Abstract: A particle collector for collecting biological material using electrostatic precipitator (ESP) technology including a removable ESP collection tube having an electrode wire suspended therein, a high voltage power supply coupled to the electrode wire for generating an ionization field within the collection tube causing smaller particles entering the collection tube to precipitate onto the walls of the collection tube, electronics including a microcontroller for controlling the operation of the collector, and a housing assembly for housing the collection tube, the high voltage power supply and the electronics.

Abstract: A reel-to-reel aerosol collection and storage system for capturing and storing a plurality of separate samples of aerosol particles using electrostatic precipitation technology for collecting such particles onto a tape mechanism for analysis at a future time. The particles are collected onto a region of the collection tape for a defined period of time and then that portion of the collection tape is advanced out of the collection zone and manipulated so as to form sealed pouches or pockets which can be either severed from the collection tape for individual storage in a temperature controlled storage container, or which can be stored on a take-up reel in a temperature controlled environment. The collected aerosol particles are stored with a buffer fluid to preserve and maintain the viability of the collected particles for future extraction and analysis. Several embodiments for forming sealed pouches or pockets and methods of storing the collected particles are disclosed.

Abstract: A reel-to-reel aerosol collection and storage system for capturing and storing a plurality of separate samples of aerosol particles using electrostatic precipitation technology for collecting such particles onto a tape mechanism for analysis at a future time. The particles are collected onto a region of the collection tape for a defined period of time and then that portion of the collection tape is advanced out of the collection zone and manipulated so as to form sealed pouches or pockets which can be either severed from the collection tape for individual storage in a temperature controlled storage container, or which can be stored on a take-up reel in a temperature controlled environment. The collected aerosol particles are stored with a buffer fluid to preserve and maintain the viability of the collected particles for future extraction and analysis. Several embodiments for forming sealed pouches or pockets and methods of storing the collected particles are disclosed.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism having a first attachment member supported by a first body. The first attachment member includes an engaging portion. A plurality of second attachment members is also provided and is supported by a second body. Each of the plurality of second attachment members includes an engaging portion selectively engageable with the engaging portion of the first attachment member. An actuating device is further provided and coupled with the plurality of second attachment members. The actuation device is operable to selectively actuate the plurality of second attachment members relative to the first attachment member to positionally manipulate the first body relative to the second body while the plurality of second attachment members is engaged with the first attachment member.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism having a first attachment member supported by a first body. The first attachment member includes an engaging portion. A plurality of second attachment members is also provided and is supported by a second body. Each of the plurality of second attachment members includes an engaging portion selectively engageable with the engaging portion of the first attachment member. An actuating device is further provided and coupled with the plurality of second attachment members. The actuation device is operable to selectively actuate the plurality of second attachment members relative to the first attachment member to positionally manipulate the first body relative to the second body while the plurality of second attachment members is engaged with the first attachment member.