Abstract: A collection device for collecting particles from a gas is provided. The device comprises a passage defined by a wall and at least one electrical field within the passage for charging particles, where the particles are in a gas. The device further comprises a moving collection surface for collecting charged particles. The moving collection surface is located within the at least one passage. The moving collection surface rotates through the at least one electrical field and then rotates to a detection device for detection of the particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sample cartridge for use with an air and gas sampling device. The cartridge includes a body that defines an interior space, a top portion attached to the body and substantially covering the interior space, and first and second valves seated in the top portion of the cartridge. The valves automatically seal to prevent leakage from the cartridge when the cartridge is not in operable position within the air and gas sampling device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrostatic collection device and method for extracting impurities from gas. The collection devices includes at least one electrical field for charging particles, where the particles are in a gas, and at least one collection surface for collecting charged particles. The device further includes at least one heating element for heating the at least one collection surface to vaporize the collected particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for continuous real-time monitoring of ambient air. The device includes a receptacle, a liquid supply, and a pressure balancing system. The receptacle includes a gas inlet slit located such that the gas inlet slit is covered by liquid within the receptacle during use. The pressure balancing portion of the present device includes communication between a point within the receptacle above the liquid level in the receptacle, as well as a liquid inlet portion at the lowermost end of the receptacle, and an air space above a liquid supply portion and the liquid supply portion itself, respectively.

Abstract: A system and associated methods are disclosed for facilitating efficient collection of entrained material from an air/gas sample. In one arrangement, a method for collecting entrained material from a sample involves a dry collection cyclonic cycle combined with a period of fluid wash use. In particular, a sample is drawn into a chamber of a cyclone separator having a perimeter wall, and then a dry collection cyclonic separation cycle is performed on the sample for a period of time to separate a substantial amount of the entrained material from the sample. Subsequent to or temporally near an ending point of the dry collection cyclonic separation cycle, a fluid wash is injected into cyclone separator chamber so as to direct the fluid wash along the perimeter wall to capture material deposited on the walls and in the vortex break at the bottom of the cyclone separator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biological particle analogue, or biological analogue, that simulates a chosen biological organism or compound. The biological analogue includes a first portion that is not, in and of itself, recognized by the biological detection system, and a second portion, which provides the properties necessary for recognition by the detection system, carried by the first portion. The biological analogue is constructed in such a way as to include some important characteristics of the chosen biological organism or compound, while excluding other undesirable characteristics of the chosen biological organism or compound. The present invention is useful in testing a variety of biological detection systems.