Abstract: A sampling system is disclosed which comprises a collection chamber equipped with an inlet and first and second outlets; a pump which creates a flow of fluid into said inlet from the ambient environment, wherein said collection chamber divides the flow of fluid into a first major flow of fluid along which flows along a first flow path between said inlet and said first outlet, and a second minor flow of fluid which flows along a second flow path between said inlet and said second outlet; a collection surface disposed within said collection chamber and within the second flow path such that particles in the flow of fluid into said inlet impinge on said collection surface; a heater which vaporizes particles that collect on said collection surface; and an analyzer which analyzes the composition of the fluidic flow through said second outlet.

Abstract: A sampling system is disclosed which comprises a collection chamber equipped with an inlet and first and second outlets; a pump which creates a flow of fluid into said inlet from the ambient environment, wherein said collection chamber divides the flow of fluid into a first major flow of fluid along which flows along a first flow path between said inlet and said first outlet, and a second minor flow of fluid which flows along a second flow path between said inlet and said second outlet; a collection surface disposed within said collection chamber and within the second flow path such that particles in the flow of fluid into said inlet impinge on said collection surface; a heater which vaporizes particles that collect on said collection surface; and an analyzer which analyzes the composition of the fluidic flow through said second outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a temperature of a structure, comprising: one or more electrically conductive loops adapted to be affixed to the structure, each including first and second elongate connection strips each made of a first metal composition having a first melting point, and a temperature sensitive band connected between the first and second connection strips and made of a second metal composition having a second melting point less than the first melting point. The apparatus further comprises a monitor, connected to respective ends of the first and second connection strips spaced-apart from the temperature sensitive band, configured to detect an open-circuit in the one or more electrically conductive loops caused when the temperature sensitive band separates from either of the connection strips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a bioaerosol sample is provided which includes detecting frequency and/or time resolution factors that allow discriminate between a plurality of signals emitted by the bioaerosol to selectively detect biological materials contained in the bioaerosol sample from materials of non-biological origin and potentially associated with a pathogenic bioaenosol.

Abstract: A system and method (FIG. 1) for automated handling and identification of parcels sorted by an automated high-speed mail sorting apparatus that identifies parcels that contain hoax or biological threat material comprising an opener (120) and a particle sampler (170) wherein said sampler analyzes air flow created as the parcels are compressed by pinch rollers (140).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for particle collection (30) that is characterized by co-aerosolizing fluids (62) into an air stream (34) containing the particles to be analyzed to significantly enhance their collection and identification efficiency is provided.