Abstract: A system may include a computer-readable storage media configured to store instructions. The system may also include one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more computer-readable storage media. The one or more processors may be configured to, in response to execution of the instructions, cause the system to perform operations. The operations may include measuring a pressure of a volume while a user wears a mask and breathes. The volume may be defined by an interior surface of the mask and a face of the user. The operations may also include determining a differential pressure due to the mask. The differential pressure may be equal to a difference between the pressure of the volume and an ambient pressure of an environment proximate an exterior surface of the mask. In addition, the operations may include determining a mask leakage rate of the mask based on the differential pressure.

Abstract: A portable sampling device includes a sampling housing at least partially enclosing an inner chamber; at least one pumping element disposed within the inner chamber and configured to facilitate airflow through the device; and at least one gas sensor disposed within the inner chamber and configured to detect and/or characterize one or more gases in the airflow.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for implementing an automated air quality analysis system. The system includes: a sealed enclosure, a filter sample analysis system disposed within the sealed enclosure, and a controller operably coupled with the filter sample analysis system. The filter sample analysis system includes: an automated filter management system with filter samples and an articulating robotic arm which selects the filter sample for analysis, a filter weighing apparatus for weighting of the filter sample, and a primary chemical analysis apparatus for performing electromagnetic energy spectroscopy measurement on the filter sample. The controller operates the automated filter management system to transport the filter sample to the filter weighing apparatus and the primary chemical analysis apparatus, obtains data from the filter sample analysis system, and determines the type and amount of accumulated mass in the sample based on the weight and the spectroscopy measurement result.

Abstract: A portable sampling device includes a housing at least partially enclosing an inner chamber and an airflow assembly disposed within the inner chamber and comprising a portion of an airflow path. The airflow assembly includes a portion of a printed circuit board (PCB); a manifold configured to be sealably coupled to the portion of the PCB to define at least one airflow channel disposed between an inner surface of the manifold and an outer surface of the PCB; and one or more pumping elements positioned on the PCB.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a portable atmospheric monitor comprises a housing at least partially enclosing an inner chamber. The housing comprises an inlet and an aperture. The monitor also includes at least one light sensor arranged within the housing. The light sensor that senses one or more wavelengths of sunlight received via the aperture. The monitor includes at least one light-scattering sensor that senses PM received via the inlet. The monitor includes a processor arranged within the housing and coupled to the at least one light sensor and the at least one light-scattering sensor. The processor is configured to: receive a light signal from the at least one light sensor; receive a PM signal from the at least one light-scattering sensor; determine the aerosol optical depth based upon the light signal; and determine the PM concentration based upon the PM signal.

Abstract: A portable sampler, the sampler including a sampler assembly having a housing that includes a receiver defined therein for interchangeably receiving a number of removable inlet assemblies, the removable inlet assemblies including a respirable inlet assembly and a thoracic inlet assembly. The respirable inlet assembly includes a hybrid cyclone assembly, the hybrid cyclone assembly including an impaction stage and a cyclone in series. The thoracic inlet assembly includes an inlet slot configured to function as a size-selective inlet. Another thoracic inlet assembly includes a housing having a number of openings configured to receive a sample airflow; an inlet insert through which an inlet aperture is defined; a prequalification chamber defined between a lower surface of the housing and an upper surface of the inlet insert; and a protrusion extending downward from the lower surface of the housing into the inlet aperture of the inlet insert to from an inlet slot.

Abstract: A portable sampling device includes a sampling housing at least partially enclosing an inner chamber; at least one pumping element disposed within the inner chamber and configured to facilitate airflow through the device; and at least one gas sensor disposed within the inner chamber and configured to detect and/or characterize one or more gases in the airflow.

Abstract: A portable sampling device includes a housing at least partially enclosing an inner chamber and an airflow assembly disposed within the inner chamber and comprising a portion of an airflow path. The airflow assembly includes a portion of a printed circuit board (PCB); a manifold configured to be sealably coupled to the portion of the PCB to define at least one airflow channel disposed between an inner surface of the manifold and an outer surface of the PCB; and one or more pumping elements positioned on the PCB.

Abstract: A sampling device is constructed having an airflow path from a size-selective inlet to a device outlet, without using any tubing. The size-selective inlet includes at least one of an impactor, a filter, a cyclone, and an inhalable inlet. The device includes a sampling assembly configured to be removably coupled directly to a sampling device housing (e.g., without using tubing), and an airflow assembly that may be constructed without using tubing.

Abstract: A sampling device is constructed having an airflow path from a size-selective inlet to a device outlet, without using any tubing. The size-selective inlet includes at least one of an impactor, a filter, a cyclone, and an inhalable inlet. The device includes a sampling assembly configured to be removably coupled directly to a sampling device housing (e.g., without using tubing), and an airflow assembly that may be constructed without using tubing.

Abstract: A thermophoretic sampler includes a sample assembly into which a removable sample cartridge can be inserted. The sample cartridge holds a substrate that, upon insertion, is exposed to a sample chamber. Thermophoresis is induced in the sample chamber, causing nanoparticles to be deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing particles in an aerosol are disclosed. A system includes a collection container that utilizes the principles of elutriation to collect particles of selected aerodynamic diameter ranges within a measurement region. A particle detector is used to detect and characterize particles that have settled into the measurement region.

Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing particles in an aerosol are disclosed. A system includes a collection container that utilizes the principles of elutriation to collect particles of selected aerodynamic diameter ranges within a measurement region. A particle detector is used to detect and characterize particles that have settled into the measurement region.

Abstract: A thermophoretic sampler includes a sample assembly into which a removable sample cartridge can be inserted. The sample cartridge holds a substrate that, upon insertion, is exposed to a sample chamber. Thermophoresis is induced in the sample chamber, causing nanoparticles to be deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A thermophoretic sampler includes a sample assembly into which a removable sample cartridge can be inserted. The sample cartridge holds a substrate that, upon insertion, is exposed to a sample chamber. Thermophoresis is induced in the sample chamber, causing nanoparticles to be deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for quantitative analytical measurements using capillarity-based analytical devices is described. Porous cellulose (i.e., common filter paper) may be used as the reagent carrier for the analyses. Hydrophobic materials may be printed onto the paper to generate paths that restrict liquid flow by capillary action to defined regions. At least one colorimetric reagents effective for reacting with a specific analyte is deposited along a capillary flow path generated in the device. Upon placing the liquid containing the analyte on one end of the path, the liquid moves along the circuit by capillary action, and the flowing analyte reacts with reagent generating color along the flow path until all of the analyte is consumed. Analyte quantification is achieved by measuring the length of the colored portion along a flow path employing a direct-reading measurement scale.

Abstract: A thermophoretic sampler includes a sample assembly into which a removable sample cartridge can be inserted. The sample cartridge holds a substrate that, upon insertion, is exposed to a sample chamber. Thermophoresis is induced in the sample chamber, causing nanoparticles to be deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: This patent application is for an apparatus to safely expose guinea pigs and other small animals to biohazardous aerosol. It is composed of three main chambers housed in an outer box which fits within a conventionally sized biosafety cabinet. The animal chamber contains a removable housing unit for four or eight guinea pigs. The aerosol chamber is separate to minimize fur contamination. The nebulizer chamber is also sealed to reduce risks from leakages. This apparatus is easily decontaminated by immersion in disinfectant. The first version of the prototype, tentatively named the AXS1, has been tested for safety, ergonomics, efficiency of rodent exposure to bacteria, airflow, access points, seal mechanisms, and size.