Air capture and genetic analysis device

Abstract

A multi dry cyclone device collects material from air. The device swirls air within a fluid housing so as to deposit the material, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and other particles, from the air in a way that the material can later be analyzed. The device can be used to provide for detection and / or quantification of airborne organisms or properties of material in the air. The device can include automatic tube changing which provides the ability to collect and analyze multiple air / fluid samples without needing to visit the device. The disclosure also provides for robust collection, processing, and analysis of collected samples wherein apparatus(es), method(s), and / or system(s) disclosed herein provide for detection and quantification of airborne target species simultaneously.

Description

TITLE: AIR CAPTURE AND GENETIC ANALYSIS DEVICECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisional patent application U.S. Serial No. 63 / 517,284, filed August 02, 2019. The provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, including without limitation: the specification, claims, and abstract, as well as any figures, tables, appendices, or drawings thereof.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and / or corresponding method of use in the agriculture, ecology, plant pathology, entomology, microbiology, soils, air quality, healthcare, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and / or engineering industries. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to apparatus(es), method(s), and / or system(s) which allow for capture, processing, and analysis of particles by sampling air.BACKGROUND

[0003] The background description provided herein gives context for the present disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art.

[0004] Airborne pathogens present problems to the health of humans, animals, and plants. Airborne organisms can also present problems during manufacturing processes, such as during the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. Further, airborne organisms present problems in the agriculture industry.

[0005] Currently, it is impossible for farmers to know and / or determine, in a timely manner, when airborne pathogens are present. Though there are a number of technologies that are used to collect material from the air, most require sending collected material to a laboratory for analysis. The labor involved is costly, and the time between air sampling and when information on airborne pathogen presence is received is too long for a farmer to be able to respond in a timely manner. Thus, some farmers are forced to regularly spray pesticides, including fungicides and bactericides, prophylactically on a calendar basis to prevent potential pathogen outbreaks instead of spraying only when the pathogen is present. Such prophylactic spraying practices are wasteful and costly to the farmer and can be damaging to crops and / or to the environment. Other farmers are forced to rely on visual inspection of the crops to manage pathogens.

[0006] Some existing technologies automatically determine pathogen risk based on environmental conditions, primarily temperature and humidity. However, these technologies lack effectiveness and often lead to over-spraying and / or to crop loss from poorly-timed spraying. Other existing technologies are automated and rely on imaging analysis or lasers and neural network analysis. However, these technologies also lack effectiveness. These automated technologies cannot process a large enough volume of air for a good assessment because too much collected material inhibits the ability of the technology to work at all. The sample flow has to be small because the imaging has to be able to see tiny particles by themselves. Additionally, the fungal spores from many species are indistinguishable from each other using imaging-based technologies. Spores of related organisms can be visually identical (on the surface) until after the pathogen develops.

[0007] Some known spore trapping services can provide spore count for certain pathogens, such as spinning rod spore traps and other related technologies. However, these technologies fail to collect samples directly or cleanly from the air, have inadequate sensitivity, and cannot analyze genetic properties of collected samples without prior transfer of a portion of the sample. These problems prevent known sample collection / sample analyses from being able to accurately represent the actual pathogen risk in the air.

[0008] Moreover, reliable pathogen risk assessments require information, such as DNA-based information, on quantity of the pathogen present. Fluorescence has been used in an attempt to address this problem; however, the use of fluorescence has been in vain because the fluorescent tags are not stable over time, may not be lyophilizable or may perform poorly when they are lyophilized. See e.g., Thiessen et al., “Development of a Quantitative Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for the Field Detection of Erysiphe Necator,” PeerJ, 2018.

[0009] Most farmers need advanced warning to be able to treat harmful spores successfully and / or harvest early. Thus, in view of the foregoing issues affecting the state of the art, there exists a strong need for an apparatus, method, and / or system which provides farmers with information regarding airborne pathogens in a timely and cost-effective manner. There also exists a need in the art to collect particles from a large volume of air near-continuously in a way that the apparatus, method, and / or system provides for improved sensitivity and accuracy over the prior art. There further exists a need in the art to detect and analyze properties of collected material in a quantifiable and accurate manner. There further exists a need in the art for an apparatus, method, and / or system that automatically provides abundant sampling and analysis on site in an agricultural field without the need to transport a sample to a remote location for analysis and / or without needing to visit the apparatus. There further exists a needin the art for an apparatus, method, and / or system capable of efficiently and accurately detecting and quantifying multiple types of potentially harmful airborne pathogens or pests simultaneously. There further exists a need in the art for an apparatus that is self-powered, lightweight, and compact enough such that it is capable of being mounted in an agricultural field.SUMMARY

[0010] The following objects, features, advantages, aspects, and / or embodiments, are not exhaustive and do not limit the overall disclosure. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. Any of the objects, features, advantages, aspects, and / or embodiments disclosed herein can be integrated with one another, either in full or in part.

[0011] It is a primary object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to improve on or overcome the deficiencies in the art.

[0012] It is a further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to detect and / or quantify the presence of airborne pathogens that can harm and / or devastate crops in an agricultural field.

[0013] It is still yet a further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to be able to provide information regarding airborne pathogens to a farmer in a timely and cost- effective manner. In a non-limiting example, use of aspects of the present disclosure can detect harmful spores in the air seven to ten days before disease symptoms appear. In some cases, use of aspects of the present disclosure can detect harmful spores in the air more than ten days before disease symptoms appear.

[0014] It is still yet a further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus that can be positioned in an agricultural field and that is capable of capturing an air sample, processing said sample, analyzing said sample, and / or interpreting the results of said analysis without the need to send the sample to a remote location.

[0015] It is still yet a further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to provide for timely spraying of fungicides / bactericides and / or to reduce and / or eliminate overspraying of fungicides / bactericides. Reduction and / or elimination of unnecessary spraying can result in enormous cost-savings, increased yields, and numerous benefits to consumers and the environment.

[0016] It is still yet a further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus that is self-powered, lightweight, and compact enough such that it is capable of being mounted in an agricultural field.

[0017] It is still yet a further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to allow for the device to sample a large quantity of air while still providing accurate results. This can be accomplished using a large fluid inlet or a fan to push air through the device at a higher flow rate. For example, the device can be capable of sampling less than one hundred liters of air per minute such as sixty liters of air per minute (60 L / min), at least one hundred liters of air per minute (100 L / min), at least two hundred liters of air per minute (200 L / min), at least three hundred liters of air per minute (300 L / min), at least three hundred seventy five liters of air per minute (375 L / min), at least four hundred liters of air per minute (400 L / min), and as high as five hundred liters of air per minute (500 L / min). It can be beneficial to sample the large quantity of air so that material can be collected from the air without grease, contaminating substances, and / or substances that inhibit downstream application.

[0018] It is still yet a further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to allow for the device to achieve high collection efficiency when collecting air samples. For example, the device can be capable of achieving a collection efficiency of greater than 90%. According to some embodiments, the device collects air at sixty liters of air per minute (60 L / min) with a collection efficiency of greater than 90%. According to some embodiments, the device collects 400 L of air at 390 L / min with a collection efficiency between 10% and 30%.

[0019] It is still yet a further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to provide the ability to automatically change a collection tube of an air capture device and collect multiple samples without the need to visit the device. Some aspects of the present disclosure provide that such a change could be based on a pre-programmed schedule and / or could be performed via a remote instruction without visiting the air capture device.

[0020] It is still yet a further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to use a CGG structure to perform a serial dilution of the (NA-laden) supernatant with a buffer (such as, but not limited, to water). A CGG design can be specifically tailored to produce a 10-fold serial dilution between the supernatant and buffer. Millifluidic channel widths can be on the order of one millimeters or smaller, lengths can be on the order of tens of millimeters) and spatial arrangement (serpentine shape to increase pathlength in compact planar space) can be tailored to produce specific output dilution solution concentrations capturing order-of- magnitude proportions of the input supernatant concentration, e.g., 100%, 10%, 1%, 0.1%.

[0021] In some embodiments, the present disclosure can employ a gravity-fed or air compressed system, eliminating the need for external sources of fluidic actuation, thereby limiting the complexity, cost, and power demands of this aspect of the fluid handling operation.

[0022] In other embodiments, the present disclosure can employ a forced-fluid flow approach (e.g., syringe pump, use of positive or negative fluid pressure, etc.) to enhance reliability of fluidic analysis.

[0023] It is still yet a further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to route around a 5: 1 dilution of the supernatant from the SPD cartridge with macro-fluidic tubing interfacing.

[0024] It is still yet a further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to transfer liquid samples using macro-fluidic hardware.

[0025] It is still yet a further obj ect, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to utilize the proximity of various hardware elements so as to minimize the complexity of fluidic transport.

[0026] It is still yet a further object, feature, and / or advantage of the present disclosure to provide the ability to detect and / or quantify the presence of different types of target species of pathogens, pests and / or alleles simultaneously.

[0027] The air capture and genetic analysis device disclosed herein can be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, applications can include detection of pathogens (including at least viruses, bacteria, and fungi), airborne organisms, soil organisms, particles, or pollen (i) in agricultural fields to inform management or health, (ii) in greenhouse or vertical farming operations, (iii) in agricultural storage facilities, (iv) in traditional storage facilitates for a range of products including imports, exports, consumer products, grocery, pharmaceuticals, (v) in manufacturing facilities, clean rooms, and plastic manufacturing facilities, (vi) in hospitals, hospital waiting rooms, operating rooms, (vii) in shipping containers, (viii) during transportation, (ix) in homes, apartments, office buildings, other residential or commercial properties, cafes, and restaurants, x) in subway stations, and (xi) in open-air environments, such as dense environments for workers packing fruits and / or vegetables (e.g., under an awning). In a more specific example, the device can be used to detect and / or quantify spinach downy mildew before the same harms and / or devastates crops in the field. In yet another specific example, the device can also be used to detect and / or quantify grapevine powdery mildew in vineyards because said powdery mildew poses a serious threat to growers. In a third example, the device can be used to detect and / or quantify vine mealybugs which transmit the closterovirus grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GRLaV-3) which can harm and / or devastate grapevines. In a fourth example, the device can be used in a greenhouse system to sequence airborne material to advise on pesticide applications (timing and type), filtration, andharvest. In a fifth example, the device can be used for detection and / or quantification of molds and mold levels in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.

[0028] Additionally, the apparatus disclosed herein can be used in an even wider variety of applications. For example, in one embodiment, the apparatus is automated such that NA-based analysis of airborne grapevine powdery mildew spores and / or vine mealybugs occurs in the field and samples do not need to be transferred to another location and / or outside of the device. There are in fact numerous other industrial farming settings, including, but not limited to: com, canola, potatoes, where airborne pathogens leading to crop loss can be identified. In addition, genes, such as those conferring resistance to a particular fungicide, can be identified, assisting with selection of a fungicide for optimal pathogen control. The apparatus(es) described herein can also be used in industrial food safety control settings, e.g., in leafy green farming to identify bacterial contamination, which could pose a potential risk to consumer health (e.g., E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes). The apparatus(es) described herein can also be used in environmental monitoring applications, e.g., routine air quality sampling for the detection of various airborne pathogens for national security purposes (e.g., highly contagious viruses, Bacillus anthracis).

[0029] It is preferred that the device and its components be cost-effective, safe, durable, and require minimal power. For example, the apparatus can be adapted to resist mechanical and / or thermal degradation due to contact with mechanical debris or repeated exposure to sunlight, wind, and extreme changes in temperature, especially where the device is employed in harsh climates. The device should also be sized such that the device cannot be inadvertently moved but also should not obstruct farm workers or interfere with farm machinery in the field. In some embodiments, the device can attach to a trellis or other support system so that the device is out of the way of workers and machinery. In yet other embodiments, the device can be mounted to a vehicle, such as a tractor, truck, or drone. In some embodiments, the device may be mounted on wheels to facilitate transportation to other sites of interest within an agricultural field or elsewhere. Such wheels could comprise one or more wheels. Such wheels could be any off- the-shelf wheel capable of providing transportation for the device. Additionally, materials making up the apparatus can be specifically chosen based on a favorable characteristic: e.g., manufacturability, cost, thermal transfer rate, electric conductivity rate, and / or rate of failure (e.g. cracking, crumbling, shearing, creeping) due to excessive and / or prolonged exposure to moisture, wind, heat, ultraviolet (“UV”) radiation, tensile, compressive, and / or balanced forces acting on the apparatus, and the like. In yet another example, the apparatus can be battery operated. In yet another example, the apparatus can eliminate the need for external sources offluidic actuation, thereby limiting the complexity, cost, and power demands of this aspect of the fluid handling operation.

[0030] In some embodiments, the limited power demands can be accounted for at least partially or even completely through use of solar panel(s) located on the device. In particular, the use of a flexible solar panel, like those employed by boats and recreational vehicles (RVs), can be used. Further, the flexible solar panel can be uniquely configured in an arc instead of being laid on top of a flat surface, thereby maximizing the time in which sunlight powers the device. According to some embodiments, at least some portions of the device itself are constructed of solar tiles. For example, according to some embodiments, solar tiles make up the top and / or side(s) of the device.

[0031] Beneficially, the device can, in some embodiments, heat material collected so that the reagents for microfluidic applications do not freeze.

[0032] At least one embodiment disclosed herein comprises a distinct aesthetic appearance. Ornamental aspects included in such an embodiment can help capture a consumer’s attention and / or identify a source of origin of a product being sold. Said ornamental aspects will not impede functionality of the present disclosure.

[0033] Methods can be practiced which facilitate use, manufacture, assembly, maintenance, and / or repair of apparatus(es) disclosed herein which accomplish some or all of the previously stated objectives.

[0034] The apparatus(es) disclosed herein can be incorporated into systems or kits which accomplish some or all of the previously stated objectives. Additionally, systems disclosed herein can be incorporated into larger designs which accomplish some or all of the state objectives.

[0035] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a collection device comprises a housing comprising a plurality of dry cyclones, wherein said dry cyclones share at least one common fluid inlet and a common fluid outlet, said housing configured to exert a centripetal force on air entering the fluid inlet so as to translate linear motion of said air to rotational motion; a pressure change device that, when operated, causes the air to enter the at least one fluid inlet; a power source for powering the pressure change device; and a collection zone for capturing particles contained within the air that enters the at least one fluid inlet, wherein a fluid entrance of said collection zone is oriented at a different direction than a direction the air enters the at least one fluid inlet and is positioned below the at least one fluid inlet, wherein the common fluid outlet allows for air to exit the capture device after the particles have been captured in the collection zone.

[0036] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the pressure change device comprises a fan.

[0037] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the collection device comprises at least 4, at least 6, at least 8, or at least 10 dry cyclones.

[0038] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, said collection device is supported by a structure mounted to the ground.

[0039] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, said structure is a pole.

[0040] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of dry cyclones shares a single common fluid inlet.

[0041] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of dry cyclones shares two common fluid inlets.

[0042] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the particles are sized between one micron and one millimeter.

[0043] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the collection device further comprises a weathervane.

[0044] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the collection device is free from a weathervane.

[0045] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the power source is a battery.

[0046] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the battery is a rechargeable lithium ion phosphate battery.

[0047] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the battery is electrically connected to one or more solar panels.

[0048] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the power source is one or more solar panels.

[0049] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the collection device further comprises a controller to regulate power provided by the power source.

[0050] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the collection zone is selected from the group consisting of: a) a tube; b) a well; c) a cartridge; and d) a cassette.

[0051] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the collection device further comprises at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of: a) an anemometer; b) a hygrometer; c) a temperature sensor; d) a relative humidity sensor; e) a leaf wetness sensor, f) a photodetector capable of detecting photosynthetically active radiation (PAR); g) a flowsensor; h) an air pollution sensor; i) a smoke detector; j) a soil moisture sensor; k) a pressure sensor; 1) a position sensor; m) a microphone; and n) a camera.

[0052] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the relative humidity sensor comprises an in-canopy relative humidity sensor.

[0053] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the position sensor comprises a Global Positioning System (“GPS”) and / or an inertial measurement unit (“IMU”).

[0054] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the camera is configured such that it can capture one or more images and / or video footage, wherein said one or more images and / or video footage could comprise one or more ultraviolet images and / or video footage and / or one or more infrared images and / or video footage.

[0055] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the collection device further comprises a wireless transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving communications to and from a network.

[0056] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the collection device further comprises a grille that acts as a grating forming a barrier or screen for the air entering the fluid inlet.

[0057] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the collection device further comprises one or more wheels to facilitate transportation of the collection device.

[0058] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the collection device further comprises an indicator light configured to illuminate based on characteristics of the particles and / or air entering the fluid inlet.

[0059] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of dry cyclones is coated with a material to prevent clogging and / or particle buildup on inner wall(s) of the plurality of dry cyclones.

[0060] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of dry cyclones is geometrically configured to redirect airflow to prevent clogging and / or particle buildup on inner wall(s) of the plurality of dry cyclones.

[0061] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the collection device further comprises a light used for insect attraction and an insect capture component, wherein the light used for insect attraction can be configured to illuminate to attract insects and the insect capture component can be configured to capture the attracted insects.

[0062] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the collection device is rotatable such that the collection device is configured to rotate to face wind.

[0063] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, a capture and genetic analysis device, comprises a housing; one or more cyclones positioned within the housing, wherein the one or more cyclones are configured to separate particles from an air sample; a pressure change device configured to force air through the one or more cyclones; and a power source to provide power to the pressure change device; wherein the device is self-powered and is lightweight such that the device can be used in an agricultural field.

[0064] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the pressure change device comprises a fan.

[0065] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the device is mounted on a pole.

[0066] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the device is rotatable such that the device rotates to face wind.

[0067] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the device is solar powered.

[0068] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, a collection device comprises a housing; one or more cyclones positioned within the housing, wherein the one or more cyclones are configured to separate particles from an air sample; a fan configured to force air through the one or more cyclones; and a power source comprising one or more solar panels wherein the power source is operationally attached to a battery; wherein the device is compact and light-weight such that it can be pole-mounted.

[0069] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, a sample collection module for use with a tube changer device, the sample collection module comprises: an upper member; a rotatable lower member operationally attached to the upper member; and a motor configured to cause rotation of the lower member; wherein the lower member comprises one or more apertures.

[0070] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, each of the one or more apertures is configured to be capable of holding a tube.

[0071] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the upper member comprises a connection portion, a circular portion, and an enclosure portion.

[0072] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the connection portion of the upper member facilitates connection of the upper member to a tube changer device.

[0073] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the connection portion comprises threading suitable to facilitate a threaded connection with the tube changer device.

[0074] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the circular portion of the upper member is generally the same size and shape as the lower member.

[0075] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the enclosure portion is configured to at least partially house the motor.

[0076] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the lower member comprises one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or more than twelve apertures.

[0077] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the sample collection module further comprises one or more tubes wherein each of the one or more tubes is capable of receiving fluid.

[0078] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, each of the one or more tubes is inserted into one of the one or more apertures of the lower member.

[0079] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the sample collection module further comprises a housing wherein the collection module is housed within the housing.

[0080] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the sample collection module further comprises a housing wherein one, some, or all of the one or more tubes are housed within a housing.

[0081] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the motor is a brushless servo motor, a stepper motor, or a linear motor.

[0082] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the motor is driven by a control board.

[0083] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, a method of changing receptacles for use with collection of multiple fluid samples, the method comprises: securing a first receptacle in a first aperture of a generally circular lower member; securing a second receptacle in a second aperture of the lower member; positioning the first receptacle in alignment with an opening of an upper member such that the first receptacle can receive a first fluid sample via the opening of the upper member; rotating the lower member relative to the upper member such that the second receptacle is positioned in alignment with the opening of the upper member such that the second receptacle can receive a first fluid sample via the opening of the upper member; wherein rotation of the lower member is achieved via operation of a motor.

[0084] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the motor is mounted on and / or at least partially housed in the upper member.

[0085] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the motor is a brushless servo motor, a stepper motor, or a linear motor.

[0086] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the upper member is generally circular such that its size and shape generally matches the lower member.

[0087] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the opening of the upper member comprises a connection portion that facilitates a connection with a bottle.

[0088] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the lower member has three or more apertures.

[0089] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, a tube changer device for collection of multiple samples, the device comprises: a collection device of any of claims 1- 34; a sample collection module of any of claims 35-48, wherein the collection module is operationally connected to the collection device and is configured to receive a plurality of fluid and / or particle samples from the collection device.

[0090] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, an automated process comprises: processing a sample in a sample preparation well; acquiring a supernatant solution and allowing at least some of the supernatant solution to enter a sample preparation disk cartridge; generating dilutions of the supernatant solution; amplifying nucleotides in the supernatant solution using an isothermal amplification process.

[0091] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the automated process of further comprises collecting particles from the environment, said collecting particles optionally comprising: using a motor-driven cyclonic particle concentration mechanism (3106) to collect said particles (3104) from the environment.

[0092] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the automated process further comprises detecting said nucleotides in the supernatant solution.

[0093] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the detecting said nucleotides in the supernatant solution is accomplished using fluorescence.

[0094] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the automated process further comprises transferring said particles (3104) to the sample preparation well (3202), wherein said sample preparation well (3202) forms part of the preparation disk cartridge (3204) and said well (3202) contains a stabilizing liquid.

[0095] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the liquid is water (3210).

[0096] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the sample preparation disk cartridge (3204) is rotated by a motor-driven shaft (3206).

[0097] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the automated process further comprises adding lysis agent (3212) to the well (3202) containing the stabilizing liquid and the particles (3104).

[0098] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the automated process further comprises sealing the wells (3202).

[0099] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, sealing the wells (3202) is performed via one or more covers (3214).

[0100] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the automated process further comprises isolating the supernatant solution (3218).

[0101] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, isolating the supernatant solution (3218) comprises separating the supernatant solution (3218) from debris (3220).

[0102] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, dilutions are generated (3304) through use of one or more gradient generator cartridges (3302).

[0103] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more gradient generator cartridges (3302) are arranged in a carousel (3306).

[0104] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, each of the one or more gradient generator cartridges (3302) comprises a ladder network wherein each of the one or more gradient generator cartridges (3302) is configured to generate logarithmic or linear concentrations.

[0105] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, each of the one or more gradient generator cartridges (3302) comprises a fluidic channel network (3308) for dilution.

[0106] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the fluidic channel network (3308) is a millifluidic channel network.

[0107] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, channel diameter drives the resultant dilution.

[0108] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the supernatant solution comprises RNA, DNA, LNA, PNA, and / or UNA.

[0109] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, amplifying nucleotides of the supernatant solution (3218) using an isothermal amplification process and the detecting said nucleotides in the supernatant solution are accomplished through use of an optical detector (3402), a stationary thermoelectric heater (3404), an assay and detection cartridge (3406), and a linear actuator (3408).

[0110] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the isothermal amplification process is a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) process.

[0111] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the linear actuator (3408) can actuate the assay and detection cartridge (3406) such that it can achieve four distinct positions: i) a position configured to generate dilution through drainage slots (3410); ii) aposition configured to collect output dilutions in solution wells (3412); iii) a position configured to heat the supernatant solution (3218) with the stationary thermoelectric heater (3404); and iv) a position configured for detection by the optical detector (3402).

[0112] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the automated process further comprises transferring the supernatant solution (3218) to a reaction vessel.

[0113] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the LAMP process comprises a step of heating the supernatant solution (3218).

[0114] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, movement of the particles and / or supernatant solution throughout the system is driven primarily by (a) changes in pressure of a fluid; (b) gravity; and / or (c) magnetic forces.

[0115] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the cartridge(s) (3204, 3302, 3406) are configured to not include a carousel or swapping mechanism.

[0116] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the cartridge(s) (3204, 3302, 3406) are arranged to be fixed and positioned on top of each other while connected to macro-fluidic tubing.

[0117] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, a magnetic fluidic system for automatically collecting and analyzing particles within a fluidic medium comprises: a discrete sample preparation area located on a sample preparation disk cartridge upon which a sample can be collected; silica-coated magnetic beads contained within the sample preparation area; a fluidic channel and / or fluidic tubing that connect the sample preparation disk cartridge with an assay and detection cartridge; an external electromagnet / solenoid that interfaces with said fluidic channel interfacing; a route through which a desired concentration of the silica- coated magnetic beads can be directed to a discrete well on the assay and detection cartridge; and a mechanical actuator that can position the assay and detection cartridge to align with a fresh well with the fluidic channel.

[0118] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the magnetic fluidic system further comprises an adsorption buffer in lysis solution, said adsorption buffer lyophilized with NA-silica; NA released from cellular debris, said NA being a supernatant that can be absorbed onto the surface of the silica-coated magnetic beads.

[0119] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the cartridges are configured to not include a carousel or swapping mechanism.

[0120] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the cartridges are arranged to be fixed and positioned on top of each other while connected to the fluidic channel and / or fluidic tubing.

[0121] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the magnetic fluidic system is a millifluidic system.

[0122] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the cartridges, fluidic channel, and / or fluidic tubing comprises a fluorosilane coating and / or a polyethylene glycol coating for enhanced substrate material biocompatibility with nucleic amplification.

[0123] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, a multi-sample carousel comprises: a plurality of gradient generator cartridges that can collect material from the air and direct the material into one or more collection portions; a timer or a sensor; an actuator that turns the carousel, wherein actuation of the actuator is driven by the timer or the sensor.

[0124] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more collection portions comprise one or more wells.

[0125] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, an analysis assembly for use with processing and analysis of a fluid sample, the assembly comprises a cassette device configured to hold a fluid sample; a motor used to actuate the cassette device; a first control board comprising one or more photonic devices wherein the one or more photonic devices are configured to capture imagery of the fluid sample; and a second control board comprising one or more heaters wherein the one or more heaters are configured to generate heat in order to process and / or analyze the fluid sample.

[0126] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the analysis assembly is capable of detecting presence and / or absence of a target species in the fluid sample.

[0127] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the analysis assembly is capable of quantifying a target species in the fluid sample.

[0128] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, processing and / or analyzing the fluid sample comprises: (1) cell lysis and clean-up of the fluid sample, (2) dilution of the fluid sample, (3) nucleic acid amplification, and (4) result interpretation.

[0129] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more heaters comprises a lysis heater, an amplification heater, and a sample drying heater.

[0130] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the lysis heater is configured to generate heat in order to perform cell lysis of the fluid sample.

[0131] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the amplification heater is configured to generate heat in order to perform nucleic acid amplification.

[0132] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the analysis assembly further comprises a second motor configured to change the fluid sample and / or cartridge.

[0133] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the analysis assembly further comprises a temperature feedback member configured to measure and / or monitor the temperature of the fluid sample, either of the first or second control boards, and / or any other component(s) of the analysis device.

[0134] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the analysis assembly further comprises one or more mounting members configured to facilitate attachment of the first and second control boards.

[0135] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the analysis assembly further comprises one or more mounting members configured to facilitate attachment of the cassette device to one of the first or second control boards.

[0136] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the analysis assembly further comprises one or more sealed chambers wherein the chambers are configured to prevent cross contamination and / or leakage of amplified RNA, DNA, LNA, PNA, and / or UNA.

[0137] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the assembly is configured to cool and / or heat the fluid sample and / or a reagent to adjust viscosity and / or enhance preservation thereof.

[0138] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the analysis assembly further comprises a dilution gradient generator cartridge comprising a ladder network, wherein the dilution gradient generator cartridge and / or ladder network are configured to generate logarithmic and / or linear concentrations.

[0139] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the analysis assembly further comprises a plurality of cartridges wherein the plurality of cartridges is configured to not include a carousel or swapping mechanism.

[0140] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of cartridges is arranged such that each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges is fixed and each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges is positioned on top of each other while connected to fluidic tubing.

[0141] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, a method of detecting and / or quantifying a target substance in a fluid sample for use in an agricultural field, the method comprises the steps of: performing cell lysis and clean-up of the fluid sample; diluting the fluid sample; performing nucleic acid amplification of the fluid sample; and interpreting a result; wherein each step is performed automatically in an agricultural field.

[0142] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, cell lysis is facilitated by the use of a lysis heater.

[0143] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, nucleic acid amplification is facilitated by the use of an amplification heater.

[0144] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, diluting the fluid sample comprises stepwise dilution.

[0145] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, performing nucleic acid amplification includes the use of primers of the target substance.

[0146] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, a system for detecting and / or quantifying a target substance in a fluid sample, the system comprises: a processor unit; a memory unit and / or non-transitory computer readable medium that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing unit, perform operations, the operations comprising: performing cell lysis and clean-up of the fluid sample; diluting the fluid sample; performing nucleic acid amplification of the fluid sample; and interpreting a result.

[0147] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the system further comprises an analysis assembly to aid in performing the operations wherein the analysis assembly comprises: a cassette device configured to hold a fluid sample; a motor used to actuate the cassette device; a first control board comprising one or more photonic devices wherein the one or more photonic devices are configured to capture imagery of the fluid sample; and a second control board comprising one or more heaters wherein each of the one or more heaters are configured to generate heat in order to process and / or analyze the fluid sample.

[0148] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more heaters comprises a lysis heater, an amplification heater, and a sample drying heater.

[0149] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the lysis heater is used for cell lysis.

[0150] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the amplification heater is used for performing nucleic acid amplification.

[0151] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the system further comprises a temperature feedback member configured to measure and / or monitor the temperature of the fluid sample, either of the first or second control boards, and / or any other component(s) of the system.

[0152] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the system further comprises one or more mounting members configured to facilitate attachment of the first and second control boards.

[0153] According to at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the system further comprises one or more mounting members configured to facilitate attachment of the cassette device to one of the first or second control boards.

[0154] These and / or other objects, features, advantages, aspects, and / or embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the following brief and detailed descriptions of the drawings. The present disclosure encompasses (a) combinations of disclosed aspects and / or embodiments and / or (b) reasonable modifications not shown or described.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0155] Several embodiments in which the present disclosure can be practiced are illustrated and described in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like components throughout the several views. The drawings are presented for exemplary purposes and may not be to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0156] FIG. 1A shows a front perspective view of an exemplary air capture and genetic analysis device embodied within a build, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0157] FIG. IB shows a cross-sectional view of the build of FIG. 1A.

[0158] FIG. 1C shows a left-side elevation view of the build of FIG. 1A.

[0159] FIG. ID shows a right-side elevation of the build of FIG. 1A.

[0160] FIG. IE shows a front elevation view of the build of FIG. 1A.

[0161] FIG. IF shows a rear elevation view of the build of FIG. 1A.

[0162] FIG. 1G shows a top elevation view of the build of FIG. 1A.

[0163] FIG. 1H shows a bottom elevation view of the build of FIG. 1A.

[0164] FIG. II shows a schematic, component view of the electronics control board that is visible in the cross-sectional view of FIG. IB.

[0165] FIG. 1J shows a side elevation view of the build of FIG. 1 A wherein the device of FIG. 1A has no tilt.

[0166] FIG. IK shows a side elevation view of the build of FIG. 1A wherein the device of FIG. 1A is tilted downward at an angle 0.

[0167] FIG. IL shows a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1A wherein a secondary fin is included.

[0168] FIG. IM shows a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1A wherein an inlet tube is included.

[0169] FIG. IN shows a partial side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1A wherein the inlet tube has no tilt angle.

[0170] FIG. IO shows a zoomed-in, partial side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1A wherein the inlet tube has no tilt angle.

[0171] FIG. IP shows a zoomed-in, partial side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1A wherein the inlet tube is tilted downward at an angle 0.

[0172] FIG. IQ shows a zoomed-in, partial side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1A wherein the inlet tube is tilted upward at an angle 0.

[0173] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an exemplary multi dry cyclone according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0174] FIG. 2B shows a front elevation view of the multi dry cyclone of FIG. 2A.

[0175] FIG. 2C shows a rear elevational view of the multi dry cyclone of FIG. 2A.

[0176] FIG. 2D shows a right-side elevation view of the multi dry cyclone of FIG. 2A.

[0177] FIG. 2E shows a left-side elevation view of the multi dry cyclone of FIG. 2A.

[0178] FIG. 2F shows a top elevation view of the multi dry cyclone of FIG. 2A.

[0179] FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplary fan that can be contained within the build of FIG. 1A according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0180] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of an exemplary fan interface that can be contained within the build of FIG. 1A according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0181] FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of an exemplary combined fan and fan interface that can be contained within the build of FIG. 1A according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0182] FIG. 4C shows a top elevation view of the fan interface of FIG. 4A.

[0183] FIG. 4D shows a bottom elevation view of the fan interface of FIG. 4A.

[0184] FIG. 5A shows components of an air capture and genetic analysis device according to the TAZ embodiment, implemented within the build of FIG. 1A.

[0185] FIG. 5B shows a rear elevation view of the TAZ embodiment of FIG. 5A.

[0186] FIG. 5C shows a front elevation view of the TAZ embodiment of FIG. 5A.

[0187] FIG. 5D shows a left-side elevation view of the TAZ embodiment of FIG. 5A.

[0188] FIG. 5E shows a right-side elevation view of the TAZ embodiment of FIG. 5A.

[0189] FIG. 5F shows a top elevation view of the TAZ embodiment of FIG. 5A.

[0190] FIG. 5G shows a bottom elevation view of the TAZ embodiment of FIG. 5A.

[0191] FIG. 5H shows a side perspective, component view of an exemplary big bottle that can be implemented within the TAZ embodiment of FIG. 5A.

[0192] FIG. 6A shows a perspective, component view of the grill that is shown to be implemented within the TAZ embodiment of FIG. 5A.

[0193] FIG. 6B shows a front elevation, component view of the grill of FIG. 6A.

[0194] FIG. 6C shows a rear elevation, component view of the grill of FIG. 6A.

[0195] FIG. 6D shows a top elevation, component view of the grill of FIG. 6A.

[0196] FIG. 6E shows a bottom elevation, component view of the grill of FIG. 6A.

[0197] FIG. 6F shows a right-side elevation, component view of the grill of FIG. 6A.

[0198] FIG. 6G shows a left-side elevation, component view of the grill of FIG. 6A.

[0199] FIG. 7A shows a side perspective, component view of an inlet housing that is shown to be implemented within the TAZ embodiment of FIG. 5A.

[0200] FIG. 7B shows a top elevation, component view of the inlet housing of FIG. 7A.

[0201] FIG. 7C shows a bottom elevation, component view of the inlet housing of FIG. 7A.

[0202] FIG. 7D shows a front elevation, component view of the inlet housing of FIG. 7A.

[0203] FIG. 7E shows a back elevation, component view of the inlet housing of FIG. 7A.

[0204] FIG. 7F shows a left-side elevation, component view of the inlet housing of FIG. 7A.

[0205] FIG. 7G shows a right-side elevation, component view of the inlet housing of FIG. 7A.

[0206] FIG. 8A shows a top perspective, component view of a collection cartridge that is shown to be implemented within the TAZ embodiment of FIG. 5A.

[0207] FIG. 8B shows a bottom perspective, component view of the collection cartridge of FIG. 8A

[0208] FIG. 8C shows a side elevation, component view of the collection cartridge of FIG.8A.

[0209] FIG. 8D shows a side elevation, component view of the collection cartridge of FIG. 8A.

[0210] FIG. 8E shows a top elevation, component view of the collection cartridge of FIG. 8A.

[0211] FIG. 8F shows a bottom elevation, component view of the collection cartridge of FIG. 8A.

[0212] FIG. 9A shows a side perspective, component view of a tube holder and tube that is shown to be implemented within the TAZ embodiment of FIG. 5A.

[0213] FIG. 9B shows a side perspective, component view of the tube of FIG. 9A.

[0214] FIG. 9C shows a side perspective, component view of the tube holder of FIG. 9A.

[0215] FIG. 9D shows a front elevation, component view of the tube holder of FIG. 9A.

[0216] FIG. 9E shows a side elevation, component view of the tube holder of FIG. 9A.

[0217] FIG. 9F shows a top elevation, component view of the tube holder of FIG. 9A.

[0218] FIG. 9G shows a bottom elevation, component view of the tube holder of FIG. 9A.

[0219] FIG. 10A shows a top perspective view of an exemplary post holder and bearing that can be contained within the build of FIG. 1A according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0220] FIG. 10B shows a side elevation, component view of the post holder of FIG. 10A.

[0221] FIG. 10C shows a rear elevation, component view of the post holder of FIG. 10A.

[0222] FIG. 10D shows a top elevation, component view of the post holder of FIG. 10A.

[0223] FIG. 10E shows a bottom elevation, component view of the post holder of FIG. 10A.

[0224] FIG. 10F shows a top perspective view of an exemplary post holder and slipring that can be contained within the build of FIG. 1A according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0225] FIG. 10G shows a top perspective, component view of the slipring of FIG. 10F.

[0226] FIG. 11A shows a schematic view of circuitry associated with the air capture and genetic analysis device of FIG. 1A.

[0227] FIG. 11B shows a schematic view of circuitry associated with the air capture and genetic analysis device of FIG. 1A regarding connection of the fan.

[0228] FIG. 11C shows a schematic view of circuit associated with the air capture and genetic analysis device of FIG. 1A regarding controlling and / or monitoring the solar panel(s).

[0229] FIG. HD shows a schematic view of circuitry associated with the air capture and genetic analysis device of FIG. 1A regarding a compass.

[0230] FIG. HE shows a schematic view of circuitry associated with the air capture and genetic analysis device of FIG. 1A regarding a notecard.

[0231] FIG. HF shows a schematic view of circuitry associated with the air capture and genetic analysis device of FIG. 1A regarding power monitoring.

[0232] FIG. HG shows a schematic view of circuitry associated with the air capture and genetic analysis device of FIG. 1A regarding temperature sensor(s).

[0233] FIG. HH shows a schematic view of circuitry associated with the air capture and genetic analysis device of FIG. 1A regarding status LEDs.

[0234] FIG. HI shows a schematic view of circuitry associated with the air capture and genetic analysis device of FIG. 1A regarding a voltage rail.

[0235] FIG. 11 J shows a schematic view of circuitry associated with the air capture and genetic analysis device of FIG. 1A regarding auxiliary connections.

[0236] FIG. HK shows a schematic view of circuitry associated with the air capture and genetic analysis device of FIG. 1A.

[0237] FIG. 11L shows a schematic view of circuitry associated with the air capture and genetic analysis device of FIG. 1A.

[0238] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a tube changer device according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0239] FIG. 13 shows a side elevation view of a collection module of the tube changer device of FIG. 12 operationally connected to a bottle.

[0240] FIG. 14 shows another side elevation view of the collection module of FIG. 13 operationally connected to a bottle.

[0241] FIG. 15 shows a bottom, perspective view of the collection module of FIG. 13 operationally connected to a bottle.

[0242] FIG. 16 shows a bottom, perspective view of another embodiment of a collection module operationally connected to a bottle according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0243] FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of the upper member and the motor of the collection module of FIG. 13.

[0244] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the lower member of the collection module of FIG. 13

[0245] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the motor of the collection module of FIG. 13.

[0246] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the collection module of FIG. 13 operationally connected to a bottle.

[0247] FIG. 21 shows another perspective view of the collection module of FIG. 13 operationally connected to a bottle.

[0248] FIG. 22 shows a side schematic view of an exemplary automated liquid handling system that achieves four distinct subprocesses according to some aspects of the disclosure.

[0249] FIG. 23 shows a top schematic view of the cyclonic particle collection and supernatant preparation and isolation subprocesses of the exemplary automated liquid handling system of FIG. 22

[0250] FIG. 24 shows a top schematic view of supernatant dilution subprocess of the exemplary automated liquid handling system of FIG. 22.

[0251] FIG. 25 shows a top schematic view of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (“LAMP”) assay and detection subprocess of the exemplary automated liquid handling system of FIG. 22

[0252] FIG. 26 shows the block diagram of an alternative approach to generating a dilution of NA containing supernatant, which can be collected in discrete areas on the assay and detection cartridge.

[0253] FIG. 27 shows fluidic channels and / or macro-fluidic tubing, which serve as a conduit between the sample preparation disk and assay and detection cartridges.

[0254] FIG. 28 shows yet another block diagram for another example of an automated process for collecting particles from air.

[0255] FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of a cassette device according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0256] FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of an analysis assembly according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0257] FIG. 31 shows a schematic view of a dilution series loop according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0258] An artisan of ordinary skill in the art need not view, within isolated figure(s), the near infinite distinct combinations of features described in the following detailed description to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0259] The present disclosure is not to be limited to that described herein. Mechanical, electrical, chemical, procedural, and / or other changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. No features shown or described are essential to permit basic operation of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated.

[0260] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present disclosure pertain.

[0261] The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include both singular and plural referents.

[0262] The term “or” is synonymous with “and / or” and means any one member or combination of members of a particular list.

[0263] The term “about” as used herein refers to slight variations in numerical quantities with respect to any quantifiable variable. Inadvertent error can occur, for example, through use of typical measuring techniques or equipment or from differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of components.

[0264] The term “substantially” refers to a great or significant extent. “Substantially” can thus refer to a plurality, majority, and / or a supermajority of said quantifiable variable, given proper context.

[0265] The term “generally” encompasses both “about” and “substantially.”

[0266] The term “configured” describes structure capable of performing a task or adopting a particular configuration. The term “configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases, such as “constructed”, “arranged”, “adapted”, “manufactured”, and the like.

[0267] As used herein “supernatant solution” comprises a liquid with a non-zero percentage of supernatant, including solutions that consist only of supernatant, unless context indicates otherwise.

[0268] Terms characterizing sequential order, a position, and / or an orientation are not limiting and are only referenced according to the views presented.

[0269] Deoxyribonucleic acid(s) (“DNA”) are molecule(s) composed of two polynucleotide chains that coil around each other to form a double helix carrying genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of viruses and all known organisms, including pathogens.

[0270] Ribonucleic acid (“RNA”) is a polymeric molecule essential in various biological roles in coding, decoding, regulation and expression of genes. RNA and DNA are both nucleic acids. Like DNA, RNA is assembled as a chain of nucleotides, but unlike DNA, RNA is found in nature as a single strand folded onto itself, rather than a paired double strand.

[0271] Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (“LAMP”) is a single-tube technique for the amplification of DNA and a low-cost alternative to detect specific nucleic acids.

[0272] Polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”) is a method widely used to rapidly make millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA sample, allowing scientists to take a very small sample of DNA and amplify it to a large enough amount to study in detail. PCR is fundamental to much of genetic testing including analysis of ancient samples of DNA and identification of infectious agents. Using PCR, copies of very small amounts of DNA sequences are exponentially amplified in a series of cycles of temperature changes.

[0273] “Malachite green” is an organic compound that is used as a dyestuff.

[0274] In communications and computing, a computer readable medium is a medium capable of storing data in a format readable by a mechanical device. The term “non-transitory” is used herein to refer to computer readable media (“CRM”) that store data for short periods or in the presence of power such as a memory device.

[0275] One or more embodiments described herein can be implemented using programmatic modules, engines, or components. A programmatic module, engine, or component can include a program, a sub-routine, a portion of a program, or a software component or a hardware component capable of performing one or more stated tasks or functions. A module or component can exist on a hardware component independently of other modules or components.Alternatively, a module or component can be a shared element or process of other modules, programs, or machines.

[0276] A processing unit, also called a processor, as used herein, is an electronic circuit which performs operations on some external data source, usually memory or some other data stream. Non-limiting examples of processors include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an arithmetic logic unit (“ALU”), and most notably, a central processing unit (“CPU”). A CPU, also called a central processor or main processor, is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input / output (“VO”) operations specified by the instructions. Processing units are common in tablets, telephones, handheld devices, laptops, user displays, smart devices (TV, speaker, watch, etc.), and other computing devices.

[0277] A “database”, as used herein, is a structured set of data typically held in a computer. A database, as used herein, need not reside in a single physical or electronic location. Databases may reside on a local storage device, in an external hard drive, on a database server connected to a network, on a cloud-based storage system, in a distributed ledger (such as those commonly used with blockchain technology), or the like.

[0278] “ Cloud computing”, as used herein, is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing, memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction with a provider of the service. At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising a network of interconnected nodes.

[0279] The term “chamber” as used herein can be used to refer to a “well”.

[0280] The term “fluid” encompasses air.

[0281] The term “well” encompasses any sort of collection portion, collection region, chamber, and the like.

[0282] Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1Q show several views of an exemplary air capture and genetic analysis device, and / or components thereof, according to some embodiments. An exemplary air capture and genetic analysis device 100 includes a weathervane 101, a top housing 102, and a bottom housing 105. A battery 103 and an electronics control board 104 are located inside the device. A postholder 1000 extends downward from the bottom housing 105 and is connected to the bottom housing 105 with a bearing 1001.

[0283] The top housing 102 and bottom housing 105 can be attached together with screws, bolts, rivets, and / or any other appropriate fastening device. The top housing 102 and bottom housing 105 can have a cutout in the front to allow air to flow into the shared fluid inlet 206. A fan 300 can be fastened to the top shell. The control board 104 and battery 103 can be inside the device, held in place by the top housing 102 and bottom housing 105.

[0284] The postholder 1000 can be configured to attach to a mounting structure, such as a post, which may be mounted directly in the ground, mounted on a fence, building, or other type of fixed structure attached to the ground, and / or mounted on a moving vehicle. The postholder1000 and mounting structure can be used to elevate the shared fluid inlet 206 to be just above a canopy of a crop planted in an adjacent field. The postholder 1000 can be fastened to a bearing1001 with bolts or screws to allow the device to freely rotate (see FIG. 10A, discussed infra).

[0285] The weathervane 101, also called a wind vane, weathercock, or fin, is the instrument used to determine the direction of the wind. The weathervane 101 is not a required component, and outside of its function of helping to determine the direction of the wind, can also help improve the aesthetics of the overall air capture and genetic analysis device build 100. Weathervane 101 in some embodiments can further be configured to discourage birds from disturbing and feeding on recently cast seed and growing crops, similar to how scarecrows function. In some embodiments, the weathervane 101 comprises plexiglass or plastic. The weathervane can be fastened to the top housing 102 and bottom housing 105 using bolts, screws, and / or any other suitable means. In other embodiments, the device 100 does not include a weathervane.

[0286] In some embodiments, one or more solar panels (not shown) can be used as a means for harnessing renewable energy to power the device 100. As the solar panel(s) harness energy from sunlight, the energy can be stored in a battery 103 housed within the device 100. The battery 103 can be a lithium-ion based solar battery, such as a lithium iron phosphate battery, or a flooded lead acid battery. The use of lithium-ion based solar batteries can be more cost- effective over time. Stored energy of the battery 103 can be used to power component(s) of the device 100, such as the fan 300, when solar power is not available.

[0287] The control board 104 can be located within the device 100 as shown in at least FIG. IB. The control board 104 can be used to operate and / or control component(s) of the device 100. For example, the control board 104 can be used to drive the fan 300. Additionally, the control board 104 can be used to charge the battery 103 via the solar panel(s). The circuitry of the control board 104 and / or the device 100 is discussed in detail below in reference to FIGS.11A-11L

[0288] Figure 1 J shows a view of the device 100 wherein the device 100 is attached to a post 1130 via the post holder 1000. The post 1130 can be any suitable post, pole, stick, column, pedestal, pillar, rail, structure, and the like, that is capable of attaching and / or mating with the post holder 1000 in order to mount the device 100. Use of a bearing 1001 in conjunction with the post holder 1000 allows the device to spin, rotate, and / or tilt about the post 1130. The bearing 1001 can comprise any machine element and / or device that allows desired motion and / or constrains relative motion to only the desired motion and reduces friction between moving parts. The bearing 1001 could comprise a rotary bearing, plain bearing, ball bearing, roller bearing, and / or any other suitable type of bearing.

[0289] Figure IK shows a view of the device 100 wherein the device is tilted at an angle 0. The device 100 is configured to be able to spin, rotate, tilt, and / or otherwise move based on the direction of the wind. The device is configured to spin, rotate, tilt, and / or otherwise move such that wind can enter an inlet such as the grill 600, inlet tube 1132, and / or a fluid inlet 206. As described, spin, rotation, and / or tilt of the device 100 such that an inlet, such as the grill 600, inlet tube 1132, and / or a fluid inlet 206, faces the direction of the wind (i.e., faces oncoming wind head-on) allows for improved and / or optimal sample collection. The tilt angle of Figure IK is simply an example. The device 100 is capable of spinning, rotating, tilting, and / or otherwise moving multi-dimensionally. For example, the device 100 is capable of spinning, rotating, tilting, and / or otherwise moving in a multitude of different planes.

[0290] Figure IL shows a view of the device 100 wherein the device 100 includes the weathervane / fin 101 as well as a secondary weathervane / fin 1134. The secondary weathervane 1134, in conjunction with the weathervane 101, allows for the device 100 to freely spin, rotate, tilt, and / or otherwise move across multiple axes. For instance, inclusion of the weathervane 101 in conjunction with the weathervane 1134 allows for spin, rotation, tilt, and / or other movement of the device 100 across at least two axes. The weathervanes 101, 1134 can be configured to catch and / or interact with the wind wherein such interaction causes the device 100 to spin, rotate, tilt, and / or otherwise move such that an inlet of the device 100, such as the grill 600, inlet tube 1132, and / or a fluid inlet 206, faces oncoming wind head-on. According to some embodiments, the device 100 can incorporate an additional rotational degree of freedom to direct an inlet of the device 100, such as the grill 600 and / or a fluid inlet 206, such that the inlet faces oncoming wind.

[0291] According to some embodiments, the orientation of the device 100, which includes spin, direction, tilt, rotation, and the like, can be controlled via the control board 104 of Figure II and / or any of the circuitry shown in any of Figures 11A-11L. According to someembodiments, the control board 104, and / or any circuitry shown in any of Figures 11A-11L, can work in conjunction with any sensor(s) of the device 100, the weathervane 101, the weathervane 1134, and / or any other component of the device 100 in order to automatically control the orientation of the device 100. According to some embodiments, the orientation of the device 100 can be controlled manually by a user.

[0292] Figures 1M-1Q show various views of the device 100, and / or portion(s) thereof, wherein the device 100 includes an inlet tube 1132. The inlet tube 1132 can serve as an air, fluid, and / or sample inlet for the device 100. The inlet tube 1132 can be any sort of fluid inlet that allows fluid to enter, exit, and / or pass through. According to some embodiments, the inlet tube 1132 can incorporate aspects of the fluid inlet 206. The inlet tube 1132 can be generally cylindrical and can be configured such that air and / or fluid enters the inlet tube 1132, passes through the inlet tube, and then enters other component(s) of the device 100 including, but not limited to, the multi dry cyclone 200. As shown in Figures 1M-1Q, the inlet tube 1132 can be positioned generally on, at, and / or near an inlet of the device 100 such as the grill 600 and / or a fluid inlet 206. The inlet tube 1132 can be configured to spin, rotate, tilt, and / or otherwise move in order to direct the inlet tube 1132 to face oncoming wind head-on. Again, by adjusting the inlet tube 1132 to face the direction of oncoming wind, improved and / or optimal sample collection can be achieved. As shown in at least Figures IN and IO, the inlet tube 1132 can have no tilt angle. As shown in Figure IP, the inlet tube 1132 can tilt downward. Figure IP shows the inlet tube 1132 tilted downward at an angle 0. As shown in Figure IQ, the inlet tube 1132 can tilt upward. Figure IQ shows the inlet tube 1132 tilted upward at an angle 0. The inlet tube 1132 can tilt downward, upward, and / or to either side any suitable number of degrees in order to achieve improved and / or optimal sample collection.

[0293] According to some embodiments, the inlet tube 1132 can be operationally connected to the control board 104 of Figure II and / or any of the circuitry shown in any of Figures HAUL. Thus, the orientation of the inlet tube 1132, which includes spin, direction, tilt, rotation, and the like, can be controlled automatically via the control board 104, and / or any circuitry shown in any of Figures 11A-11L. According to some embodiments, the control board 104, and / or any circuitry shown in any of Figures 11A-11L, can work in conjunction with any sensor(s) of the device 100, the weathervane 101, the weathervane 1134, and / or any other component of the device 100 in order to automatically control the orientation of the inlet tube 1132. According to some embodiments, the orientation of the inlet tube 1132 can be controlled manually by a user.

[0294] By incorporating the inlet tube 1132, the device 100 achieves an additional rotational degree of freedom to direct an inlet of the device 100, such as the inlet tube 1132, grill 600, and / or inlet 206, such that the inlet is facing oncoming wind head-on.

[0295] FIGS. 2A-2F show an exemplary multi dry cyclone 200 which can be implemented within the air capture and genetic analysis device 100. The multi dry cyclone can comprise a plurality of individual cyclones 203, each having a cyclone inlet 201 and cyclone outlet 207. There can be a single collection point 204. The plurality of individual cyclones 203 can share at least one shared fluid inlet 206 and a shared fluid outlet 202. The plurality of individual cyclones can share a joined cyclone body 208 which can interface with a cyclone cap 205. According to some embodiments, the multi dry cyclone 200 can be single injection molded or 3D printed. According to some embodiments a set of single injection molded and / or 3D printed cyclones could be included wherein the set can fit into a housing.

[0296] Dry cyclones use the principle of inertia to remove particulate matter from gases, such as air. Multiple dry cyclones can act in parallel in a multi dry cyclone system. Multiple dry cyclones acting together can be more efficient and filter a larger amount of air. In a dry cyclone, air containing particulate matter is fed into the cyclone chamber. The inside of the chamber creates a spiral vortex. The lighter components of the air have less inertia, so these components are more easily influenced by the vortex and travel up. Contrarily, larger components of particulate matter have more inertia and are not easily influenced by the vortex. These larger particles hit the inside walls of the chamber and drop down, where they can be collected in a collection area and / or collection zone.

[0297] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2F, air flows into the shared fluid inlet 206 and enters the plurality of individual cyclones 203 through the cyclone inlets 201. The air creates a vortex within the chambers of the individual cyclones 203. Clean air flows up and exits the individual chambers through the cyclone outlets 207 and shared fluid outlet 202. Particulate matter, such as spores, drops downward and collects in a single collection point 204 that is shared by all of the individual cyclones 203.

[0298] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2F comprises 6 individual dry cyclones 203, however any number of individual dry cyclones may be used. For example, there can be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more individual cyclones. Including more dry cyclones increases efficiency and ease of manufacturing but can be more technically challenging. The individual dry cyclones may be all the same size or they may be varied in size to allow capture of different sized particles. The particle size can determine the minimal diameter of the smallest cyclone. In some embodiments, the particles are sized between one micron and one millimeter.

[0299] According to some embodiments, the multi dry cyclone 200 comprises a single shared fluid inlet 206 and a single shared fluid outlet 202. However, depending on the desired application, the multi dry cyclone 200 may comprise at least two shared fluid inlets. For example, it may be desirable for there to be multiple shared fluid inlets pointed in different directions. According to some embodiments, the multiple shared fluid inlets are arranged radially to capture air flowing from different directions. According to some embodiments, the multi dry cyclone 200 shares a single fluid outlet 202 regardless of the number of shared fluid inlets 206.

[0300] Within the air capture and genetic analysis device 100, there can be a fan 300 and fan interface 400. FIG. 3 shows a view of the fan 300 according to some embodiments. The fan300 can comprise a fan housing 303, impeller 301, fan housing mounting apertures 302, and, optionally, an air flow direction indicator 304. The fan 300 includes an impeller 301 that, when operated, spins blades (rotors) that pull a fluid (such as air) through the fan 300. The impeller301 increases the pressure and flow of the fluid. Air can enter the eye of the impeller 301 and the blades add energy and direct the air to a nozzle discharge. A close clearance between the blades and a back plate of the fan housing 303 can help prevent air from flowing back into the impeller 301. The fan 300 pulls air through the multi dry cyclone 200. The fan housing 303 can contain mounting apertures 302 to mount the fan to the top housing 102. The fan 300 can interact with a fan interface 400, as shown in FIG. 4B. The fan interface 400 can comprise a fan interface housing 401 with mounting apertures 402 to mount the fan interface to the inlet housing 700. Views of the fan interface 400 according to some embodiments are shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. While a fan 300 is shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, any sort of pressure change device could be used in addition to and / or as an alternative to the fan 300. Additionally, the term “fan”, as used herein, can refer generically to any pressure change device. A pressure change device could comprise a vacuum, ventilator, propeller, and the like.

[0301] FIGS. 5A-5G show an exemplary air capture and genetic analysis module, the TAZ embodiment 500, that can be implemented within the air capture and genetic analysis device 100. The TAZ 500 includes an inlet housing 700, optional grill 600, big bottle 510, collection cartridge 800, and removable tube holder 900. Further details of each of these components are shown from FIG. 5H through FIG. 9G.

[0302] The big bottle 510, shown in FIG. 5H, can include a narrower fluid exit than the fluid opening so as to increase speed and pressure of the particles toward the cartridge 800, which is shown in FIGS. 8A-8F. The big bottle 510 can include a cutout to accommodate the inlet housing 700, which is shown in FIGS. 7A-7G.

[0303] The inlet housing 700 with the shared fluid inlet 206 can be seen in FIGS. 7A-7G. The inlet housing 700 can include housing mounts 701, some of which are external tabs. The shared fluid inlet 206 can be covered by a grill 600, shown in FIGS. 6A-6G. The grill 600 includes slits big enough to allow particles in air to still pass therethrough and is located at the front of the inlet housing 700. The grill 600 can be a grating forming a barrier or screen. The slits in the grill 600 are partly functional in that they can help filter air but can also be ornamentally arranged so as to appeal to particular persons or causes. In some embodiments, the grill 600 comprises a screen made of mesh or another suitable material, rather than slits. The size of the slits or mesh can be varied, depending on the size of particles the user desires to capture and / or the size of particles the user desires to exclude.

[0304] The cartridge 800, of which various views are shown in FIGS. 8A-8F, attaches to the tube holder 900 via notches / channels 803 in the cartridges 800 and bumps in the tube holder 900. The components may be pushed together and twisted until locked. The components may also be twisted in relation to one another until the bumps line up with an exit / entrance portion of the channel and pulled apart to facilitate unlocking. The cartridge 800 can optionally include indicators 802 to illustrate which direction the tube holder 900 should be twisted to lock / unlock. A taper and / or slight interference fit may be employed to improve the lock between the cartridge 800 and the tube holder 900 when the cartridge 800 is in a locked, operable position. The tube holder 900 thus allows the cartridge 800 to be emptied (e.g. for cleaning / to restart the method) and the tube 901 removed without having to remove the entire cartridge 800 from the TAZ assembly 500 and / or device 100. According to some embodiments, the captured particles are collected in collection zone such as a tube 901. In other embodiments, the captured particles are collected in another collection device and / or collection zone, such as a well, cassette, vial, cartridge, and / or any other suitable container. The collection zone, such as the tube 901 and / or tube holder 900, can include a fluid entrance wherein fluid, particle(s), material, and the like can enter the collection zone. The cartridge 800 can attach to the big bottle 510 via threads 801 in the cartridge 800. Various views of the tube holder 900, and / or components thereof, are shown in FIGS. 9A-9G.

[0305] FIGS. 10A-10F depict the postholder 1000 that can be configured to attach the device 100 to a mounting structure, such as a post. According to some embodiments, the postholder 1000 is positioned towards the rear of the device 100, in between the TAZ 500 and the weathervane 101, as depicted in FIGS. 1A-1F. However, the placement of the postholder 1000 can be varied and located at any suitable location on the device 100. Furthermore, the shape of the postholder 1000 can be varied from the shape depicted in FIGS. 10A-10F. A postholder1000 of any suitable shape is within the scope of this disclosure. The postholder 1000 can be attached to the bottom housing 105 of the device 100 via a bearing 1001 to allow the device 100 to spin freely in any direction. A slipring 1003, shown in FIGS. 10F-10G in the postholder 1000 can be used to maintain an electrical connection while allowing the device 100 to rotate. According to some embodiments, the device 100 is configured to rotate into the wind, which allows for improved air sampling.

[0306] Figures 11A-11L show schematic views / diagrams of the electronic circuitry included as part of the device 100. For each of the illustrations shown in Figures II and 11A-11L, labeling of components is consistent throughout. For example, the label U7, which appears in at least Figures II and 11 A, refers to the same component. Additionally, Figures II and HAUL use labels that can be generically applied throughout. For example, the label “R” refers to a resistor. Each resistor shown in Figures II and 11A-11L is labeled as “R” followed by a number (e.g., “R28” as shown in Figure 11 A). This is true of several other labels included in Figures II and 11A-11L. The label “GND” refers to ground, the label “U” refers to an integrated circuit, which could include a controller and / or microcontroller, the label “CN” refers to a connector, the label “C” refers to a capacitor, the label “L” refers to an inductor, the label “D” refers to a diode, the label “Q” refers to a transistor, the label “SW” refers to a switch, the label “USB” refers to a USB connection / port, the label “3V3” refers to a 3.3 volt power supply, the label “PV” and / or “PV+” refers to the solar panel(s), and the label “BAT”, “BAT+”, and / or “BAT-” refers to the battery 103 and / or any other type of battery / battery power.

[0307] Figure HA shows a microcontroller 1101 (and related circuitry), an RC delay circuit 1102, a USB circuit 1103, and a first complementary circuit 1104. The microcontroller 1101 of Figure HA is an ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 microcontroller having 41 pins. However, any suitable microcontroller with any suitable number of pins could be used. The integrated circuit 1101 can be capable of wireless data transmission. Such transmission can occur via radio frequency, Bluetooth, cellular transmission, and the like. As shown in Figure 11 A, power can be supplied to the microcontroller 1101 via a 3.3 volt power supply. The solar panel(s), battery 103, and / or any other suitable source could be used as the power supply. As shown in Figure 11 A, pin 1 can be used to connect to ground, pin 2 can be used to connect to a power source, pin 3 can be used to connect to a microcontroller reset circuit configured to reset the microcontroller 1101 as depicted by the label “MCU RST” in Figure 11 A, pin 4 can be an input / output pin used to connect to another microcontroller and to input / output information related to a serial clock as depicted by the label “SCL NC” in Figure 11 A, pin 5 can be an input / output pin used to connect to another microcontroller to input / output information relatedto serial data as depicted by the label “SDA NC” in Figure 11A, pin 6 can be an input / output pin used as an analog to digital converter to monitor voltage of the solar panel(s) as depicted by the label ADCSolarVoltage in Figure 11 A, pin 7 can be an input / output pin used as an analog to digital converter to monitor voltage of the battery 103 as depicted by the label ADCBat in Figure 11 A, pin 8 can be an input / output pin used as a 5 volt analog to digital converter as depicted by the label “ADC5VRail” in Figure 11 A, pin 9 can be an input / output pin used to connect to an auxiliary circuit as depicted by the label “Aux2-1” in Figure 11 A, pin 10 can be an input / output pin used to measure and / or monitor the speed of the fan 300 as depicted by the label “FANSpeedMeasure” in Figure 11A, pin 11 can be an input / output pin used to connect to an auxiliary circuit as depicted by the label “Aux2-2” in Figure 11 A, pin 12 can be an input / output pin used to connect to an auxiliary circuit as depicted by the label “Auxl - 3” in Figure 11A, pin 13 can be an input / output pin used to connect to a circuit wherein a USB can be connected to said circuit as depicted by the label “USBD-” in Figure 11 A, pin 14 can be an input / output pin used to connect to a circuit wherein a USB can be connected to said circuit as depicted by the label “USBD+” in Figure 11A, pin 17 can be an input / output pin used to connect to an auxiliary circuit as depicted by the label “Aux 1-2” in Figure 11 A, pin 18 can be an input / output pin used to connect to an auxiliary circuit as depicted by the label “Auxl - 1” in Figure 11A, pin 19 can be an input / output pin used for information related to a serial clock as depicted by the label “SCL” in Figure 11 A, pin 20 can be an input / output pin used for information related to serial data as depicted by the label “SDA” in Figure 11A, pin 21 can be an input / output pin used for to monitor status of and / or to illuminate a light emitting diode (LED) as depicted by the label “RedStatus” in Figure 11 A, pin 22 can be an input / output pin used to monitor status of and / or illuminate an LED as depicted by the label “GreenStatus” in Figure 11 A, pin 27 can be an input / output pin used to turn ON and / or turn OFF the microcontroller 1101 as depicted by the label “MCU BOOT” in Figure 11 A, pin 29 can be an input / output pin used to connect to an auxiliary circuit as depicted by the label “Aux2-3” in Figure 11A, pin 33 can be an input / output pin used to connect to a switch labeled as SW1 in Figure 11 A, pin 35 can be an input / output pin used to control the fan 300 wherein such can control can be performed via pulse width modulation (PWM) as depicted by the label “FANCTRLPWM” in Figure 11A, pin 36 can be an Rx pin used to receive data as depicted by the label “Serial RX” in Figure 11 A, pin 37 can be a Tx pin used to transmit data as depicted by the label “Serial TX” in Figure 11A, pin 40 can be a ground pin used to connect to ground, and pin 41 can be an EPAD pin used to connect to the ground of the circuit board 104 to perform heat dissipation. As shown in Figure 11A, all of the pins of the microcontroller 1101are not used. However, according to some embodiments, any of the pins of the microcontroller 1101 could or could not be used. Additionally, as mentioned above, like labels, including labels for pins of any of the integrated circuits, controllers, and / or microcontrollers, throughout Figures II and 11A-11L refer to the same component s). The switch labeled as SW1 in Figure HA can be a SK-12D07-L4-B switch according to some embodiments, however, any suitable switch could be used. The switch labeled as SW1 in Figure HA can be a slide switch and / or any other suitable type of switch. According to some embodiments, the switch SW 1 can be used to turn ON and / or turn OFF the 3.3 volt rail shown in Figure HI. The microcontroller 1101 can be configured to accept input from a user and turn ON and / or turn OFF the 3.3 volt rail based on said input from the user.

[0308] As shown in Figure HA, the circuitry of the device 100 can include a resistive- capacitive (RC) delay circuit 1102 in conjunction with the MCU RST connection. As shown, the RC delay circuit 1102 can include a 10 kQ resistor and a 1 pF capacitor. However, any suitable resistor(s) and / or capacitor(s) could be used. The RC delay circuit 1102 can be configured to ensure the power supply to the microcontroller 1101 remains stable while the microcontroller 1101 is turning ON.

[0309] As shown in Figure HA, the circuitry of the device 100 can include a USB circuit 1103 that comprises a USB connector / port labeled as USB2 in Figure HA. The USB connector / port USB2 allows a user to plug a USB device into the circuitry to be used in conjunction with the device 100. Thus, the USB connector / port USB2 and / or USB circuit 1103 allows for the device 100 to interact with a USB device. Thus, a USB device could be used to control the device 100, transmit data to and / or receive data from the device 100, store data from the device 100, and the like. The connector / port USB2 can include and / or incorporate connections for USBD+ and USBD- as shown in Figure HA. According to some embodiments, the USB circuit 1103 can connect to the microcontroller 1101 via the USBD+ and / or USBD- connections.

[0310] As shown in Figure 11 A, the circuitry of the device 100 can also include a first complementary circuit 1104 containing two capacitors wherein the capacitors are connected between a power source and ground. While the circuit of Figure HA shows that one capacitor is a 10 pF capacitor and the other is a 100 mF capacitor, any suitable type and / or number of capacitors could be connected in series, parallel, and / or any other suitable arrangement. The capacitors used in the first complementary circuit 1104 can be decoupling / bypass capacitors used to mitigate and / or eliminate noise caused by other elements of the circuitry of the device 100

[0311] Figure 11B shows a fan connector circuit 1105. The circuitry of the device 100 can include the fan connector circuit 1105. The fan connector circuit can include a integrated to help facilitate control and / or monitoring of the fan 103. As shown in Figure 11B, the integrated circuit of the fan connector circuit 1105 is labeled as U17 and is shown to be a B4B-XH- AM(LF)(SN) connector, however, any suitable integrated circuit, controller, microcontroller, and / or connector could be used. As shown in Figure 11B, the integrated circuit U17 can connect to the battery 103 and / or another power source and to the controller 1101 via the FANSpeedMeasure connection and / or the FANCTRLPWM connection. The integrated circuit U17 can communication with the microcontroller 1101 via the FANSpeedMeasure such that the speed of the fan, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) and / or any other suitable measure, can be communicated from the integrated circuit U17 to the microcontroller 1101. The integrated circuit U17 and the microcontroller 1101 are in further communication via the FANCTRLPWM connection wherein the microcontroller 1101 can transmit data and / or instructions regarding control of the fan 103 to the integrated circuit U17. The fan 103 can be connected to the integrated circuit U17 such that the integrated circuit U17 can control the fan 103 based on the data and / or instructions received from the microcontroller 1101.

[0312] As shown in Figure 11C, the circuitry of the device 100 can include a solar circuit 1106. The solar circuit 1106 can include an integrated circuit which is labeled as U1 in FIG. 11C. The integrated circuit U1 can be a CN3722 integrated circuit and / or can be any other suitable integrated circuit, microcontroller, and / or controller. The integrated circuit U1 can be a battery charger integrated circuit with photovoltaic cell maximum power point tracking (MPPT) functionality. The integrated circuit U1 and / or solar circuit 1106 can be configured such that it is powered via the solar panel(s). The integrated circuit U1 and / or the solar circuit 1106 can be further configured to charge the battery 103. Other components of the device 100 can be powered via the solar panel(s) and / or the battery 103. Thus, the device 100 is self- powered / self-sustaining in that it can be completely powered via its own solar panel(s) and / or battery 103. The integrated circuit U1 of Figure 11C can further be used to control the solar panel(s).

[0313] Further, as shown in Figure 11C, the solar circuit 1106 can include a connection with the battery 103, the connection labeled as BAT+, and two connections with the solar panel(s) labeled as PV+. The number of connections between the solar circuit 1106 and the battery 103 can range from zero to N where N is any number greater than zero. The number of connections between the solar circuit 1106 and the solar panel(s) can range from zero to N where N is any number greater than zero. The solar circuit 1106 can further comprise an integrated circuitlabeled as U5. The integrated circuit U5 can be a B2B-XH-A-M C2858046 connector or a XH-2AW connector according to some embodiments, but any suitable connector can be used. The solar circuit 1106 can further comprise a transistor labeled as QI . The transistor QI can be a AO4459 transistor according to some embodiments, but any suitable type of transistor could be used. The transistor QI can be a semiconductor device that can be used to amplify or switch electrical signals and / or power.

[0314] Figure 11D shows a circuit 1107 to be used with a compass, a second complementary circuit 1108, a third complementary circuit 1109, and a fourth complementary circuit 1110. As shown in Figure 11D, the circuitry of the device 100 can include a compass circuit 1107 that includes an integrated circuit labeled as U2. The integrated circuit U2 can be a QMC5883L magnetic sensor wherein the integrated circuit U2 can be used as a compass. According to some embodiments, any type of sensor and / or compass could be used. The integrated circuit U2 of the compass circuit 1107 can include SCL and SDA connections, wherein according to some embodiments, these connections connect to the SCL and SDA connections of the microcontroller 1101.

[0315] As shown in Figure 11D, the second complementary circuit 1108 can include a capacitor positioned between the SETP and SETC connections of the compass circuit 1107. According to some embodiments, the second complementary circuit 1108 can be incorporated into the compass circuit 1107. The capacitor of the second complementary circuit 1108 is shown to be a 220 nF capacitor in Figure 11D, however, any suitable capacitor could be used. The second complementary circuit 1108 can be configured to use its capacitor to store electrical energy.

[0316] As shown in Figure 11D, the third complementary circuit 1109 can include a capacitor positioned between a power supply and ground. According to some embodiments, the third complementary circuit 1109 can be incorporated into the compass circuit 1107. The capacitor of the third complementary circuit 1109 is shown to be a 100 nF capacitor in Figure 11D, however, any suitable capacitor could be used. The power source of the third complementary circuit 1109 is shown to be a 3.3 volt power source, however, any suitable power source could be used. The third complementary circuit 1109 can be configured to use its capacitor to store electrical energy.

[0317] As shown in Figure 11D, the fourth complementary circuit 1110 can include resistors positioned between both the SCL connection and the power supply and between the SDA connection and the power supply. According to some embodiments, the fourth complementary circuit 1110 can be incorporated into the compass circuit 1107. Each of the resistors of thefourth complementary circuit 1110 is shown to be a 2.2 kQ resistor in Figure 11D, however, any suitable resistor could be used. The power sources of the fourth complementary circuit 1110 are each shown to be 3.3 volt power sources, however, any suitable power sources could be used.

[0318] Figure HE shows a circuit 1111 for use with a notecard and a spacer 1112. The notecard circuit 1111 can include a connector, labeled as CN4 in Figure HE, wherein the connector CN4 can be an APCI0136-P001 A connector. However, any type of microcontroller, controller, integrated circuit, and / or connector can be used. The integrated circuit CN4 and / or notecard circuit 1111 can include a VACT GPS OUT connection, an SDA NC connection, an SCL NC connection, an MCU BOOST connection, an MCU RST connection, an MCU RX connection, and an MCU TX connection. Such connections can connect with like connections of the microcontroller 1101 according to some embodiments. According to some embodiments, such connections do not connect with the like connections of the microcontroller 1101. According to some embodiments, the notecard circuit 1111 is so named due to the fact that it can transmit to and / or receive data from the microcontroller 1101.

[0319] As shown in Figure HE, a spacer 1112 can be included as part of the device 100 to aid in assembling the control board 104 and / or aid in attaching the control board 104 to the device 100. As shown in Figure HE, the spacer 1112 can be a WA-SMSI SMT steel spacer with internal thread M2.6, however, any suitable spacer could be used.

[0320] Figure HF shows a battery monitor circuit 1113 and a solar panel(s) monitor circuit 1114. The battery monitor circuit 1113 can be used to monitor power generated by the battery 103 and / or monitor power output of the battery 103. As shown in Figure HF, the battery monitor circuit 1113 can include an integrated circuit, labeled as U4 in Figure HF. The integrated circuit U4 can be a INA219AIDR power monitor, however, any suitable integrated circuit, controller, microcontroller, and / or connector could be used. The integrated circuit U4 and / or battery monitor circuit 1113 can include a BAT+ connection to connect to the battery 103 and / or any other suitable power source, an SDA connection, and an SCL connection. According to some embodiments, the SDA connection and SCL connection can connect to corresponding connections of the microcontroller 1101, the integrated circuit U2 of the compass circuit 1107, a combination of the two, and / or any other suitable connection possibility. Thus, the integrated circuit U4 can communicate information regarding the battery 103 to the microcontroller 1101.

[0321] The solar panel(s) monitor circuit 1114 can be used to monitor the power generated by the solar panel(s) and / or monitor the power output of the solar panel(s). The solar panel(s)monitor circuit 1114 can include two resistors as shown in Figure 11F, however, any number of resistors ranging from zero to N where N is any number greater than zero, and any suitable type of resistor, can be included. The solar panel(s) monitor circuit 1114 can include a PV+ connection which can be connected to the solar panel(s) such that the solar panel(s) monitor circuit 1114 is in communication with the solar panel(s). The solar panel(s) circuit 1114 can include an ADCSolarVoltage connection that can be connected to the microcontroller 1101 via the corresponding connection. Thus, the solar panel(s) monitor circuit 1114 can be in communication with the microcontroller 1101 wherein the solar panel(s) monitor circuit 1114 can send data / information to the microcontroller 1101 regarding the voltage level of the solar panel(s). For example, the solar panel(s) monitor circuit 1114 can communicate the voltage level of the solar panel(s) to the microcontroller 1101.

[0322] Figure 11G shows a temperature sensor circuit 1115, a fifth complementary circuit 1116, a humidity sensor circuit 1122, and a sixth complementary circuit 1123. The temperature sensor circuit 1115 can include a temperature sensor, labeled as U4 in Figure 11G. As shown in Figure 11G, the temperature sensor can be a TMP102AIDRLR temperature sensor, however, any suitable temperature sensor can be used. The temperature sensor can be used to monitor the temperature of the device 100 and / or any components thereof, according to some embodiments. According to some embodiments, the temperature sensor can be used to monitor the ambient temperature. The temperature sensor circuit 1115 can include an SCL and SDA connection. According to some embodiments, the SDA connection and SCL connection can connect to corresponding connections of the microcontroller 1101, the integrated circuit U2 of the compass circuit 1107, a combination of the two, and / or any other suitable connection possibility. Thus, the temperature sensor circuit 1115 can be in communication with the microcontroller 1101 and / or the integrated circuit U2 of the compass circuit 1107.

[0323] As shown in Figure 11G, the fifth complementary circuit 1116 can be identical to the fourth complementary circuit 1110 of Figure 11D according to some embodiments. The fifth complementary circuit 1116 can be incorporated into the temperature sensor circuit 1115 and / or the humidity sensor circuit 1122. The fifth complementary circuit 1116 can include an SCL and SDA connection. According to some embodiments, the SDA connection and SCL connection can connect to corresponding connections of the microcontroller 1101, the integrated circuit U2 of the compass circuit 1107, a combination of the two, and / or any other suitable connection possibility. Thus, the fifth complementary circuit 1116 can be in communication with the microcontroller 1101 and / or the integrated circuit U2 of the compass circuit 1107.

[0324] As shown in Figure 11G, the humidity sensor circuit 1122 can include an integrated circuit to sense and / or monitor humidity. The integrated circuit, labeled as U5 in Figure 11G can be a ENS210-LQFM humidity / moisture sensor. However, any suitable humidity sensor could be used. The humidity sensor can be used to sense, monitor, and / or measure humidity and / or moisture of the device 100 and / or components thereof. The humidity sensor can be used to sense, monitor, and / or measure ambient humidity and / or moisture. The humidity sensor circuit 1122 can include an SCL and SDA connection. According to some embodiments, the SDA connection and SCL connection can connect to corresponding connections of the microcontroller 1101, the integrated circuit U2 of the compass circuit 1107, a combination of the two, and / or any other suitable connection possibility. Thus, the humidity sensor circuit 1122 can be in communication with the microcontroller 1101 and / or the integrated circuit U2 of the compass circuit 1107.

[0325] Figure 11G further shows a sixth complementary circuit 1123. The sixth complementary circuit 1123 can be incorporated into the temperature sensor circuit 1115 and / or the humidity sensor circuit 1122.

[0326] Figure 11H shows green and red status LED circuits 1117, 1118. The green status LED circuit 1117 can include an LED, which can be a green LED according to some embodiments. However, any color LED, and / or any type of illumination device could be used. The green status LED circuit 1117 can include a GreenStatus connection that can be connected to the corresponding connection of the microcontroller 1101. Thus, the green status LED circuit 1117 and the microcontroller 1101 can be in communication such that the microcontroller 1101 can control illumination of the green LED. The microcontroller 1101 can illuminate the LED of the green status LED circuit according to the status of various components of device 100. According to some embodiments, the green status LED circuit 1117 can be in communication with the microcontroller 1101 such that the green status LED circuit transmits data to the microcontroller 1101 regarding the illumination status of the green LED.

[0327] The red status LED circuit 1118 can include an LED, which can be a red LED according to some embodiments. However, any color LED, and / or any type of illumination device could be used. The red status LED circuit 1118 can include a RedStatus connection that can be connected to the corresponding connection of the microcontroller 1101. Thus, the red status LED circuit 1118 and the microcontroller 1101 can be in communication such that the microcontroller 1101 can control illumination of the red LED. The microcontroller 1101 can illuminate the LED of the red status LED circuit according to the status of various components of device 100. According to some embodiments, the red status LED circuit 1118 can be incommunication with the microcontroller 1101 such that the red status LED circuit transmits data to the microcontroller 1101 regarding the illumination status of the red LED.

[0328] According to some embodiments, the device 100, and / or a portion thereof, can light up and / or illuminate based on a collected air sample. Such illumination could include different colors. For example, the device 100 could include an indicator light. The indicator light can be any off-the-shelf light bulb (such as an incandescent light and / or a fluorescent light), LED, and / or any other suitable type of light. The indicator light could include multiple lights. The indicator light could be and / or comprise a red LED wherein the red LED could be illuminated to indicate the presence of a pathogen, pest, spore, and / or any other material of interest in the sampled air. Thus, when the device 100 detects the presence of a pathogen, pest, spore, and / or other material of interest in a sample, the device 100 could automatically illuminate the indicator light, which is the red LED according to some embodiments. Illumination of a portion of the device 100, such as an LED, would be visible from a distance such that a user could recognize from a distance the information indicated by the illumination of portion(s) of the device 100. For example, according to embodiments where illumination of a red LED indicates presence of a pathogen, pest, spore, and / or other material of interest, a user would be able to recognize that the device 100 has detected pathogen(s), pest(s), spore(s), and / or other material while viewing the device 100 from a remote location based on the illumination of the red LED.

[0329] Figure 111 shows a power rail circuit 1119. As shown in Figure 111, the power rail circuit 1119 includes an integrated circuit labeled as U16. The integrated circuit U16 can be an LM2596R step-down switching regulator. For example, the integrated circuit U16 can be a 3.3 volt LM2596R step-down switching regulator wherein the integrated circuit U16 accepts an input voltage and performs a voltage step-down such that the output voltage is 3.3 volts. The power rail circuit 1119 can also include a switch, labeled as SW1 in Figure 111. The switch SW1 can be an SK-12D07 type of switch and / or can be any other suitable type of switch. The switch SW1 can be used to connect and / or disconnect portion(s) of the power rail circuit 1119. Thus, by a user manipulating the switch SW1, the user can effectively enable and / or disable the power rail circuit 1119. The power rail circuit 1119 can be connected to the battery 103 and / or another power source via the BAT+ connection. Thus, the power rail circuit 1119 can accept / receive electric power from the battery 103 and / or another power source and then utilize the integrated circuit U16 to convert the voltage of said electric power to 3.3 volts such that the 3.3 volt electric power can be supplied to other component(s) of the device 100.

[0330] Figure 11 J shows first and second auxiliary connectors 1120, 1121. As shown in Figure 11J, each of the auxiliary connectors 1120, 1121 can comprise aB6B-PH-K-S(LF)(SN)connector or a XH-6AW C2908615 connector. Each of the auxiliary connectors 1120, 1121 can include a connection to a 3.3 volt power source and a connection to ground. While the power source for each of the auxiliary connectors 1120, 1121 is shown to be a 3.3 volt power source, any suitable power source could be used. Each of the auxiliary connectors 1120, 1121 can include a connection labeled as BAT+ that can be connected to the battery 103 and / or any other power source. The first auxiliary connector 1120 can further include connections Auxl- 1, Aux 1-2, and Aux 1-3 that are configured to connect to the corresponding connections of the microcontroller 1101. The second auxiliary connector 1121 can further include connections Aux2-1, Aux2-2, and Aux2-3 that are configured to connect to the corresponding connections of the microcontroller 1101. Thus, both of the first and second auxiliary connectors 1120, 1121 can be in communication with the microcontroller 1101 wherein data / information can be transferred.

[0331] Figure UK shows a microcontroller 1124 (and related circuitry). The microcontroller1124 can be used as an alternative to and / or in conjunction with the microcontroller 1101. The microcontroller 1124 can be identical and / or similar to the microcontroller 1101. The microcontroller 1124 can have some, all, and / or none of the same characteristics of the microcontroller 1101. Thus, the microcontroller 1124 can be included in any situation and / or configuration described herein for which it is suitable to include the microcontroller 1101. As shown in Figure 11K, the microcontroller 1124 can be a ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 microcontroller. However, any suitable microcontroller with any suitable number of pins could be used. The microcontroller 1124 may or may not include a connection to a switch to turn OFF and / or turn ON a power rail.

[0332] Figure HL shows a USB circuit 1125 that comprises a USB connector / port labeled as USB1 in Figure HL. The USB connector / port USB1 allows a user to plug a USB device into the circuitry to be used in conjunction with the device 100. Thus, the USB connector / port USB 1 and / or USB circuit 1125 allows for the device 100 to interact with a USB device. Thus, a USB device could be used to control the device 100, transmit data to and / or receive data from the device 100, store data from the device 100, and the like. The USB circuit 1125 of Figure HL can be used as an alternative to and / or in conjunction with the USB circuit 1103 of Figure HA. The USB circuit 1125 can be identical and / or similar to the USB circuit 1103. The USB circuit1125 can have some, all, and / or none of the same characteristics of the microcontroller 1103. Thus, the USB circuit 1125 can be included in any situation and / or configuration described herein for which it is suitable to include the USB circuit 1103.

[0333] Referring to each of the circuits, and / or portions thereof, shown in FIGS. II and HAUL, any number of resistors diodes, capacitors, transistors, and the like can be included. The circuits, and / or portions thereof, shown in the Figures provide example embodiments only. Such embodiments are not limiting. Additionally, while the exemplary resistors, diodes, capacitors, transistors, and the like provide a particular type of component, any suitable type of component could be used. For example, if a 2.2 kQ resistor is shown in one of the Figures, a resistor having any suitable level of resistance could be included, and / or no resistor at all could be included. Additionally, each circuit, and / or portion thereof, show in any of FIGS. 11A-11L could be embodied on the control board 104 according to some embodiments.

[0334] According to some embodiments, the device 100 can include a locking mechanism that allows the device 100 to be secured such that an unintended person cannot open and / or tamper with the device 100 or components thereof. The locking mechanism further allows for security in that an unintended person cannot alter, damage, remove, and / or steal samples from and / or components of the device 100. According to some embodiments, the locking mechanism can include a hoop and latch wherein the latch can engage the hoop and be secured via a lock. The lock can be any off-the-shelf lock. Any other suitable type of locking mechanism could be used. Non-limiting examples of locking mechanisms include a chain lock, a combination lock, a padlock, and the like.

[0335] Any data transmission or network communication performed by the device 100, and / or components thereof such as the transceiver, is secure and protected. Such communications and / or data transmission can be protected using one or more encryption techniques, such as those techniques provided by the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which superseded the Data Encryption Standard (DES), the IEEE 802.1 standard for port-based network security, pre-shared key, Extensible Authentication Protocol (“EAP”), Wired Equivalent Privacy (“WEP”), Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (“TKIP”), Wi-Fi Protected Access (“WPA”), and the like.

[0336] According to some embodiments, the multi dry cyclone 200, the cyclones 203, and / or any other cyclone(s) described herein can be coated with a material to prevent clogging and / or particle buildup on the inner walls of the cyclone(s). The material can be any suitable type of material to help prevent clogging and / or particle buildup including, but not limited to, a lubricant, an oil, and the like. Additionally, the multi dry cyclone 200, the cyclones 203, and / or any other cyclone(s) described herein can be geometrically altered and / or can be geometrically configured to take on a particular geometric formation to redirect airflow to prevent cloggingand / or particle buildup on inner walls of the cyclone(s). Such geometric formations can be seen in at least Figures IB and 2A-2F.

[0337] According to some embodiments, the device 100 can include a light wherein the light can be controlled by a user and / or can be automatically controlled by the device 100. The light can be any off-the-shelf light bulb (such as an incandescent light and / or a fluorescent light), LED, and / or any other suitable type of light. According to some embodiments, multiple lights could be included. The light can be turned on at night to attract and capture airborne bugs and / or pests. The light can be turned ON and / or OFF manually by a user and / or can be turned ON and / or OFF automatically by the device 100. Such airborne bugs and / or pests can be analyzed by a user. The device 100 can further include a bug / pest / insect capture component. Such a component could be any off-the-shelf insect capture mechanism. The bug / pest / insect capture component could be attached to the device 100.

[0338] The multi dry cyclone devices described herein capture more particles for a given input power than a single cyclone would, resulting in a device which is more energy efficient, requiring a smaller battery and solar panel than single cyclone devices. The device 100 can actively capture particles between 3 micrometers and 400 micrometers with high efficiency and accuracy.

[0339] The device 100 can be automated through the use of sensor(s) and / or timer(s), which control how often to operate the device so as to collect material. The time period and / or sensed characteristics that trigger collection of material will vary depending on application. The sample analysis process uses components that are especially robust and / or treated to increase the shelf life in field conditions such as lyophilization, salts, or other methods.

[0340] Further, the device 100 can be in communication with a user via wireless network wherein communication is facilitated via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LoRa, and / or any other suitable communication technique. Thus, the device 100 can provide an alert and / or warning to a user / farmer based on analysis of samples. For example, if the device 100 collects a sample, analyzes said sample, and determines that, based on detected and / or quantified pathogens and / or pests in the sample, it would be beneficial for the user / farmer to spray fungicide, bactericide, pesticide, insecticide, and / or the like, the device can communicate such a message to the user and / or farmer via wireless communication.

[0341] The device 100 can incorporate and / or integrate with any of the apparatus(es), method(s), system(s), and / or design(s) described herein.

[0342] Figure 12 shows a tube changer device 2000. The device 2000 can be identical to the device 100 described above. The device 2000 can include any and / or all of the components ofthe device 100 described above. Further, the components of the device 2000 can be arranged in the same and / or in a similar manner and can operate in the same and / or in a similar manner as the components of the device 100. The device 2000 can incorporate and / or integrate with any of the apparatus(es), method(s), system(s), and / or design(s) described herein.

[0343] As seen in Figure 12, the device 2000 can include a weathervane 2001, a top housing 2002, a bottom housing 2004, a post holder 2006, a post holder bearing 2008, a bottle 2010, and a collection module 2012 or sample collection module. The weathervane 2001, top housing 2002, bottom housing 2004, post holder 2006, post holder bearing 2008, and bottle 2010 of the device 2000 can be the same and / or similar to and operate in the same manner as corresponding components of the device 100.

[0344] The top housing 2002 and bottom housing 2004 can attach via any suitable attachment means including, but not limited to, screw(s), nut(s), bolt(s), adhesive material, hinge(s), slidable connector(s), clips(s), and the like. When the top housing 2002 and bottom housing 2004 are attached, the two components form an enclosure and / or housing to house other components of the device 2000.

[0345] Additionally, the device 2000 can include other components of the device 100. For example, the device 2000 can include a cyclone and / or set of cyclones for separating particles of the air. Such cyclones and / or set of cyclones can be the same and / or similar to the cyclone 200 shown in at least Figures IB and 2A-2F. The device 2000 can include a fan to force air through the cyclone and / or set of cyclones. The fan can be the same and / or similar to the fan 300 shown in at least Figures IB and 3. The fan can attach to the top housing 2002 via any suitable attachment means including, but not limited to, screw(s), nut(s), bolt(s), adhesive material, hinge(s), slidable connector(s), clips(s), and the like.

[0346] The device 2000 can further include a battery. The battery of the device 2000 can be the same and / or similar to the battery 103 of the device 100. The battery 103 is shown in at least Figure IB. The battery of the device 2000 can be configured to store energy to run the fan and / or other components of the device 2000 when solar power is not available.

[0347] The device 2000 can further include one or more solar panels. The solar panel(s) can be used to power the device 2000. For example, the solar panel(s) can be configured to provide power to drive the fan. The solar panel(s) of the device 2000 can be the same and / or similar to the solar panel(s) included as components of the device 100.

[0348] The device 2000 can further include an electronic control board that is configured to drive the fan and / or charge the battery via solar power supplied by the one or more solar panel(s). The electronic control board of the device 2000 can be the same and / or similar to theelectronic control board 104 of the device 100. The electronic control board 104 of the device 100 can be seen in at least Figures IB, II, and 11A-11L.

[0349] As shown in Figure 12, the weathervane 2001 can be attached to the top and / or bottom housings 2002, 2004 via bolt(s). However, according to some embodiments, the weathervane 2001 can be attached to the top and / or bottom housings 2002, 2004 via any suitable attachment means including, but not limited to, screw(s), nut(s), adhesive material, hinge(s), slidable connector(s), clips(s), and the like. The weathervane 2001 can be used to detect, monitor, show, and / or demonstrate the direction of wind.

[0350] The device 2000 can be mounted on a pole wherein the pole attaches to the bottom housing 2004 of the device 2000. The device can include a post holder 2006 and / or a post holder bearing 2008 to facilitate connection of the pole to the bottom housing 2004. The post holder 2006 can be the same and / or similar as the post holder 1000 of the device 100. The post holder bearing 2008 can be the same and / or similar to the bearing 1001 of the device 100. According to some embodiments, the pole can be attached to the bottom housing 2004 via bolts connected to the bearing 2008 to allow for rotation of the device 2000. According to some embodiments, any suitable attachment means capable of attaching the pole to the bottom housing 2004 while allowing for rotation of the device 2000 could be used. The pole can further include a slipring wherein the slipring allows for an electrical connection to be maintained while also allowing the device 2000 to rotate. According to some embodiments, any suitable means and / or mechanism that allows for an electrical connection to be maintained while also allowing the device 2000 to rotate could be used.

[0351] The device 2000 can further include a bottle 2010, as shown in Figure 12. The bottle 2010 can be the same and / or similar to the big bottle 510 of the device 100. The big bottle 510 can be seen in at least Figure 1A. The bottle 2010 can narrow so as to increase speed and pressure of particles toward the collection module 2012. The bottle 2010 can further include a cutout to accommodate an inlet housing 2030 wherein the inlet housing 2030 can be the same as and / or similar to the inlet housing 700 of the device 100 The inlet housing 700 is shown in at least Figures 7A-7G. The inlet housing 2030 is shown in Figure 21.

[0352] As shown in Figure 12, the device 2000 can include a collection module 2012. The collection module 2012 can be positioned at and / or near the bottom of the bottle 2010 and / or cyclone(s). As shown in Figures 12-21, the collection module 2012 can include an upper member 2014, a lower member 2022, and a motor 2024. The upper member 2014 can include a connection portion 2016, a circular portion 2018, and an enclosure portion 2020. The lowermember 2022 can include one or more apertures 2026 wherein each aperture 2026 is configured to be able to hold and / or secure a tube 2028.

[0353] As shown in at least Figures 13-15 and 17, the upper member 2014 of the collection module 2012 can include an attachment portion 2016, a circular portion 2018, and an enclosure portion 2020. The attachment portion 2016 facilitates attachment to the bottle 2010 and / or to the cyclone(s). According to some embodiments, the attachment portion 2016 can be cylindrical in nature and can include threading such that the collection module 2012 and the bottle 2010, or other component of the device 2000, can be attached via threaded connection. According to some embodiments, the attachment portion 2016 can comprise any suitable means / mechanism to facilitate attachment of the collection module 2012 to the bottle 2010, cyclone(s), and / or other portion of the device 2000. The attachment portion 2016 is further configured to be at least partially hollow such that at least some of the particle(s) and / or fluid can travel from the cyclone(s) through the attachment portion 2016 to the collection module 2012 and eventually into a tube 2028.

[0354] The circular portion 2018 of the upper member 2014 can be a generally flat, circular member wherein the attachment portion 2016 and the enclosure portion 2020 protrude from the circular portion 2018. The upper member 2014 can provide a cover for the open tubes 2028. The enclosure portion 2020 can be a rectangular protrusion extending upward from the circular portion 2018. The enclosure portion 2020 can serve to create a semi-enclosure / housing for the motor 2024 wherein the motor 2024 can be positioned at least partially within the enclosure portion 2020. As shown in at least Figures 13-15 and 17, the enclosure portion 2020 only partially encloses the motor 2024. According to some embodiments, the enclosure portion 2020 can fully enclose / house the motor 2024. The enclosure portion 2020 is configured to stabilize and / or hold the motor 2024 in place.

[0355] As shown in at least Figures 13-16, 20, and 21, the collection module 2012 can include a lower member 2022. The lower member 2022 can be generally circular and flat such that the lower member 2022 generally takes the same shape as the circular portion 2018 of the upper member 2014. As seen in at least Figures 15, 16, and 18, the lower member 2022 includes one or more apertures 2026. Each aperture 2026 is configured to stabilize, secure, and / or hold in place a tube 2028. The lower member 2022 of Figures 15 and 18 includes eight apertures 2026 while the lower member 2022 of Figure 16 includes ten apertures 2026. The lower member 2022 can include any number of apertures 2026 ranging from zero to N where N is any number greater than zero. For example, according to some embodiments, the lower member 2022 can include twelve apertures 2026. Additionally, according to some embodiments, the collectionmodule 2012 can further include a housing wherein the tubes 2028, lower member 2022, and / or the entire collection module 2012 can be housed within the housing. In such embodiments wherein the tubes 2028 are housed within a housing, the tubes, and contents therein, are protected from potential ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The tube(s) 2028 can be any kind of receptacle capable of receiving and / or holding particle(s) and / or fluid.

[0356] The upper member 2014 and lower member 2022 can be connected via screw(s) and / or any other suitable connection means / mechanism(s). Since the circular portion 2018 of the upper member 2014 and the lower member 2022 have generally the same, when the upper and lower members 2014, 2022 are attached, they somewhat mirror each other. The lower member 2022 can be configured such that it is rotatable relative to the upper member 2014 or vice versa. One or more tubes 2028 can be inserted into one or more apertures 2026 such that the collection module 2012 comprises multiple tubes 2028. The lower member 2022 can be rotated such that an aperture 2026 and / or tube 2028 is positioned just beneath the bottle 2010 and / or cyclone(s) such that the tube 2028 is aligned with the bottle 2010 and / or the cyclone(s). The tube 2028 positioned in alignment with the bottle 2010 and / or cyclone(s) can then receive particles and / or fluid from the bottle 2010 and / or cyclone(s). Once a tube 2028 has received particles and / or fluid from the bottle 2010 and / or cyclone(s), the lower member 2022 can be rotated such that another tube 2028 is positioned in alignment with the bottle 2010 and / or cyclone(s) so that the new tube 2028 can receive particles and / or fluid from the bottle and / or cyclone(s). Rotation can be repeated such that each tube 2028 of the lower member 2022 can be positioned in alignment with the bottle 2010 and / or cyclone(s) and receive particles and / or fluid from the bottle 2010 and / or cyclone(s). Such rotation can be automatically performed by the device 2000 based on a pre-set schedule and / or based on commands from a user wherein the user communicated the commands remotely. In this manner, the device 2000, is capable of taking multiple samples without a user needing to visit the device 2000 to exchange tubes, empty the device 2000, reset the device 2000, and / or anything of the like. Therefore, the device 2000 can stand alone in an agricultural field for a long time while still collecting and analyzing samples.

[0357] As shown in Figure 19, the motor 2024 can be a digital servo motor. However, any suitable motor and / or actuator could be used. The motor 2024 can be a brushless motor (such as a brushless servo motor), a stepper motor, a linear motor, and / or any other suitable type of motor. The motor 2024 can have an ingress protection (IP) rating of 67. The motor 2024 can provide complete (100%) protection against solid particle ingress, such as dust. The motor 2024 can be waterproof. The motor 2024 can be a 14 volt motor. The motor 2024 can be driven by the control board of the device 2000 wherein power is supplied via the solar panel(s) and / orthe battery of the device 2000. The motor 2024 can power, drive, and / or cause the rotation of the lower member 2022.

[0358] Figures 20 and 21 show examples of the collection module 2012 in use. Figures 20 and 21 both show the upper member 2014 and lower member 2022 connected such that the lower member 2022 can rotate relative to the upper member 2014. Figures 20 and 21 further show the collection module 2012 connected to the bottle 2010 via the connection portion 2016 of the collection module 2012. Additionally, Figures 20 and 21 show the motor 2024 housed, at least partially, within the enclosure portion 2020 of the collection module 2012. Further, a plurality of tubes 2028 are shown to be secured by the lower member 2022 via the apertures 2028. Figure 21 further shows the bottle 2010 connected to the inlet housing 2030 wherein the inlet housing 2030 allows particles and / or fluid to enter the bottle 2010 and also facilitates connection of the bottle 2010 and / or collection module 2012 to other components of the device 2000. Figure 21 further shows the motor 2024 operationally connected to the control board 2032 of the device 2000 wherein the motor 2024 can be driven and / or controlled by the control board 2032.

[0359] According to some embodiments, the collection module 2012, and components thereof, can be incorporated into, and / or work in conjunction with, the device 100.

[0360] The collection module 2012 can include firmware that can be set with location information for each collection tube 2028 such that the collection module 2012 and / or device 2000 can be programmed to position a particular tube 2028 at a particular location at a particular time. The device 2000 and / or collection module 2012 provides the ability for a user to program the device 2000 and / or collection module 2012 to automatically change tubes based on a pre-set schedule. For example, a user / farmer could program the device 2000 and / or collection module 2012 to take a sample and / or change a tube based on sensed conditions and / or based on timing. Therefore, the device 2000 and / or collection module 2012, while located in an agricultural field, can collect and analyze multiple samples without the need for a user / farmer to visit the field and / or visit the device 2000.

[0361] The device 2000 and / or the collection module 2012 can include the use of network communication. Connectivity systems and / or wireless networks (such as cloud-based networks) for relaying the data remotely - can include use of communication protocols such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, can utilize cellular networks (likely using a mesh system), and / or use software that can effectively control the relay of data from remote locations, such as the software applications Hologram (see https: / / www.hologram.io / iot) and / or Swarm (see https: / / swarm. space). Therefore, a user is able to communicate and / or interact with the device 2000and / or the collection module 2012 remotely. This allows a user to command the device 2000 and / or the collection module 2012 to take a sample and / or to change tubes from a remote location without needing to visit the agricultural field and / or visit the device 2000.

[0362] Thus, based on the foregoing, the device 2000 and / or the collection module 2012 allows a user / farmer to collect and analyze multiple samples without needing to visit the device and / or the agricultural field. This facilitates an automated system wherein the device 2000 can collect samples and analyze said samples while simultaneously collecting additional samples to be analyzed. Additionally, the ability to collect multiple samples without needing to visit the device and / or the agricultural field is a huge time and cost saver for the user / farmer. Further, the ability to collect multiple samples without visiting the devices improves research efficiency. For example, researchers can collect sets of samples and analyze them at a later date. They can control their sets of samples by programming the device 2000 and / or the collection module 2012 to collect samples every day, every few days, and / or every few hours. For example, if a researcher set the device 2000 and / or the collection module 2012 to collect a sample and / or change a tube every 2 hours wherein the collection module 2012 has twelve tubes, the researchers can better understand when spores and / or pathogens are released and / or when they are most likely to be in the air.

[0363] Referring now to FIG. 22, FIG. 22 shows an automated liquid handling system to achieve four distinct fluidic processes and / or subprocesses, including: a collection of environmental sample particles 3100; sample processing, preparation and isolation of supernatant solution 3200; generation of a series dilution of the supernatant 3300; and (4) a LAMP assay and detection of target NA 3400.

[0364] As shown in FIG. 22, the first process 3100 utilizes hardware specifically designed to collect a sample from the environment 3102 comprising particles 3104 of interest (e.g., pathogens). The sample may also contain contaminating debris (e.g., dirt, dust, organic material, insects). When sample collection is desired, a motor-driven cyclonic particle concentration mechanism 3106 collects the sample particles along the cyclonic fluidic path 3108

[0365] Descriptions of exemplary cyclonic devices 3106 that are capable of collecting particles form the air are described in co-pending, co-owned provisional patent application U.S. Serial No. 63 / 201,475, filed April 30, 2021, titled “DEVICE FOR COLLECTING MATERIAL FROM AIR”, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0366] The fluidic path 3108 terminates inside a single sample preparation well 3202 containing a stabilizing liquid (e.g., water 3210). Multiple wells 3202 are contained on a singlerotating sample preparation disk (“SPD”) cartridge 3204. The SPD cartridge is mounted on a motor-driven shaft 3206. This configuration provides a new, unused sample preparation well 3202 that is aligned with the output of the cyclonic particle concentration mechanism for each new sample collection procedure. As a result, multiple sample collection procedures 3100 can be performed using a single SPD cartridge 3204, so that the cartridge 3204 only needs to be replaced once all sample preparation wells 3202 are used.

[0367] The SPD cartridge 3204 is mounted above hardware, such that as shown in FIG. 23. Initially, the well 3202 is aligned to collect material from the air, as well as to allow excess liquid (like collected fog) to drip through. Then, the SPD cartridge 3204 is rotated over discrete regions of the hardware, aligning a given sample preparation well 3202 with the region of the hardware intended to accomplish a specific operation. For example, after sample collection, a given (e.g., ith) sample preparation well 3202 can be rotated over a region of the hardware which enables addition of a lysis agent 3212 to the well 3202, utilizing fluidic tubing. In yet another example, the well 3202 is already positioned so as to be over a region of the hardware which enables addition of a lysis agent 3212 to the well 3202, utilizing macro-fluidic tubing. Then, the SPD cartridge 3204 is rotated such that the well 3202 aligns with a hardware region. Optionally, this rotation can seal the top of the well with a heat-proof seal 3214 then heats the liquid volume using a thermoelectric heater 3216 underneath the well to accomplish cell lysis. In another embodiment, a heat block with a heated lid can be employed so that a sealed lid is not needed. Finally, the SPD cartridge 3204 is rotated to the final region of the hardware which uses fluidic tubing (e.g. , macro-fluidic tubing) to isolate the supernatant 3218 from debris 3220, then the SPD cartridge 3204 is rotated back to near original position, aligning the i+lthsample collection well 3202 underneath conical cyclonic particle collector hardware (e.g., 3106).

[0368] The isolated supernatant 3218 is then routed to the next portion of the hardware, the dilution gradient generator cartridge (“DGG”) cartridge 3302, as illustrated in FIG. 24. The first element of this operation is the creation of a (e.g., 5:1) dilution 3304 of the initial supernatant volume using macro-fluidic hardware, in order to produce sufficient fluidic volume to manipulate using the DGG cartridge 3302. Multiple DGG cartridges 3302 are mounted on slide carousel-like rotating hardware 3306 and aligned vertically (two discrete fluidic inlets on the top, discrete fluidic outlets on the bottom), such that for each dilution gradient generation procedure, a new, unused DGG cartridge 3302 is aligned with the macro-fluidic tubing. As a result, multiple dilution gradients can be generated and the carousel 3306 of cartridges only needs to be replaced once all DGG cartridges 3302 are used. Similarly, a hotel of cartridges 3302 may be incorporated to provide even more testing capacity without intervention.

[0369] The carousel 3306 allows material from the air to be continuously collected into a well. On a timer, as ordered remotely, or as the result of any other suitable type of trigger (such as, but not limited to, actuators that automatically respond to temperature and or wind speed and or wind direction and other signals on a connected system), the carousel 3306 turns and material from the air is collected into a new well 3202. After the lysis, the NA can be transferred into the fluidics structure. Each sample from one well will have a corresponding single-use fluidics card. The cards can be like a deck of cards where after the card is used it drops down and the next card is up, or they can be on a wheel like a slide carousel.

[0370] Alternative geometries accomplishing the unique functions of the carousel 3306 are herein contemplated. For example, in one embodiment, the carousel 3306 could be housed within a housing that takes the form of a conifer tree, an animal (e.g. a silhouette of a deer or a cow) so that the collection and analyses devices described herein can better blend in within their location in the field. The cartridges 3302 could thus be layered on the tree with a gradient, and could be removed from the tree when used. The conifer tree geometry can have inputs for the sample and water and / or the water can be on the cartridges 3302.

[0371] Each single-use DGG cartridge comprises a fluidic channel network 3308 designed to generate a dilution series 3304 (e.g., 10-fold: 100%, 10%, 1%, 0.1%...) of the initial supernatant concentration 3218. While 0% is shown in the dilution series 3304 in FIG. 24, The dilution series can include 0.1% rather than 0% according to some embodiments. The 5: 1 diluted supernatant solution is input into one of the two fluidic inlets to the DGG cartridge 3302 utilizing macro-fluidic tubing, and water 3210 is input into the other of the two fluidic inlets. The two fluidic source reservoirs are then exposed to ambient air pressures and gravity is then used to draw the two volumes simultaneously through the fluidic channel network. Actuators and / or pumps can be used in lieu of or in addition to the use of gravity. At each one of the outlets of the DGG cartridge 3302, a discrete fluidic output volume is produced, consisting of a particular dilution solution 3304 capturing an order-of-magnitude proportions of the input supernatant concentration, e.g, for a 10-fold serial dilution, 100%, 10%, 1%, 0.1%, 0%.

[0372] The outlets of the DGG cartridge 3302 are initially aligned with a through-slot 3410 on the horizontally oriented assay & detection (“A&D”) cartridge 3406, as shown in Figure 25 by way of position 3408A. The liquids are input into the DGG cartridge 3302 at a constant flow rate until a steady-state, homogenous gradient is produced, meanwhile the fluidic outputs 3304 from the DGG cartridge 3302 flow through A&D cartridge 3406 via the slot 3410 and into a waste receptacle.

[0373] To collect the final target volume of each output from the DGG cartridge 3406 once a steady-state gradient is achieved, the A&D cartridge 3406 is linearly actuated with a linear actuator 3408 to the position 3408B. In position 3408B, the outlets of the DGG cartridge 3302 align with discrete dilution solution wells 3412 on the A&D cartridge 3406, filling each dilution solution well 3412 with a specific dilution volume. Initially, each dilution solution well 3412 is filled with lyophilized LAMP reagents, and when a dilution volume fills a given well 3412, the supernatant dilution solution mixes with the lyophilized LAMP reagents in the well 3412.

[0374] The A&D cartridge 3406 is then linearly actuated with the linear actuator 3408 in the opposite direction to position 3408C such that the dilution solution wells align with a stationary thermoelectric heater 3404 integrated into the system hardware, which heats the solution, an integral step in the LAMP process. Finally, the A&D cartridge 3406 is then actuated further until the position 3408D and the dilution solution wells align with stationary optical detection hardware 3402, which accomplishes optical detection. Each A&D cartridge 3406 consists of multiple rows of dilution solution wells 3412 and slots 3410, such that for each operation of the invention (e.g., generation of a new dilution gradient 3304) new, unused dilution solution wells 3412 are aligned with the DGG cartridge 3302. As a result, multiple sample analysis and detection procedures 3400 can be performed using a single A&D cartridge 3406, so that the cartridge 3406 only needs to be replaced once all dilution solution wells 3412 are used.

[0375] Each DGG cartridge 3302 can comprise a ladder network that generates logarithmic or linear concentrations. The ladder network can comprise a top channel, a bottom channel, and a plurality of intermediary channels that connect the top channel and the bottom channel. The direction of flow and the flow rate of fluid in the ladder network can be adjusted to generate different concentrations.

[0376] Due to the planar nature of their design, the SPD and A&D cartridges 3204, and 3406 can both be fabricated from thermoplastic polymer materials (e.g., PMMA, PU, ABS, PP, COP, PC). These materials are chemically stable, thermally and electrically insulating, and are relatively cheap to procure and manufacture in bulk. They can also be distinct in color to help facilitate optical detection. Compatible manufacturing processes include injection molding and hot embossing, which are economically viable processes, particularly at mid-to-high-volume manufacturing levels. Furthermore, the DGG cartridge 3302 can either be fabricated using injection molding or hot embossing, but can also be fabricated using high-resolution stereolithography (SLA) or inkjet-like multi -jet modeling (MJM). Both of these 3D printing methods are economically viable at prototyping and low-volume manufacturing levels. While their scalability to mid- / high-volume manufacturing can be limited, the particular capabilitiesof additive manufacturing to fabricate 3D-complex fluidic structures capable of achieving unique fluidic manipulation from micro-fluidic to milli-fluidic length-scales, has been previously demonstrated, and would be of benefit towards manufacturing of spatially compact microchannel constructs in three dimensions.

[0377] Alternative approach to generating a dilution 3300 of NA supernatant (which will be collected in discrete wells on the A&D cartridge), include magnetohydrodynamic / magnetophoresis approaches 3500, such as those with steps 3501-3508 shown in Figure 26, that can be employed in order to isolate discrete concentrations of NA-absorbed magnetic beads 3608 from non-magnetic particles 3610 from a supernatant solution 3604 contained in a discrete sample preparation well on the SPD cartridge, and route 3614 said magnetic beads 3608 to discrete wells on the A&D cartridge. From there, the LAMP assay and detection process proceeds as previously described.

[0378] In summary, in one example, each discrete sample preparation well on the SPD cartridge initially contains silica-coated magnetic beads previously lyophilized with NA-silica adsorption buffer in lysis solution, as indicated by step 3501. The environmental sample is collected onto a discrete sample preparation well on the SPD cartridge as previously described, as indicated by step 3502. Cell lysis occurs in the well, upon which NA is released from cellular debris, NA in supernatant is absorbed onto the surface of the magnetic beads, as indicated by step 3503.

[0379] The sample preparation well is then interfaced with a fluidic system 3600, utilizing fluidic channels and / or macro-fluidic tubing, which serves as a conduit between the SPD and A&D cartridges (3204 and 3406), as indicated by step 3504. The fluidic system 3600 utilizes a fluidic channel 3606 which interfaces with an external electromagnet / solenoid 3612 which can be used to generate a magnetic field proportional to the desired concentration of magnetic beads 3608 (beads / unit volume of supernatant), as indicated by step 3505, and then routes (via 3614) the desired concentration of beads to a discrete well on the A&D cartridge 3406, as indicated by step 3506. Non-magnetic particles 3610 are routed (via 3616) to waste. Figure 27 illustrates an example magnetophoresis process occurring in a fluidic channel 3606. The A&D cartridge 3406 is then actuated such that a fresh well is aligned with fluidic system 3600, as indicated by step 3507, and the process repeats until n# of different concentrations of magnetic beads 3608 are collected in n# wells on the A&D cartridge 3406, as indicated by the arrow 3500N. The LAMP and detection processes then proceed as previously described in each well on the A&D cartridge 3406, as indicated by step 3508.

[0380] Figure 28 shows a flow diagram of a process 3700 utilizing a single device to capture spores and analyze the NA contained in the captured sample. Known processes in the art require persons in a laboratory to analyze NA separately from collection of the spores. The device is automated through the use of sensor(s), timer(s), and / or automatic, responsive actuator(s) which control how often to operate the device so as to collect material. The time period and / or sensed need that trigger collection of material will vary depending on application. The sample analysis process uses components that are especially robust and / or treated to increase the shelf life in field conditions such as lyophilization, salts, or other methods.

[0381] The single collection device will collect air 3702 continuously, sporadically, at set times, or until material in the air, such as particles, reaches a threshold level as determined by a sensor. The single collection device can collect material from the air near-continuously 3704, sporadically, at set times, or until the material reaches a threshold level as determined by a sensor. Set times may be implemented as a power-saving mode. The time spent collecting the air and / or material and / or the amount of material collected can be determined by optional timers and / or sensors included in the system. During or after the material has been collected from the air, excess water can be released 3706. The collected material may be mixed and / or heated, or not mixed or heated according to some embodiments, with water 3710, resin 3708, and / or reagents 3714 to aid in lysis; and the spores or cells or viral particles of the collected material could then be lysed. The top of a container containing the collected material and / or the mixture that includes the collected material can be sealed 3712. As an example, the collected material and other components mentioned herein such as water 3710, resin 3708, and / or DNA reagents 3714 can be mixed and / or heated for 20 minutes wherein the mixture is heated to and / or at 95 degrees Celsius. A supernatant can, but is not required to, be extracted therefrom. In some embodiments, the NA is in the supernatant. Other embodiments can exist where no supernatant is employed. For example, magnetic beads can be employed and moved with a magnet or solenoid magnetic field. In yet other examples, the NA could be washed through a membrane. The variance (+ / -) of different quantities of supernatant essentially creates a dilution series. The series of dilutions and + / - can be tested to analyze material captured from outside air / farm fields.

[0382] Thereafter, the supernatant is separated from other solids in the reagent 3718. A subprocess 3720 can be performed wherein the supernatant can be transferred to a reaction vessel 3722 and targeted NA amplification by mixing and heating components can be performed 3724. The targeted NA amplification can be conducted via LAMP which is discussed below. The subprocess 3720 can include different amounts of supernatant beingtransferred into different wells or regions 3726. As an example, each reaction volume could be 5 pL, however, any suitable reaction volume could be included. The wells or regions can then be sealed 3728 to prepare for use of a reaction that amplifies the supernatant. According to some embodiments, the wells or regions may already be sealed when supernatant is transferred into the wells or regions. The reaction can then be performed 3730 wherein components are heated to a set temperature for a set amount of time. For example, the components could be heated for 60 minutes at 63 degrees Celsius. The reaction can then be evaluated 3732 / 3736. The evaluation 3732 / 3736 can be based on fluorescence and / or color as described below. The results can then be analyzed using data from wells of different supernatant concentrations and controls 3734 / 3738. The data can be fluorescence data, color data, and / or other data. The data can then be sent 3740.

[0383] The controls can include sample control, positive control, negative control, and / or crap control. Sample control can involve including a spike into the resin solution. Such a spike can include a lyophilized pellet added at the reagent stage and / or a lyophilized reagent added to the control well. Positive control can include using sperm whale DNA, applying a different LAMP reaction, adding a lyophilized pellet, and / or not including supernatant. Negative control can include testing the sterility of water and reagents and / or not adding a supernatant to the well. Crap control can include testing the viability of the reaction given the sample. Crap control can further include testing for inhibitors. Crap control can involve adding positive control to a sample to ensure that material in the sample can be detected. In other words, crap control can involve ensuring that there are not inhibitors indicating a false negative.

[0384] Sending data 3740 can be performed in a secure manner. For example, data transmission can include encryption. Data transmission can be protected using one or more encryption techniques, such as those techniques provided by the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which superseded the Data Encryption Standard (DES), the IEEE 802.1 standard for port-based network security, pre-shared key, Extensible Authentication Protocol (“EAP”), Wired Equivalent Privacy (“WEP”), Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (“TKIP”), WiFi Protected Access (“WPA”), and the like.

[0385] In a non-limiting example, a LAMP reaction can then be used. LAMP is a type of isothermal amplification where all of the reagents can be lyophilized. This can help make them more stable in the field over time. However, it is to be appreciated that any number of technologies could be used to amplify and / or detect a nucleic acid, including PCR-based amplification, Crispr / CAS or probes / microarrays, nucleic acid lateral flow strips, fluorescence in-situ hybridization, and / or optical electric sensors. Quantification can be done with a numberof methods including dyes, stains, FRET-based assays, electromagnetic resonance, or by allowing the NA to bind or pass through and change a voltage. One or more of these technologies could also be used to identify the organism present. These technologies can also be used to detect a quantity of specific organism(s), such as an amount of antibodies.

[0386] In one example of the LAMP reaction, the target sequence can be amplified at a constant temperature between one-hundred forty to one-hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (140-150°F) using four, five (asymmetrical), or six primers and a polymerase with high strand displacement activity in addition to a replication activity. An optimal temperature is approximately one- hundred forty-five degrees Fahrenheit (145°F). Four different primers can bind to a subset of six distinct regions on the target gene, which increases specificity. Fewer or more primers can be employed. For example, an additional pair of loop primers can further accelerate the reaction. The amount of NA produced in LAMP can be considerably higher than polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”)-based amplification.

[0387] The amplification product can be detected via photometry. This allows for easy evaluation of color by the naked eye or via simple photometric detection approaches for small volumes. The reaction can be followed in real-time either by measuring the absorbance (“OD”) or by fluorescence using intercalating dyes. Dyes, such as the DNA intercalator - Malachite green - can be used in the LAMP reaction for an optical read out that is robust. When NA is amplified, Malachite green is intercalated, and the solution turns blue-green instead of clear. Many pH indicators (hydroxynaphthol blue (“HNB”), phenol red, etc.) can be used to read LAMP reactions because the pH changes as the NA is amplified. Care should be taken to address the fact that pH can vary based on what type of material and how much material is collected as dust may invalidate a pH-based analysis.

[0388] Another method for visual detection of the LAMP amplicons by the unaided eye was based on their ability to hybridize with complimentary gold-bound ss-DNA and thus prevent the normal red to purple-blue color change that would otherwise occur during salt-induced aggregation of the gold particles. So, a LAMP method combined with amplicon detection by AuNP can have advantages over other methods in terms of reduced assay time, amplicon confirmation by hybridization and use of simpler equipment (z.e., there is no need for a thermocycler, electrophoresis equipment or a UV trans-illuminator).

[0389] Yet another fluorescence detection method comprises use of an LED of the right color (or a white-colored LED with a colored filter in front of it, such as a lens to focus the light on the assay tube) and an assay tube. A photodiode on the other side to detect the colored light can give an electrical output that can be measured. To look for fluorescence, the assay tube canbe illuminated with one color such as blue. Then, a filter on the other side can prevent any blue light passing through. In that case, longer wavelengths such as green are allowed to pass through. Smaller camera filters, such as a MidOpt BP505 filter BP505 Cyan Bandpass Filter (midopt.com), are those than can be used. Other filters, such as the BP525 MidOpt BP525 | Light Green Bandpass Filter, could allow for measurement of green emission fluoresced from a sybr-green or eva-green dye. In the case where a neutral red dye is used, a filter that blocks wavelengths shorter than orange (negative reaction is yellow, positive is light red) can be used. Examples of these filters, such as the MidOpt LP550, LP580, and BP635, allow red and / or orange to pass through and can act like an orange or red long-pass filter. Which filter is best can depend on the indicator dye used.

[0390] Yet another fluorescence detection method with this kind of dye comprises shining a green light and using a yellow-colored reaction to let through most green light and then subsequently using a red colored reaction to block most of the green light in order to obtain a curve that will start high and reduce down to a low threshold for a positive reaction.

[0391] The use of LAMP can be beneficial because LAMP has been observed to be less sensitive (more resistant) than PCR to inhibitors in complex materials such as blood, due in part to use of a different DNA polymerase. LAMP can successfully detect pathogens even from minimally processed materials. This feature of LAMP thus proves useful in low-resource or field settings where a conventional DNA or RNA extraction prior to diagnostic testing is simply impractical. Indeed, optical readouts are also less expensive to procure for the reading apparatus and consumable reagents than fluorescent readouts. It should also be noted that fluorescent reagents are generally not stable over time. Optical readouts can also be used to create a visible color change that can be seen with the naked eye without the need for expensive equipment. Even in situations where the cost of instrumentation is not a limitation, a response can still be more accurately measured by optical-specific instrumentation. Dye molecules intercalate or directly label the NA, and in turn can be correlated with a bulk amount of DNA. LAMP can thus be quantitative.

[0392] A risk assessment that is based on information generated from the described device can be produced within the device and / or from satellite data, farm, and weather data. Such data can include any of, but not limited to, organism quantity, presence of resistance markers, temperature, humidity, and wind speed and direction. Farm data can include, but not limited to soil moisture, leaf wetness, spray cycle, timing of bud break, crop variety. Interpretation of data can rely on algorithms that factor spore count, temperature, humidity, and other information to provide risk advisories to farmers. Higher than average risks (e.g., a riskdetermined to be above a threshold that is pre-selected as an unself level) to crop yields can result in the automated process automatically generating an alert to let the farmer know there are harmful pathogens threatening the health of the crops.

[0393] The computers that run the algorithms and analyze the data do not necessarily need to be implemented with the electronics of the device itself and / or carried out by personal electronic computers owned by the farmers. For example, where computers in a remote location are capable of processing said algorithms and uploading analyzed data to a wireless network, local computers in the field need only include a wireless transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving digital communications to and from the network. In this way, one or more aspects of the method 3700 can be controlled remotely with any suitable computer, such as the farmer’ s and / or manager’s and / or consultant’s personal electronic device.

[0394] Connectivity systems and / or wireless networks (such as cloud-based networks) for relaying the data remotely - can include use of communication protocols such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, can utilize cellular networks (likely using a mesh system), and / or use software that can effectively control the relay of data from remote locations, such as the software applications Hologram (see https: / / www.hologram.io / iot) and / or Swarm (see https: / / swarm. space). The apparatus(es), method(s), system(s), and / or design(s) described with reference to any of FIGS. 22-28 can incorporate and / or integrate with any apparatus(es), method(s), system(s), and / or design(s) described herein. As mentioned above, communications and / or data transmission through the network is secure and can be protected using one or more encryption techniques, such as those techniques provided by the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which superseded the Data Encryption Standard (DES), the IEEE 802.1 standard for port-based network security, pre-shared key, Extensible Authentication Protocol (“EAP”), Wired Equivalent Privacy (“WEP”), Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (“TKIP”), Wi-Fi Protected Access (“WPA”), and the like.

[0395] Figure 29 shows a microfluidic cassette 4000. Figure 30 shows an exploded view of components of the cassette 4000 in use with an analysis assembly 4001. The cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 can be configured to perform processing and / or analysis of a captured sample of particle(s), fluid, and / or microfluid. The processing and / or analysis can include the steps of (1) cell lysis and clean-up of the sample, (2) sample dilution, (3) nucleic acid amplification, and (4) result interpretation. The sample dilution step can be step-wise according to some embodiments. The nucleic acid amplification step can be performed via powdery mildew (PM) primers and / or vine mealybugs (VMB) primers. The cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 can include electrically actuated valve(s) to execute theseprocessing and / or analysis steps in sequence which enables detection and order-of-magnitude quantification of a target species in the sample being processed and / or analyzed. Target species can include powdery mildew, vine mealybugs, and / or other airborne pathogens, particles, and / or pests. The cassette 4000 and / or analyzer 4001 can incorporate additional channel(s), well(s), chamber(s), and the like to perform the processing and / or analysis steps to detect and quantify additional target species. Thus, the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 is capable of detecting and quantifying multiple species, such as powdery mildew, vine mealybugs, and / or other target species, simultaneously. According to some embodiments, the cassette 4000, analysis assembly 4001, and / or built-in software thereon can be used to perform processing and / or analysis of samples to detect and quantify target species such as powdery mildew and / or vine mealybugs. The cassette 4000 can be heated by the analysis assembly 4001, and / or components thereof, in order to facilitate detection of target species. The cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 can incorporate and / or be integrated with any of the apparatus(es), component(s), method(s), system(s), and / or design(s) described herein, including, but not limited to, the device 100, the device 2000, and / or the apparatus(es), component(s), method(s), system(s), and / or design(s) described in reference to FIGS. 22-28. For example, method(s), apparatus(es), and / or practices described with reference to FIGS. 22- 28 can be used to perform the above steps which include: (1) cell lysis and clean-up of the sample, (2) sample dilution, (3) nucleic acid amplification, and (4) result interpretation. Additionally, as an example, method(s), apparatus(es), and / or practices described with reference to FIGS. 22-28 can be used to perform collection of samples as well as processing and analysis of said samples including but not limited to detection and quantification of target species.

[0396] The cassette 4000 can include a platform 4002, a chamber assembly 4004 (wherein the chamber assembly 4004 includes a chamber 4006, a middle portion 4008, a lower protrusion 4010, and three upper protrusions 4012), a motor 4014, a motor connection member 4016, and two platform protrusions 4018.

[0397] The platform 4002 can provide stability to the cassette 4000 when analyzing a sample such as particle(s), fluid, microfluid, and the like. The chamber 4006 can be configured to hold and / or secure a sample such as particle(s), fluid, microfluid, and the like. The sample can be held and / or secured in the chamber 4006 before, during, and / or after analysis of the sample. While only one chamber 4006 is shown in Figure 29, any number of chambers ranging from 1 to N where N is any number greater than 1 could be included.

[0398] The chamber 4006 can be mounted on the middle portion 4008. The middle portion 4008 can be generally flat and can be used to mount the chamber 4006, the lower protrusion 4010, and / or the upper protrusions 4012. The lower protrusion 4010 can be mounted on the bottom of the middle portion 4008. While only one lower protrusion 4010 is shown in FIG. 29, any number of lower protrusions ranging from zero to N where N is any number greater than zero could be included. The upper protrusions 4012 can be mounted to the top of the middle portion 4008. While three upper protrusions 4012 are shown in FIG. 29, any number of upper protrusions ranging from zero to N where N is any number greater than zero could be included. The upper and lower protrusion(s) 4012, 4014 can be used to facilitate mounting of the chamber assembly 4004 to another component.

[0399] The motor 4014 can be mounted to the middle portion 4008 of the chamber assembly 4004. The motor 4014 can be used to actuate the cassette 4000 and / or any components thereof. Additionally, the motor 4014 can be used to actuate the analysis assembly 4001 and / or any components thereof. The motor 4014 can be any suitable off-the-shelf motor.

[0400] A motor connection member 4016 can be included to facilitate attachment of the motor 4014 to the chamber assembly 4004. The motor connection can be and / or comprise any sort of attachment means including, but not limited to, coupling mechanism(s), brace(s), bracket(s), plug(s), screw(s), nut(s), bolt(s), and the like. Additionally, the middle portion 4008 of the chamber assembly 4004 can include one or more apertures wherein screw(s), and / or any other suitable connection means, can be used to attach the motor 4014 and / or motor connection member 4016 to the chamber assembly 4004. The motor 4014 can be a brushless motor (such as a brushless servo motor), a stepper motor, a linear motor, and / or any other suitable type of motor.

[0401] As shown in FIG. 29, the cassette 4000 can further include two platform protrusions 4018. While two platform protrusions 4018 are shown, any number of platform protrusions ranging from zero to N where N is any number greater than zero could be included. The platform protrusions 4018 can be used to provide stability for the platform 4002 and / or the cassette 4000.

[0402] As shown in FIG. 30, the analysis assembly 4001 can include the cassette 4000 including any components thereof, a first control board 4020, a second control board 4021, and a plurality of mounting members 4022.

[0403] While two control boards are shown in FIG. 30, any number of control boards ranging from 1 to N where N is any number greater than 1 could be included. The first control board 4020 can be configured to control motion and / or analytics. The first control board 4020 cancontrol the motion of the cassette 4000 including the changing of samples. Additionally, the first control board 4020 can control the analysis of the sample(s). The cassette 4000, chamber assembly 4004, and / or components thereof can be mounted to the first control board 4020. To facilitate mounting the cassette 4000 and / or chamber assembly 4004 to the first control board 4020 the analysis assembly 4001 can include three mounting members 4022. The three mounting members 4022 can be positioned such that each is on, near, and / or in contact with one of the upper protrusions 4012 of the chamber assembly 4004 to facilitate attaching / mounting the cassette 4000 and / or chamber assembly 4004 to the first control board 4020. Each mounting member 4022 can be and / or comprise any sort of attachment means including, but not limited to, tube(s), pillar(s), coupling mechanism(s), brace(s), bracket(s), plug(s), screw(s), nut(s), bolt(s), and the like. Other components of the cassette 4000 can be mounted on and / or included on the first control board 4020. For example, the chamber assembly 4004 and the motor 4014 can be mounted to the first control board 4020. The motor 4014 can be mounted via screw(s), as shown in FIG. 30, and / or by any other suitable means. The motor connection member 4016 can also facilitate attachment of the motor 4014 to the first control board 4020 and / or can facilitate attachment of the motor 4014 to the cassette 4000 and / or chamber assembly 4004.

[0404] The first control board 4020 can further include photonic device(s) 4024 as shown in FIG. 30. The photonic device(s) 4024 can include optical sensor(s) and / or camera(s) wherein the optical sensor(s) and / or camera(s) are configured to capture photograph(s), imagery, and / or video footage of the sample(s). The captured photograph(s), imagery, and / or video footage can then be analyzed. Such analysis can be performed via software. Additionally, sample delivery and dilution methods can be performed via the built-in software of the cassette 4000 and / or the analysis assembly 4001. The first control board 4020 can further include a plurality of actuator(s), channel(s), valve(s), pump(s), mixer(s), and / or other feature(s) to facilitate motion and analysis of the sample(s).

[0405] The first and second control boards 4020, 4021 can be attached via one or more mounting member(s) 4022. While three mounting members 4022 are shown in FIG. 30 to facilitate attachment of the first and second control boards 4020, 4021, any number of mounting members 4022 ranging from zero to N where N is any number greater than zero could be used to facilitate attachment of the first and second control boards 4020, 4021.

[0406] The second control board 4021 can further comprise a second motor 4026, a temperature feedback member 4028, a lysis heater 4030, an amplification heater 4032, and a sample drying heater 4034. The second motor 4026 can be used to change the sample which iscurrently being analyzed and / or to change cartridges as described above in reference to FIGS. 22-28. The second motor 4026 can be any suitable off-the-shelf motor. The second motor 4026 can be a brushless motor (such as a brushless servo motor), a stepper motor, a linear motor, and / or any other suitable type of motor. The temperature feedback member 4028 can be used to measure and / or monitor the temperature of the sample(s), either of the control boards 4020 / 4021, and / or any other component(s) of the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001. The lysis heater 4030 can be configured to generate heat in order to perform cell lysis and to clean up the sample(s) as part of the processing and / or analysis steps. The amplification heater 4032 can be configured to generate heat in order to perform the nucleic acid amplification step of the processing and / or analysis steps. The sample drying heater 4034 can be configured to produce heat in order to perform steps of the processing and / or analysis steps listed above as well as to facilitate detection and / or quantification of target species.

[0407] Further, any component of the first control board 4020 could be included on the second control board 4022 and vice versa. Additionally, according to some embodiments, the analyzer 4001 can include a single control board.

[0408] The cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 can be 3D printed and / or manufactured by any other suitable means. If 3D printed, the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 can be printed via stereolithography (SLA) and / or any other suitable means. SLA 3D printing allows for high resolution and accuracy, rapid prototyping and / or production, and the ability to create complex geometries and / or structures when fabricating microfluidic cassettes such as the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001. Thus, the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 can include complex geometries and / or structures as well as be cost-effectively produced. Additionally, using SLA 3D printing to produce the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 can enable the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 to include microfluidic channels, features with precise dimensions and shapes, and / or incorporation of multiple functional components such as valve(s), pump(s), and / or mixer(s). Further, SLA 3D printing of the cassette 4000 allows and / or analysis assembly 4001 for rapid iteration and optimization of the design of the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001, which allows the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 to be robust and efficient.

[0409] According to some embodiments, the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 can be produced via injection molding wherein the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 comprise biocompatible polypropylene, which is well-suited for high-volume manufacturing.

[0410] According to some embodiments, the analysis assembly 4001 can be a microfluidic analyzer that can include the cassette 4000. The analysis assembly 4001 can be configured to operate, mechanically and / or otherwise, the cassette 4000 and interpret results thereof.

[0411] The cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 can be incorporated into and / or integrated with any of the devices, components, methods, and / or systems described above including, but not limited to, the device 100, the device 2000, and / or designs described in reference to FIGS. 22-28.

[0412] The cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 can be located in an agricultural field such that collection and analysis of samples can be conducted in the field rather than needing to transport samples to a remote location for analysis. Additionally, the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 can be configured to operate with a LAMP and a lyophilized polymerase. Operation of the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 in conjunction with a LAMP and a lyophilized polymerase will allow the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 to operate for at least two weeks under field conditions while delivering reliable, accurate pathogen / pest detection and quantification. Further, according to some embodiments, all and / or some of the components of the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 can be lyophilized to extend the life span of the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 under field conditions.

[0413] The cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 is configured to implement an assay to detect and / or quantify airborne vine mealybug crawlers (“crawlers” are early juveniles while is the most mobile vine mealybugs life stage; crawlers are easily dispersed by air currents) as well as simultaneously implement an assay to detect and / or quantify powdery mildew. Thus, the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 is capable of detecting and / or quantifying vine mealybugs and powdery mildew simultaneously. According to some embodiments, the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 is configured to simultaneously detect and quantify other target species in addition to powdery mildew and vine mealybugs.

[0414] The most economically important grapevine virus is grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GRLaV-3), which is a closterovirus transmitted by vine mealybugs. Management of GLRaV-3 infections in vineyards is based on the planting of virus free grapevines, and the control of mealybug vector populations to limit natural spread. Thus, detection and quantification of vine mealybugs is important in fostering healthy crops and obtaining high yields with regard to grapevines.

[0415] The cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 (as well as other hardware described herein related to any of the methods / processes 3100, 3500, and / or 3700, and / or any otherhardware described herein) can be capable of cooling and heating of samples (including fluid samples) and / or reagents to adjust viscosity and enhance preservation of the samples and / or reagents. Thus, in addition to the various heaters included as part of the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 that can provide heating for the samples and / or reagents, the cassette 4000 and / or analysis apparatus 4001 (and other hardware described herein) can include cooling apparatus(es) and / or material to perform cooling of the samples and / or reagents. The cooling apparatus(es) and / or material can comprise any off-the-shelf apparatus and / or material used for cooling including, but not limited to, coolant, heat exchanger devices, heat sinks, evaporative coolers, heat pipes, intercoolers, ventilation mechanisms, radiators, pumpable ice technology, thermoelectric cooling mechanisms, vortex tubes, and / or any other suitable cooling mechanisms. The various heater(s) included in the present disclosure can comprise any off-the- shelf heater including, but not limited to, infrared radiant heaters, convection heaters, fan heaters, immersion heaters, circulation heaters, electrode heaters, boilers, radiators, and / or any other suitable type of heater.

[0416] According to some embodiments, the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 can include a cyberinfrastructure to perform collection and / or analysis of sample(s). The cyberinfrastructure can include a processing unit, a memory unit, and a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0417] The processing unit, which can also be referred to as a processor, is an electronic circuit which performs operations on some external data source, usually memory or some other data stream. Non-limiting examples of processors include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an arithmetic logic unit (“ALU”), and most notably, a central processing unit (“CPU”). A CPU, also called a central processor or main processor, is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input / output (“VO”) operations specified by the instructions. Processing units are common in tablets, telephones, handheld devices, laptops, user displays, smart devices (TV, speaker, watch, etc.), and other computing devices.

[0418] The memory unit includes, in some embodiments, a program storage area and / or data storage area. The memory can comprise read-only memory (“ROM”, an example of nonvolatile memory, meaning it does not lose data when it is not connected to a power source) or random access memory (“RAM”, an example of volatile memory, meaning it will lose its data when not connected to a power source). Nonlimiting examples of volatile memory include static RAM (“SRAM”), dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), synchronous DRAM (“SDRAM”), etc. Examples of non-volatile memory include electrically erasable programmable read onlymemory (“EEPROM”), flash memory, hard disks, SD cards, etc. In some embodiments, the processing unit, such as a processor, a microprocessor, or a microcontroller, is connected to the memory unit and executes software instructions, and / or a software program, that are capable of being stored in a RAM of the memory (e.g., during execution), a ROM of the memory (e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or another non-transitory computer readable medium such as another memory or a disc.

[0419] According to some embodiments, the non-transitory computer readable medium of the cyberinfrastructure can be comprised within the memory unit. According to some embodiments, the non-transitory computer readable medium is separate from the memory unit. The non-transitory computer readable medium and / or the memory unit can comprise executable instructions that, when executed, perform operations wherein the operations comprise performing cell lysis and clean-up of the fluid sample, diluting the fluid sample, performing nucleic acid amplification of the fluid sample, and interpreting a result. According to some embodiments, the operations comprise detecting and / or quantifying target species within a sample wherein examples of target species can include powdery mildew and / or vine mealybugs. According to some embodiments, the operations include capturing, processing, analyzing, and / or interpreting photograph(s), imagery, and / or video footage. According to some embodiments, the operations include communication with a user / farmer. For example, according to some embodiments, the operations can include communicating results to a user / farmer via wireless communication or otherwise.

[0420] In communications and computing, a computer readable medium is a medium capable of storing data in a format readable by a mechanical device. The term “non-transitory” is used herein to refer to computer readable media (“CRM”) that store data for short periods or in the presence of power such as a memory device.

[0421] One or more embodiments described herein can be implemented using programmatic modules, engines, and / or components. A programmatic module, engine, or component can include a program, a sub-routine, a portion of a program, or a software component or a hardware component capable of performing one or more stated tasks or functions. A module or component can exist on a hardware component independently of other modules or components. Alternatively, a module or component can be a shared element or process of other modules, programs, or machines.

[0422] Generally, a non-transitory computer readable medium operates under control of an operating system stored in memory. The non-transitory computer readable medium implements a compiler which allows a software application written in a programming language such asCOBOL, C++, FORTRAN, or any other known programming language to be translated into code readable by the central processing unit. After completion, the central processing unit accesses and manipulates data stored in the memory of the non-transitory computer readable medium using the relationships and logic dictated by the software application and generated using a compiler.

[0423] In at least one embodiment, a software application, executable instructions, and / or a compiler are tangibly embodied in the computer-readable medium. When the instructions are read and executed by the non-transitory computer readable medium, the non-transitory computer readable medium performs the steps necessary to implement and / or use the present disclosure. A software application, operating instructions, and / or firmware (semi-permanent software programmed into read-only memory) may also be tangibly embodied in the memory unit and / or data communication devices, thereby making the software application, and / or executable instructions, a product or article of manufacture according to the present disclosure.

[0424] Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, and / or other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the methods and / or systems described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0425] The cyberinfrastructure can further include an intelligent control and components for establishing communications. Thus, a user / farmer can provide commands to the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 wherein such commands are performed. The cassette 4000 and / or 4001 can include the use of a network such that a user / farmer can be in remote communication with the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001. Thus, a user / farmer can provide commands to and / or monitor status of and receive data from the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 remotely.

[0426] The cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 provide the ability for efficient and accurate detection and / or quantification of multiple target species simultaneously. Such target species can include potentially harmful pests and / or pathogens including, but not limited to, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and / or insects. For example, according to some embodiments, the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 is configured to simultaneously detect and / orquantify powdery mildew and vine mealybugs. Thus, the cassette 4000 and / or analysis assembly 4001 contribute to sustainable agriculture practices by enabling early detection of potentially harmful species such as powdery mildew and vine mealybugs.

[0427] Figure 31 shows a schematic view of a dilution series loop 5000 used to dilute a sample, such as a fluid sample. The dilution series loop 5000 shown in Figure 31 can be used to perform any sort of dilution mentioned herein. As shown in Figure 31, the dilution series loop 5000 can include a tube 5001, an inlet adapter 5002, an outlet adapter 5004, and a pump 5014.

[0428] As shown in Figure 31, the inlet adapter 5002 can be a T-junction adapter that includes multiple valves and inlets. The inlet adapter 5002 can comprise any sort of piping and / or tubing that allows for fluid, including at least a fluid sample and a buffer, to travel through the inlet adapter 5002 and enter the tube 5001. While Figure 31 shows that the inlet adapter 5002 is a single T-junction adapter, any sort of adapter could be used such as any sort of fitting, connector, and the like. Additionally, while only one inlet adapter 5002 is shown in Figure 31, the dilution series loop 5000 could include any number of inlet adapters ranging from 1 to N where N is any number greater than 1. As shown in Figure 31, the inlet adapter 5002 can include a sample inlet 5006, a buffer inlet 5008, and two valves 5016.

[0429] The sample inlet 5006 can be used as an inlet for a sample, such as a fluid sample, that contains an analyte of interest wherein the sample enters the inlet adapter 5002, and ultimately the tube 5001, via the sample inlet 5006. The sample inlet 5006 can include any sort of piping and / or tubing that allows for a sample, such as a fluid sample, to travel through, enter, and / or exit the sample inlet 5006. While only one sample inlet 5006 is shown in Figure 31, the inlet adapter 5002 could include any number of sample inlets ranging from 1 to N where N is any number greater than 1.

[0430] The buffer inlet 5008 can be used as an inlet for a buffer, wherein the buffer can be any suitable buffer material used as a buffer for dilution. The buffer material can comprise any suitable fluid such as water. The buffer inlet 5008 can serve as an inlet for the buffer wherein the buffer enters the inlet adapter 5002, and ultimately the tube 5001, via the buffer inlet 5008. The buffer inlet 5008 can include any sort of piping and / or tubing that allows for a buffer, such as water, to travel through, enter, and / or exit the buffer inlet 5008. While only one buffer inlet is shown in Figure 31, the inlet adapter 5002 could include any number of buffer inlets ranging from 1 to N where N is any number greater than 1.

[0431] The dilution series loop 5000 can include a plurality of valves 5016 as shown in Figure 31. The valves 5016 can be any generic off-the-shelf valve used to regulate, direct, and / or control the flow of a fluid and / or other material. For example, the valves 5016 could comprisea check valve, a hydraulic valve, a pneumatic valve, a manual valve, a solenoid valve, a motor valve, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a choke valve, a diaphragm valve, a gate valve, a globe valve, a knife valve, a needle valve, a pinch valve, a piston valve, a plug valve, a spool valve, a flow control valve, a poppet valve, a pressure-balanced valve, a pressure reducing valve, a safety valve, a relief valve, a sampling valve, and the like. The valves 5016 can be configured to open, close, and / or partially obstruct a passageway, such as portion(s) of the dilution series loop 5000, in order to regulate, direct, and / or control the flow of a fluid and / or other material.

[0432] As shown in Figure 31, the inlet adapter 5006 can include two valves 5016. One of the valves 5016 of the inlet adapter 5002 shown in Figure 31 can be positioned such that it is operationally connected to the sample inlet 5006 and is used to regulate, direct, and / or control the flow of a sample. The other valve 5016 of the inlet adapter 5002 shown in Figure 31 can be positioned such that it is operationally connected to the buffer inlet 5008 and is used to regulate, direct, and / or control the flow of a buffer. While the inlet adapter 5002 is shown to comprise two valves 5016, the inlet adapter 5002 could comprise any number of valves ranging from zero to N where N is any number greater than zero.

[0433] As shown in Figure 31, the outlet adapter 5004 can be a T-junction adapter that includes multiple valves and outlets. The outlet adapter 5004 can comprise any sort of piping and / or tubing that allows for fluid, including at least a diluted sample, such as a diluted fluid sample, and waste, to travel from the tube 5001 through the outlet adapter 5004 and be output from the dilution series loop 5000. While Figure 31 shows that the outlet adapter 5004 is a single T- junction adapter, any sort of adapter could be used such as any sort of fitting, connector, and the like. Additionally, while only one outlet adapter 5004 is shown in Figure 31, the dilution series loop 5000 could include any number of outlet adapters ranging from 1 to N where N is any number greater than 1. As shown in Figure 31, the outlet adapter 5004 can include a diluted sample outlet 5010, a waste outlet 5012, and two valves 5016.

[0434] The diluted sample outlet 5010 can be used as an outlet for a diluted sample, such as a fluid sample, wherein the sample from the tube 5001 enters the outlet adapter 5004, and then enters and exits the diluted sample outlet 5010 wherein the diluted sample can be output from the dilution series loop 5000. The diluted sample can then be retrieved and / or received such that the diluted sample can be further processed and / or analyzed. The diluted sample outlet 5010 can include any sort of piping and / or tubing that allows for a sample, such as a fluid sample, to travel through, enter, and / or exit the diluted sample outlet 5010. While only one diluted sample outlet 5010 is shown in Figure 31, the outlet adapter 5004 could include any number of diluted sample outlets ranging from 1 to N where N is any number greater than 1.

[0435] The waste outlet 5012 can be used as an outlet for waste, wherein the waste can be any waste material produced via the dilution process. The waste material can comprise any material removed from a sample when diluting said sample. The waste outlet 5012 can serve as an outlet for waste wherein the waste from the tube 5001 enters the outlet adapter 5004, and then enters and exits the waste outlet 5012 wherein the waste can be output from the dilution series loop 5000. The waste outlet 5012 can include any sort of piping and / or tubing that allows for a waste to travel through, enter, and / or exit the waste outlet 5012. While only one waste outlet 5012 is shown in Figure 31, the outlet adapter 5004 could include any number of waste outlets ranging from 1 to N where N is any number greater than 1.

[0436] As shown in Figure 31, the outlet adapter 5004 can include two valves 5016. One of the valves 5016 of the outlet adapter 5004 shown in Figure 31 can be positioned such that it is operationally connected to the diluted sample outlet 5010 and is used to regulate, direct, and / or control the flow of a diluted sample. The other valve 5016 of the outlet adapter 5010 shown in Figure 31 can be positioned such that it is operationally connected to the waste outlet 5012 and is used to regulate, direct, and / or control the flow of waste. While the outlet adapter 5004 is shown to comprise two valves 5016, the outlet adapter 5004 could comprise any number of valves ranging from zero to N where N is any number greater than zero.

[0437] As shown in Figure 31, the tube 5001 can comprise two valves 5016 wherein the valves 5016 create an angle 0 5018 between each other. While Figure 31 shows two valves 5016 located on the tube 5001, the tube 5001 could comprise any number of valves ranging from zero to N where N is any number greater than zero. The valves 5016 of the tube 5001 can regulate, direct, and / or control flow of material through the tube 5001. Additionally, the valves 5016 of the tube 5001 can regulate, direct, and / or control flow of material between the inlet adapter 5002 and the outlet adapter 5004.

[0438] As shown in Figure 31, the tube 5001 can further comprise a pump 5014. The pump 5014 can be configured to move fluid and / or other material through component(s) of the dilution series loop 5000 including, but not limited to, moving fluid and / or material through the tube 5001, the inlet adapter 5002 and / or the outlet adapter 5004. The pump 5014 can be configured to move fluid and / or other material via mechanical action and / or via any other suitable means. According to some embodiments, the pump 5014 can convert electrical energy and / or hydraulic energy into mechanical action. In Figure 31 the pump 5014 is shown to be a peristaltic pump, but any suitable pump mechanism could be included. For example, the pump 5014 could be and / or comprise a positive-displacement pump, a gear pump, a screw pump, a progressing cavity pump, a roots-type pump, a plunger pump, a rope pump, an impulse pump,a hydraulic ram pump, a velocity pump, a turbine pump, a gravity pump, a steam pump, a valveless pump, and the like.

[0439] The dilution series loop 5000 can be used to dilute a sample, such as a fluid sample, via successive and iterative cycles. According to some embodiments, the dilution series loop 5000 is configured to be able to perform one or more processes to perform dilution. For instance, an example process could include a 2-series dilution wherein the 2-series dilution includes the steps of (1) sample injection, (2) buffer injection, (3) sample dilution, (4) buffer injection, (5) sample dilution, and (6) sample retrieval. The various valves 5016 of the dilution series loop5000 can be opened, closed, and / or partially opened / closed as needed for the dilution process. The valves 5016 can be manipulated automatically and / or manually.

[0440] As shown in Figure 31, the tube 5001 can be a circular tube with an inner edge 5020 and an outer edge 5022. Thus, the tube 5001 can have an inner diameter, measured as a diameter of the inner edge 5020, and an outer diameter, measured as a diameter of the outer edge 5022. The inner and / outer diameters of the tube 5001 can be modified to achieve a desired and / or assigned dilution ratio. Additionally, the angle 0 5018 between the valves 5016 of the tube5001 can be modified to achieve to a desired and / or assigned dilution ratio. The inner and / or outer diameters of the tube 5001 and the angle 0 5018 between the valves 5016 of the tube 5001 can be modified automatically and / or manually.

[0441] Any sensor referred to herein can be and / or comprise an anemometer; a hygrometer; a temperature sensor; a relative humidity sensor, said relative humidity sensor optionally comprising an in-canopy relative humidity sensor; a leaf wetness sensor, a photodetector capable of detecting photosynthetically active radiation (PAR); a flow sensor; an air pollution sensor; a smoke detector; a soil moisture sensor; a pressure sensor; a position sensor, said position sensor optionally comprising a Global Positioning System (“GPS”) or an inertial measurement unit (“IMU”); a microphone; an optical sensor; a camera; and / or a camera. The camera can be configured such that it can capture still images and / or video footage. The camera can be capable of capturing infrared image(s) and / or infrared video footage. The camera can be capable of capturing ultraviolet image(s) and / or ultraviolet video footage. According to some embodiments, the camera is capable of capturing any number of images ranging from zero to N where N is any number greater than zero. The camera is also capable of capturing any amount of video footage.

[0442] Any motor referred to herein can be a brushless motor (such as a brushless servo motor), a stepper motor, a linear motor, and / or any other suitable type of motor.

[0443] The cassette 4000, analysis assembly 4001, and / or any of the hardware related to any of the methods / processes 3100, 3500, and / or 3700 and / or any other hardware described herein can further comprise sealed chambers to prevent cross contamination or leakage of amplified NA including, but not limited to, RNA, DNA, LNA, PNA, and / or UNA. The sealed chambers provide a sealed environment that prevents leakage, spillage, and / or contamination.

[0444] Any cartridges described herein including, but not limited to, the collection cartridge 800, the SPD cartridge 3204, the DGG cartridge 3302, and / or the A&D cartridge 3406 can be configured without a carousel or swapping mechanism. Additionally, according to some embodiments, any cartridges described herein may be fixed and shelved on top of one another within an analysis assembly while connected to fluidic tubing (such as macro-fluidic tubing and / or micro-fluidic tubing) and / or fluidic channel(s).

[0445] Any cartridges described herein including, but not limited to, the collection cartridge 800, the SPD cartridge 3204, the DGG cartridge 3302, the A&D cartridge 3406 and / or any fluidic connectors described herein including, but not limited to any channels, tubing, and the like can comprise and / or be treated with a fluorosilane coating and / or comprise and / or be treated with a polyethylene glycol coating. Such coatings will enhance substrate material biocompatibility with nucleic amplification.

[0446] According to some embodiments, any of the apparatus(es) described herein including but not limited to the device 100, the tube changer device 2000, cassette 4000, analysis assembly 4001, and / or any hardware related to any of the methods / processes 3100, 3500, and / or 3700 can include a locking mechanism that allows the apparatus / hardware to be secured such that an unintended person cannot open and / or tamper with the apparatus / hardware or components thereof. The locking mechanism further allows for security in that an unintended person cannot alter, damage, remove, and / or steal samples from and / or components of the apparatus / hardware. According to some embodiments, the locking mechanism can include a hoop and latch wherein the latch can engage the hoop and be secured via a lock. The lock can be any off-the-shelf lock. Any other suitable type of locking mechanism could be used. Nonlimiting examples of locking mechanisms include a chain lock, a combination lock, a padlock, and the like.

[0447] Any data transmission or network communication performed by any of the apparatus(es) described herein including but not limited to the device 100, the tube changer device 2000, cassette 4000, analysis assembly 4001, and / or any hardware related to any of the methods / processes 3100, 3500, and / or 3700, and / or components thereof, is secure and protected. Such communications and / or data transmission can be protected using one or moreencryption techniques, such as those techniques provided by the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which superseded the Data Encryption Standard (DES), the IEEE 802.1 standard for port-based network security, pre-shared key, Extensible Authentication Protocol (“EAP”), Wired Equivalent Privacy (“WEP”), Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (“TKIP”), WiFi Protected Access (“WPA”), and the like.

[0448] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present disclosure accomplishes at least all of the stated objectives.

[0449] The “scope” of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the disclosure is further qualified as including any possible modification to any of the aspects and / or embodiments disclosed herein which would result in other embodiments, combinations, subcombinations, or the like that would be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A collection device comprising: a housing comprising a plurality of dry cyclones, wherein said dry cyclones share at least one common fluid inlet and a common fluid outlet, said housing configured to exert a centripetal force on air entering the fluid inlet so as to translate linear motion of said air to rotational motion; a pressure change device that, when operated, causes the air to enter the at least one fluid inlet; a power source for powering the pressure change device; and a collection zone for capturing particles contained within the air that enters the at least one fluid inlet, wherein a fluid entrance of said collection zone is oriented at a direction different than a direction the air enters the at least one fluid inlet and is positioned below the at least one fluid inlet, wherein the common fluid outlet allows for air to exit the capture device after the particles have been captured in the collection zone.

2. The collection device of claim 1, wherein the pressure change device comprises a fan.

3. The collection device of claim 1, wherein the collection device comprises at least 2, at least 4, at least 6, at least 8, or at least 10 dry cyclones.

4. The collection device of claim 1, wherein said collection device is supported by a structure mounted to the ground.

5. The collection device of claim 3, wherein said structure is a pole.

6. The collection device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of dry cyclones shares a single common fluid inlet.

7. The collection device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of dry cyclones shares two common fluid inlets.

8. The collection device of claim 1, wherein the particles are sized between one micron and one millimeter.

9. The collection device of claim 1, further comprising a weathervane.

10. The collection device of claim 1, wherein the collection device is free from a weathervane.

11. The collection device of claim 1 , wherein the power source is a battery.

12. The collection device of claim 11, wherein the battery is a rechargeable lithium ion phosphate battery.

13. The collection device of claim 11, wherein the battery is electrically connected to one or more solar panels.

14. The collection device of claim 1, wherein the power source is one or more solar panels.

15. The collection device of claim 1, further comprising a controller to regulate power provided by the power source.

16. The collection device of claim 1, wherein the collection zone is selected from the group consisting of: a) a tube; b) a well; c) a cartridge; and d) a cassette.

17. The collection device of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of: a) an anemometer; b) a hygrometer; c) a temperature sensor; d) a relative humidity sensor; e) a leaf wetness sensor; f) a photodetector capable of detecting photosynthetically active radiation(PAR); g) a flow sensor; h) an air pollution sensor; i) a smoke detector; j) a soil moisture sensor; k) a pressure sensor; l) a position sensor; m) a microphone; and n) a camera.

18. The collection device of claim 17, wherein the relative humidity sensor comprises an in-canopy relative humidity sensor.

19. The collection device of claim 17, wherein the position sensor comprises a Global Positioning System (“GPS”) and / or an inertial measurement unit (“IMU”).

20. The collection device of claim 17, wherein the camera is configured such that it can capture one or more images and / or video footage, wherein said one or more images and / or video footage could comprise one or more ultraviolet images and / or video footage and / or one or more infrared images and / or video footage.

21. The collection device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving communications to and from a network.

22. The collection device of claim 1, further comprising a grille that acts as a grating forming a barrier or screen for the air entering the fluid inlet.

23. The collection device of claim 1, further comprising one or more wheels to facilitate transportation of the collection device.

24. The collection device of claim 1, further comprising an indicator light configured to illuminate based on characteristics of the particles and / or air entering the fluid inlet.

25. The collection device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of dry cyclones is coated with a material to prevent clogging and / or particle buildup on inner wall(s) of the plurality of dry cyclones.

26. The collection device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of dry cyclones is geometrically configured to redirect airflow to prevent clogging and / or particle buildup on inner wall(s) of the plurality of dry cyclones.

27. The collection device of claim 1, further comprising a light used for insect attraction and an insect capture component, wherein the light used for insect attraction can be configured to illuminate to attract insects and the insect capture component can be configured to capture the attracted insects.

28. The collection device of claim 1, wherein the collection device is rotatable such that the collection device is configured to rotate to face wind.

29. A capture and genetic analysis device, the device comprising: a housing;one or more cyclones positioned within the housing, wherein the one or more cyclones are configured to separate particles from an air sample; a pressure change device configured to force air through the one or more cyclones; and a power source to provide power to the pressure change device; wherein the device is self-powered and is lightweight such that the device can be used in an agricultural field.

30. The device of claim 29, wherein the pressure change device comprises a fan.

31. The device of either of claim 29, wherein the device is mounted on a pole.

32. The device of any of claim 29, wherein the device is rotatable such that the device rotates to face wind.

33. The device of any of claim 29, wherein the device is solar powered.

34. A collection device, the device comprising: a housing; one or more cyclones positioned within the housing, wherein the one or more cyclones are configured to separate particles from an air sample; a fan configured to force air through the one or more cyclones; and a power source comprising one or more solar panels wherein the power source is operationally attached to a battery; wherein the device is compact and light-weight such that it can be pole-mounted.

35. A sample collection module for use with a tube changer device, the sample collection module comprising: an upper member; a rotatable lower member operationally attached to the upper member; and a motor configured to cause rotation of the lower member; wherein the lower member comprises one or more apertures.

36. The sample collection module of claim 35, wherein each of the one or more apertures is configured to be capable of holding a tube.

37. The sample collection module of either of claim 35, wherein the upper member comprises a connection portion, a circular portion, and an enclosure portion.

38. The sample collection module of claim 37, wherein the connection portion of the upper member facilitates connection of the upper member to a tube changer device.

39. The sample collection module of claim 37, wherein the connection portion comprises threading suitable to facilitate a threaded connection with the tube changer device.

40. The sample collection module of claim 37, wherein the circular portion of the upper member is generally the same size and shape as the lower member.

41. The sample collection module of claim 37, wherein the enclosure portion is configured to at least partially house the motor.

42. The sample collection module of claim 35, wherein the lower member comprises one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or more than twelve apertures.

43. The sample collection module of claim 35, further comprising one or more tubes wherein each of the one or more tubes is capable of receiving fluid.

44. The sample collection module of claim 43, wherein each of the one or more tubes is inserted into one of the one or more apertures of the lower member.

45. The sample collection module of claim 35, further comprising a housing wherein the collection module is housed within the housing.

46. The sample collection module of claim 35, further comprising a housing wherein one, some, or all of the one or more tubes are housed within a housing.

47. The sample collection module of claim 35, wherein the motor is a brushless servo motor, a stepper motor, or a linear motor.

48. The sample collection module of claim 35, wherein the motor is driven by a control board.

49. A method of changing receptacles for use with collection of multiple fluid samples, the method comprising: securing a first receptacle in a first aperture of a generally circular lower member; securing a second receptacle in a second aperture of the lower member; positioning the first receptacle in alignment with an opening of an upper member such that the first receptacle can receive a first fluid sample via the opening of the upper member; rotating the lower member relative to the upper member such that the second receptacle is positioned in alignment with the opening of the upper member such that the second receptacle can receive a first fluid sample via the opening of the upper member;wherein rotation of the lower member is achieved via operation of a motor.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the motor is mounted on and / or at least partially housed in the upper member.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein the motor is a brushless servo motor, a stepper motor, or a linear motor.

52. The method of claim 49, wherein the upper member is generally circular such that its size and shape generally matches the lower member.

53. The method of claim 49, wherein the opening of the upper member comprises a connection portion that facilitates a connection with a bottle.

54. The method of claim 49, wherein the lower member has three or more apertures.

55. A tube changer device for collection of multiple samples, the device comprising: a housing comprising a plurality of dry cyclones, wherein said dry cyclones share at least one common fluid inlet and a common fluid outlet, said housing configured to exert a centripetal force on air entering the fluid inlet so as to translate linear motion of said air to rotational motion; a pressure change device that, when operated, causes the air to enter the at least one fluid inlet; a power source for powering the pressure change device; and a collection zone for capturing particles contained within the air that enters the at least one fluid inlet, wherein a fluid entrance of said collection zone is oriented at a direction different than a direction the air enters the at least one fluid inlet and is positioned below the at least one fluid inlet, wherein the common fluid outlet allows for air to exit the capture device after the particles have been captured in the collection zone; a sample collection module operationally connected to the collection device and is configured to receive a plurality of fluid and / or particle samples from the collection device, said sample collection module comprising: an upper member; a rotatable lower member operationally attached to the upper member; and a motor configured to cause rotation of the lower member; wherein the lower member comprises one or more apertures.

56. An automated process comprising:processing a sample in a sample preparation well; acquiring a supernatant solution and allowing at least some of the supernatant solution to enter a sample preparation disk cartridge; generating dilutions of the supernatant solution; amplifying nucleotides in the supernatant solution using an isothermal amplification process.

57. The automated process of claim 56, further comprising collecting particles from the environment, said collecting particles optionally comprising: using a motor-driven cyclonic particle concentration mechanism (3106) to collect said particles (3104) from the environment.

58. The automated process of claim 56, further comprising detecting said nucleotides in the supernatant solution.

59. The automated process of claim 58, wherein the detecting said nucleotides in the supernatant solution is accomplished using fluorescence.

60. The automated process of claim 56, further comprising transferring said particles (3104) to the sample preparation well (3202), wherein said sample preparation well (3202) forms part of the preparation disk cartridge (3204) and said well (3202) contains a stabilizing liquid.

61. The automated process of claim 60, wherein the liquid is water (3210).

62. The automated process of claim 56, wherein the sample preparation disk cartridge (3204) is rotated by a motor-driven shaft (3206).

63. The automated process of claim 60, further comprising adding lysis agent (3212) to the well (3202) containing the stabilizing liquid and the particles (3104).

64. The automated process of claim 60, further comprising sealing the wells (3202).

65. The automated process of claim 64, wherein sealing the wells (3202) is performed via one or more covers (3214).

66. The automated process of claim 56, further comprising isolating the supernatant solution (3218).

67. The automated process of claim 66, wherein isolating the supernatant solution (3218) comprises separating the supernatant solution (3218) from debris (3220).

68. The automated process of claim 56, wherein dilutions are generated (3304) through use of one or more gradient generator cartridges (3302).

69. The automated process of claim 68, wherein the one or more gradient generator cartridges (3302) are arranged in a carousel (3306).

70. The automated process of claim 68, wherein each of the one or more gradient generator cartridges (3302) comprises a ladder network wherein each of the one or more gradient generator cartridges (3302) is configured to generate logarithmic or linear concentrations.

71. The automated process of claim 68, wherein each of the one or more gradient generator cartridges (3302) comprises a fluidic channel network (3308) for dilution.

72. The automated process of claim 71, wherein the fluidic channel network (3308) is a millifluidic channel network.

73. The automated process of claim 71, wherein channel diameter drives the resultant dilution.

74. The automated process of claim 56 wherein the supernatant solution comprises RNA, DNA, LNA, PNA, and / or UNA.

75. The automated process of claim 58, wherein amplifying nucleotides of the supernatant solution (3218) using an isothermal amplification process and the detecting said nucleotides in the supernatant solution are accomplished through use of an optical detector (3402), a stationary thermoelectric heater (3404), an assay and detection cartridge (3406), and a linear actuator (3408).

77. The automated process of claim 75, wherein the linear actuator (3408) can actuate the assay and detection cartridge (3406) such that it can achieve four distinct positions: i) a position configured to generate dilution through drainage slots (3410); ii) a position configured to collect output dilutions in solution wells (3412); iii) a position configured to heat the supernatant solution (3218) with the stationary thermoelectric heater (3404); and iv) a position configured for detection by the optical detector (3402).

77. The automated process of claim 56, wherein the isothermal amplification process is a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) process.

78. The automated process of claim 77, wherein the LAMP process comprises a step of heating the supernatant solution (3218).

79. The automated process of claim 56, further comprising transferring the supernatant solution (3218) to a reaction vessel.

80. The automated process of claim 56, wherein movement of the particles and / or supernatant solution throughout the system is driven primarily by (a) changes in pressure of a fluid; (b) gravity; and / or (c) magnetic forces.

81. The automated process of claim 56, wherein the cartridge(s) (3204, 3302, 3406) are configured to not include a carousel or swapping mechanism.

82. The automated process of claim 56, wherein the cartridge(s) (3204, 3302, 3406) are arranged to be fixed and positioned on top of each other while connected to fluidic tubing.

83. A magnetic fluidic system for automatically collecting and analyzing particles within a fluidic medium comprising: a discrete sample preparation area located on a sample preparation disk cartridge upon which a sample can be collected; silica-coated magnetic beads contained within the sample preparation area; a fluidic channel and / or fluidic tubing that connect the sample preparation disk cartridge with an assay and detection cartridge; an external electromagnet / solenoid that interfaces with said fluidic channel interfacing; a route through which a desired concentration of the silica-coated magnetic beads can be directed to a discrete well on the assay and detection cartridge; and a mechanical actuator that can position the assay and detection cartridge to align with a fresh well with the fluidic channel.

84. The magnetic fluidic system of claim 83, further comprising: an adsorption buffer in lysis solution, said adsorption buffer lyophilized with NA-silica;NA released from cellular debris, said NA being a supernatant that can be absorbed onto the surface of the silica-coated magnetic beads.

85. The magnetic fluidic system of either of claim 83, wherein the cartridges are configured to not include a carousel or swapping mechanism.

86. The magnetic fluid system of claim 83, wherein the cartridges are arranged to be fixed and positioned on top of each other while connected to the fluidic channel and / or fluidic tubing.

87. The magnetic fluidic system of claim 83, wherein the magnetic fluidic system is a millifluidic system.

88. The magnetic fluidic system of claim 83, wherein the cartridges, fluidic channel, and / or fluidic tubing comprises a fluorosilane coating and / or a polyethylene glycol coating for enhanced substrate material biocompatibility with nucleic amplification.

89. A multi-sample carousel comprising: a plurality of gradient generator cartridges that can collect material from the air and direct the material into one or more collection portions; a timer or a sensor; an actuator that turns the carousel, wherein actuation of the actuator is driven by the timer or the sensor.

90. The multi-sample carousel of claim 75, wherein the one or more collection portions comprise one or more wells.

91. An analysis assembly for use with processing and analysis of a fluid sample, the assembly comprising: a cassette device configured to hold a fluid sample; a motor used to actuate the cassette device; a first control board comprising one or more photonic devices wherein the one or more photonic devices are configured to capture imagery of the fluid sample; and a second control board comprising one or more heaters wherein the one or more heaters are configured to generate heat in order to process and / or analyze the fluid sample.

92. The analysis assembly of claim 91, wherein the analysis assembly is capable of detecting presence and / or absence of a target species in the fluid sample.

93. The analysis assembly of claim 91, wherein the analysis assembly is capable of quantifying a target species in the fluid sample.

94. The analysis assembly of claim 91, wherein processing and / or analyzing the fluid sample comprises: (1) cell lysis and clean-up of the fluid sample, (2) dilution of the fluid sample, (3) nucleic acid amplification, and (4) result interpretation.

95. The analysis assembly of claim 91, wherein the one or more heaters comprises a lysis heater, an amplification heater, and a sample drying heater.

96. The analysis assembly of claim 95, wherein the lysis heater is configured to generate heat in order to perform cell lysis of the fluid sample.

97. The analysis assembly of claim 95, wherein the amplification heater is configured to generate heat in order to perform nucleic acid amplification.

98. The analysis assembly of claim 91, further comprising a second motor configured to change the fluid sample and / or change a cartridge.

99. The analysis assembly of claim 91, further comprising a temperature feedback member configured to measure and / or monitor the temperature of the fluid sample, either of the first or second control boards, and / or any other component(s) of the analysis device.

100. The analysis assembly of claim 91, further comprising one or more mounting members configured to facilitate attachment of the first and second control boards.

101. The analysis assembly of claim 91, further comprising one or more mounting members configured to facilitate attachment of the cassette device to one of the first or second control boards.

102. The analysis assembly of claim 91, further comprising one or more sealed chambers wherein the chambers are configured to prevent cross contamination and / or leakage of amplified RNA, DNA, LNA, PNA, and / or UNA.

103. The analysis assembly of claim 91, wherein the assembly is configured to cool and / or heat the fluid sample and / or a reagent to adjust viscosity and / or enhance preservation thereof.

104. The analysis assembly of claim 91, further comprising a dilution gradient generator cartridge comprising a ladder network, wherein the dilution gradient generator cartridge and / or ladder network are configured to generate logarithmic and / or linear concentrations.

105. The analysis assembly of claim 91, further comprising a plurality of cartridges wherein the plurality of cartridges is configured to not include a carousel or swapping mechanism.

106. The analysis assembly of claim 105, wherein the plurality of cartridges is arranged such that each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges is fixed and each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges is positioned on top of each other while connected to fluidic tubing.

107. A method of detecting and / or quantifying a target substance in a fluid sample for use in an agricultural field, the method comprising the steps of: performing cell lysis and clean-up of the fluid sample;diluting the fluid sample; performing nucleic acid amplification of the fluid sample; and interpreting a result; wherein each step is performed automatically in an agricultural field.

108. The method of claim 107, wherein cell lysis is facilitated by the use of a lysis heater.

109. The method of claim 107, wherein nucleic acid amplification is facilitated by the use of an amplification heater.

110. The method of claim 107, wherein diluting the fluid sample comprises stepwise dilution.

111. The method of claim 107, wherein performing nucleic acid amplification includes the use of primers of the target substance.

112. A system for detecting and / or quantifying a target substance in a fluid sample, the system comprising: a processor unit; a memory unit and / or non-transitory computer readable medium that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing unit, perform operations, the operations comprising: performing cell lysis and clean-up of the fluid sample; diluting the fluid sample; performing nucleic acid amplification of the fluid sample; and interpreting a result.

113. The system of claim 112, further comprising an analysis assembly to aid in performing the operations wherein the analysis assembly comprises: a cassette device configured to hold a fluid sample; a motor used to actuate the cassette device; a first control board comprising one or more photonic devices wherein the one or more photonic devices are configured to capture imagery of the fluid sample; and a second control board comprising one or more heaters wherein each of the one or more heaters are configured to generate heat in order to process and / or analyze the fluid sample.

114. The analysis assembly of claim 113, wherein the one or more heaters comprises a lysis heater, an amplification heater, and a sample drying heater.

115. The system of claim 114, wherein the lysis heater is used for cell lysis.

116. The system of claim 114, wherein the amplification heater is used for performing nucleic acid amplification.

117. The system of claim 113, further comprising a temperature feedback member configured to measure and / or monitor the temperature of the fluid sample, either of the first or second control boards, and / or any other component(s) of the system.

118. The system of claim 113, further comprising one or more mounting members configured to facilitate attachment of the first and second control boards.

119. The system of claim 113, further comprising one or more mounting members configured to facilitate attachment of the cassette device to one of the first or second control boards.

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