Patent ID: 8777171
Filing Date: 2014-07-15
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A support mechanism for supporting an airborne particle and microorganism sample cassette and a length of flexible tubing in an elevationally-suspended manner above ground during a sample collection interval, the support mechanism comprising: a linearly elongated rod having an upper end opposing a lower end, the lower end is curved so as to define an upwardly projecting arcuate shape; an annular pin mounted radially to the upper end of the rod, the annular pin having an eye functioning as a guide through which an upper end of a first length of the flexible tubing passes and is supported thereby; a bracket, wherein the bracket comprises a generally planar body having a front surface opposing a rear surface, and an upper horizontal, incurvate edge and a lower horizontal, incurvate edge, the upper horizontal, incurvate edge forms a window edge receiving cavity, the window edge receiving cavity receives an outer window edge of a motor vehicle in a snug fit manner, the lower horizontal, incurvate edge forms a bulbous abutment for engagement against an outer surface of a window of the motor vehicle, the rear surface and the lower horizontal, incurvate edge are joined integrally by a flat interface; and a seal mechanism, the seal mechanism comprises an elongated configuration constructed of a resiliently compliant material, the seal mechanism includes an upper surface having an elongated slit extending a longitudinal length theredown, the slit snugly receives and conforms to a door outer window edge of a motor vehicle, and wherein the seal mechanism further comprises an aperture defined through a lateral sidewall thereof, the aperture being oriented transverse to the slit, wherein the first length of the flexible tubing is inserted through the aperture, the first length of the flexible tubing is supported by the seal mechanism via the aperture, the seal mechanism engages intimately an entire outer edge of the motor vehicle window, whereupon the motor vehicle window is raised until the seal mechanism forms a seal around the motor vehicle window frame.