Abstract: A sampler for automatic taking of liquid samples from a sample-taking location. The sampler includes: a housing with a door; an energy or power supply unit; a control/evaluation unit; a sample-taking unit, which, in a predeterminable time interval, takes a predetermined quantity of sample from the sample-taking location; a sample collecting unit arranged in a lower region of the housing of the sampler for storing taken samples; and a temperature-control unit, which controls at least the region of the sampler, in which the sample collecting unit is arranged, to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A system for collecting a sample of fluid from a fluid source and reintroducing the sample of fluid to the fluid source is disclosed. The system includes a pump in fluid communication with the source of fluid, a filter vessel in fluid communication with the pump and the source of fluid to receive a flow of fluid from the pump and substantially eliminate contaminants from the fluid flowing therethrough, and a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the pump, wherein the fluid is directed from the pump into the fluid reservoir when in a sample mode.

Abstract: The improved analyte collection device is adjustable between two separate and distinct configurations. The first configuration enhances analyte collection by precluding undesired gas flow from around the sampling device. The second configuration enhances analyte collection by extending and focusing gas flow into the sampling device. Additionally, the current invention provides methods for collecting analyte from the surface of objects or the atmosphere.

Abstract: There are provided a method of detecting dispensed quantity in which without the need of detecting a surface of liquid accommodated in a container, a liquid quantity can be detected only by measuring pressure change; and a relevant liquid suction monitoring dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: The fluidic system including a sheath pump that pumps sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a waste pump that pumps waste fluid from the interrogation zone to a waste container, in which the flow rate of the sheath fluid is different from the flow rate of the waste fluid thereby drawing a sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, a detection system that provides a data set of input signals from the sample fluid, an analysis engine that recognizes aggregate particle events in the data set, and a controller that automatically adjusts the flow rate of the sample fluid into the interrogation zone based on the recognition of aggregate particle events, by controlling at least one of the flow rates of the sheath fluid and the waste fluid.

Abstract: A closure device including a fill chamber housing, which forms an edge for a hollow cross-section of a fill chamber, and at least one shut-off valve having a through-passage, the valve being displaceable between an open position and a closed position by a guide gap transversely to a filler chamber longitudinal direction. In the open position, the shut-off valve with the through-passage thereof forms a passage of a fill chamber cross-section, and in the closed position the shut-off valve closes the fill chamber cross-section. A cleaning chamber is formed, the chamber height of which is greater than the gap height of the guide gap, and the position of the chamber is associated with the shut-off valve such that the edge of the through-passage is located in the cleaning chamber in the closed position.

Abstract: A sampling system for quantifying the amount of contaminants in a controlled environment within a facility, the controller having a plurality of ports, each port having a timer circuit, a flow rate circuit, a flow switch, and a vacuum tube, wherein the flow rate circuit controls the flow switch and maintains a fluid flow through the vacuum tube at about 1 cfm. The system also includes a plurality of air sampling device located within the controlled environment, each connected to one of the plurality of ports by way of the vacuum tube. A touchpad input/output device is connected to a base station, wherein the base station comprises a communications device for wirelessly sending a start and stop signal from the touchpad to the controller.

Abstract: A portable multi-tube air sampler device for capturing samples of trace elements in a suspected contaminated environment which includes a plurality of sample tubes for collecting sample trace elements, parallel inlet and outlet manifolds which minimize the length of the sample inlet path while utilizing short straight sample tubes, a hinged retainer bar mechanism which allows for easy removal and replacement of the various sample tubes, and a removably attachable controller unit which can be installed on the exterior portion of the carrying case for controlling the operation of the sampling protocol. Other embodiments include heated inlet manifold and sample intake paths to prevent contamination accumulation and carryover, a clean cycle option with a filter valved into the inlet flow path to enhance the purging cycle, and a mechanism for converting the present device to a desorbing auto sampler configuration. The present system likewise incorporates a purging cycle prior to each sampling cycle.

Abstract: A hand held detector system that has a housing with a passage that can receive a sample, and a concentrator that captures the sample. The hand held system further includes a single detector coupled to the concentrator and a fluid system that provides fluid communication between the housing passage and the concentrator, and between the concentrator and the detector. The system is powered by a battery. The system may include a controller that heats the concentrator with a temperature profile that causes a first trace molecule to desorb at a time different from the desorption of a second trace molecule. The system and components may be powered by a battery.

Abstract: The sample preparation system according to the invention comprises substantially a transport mechanism movable in the x, y and z directions, which at a first retaining fixture has a sampler for taking up samples that is movable in the z direction and at a second retaining fixture supports a processing apparatus for processing samples that is movable in the z direction, wherein the sampler is connected via at least one connecting line to the processing apparatus for fluid exchange.

Abstract: A method of using a fluid transfer collection assembly includes providing an assembly including a base, a test media carried by the base, an inlet for receiving a sample fluid, an outlet, a fluid transfer path located between the inlet and the outlet, a movable first finger mechanism, a movable second finger mechanism operatively coupled to the movable first finger mechanism; first moving at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism relative to the path so that at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism engage the path to draw the sample fluid into the path; and then moving at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism relative to the path so that at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism engage the path to transfer the sample fluid through the path to the test media.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for sampling contaminants from a soft test surface that includes a vacuum sampling device. The vacuum sampling device includes a spray port that is in fluid communication with source of sterilized sampling fluid, and which delivers a quantity of sampling fluid onto the soft test surface, a suction head having an outer casing surrounding an open-faced suction cavity that is in communication with a vacuum source and which retrieves the sampling fluid from the test surface, and a storage container for holding the retrieved sampling fluid. The system further includes a retention screen positioned between the test surface and the suction head, and which prevents the soft test surface from substantially occluding suction and reducing mobility of the suction head when engaging the soft test surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic device comprising at least one micro-aliquotter for dispensing fixed or variable volumes. The micro-aliquotter includes an rigid, dimensionally stable foundational layer having a fluid port therein that is in fluid communication with a channel within the microfluidic device, and an elastic film positioned on the foundational layer where the film covers the fluid port. The elastic film is sealed to the foundational layer so fluids entering through the fluid port can be captured between the elastic film and the foundational layer. The elastic film being expandable from a rest position on the foundational layer to a dispensing, or aliquotting, position in which an aliquot volume of a fluid is contained between the film and the foundational layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for sampling underwater radioactive solution. The apparatus and method are used for sampling underwater radioactive waste stored in the radioactive reservoir of nuclear facilities or in the container of said reservoir, in order to determine the nuclides and the radiation dosage at different depths in the radioactive solution.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for non-contact pneumatic sampling of surfaces, persons, articles of clothing, buildings, furnishings, vehicles, baggage, packages, mail, and the like, for aerosols or vapor residues indicative of a hazard or a benefit, where the residues are chemical, radiological, biological, toxic, or infectious in character. A central orifice for pulling a vacuum is surrounded by an array of convergingly-directed gas jets, forming a “virtual sampling chamber”. The gas jets are configured to deliver millisecond pneumatic pulses that erode particles and vapors from solid surfaces at a distance. A curtain wall flow encloses the sampling area during pulse retrieval.

Abstract: Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for generating, within a conduit, discrete volumes of one or more fluids that are immiscible with a second fluid. The discrete volumes can be used for biochemical or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, microliter-sized volumes, nanoliter-sized volumes, or smaller. The system can comprise an apparatus comprising at least one conduit operatively connected to one or more pumps for providing discrete volumes separated from one another by a fluid that is immiscible with the fluid(s) of the discrete volumes, for example, aqueous immiscible-fluid-discrete volumes separated by an oil.

Abstract: An oil sampling assembly structured to collect an oil sample from the oil circulating system of an engine or other device and including a housing connected in fluid communication with the oil circulating system and having a container removably connected thereto. During operation of the oil circulating system a continuous flow of oil into and out of the container will occur. When the oil circulating system is not operating, oil and any contaminants contained therein will collect within the container. The container and oil sample is detached from the housing, replaced by another container, and connected to a closure for transport to a testing facility.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for collection and analysis of dry powder inhaler products to determine foreign particulate matter found therein. The apparatus includes a collection chamber that communicates directly with the mouthpiece of a dry powder inhaler device. The collection chamber is used to both collect product samples, as well as to mix the samples with a diluent that places the active pharmaceutical components and excipients in solution, while the foreign particulate matter remains suspended. Analysis of a sample is preferably conducted by light obscuration wherein a probe is inserted directly within the collection chamber of the apparatus. An integral magnetic stir-bar incorporated within the apparatus eliminates the need to transfer the collected sample to a secondary vessel for mixing or analysis.

Abstract: A method of liquid chromatography includes providing an injection valve, drawing a sample and a diluent while mixing, pushing the mixed sample and diluent onto a sample loop of the injection valve, and injecting the mixed sample and diluent. An analytical apparatus includes a proportioning unit, an injection valve having a sample loop, and a sample pump. The injection valve has a draw state and a load state, and has a port in fluidic communication with an outlet port of the proportioning unit. The sample pump is in fluidic communication with the outlet port of the proportioning unit, if the injection valve is in the draw state, to draw both a sample and a diluent through the proportioning unit and the injection valve, and in fluidic communication with the sample loop, if the injection valve is in the load state, to push the drawn sample and diluent onto the sample loop.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include an apparatus for water sampling and analysis, the apparatus comprising: (a) a device for water sampling at a plurality of depths comprising a hosepipe and a plurality of internal independent pipes with a plurality of sampling inlets at a plurality of water depths, and (b) a pumping system to pump a sample of water collected using the device for water sampling at a plurality of depths to an isolated module for analysis. According to one embodiment, the apparatus is an autonomous multi-parametric buoy with capabilities for multi-depth water sampling, self-maintenance, monitoring, data collection, transmission, and analysis.

Abstract: A mobile vacuum sampling system comprising: an inlet; a first filter; a gas sample vacuum pump; a solenoid valve; a sample tube; a pressure gauge; a first block valve; a second filter; a micro filter; a gasifier; a gas analyzer; and a computational, recording and/or analysis display device; wherein a natural gas stream enters the gas sample vacuum pump via the inlet and is compressed to between 3 and 5 psig; wherein the sample tube collects natural gas to be analyzed; wherein the gas analyzer is portable; wherein the gas analyzer analyzes gas samples from the sample tube; and wherein the entire system is contained within a truck or other mobile unit.

Abstract: A substance detection device including a chemical substance analyzer, including, a conduit, and a membrane, wherein the membrane extends across a cross-section of the conduit, wherein the membrane is positioned to have one side and an analysis side opposite the one side, wherein the substance detection device is adapted to direct a portion of a chemical substance to the one side through the conduit, the substance detection device further including a particle separation apparatus, including a particle collection device having a collection chamber containing a first fluid and including an outlet, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the conduit such that particles directed through the outlet travel through the conduit and chemical substances which may be on those particles directed through the outlet are transferred to the membrane by interacting with the one side of the membrane.

Abstract: The fluidic system including a sheath pump that pumps sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a waste pump that pumps waste fluid from the interrogation zone to a waste container, in which the flow rate of the sheath fluid is different from the flow rate of the waste fluid thereby drawing a sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, a detection system that provides a data set of input signals from the sample fluid, an analysis engine that recognizes aggregate particle events in the data set, and a controller that automatically adjusts the flow rate of the sample fluid into the interrogation zone based on the recognition of aggregate particle events, by controlling at least one of the flow rates of the sheath fluid and the waste fluid.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for acquiring and/or dispensing a sample without introducing a gas into a microfluidic system, such as a liquid bridge system. An exemplary embodiment provides a sampling device including: a sampling member for acquiring or dispensing a sample; and a supply of a fluid that is immiscible with the sample; in which the device is configured to provide a continuous flow of immiscible fluid enveloping the sampling member.

Abstract: A system and method for sampling air in a controlled environment that includes two or more air sampling devices at different locations within the controlled environment. A controller is provided at a location outside of the controlled environment and in separate air flow communication with each of the two or more air sampling devices via separate first vacuum tubes, the controller having a manifold configured to separately control a rate of air flow from the two or more air sampling devices to the controller via each of the separate first vacuum tubes and to selectively direct the air flow from each of the separate first vacuum tubes to one or more second vacuum tubes. A vacuum source is provided at a location outside the controlled environment and in air flow communication with the controller via the one or more second vacuum tubes, the vacuum source providing suction and being controlled by the controller to generate the air flow through each of the first vacuum tubes.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus includes a housing defining a test chamber with an opening for contacting a test surface to expose at least a portion the test surface to the test chamber. A movable agitator within the test chamber contacts the test surface and agitates the test surface to release material from the test surface. The apparatus further includes an inlet and an outlet communicating with the test chamber and defining an air flow path through the chamber. At least one sample cassette may be supported near the outlet to collect a sample from the air flow, including material released from the surface into the test chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for discrete sampling of groundwater. The methods and systems presented are directed toward collecting groundwater samples at one or more locations below ground surface using one or more portable, vacuum-activated sampling devices including a collection chamber, one or more check valves, and a vacuum tube within a main body for activating the check valve to admit groundwater into the collection chamber. A groundwater inlet filter can be provided upstream of the check valve for some systems. A groundwater inlet chamber having a separate vacuum tube for purging the inlet chamber may be provided for other systems.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a physiologic sampling pump (PSP) which uses at least one valve placed near the sampling medium to modulate air sampling to follow a person's inhalation rate and to obviate the sluggishness inherent in prior art PSPs caused by varying pump speed and by the propagation time through an air tube that connects the collection medium to prior art pumps thereby also obviating limitations inherent in system response, functionality, and accuracy. Moreover, by maintaining an essentially constant air flow through a cyclone at all times and through the collection medium while sampling, the present invention operates at known collection efficiencies, and is therefore capable of size-selective sampling of particulates as opposed to prior art PSPs that by varying the magnitude of air flow, make the separation efficiencies of pre-collection devices indeterminate and the samples worthless.

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: A sampling system for quantifying the amount of contaminants in a controlled environment within a facility. The system has an air sampling devices each associated with a respective flow switch module, both within the controlled environment, and a first and second controller located outside the controlled environment. The first controller is in flow communication with the air sampling devices. The first controller is also in flow communication with the flow switch modules and controls a vacuum source to draw a predetermined volume of air through the at least one air sampling device via the at least one flow switch module at a desired flow rate. The flow switch module detects when the actual flow rate falls below or above a predetermined value, and generates an alarm.

Abstract: A system for collecting a sample of fluid from a fluid source and reintroducing the sample of fluid to the fluid source is disclosed. The system includes a pump in fluid communication with the source of fluid, a filter vessel in fluid communication with the pump and the source of fluid to receive a flow of fluid from the pump and substantially eliminate contaminants from the fluid flowing therethrough, and a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the pump, wherein the fluid is directed from the pump into the fluid reservoir when in a sample mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and equipment for preparing an analysis sample (2) for a continuous on-line analysis. According to the invention, a sample material (5) is taken by means of a sampling arrangement (4) from a material flow (24) that contains solid matter and liquid, whereby the sample material (5) is fed into a chamber (6); a layer of material (10), which contains coarse solid matter, depositing in the lower part of the chamber, and a layer of material (8), which contains liquid and fine solids, being separated from the sample material in the upper part of the chamber, whereby at least part of the material (8), which contains fine solids, is moved to the lower part (9) of the chamber (6), from where the analysis sample (2) that has a higher solids content than the sample material (5) is removed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such asDNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

Abstract: A method of using a fluid transfer collection assembly includes providing an assembly including a base, a test media carried by the base, an inlet for receiving a sample fluid, an outlet, a fluid transfer path located between the inlet and the outlet, a movable first finger mechanism, a movable second finger mechanism operatively coupled to the movable first finger mechanism; first moving at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism relative to the path so that at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism engage the path to draw the sample fluid into the path; and then moving at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism relative to the path so that at least one of the first mechanism and the second mechanism engage the path to transfer the sample fluid through the path to the test media.

Abstract: Handheld solid powder sampling and dispensing devices and methods thereof are disclosed. The handheld device has an ergonomically contoured outer surface to be held by a user. Actuation of an outer member of the device causes a predetermined quantity of a powder to be loaded within the device. Actuation of a plunger mechanism causes the predetermined quantity of powder to be dispensed. The outer member and the plunger mechanism are independently operable. Advantageously, the target delivery quantity of powder can be varied by a device adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a door-type passenger security inspection apparatus comprising: an air source supplying an air flow; a spraying device for spraying the air flow onto the body and clothes of a passenger being inspected; an air-spray moving device for moving the spraying device; a collecting device for collecting suspicious particles of contraband articles separated from the body and the clothes of the passenger; and a detecting device for detecting the suspicious particles of contraband articles collected by the collecting device. Further, the present invention also provides a method for passenger security inspection on prohibited-articles. With the technical solution of the present inventions contraband articles such as narcotic drugs and explosives may be detected reliably and effectively.

Abstract: Analyzing the pressure profile generated during a limited period of time immediately prior to the end of a liquid aspiration process and comparing the standard deviation of the residuals to a critical value to determine if the liquid was of a desired sufficient volume.

Abstract: sampler for automatic taking of liquid samples from a sample-taking location. The sampler includes: a housing with a door; an energy, or power, supply unit; a control/evaluation unit; a sample-taking unit, which, in a predeterminable time interval, takes a predetermined quantity of sample from the sample-taking location; a sample collecting unit arranged in a lower region of the housing of the sampler for storing taken samples; and a temperature-control unit, which controls at least the region of the sampler, in which the sample collecting unit is arranged, to a predetermined temperature, so that the sampler is applicable under any thermal conditions at the sample-taking location.

Abstract: A closure device including a fill chamber housing, which forms an edge for a hollow cross-section of a fill chamber, and at least one shut-off valve having a through-passage, the valve being displaceable between an open position and a closed position by a guide gap transversely to a filler chamber longitudinal direction. In the open position, the shut-off valve with the through-passage thereof forms a passage of a fill chamber cross-section, and in the closed position the shut-off valve closes the fill chamber cross-section. A cleaning chamber is formed, the chamber height of which is greater than the gap height of the guide gap, and the position of the chamber is associated with the shut-off valve such that the edge of the through-passage is located in the cleaning chamber in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a liquid volumetric device comprising a metering tube, a start sensor, an end sensor, a bath for storage of a sample to be metered, a vacuum chamber and a pump for pumping out air inside the vacuum chamber to form a negative pressure inside the vacuum chamber. The start sensor and the end sensor are provided respectively at the bottom and the top of the metering tube, the top of the metering tube is in communication respectively with the vacuum chamber and the outside atmosphere via pipelines, the bottom of the metering tube is in communication respectively with the bath and the vacuum chamber via pipelines, and control parts are provided in each of the pipelines for controlling connection/disconnection thereof.

Abstract: A device is displayed for determining an organic and inorganic fraction of a sample, which comprises a suspension medium, particularly water, and also solids. A preferably tightly sealable treatment chamber is provided, which comprises a sampling device, a filter unit, which is constructed and attached to the sampling device such that the suspension medium can be removed from the sample through the filter unit, a suction device for removing the suspension medium, a heat energy source for supplying heat energy to the sample, a temperature measuring unit for recording the temperature of the sample, a weighing unit for weighing the sample and a control and data evaluation unit, for controlling the energy source and for receiving and storing output signals from the temperature measuring unit and also the weighing unit. All parts of the device are constructed so that a sample can be analysed within the treatment chamber, without having to remove it in the interim. This represents a considerable time saving.

Abstract: In a process for testing filters (4) and (13) of treatment fluid of a hemodiafiltration apparatus (1), each filter has a wet semipermeable membrane (5, 14) which separates a gas-filled first chamber (6 and 15) from a liquid-filled second chamber (7 and 16). The first chambers are pressurised by a pump (19) supplying air, while the second chambers are placed in depression by a drainage pump (17) of used dialysis fluid. A first closed system is formed which includes the first chambers and a second closed system is formed which includes the second chambers. Two pressure gauges (P1 and P2) monitor the pressure in the two closed systems for a predetermined time. The monitoring provides indications relating to the filter integrity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample introducing apparatus which is designed such that the analytical flow path runs from the needle to the separation column without the flow path switching means placed at the downstream side of the needle. This design reduces dead volume, which in turn reduces the diffusion of the sample injected into the analytical flow path. Moreover, the absence of the flow path switching means at the downstream side of the needle to inject a sample into the analytical flow path eliminates connection of the pipe with the flow path switching means. This prevents the sample from remaining in the connecting part, thereby reducing sample carry-over and improving the accuracy of analysis.

Abstract: A liquid suction assembly connected to a measurement section for measuring a specimen, comprising: a suction nozzle, disposed inside a liquid container storing liquid used for measurement on a specimen, for sucking the liquid in the liquid container; a first fluid volume sensor for detecting whether a predetermined volume of the liquid remains in the liquid container; a chamber for storing the liquid sucked via the suction nozzle; and a second fluid volume sensor, disposed inside the chamber, for detecting whether a volume of the liquid lower than the predetermined volume detected by the first fluid volume sensor remains, is disclosed. A specimen analyzer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Abstract A rotating disc diluter (1) has a rotatable rotary element (4) which carries surface-accessible transfer volumes (9, 10) which along their common path of movement alternately glide over feed and discharge ports (11-18) for an undiluted fluid flow on the one hand and for a dilution fluid flow on the other hand. For the simple widening of the usable dilution rate range, the rotary element (4) has at least two rows of transfer volumes (9, 10) on different paths of movement, the associated feed ports (11-14) of which for the undiluted fluid flow and/or for the dilution fluid flow can be separately controlled.

Abstract: A microproportioning system includes a reservoir, a micro-diaphragm pump the entrance of which is connected to the reservoir, an open-jet proportioner the entrance of which is connected to the exit of the micro-diaphragm pump, a proportioning port connected to the exit of the open-jet proportioner, and a proportioning control which is in an operative communication with the micro-diaphragm pump and the open-jet proportioner

Abstract: An active sampler for detecting contaminants in liquids comprises an inlet, an outlet and a sampling unit positioned such that the liquid flows along a path from the inlet, through the sampling unit, to the outlet. The sampling unit has a plurality of sampling chambers that are substantially fluidly sealed relative to one another, wherein one of the sampling chambers is selectively positioned in the flow path. The active sampler also comprises an actuator, which relatively moves the sampling unit and the inlet and outlet such that one sampling chamber is positioned out of the flow path while another of the sampling chambers is positioned in the flow path.

Abstract: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.

Abstract: An improved scent transfer device for collecting evidence at a crime scene. The device comprises an air inflator with a gas cartridge coupled to an air amplifier. A holder having a sterile pad positioned therein is secured to the air amplifier. When gas from the cartridge is expelled into the air amplifier, a vacuum is created at the end of the air amplifier where the pad holder is attached, enabling a user, when the pad holder is positioned near an area to be examined, to collect the scent on the pad. The pad can then be removed and stored in an evidence bag.

Abstract: A method includes providing a sampling device having a sampling chamber therein, a pump operatively coupled to the sampling chamber, and a drive means coupled to the sampling chamber; situating the sampling device against an underwater boat hull having contaminants attached thereto, wherein situating the sampling device against the underwater boat hull causes water to be disposed within the sampling chamber; activating the pump to remove a portion of the water from the sampling chamber, wherein negative pressure is created within the sampling chamber and a watertight seal is formed between the sampling chamber and the underwater boat hull; activating the drive means to remove a sample of the contaminants from the underwater boat hull, wherein the sample of the contaminants is collected in the sampling chamber; deactivating the mechanical drive means; and sealing the sampling chamber, wherein the sample of the contaminants is stored within the sampling chamber.