| 20090250382 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTION OF PARTICLES FROM SURFACES - A method and apparatus for the extraction of particles from surfaces is disclosed. A preferred method comprises the steps of (1) adjusting the temperature and humidity of an air supply to provide an adjusted air supply, (2) directing a blast from the adjusted air supply to a surface bearing particles, so as to produce a deflected blast that comprises some of the particles from the surface, (3) collecting the deflected blast and particles, and (4) directing the deflected blast and particles towards an analyzer. A preferred apparatus includes an air adjuster and a probe comprising an adjusted air supply passage, an adjusted air aperture, a deflected air aperture, and a deflected air passage, wherein the air adjuster is adapted to provide a flow of adjusted air to the adjusted air supply passage and the adjusted air aperture. The flow may be continuous, intermittent, pulsed or periodic. The adjusted air aperture and a deflected air aperture are configured in proximity to allow a blast of adjusted air from the adjusted air aperture to impact an adjacent surface containing particles. The blast dislodges particles from the surface. The deflected air aperture and deflected air aperture are adapted to receive the deflected blast and dislodged particles, and direct them to an analyzer. | 10-08-2009 |
