Abstract: Apparatus for emptying successive sample containers, by inverting the containers, one at a time, draining the contents of each container, washing, again draining each container and restoring each container to its initial position. Each container is held in a holder mounted for rotation in a vertical plane about a hinge near the bottom of the holder. A hook is adapted to engage a holder and pivot about a separate hinge bringing the holder and its container to an inverted position where a nozzle sprays washing fluid into the inverted sample container. After draining, the sample container is restored to an upright position.

Abstract: An intake channel pre-conditioner for a fluid sampler wherein prior to fluid sampling, fluid is drawn from a fluid body to be sampled by a pressure source communicating with the channel. The drawn fluid is passed along most of the length of the intake channel and then expelled by the pressure source.

Abstract: High energy switching device utilizing a gas discharge tube with input and output electrodes connected electrically in series with a source and a load. A control element is connected to the input electrode, and a trigger signal is applied to the control element to initiate firing of the tube to pass energy from the source to the load. An electrostatic shield is disposed about the output electrode to prevent the tube from self firing in the absence of a trigger signal when the potential between the electrodes is below a predetermined level.