purpose of sucking the sample gas by the outer nozzle and mixing it with the dilution gas.

Abstract: An electronic device manufacturing system may include a factory interface having a controlled environment. The electronic device manufacturing system may also include a load port coupled to the factory interface. The load port may be configured to receive a substrate carrier thereon and may include purge apparatus and a controller. The controller may be configured to operate the load port such that any air located around and between a substrate carrier door and the load port is at least partially or entirely purged, thus reducing or preventing contamination of the controlled environment upon the opening of the substrate carrier door by the load port. Methods of operating a factory interface load port are also provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A gas detecting device is disclosed and comprises a main body, a suspended particle sensing module and a gas sensing module, wherein the main body includes a first sensing area and a second sensing area. A suspended particle sensing module disposed within the first sensing area includes an irradiating mechanism, a first gas transporting actuator, a laser device and a light sensing device. The first gas transporting actuator transmits air to the first sensing area, the suspended particles in the air is irradiated by the laser beam emitted from the laser device to generate scattered light spots for the light sensing device to detect the suspended particles. The gas sensing module disposed within the second sensing area includes a gas sensor and a second gas transporting actuator. The second gas transporting actuator transmits air to the second sensing area, and the gas sensing device detects a gas composition contained in the air.

Abstract: This invention is related to a device for collection and test of fluid specimens, comprising a first cavity and a second cavity; wherein, the first cavity is located inside the second cavity; furthermore, the first and second cavities are interconnected; the said first cavity is available for mutual rotation with the second cavity to facilitate fluid to flow between them; the first cavity is provided with a first position and a second position inside the second cavity. The device of this invention can ensure adequate and uniform mixing of fluid inside the second cavity to facilitate further tests.

Abstract: An apparatus applicable to a storage container is provided and includes a filtering cartridge, a gas supply device and a particle counter. The filtering cartridge is configured to be disposed on the storage container. The filtering cartridge includes a flexible housing and a filter. The flexible housing has a first portion and a second portion opposite to the first portion. The flexible housing includes a gas inlet, a first gas outlet and a second gas outlet. The gas inlet is disposed on the first portion. The first gas outlet is disposed on the first portion. The second gas outlet is disposed on the second portion and connected to the storage container. The filter is disposed over the second gas outlet. The gas supply device is connected to the gas inlet, thereby purging gas into the flexible housing. The particle counter is connected to the first gas outlet.

Abstract: A gas detector can be releasibly coupled to one of a group of elongated probes each of the probes includes a detector connecting end and a gas in flow/outflow end. The connecting end includes a helical attaching feature which when coupled to the detector defies a plurality of spaced apart angular locking positions. A locking position is selected in response to a flow of air in an adjacent duct to which the detector is being attached. Where the detector carries an elongated display device, the locking position can be selected so that the display device exhibits a desired presentation.

Abstract: An improved upward flow constructed wetland cell for treatment of water contaminated with chlorinated aliphatics is disclosed. The improvements include adding ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms to the methane-oxidizing microorganisms already present in an oxygenated root zone and adding improved pore-water sample chambers for measuring the performance of the constructed wetland cell.

Abstract: This invention describes a sample collection method that could release and collect residues of explosives and other chemicals from a surface; the described method is implemented into a compact detection system that can be used as a “wand” for screening chemicals residues on human body. The wand configuration includes multiple functionalities for contrabands detection. The invention further describes a desorption method that can control chemical fragmentation pathway during desorption. The invention describes a combined detection device that detects trace chemicals and metal at the same time.

Abstract: A groundwater sampling tool that includes an elongated hollow coring tube having a proximal end and a distal end for collecting groundwater and sediment; a Peltier element located in close proximity to a wall of the elongated hollow coring tube adapted to freeze groundwater and sediment collected by the elongated hollow coring tube.

Abstract: A test baseplate is configured to support and expose at least one storage device component to particle evacuation and particle analysis. The test baseplate includes a base having an upper surface that extends between an outer peripheral wall and an inner peripheral wall and having a lower surface defined by the inner peripheral wall. The test baseplate also includes a top clamp configured to be fastened to the upper surface of the base to secure the at least one storage device component to the base.

Abstract: A portal, system and method for screening an object for a target substance is provided. The portal includes an inflatable bladder expandable to form a test space for receiving the object and a plurality of nozzles positioned about the inflatable bladder. The nozzles are in fluid communication with a fluid source for directing air over the object whereby samples are removed from the object for examination. A collector is operatively connected to the inflatable bladder for collecting the samples removed from the object. A detector is operatively connected to the collector for examining the removed samples for the presence of the target substance. At least one preconcentrator may be operatively connected to the collector for concentrating the samples collected thereby.

Abstract: The invention concerns a measurement station for the measurement of particle contamination of a transport pod for the conveyance and atmospheric storage of semiconductor substrates, such pod comprising a casing capable of being closed by means of a removable access door, such station comprising: an interface (5) capable of coupling to a casing of a transport pod (3) instead of the said door, the interface (5) comprising at least one injection nozzle (9) arranged at one mobile end of a pipe protruding from the said interface to direct a jet of gas in a perpendicular direction towards a portion of the wall (13) on the inside (10) of the said casing coupled to the said measurement station, so as to detach particles (11) from the said casing (3) by the impact of the gas jet on the said wall (13), and a measurement device (7) comprising a vacuum pump (17), a particle counter (19), and a measurement conduit (21) of which an inlet (23) leads to the inside (10) of the said casing (3), and of which an outlet (25) i

Abstract: A trace particle collection system accumulates trace particles of those materials that are adhering to target surfaces. The particles are removed from the surface, transported and collected in a particle collection medium, and then provided to a detection instrument. Trace particles are often bound tenaciously to the target surface, and simple techniques, such as blowing air, will either remove only the largest particles or none at all. The removal of trace particles is described which utilizes an aerosol mixture of frozen carbon dioxide aerosol particles in a gas stream to impact and more efficiently remove the target particles from the surface.

Abstract: The improved analyte collection device is adjustable between two separate and distinct configurations. The first configuration enhances analyte collection by precluding undesired gas flow from around the sampling device. The second configuration enhances analyte collection by extending and focusing gas flow into the sampling device. Additionally, the current invention provides methods for collecting analyte from the surface of objects or the atmosphere.

Abstract: A sweat collector for application to a body part of a subject in order to collect sweat therefrom for purposes of analysis, includes a receptacle having an open side for application to the skin of the subject's body part from which the sweat is to be collected; and a port for the introduction of a fluid into the receptacle and into contact with the skin of the subject's body part for enhancing the removal and/or production of sweat thereat. The sweat collector further includes a syringe having an open end insertable into the port for introducing the fluid into the receptacle, and for removing the introduced fluid and the sweat collected therein for analysis. Several embodiments are described, illustrating various ways of attaching the sweat collector to various body parts. Also described is a method of collecting and analyzing sweat from a body part in order to provide information useful in determining the medical condition of a subject.

Abstract: A smoke evaluation device includes a manifold in fluid communication with a source of smoke, and a first sampling line and a second sampling line in fluid communication with the manifold. The first sampling line and the second sampling line are arranged to convey parallel smoke flows. A first filter station is located in the first sampling line, and is adapted to support a filter paper in fluid communication with the smoke. A first circuit board station is located in the second sampling line, and is adapted to support a circuit board in fluid communication with the smoke.

Abstract: This device will allow individuals to pass through explosive detection portals efficiently without undue delay. The airflow from a series of jets will dislodge embedded molecules and direct them to a sensor that will detect the presence of commonly found explosive materials. The molecules that are dislodged will be accomplished by air flow through an air tunnel or portal structure that is not invasive to the person yet allows real time detection of explosive material while not infringing on the privacy of the individual.

Abstract: An aerodynamic sampler for sampling particles from a surface or a flowing gas stream is provided. The sampler can include an arcuate-shaped shroud having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being directed in a first direction and the second opening oppositely disposed and spaced apart from the first opening. A gas nozzle having at least one gas outlet directed generally in the first direction can be included and may or may not be located at least partially within the shroud. The gas nozzle is operable to supply a gas jet to a surface that is proximate the first opening of the shroud. In addition, a suction device operable to pull or suck the gas proximate the first opening through the second opening and afford for the gas to enter a detector is provided. The arcuate-shaped shroud can be a bell-shaped shroud with the first opening located at a bottom of the bell-shape.

Abstract: A volatilizable substance can be sampled from a surface using a hand-held sampler employing a probe that comprises a supply tube in fluid communication with a pressurized gas supply and an outlet proximate to a target surface, a recovery tube having an inlet proximate to the target surface and being in fluid communication with a collector or analyzer and a skirt of varied depth. The probe is brought into contact with the surface, preferably in at least three points, gas flows out through the supply tube onto the surface, the volatilizable substance is volatilized, uptaken in to the gas and a fraction of the gas flows back through the recovery tube to the collector or analyzer, the remainder flowing under the skirt to prevent ingress of contaminants.

Abstract: Various screening systems are disclosed, including a system including a radiation detection component, a toxic chemical detection component, a toxic chemical agent sampling component, a bio-threat detection component, a puffer-based bio-threat sampling component, an explosive detection component, and an X-ray based imager, such that it automatically screens mail for the presence of multiple threat agents, such as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats. An automated sample arm collects a sample when a sampling substrate contacts a portion of the item of mail while there is relative motion between the automated sample arm and the item of mail. The sample is conveyed to a detector and the sampling substrate is regenerated by heating it.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces. The system also utilizes aerosol chambers using at least two arrays of pinch rollers to provide for decreased incremental changes on mail pieces and decrease the likelihood of mail piece damage.

Abstract: A detector for the detection for trace vapors and particles in the air that includes a housing; a well formed in the housing; a heated filter positioned across the well; a source delivering sampled air substantially perpendicular to the open end of the well on a first side of the filter; a source to supply dry air across the first side of the filter; a detector line in communication with the at least one well on a second side of the filter; and a second dry air source for supplying air to the second side of the filter at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. An automatic inspection station that includes a vibrator for vibrating articles to be inspected. An automatic inspection station that includes a heating element positioned below an upper surface of the floor and an inlet positioned above the floor.

Abstract: A surface particle-counting device where the scanner element and the particle counting element have been combined so to reduce the number of lost particles and increase the overall efficiency of the particle-counting device. By removing the conventional tube that connects the scanner element and the particle counting element accuracy is increased.

Abstract: A method of detecting particles during inspection is provided. The method includes establishing a security checkpoint including a detection system, wherein the detection system includes a chamber defining a passage and includes a plurality of jets. The method also includes passing an individual through the passage, enhancing a convection plume including particles from the individual by blowing air through at least one of the plurality of jets, and absorbing the particles in a preconcentrator including a filter encased in a frame having a high thermal conductivity. Moreover, the method includes evaporating the particles absorbed in the preconcentrator and using a detector to determine whether the particles are from at least one of an explosive material and a narcotic substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for redirecting a flow of aerosol-containing air into, for example, an aerosol sampler. The apparatus comprising a device for redirecting a portion of the flow of aerosol-containing air into an air intake disposed within the flow of aerosol-containing air, preferably using eduction caused by a pressurized gas stream. A sampling tube having an opening for receiving aerosol-containing air is disposed within the air intake to collect the redirected portion of aerosol containing air.

Abstract: A probe (S) for the extraction of gas from a process environment comprises a tubular element (2), which can be positioned within the process environment. This tubular element has at one end a gas aspiration opening (TS) and defines an internal cavity (CA) by which the interior of the process environment can be put into fluid communication with a gas take off system. The probe further includes a second tubular element (1) extending into the interior of the cavity of the first tubular element (2). This second tubular element has one end (UG) disposed at the aspiration opening end (that is to say the process environment side), formed in such a way as to inject the said accelerated gaseous fluid towards the aspiration opening of the first tubular element (2) and from there back to the process environment.

Abstract: An explosive and narcotics detection system detects the presence of trace particles of materials that are adhering to surfaces. In order to detect such particles, to the particles are first dislodged or released from the surface, then transported to the detection instrument, and then accumulated on or in a particle collection device. When the sample collecting system and the target surface are in relative motion across the line-of-sight greater than fifteen centimeters per second, non-contact sample collection may be accomplished using a vortex or vortex attractor particle collector together with a plurality of air or aerosol jets. A plurality of large diameter vortex collectors may obtain samples at relative line-of-sight velocities greater than five feet per second over a large surface area and for a complex-shaped surface.

Abstract: A mail screening device for hazardous materials is disclosed. The mail screening device comprises a sample collection unit that uses air jets or air knives to dislodge residues of hazardous materials from a mail, and a detection unit that detects the hazardous materials in the exhaust air flow. Comparing to traditional mail screening systems that use belts and rollers to physically pinch a mail for sample collection, the device of the present invention is less complex and easier to operate, thereby reducing installation, maintenance and replacement costs.

Abstract: A detection technique for detecting foreign material on the surface of a plasma processing apparatus, capable of accurately sucking/extracting and measuring foreign material contained in the measurement object surface is provided. The detection device comprises a gauge head or probe having a gas blow out opening for intermittently blowing a gas of a predetermined pressure to a measurement object surface and a gas suction opening for sucking foreign material discharged by the gas blown out from the gas blow out opening a particle counter having a suction pump for continuously sucking in a predetermined amount of gas from the gas suction opening for counting the number of foreign material particles contained in the gas sucked by the suction pump and a pressure adjustment unit for intermittently supplying gas of a predetermined pressure to the gas blowing out opening.

Abstract: A portal (1) has a millimetric wave imager (10, 11) arranged to detect articles concealed on the person. A pump (21) supplies jets of air through gas outlets (20) in the lower part of the portal (1), which are directed onto the feet of the person being screened. A second pump (25) pumps air with substances released by the jets via inlets (22) to an ion mobility spectrometer (24) arranged to detect the presence of explosives or narcotics. A screen (12) indicates the presence of any suspect article or substance on the person being screened.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces.

Abstract: A position of an object moving through a region of interest is determined, and at least one source of an air stream is selectively activated based on the determined position. The air stream is capable of dislodging a particle from the object moving through the region of interest. The air stream is directed toward the region of interest. An air collector is selectively activated, based on the determined position, to draw air from the region of interest. The drawn air is deposited on a sample collector, and the sample collector is analyzed to determine whether the deposition of the air stream left particles of a material of interest on the sample collector.

Abstract: A vapor collection system. The system includes one or more walls that define a chamber for receiving inspected items, at least one pipe adapted to eject a gas jet within the chamber, the gas jet being provided at an angle relative to a normal to the wall of the chamber, at the point at which the pipe enters the chamber, at least one tube adapted to remove gas samples from the chamber, and an analysis unit adapted to determine whether the gas samples include one or more particulates.

Abstract: This invention describes a sample collection method that could release and collect residues of explosives and other chemicals from a surface; the described method is implemented into a compact detection system that can be used as a “wand” for screening chemicals residues on a subject. The wand configuration includes multi-function for sampling and detecting multiple threads. The invention further describes a method of inspecting a subject using an interrogating apparatus in a sweeping motion; the near range closed loop particle sampling arrangement allows effective collection of particle and vapor residues from a targeted surface. The invention also describes a sampling and detecting apparatus for on-the-fly threat detection using compact ion mobility based detectors.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrostatic collector for low cost, high throughput, high efficiency sampling and concentration of bioaerosols. The device is small enough to be portable and can be contained within or placed on the wall of a typical office or hospital building. The collector comprises one or more collector modules, each having an ionizing electrode, a conical outer electrode, a wet collection electrode, and a liquid collection system. Airflow through a collector module may be partially blocked to enhance the collection of smaller particles and the collection electrode may comprise multiple, programmable electrodes to focus particle deposition onto a smaller area. Particles are collected into a small volume of liquid to facilitate subsequent analysis by an attached analyzer or at a remote site.

Abstract: A probe (S) for the extraction of gas from a process environment comprises a tubular element (2), which can be positioned within the process environment. This tubular element has at one end a gas aspiration opening (TS) and defines an internal cavity (CA) by which the interior of the process environment can be put into fluid communication with a gas take off system. The probe further includes a second tubular element (1) extending into the interior of the cavity of the first tubular element (2). This second tubular element has one end (UG) disposed at the aspiration opening end (that is to say the process environment side), formed in such a way as to inject the said accelerated gaseous fluid towards the aspiration opening of the first tubular element (2) and from there back to the process environment.

Abstract: A detector system that can analyze multiple samples with a single detector. The detector may contain a portal with a first opening and a second opening. A first sample is obtained from the first opening and a second sample is obtained from the second opening. The openings are coupled to a single detector that can analyze both samples.

Abstract: A portal is provided with a detector for detecting trace amounts of substances of interest that may be retained on the surface or interior of a vehicular subject. The portal relies upon the continuous process by which microscopic flakes of dust, dirt, pollen, and other surface and interior contaminants as well as adsorbed analyte media and analyte vapors continuously separate from the surface of vehicular subjects and escape from the interior of vehicular subjects. The portal further leverages the existence of a vehicular thermal plume consisting of a layer of warm air adjacent to the vehicular subject. The warm air rises in the cooler surrounding air and transports the microscopic flakes of surface contaminants, desorbed analyte, and analyte vapors upwardly. The portal capitalizes on this phenomenon by providing at least a partial enclosure with a funnel-shaped collector above the vehicular subject.

Abstract: The application describes an automated system for carrying out tests using a cascade impactor 10 of the type having multiple impactor stages each comprising a respective stage body 30, the stage bodies being shaped to enable them to be assembled in a stack in which they locate one upon another. The system includes an expander device 90 having respective arms for supporting each of the stage bodies, and a mechanism for separating the arms along the axial direction to disassemble the impactor 10.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces. The system also utilizes aerosol chambers using at least two arrays of pinch rollers to provide for decreased incremental changes on mail pieces and decrease the likelihood of mail piece damage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces.

Abstract: A simple and convenient analyzing apparatus is provided which easily, conveniently, and efficiently collects a material in the state of fine particles adhered to a target object, extracts the object to be analyzed, and analyzes the extracted object. An apparatus for detecting fine particles in a gas which sucks the gas under measurement from the target object by using a suction pump, extracts the fine particles contained in the gas under measurement, and performs measurement by using a spectrometer is embodied such that an inertial impactor for collecting the fine particles having diameters not less than a specified particle diameter is disposed upstream of the spectrometer, the fine particles are collected in the fine particle collector of the inertial impactor, the collector containing the collected fine particles is heated such that the collected fine particles are vaporized into a gas, and the vaporized fluid to be examined is supplied to the spectrometer to be measured thereby.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for collecting biological aerosols from an air sample include a hollow tube adapted for pumping a liquid through an interior volume to an outer surface and a collection surface disposed on the outer surface and adapted for collecting the airborne particles from the surrounding air sample. Collection efficiency is enhanced by a charging mechanism that applies a charge to the airborne particles such that the airborne particles are deflected toward the collection surface. Embodiments of operation for the apparatus include the steps of providing the air sample, directing the air sample toward the hollow tube, and applying a charge to the airborne particles such that the airborne particles deposit on the collection surface/outer surface of said hollow tube.

Abstract: A mail tub in the form of a substantially rigid container and a removable lid which seals the container. The container includes an air inlet port and an air outlet port for sampling air in the mail tub for possible biological contamination, such as anthrax. The container includes structure along the bottom and walls to prevent mail from contacting the walls and bottom. Such structure, in one embodiment, may include raised standoffs along the bottom of the container and channels along the walls to facilitate airflow efficiency through the mail tub when the lid is attached and an air pressure source is applied to the one of the ports. Air samples of the sealed container air are collected for contamination analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other “flats” of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces. The system also utilizes aerosol chambers using at least two arrays of pinch rollers to provide for decreased incremental changes on mail pieces and decrease the likelihood of mail piece damage.

Abstract: The invention is a portable sampling system for sampling various media for contaminants. The media sample can include gases, liquids, and dry powders. The contaminant sample can include gaseous components, particulates of various kinds, and microorganisms. The system can be used to sample the surfaces of fruits and vegetables, meat carcasses, the interior of envelopes of other containers, gases in rooms or containers, and surfaces such as countertops, a vehicle exterior, skin, and clothing.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting contaminants in or on objects, having a movably mounted container for holding objects and having a plurality of perforations and an entrance opening through which objects may be placed into the container. A housing encloses the container and forms a barrier to ambient air. There is a sealable opening for inserting and removing objects from the container. A drive assembly moves the container within the housing to move objects therein for emitting particles which are in or on such object. There is an air stream for moving air through the housing and container to entrain any emitted particles into the air stream and a sensor for sensing contaminants in the air stream and providing a signal when a contaminant is sensed. The container can be a rotatable cage or a vibrating box. In the method, there is a chamber provided which may be sealed with respect to ambient air to create an enclosed atmosphere.