Abstract: A sampling cartridge for a gas sampling apparatus includes a shell having a cylindrical wall and a sampling window extending through the wall. A pair of spools are coaxially and internally positioned within the shell. The spools are independently rotatable relative to the shell. A first spool may include multiple interval sample collectors while the second spool includes a duration sample collector. Each spool also has a window closing surface which is positioned adjacent the window whenever an access door of the gas sampling apparatus is opened. The sampling cartridge may also include a fully encapsulated section of sample collector material as a negative control, and an integral RF tag for storing chain of custody information including personal identification information of a cartridge replenisher.

Abstract: A sampling cartridge for a gas sampling apparatus includes a shell having a cylindrical wall and a sampling window extending through the wall. A pair of spools are coaxially and internally positioned within the shell. The spools are independently rotatable relative to the shell. A first spool may include multiple interval sample collectors while the second spool includes a duration sample collector. Each spool also has a window closing surface which is positioned adjacent the window whenever an access door of the gas sampling apparatus is opened. The sampling cartridge may also include a fully encapsulated section of sample collector material as a negative control, and an integral RF tag for storing chain of custody information including personal identification information of a cartridge replenisher.

Abstract: A sampling cartridge for a gas sampling apparatus includes a shell having a cylindrical wall and a sampling window extending through the wall. A pair of spools are coaxially and internally positioned within the shell. The spools are independently rotatable relative to the shell. A first spool may include multiple interval sample collectors while the second spool includes a duration sample collector. Each spool also has a window closing surface which is positioned adjacent the window whenever an access door of the gas sampling apparatus is opened. The sampling cartridge may also include a fully encapsulated section of sample collector material as a negative control, and an integral RF tag for storing chain of custody information including personal identification information of a cartridge replenisher.

Abstract: A high-flow rate, low-noise, gas sampling apparatus for collecting particulate such as biological, chemical, and radioactive material from a gas on a collector such as an impaction collector includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a fan disposed within the housing for drawing the gas into the inlet, past the collector for sampling, and exhausting the gas through the outlet. The fan is operable to produce a flow of gas through the housing of greater than about 50 liters per minute with a noise level emitted from the apparatus being less than about 60 decibels. The apparatus may be configured as a compact, unobtrusive, portable, lightweight apparatus for use in various indoor or outdoor locations. The apparatus may also include a sensor for the detection of radioactive material collected on the collector, a processor for monitoring the sampling, and the apparatus may be linked to a communications network such as the Internet. Methods for collecting particulate from a gas are also enclosed.

Abstract: A solar radiation collector system includes a curved rim, a collector assembly including a plurality of solar radiation transducer elements passing through the plane of and connected to the curved rim, and a plurality of relatively small diameter tension members connected in distributed manner between the curved rim and the collector assembly and forming a stiff, lightweight, bicycle wheel-type tension-compression support structure. The support structure is rotatably supported from the ground in a manner to allow for three dimensionally stable support and rotation of at least ninety degrees with respect to the ground. Rotation of the bicycle wheel-type tension-compression support structure provides for a desired primary tracking motion to adjust for the apparent motion of the sun, and movement of the transducer elements provides for a second dimension adjustment for the apparent motion of the sun.

Abstract: A differential hoist and drive includes a differential escapement mechanism arranged mechanically between and in combination with a pair of direction turning members, such as pulleys. An endless loop of a flexible force transmitting element (cable, chain, strap, or the like) interconnects the direction turning members and the differential escapement. The load can be connected to either the differential escapement or the direction turning members with the other being anchored as a fixed member. The load is restrained from swinging or from other unintended movement. A turnbuckle or other suitable device provides for a desired pretensioning of the loop of flexible force transmitting element.

Abstract: A normally flat, rectangular mirror element is supported on the front surface of a normally flat, rectangular backing element, which is more rigid than the mirror element. A pair of spacer elements are positioned between the mirror element and the backing element to raise the mirror element above the backing element. The spacer elements are located adjacent one pair of parallel edges of the mirror element. To curve the mirror about a central longitudinal bending axis which is parallel to the spacer elements, the mirror is depressed at its center, along the longitudinal axis, and secured to the backing element by a strip of double sided adhesive tape, which maintains the mirror element in the depressed position.

Abstract: A solar recharged power supply circuit for a lighting system which circuit includes a rechargeable power source, a solar powered recharger connected to that rechargeable power source and which circuit prevents discharge of that rechargeable power source through the solar powered recharger during times when the recharger is inactive; prevents overcharging of that power source; prevents discharging that power source below a predetermined level; and automatically connects and disconnects the lighting system to and from the rechargeable power source.

Abstract: A safety apparatus that holds wheelchairs in place as they are being transported in a motorized vehicle such as a van. The apparatus includes a rigid shaft that extends from the floor of the vehicle to several inches above one wheel of the wheelchair. A frame attaches to the shaft and holds it perpendicular to the floor of the vehicle. Also, a collar is provided which slides on the shaft. A yoke, having a rectangular opening that faces the floor of the vehicle, is attached to this collar. In operation, the top portion of one wheel on the wheelchair is placed within the opening of the yoke. A manually operated clamping mechanism stops the collar from sliding on the shaft during transportation of the wheelchair.