PORTABLE INTELLIGENT WHOLE AIR SAMPLING SYSTEM

The portable intelligent whole air sampling system performs in situ air sampling over multiple time periods at individually programmable times, rates and volumes. The system contains multiple independent disposable syringes (38-40) that collectively provide a large sampling capacity for a large number of samples over an extended period. In addition, the unit/sampler features a battery powered (712) system for portability, operational ability in a wide variety of environmental conditions, an internal time stamping feature to record time and date of events, and microprocessor controlled program features for flexible sampling options. The removable cassette/carousel (32) provides sample portability to a sample extraction device that functions opposite the field sample intake device. Sampling system mechanical components include a removable syringe cassette/carousel (32), a motorized carousel drive (92), a motorized plunger extractor (34), and a motorized syringe selection fork (36). With the programmable microprocessor and three motor syringe selection and/or operation mechanisms, any number of syringes can be precisely operated during the sampling period by rotating a carousel to any available syringe. Sample extraction system mechanical components include a removable syringe cassette/carousel (32), motorized carousel drive (792), and motorized plunger depression drive (704). With a programmable microprocessor (800) and two motor syringe selection and/or operation mechanisms, the samples within any number of syringes (38-40) can be precisely extracted. Further, varying sized carousels and varying sized disposable syringes can be combined for additional flexibility in the sampling or extraction system. L'invention concerne un système intelligent portable de prélèvement in situ d'échantillons d'air ambiant capable de faire des prélèvements à plusieurs reprises, et permettant de programmer de façon individuelle le moment, le débit et le volume de prélèvement. Le système comporte plusieurs seringues jetables indépendantes (38-40) qui, mises ensemble, offrent une grande capacité de prélèvement d'échantillons en raison du grand nombre d'échantillons qu'elles sont capable de recueillir pendant une longue durée. En outre, le système est équipé d'une alimentation par piles (712), pour le rendre portable et utilisable dans toutes sortes de conditions, mais aussi d'un horodateur qui enregistre le temps et l'heure des évènements et d'un programme commandé par microproce