Abstract: A press assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly having first and second chambers and respective piston and rod assemblies therein. The rod of the second assembly is arranged to enter the first chamber and thereby raise the pressure therein. Initially, fluid flows into the first chamber, forcing the first rod to exert a force on a work object. When a predetermined pressure is reached within the cylinder, fluid is introduced to the second chamber, and causes the second rod to move into the first chamber, which raises or boosts the pressure in the first chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for taking samples of soil and other materials in an efficient manner as well as for maintaining a high level of integrity of the samples. Using a wire line and a release and retrieve assembly, the sampling tube is lowered into an auger that has been bored into the ground to the desired depth. Once lowered to the bottom of the auger, the sampling tube is locked into place and the release and retrieve assembly is removed from the auger. A portion of the sampling tube extends beyond the drill bit. As the auger is drilled farther into the ground, the sampling tube is filled with soil or whatever material is present, without such soil or other material having been disturbed by the drill bit. This provides integrity of the sample. After the sample has been collected in the sampling tube, the release and retrieve assembly is reinserted into the auger and reattached to the sampling tube, which is then unlocked and retrieved out of the auger.

Abstract: A pair of elongated cylindrical members are constructed with first and second collars extending axially beyond their adjoining ends. The first and second collars have adjoining indentations and projections at their end edges which are adapted to interlock with one another so as to prevent rotation of the two elongated members with respect to one another. A coupler is removably fitted over the exterior of the first and second collars and holds them together against axial movement with respect to one another. The collars are each welded to the axial ends of the first and second cylindrical members.