Handheld air sampler device, air sampling arrangement, filter magazine for storing and predefined positioning filter elements on a backing element of a handheld filter device, method for applying a filter element to a backing element of a handheld air sampling device

Abstract

A handheld air sampler device for enrichment of airborne substances and/or particles, in particular microorganisms, includes: an inlet configured for air intake into a flow channel; an outlet configured for fluidic ally connecting the flow channel to an external vacuum device; a permeable backing element arranged in the flow channel, the backing element being configured to receive and support a filter element; and a sealing element configured for sealing a filter element received on the backing element such that, when a negative pressure is applied to the outlet, air entering the inlet forms an airstream passing the filter element and airborne substances and/or particles, in particular microorganisms, are enriched in the filter element. An air sampling arrangement includes a handheld air sampler device of this type.

Claims

1. A handheld air sampler device for enrichment of airborne substances or particles, comprising: an inlet configured for air intake into a flow channel; an outlet configured for fluidically connecting the flow channel to an external vacuum device; a permeable backing element arranged in the flow channel, the backing element being configured to receive and support a filter element; and a sealing element configured for sealing a filter element received on the backing element such that, when a negative pressure is applied to the outlet, air entering the inlet forms an airstream passing the filter element and airborne substances or particles are enriched in the filter element, wherein the air sampler device is configured to be handheld during the enrichment of airborne substances or particles.

2. The handheld air sampler device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured for enrichment of microorganisms, which are enriched in the filter element.

3. The handheld air sampler device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the inlet or the outlet is at least partially formed integrated with or directly connected to a handhold portion.

4. The handheld air sampler device of claim 1, wherein the inlet and the outlet are configured removable from each other for inserting, removing or replacing the filter element.

5. The handheld air sampler device of claim 4, wherein the filter element is configured insertable between the backing element and the sealing element by sealedly clamping the filter element between the backing element and the sealing element such that all air passing the flow channel passes the filter element.

6. The handheld air sampler device of claim 5, further comprising a holding portion at least partially forming the flow channel, wherein the inlet comprises a flange removably attachable to the holding portion with the sealing element therebetween such that the filter element can be sealedly clamped between the backing element and the sealing element when the flange is attached.

7. The handheld air sampler device of claim 1, wherein a valve is arranged in the flow channel for controlling an airflow through the flow channel.

8. The handheld air sampler device of claim 7, wherein the valve comprises an operating element positioned hand operable in use.

9. The handheld air sampler device of claim 8, wherein the operating element is positioned one-handed operable with the same hand the device is handheld with.

10. The handheld air sampler device of claim 1, wherein a flow direction through the inlet is at an angle to a flow direction through the outlet.

11. The handheld air sampler device of claim 1, wherein the inlet is provided with a nozzle configured as mouthpiece for sampling of breath to enrich respiratory microorganisms in the filter element.

12. The handheld air sampler device of claim 1, wherein the inlet is provided with a surface vacuum nozzle configured for wiping a surface area.

13. The handheld air sampler device of claim 12, wherein the surface vacuum nozzle comprises a nozzle surface with a plurality of open channels to avoid stucking on the surface area when a negative pressure is applied.

14. An air sampling arrangement, comprising: a handheld air sampler device according to claim 1; a separate vacuum device fluidically connected to the outlet of the handheld air sampler device; and a filter element received between the backing element and the sealing element of the handheld air sampler device such that a negative pressure applied to the outlet generates an airflow through the inlet which passes the filter element for enrichment of airborne substances or particles.

15. The air sampling arrangement of claim 14, wherein the arrangement is configured for enrichment of microorganisms.

16. A filter magazine for storing and predefined positioning filter elements on a backing element of a handheld air sampler device according to claim 1, the filter magazine comprising: a top plate comprising a recess; and a filter receiving protrusion or step arranged in the recess for holding a filter element in a predefined position such that the filter element can be received on the backing element of the handheld air sampler device in a predefined position by inserting the backing element into the recess.

17. The filter magazine of claim 16, wherein the handheld air sampler device comprises a holding portion at least partially forming the flow channel, wherein the inlet comprises a flange removably attachable to the holding portion with the sealing element therebetween such that the filter element can be sealedly clamped between the backing element and the sealing element when the flange is attached, and wherein the top plate comprises a recess dimensioned equal to the flange of the handheld air sampler device such that the recess fits with the holding portion.

18. The filter magazine of claim 17, wherein the filter element can be received on the backing element of the handheld air sampler device together with the holding portion.

19. The filter magazine of claim 16, wherein the recess is configured as through hole and a first sterilizing means is arranged underneath the top plate for sterilizing a filter element stored in the recess.

20. The filter magazine of claim 19, wherein the first sterilizing means is positionable in alignment with the recess.

21. The filter magazine of claim 19, wherein a plurality of recesses are provided in the top plate.

22. The filter magazine of claim 19, wherein a second sterilizing means is provided underneath the top plate for sterilizing the backing element before a filter is received thereon.

23. The filter magazine of claim 19, wherein the sterilizing means comprises a UV lamp.

24. The filter magazine of claim 23, wherein the UV lamp is arranged underneath a UV transmitting window attached to the top plate.

25. A method for applying a filter element to a backing element of a handheld air sampling device comprising an inlet configured for air intake into a flow channel, an outlet configured for fluidically connecting the flow channel to an external vacuum device, a permeable backing element arranged in the flow channel, the backing element being configured to receive and support a filter element, and a sealing element configured for sealing a filter element received on the backing element such that, when a negative pressure is applied to the outlet, air entering the inlet forms an airstream passing the filter element and airborne substances or particles are enriched in the filter element, the method comprising the following steps: interrupting airflow in the flow channel; inserting the backing element into a recess of a top plate of a filter magazine with a filter element stored therein, comprising a filter receiving protrusion or step arranged in the recess for holding the filter element in a predefined position such that the filter element can be received on the backing element of the handheld air sampler device in a predefined position by inserting the backing element into the recess; and continuing airflow in the flow channel such that a pressure difference and a resulting force for holding the filter element on the backing element is generated.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a handheld air sampler device according to an embodiment in a sectional exploded view.

(2) FIG. 2 shows an air sampling arrangement comprising the handheld air sampler device depicted in FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a handheld air sampler device according to another embodiment in a sectional exploded view.

(4) FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the handheld air sampler device depicted in FIG. 3 in a mounted sectional view.

(5) FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an air sampling arrangement comprising the handheld air sampler device depicted in FIG. 4.

(6) FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a handheld air sampler device according to another embodiment for respiratory sampling application in a perspective exploded view.

(7) FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a handheld air sampler device according to yet another embodiment for surface sampling application in a perspective view.

(8) FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a surface area and a wiping pattern.

(9) FIG. 9A-9C schematically illustrate steps of a method for applying a filter element to a backing element of a handheld air sampling device according to an embodiment.

(10) FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a filter magazine in a sectional perspective view.

(11) FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a handheld air sampler device according to FIG. 7 and the filter magazine according to FIG. 10 in a sectional perspective view.

(12) FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a handheld air sampler device according to FIG. 7 and a filter magazine according to another embodiment in a sectional perspective view.

(13) Although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) FIG. 1 schematically illustrates of a handheld air sampler device 1 according to an embodiment in a sectional view.

(15) This embodiment is depicted in the form of a block drawing in order to explain general functions of the handheld air sampler device 1. The structure of the device shown in the block drawing symbolizes components thereof and is not particularly restrictive or limiting. FIG. 1 shows the handheld air sampler device 1 in a pre-mounted state.

(16) The handheld air sampler device 1 comprises an inlet 2 and an outlet 4. Both, the inlet 2 and the outlet 4 are symbolically represented by a block with a central passage forming a flow path 3. The outlet 4 is configured for fluidically connecting the flow channel 3 to an external vacuum device. The inlet is configured for air intake into the flow channel 3. Furthermore, the inlet and the outlet are configured to be removably attached to each other.

(17) The outlet 4 is provided with a handhold portion 8. In this exemplary embodiment, the handhold portion 8 is also configured to allow attachment of the inlet 2.

(18) Within the flow channel 3, a permeable backing element 5 schematically depicted with a dashed line is arranged. The backing element 5 may be configured permeable, for example as a sieve or grid spanning the cross-section of the flow channel 3 and having a plurality of openings, such that it provides sufficient permeability to let an airflow pass through. Furthermore, the backing element 5 is configured to receive and mechanically support a filter element 6 within the flow channel 3, which filter element 6 is schematically depicted in FIG. 1 with a dotted line.

(19) In order to keep the filter element 6 in a predefined position and to seal the filter element 6 to avoid any bypassing of air, a sealing element 7 is arranged between the backing element 5 and the inlet 2. The sealing element 7 is configured for sealing a filter element 6 received on the backing element 5 within the flow channel 3.

(20) FIG. 2 shows an air sampling arrangement 20 comprising the handheld air sampler device 1 depicted in FIG. 1.

(21) In addition to the handheld air sampler device 1, the air sampling arrangement 20 comprises a vacuum device 21 which supplies the outlet for with a negative pressure or vacuum.

(22) The handheld air sampling device 1 is now shown in a mounted state and the inlet 2 and the outlet 4 are attached to each other. Furthermore, a filter element 6 is sealedly clamped between the backing element 5 and the sealing element 7. A clamping force pressing the sealing element against the backing element is provided by attachment of the inlet 2 and the outlet 4 with each other. In this way, air bypassing the filter element 6 is omitted such that all air passing the flow channel 3 due to the negative pressure applied by the vacuum device 21 passes the filter element 6. Accordingly, when a negative pressure is applied to the outlet 4, an air flow entering the inlet 2 forms an airstream through the flow channel 3 passing the filter element. Thereby, airborne substances and/or particles are enriched in the filter element 6.

(23) In this way, airborne microorganisms can be sampled with the air sampling arrangement 20.

(24) FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a handheld air sampler device 1 according to another embodiment in a sectional exploded view.

(25) This embodiment also comprises an inlet 2, an outlet 4, a backing element 5 and a sealing element 7 arranged in a flow channel 3 and a filter element 6 inserted between the backing element 5 and the sealing element 7 and sealedly clamped between them. Although these elements, owing to additional functionality and optimised handheld design, have a different shape, their general function described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 can be transferred. Accordingly, only additional or different features will be described in detail.

(26) In this embodiment, as a major difference, additionally a valve 9 is arranged in the flow channel 3 for controlling an airflow. Furthermore, the handheld air sampling device one is provided with a holding portion 18 forming the flow channel 3.

(27) The valve 9 comprises an operating element 10 configured as a button, a spring 22, and the piston 23. The holding portion 18 in an upper section thereof is configured to accommodate the valve 9. In particular, for mounting the valve, the piston 23 and the spring 22 are inserted in the holding portion and held therein by means of a mounting plate 28 and fixation means 29.

(28) In a lower section, the holding portion 18 is configured to accommodate the backing element 5 and to be attached with the inlet 2. For attachment with the inlet, a magnetic holder realized by means of a permanent magnet 24 is integrated in each one of the holding portion 18 and the inlet 2. Therefore, a recess 25 is provided in the holding portion 18 and the inlet 2, respectively.

(29) The inlet 2 is formed with a flange 19 having a receiving portion configured to clamp the filter element 6 between the backing element 5 and the sealing element 7. A passage opening of the flange 19 is for example smaller in diameter compared to the diameter of the filter element 6 and/or compared to the diameter of the sealing element 7.

(30) A side section of the holding portion 18 is configured to be attached and fluidically connected with the outlet 4. For example, the side section of the holding portion may be provided with an internal thread and the outlet with an external thread (not shown).

(31) On its other side, the outlet is configured to be attached with a tube connector 26. In particular, the outlet comprises an internal thread and the tube connector an external thread (not shown).

(32) FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the handheld air sampler device 1 depicted in FIG. 3 in a mounted sectional view.

(33) As can be seen from FIG. 4, the piston and the spring are arranged such that the flow channel 3 is open such that an airflow from the inlet 2 to the outlet 4 is possible, in a regular state as shown in FIG. 4 when the operating element 10 is released.

(34) The flow channel 3 is closed in a state when the operating element 10 is operated, here when the button is pressed as indicated with the double arrow in FIG. 4. The piston 23 then closes the fluidic connection between the inlet 2 and the outlet 4 such that an airflow is interrupted.

(35) Furthermore, the spring 22 is configured to revert the piston 23 to the regular state and thus re-open the fluidic connection when the operating element 10 is released again. Therefore, an airflow through the flow channel 3 can be controlled by the valve 9, which is operated via the operating element 10 (by pressing the button).

(36) In the present embodiment, the outlet 4 is formed integrally with a handhold portion 8. Therefore, the device 1 can be handheld and the operating element 10 operated one-handed. In particular, the button can be ergonomically and conveniently pushed with a thumb of a hand the handhold portion 8 is held with.

(37) FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an air sampling arrangement 20 comprising the handheld air sampler device 1 depicted in FIG. 4.

(38) Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the air sampling arrangement 20 in addition to the handheld air sampler device 1 comprises a vacuum device 21 supplying the outlet 4 with a negative pressure or vacuum.

(39) In the present embodiment, a tube connector 26 and a vacuum tube 27 are provided to fluidically connect the outlet 4 to the vacuum device 21. The vacuum tube 27 can have any suitable form or length for the intended application of the handheld air sampler device, as symbolized by the two parallel lines crossing the vacuum tube 27.

(40) Due to the perpendicular arrangement of the inlet 2 and the outlet 4, a flow direction 11 through the inlet 2 is also perpendicular to the flow direction 12 through the outlet 4. In the present embodiment, the flow direction 11 through the inlet 2 is parallel to the piston 23 and the flow direction 12 through the outlet 4 is radial to the piston 23.

(41) In the configuration depicted in FIG. 5, the air sampling arrangement may for example be used for classic air sampling from the environment indoor or outdoor. For example, a vacuum device, such as a vacuum pump, can be programmed accordingly for automatic sample processing of a predetermined air quantity or volume.

(42) FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a handheld air sampler device 1 according to another embodiment for respiratory sampling application in a perspective exploded view.

(43) This embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 5 in that the inlet 2 is provided with a nozzle 13 configured as mouthpiece for sampling of breath to enrich microorganisms, e. g. respiratory microorganisms in the filter element 6. In this way, the device can be used in a respiratory application. The nozzle 13 is formed and configured to be attached to the inlet 2 by sliding it positively onto the inlet 2.

(44) For example, the following respiratory pathogens can be targeted and captured with the sampling device in combination with a suitable filter, e. g. a gelatin filter, the filter being not particularly restricted or limited:

(45) Influenza virus type A & B

(46) Respiratory Syncytial Virus type A & B

(47) Parainfluenza type 1, 2, 3 & 4

(48) Coronavirus type OC43, 229E,

(49) Coronavirus type NL63, HKU1

(50) Rhinovirus

(51) Adenovirus

(52) Human Metapneumovirus

(53) Human Boca virus

(54) Chlamydophila pneumoniae

(55) Mycoplasma pneumoniae

(56) Legionella pneumophila

(57) Bordetella pertussis

(58) Coxiella burnetti

(59) Streptococcus pneumoniae

(60) Staphylococcus aureus

(61) Heamophilus influenzae

(62) Moraxella catarrhalis

(63) Pseudomonas aeroginosa

(64) Enterobactericeae

(65) FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a handheld air sampler device 1 according to yet an-other embodiment for surface sampling application in a perspective view.

(66) In this embodiment, the inlet 2 is provided with a surface vacuum nozzle 14 configured for wiping a surface area 15, as explained below. The inlet 2 is formed integral with the surface vacuum nozzle 14. In particular, the inlet 2 as of FIG. 5 may therefore be replaced by the inlet 2 formed integrally with the surface vacuum nozzle 14.

(67) The surface vacuum nozzle 14 comprises a nozzle surface 16 with a plurality of open channels 17. These are arranged and configured to avoid stucking on a surface area 15 when a negative pressure is applied. For example, according to the present embodiment, the channels are arranged (star-like) extending radially from the inlet opening regularly distanced from each other with regular distance angles. The arrangement of the channels, however, is not particularly limited thereto.

(68) The handheld air sampling device 1 is configured for sampling on numerous kinds of surfaces, the surfaces being not particularly restricted, for example:

(69) Rough surfaces

(70) Smooth surfaces

(71) Skin

(72) Clothing

(73) Textile

(74) Complex structures

(75) Organic and inorganic surfaces

(76) Metal

(77) Plastic

(78) Wood

(79) Polymers

(80) Stone

(81) In particular the channels 17 at the nozzle surface 16 provide for a pressure compensation allowing wiping the nozzle surface 16 over any kind of surface, in particular those named above, and avoid stucking of the sampling nozzle 14 when negative pressure or vacuum is applied to the outlet 4.

(82) FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a surface area 15 and a wiping pattern.

(83) The wiping pattern as shown by the arrows in FIG. 8 represents a surface sampling with the surface area 15 having the size of 1 m.sup.2. This wiping pattern, as an example, has a meander like shape and systematically covers the complete area. However, the wiping pattern is not particularly restricted thereto and may have any other suitable shape.

(84) With an air sampler device 1 as configured in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, a plurality of applications are possible. Depending on the application, the type of filter element 6 can be chosen from a variety of filter elements. For example, the following types of filters could be used as a filter element in the handhold air sampling device, if cut to a suitable size, which is in the present example a round shape with a diameter of 13 mm, the filter element being not particularly restricted:

(85) Gelatine filter, in particular gelatin membrane filter

(86) Cellulose filter

(87) Nitro cellulose filter

(88) Nylon filter

(89) Nano-Cellulose filter

(90) Polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF) membrane filter

(91) Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane filter

(92) Polyethersulfone (PES) filter

(93) Microelectrochemical systems (MEMS) filter

(94) All kind of other filters in a diameter of 13 mm

(95) After air sampling, for example two different ways of sample preparation are possible, the sample preparation being not particularly restricted:

(96) Unspecific sample preparation by dissolving the filters, e. g. gelatin filters, after removal from the device and direct processing, e. g. on culturing plates, or in an assay, like PCR, ELISA or other biochemical assay.

(97) Specific sample preparation, e. g. by usage of magnetic beads coated with recombinant antibodies, bacteriophage proteins and/or aptamers to capture specific microorganisms out of the liquid after dissolution of the filters, e. g. gelatin filters.

(98) First experiments with the air sampling arrangement 20 show that the handheld air sampling device 1 has a high efficiency. For example, to capture airborne and surface microorganisms, three in-house measurements were performed with a handheld air sampling device 1 and a gelatine membrane filter, e. g. a gelatine membrane filter as described in WO 99/25465.

(99) The following surfaces were sampled:

(100) 1) 1 m.sup.2 floor surface in a bio-lab with a surface nozzle 14

(101) 2) computer keyboard with a surface nozzle 14

(102) 3) respiratory sampling the breath of a healthy person with a nozzle 13 configured as mouthpiece

(103) The duration of the sampling was one minute and the constant flow rate was 12.5 L/min.

(104) After sampling, gelatin filters were dissolved in water and the solution spread on humid R2A-agar plates. The plates were incubated for 3 days at 20 C., and growth of microorganisms was determined, with the following qualitative results:

(105) 1) Predominately bacterial growth was observed to a large extent, so that CFUs (Colony Forming Units) could not be determined.

(106) 2) Growth of predominately fungal colonies was observed to a large extent, so that CFUs (Colony Forming Units) could not be determined.

(107) 3) Only three CFUs could be observed but the sampling worked.

(108) After these first experiments handheld air sampler device 1 was further tested to capture microorganisms. Different sampling applications were tested again by air sampling arrangement 20 including gelatine membrane filters, as e. g. described in WO 99/25465:

(109) sampling a volume of 1 m.sup.3 inside room (indoor) air

(110) sampling of volume of 1 m.sup.3 outside (outdoor) air

(111) surface sampling an area of 1 m.sup.2 of the floor surface

(112) respiratory sampling of several persons

(113) surface sampling of skin from a person's arm

(114) surface sampling of a used computer keyboard

(115) Qualitative results of these tests showed a very high capture rate of microorganisms by using the gelatin membrane filters and also by using other filter types.

(116) In addition, gelatin filters were also tested with regard to nucleic acid isolation and detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). As a qualitative result, a very low inhibition or dysfunction of the testing was observed.

(117) After sampling, gelatin filters were dissolved in 500 l water (H2O) and the liquid was put on R2A agar culturing plates. After an incubation duration of 5 days at a temperature of 25 C., different colonies could be observed. This qualitatively demonstrates that enrichment of microorganism on gelatin filters successfully worked.

(118) For example, also the following detection methods could be used after sampling and dissolution of the gelatin filters:

(119) Biological detection after sampling of microorganisms:

(120) Cultivation on culturing plates

(121) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

(122) Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

(123) Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)

(124) Analytical Profile Index (API)-system

(125) Mass spectroscopy

(126) -Glucuronidase assay

(127) -Galactosidase assay

(128) Chemical detection after sampling of non-biological particles:

(129) Ion-Mobility Spectrometry (IMS)

(130) Gas Chromatography (GC)

(131) GC-IMS

(132) Raman spectroscopy

(133) Mass spectroscopy

(134) Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

(135) X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)

(136) FIG. 9A-9C schematically illustrate steps of a method for applying a filter element 6 to a backing element 5 of a handheld air sampling device 1 according to an embodiment.

(137) FIG. 9A shows a holding portion 18 of a handheld air sampler device 1. The holding portion 18 accommodates a backing element 5, which is arranged in the flow channel 3.

(138) In the state shown in FIG. 9A, an airflow through the flow channel 3 is interrupted and the inlet 2 is removed from the holding portion 18.

(139) Furthermore, a section of a top plate 31 of a filter magazine 30 is shown. The top plate 31 comprises a recess 32. Inside the recess 32, a filter receiving step 33 is provided. The filter receiving step 33 is configured for holding a filter element 6, which is stored in the recess 32 in a predefined position.

(140) FIG. 9B shows the holding portion 18 including the backing element 5 inserted into the recess 32 such that the backing element 5 is positioned directly on the filter element 6. The holding portion 18 fits exactly into the recess 32, which has the same dimension as the flange 19 of the inlet 2. Accordingly, the filter element 6 is positioned on the backing element 5 in a predefined position defined by the filter receiving step 33. This position is suitable for the filter element 6 to be sealedly clamped between the sealing element 7 and the backing element 5 once the inlet 2 with its flange 19 is reattached to the holding portion 18.

(141) For holding the filter element 6 on the backing element 5, an airstream through the flow channel 3 is continued.

(142) FIG. 9c shows the holding portion 18 including the backing element 5 and the filter element 6 removed from the recess 32. In this state, the filter element 6 is received on the backing element 5 and held thereon by a pressure difference generated by the airstream through the flow channel 3, as symbolized by an arrow in FIG. 9C. In this way, the filter element 6 stays on the backing element 5 in the predefined position when the backing element 5 is removed from the recess 32.

(143) After removal of the from the recess, the sealing element 7 and the flange 19 of the inlet 2 can be reattached to the holding portion 18 for sealedly clamping the filter element 6 in the flow channel 3. Then, all air passing the flow channel 3 passes the filter element 6.

(144) FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a filter magazine 30 in a sectional perspective view.

(145) The filter magazine 30 comprises a circular top plate 31. The sectional view shows a section through the center 37 of the top plate 31.

(146) The top plate may be configured turnable around a vertical axis (not shown (running through the center 37.

(147) The filter magazine 30 in total comprises eight recesses 32, five of which are depicted in FIG. 10. Of course, the number of recesses 32 is not particularly restricted and can be varied to other numbers, depending on the application.

(148) The recesses 32 are arranged circumferentially in equal distances around the center 37.

(149) The sectional line of the depicted sectional view is running through two of the recesses 32, one shown on the left and one shown the right hand side in FIG. 10. Each recess 32 comprises a filter receiving protrusion or step 33, on which a filter element 6 can be received in a predefined manner, as exemplarily shown in the recess 32 on the left hand side.

(150) Underneath the top plate 31, a sterilizing means 34 configured as a UV lamp is arranged and electrically contacted to a power source (not shown). Furthermore, the bottom of each recess 32 is provided with a UV transmitting window 36. In this way, the filter element 6 stored inside the recess 32 can be sterilized by UV light through the window 36.

(151) Each recess 32 comprises a venting channel 38 entering the recess 32 between the filter receiving protrusion or step 33 and the UV transmitting window 36. In this way, an airflow through the recess 32 is enabled when an airflow in the flow channel 3 of the handheld air sampler device is continued. Such an airflow generates a pressure difference at the filter element 6 stored in the recesses 32 resulting in a force holding the filter element 6 on the backing element 5 when the holding portion 18 is removed from the recess 32, as explained with reference to FIG. 9C.

(152) FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a handheld air sampler device according to FIG. 7 and the filter magazine according to FIG. 10 in a sectional perspective view.

(153) Here, the inlet 2 is formed integrally with a surface nozzle 14 and attached to the holding portion 18.

(154) The valve 9 is depicted here in a closed state, in which the piston 23 blocks the flow channel 3. Accordingly, the inlet 2 including its flange 19 can be removed from the holding portion 18 in order to pick up or replace a filter element 6. If a used filter element 6 is received on a backing element 5, the used filter element 6 can removed and a new filter element 6 picked up after sterilization.

(155) For sterilizing, the backing element 5 may be inserted into the recess 32 on the right-hand side, in which no filter element is stored. In this way, the backing element 5 is sterilized.

(156) The backing element 5 can then be removed again and the top plate 31 can be turned around its axis such that a recess 32, in which a filter element 6 is stored (such as shown in the recess 32 on the left-hand side) is in alignment with the sterilizing means 34. Accordingly, the filter element 6 is then sterilized and can be picked up after sterilization by inserting the backing element 5 into the respective recess 32, as explained with respect to FIGS. 9A-C.

(157) FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a handheld air sampler device 1 according to FIG. 7 and a filter magazine 30 according to another embodiment in a sectional perspective view.

(158) In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 11, the filter magazine 30 comprises two sterilizing means 34, 35. In contrast to the embodiment, of FIG. 11, a first sterilizing means 34 is here arranged in alignment with the recess 32, in which a filter element 6 is stored, on the left-hand side. On the right hand side, a second sterilizing means 35 is arranged opposed to the first sterilizing means 34 for sterilizing the backing means 5 in the manner as described with respect to FIG. 11.

(159) In this way, the filter element 6 and the backing element 5 can be sterilized at the same time and the filter element 6 can be directly picked up without turning the top plate 31 between the sterilizing steps. Thus, advantageously, for example, a sequence of short sampling cycles can be conducted with a much shorter delay delay.

(160) Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

(161) It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms comprise, comprising, include, including, contain, containing, have, having, and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms a and an used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms first, second, third, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

(162) While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms comprise or comprising do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms a or one do not exclude a plural number, and the term or means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.