The present invention discloses a portable sampler for collecting an atmospheric sample. In one implementation, the portable sampler includes a portable housing with an interior portion; a sample inlet communicating between an area outside the housing and the interior portion of the housing; a sampl
The present invention discloses a portable sampler for collecting an atmospheric sample. In one implementation, the portable sampler includes a portable housing with an interior portion; a sample inlet communicating between an area outside the housing and the interior portion of the housing; a sample cartridge in fluid communication with the sample inlet and adapted to store the atmospheric sample, the sample cartridge being removably secured within the housing; a pump disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the sample inlet, the pump being arranged to draw the atmospheric sample from the area outside the housing into the sample cartridge through the sample inlet; and a carrier gas inlet communicating between the area outside the housing and the sample cartridge, the carrier gas inlet being configured to couple with a carrier gas source for sweeping the atmospheric sample from the sample cartridge into an analyzer while the sample cartridge is secured within the housing.
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What is claimed: 1. A portable sampler for collecting an atmospheric sample, the portable sampler comprising: a portable housing with an interior portion; a sample inlet communicating between an area outside the housing and the interior portion of the housing; a sample cartridge in fluid communicat
What is claimed: 1. A portable sampler for collecting an atmospheric sample, the portable sampler comprising: a portable housing with an interior portion; a sample inlet communicating between an area outside the housing and the interior portion of the housing; a sample cartridge in fluid communication with the sample inlet and adapted to store the atmospheric sample, the sample cartridge being removably secured within the housing; a pump disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the sample inlet, the pump being arranged to draw the atmospheric sample from the area outside the housing into the sample cartridge through the sample inlet; and a carrier gas inlet communicating between the area outside the housing and the sample cartridge, the carrier gas inlet being configured to couple with a carrier gas source for sweeping the atmospheric sample from the sample cartridge into an analyzer while the sample cartridge is secured within the housing. 2. The sampler of claim 1 wherein the housing is configured to be handheld. 3. The sampler of claim 1, further comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit includes: a memory unit for storing an array of sample data; at least one sensor having an output, the at least one sensor configured to measure at least one of a temperature of the atmospheric sample, a volume of the atmospheric sample, a temperature of the sample cartridge, an elapsed time, and a pressure of the sample; and a central processing unit (CPU) configured to sample the output of the at least one sensor as the atmospheric sample is being collected, and to store the output in the memory unit as a part of the array of the sample data. 4. The sampler of claim 3, wherein the control unit further includes a global positioning device for determining a location of a sample site, the global positioning device generating a global positioning system (GPS) output, wherein the central processing unit (CPU) is further configured to sample the global positioning system (GPS) output as the atmospheric sample is being collected, and to store the global positioning system (GPS) output in the memory unit as a part of the array of sample data. 5. The sampler of claim 3, wherein the central processing unit (CPU) further includes a clock for generating a time stamp, wherein the central processing unit (CPU) is further configured to sample the time stamp as the atmospheric sample is being collected, and to store the time stamp in the memory unit as a part of the array of sample data. 6. The sampler of claim 3, further comprising a cartridge identifier for generating a sample identity, and wherein the central processing unit (CPU) is further configured to store the sample identity that is stored in the memory unit as a part of the array of sample data. 7. The sampler of claim 1, further comprising a power supply, wherein the power supply includes a rechargeable battery and an external power supply link configured to connect the rechargeable battery to a voltage source, whereby the rechargeable battery can be re-charged. 8. The sampler of claim 1, further comprising a carousel within the interior of the housing, the carousel adapted to carry a plurality of sample cartridges, the carousel being selectively moveable in order to sequentially advance a first sample cartridge from a first position in fluid communication with the sample inlet for taking a first atmospheric sample to a second position disconnected from the sample inlet for storing the first atmospheric sample. 9. The sampler of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of sample cartridges; and a multi-port valve disposed between the sample inlet and the plurality of sample cartridges, the multi-port valve being configured to be incrementally engaged from a first position to fluidly connect the sample inlet to a first sample cartridge for taking a first atmospheric sample, to a second position to fluidly connect the sample inlet to a second sample cartridge for taking a second atmospheric sample. 10. The handheld sampler of claim 1, further comprising a heat source adapted to heat the atmospheric sample within the sample cartridge. 11. The handheld sampler of claim 1, wherein the sample inlet further comprises a plurality of sample inlet paths, each sample inlet path being in fluid communication with a respective one of a plurality of sample cartridges, the plurality of sample inlet paths arranged to divide the atmospheric sample among the plurality of sample cartridges. 12. The handheld sampler of claim 11, wherein a first sample cartridge stores a first part of the atmospheric sample for analysis by the analyzer, and a second sample cartridge stores a second part of the atmospheric sample for archival purposes. 13. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the sample cartridge comprises at least one of a sorbent tube, a disc filter, solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibers, and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter. 14. A system for collecting and analyzing an atmospheric sample, the system comprising: a handheld sampler configured to collect the atmospheric sample, the handheld sampler including: a sample inlet, a pump in fluid communication with the sample inlet, a sample cartridge in fluid communication with the sample inlet and the pump, the sample cartridge being disposed therebetween, and a carrier gas inlet in fluid communication with the sample cartridge, the sample cartridge being disposed between the carrier gas inlet and the sample inlet; and a sample analyzer configured to couple with the handheld sampler to receive and analyze the atmospheric sample from the sample cartridge in the handheld sampler, the sample analyzer including: an analyte inlet configured to fluidly couple with the sample inlet, a carrier gas source to fluidly couple with the carrier gas inlet; and an analysis module in fluid communication with the analyte inlet. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the handheld sampler further includes: means including a sampler memory unit for collecting and storing an array of sample data related to the atmospheric sample, the array of sample data including at least one of a volume of the atmospheric sample, a temperature of the atmospheric sample, an elapsed time, and a pressure of the atmospheric sample; and wherein the system further comprises: communication means for transferring the array of sample data from the handheld sampler memory unit to an analyzer memory unit when the handheld sampler is coupled to the sample analyzer. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the handheld sampler further includes: global positioning means for generating a global positioning system (GPS) output, the array of sample data further including the global positioning system (GPS) output. 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the handheld sampler further includes: sample identifier means for generating a sample identity, the array of sample date further including the cartridge identifier. 18. The system of claim 14, wherein the handheld sampler includes a rechargeable battery, and wherein the analyzer includes a power source, the system further including: means for electrically interconnecting the battery and the power source for charging the battery when the handheld sampler is coupled to the sample analyzer. 19. The system of claim 14, wherein the sample analyzer is configured to physically support the handheld sampler when the handheld sampler is coupled with the sample analyzer. 20. The system of claim 14, wherein the sample analyzer comprises one of a mass spectrometer, a flame ionization detector, a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer, and a gas chromatograph-flame ionization detector. 21. The system of claim 14, wherein the sample analyzer comprises one of a surface acoustic wave system, and an ion mobility spectrometer system. 22. The system of claim 14, wherein the sample analyzer is a biological analyzer. 23. The system of claim 14, wherein the sample analyzer comprises a chemical analyzer for detecting a plurality of airborne chemicals in the atmospheric sample, the plurality of airborne chemicals including chemical warfare agents, explosives, toxic industrial chemicals, and pollutants. 24. The system of claim 14, wherein the sample analyzer is fieldable. 25. A system for collecting and analyzing an atmospheric sample, the system comprising: a handheld sampler configured to collect the atmospheric sample, the handheld sampler including: a sample inlet, a pump in fluid communication with the sample inlet, a sample cartridge in fluid communication with the sample inlet and the pump, the sample cartridge being disposed therebetween, and a carrier gas inlet in fluid communication with the sample cartridge, the sample cartridge being disposed between the carrier gas inlet and the sample inlet; and a sample analyzer configured to couple with the handheld sampler to receive and analyze the atmospheric sample from the sample cartridge in the handheld sampler, the sample analyzer including: a wand configured to couple with the handheld sampler to receive the atmospheric sample from the sample cartridge in the handheld sampler, including an analyte inlet configured to fluidly couple with the sample inlet, and a carrier gas source to fluidly couple with the carrier gas inlet; and an interface in fluid communication with the analyte inlet; and an analysis module in fluid communication with the interface. 26. A method for collecting and analyzing an atmospheric sample with a handheld sampler using an sample analyzer having an analyte inlet and a source of carrier gas, the handheld sampler including a removably securable sample cartridge with a sample inlet, a pump, and a carrier gas inlet, the atmospheric sample comprising a mixture of at least a matrix and an analyte, the method comprising: locating the handheld sampler at a site to be tested; activating the pump to draw the atmospheric sample through the sample cartridge via the sample inlet; absorbing the analyte from the atmospheric sample within the sample cartridge, while the matrix passes through the sample cartridge; coupling the handheld sampler to the sample analyzer, the coupling step including fluidly coupling the sample inlet to the analyzer analyte inlet and fluidly coupling the carrier gas inlet to the carrier gas source; and sweeping the analyte from the sample cartridge into the analyte inlet via the sample inlet by flowing a carrier gas through the sample cartridge via the carrier gas inlet, the sample cartridge remaining secured in the sampler during the sweeping step. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: providing a first control unit on the handheld sampler, the first control unit comprising a memory unit for storing an array of sample data, and a central processing unit (CPU); providing at least one sensor generating an output, the at least one sensor configured to measure at least one of: a temperature of the atmospheric sample, a temperature of the sample cartridge, a volume of the atmospheric sample, a pressure of the atmospheric sample, and an elapsed time; sampling the output of the at least one sensor with the central processing unit (CPU); storing the output in the memory unit as part of the array of sample data; wherein the coupling step further includes providing a communication link between the first control on the handheld sampler and a second control unit on the sample analyzer; and transmitting the array of sample data to the sample analyzer via the communication link. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising: providing a global positioning device on the handheld sampler; determining a location of a sample site with the global positioning device, the global positioning device generating a global positioning system (GPS) output; sampling the global positioning system (GPS) output with the central processing unit (CPU); and storing the global positioning system (GPS) output in the memory unit as a part of the array of sample data. 29. The method of claim 27, further comprising: providing a clock for generating a time stamp; sampling the time stamp with the central processing unit (CPU); and storing the time stamp in the memory unit as a part of the array of sample data. 30. The method of claim 27, the sample cartridge including a cartridge identifier, the method further comprising: storing the cartridge identifier in the memory unit as a part of the array of sample data. 31. The method of claim 26, further comprising: providing a rechargeable battery in the handheld sampler for supplying power to the handheld sampler; providing an external voltage source apart from the handheld sampler; providing a power supply link connected to the rechargeable battery; and connecting the rechargeable battery to the external voltage source via the power supply link when the sampler is coupled to the sample analyzer, whereby the rechargeable battery is re-charged. 32. The method of claim 26, further comprising: providing a multi-port valve disposed in the handheld sampler between the sample inlet and a plurality of sample cartridges; and wherein the sweeping step includes incrementally actuating the multi-port valve to fluidly connect the sample inlet to a respective one of the plurality of sample cartridges. 33. The method of claim 26, further comprising: providing a heat source in the handheld sampler; and wherein the sweeping step includes applying heat to the analyte within the sample cartridge. 34. The method of claim 26, wherein the sample inlet further comprises a plurality of sample inlet paths, and the handheld sampler includes a plurality of sample cartridges, each of the plurality of sample cartridges being in fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of sample inlet paths; and wherein the method further comprises removing a sample cartridge after collecting an atmospheric sample but before the sweeping step, for archival purposes. 35. A method for collecting an atmospheric sample with a handheld sampler, the handheld sampler including a plurality of removably securable sample cartridges, a sample inlet, and a pump, the atmospheric sample comprising a mixture of at least a matrix and an analyte, the method comprising: locating the handheld sampler at a site to be tested; fluidly connecting the sample inlet with each respective one of the plurality of sample cartridges; activating the pump to draw the atmospheric sample simultaneously through each respective one of the plurality of sample cartridges via the sample inlet; absorbing a portion of the analyte from the atmospheric sample within each respective one of the plurality of sample cartridges; removing one of the plurality of sample cartridges after the absorbing step, for archival purposes; and sweeping the analyte from at least one of the plurality of sample cartridges into an analyzer while the at least one sample cartridge is secured within the handheld sampler. 36. A method for collecting an atmospheric sample with a handheld sampler, the handheld sampler including a sample cartridge, a sample inlet, a pump, a memory unit, and a global positioning device, the atmospheric sample comprising a mixture of at least a matrix and an analyte, the method comprising: locating the handheld sampler at a site to be tested; activating the pump to draw the atmospheric sample through the sample cartridge via the sample inlet; determining the location of the atmospheric sample with the global positioning device, the global positioning device generating a global positioning system (GPS) output; storing the global positioning system (GPS) output in the memory unit of the handheld sampler; and sweeping the atmospheric sample out of the sample cartridge for analysis while the sample cartridge is secured within the handheld sampler. 37. A system for collecting and analyzing an atmospheric sample, the system comprising: a handheld sampler configured to collect the atmospheric sample, the handheld sampler including: a sample inlet, a pump in fluid communication with the sample inlet, a sample cartridge in fluid communication with the sample inlet and the pump, the sample cartridge being disposed therebetween, and a carrier gas inlet in fluid communication with the sample cartridge, the sample cartridge being disposed between the carrier gas inlet and the sample inlet; and a docking station configured to couple with the handheld sampler to receive the atmospheric sample from the sample cartridge in the handheld sampler, the docking station including: an analyte inlet configured to fluidly couple with the sample inlet, and a carrier gas source to fluidly couple with the carrier gas inlet; and the docking station being configured to separately couple with a sample analyzer to send the atmospheric sample to the sample analyzer, the sample analyzer being physically separate from the docking station and including: an analyte inlet configured to fluidly couple with the docking station, and an analysis module in fluid communication with the analyte inlet.
Fite Wade L. (Pittsburgh PA) Penn Stephen M. (Murrysville PA), Method and apparatus for preconcentration for analysis purposes of trace constitutes in gases.
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