Abstract: An apparatus for calculating fluid flow in a channel including a very low profile probe which detects fluid depth in the channel; a mechanism for measuring average fluid velocity in the channel; a mechanism for correcting the detected fluid depth based upon the measured average fluid velocity to account for drawdown; and a mechanism for calculating average flow rate based upon the average fluid velocity measurement and the corrected fluid depth value. The probe has a height to width ratio of less than 0.52.

Abstract: An apparatus for calculating fluid flow in a channel, comprising a probe member which detects fluid depth in the channel; a mechanism for measuring average fluid velocity in the channel; a mechanism for correcting the detected fluid depth based upon the measured average fluid velocity in order to account for drawdown; and a mechanism for calculating average flow rate based upon the average fluid velocity measurement and the corrected fluid depth value.

Abstract: A multi-function fluid flow monitoring apparatus capable of measuring fluid flow-related variables of fluid in a channel on the basis of signals from any one or more of a plurality of different types of flow sensors. Such different types of flow sensors may include, for example, a bubbler-type pressure sensor, a submerged pressure transducer, an ultrasonic transducer, and/or a velocity sensor forming part of an area-velocity sensor system, each of which sensors may be selectively connected to the apparatus as needed to accommodate various monitoring conditions. The apparatus is further capable of monitoring various conditions of fluid in the channel, such as pH level, ORP, temperature, solution conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and the like.

Abstract: A refrigerated automatic fluid sampling apparatus having a compressor assembly mounted in an upper portion thereof, above the thermally-controlled sample compartment. The apparatus includes a thermal control system which prolongs compressor life and optimizes compressor operation by exercising the compressor assembly during prolonged periods of non-use, preventing short-cycling of the compressor, and accurately monitoring sample temperatures to minimize compressor starts. The invention further includes a sampling control system which employs a statistical regression model to simulate real-life pumping system and operating characteristics so as to accurately deliver a predetermined sample volume, which permits sampling on a constant time, variable volume basis as well as other sampling modes.

Abstract: A multi-function fluid flow monitoring apparatus capable of measuring fluid flow-related variables of fluid in a channel on the basis of signals from any one or more of a plurality of different types of flow sensors. Such different types of flow sensors may include, for example, a bubbler-type pressure sensor, a submerged pressure transducer, an ultrasonic transducer, and/or a velocity sensor forming part of an area-velocity sensor system, each of which sensors may be selectively connected to the apparatus as needed to accommodate various monitoring conditions. The apparatus is further capable of monitoring various conditions of fluid in the channel, such as pH level, ORP, temperature, solution conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and the like.

Abstract: A fluid sampling apparatus provided as a unitary structure which automatically collects fluid samples according to modes of operation selected by a user, while monitoring an analyte of interest on a real-time basis on the basis of signals from a fiber optic sensor, and collecting and storing sampling and analyte data for later retrieval. The user may select from various modes of operation, including sampling triggered by a predetermined value(s) of the analyte, flow proportional sampling, and/or sampling at predetermined time intervals. The apparatus includes a self-contained microprocessor, together with associated program and data memory, for automatically controlling sampling operations, calculating analyte values on the basis of signals from the fiber optic sensor, calculating flow rate on the basis of signals from a flow sensing arrangement, and storing data relating to sample collection, analyte levels, and flow rate.

Abstract: A fiber optic system and method in which the transmission of light through a fiber optic core of a fiber optic element is stabilized and optimized by eliminating the destabilizing effect of light independently propagated along the clad of the fiber optic element. The propagation of light along the clad may be essentially eliminated by a field stop member disposed between a light-receiving end of the fiber optic element and an LED light source, whereby light from the LED is entirely shielded from the clad. The field stop member is particularly effective when used in a fiber optic sensor, wherein the effect of clad light on transmission of light through the core is particularly destabilizing. Alternative structures for mitigating or eliminating the destabilizing effect of clad light are also provided in the form of alterations of the clad structure, or by providing a clad light stop diaphragm at the light-emitting end of the fiber optic element.

Abstract: An automatic fluid sampling and monitoring apparatus provided as a unitary structure, and capable of collecting fluid samples at selected intervals, monitoring the level of a condition of the fluid at selected intervals, and collecting and storing sampling and fluid condition data for later retrieval. Sampling operations may be controlled on the basis of time and/or levels of a fluid condition being monitored. Where the apparatus also incorporates an internal flow measuring assembly, or is connected with an external flow meter, sampling operations may also be controlled on the basis of flow rate. The apparatus includes a self-contained microprocessor for automatically controlling sampling operations, calculating fluid condition levels on the basis of signals from a sensor, and storing data relating to sample collection and the fluid condition.

Abstract: An automatic liquid sampling and flow measuring apparatus provided as a unitary structure within a case, and capable of collecting liquid samples at selected intervals, measuring flow rate through a channel at selected intervals, and collecting and storing sampling and flow rate data for later retrieval. The apparatus is provided with its own self-contained microprocessor for automatically controlling sampling operations, calculating flow rate on the basis of signals from a sensor, and storing data relating to sample collection and flow rate measurement. The stored data can be called up on a display of the apparatus, or can be transferred via a portable transfer unit to an external output device, such as a printer capable of producing a hard copy of the data.

Abstract: A convertible and variable-length groundwater device permitting conversion of one type of groundwater sampling device to another, and vice versa. Conversion between a bailer device and a gas-drive pump, or a bailer device and a bailer pump, for example, is readily accomplished by substituting particular components from an assortment of universal, unique and multi-use components adapted to mate one with another and to be assembled substantially without the use of tools. Variable-length bladder devices, gas-drive pumps and bladder pumps are also provided, each being convertible between at least a single- and double-length assembly merely by adding or removing various components.

Abstract: A self-cycling pump apparatus wherein a valve functioning as a pump cycling device is connected to the pump so that it may be lowered together with the pump to a submerged position in a sub-surface fluid for lifing the sub-surface fluid to ground level. Separate drive air supply and exhaust tubes are connected to the cycling valve, the valve permitting the drive air supply line to communicate with a gas chamber of the pump during a pressurizing phase of the pump cycle, and alternately permitting the exhaust tube to communicate with the gas chamber of the pump during a venting phase of the pump cycle. A timing device for timing the sequence of the cycle phases is connected with the cycling valve. The timing device may be mounted adjacent the cycling valve, so that the pump, the cycling valve and the timing device may be lowered to the submerged operating position as a single unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a groundwater sampling kit which comprises a plurality of components capable of being assembled into several alternative groundwater sampling devices by hand without the use of tools, the components being securely packaged in an impact-resistant carrying case.

Abstract: A two-stage combination reciprocating and bladder pump wherein a hollow piston is disposed for reciprocating movement within a main pump body, and a bladder pump is housed in the piston. The piston pump and bladder pump are thus coaxially arranged, with the bladder pump mounted within the piston pump and operably cooperating therewith. A reciprocating tube is attached to the piston to permit operation thereof from above ground, and also serves as a conduit for alternately supplying pressurized air and atmospheric venting to the bladder pump. A rigid support pipe supports the main pump body, and has the reciprocating tube extending coaxially therethrough. A fluid discharge tube is in turn coaxially arranged within the reciprocating tube, thus defining a triaxial tubular arrangement. The fluid discharge tube provides communication between a fluid chamber of the piston pump and a fluid chamber of the bladder pump, and also functions as a conduit for discharging fluid to the exterior of the main pump body.

Abstract: A bladder pump is suspended in a tubular air lift pump housing which is closed at its lower end by a check valve, and which is connected at its upper end by a first conduit and a separator selectively to a supply of air under pressure. Two additional conduits extend from the upper end of the bladder pump in either side-by-side relation, or coaxially one within the other, through the bore in the left pump housing and first conduit and the separator to control means. A first one of the two additional conduits is secured in the upper end of the bladder pump to communicate with an upper check valve chamber, which is connected by a perforated discharge tube to a lower check valve chamber in the bladder pump. The discharge tube is surrounded by a flexible bladder, which is separated from the bladder pump housing by an air chamber which communicates with the other of the two additional conduits to the control means.

Abstract: A flexible tube of uniform internal diameter extends through a peristaltic pump and has its inlet communicating with a supply of liquid to be sampled. The pump is cyclically operated first in a reverse direction to purge all liquid from the tube, and then in a forward direction to pump liquid from the supply to a collector. When the pumped liquid fills a first portion of the tube for a predetermined axial distance from its inlet, a device disposed externally of the tube senses the presence of the liquid and signals a processor, which then determines the rate of flow of the liquid, and the total time T.sub.t the pump must operate to fill the entire tube plus a desired sample volume. The cycle is completed by momentarily reversing the pump to purge the first portion of the tube, and then it is operated in its forward direction for the time T.sub.t.