DE102015114956A1 - Apparatus and method for mass collecting samples - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for collecting samples with a sample band (16) which comprises a plurality of receptacles which are spaced apart by intermediate regions. When a first sealing tape (18) is connected to the sample tape (16), it separates the pictures from its surroundings. A first spool (12) may store rolled-up portions of the sample belt (16) and the first sealing belt (18). The device (10) is adapted to release the connection between the first sealing band (18) and the sample band (16) on a portion of the sample band (16) unrolled in unison with the first sealing band (18) from the first coil during detachment, further portions of the sample band (16) connected to the first sealing band (18) are unrolled from the first coil (12) and exposed to different exposures at different times to the environment of the device (10), and the sample band (16) 16) with the first or a second sealing tape (16, 20) and thereby separate the recordings after exposure from their environment. On a second spool (14), after being bonded to the first or second sealing tape (18, 20), the sample tape (16) can be rolled up together with the first or second sealing tape (18, 20).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention is in the field of environmental analysis and relates to an apparatus and method for mass collecting samples.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

From environmental analysis, it is known to collect air and / or water samples and evaluate and analyze laboratory technology. In the collection of air samples, the air samples to be collected may include gaseous substances and heterogeneous gas mixtures with solid and / or liquid suspended particles, such as dusts or mists (so-called aerosols). The components of air samples can have a natural, biological or anthropogenic origin.

Air sample components of natural origin include, for example, mineral salt aerosols, particles released in volcanic eruptions and gases and / or aerial dusts with fluidized-up earth particles. Air sample components of biological origin include, for example, living and / or dead organisms or parts thereof, viruses, bacteria, fungi and their spores, pollen and / or gaseous substances of biotic origin, such as gaseous metabolic products of molds. The air sample constituents of anthropogenic origin include organic and inorganic reaction products and intermediates arising in connection with the combustion of fossil fuels, such. As fine dust or smoke, or those that arise in connection with the operation of chemical industrial algae.

The collection of air samples can be done, for example, stationary and at specific times or mobile at different locations.

A device for collecting air samples, which is suitable for mobile use, is in the US 3,985,619 described. In this device, a porous tape is used to collect the air samples, which is stored rolled up on a first coil. For an air sampling, the tape is unrolled and then rolled up together with another tape on a second spool. The additional tape can protect collected particles from contamination and may also contain a nutrient solution to supply collected microorganisms. For air sampling, a stream of air containing particles is directed onto the tape. At the same time, air is sucked through the tape using a vacuum pump.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that can collect samples in a manner that facilitates subsequent laboratory analysis and reduces the risk of contamination.

This object is achieved by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

The invention comprises a device for collecting samples in bulk. The device comprises a sample band, a first sealing band, a first coil and a second coil. The sample tape comprises a plurality of recordings for collecting samples, wherein the recordings are spaced from each other by intermediate regions of the sample tape. The first sealing tape separates the recordings of the sample tape from its surroundings when the first sealing tape is connected to the sample tape. The first coil is adapted to store coiled portions of the sample tape and the first sealing tape rolled up. The apparatus is adapted to release the connection between the first sealing tape and the sample tape on a portion of the sample tape which has been unwound from the spool in conjunction with the first sealing tape, further portions of the sample tape of Fig. 1 connected to the first sealing tape during debonding The first coil can be unrolled and exposed to different shots at different times in the environment of the device to collect samples. Further, the apparatus is adapted to connect the sample tape to the first or a second sealing tape, thereby separating the images from their environment after having been exposed to the environment of the apparatus. The second coil is configured to roll up the sample tape after it has been joined to the first or second sealing tape together with the first and second connecting band, respectively.

By connecting the sample tape to the first sealing tape or, if present, alternatively to the second sealing tape, the plurality of pictures, or just a few of them, may be separated from the environment of the sample tape. Because the recordings on the sample tape are spaced apart by the intermediate regions, the recordings can also be separated or isolated from one another by such a connection. This separation can be prevented by a recording Environment and be contaminated by the contents of other recordings. When the first sealing tape is released from a portion of the sample tape with a receptacle, the separation between the subject recording and the environment is canceled. In this case, the relevant recording is exposed to the environment, so that a sample can be collected. Due to the intermediate regions, during collection of this sample, other ones of the receptacles may be occluded using the first or second sealing tape. As a result, already collected samples in the collected state can be preserved or preserved. In addition, contamination of empty images that are not yet loaded with samples can be prevented. Because the apparatus is adapted to connect the sample tape to the environment after exposure of the recordings to the environment with the first sealing tape or with the second sealing tape, the samples may immediately after collecting in the respective images from contamination, such as from contamination by an environment at a location not intended for collection or measurement and thus undesirable, or at an unintentional and therefore undesirable time for collection or measurement, or from contamination by an adjacent receptacle. Thus, even when rapidly moved through a space, such as an air space, the device permits a variety of temporally and spatially determinable and controllable sampling at respectively different locations at different times with comparatively high accuracy and purity, without contamination of the intake to be feared before exposure and the collected sample after exposure.

Because the sample tape comprises spaced-apart receivers, the samples may be collected in isolation from each other spatially and temporally, isolated from each other in the sample coil rolled up on the second coil, each sample having a particular associated pick and associated picking time or period and associated picking location can be assigned in three-dimensional space. This is advantageous for a subsequent evaluation and analysis, because this can be done after clearly identifiable and clearly distinguishable recordings, whereby areas can be examined three-dimensionally and not only areally.

Due to the first and second spool, which each allow a rolled up storage, also a very compact roll-to-roll (so-called reel-to-reel) construction is possible, which allows a simple and uncomplicated tape guide and functionality.

The samples can be collected from the air, for example. However, the invention is not limited to the specific application of collecting air samples, but may also be used to collect samples of fluid other than air. Another exemplary application of the present invention is to collect water samples so that the present invention also includes embodiments adapted for collecting water samples. Although the invention will be described and explained in detail hereinafter with specific reference to the example of air sampling, it should be noted that corresponding embodiments for collecting water samples may have corresponding advantages and are also encompassed by the invention.

Preferably, the first coil stores connected portions of the sample tape and the first sealing tape, wherein preferably at least some of the receivers of this sample tape portion are each hermetically sealed. Due to a hermetic closure, a mass transfer can be prevented with the environment of the recording, so that contamination of the images can be prevented by a mass transfer with the respective environment of the sample band and with the contents of other recordings. For example, the recordings of the sample tape can be set to a sterile state before collection, and already during production of the sample tape. This sterile condition may be sustained due to the hermetic seal until exposure is suspended. This is particularly advantageous in collecting biological air ingredients, such as bacteria, pollen or viruses. Different recordings can also contain different media, for example nutrient media, which can not be exchanged between the recordings in the case of the hermetic closure.

In an advantageous embodiment, the second coil stores connected portions of the sample band and of the first or second sealing band, wherein the recordings of this sample band portion are each hermetically sealed. Thereby, contamination due to mass transfer after collecting a sample can be avoided and the collected sample can be safely preserved in the collected state.

For example, the sample band may be connected to the first and / or the second sealing band with the aid of an adhesive or get connected. An adhesive can be used to create a secure bond that can also be hermetic.

The recordings may also include a recording medium. This may be advantageous in collecting biological samples for which the receiving medium may comprise, for example, a nutrient or agar medium. The recording medium may also be specific to a particular air content, so that only certain air contents can be selectively collected.

Preferably, the recording medium is solid or gel-like. This can ensure that the images in any spatial orientations of the device can be exposed to the air environment without the recording medium expiring from the respective exposed recording.

Different recordings may also include different recording media. For example, the recording media may differ in that they are selective for different air ingredients. As a result, different sample types or air constituents can be selectively collected using the same sample band. Additionally or alternatively, the recording media may, for example, also differ in that they are suitable and intended for different analysis methods. The selectively or non-selectively collected samples can then be evaluated with different analysis methods.

The recordings may include, for example, depressions in the sample tape. In these depressions, for example, a certain amount of a recording medium can be introduced. In addition, both the recording medium and non-recording medium wells may be used to collect and preserve a gaseous sample or aerosol.

In the aforementioned embodiment, the sample band may comprise a deep-drawn plastic band, wherein the sample band has no perforation in the recesses. The use of a thermoformed plastic tape allows a particularly simple and inexpensive production, in particular, techniques and methods from other technical fields can be used. The lack of perforation makes it easier to seal the wells from the environment.

The sample band can also have a transport perforation. This can serve to unroll the sample tape from the first spool and roll it up onto the second spool. Further, the sprocket may be used for handling and guiding the sample tape between the first and second spools.

Some or all of the recordings may also include a circuit intended for analysis of the sample. As a result, an analysis or part of the analysis can be made in direct temporal relation to the collection of the sample, without having to wait until a laboratory examination. This preprocessing can be advantageous in particular for volatile samples or for samples which can not be preserved for a sufficiently long period of time. Furthermore, it may be advantageous in collecting samples that are toxic and / or that should no longer be released from the sealed recordings. The analysis can be done in such cases by interacting with the circuit, such as by reading from outside the receptacle. The circuit can also improve the automation of the analysis and thus speed up the analysis and make it more efficient. The circuit can be embedded or integrated in the recordings. The circuit is preferably a compact electronic circuit.

Furthermore, the recordings or at least some of the recordings may comprise a microstructured and / or microfluidic substrate in which microchannels having a cross section in the micrometer range for the handling of liquids are introduced. With the aid of such microstructured and / or microfluidic substrates, part of a laboratory analysis can be shifted into the recordings. Only very small amounts of liquids or reagents are required. In addition, time can be saved in the analysis. The microstructured and / or microfluidic substrate can also comprise different reagents or indicator solutions for different analyzes, so that one and the same sample can be subjected to different tests simultaneously in the recording immediately after collection.

The circuit and the microstructured and / or microfluidic substrates are particularly advantageous in terms of automated evaluation of a plurality of samples, because the analysis can be at least partially without external intervention at least partially already in the recordings and a subsequent manual analysis omitted or at least significantly simplified can.

Alternatively or additionally, the recordings may also comprise an air-permeable filter material and the sample band may be permeable to air in the region of the recordings. In this embodiment, the sample tape on the first spool is on a first side with the first sealing tape connected and connected on an opposite second side with a third sealing tape. On the second coil, the sample band on the first side is connected to the first or the second sealing band and connected on the second side to the third or to a fourth sealing band. This embodiment makes it possible to collect samples by the images are flowed through by an air flow, wherein the sample to be collected remains in the filter material. Because the sample band is bonded to both sides of a sealing tape prior to exposure and after exposure, as in the previous embodiments, contamination of the images prior to exposure and after exposure may be avoided.

Furthermore, the recordings may include first and second recordings arranged in adjacent tracks along the sample tape. As a result, one of the first recordings can be exposed simultaneously to an associated one of the second recordings of the air environment of the device, so that different samples or identical samples can be collected simultaneously in different recordings. These samples collected simultaneously at the same site can then be subjected to different analyzes or subjected to the same analyzes for better statistics. The arrangement in adjacent tracks allows twice as many samples to be collected without the sample tape having to be twice as long. Other embodiments include more than two side by side traces of recordings for simultaneously collecting more than two samples. The adjacent tracks can be parallel.

The first recordings may also include a different recording medium than the second recordings. This allows different samples to be collected simultaneously if the recording media are selective for different types of samples. Furthermore, the same sample can be evaluated differently if the different recording media are selective for the same sample but are suitable and intended for different analysis methods.

The devices according to the aforementioned embodiments may also comprise a third spool for receiving the first sealing tape after it has been released from the sample tape and / or may comprise a fourth spool for dispensing the second sealing tape, if a second sealing tape is provided.

Furthermore, a fifth coil for receiving the third sealing tape and / or a sixth coil for dispensing the fourth sealing tape may also be provided, if a third or a fourth sealing tape is provided.

The first and the second coil may be contained in a cassette-like housing. The sample tape can thereby be handled more safely within the cassette by means of the first and second spools while protecting the sample tape. For collection and subsequent analysis, only handling of the cassette may be required without having to manually handle the sample tape separately. This offers particular advantages in automated collection and evaluation because a compact, robust and cassette-like structure is very well suited for automation, which can be done very efficiently and safely. Within a cassette, the sample tape can also be easily and safely transported and stored.

The present invention further comprises a system with a device according to one of the aforementioned embodiments and with an air supply device. The air supply device is arranged and arranged to provide an airflow directed to a respective exposed receptacle of the plurality of receptacles. The air supply device allows the images to be in contact with more ingredients of the air environment at the same time so that more concentrated samples can be collected in the same time. Preferably, the air supply device is not contained within the cassette-like housing, if any. This allows the samples after collection to be transported separately from the air supply device within a smaller, more compact cassette-like unit, stored and subjected to analysis.

In an advantageous embodiment, the system further comprises an aircraft. This allows the departure of an air space in which samples can be collected with a device according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

The system may also include a data acquisition unit configured to determine, for each of the recordings, when exposed to the air environment of the device, a time indication and / or an indication of the location of the system and store that information on a computer readable medium. As a result, the collected samples can be assigned to the removal time and / or their removal location at a later time, whereby a temporal and / or local sample distribution in a specific airspace can be determined.

The system may further comprise a metering device configured to detect an amount of air provided by the air supply device while a receptacle is exposed to the air environment of the device, and to store an air amount indication on a computer readable medium. This information can later be used to determine the actual sample concentration at the time of collection at the collection site.

The present invention also includes a method of mass collecting samples from the air, the method comprising the steps of flying away an airspace with a system according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments, collecting a plurality of samples with a device or with a system one of the aforementioned embodiments, determining time and / or location information to the collected samples, assigning time and / or location information to the collected samples and determining a temporal and / or spatial sample distribution for the flown airspace.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein

1 shows a structure of a device according to the invention according to an exemplary embodiment,

2 an area of 1 enlarged and more detailed,

3a and 3b illustrate the application of systems according to the invention according to two exemplary embodiments,

4 FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a sample band connected to a first and a second sealing band according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG.

5a to 5e Sample tapes according to further embodiments show

6a and 6b show an embodiment of a device according to the invention with a cassette-shaped housing,

7 and 8th Embodiments of further inventive devices show, in which the sample band is connected on both sides with sealing tapes.

In the figures, corresponding features are provided with the same reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

1 shows a device according to the invention 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The device 10 includes a first coil 12 , a second coil 14 , a sample tape 16 , a first sealing tape 18 , a second sealing tape 20 , a third coil 22 , a fourth coil 24 and an air supply device 26 , 2 shows an enlarged detail view of an area of 1 between the first coil 12 and the second coil 14 , As based on the 2 can be seen, includes the sample tape 16 a variety of shots, which in the embodiment of the 1 through depressions 28 in the sample band 16 are formed.

The first coil 12 is adapted to a section of the sample tape 16 rolled up, the rolled-up, stored portion having a portion of the first sealing tape 18 connected is. Due to the connection with the first sealing tape 18 are the depressions 28 on this section of the sample tape 16 towards the air environment of the device 10 locked. As in 2 shown are the wells 28 through intermediate areas 30 of the sample tape 16 spaced apart. In conjunction with the sample tape 16 is the first sealing tape 18 also with the intermediate areas 30 of the sample tape 16 connected so that the wells 28 that is on one with the first sealing tape 18 connected portion of the sample tape 16 are also separated from each other. This can cause contamination of the wells 28 , For example, by a gas, liquid and / or particle exchange between different wells 28 and between the wells 28 and the air environment are prevented. Depending on the type of connection, certain impurities that can be caused by the replacement of certain substances can be avoided. At a connection, which the wells 28 each hermetically closes, an exchange of solid, liquid and gaseous substances can be prevented. This allows incoming impurities from the outside completely or almost completely avoided.

The connection between the sample tape 16 and all mentioned sealing tapes can be made using a suitable adhesive. For example, an adhesive may be used which is also used in the food industry for closing and possibly reclosing plastic packages containing food.

In a similar way to the first coil 12 is also the second coil 14 set up a section of the sample tape 16 rolled up to store. In the device 10 of the 1 that's on the second coil 14 stocked section of the sample tape 16 but not with the first sealing tape 18 but with a portion of the second sealing tape 20 , In other embodiments, not shown, the first sealing tape 18 Additionally used with a section of the sample tape 16 to be connected or reconnected on the second coil 14 is stored or on the second coil 14 is recorded. In the device of 1 have the coils 12 . 14 . 22 and 24 circular cross sections. It should be understood that in other embodiments, these coils may also have other cross-sections, which need not necessarily be circular.

In the presentation of the 1 is the device 10 in a state in which a first section of the sample tape is on the first spool 12 stored rolled up. To the first section of the sample tape 16 closes a second section of the sample tape 16 at the first coil 12 to an exposed portion of the sample tape 16 runs. The first section and the second section of the sample band 16 are each with an associated portion of the first sealing tape 18 connected. The exposed section of the sample tape 16 is located in 1 below the air supply device 26 directed to the exposed section. The exposed section is not with any of the sealing tapes 18 and 20 connected but lies exposed, so that such depressions 28 located on the exposed section, the air environment of the device 10 are exposed.

The exposed section is closed by a third section of the sample strip 16 to the second coil 14 runs and with the second sealing tape 24 or with a portion of the second sealing tape 24 connected is. To the third section of the sample tape 16 closes a fourth section of the sample band 16 in conjunction with a portion of the second sealing tape 24 on the second coil 14 stored rolled up.

In the state in which the in 1 shown device 10 are the aforementioned first to fourth sections of the sample tape 16 and the exposed portion of the sample tape 16 arranged in each case in first to fourth areas or in a suspension area. When the device is in a different state, the aforementioned first to fourth portions of the sample band may 16 and the exposed portion of the sample tape 16 each be arranged in a different area. The condition of the device 10 changes, for example, when the sample band 16 within the device 10 is moved. In other states of the device, in the first to fourth regions and in the exposure region, partially or completely different portions of the sample band may be used 16 be arranged, for example, after the sample tape 16 was transported further. Also in a different state of the device 10 of the 1 are those sections of the sample tape 16 which are in the first and second area, with the first sealing tape 18 connected are those sections of the sample tape 16 which are in the third and fourth areas, with the second sealing tape 20 connected and is that portion of the sample tape 16 which is in the exposure area exposed to the air environment.

The third coil 22 is set up and arranged to formerly with the sample tape 16 connected portions of the first sealing tape 18 to roll up and rolled up to stockpile.

In the device 10 is the third coil 22 arranged such that when rolling up the first sealing tape 18 through the third coil 22 the first sealing tape 18 at the end of the second area of the sample band 16 is separated, wherein the separation in a simultaneous transport of the sample tape 16 from the first coil 12 to the second coil 14 he follows. To prevent the first sealing tape 18 in the second area of the sample band 16 is disconnected, the device may have a first role 32 which is arranged along an axis R ₁ as shown in FIG 2 is shown. In the device 10 defines the first role 32 by their arrangement, the beginning of the exposure range, ie the beginning of the currently exposed portion of the sample band 16 ,

The fourth coil 24 is set to a portion of the second sealing tape 20 rolled up to stock and the second sealing tape 20 unroll it to the sample tape 16 connect to.

In the device 10 that will be from the fourth coil 24 unrolled second sealing tape 20 guided so that it at the end of the exposure area, ie at the end of the currently exposed portion of the sample band 16 , with the sample tape 16 is connected when the second sealing tape 20 during a transport of the sample tape 16 from the fourth coil 24 is rolled off. The corresponding guide of the second sealing tape 20 is in the device 10 due to the arrangement of the fourth coil 24 and using a second role 34 reached. The second role 34 is arranged along an axis R ₂ , as in 2 is shown, and defined by their arrangement, the end of the exposure area, ie the end of the currently exposed portion of the sample strip 16 ,

The following is the operation of the device 10 described. To deal with the device 10 to collect a variety of samples are the coils 12 . 14 . 22 and 24 operated synchronously to successively different unloaded wells 28 of the second section of the sample band 16 individually and successively the air environment of the device 10 suspend, with each one exposed depression 28 on a respectively exposed section of the sample tape 16 located.

The spools 12 . 14 . 22 and 24 rotate so synchronously, so that the coils 12 and 24 unroll the same amount of strip material within the same time and roll off as much strip material as the coils 14 and 22 roll up together. The coils roll 14 and 22 in each case the same amount of band material within the same time.

In such operation, different portions of the sample tape become 16 and thus different wells 28 fed at different times the exposure range of the device. When a respective one of the pits 28 in the exposure area, it is exposed to the air environment of the device. In the exposure area comes the depression 28 therefore in contact with the air sample to be collected. This contact may be, for example, that an amount of air in each exposed recess 28 is received and / or that certain air ingredients on a recording / contact medium in each exposed well 28 stick to it.

Following exposure, the well loaded with the sample becomes 28 upon further rotation of the coils 12 . 14 . 22 and 24 with the second sealing tape 20 sealed so that the collected sample can be preserved and from contamination or contamination from the air environment or from adjacent wells 28 is protected.

The air supply device 26 is directed to the exposure area and adapted to the respectively exposed well 28 to supply a certain increased amount of air, so that the air samples can be collected in higher concentration. For example, more particles contained in the ambient air can be taken up in the same time in a recording / contact medium.

Like in the 1 is shown, the air supply device 26 funnel-shaped and an acceleration means, such as a propeller 36 , include. By means of the funnel-shaped configuration and the acceleration means, the air supply device 26 each exposed well 28 add a certain amount of air. The amount of air supplied can be determined by the speed of rotation of the propeller 36 be set. The speed of rotation of the propeller 36 can also be measured to the amount of air that the wells 28 each is supplied to measure. As a result, in an evaluation based on the sample concentration in the well 28 and based on the rotational speed of the propeller to an actual sample concentration at the time of collecting the sample in the air environment of the device 10 getting closed.

As in the 1 and 2 is shown, the device comprises 10 still two transport wheels 38 which are arranged on both sides outside the exposure range and both between the first and the second coil 12 and 14 are arranged so that the sample tape 16 between the first and the second coil 12 and 14 can be transported with a desired course. In an alternative embodiment, guide rails (not shown) may be included instead of the transport rollers or in addition to the transport rollers.

As in 2 is shown includes the sample tape 16 also a sprocket hole 40 , with whose help the sample tape 16 safely managed and controlled.

In other embodiments, the images are different than in 2 educated. Instead of deepening 28 The recordings can also each flat areas of the sample tape 16 each of which is coated with a receiving / contact medium to which air constituents may adhere.

In addition, the sample band 16 in other embodiments, for example in which the 7 and 8th , alternatively or in addition to the wells 28 and / or alternatively or in addition to a receiving / contact medium comprise an air-permeable filter material, such as paper or a membrane, as a receptacle or as part of a recording. In this case, the through the air supply device 26 provided air flow through the filter material located in the exposure area of the recording pass, depending on the filter material certain specific air constituents remain in the filter material and can be collected thereby. In this embodiment, the sample tape is 16 in the first, second, third and fourth area on both sides connected to a sealing tape, wherein - as it is in 8th is shown - in addition a third sealing tape 64 or - as it is in 7 is shown - a third and a fourth sealing tape 64 and 66 can be provided. It can - as it is in 8th shown is the third sealing tape 64 with the back of the sample tape 16 be connected in the first, second, third and fourth area. Alternatively - as it is in 7 shown is the third sealing tape 64 with the back of the sample tape 16 in the first and second areas and the fourth sealing tape 66 with the back of the sample tape 16 be connected in the third and fourth area.

The 3a and 3b respectively illustrate the collection of a plurality of samples from the air within an airspace using a system according to the invention 44 according to a first embodiment, in 3a ) and using a system 144 according to a second embodiment, in 3b ) is shown. The systems 44 and 144 each include an aircraft and the device 10 of the 1 , where the aircraft of the system 44 a quadrocopter is and the aircraft of the system 144 is a glider. Other systems of the invention include other aircraft such as helicopters, other multicopters, fixed wing aircraft, or hybrid versions thereof, each of which may be manned or unmanned.

Using the systems 44 and 144 can create three-dimensional airspaces 42 be flown off, during the departure the device 10 as described above, to successively at different locations within the airspace 42 to collect air samples at respective different times. For example, the airspace 42 as in the 3a and 3b are divided into cube-shaped subsections, within each subsection a sample can be collected at a certain time. Preferably, the systems 44 and 144 adapted to determine the time and position of the respective sub-section each time a recording is suspended within a sub-section and to store it in such a way that it can be assigned to the associated recording later.

Due to stocking with a first spool 12 and a second coil 14 and due to the use of a sample tape with recordings for collecting samples, the device may 10 be kept very compact. The in the 1 and 2 Coil-to-coil operation, also referred to as reel to reel, allows for particularly easy handling, for example, by rolling up with the aid of the second reel 14 also a roll off of the first coil 12 and a roll off the fourth coil 24 can be effected. Rolling up on the spool 22 can be done passively, for example by means of a spring, without having an active external drive means for directly driving the coil 22 would be required.

In addition, it is possible to evaluate the collected samples in the 1 reverse the direction of rotation shown by the arrows so that the collected and on the second coil 14 stored samples can be gradually exposed and thereby analyzed. This can in turn be achieved in that only one of the coils 12 . 14 . 22 and 24 , in this case only the first coil 12 , is actively driven. The winding through the fourth coil 24 can in turn passively, for example by means of a spring, take place.

Due to the very simple handling and the clear separation of different recordings, both the collection and the subsequent analysis can be automated particularly easily. The very compact shape with a large number of recordings, in conjunction with a comparatively small remote-controlled aircraft, allows a finely-scanned sample collection along a finely divided airspace 42 ,

The aircraft can be selected depending on the particular application. A glider like the system 144 For example, it is advantageous if samples are within a large airspace 42 should be collected and the speed with which the device 10 through the airspace 42 should be moved, should be relatively high.

For a slower airspeed and sample collection within a smaller airspace 42 is the system 44 advantageous, which includes a quadrocopter, which can also perform vertical flight movements.

4 shows a perspective view of a portion of a sample tape 116 according to a second embodiment with other recordings no depressions 28 include. The in 4 shown area of the sample band 116 includes a subarea 46 the aforementioned second area, in which the sample band 116 with the first sealing tape 18 is connected and a subarea 48 the aforementioned third area, in which the sample band 116 with the second sealing tape 20 connected is.

Between the subarea 46 and the subarea 48 is the aforementioned exposure range 50 on which there is a recording in the form of a recording area 128 located. Unlike the sample tape 16 of the 1 and 2 are the recordings of the sample tape 116 not by depressions 28 but through shooting areas 128 educated. The reception areas 128 are coated with a recording / contact medium and are together with the remaining areas of the sample tape 116 flat, ie without depressions, formed in a common plane. The sample tape 116 offers the advantage that it can be rolled up more compact and thus the device according to the invention with the same size a longer sample band 116 with more through the reception areas 128 can stockpile formed recordings.

In principle, different media can be considered as recording / contact medium, wherein the recording / contact medium can be selected according to the examination target. The recording / contact medium can be assigned to different classes, for example a selective medium or a differential medium and a minimal medium or a complete medium. For example, for the collection of microorganisms from the air, a nutrient medium can be selected as the recording / contact medium, which also allows the subsequent isolation and analysis of the particular microorganisms to be collected. Such media are also referred to as isolation media. It is also possible to use uptake / contact media, with the aid of which, in a later analysis, a quantification of microorganisms can be carried out on the basis of a determination of a colony number on the uptake / contact medium. As ingredients for such recording / contact media may, for example, D-glucose, ammonium chloride (NH ₄ Cl), magnesium sulfate (MgSO _4), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (K ₂ HPO _4), peptone, casein hydrolyzate, yeast extract, meat extract, blood, or any combination of the three become.

For example, uptake / contact media may be used which, for example, can only ensure the cultivation and survival of a particular or certain microorganisms. Alternatively or additionally, uptake / contact media may be used which allow for the cultivation and survival of a variety of different microorganisms. Thus, the acquisition / contact media may be selective for particular types of samples, ie, allow only the collection or evaluation of particular types of samples, or be nonselective, thereby allowing the collection and evaluation of any or a variety of different sample types. The respective recording / contact medium can in the wells 28 are introduced, are introduced into the aforementioned filter material and / or on the receiving areas 128 be applied.

5a to 5e show plan views of different sample bands of different embodiments with differently shaped and arranged recordings 51 , The different sample bands differ in part in that they are intended for operation in which different numbers of shots 51 be suspended at the same time.

The sample tapes of the 5 are by the horizontally shown lines in the longitudinal direction in sections 52 when using the sample bands in a device according to the invention are successively exposed in each case completely to the air environment of the device. On each of the sample tapes the 5b to 5e have the sections 52 each the same length, whereas the sample tape the 5a also different lengths of sections 52 includes. The sample band section of the 5a namely, comprises four sections 52 each having two longitudinally spaced receptacles 51 include. These four sections 52 are longer than the other sections 52 of the 5a , each only one shot 51 include.

In the sample volume of the 5a For example, every section 52 a recording 51 with the same particular recording / contact medium, with those sections 52 that an additional shot 51 include an additional other recording / contact medium in the additional receptacle 51 may include. The different recording / contact media can be selective, for example, for different types of samples, so that a first type of sample can be collected at different time and space intervals than a second type of sample, which can be collected simultaneously with the first type of sample.

In 5c are the sections 52 longer than in the 5b , The longer sections 52 of the 5c include larger shots 51 as the shorter sections 52 of the 5b , This allows the sample tape of the 5c used to collect each sample in a larger amount. The sample tape of the 5c is therefore advantageous for collecting samples which are present only in a very low concentration, but due to the comparatively large images 51 of the 5c nevertheless can be collected in sufficient quantity.

The sample tape of the 5b offers, however, due to the smaller shots 51 which are about half the size of the pictures 51 of the 5c have the advantage that more samples can be collected with the same sample band length. As a result, a larger airspace can be analyzed with the same sample band length, or a more detailed airspace can be analyzed in more detail.

On the two sample tapes the 5d and 5e include the shots 51 each first recordings 54 and second shots 56 , The first shots 54 and the second shots 56 are each arranged in the longitudinal direction of the sample band in a track, wherein the tracks of the first recordings 54 longitudinally next to the tracks of the second shots 56 run. Due to this arrangement in adjacent tracks, a first shot 54 each simultaneously with an associated second recording 56 , in addition to the relevant first recording 54 is exposed to the air environment of the device. As a result, different types of samples can be collected simultaneously when taking pictures 54 and 56 corresponding different recording / contact media and / or filter materials include. For example, it is also possible that one or more of the first shots 54 and / or one or more of the second recordings 56 are formed as a recess.

As based on the 5 can be seen, include the sections 52 the sample tape of the 5d four shots 51 whereas the sections 52 the sample tape of the 5e two shots 51 include. This can be done with the sample tape of 5d in combination with an appropriately designed device, four individual samples are collected simultaneously at a particular location, whereas with the sample tape the 5e two samples can be collected simultaneously in the same place.

The simultaneous collection of identical samples with different recordings 51 can be beneficial for analysis and evaluation, as each of the shots 51 same section 52 can be analyzed differently, for example, can be treated with different reagents or can be exposed to a different aftertreatment. As a result, comparative considerations can be made on samples collected and preserved under the same conditions. This is especially possible because the individual shots 51 are separated and spaced apart on the sample tape, so that an isolated evaluation is possible, not by the evaluation or treatment of adjacent samples or recordings 51 impaired or distorted.

Basically, the shots described 28 . 51 . 54 . 56 . 128 , the described recording / contact media and the filter material are arbitrarily combined on a sample tape, arranged as desired in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction of the sample strip and also separated in their respective size, in groups or be varied together.

The 6a and 6b show a device according to the invention 110 According to another exemplary embodiment, the similar components as the device 10 of the 1 and further includes a housing 58 comprising a cassette shape. 6a shows an external perspective view of the device 110 and 6b shows a sectional view of the device 110 , The cassette shape of the 6 corresponds to a cuboid shape, wherein the cuboid has a rectangular base with a height H and a length L. The width B of the cuboid may be in the range of a few widths of the coils 12 . 14 lie, for example in the range between once and four times the width of one of the coils 12 . 14 , The housing encloses the coils 12 . 14 . 22 . 24 , the transport wheels 38 , the sample tape 16 as well as the sealing tapes 18 . 20 , As a result, these components are protected from external influences and from contamination and can be safely transported and stored.

The housing 58 includes an opening 60 pointing to the suspension area 50 is directed and the connection between the external environment of the housing 58 and the interior of the housing 58 manufactures. Preferably, the opening 60 funnel-shaped, as it is in 6b is shown. Other embodiments, not shown, may have openings of other shapes. Through the opening 60 can air from the outside environment of the device 110 on the respectively exposed section of the sample tape 16 stream.

The housing 58 also includes two shots 62 into which a respective drive element (not shown) can be received, around the first coil 12 or the second coil 14 drive. Accordingly, for one or more of the other coils 22 . 24 and / or roles 38 be provided further recordings.

Due to the cassette-like design, all bands 16 . 18 . 20 during operation of the device 110 simple, uncomplicated and protected inside the case 58 be managed and promoted. The device must 110 itself contain no active drive elements. Instead, the active drive elements may be outside the device 110 be arranged. These can be achieved through robust and simply designed interfaces, namely the recordings 62 in a fast, easy and safe way with the device 110 be brought into interaction. This is particularly advantageous for automated collection and automated analysis using and interacting with other devices, with the other devices outside the housing 58 can be arranged. These other devices can also be easily separated from the device. The device 110 can only be passive Elements can and therefore can be made very compact and robust. The cassette-like design therefore allows a particularly simple and safe handling, in particular in an interaction with other devices, and a good automation of the collection and evaluation process. In addition, the large number of samples can be safely and compact stored and transported.

In the case 58 of the 6 are the coils 12 . 14 within a common plane and rotatable about respective axes which are parallel and spaced apart from each other in the range between two and three times the radius of one of the coils 12 . 14 lies. In the device 110 of the 6 have the coils 12 . 14 the same direction of rotation during operation. In other embodiments, not shown, the coils 12 . 14 arranged in alignment, that is arranged side by side and rotatable about a common axis. In such embodiments, the housing may be in the shape of a cuboid having an approximately square footprint. Depending on the tape guide in other, not shown embodiments, the coils 12 . 14 have the same or a different direction of rotation during operation.

The 7 and 8th each show a device 210 respectively. 310 according to further embodiments of the invention, in which the sample band 16 connected on both sides with a sealing tape.

In the device 210 of the 7 is the sample tape 16 in the first and in the second area (ie in 7 to the left of the exposure area) on a first side or on top with the first sealing tape 18 connected and on an opposite second side or on a bottom with a third sealing tape 64 connected. In the third and fourth area (ie in 7 to the right of the exposure area) is the sample band 16 on the top with the second sealing tape 20 connected and on the bottom with a fourth sealing tape 66 connected. In operation of the device 210 becomes the third sealing tape 64 on a fifth spool 68 rolled up after the third sealing tape 64 at the end of the second area of the sample band 16 was separated to the bottom of the sample tape 16 uncover and the environment of the device 210 suspend. The fourth sealing tape 66 is on a sixth spool 70 rolled up and stored. In operation, the fourth sealing tape 66 from the sixth coil 70 unrolled, then with the bottom of the sample tape 16 to be connected at the end of the exposure area.

In the device 210 of the 7 can the sample tape 16 be fluid-permeable in the recordings, the recordings may contain a filter material. Through the double-sided sealing with the help of the first to fourth sealing tape 18 . 20 . 64 and 66 Before or after exposure, such images, the environment on both sides, ie on the top and bottom of the sample tape 16 be exposed before and after exposure to the environment. Alternatively or additionally, the sample band 16 Also include sections which provide separate and fluid impermeable receptacles on opposite sides of the sample band 16 include. Thereby, the number of simultaneously exposed images can be further increased, so that more samples can be collected simultaneously.

The device 310 of the 8th is a modification of the device 210 of the 7 with the difference that instead of the coils 68 and 70 a role 72 is provided and that the underside of the sample tape 16 not only in the first and second areas but also in the third and fourth areas with the third sealing tape 64 connected is. In the device 310 is not a fourth sealing tape 66 intended. In operation of the device 310 becomes the third sealing tape 64 at the end of the second area of the sample band 16 separated, then over the roll 72 deflected and then at the end of the exposure area again with the sample tape 16 connected. In other embodiments, instead of the role 72 or in addition another deflection means may be provided.

It should be noted that the described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. The scope of the present invention is determined solely by the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

110 . 210 . 310 contraption

12

first coil

14

second coil

16

116 sample tape

18

first sealing tape

20

second sealing tape

22

third coil

24

fourth coil

26

Air supply device

28

51 . 128 Recording (recording), recording, recording (recording)

30

between areas

32

first role

34

second role

36

propeller

38

transport wheels

40

sprocket

42

airspace

44

144 system

46

subregion

48

subregion

50

suspension range

52

sections

54

first recordings

56

second shots

58

casing

60

opening

62

Recordings

64

third sealing tape

66

fourth sealing tape

68

fifth coil

70

sixth coil

72

role

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 3985619 [0005]

Claims (22)

Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) for bulk sampling, comprising - a sample tape ( 16 . 116 ) with a variety of recordings ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) for collecting samples, the images ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) through intermediate areas ( 30 ) of the sample band ( 16 . 116 ) are spaced from each other, - a first sealing tape ( 18 ), the pictures ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) of the sample band ( 16 . 116 ) separates from their environment when the first sealing tape ( 18 ) with the sample tape ( 16 . 116 ), - a first coil ( 12 ) to interconnect sections of the sample tape ( 16 . 116 ) and the first sealing tape ( 18 rolled up, the device being arranged to facilitate the connection between the first sealing tape ( 18 ) and the sample tape ( 16 . 116 ) on a portion of the sample tape ( 16 . 116 ), which in conjunction with the first sealing tape ( 18 ) from the first coil ( 12 ) while releasing further with the first sealing tape ( 18 ) connected portions of the sample tape ( 16 . 116 ) from the first coil ( 12 ) and different shots ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) are exposed at different times to the environment of the device to collect samples, and further adapted to the sample band ( 16 . 116 ) with the first or a second sealing tape ( 18 or 20 ) and thereby the recordings ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) after exposure to their environment, the device further comprising - a second coil ( 14 ) to the sample tape ( 16 . 116 ) after it has been sealed with the first or second sealing tape ( 18 . 20 ), together with the first and second sealing tape ( 18 . 20 ) to roll up. Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to claim 1, wherein the first coil ( 12 ) connected portions of the sample tape ( 16 . 116 ) and the first sealing tape ( 18 ) and at least some of the images ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) of this sample band section are each hermetically sealed. Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second coil ( 14 ) connected portions of the sample tape ( 16 . 116 ) and the first or second sealing tape ( 18 . 20 ) and at least some of the images ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) of this sample band section are each hermetically sealed. Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the sample band ( 16 . 116 ) with the first and / or the second sealing tape ( 18 . 20 ) is connected or connected by means of an adhesive. Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the recordings ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) comprise a recording medium. Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to claim 5, wherein the recording medium is solid or gel-like. Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein different images ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) comprise a different recording medium. Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the recordings ( 28 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) Depressions in the sample band ( 16 ). Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to claim 8, wherein the sample band ( 16 ) comprises a deep-drawn plastic strip, wherein the sample strip ( 16 ) has no perforation in the wells. Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the sample band ( 16 . 116 ) a transport perforation ( 40 ) having. Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least some of the recordings ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) comprise a circuit intended for the analysis of the sample. Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least some of the recordings ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) comprise a microstructured and / or microfluidic substrate into which microchannels having a micron-section cross-section for handling liquids are introduced. Contraption ( 210 . 310 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the recordings ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) comprise an air-permeable filter material, 16 . 116 ) in the area of recordings ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) is permeable to air, - the sample belt ( 16 . 116 ) on the first coil ( 12 ) on a first side with the first sealing tape ( 18 ) and on an opposite second side with a third sealing tape ( 64 ), and - the sample tape on the second spool ( 14 ) on the first page with the first or the second Sealing tape ( 18 or 20 ) and on the second side with the third or with a fourth sealing tape ( 64 or 66 ) connected is. Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the recordings comprise first and second recordings ( 54 and 56 ) in adjacent tracks along the sample band (FIG. 16 . 116 ) are arranged. Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to claim 14, wherein the first recordings ( 54 ) comprise a different recording medium than the second recordings ( 56 ). Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third coil ( 22 ) for receiving the first sealing tape ( 18 ) after removing it from the sample tape ( 16 . 116 ) and / or a fourth coil ( 24 ) for dispensing the second sealing tape ( 20 ). Contraption ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first and the second coil ( 12 . 14 ) in a cassette-like housing ( 58 ) are included. System ( 44 . 144 ) with a device ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to one of the preceding claims and with an air supply device ( 26 ) which is arranged and arranged to provide an air flow which is directed to a respectively exposed recording of the plurality of recordings ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ). System ( 44 . 144 ) with a device ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to one of claims 1 to 17 or system ( 44 . 144 ) according to claim 18, further comprising an aircraft. System ( 44 . 144 ) according to claim 18 or 19, comprising a data acquisition unit arranged for each of the recordings ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) when exposed to the air environment of the device ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ), a time specification and / or an indication of the location of the system ( 44 . 144 ) and store on a computer-readable medium. System ( 44 . 144 ) according to one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising a measuring device, which is adapted to determine an amount of air, which is provided by the air supply device, while a recording ( 28 . 128 . 51 . 54 . 56 ) of the air environment of the device ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ), and storing an air quantity indication on a computer readable medium. Method for collecting samples in bulk from the air, comprising the following steps - flying off an airspace ( 42 ) with a system ( 44 . 144 ) according to one of claims 19 to 21, - collecting a plurality of samples with a device ( 10 . 110 . 210 . 310 ) according to one of claims 1 to 18 or with a system ( 44 . 144 ) according to any one of claims 18 to 21, - determining time and / or location information to the collected samples, - assigning time and / or location information to the collected samples, - determining a temporal and / or spatial sample distribution for the airspace flown ,

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