Abstract: A wet cyclone particle collector is disclosed. The wet cyclone particle collector includes a cyclone unit, a liquid delivery unit and a sample collection unit. The cyclone unit draws a gas sample into a cyclone chamber and creates a circular flow of the gas sample inside the cyclone chamber so that particles in the gas sample are separated from said gas sample by centrifugation force. The liquid delivery unit delivers a collection liquid into the cyclone in a non-continuous fashion. The sample collection unit harvests the collection liquid from the cyclone unit. The non-continuous delivery of the collection liquid significantly reduces consumption of collection liquid during operation of the particle collector.

Abstract: A method for detecting a biological agent in a liquid sample is disclosed. The method comprises: passing a liquid sample through a filter in the presence of a surfactant; and subjecting the filtered sample to direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for the presence of a biological agent, wherein the filter has a porosity that allows the biological agent to pass through the filter in its intact form.

Abstract: A wet cyclone particle collector is disclosed. The wet cyclone particle collector includes a cyclone unit, a liquid delivery unit and a sample collection unit. The cyclone unit draws a gas sample into a cyclone chamber and creates a circular flow of the gas sample inside the cyclone chamber so that particles in the gas sample are separated from said gas sample by centrifugation force. The liquid delivery unit delivers a collection liquid into the cyclone in a non-continuous fashion. The sample collection unit harvests the collection liquid from the cyclone unit. The non-continuous delivery of the collection liquid significantly reduces consumption of collection liquid during operation of the particle collector.

Abstract: A blanket hold down device is formed from two plies of fabric stitched together about their edges with an open portion secured together by detachable closure elements to facilitate the insertion and removal of weighting material. A strap is provided on one surface of the hold down device for engaging and holding a corner of a blanket or the like and a security pocket is secured to the opposite surface of the hold down device. An apertured tab is also secured to an edge of the hold down device for the reception of a hold down stake.