Airborne isokinetic sampler

Claim 1

An isokinetic sampling system for air-borne particulate matter for use with a light aircraft comprising: a. sampling head means comprising a divergent section having an entrance thereto and a supporting section for receiving flow from said divergent section; b. track means extending from the body of said aircraft for supporting said sampling head means with said divergent section aligned with the axis of motion of said aircraft and said entrance facing the direction of motion, said track means having means controlled from within said aircraft for selectively extending and retracting said sampling head means; c. flexible tube means connected at one end to said supporting section for receiving air entering said divergent section and extending into said aircraft; d. pumping means connected at its suction side to receive air from said flexible tube means entering and flowing from said divergent section, said pumping means operative at a constant volumetric rate of flow; e. filter means within said supporting section for removing particulate matter from air pAssing therethrough; and f. control means between said flexible tube means and the suction side of said pumping means for regulating the flow of air entering said sampling head means to maintain isokinetic flow conditions at the entrance to said divergent section.