Abstract: The present invention relates to a press-type water sampling device, and to a press-type water sampling device comprising: a water sampling bottle having opened upper and lower parts; and a bumper support, which has a top cap and a bottom cap for blocking the opened upper and lower parts of the water sampling bottle, is formed into a frame having a shape that encompasses the water sampling bottle, and enables the water sampling bottle to be vertically moveable.

Abstract: A fuel distributor, which is used, in particular, for fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing, internal combustion engines having externally supplied ignition, includes a distributor pipe, a first holder and at least one second holder. The distributor pipe has a longitudinal axis. In this connection, the first holder and the second holder are situated at the distributor pipe so as to be axially set apart from one another with respect to the longitudinal axis. The distributor pipe is designed to allow axial length compensation. It is also possible for at least one holder to be designed to allow axial length compensation.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and method for groundwater sampling, using a hydraulic coupler according to the present invention. In more particular, in the groundwater sampler which is positioned at multiple depths within a groundwater borehole to simultaneously take groundwater samples at the multiple depths, couplers are each connected to both ends of a water sampling pipe made of a metal pipe material. In case of positioning the sampler at a targeted depth, a socket and a plug forming each coupler are connected to each other, so that the both ends of the water sampling pipe—to lead groundwater to freely flow in/out. Thereafter, at the targeted depth, the sockets or plugs are permitted to be separated in the couplers at the both ends of the water sampling pipe by using a lift device, so that the both ends of the water sampling pipe are sealed to simultaneously taking groundwater samples at multiple depths.

Abstract: A robot platform is provided, which is intended in particular for remotely controlled and/or autonomous inspection of technical facilities, in particular in power stations, and comprises at least a drive mechanism configured to move the robot platform, an inspection device configured to inspect the technical facility and a communication device for exchanging measurement and/or control data. Particular flexibility in use and extended areas of use are achieved in that the robot platform is modular and the communication device operates in accordance with a uniform standard.

Abstract: A method for environmental monitoring and bioprospecting includes the steps of: (a) utilizing a testing device having: (i) a container having a fluid inlet and outlet, (ii) a plurality of capillary microcosms situated within the container, each of these capillaries having an inlet and outlet that are configured so as to allow for fluid flow through the capillaries, each of these capillaries further having a means for covering its inlet and outlet so as to prevent flow through the capillary, (iii) a pump connected to the container outlet, the pump being configured so as to draw fluid from the surrounding environment into the container's inlet and through the capillaries, (iv) connected to the outlet of the container, a means for collecting the flow through the container, and (v) a check valve connected downstream of the container to prevent the backflow of fluid into the container, (b) adding specified test substances to the device's capillaries, wherein these substances are to be analyzed for their ability to

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention are related to devices and methods for sampling groundwater at multiple target depths, wherein each of the devices for sampling groundwater at multiple target depths comprises: a hammer part having a spring for generating inertia and a hammer connected to the spring; a sampling needle part having a needle integral with a impacting part impacted with the hammer; a guiding part for moving the sampling needle part in straight and downward direction; and a sampled water containing part having a sampled water container for collecting the sampled water through the needle.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for measuring the thickness of one liquid layer overlying another liquid layer. The liquid thickness measuring device consists of a tubular casing, constructed of a transparent material, a resiliently biased valve member and a retaining member. The resiliently biased valve member is pivotally movable between open and closed positions to alternatively allow liquid to be sampled to enter the casing when in the open position and to seal the liquid sample when in the closed position. In operation, with the valve member disengaged from the bottom of the tubular casing, the measuring device is slowly lowered into the enclosed device. As a result, the liquid present in the enclosed structure is conductible through the opening of the tubular casing, to seek its level in the tubular member. The retaining member, which engages and holds the valve in an open position, is then released and the valve is allowed to move to the closed position.

Abstract: A fluid sampling device for use with dual-opening sample containers includes attachment members holding open end seals of the sample container that are urged to a closed position by an elastic member. The elastic member is normally within the container. The sampling device is lowered into a fluid source and fluid fills the sample container. The attachment members are released remotely by a trigger, allowing the end seals to close the open ends of the container. The sampling device is withdrawn from the fluid source and the sample container is removed from the sampling device. Securing end caps are attached to the sample container to hold the end seals in place for transport and storage of the sample container. The end seal may have a membrane central portion to permit entry of a syringe needle for sampling. The securing end cap may include a septa to assist in syringe sampling.

Abstract: A fluid sampling device is provided that can obtain both point and integrated samples of a body of fluid at various depths. The device includes an easy to use and reliable closure mechanism that does not rely on a traditional messenger mechanism.

Abstract: Methods for remotely inspecting an internal floating roof and the seals associated with such internal floating roof project an illumination pattern from a series of substantially parallel laser beams onto the floating roof and/or the seal. Another laser beam projects at a predetermined angle offset from the series of laser beams. The illumination pattern and offset spot from the other laser are viewed through a camera. The length of a defect in the internal floating roof or seal or a gap between the seal and the tank wall is calculated as the length of a side of a right triangle based upon the predetermined angle and the predetermined distance between the lasers and the floating roof or seal.

Abstract: A submerged, valve assembly for controlling flow of fluid (e.g. ballast water) to and from a reservoir (e.g. a ballast tank of a ship. The valve assembly is comprised of a valve which is controlled by a hydraulic valve actuator. A fluid-tight housing encloses the actuator so that any leaking hydraulic fluid will be contained within the housing and will not pollute the surrounding fluid in the tank. The assembly includes a means for detecting any hydraulic fluid which may leak into the housing.