Abstract: A passive and active sampler for airborne particulate sampling (especially particles of biological origin) and a method of using same are disclosed. The sampler includes a sampler base portion of variable size and shape having a longitudinal body and an inner surface. The sampler base portion is configured with a plurality of air channels having variable air channel spacing therethrough the longitudinal body. A plurality of layers of ferroelectric film have a first side and a second side polarized by application of an external electric field such that the first side produces a negative electric field at a first surface and the second side produces a positive electric field at a second surface. The plurality of layers of polarized, ferroelectric film are disposed thereon the longitudinal body with their opposite polarization directions facing each other across a fixed air gap to collect both charged and uncharged particles.

Abstract: A personal electrostatic bioaerosol sampler (PEBS) for collecting bioaerosols (from virus to pollen) at high sampling flow rates and for measuring personal exposures to bioaerosols in various occupational environments, particularly at their low concentrations and for extended periods of time, and a method of using same, are disclosed. The PEBS includes a base holder, a charging section, and a collection section. Charging section includes a first member inside a center of charging section configured to be connected to positive or negative high voltage and a second member disposed therearound a midpoint of first member inside charging section configured to be grounded such that a plurality of ions are produced for charging a plurality of incoming particles.

Abstract: A personal electrostatic bioaerosol sampler (PEBS) for collecting bioaerosols (from virus to pollen) at high sampling flow rates and for measuring personal exposures to bioaerosols in various occupational environments, particularly at their low concentrations and for extended periods of time, and a method of using same, are disclosed. The PEBS includes a base holder, a charging section, and a collection section. Charging section includes a first member inside a center of charging section configured to be connected to positive or negative high voltage and a second member disposed therearound a midpoint of first member inside charging section configured to be grounded such that a plurality of ions are produced for charging a plurality of incoming particles.

Abstract: A passive and active sampler for airborne particulate sampling (especially particles of biological origin) and a method of using same are disclosed. The sampler includes a sampler base portion of variable size and shape having a longitudinal body and an inner surface. The sampler base portion is configured with a plurality of air channels having variable air channel spacing therethrough the longitudinal body. A plurality of layers of ferroelectric film have a first side and a second side polarized by application of an external electric field such that the first side produces a negative electric field at a first surface and the second side produces a positive electric field at a second surface. The plurality of layers of polarized, ferroelectric film are disposed thereon the longitudinal body with their opposite polarization directions facing each other across a fixed air gap to collect both charged and uncharged particles.

Abstract: An electrostatic screen battery for emission control (ESBEC) system includes a plurality of screens arranged in an alternating manner, so that screens at a first electric potential are interposed with screens at a second electric potential, with an ionizer disposed upstream of the screens, wherein a particulate-containing exhaust stream passing by the ionizer and then through the screens deposits particulates onto the screens. In preferred embodiments the screens have hydrophobic surfaces.

Abstract: An electrostatic screen battery for emission control (ESBEC) system includes a plurality of screens. The screens are arranged in an alternating manner so that screens at a first electric potential are interposed with screens at a second electric potential. An ionizer is disposed upstream of the screens. An exhaust stream passes by the ionizer and then through the screens, where particulates are deposited onto the screens. In preferred embodiments the screens have hydrophobic surfaces.

Abstract: An electrostatic screen battery for emission control (ESBEC) system includes a plurality of screens arranged in an alternating manner, so that screens at a first electric potential are interposed with screens at a second electric potential, with an ionizer disposed upstream of the screens, wherein a particulate-containing exhaust stream passing by the ionizer and then through the screens deposits particulates onto the screens. In preferred embodiments the screens have hydrophobic surfaces.

Abstract: A method and its possible embodiments are presented for collecting airborne biological and non-biological agents and concentrating them into small amounts of liquid. Airborne particles are drawn into the sampler and by the action of an electrostatic field are deposited on the collection electrode covered with superhydrophobic substance (surface contact angle >150°). At the end of the sampling period a small liquid droplet (5-60 ?L) is injected at the top of the sampling chamber. Since the sampler is positioned at an angle to the horizontal, the droplet rolls-off of collection electrode's surface under the force of gravity and removes the deposited particles. The droplet is then collected by a liquid capture system. The particles concentrated in such small amounts of liquid facilitate sample analysis by various techniques. The suggested sampler's embodiments achieve sample concentration rates higher than 1×106/min which will allow detection of very low particle concentrations.

Abstract: A method and its possible embodiments are presented for collecting airborne biological and non-biological agents and concentrating them into small amounts of liquid. Airborne particles are drawn into the sampler and by the action of an electrostatic field are deposited on the collection electrode covered with superhydrophobic substance (surface contact angle >150°). At the end of the sampling period a small liquid droplet (5-60 ?L) is injected at the top of the sampling chamber. Since the sampler is positioned at an angle to the horizontal, the droplet rolls-off of collection electrode's surface under the force of gravity and removes the deposited particles. The droplet is then collected by a liquid capture system. The particles concentrated in such small amounts of liquid facilitate sample analysis by various techniques. The suggested sampler's embodiments achieve sample concentration rates higher than 1×106/min which will allow detection of very low particle concentrations.

Abstract: An electrostatic screen battery for emission control (ESBEC) system includes a plurality of screens. The screens are arranged in an alternating manner so that screens at a first electric potential are interposed with screens at a second electric potential. An ionizer is disposed upstream of the screens. An exhaust stream passes by the ionizer and then through the screens, where particulates are deposited onto the screens. In preferred embodiments the screens have hydrophobic surfaces.

Abstract: A method and its possible embodiments are presented for collecting airborne biological and non-biological agents and concentrating them into small amounts of liquid. Airborne particles are drawn into the sampler and by the action of an electrostatic field are deposited on the collection electrode covered with superhydrophobic substance (surface contact angle >150°). At the end of the sampling period a small liquid droplet (5-60 ?L) is injected at the top of the sampling chamber. Since the sampler is positioned at an angle to the horizontal, the droplet rolls-off of collection electrode's surface under the force of gravity and removes the deposited particles. The droplet is then collected by a liquid capture system. The particles concentrated in such small amounts of liquid facilitate sample analysis by various techniques. The suggested sampler's embodiments achieve sample concentration rates higher than 1×106/min which will allow detection of very low particle concentrations.