Abstract: A porous protective sheath for active extraction media used in solid phase microextraction (SPME). The sheath permits exposure of the media to the environment without the necessity of extending a fragile coated fiber from a protective tube or needle. Subsequently, the sheath can pierce and seal with GC-MS septums, allowing direct injection of samples into inlet ports of analytical equipment. Use of the porous protective sheath, within which the active extraction media is contained, mitigates the problems of: 1) fiber breakage while the fiber is extended during sampling, 2) active media coating loss caused by physical contact of the bare fiber with the sampling environment; and 3) coating slough-off during fiber extension and retraction operations caused by rubbing action between the fiber and protective needle or tube.

Abstract: A sample probe is provided for sampling aerosols within a wall cavity. The sample probe includes a hollow tubular body having a distal end, an intermediate portion, a proximal end and a central passageway. The distal end includes a sharp beveled point provided to inhibit the blockage of a distal open inlet if the distal end is positioned against an object. The probe further includes one or more holes projecting through the probe's tubular body, preferably positioned substantially adjacent to the probe's distal end. The probe further includes a radially projecting region adapted for sealing a hole or opening formed to obtain access to a wall cavity. Moreover, the probe includes a proximal open outlet adapted to connect to the inlet of an aerosol sampling cassette.

Abstract: An air sampler for use in analyzing biological or other analytes, comprizes an airflow chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet. An extract from an air mover draws ambient air in through the inlet, and then through the chamber, to discharge it back to atmosphere by way of an outlet. The airflow chamber houses a cyclone air/liquid separator through which the inflowing air is caused to pass. An injector introduces liquid into air flowing through the air inlet. The cyclone separator extracts this liquid and any entrained particles therein and discharges it from the airflow chamber, initially by way of a duct, where it is then conveyed to a collection vessel, by way of a three channel peristaltic pump, and a duct. The collection vessel is housed within a Peltier-cooled holder to maintain the contents of the vessel within the 2-8 degree Celsius range.

Abstract: A sample collection device for collecting a sample of drill cuttings from a hole being drilled as the hole is being drilled includes a stem collector surrounding the drill pipe. Pressurized air is injected through the drill pipe into the hole being drilled. The air forms a stream of air-entrained drill cuttings traveling up the drill hole during drilling. This stream of air-entrained drill cuttings is directed by the stem collector into a conduit which directs the stream of cuttings to a sampling device. The sampling device samples the stream of cuttings and creates a stream of sample cuttings which is directed to a diffuser which separates the sample cuttings from the air stream. The sample cuttings are collected in a sample container or in a sample collector from which they are transferred to a sample container or bag.

Abstract: An explosive detection system includes an X-ray inspection apparatus, a mover for moving an object to be inspected to the X-ray inspection apparatus, a sample introduction probe for sampling a gas sample from the object to be inspected, a pipe for introducing the sampled gas into a corona discharge region and for subjecting the sampled gas to negative corona discharge to ionize the sampled gas and to generate negative ions. A mass spectrometer is provided to analyze the mass of the negative ions of the sampled gas and to provide results thereof. Inspection by the X-ray inspection apparatus is performed in relation to sampling of the gas sample, and explosive detection system inspects whether or not an explosive is present in the object to be inspected, from the analysis results of the sampled gas.

Abstract: A liquid sample sensing device comprises a set of stackable liquid sample base units that are adapted to be stacked together to form multiple sample volumes that are substantially sealed, each with an electroacoustic member disposed therein having a surface adapted for binding to a particular target molecule. Top and bottom units are preferably attached to a closed loop of flexible tubing and a peristaltic pump. Individual electroacoustic members in the stack can each be adapted to bind with different target molecules, allowing for a multiple target assay. Alternately, a plurality of electroacoustic members can be adapted to bind with the same type of target molecule, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the sensing device. The base units are adapted such that sample liquid is caused to flow over and be in close proximity to the sensing surface of each electroacoustic member as the sample liquid flows from one base unit to the next, thereby increasing the efficiency of binding.

Abstract: This invention concerns a module (10) for extracting samples in gas phase of compounds present in an underground working liquid, the extractor module (10) comprising: a receptacle (16) for said liquid, associated with means (28, 29, 32, 33, 34) for stirring the liquid, a liquid inlet duct (9), a liquid evacuation duct (37), an auxiliary gas admission duct (50, 43), and an outlet duct (11) for delivering auxiliary gas and gas extracted from the liquid. The auxiliary gas admission duct (50, 43) and the evacuation duct (37) include a common segment (51), means (45-48) for preventing the auxiliary gas from passing being provided in the evacuation duct (37) downstream from said common segment (51) in the liquid-passing direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling sub-surface soil gas samples and detection of distinctive chemical tracer compounds in the soil gas samples employing an aboveground sampling apparatus. The aboveground sampling apparatus does not include any device that penetrates the soil surface or man-made structures imposed upon the soil surface. Rather, the above-ground sampling apparatus evacuates soil gas samples through the soils surface or through mad-made structures imposed upon the soil surface, such as asphalt or concrete, and passes the soil gas sample through an adsorbent bed containing adsorbent material specific for the distinctive chemical tracer compounds.

Abstract: A vapor trap for detecting VOCs includes a housing, having a first end portion, a second end portion and at least one opening for receiving gas vapor. The housing is at least partially buried in ground with a vapor containment mechanism detachably connected to the first end portion of the housing. The vapor containment mechanism can be removed and replaced with a vapor sampling mechanism. An organic vapor analyzer can be connected in fluid relationship to the vapor sampling mechanism to measure VOCs. Optionally, a vacuum pump can be utilized to draw vapor into the vapor trap and then subsequently into the organic vapor analyzer. There can be a first selector valve located between the vapor sampling mechanism and the vacuum pump and a second selector valve located between the vapor sampling mechanism and the organic vapor analyzer. A preferred organic vapor analyzer is a photo-ionization detector.

Abstract: A fine-particle classification apparatus includes an aerosol generation section which generates an aerosol containing fine particles in a medium background gas, a fine-particle classification section which classifies the fine particles contained in the aerosol in a sheath gas, and an introduction section, between the aerosol generation section and the fine-particle classification section, which introduces the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation section into the fine-particle classification section. The introduction section uses a carrier gas with an adequately high velocity to introduce the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation section to the classification section using a pressure difference.

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: The invention relates to an automatic system for collecting, weighing and releasing solid particles comprising a leak-tight weighing chamber (1) which houses a container (5), whereon the particles entering said chamber (1) via an inlet (4) come to rest. The weight of the container (5) is transmitted to a weighing sensor (7) which is also located inside the weighing chamber (1) but which does not come into contact with the walls of said chamber. Once the sample has been weighed, it is removed from the chamber through the injection of compressed air. The inventive system can be used directly to determine the mass flow of solid particles in pneumatic conveyor lines by means of the integration thereof in automatic sampling systems. For this purpose, a signal is emitted which can be integrated in flow regulation loops in order to control said flow.

Abstract: A sample handling system includes a sample probe that is adapted to intermix a solvent with a sample obtained from a process to dissolve undesirable components within a sample. A separator is provided in the sample handling system that receives the solvent/sample mixture and separates the sample from the solvent and undesirable solutes. The so separated sample is then provided to a suitable analyzer for analysis.

Abstract: A probe is provided that combines in one housing a pressure regulator and filter/dryer element. The probe may be connected to a conduit for the transfer of a fluid sample, such as natural gas, from the conduit to provide separation of the fluid such that a gaseous component may be then subsequently transferred to an instrument or the like. If liquid is separated it may be returned to the conduit via a return line.

Abstract: A device for separating and renewing phases of a diphasic liquid—liquid mixture, in which a first liquid phase and a second liquid phase are circulated in counter current in a liquid—liquid extraction device. The device is in the form of a straight hollow cylinder with one of the bases being either the wall of the device or being in contact with the wall of the device. The device also includes an input orifice for the phase the user wishes to trap, an output orifice that is smaller than the input orifice for the phase that the user wishes to trap, separated, and a third orifice of an intermediate size when compared to the size of the input and output orifices for evacuating a non-desired phase.

Abstract: A portable hand-held blood sampling device having a self-filling capability includes a blood separation filter. The filter has a plurality of pores sized to permit passage of selected blood constituents such as blood plasma through the device. The device has a separated blood conduit that extends beyond the outlet of the device and is shaped for easy penetration into a self-sealing septum of a blood analyzer. An annular shield extends from the device outlet beyond the conduit to prevent inadvertent contact of the conduit by a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of sampling a fluid phase in a multiphase fluid mixture flowing in a pipe (7) under given pressure conditions (P), said method comprising the following steps; admitting the multiphase fluid mixture into a phase separator (9); separating the multiphase fluid mixture so as to isolate the fluid phase for sampling; pressurizing a sampling device (10) to the given pressure in the pipe (7); and recovering a sample of said fluid phase in said sampling device. According to the invention, the method further comprises a step of increasing the pressure in the phase separator (9) in successive stage until said pressure in the separator reaches the give pressure (P) in the pipe (7).

Abstract: The invention is a portable sampling system for sampling various media for contaminants. The media sample can include gases, liquids, and dry powders. The contaminant sample can include gaseous components, particulates of various kinds, and microorganisms. The system can be used to sample the surfaces of fruits and vegetables, meat carcasses, the interior of envelopes of other containers, gases in rooms or containers, and surfaces such as countertops, a vehicle exterior, skin, and clothing.

Abstract: An analytical system is provided which uses the kinetic energy of motion of the entire system to drive a fluid under analysis through the system. This is accomplished by use of a tethering system which is attached to the system. Various sensor detection systems may be used to analyze the sample collected within the confines of a sample isolation and concentration module contained within the system. Trace quantities of suspect materials may be detected or monitored by use of the instant system.

Abstract: A gas sampling separator 29 for the separation of liquid or other contaminants from gas received from a pipeline may be easily inspected visually and cleaned. A cylindrical body 62 forming a separation chamber 64 is threaded onto a base 40. A tube 68 within the separation chamber receives gas from a port in the base and directs the gas into the separation chamber for separation of the gas from the contaminants. The separated contaminants collect in a sump 58 formed by the base and may be vented upon actuation of a manually actuated valve 76.

Abstract: A gas borne substance sampling device (10) includes a housing (12) through which gas can be passed, and a holder (14) for gas borne substance capturing material. The holder (14) is located or locatable inside the housing (12) to contact the capturing material with gas passing through the housing (12). The device (10) has a sampling condition in which at least a major portion of the holder (14) is protected inside or covered by the housing (12) and an analysis condition in which at least a portion of the holder (14) is exposed or outside the housing (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting biological aerosols from an air sample is provided comprising an air intake assembly adapted to draw the air sample into the apparatus, a separation section coupled to the intake assembly and adapted to separate aerosol particles from the air sample, a capture section coupled to the separation section and adapted to transport the aerosol particles in a stream of liquid, and a hydrophobic membrane disposed between the separation section and the capture section and adapted to establish a controllable air/fluid boundary therebetween.

Abstract: A portal trace detection apparatus is provided for detecting minute particles of interest, such as traces of narcotics, explosives and other contraband. The apparatus includes a portal through which a human suspect will pass. A detection apparatus is disposed at least partly in the ceiling of the portal, and hence above the human subject in the portal. Particles of interest will be entrained in the human thermal plume that exists in the boundary layer of air adjacent the suspect, and will flow upwardly from the suspect to the detection apparatus in the ceiling of the portal. The portal includes a plurality of vertically aligned arrays of air jets. The air jets are fired sequentially from bottom to top to produce short bursts of air sufficient to disturb the clothing of the suspect and to dislodge particles of interest from the clothing. The dislodged particles of interest are entrained in the air in the human thermal plume and are transported upwardly to the detector.

Abstract: A system for rapid collection of large volumes of dissolved gases from groundwater pumps the water from a large-diameter passage through a small-diameter restrictor passage, and then into a flow-through collection chamber. The small-diameter passage causes a drop in the hydrostatic pressure of the groundwater traveling therein, causing spontaneous ebullition of gas bubbles which are then collected in the collection chamber. Testing reveals that the gases are collected in proportion to their presence in the groundwater, and thus the system allows accurate quantification of concentrations of dissolved gas in groundwater. The system may beneficially be made easily portable, thereby allowing its use in the field as well as in laboratory settings.

Abstract: A system for the retrieval and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on line” analyzers or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is highly susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an assembly including a phase separation membrane and housing configured to facilitate the removal of entrained liquid from a sample gas stream. Accuracy of the sample is enhanced, and compositional changes are avoided by first extracting a sample from the process gas followed by removal of entrained liquid it may contain, with the entrained liquid removal being conducted at the prevailing process gas pressure and temperature.

Abstract: An emission measuring system and method provide an accurate, real-time calculation of a particular material emitted from an emission source. Specifically, a CEM system installed in an industrial stack can include a dilution probe located in the stack and a data analyzer that records and analyzes characteristic data of the materials sampled by the dilution probe. A dilution ratio is used to correct for the addition of dilution gas into the stack gas sample to determine the concentration of a particular material that is being emitted from the stack. The dilution ratio is based on a molar flow rate, which can be determined by using specific algorithms and measurements.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus is provided including a tube defining a longitudinal axis and extending therealong from a closed end to an open end. The tube further defines an inner surface. An insert is configured for disposal within the tube and recessed from the open end. The insert includes a first diameter configured and dimensioned for engagement with the inner surface of the tube and a second diameter configured and dimensioned to form a chamber with the inner surface of the tube. The insert may define an interior cavity. The insert may include a transition diameter disposed intermediate the first diameter and the second diameter. The transition diameter can be substantially tapered relative to the longitudinal axis. The second diameter may include at least one radially extending rib being configured and dimensioned to engage the inner surface of the tube. The first diameter may have a larger dimension relative to the second diameter. The insert can be disposed adjacent the closed end.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus is provided including an insert configured for disposal within a tube. The insert includes a first diameter, a second diameter and defines a chamber therebetween. The chamber extends from a closed end to an open end that is configured for receipt of a fluid sample. The second diameter may define an interior cavity of the insert. The interior cavity may include a base portion and a barrel portion. A method for collecting sediment from a fluid sample is disclosed.

Abstract: A sort block for use with sorting flow analysis system. The sort block includes a fin extending into a sort stream in the sort block. Unsorted particles and aerosol are aspirated into the open top of the fin. When error is detected, collection baskets associated with the fin extend into the sort stream, block passage of particles to the collection containers and aspirate all droplets and aerosol to a waste or retrieval container. This sort block may include error monitors, such as a laser and camera combination, which monitor the flow stream and control the extension of the fin and basket type collector.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for detecting contaminated objects, for example mail pieces, through use of a pinching device that compresses the objects, thereby possibly releasing potential contaminant-containing particles into the air in a closed chamber. Whatever particles are in the closed chamber mix with the air in the closed chamber and form cavity air, which is captured by a detection and alert mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting hazardous materials inside containers includes an air distribution plate 20 that defines an air plenum AP with a series of openings 22 that function to distribute a flow of air. An air input port 26 and an air output port 28 are provided to allow connection to an air recirculation and sensor system 30 including an air mover 32 having an inlet duct 34 that is selectively connectable to the air outlet port 28 and an outlet duct 36 that is selectively connectable to the air inlet port 26 of the semi-trailer 10. Upon the creation of a recirculation air flow, the air recirculation and sensor system 30 functions to detect the presence of hazardous materials with in the containment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in general to a mail piece and more particularly, a mail piece for collecting sample(s) of harmful materials from a mail processing device. The mail piece generally comprises: an air inlet, an air outlet and a collector. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mail pieces inlet is a material which causes sides of the mail piece to separate from one another when the mail piece is not under the pressure of a nip roller or similar grabbing device. In another embodiment of the present invention the collector is a filter present within the mail piece. In another embodiment of the present invention the collector is a filter or tacky material present inside the mail piece or on the out side of the mail piece. In another embodiment of the present invention, the mail piece is porous.

Abstract: A modular materials characterization apparatus includes a sensor array disposed on a substrate, with a standardized array and contact pad format; electronic test and measurement apparatus for sending electrical signals to and receiving electrical signals from the sensor array; an apparatus for making electrical contact to the sensors in the standardized array format; an apparatus for routing signals between one or more selected sensors and the electronic test and measurement apparatus and a computer including a computer readable having a computer program recorded therein for controlling the operator of the apparatus. The sensor array is preferably arranged in a standardized format used in combinatorial chemistry applications for rapid deposition of sample materials on the sensor array.

Abstract: A vapor trap for detecting VOCs includes a housing, having a first end portion, a second end portion and at least one opening for receiving gas vapor. The housing is at least partially buried in ground with a vapor containment mechanism detachably connected to the first end portion of the housing. The vapor containment mechanism can be removed after a predetermined time period and replaced with a vapor sampling mechanism. An organic vapor analyzer can be connected in fluid relationship to the vapor sampling mechanism to measure VOCs. Optionally, a vacuum pump can be utilized to draw vapor into the vapor trap and then subsequently into the organic vapor analyzer. There can be a first selector valve located between the vapor sampling mechanism and the vacuum pump and a second selector valve located between the vapor sampling mechanism and the organic vapor analyzer. A preferred organic vapor analyzer is a photo-ionization detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting particles or vapor from air or surfaces comprising: a housing comprising an inlet open to the air to be sampled and an outlet; and a fan having one or more open areas within the housing capable of being driven at a speed effective to cause collection on the surface of the fan of particles or vapor in the air. A method of collecting a particulate sample from air comprising the step of driving a fan having one or more open areas within a housing comprising an inlet open to the air to be sampled and an outlet, at a speed effective to cause collection on the surface of the fan of particles in the air.

Abstract: Particulate collector is carried onto airplane and collects suspended particulate matter in the atmospheric air in such a manner that suspended particulate matter is electrically charged by single-pole ions generated by a discharge electrode and the thus electrically charged particulates are attracted to a collecting electrode having an electric potential difference with respect to the discharge electrode so that the particulates are collected by the collecting electrode. The particulate collector is conveyed to an arbitrary altitude and driven so as to collect suspended particulate matter contained in the atmospheric air at the arbitrary altitude. Particulate collector is recovered onto the ground so as to make various measurements or the thus collected particulate collector is subjected to various measurements on airplane.

Abstract: An method of, and an apparatus for, collecting a sample of a substance of interest, utilizes an apparatus having a device for collecting a vapor sample and a device for retaining a substrate. A substrate, having a working portion and a mounting portion, is mounted by the mounting portion of the substrate, whereby the working portion of the substrate is exposed for use. The apparatus so that the working portion of the substrate traverses surfaces of interest, to collect a particulate sample. A device for sampling vapor is operated to obtain a vapor sample. The vapor and particulate samples collected are analyzed.

Abstract: A passive air sampler is designed to facilitate emptying granular or particulate adsorbent from it directly into a thermal desorption tube or other vessel for use in an analytical instrument. The preferred form has an adsorbent container in a conical or funnel-like shape.

Abstract: Porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are described that selectively bind molecules of interest, especially nucleic acid molecules, under appropriate conditions. Methods of preparing the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles and their use of identifying or separating molecules of interest are also described. Kits comprising the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are also provided.

Abstract: A sample introduction probe for introducing a gas sample to a mass spectrometer, having an inner pipe for conducting the sample to be analyzed, and an outer pipe installed outside of the inner pipe. An opening is installed at one end of the inner pipe for enabling entry of the sample into the inner pipe. A pump is installed on a side of the one end of the inner pipe, and a probe tip heater is provided for heating the one end of the inner pipe, a heater for heating the inner pipe.

Abstract: A vapor trap for detecting VOCs includes a housing, having a first end portion, a second end portion and at least one opening for receiving gas vapor. The housing is at least partially buried in ground with a vapor containment mechanism detachably connected to the first end portion of the housing. The vapor containment mechanism can be removed after a predetermined time period and replaced with a vapor sampling mechanism. An organic vapor analyzer can be connected in fluid relationship to the vapor sampling mechanism to measure VOCs. Optionally, a vacuum pump can be utilized to draw vapor into the vapor trap and then subsequently into the organic vapor analyzer. There can be a first selector valve located between the vapor sampling mechanism and the vacuum pump and a second selector valve located between the vapor sampling mechanism and the organic vapor analyzer. A preferred organic vapor analyzer is a photo-ionization detector.

Abstract: A sampling device containing an adsorbing material and fitted with a cap formed with an elongate passage through which gases may pass into and out of the device. When fitted to the device, the elongate passage in the cap effectively seals the device, requiring a flow of gas to be driven through the device to obtain a sample therefrom.

Abstract: A process and apparatus therefore in which a sludge treatment stage 24 is controlled in response to the density or solids content of the sludge includes flowing sludge along a flow line 1 towards the treatment stage, taking a sample from the flow line 1, degassing the sample to produce a degassed sample, measuring the density or solids content of the degassed sample, and utilizing the measured degassed density or solids content of the degassed sample for controlling the treatment stage 24.

Abstract: A fast mixing condensation nucleus counter useful for detecting particles entrained in a sample gas stream is provided. The fast mixing condensation nucleus counter comprises a detector and a mixing condensation device having a mixing chamber adapted to allow gas to flow from an inlet to an outlet, wherein the outlet directs the gas flow to the detector. The mixing chamber has an inlet for introducing vapor-laden gas into the chamber and at least one nozzle for introducing a sample gas having particles entrained therein into the chamber. The inlet and nozzle are arranged such that the vapor-laden gas and sample gas mix turbulently. The mixing chamber is configured such that the particles flow through the mixing chamber at a substantially uniform relative velocity.

Abstract: A sampler for removing a sample of gas from a flue or stack utilizes virtual impactor principles, together with a gas jet ejector to insure that the surfaces are kept free of particles. The gas that is, discharged from the sampler thus is not changed in character by contact with particles that may adhere to surfaces of the sampler.

Abstract: A collector is provided which is capable of simultaneously capturing and collecting particulate and gaseous chlorinated organic compounds contained in a fluid. The collector 3 includes a housing 6 and a captor 7 disposed within the housing 6. The captor 7 includes a tubular porous core member 7a of a sintered glass having one end closed with a close member 7c, and a gas-permeable sheet 7b fitted around the core member 7a. The gas-permeable sheet 7b is, for example, a paper-like sheet having a fibrous activated carbon and inorganic fibers. The particulate and gaseous chlorinated organic compounds contained in a gas sample flowing into the captor through a sampling tube 2 are simultaneously collected and removed from the gas sample by the core member 7a and the gas-permeable sheet 7b, and the gas sample free from the chlorinated organic compounds is then discharged from an outlet port 6b.

Abstract: The invention is an air sampler which utilizes a hydrophobic filter and an entrapment fluid contained within a sampler body. Air to be sampled is bubbled through the entrapment fluid, which traps and retains a selected air component for later testing. Air which is thus bubbled through the entrapment fluid passes through a hydrophobic filter before leaving the sampler body. A hydrophobic filter prevents aqueous liquids from exiting the sampler body. This allows a higher rate of air flow, because the sampling fluid does not diminish as quickly due to suspended droplets exiting the sampler body. The sampler body may also be inverted to rinse down the walls of the sampler body without losing any liquid, due to the presence of the hydrophobic filter. The entrapment fluid can be poured or drained out of the sampler body.

Abstract: In a device for separating the particle size spectrum of a polydisperse aerosol comprising a housing including an inlet part, a guide part, an outlet part, a nozzle insert and a separation insert, all parts are axially symmetrical and joined by centering fits so that they are easy to manufacture and can easily be assembled and also replaced. The parts are so fitted together that they are automatically centered during assembly while providing for the properly sized aerosol and air supply and particle fraction extraction channels.

Abstract: The invention provides a biological sampling and storage container which is easy and sanitary to use, may be shipped through regular mail, and includes a drying material or desiccant for drying feces samples that are stored therein. The sampling and storage container consists of a body having a sampling chamber and a drying chamber which are in gaseous communication with each other. Preferably, a sampling wand is frictionally retained in the sampling chamber and the drying material is disposed in the drying chamber.

Abstract: An air sampler having a fan; an air inlet tube; a main body having a cyclonic cup, a stripping column and a demister; and fluidic circuitry for inputting fluids to the main body and the air inlet tube, and for outputting fluids from the main body. Air flow through the air sampler may be generated by a fan that is either external or internal with respect to the main body's cyclonic cup. A thin film of stripping liquid and/or a fog of stripping liquid particles in the air inlet tube, the cyclonic cup, the stripping column and/or the demister strip a target material from the air flow through the air sampler. A passive fog generating slot or a passive spiral fog generating nozzle may be placed over the fluid input conduit in the center of the cyclonic cup. The air sampler's main body and/or an air inlet tube may be integrally formed as one part.