Abstract: A bailer has a tapered leading end to reduce agitation and turbidity as the bailer is introduced into a body of liquid fluid. A check valve is unseated and admits liquid fluid into the bailer as the bailer enters the liquid fluid. The check valve is seated and seals the liquid fluid within the bailer against leakage when the bailer is retrieved from the liquid fluid. A first embodiment includes a bottom-emptying device that guides liquid fluid in the bailer into a wide-mouth container. A second embodiment includes a bottom-emptying device that guides the liquid fluid into a narrow mouth container such as a vial. In both embodiments, the bottom-emptying device is tapered and engages the outside walls of the tapered leading end of the bailer. This prevents liquid fluid from wetting a user's hands when the bottom-emptying device is used to unseat the check valve.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a top-emptying bailer has a cylindrical filter positioned within a hollow interior of the bailer. A bottom, leading end of the filter is capped by an imperforate bottom fitting having an insert that fits into the hollow interior of the filter. The top, trailing end of the filter receives a cylindrical insert that together with the imperforate bottom fitting insert helps hold the filter open as liquid fluid flows into it. The filter is preferably formed of polypropylene. The bailer is inverted so that liquid fluid in the hollow interior of the bailer is constrained to flow through the filter before it exits the trailing end of the bailer. In a second embodiment, the filter is positioned at the leading end of the bailer and the bailer is emptied from the bottom.

Abstract: An upper imperforate cap closes the uppermost end of a bailer and a lower imperforate cap closes the lowermost end of the bailer. In a preferred embodiment, screwthreads are formed in the uppermost and lowermost ends of the bailer and complemental screwthreads are formed in the upper and lower caps. By capping the opposite ends of a bailer, the bailer serves as its own container when the sample contained within it is shipped to a laboratory. This eliminates VOC devices, nozzles, and the concomitant contamination that may result from emptying a bailer in the field.

Abstract: A bailer has a check valve housing at its leading end. A free-floating ball in the check valve housing is unseated and admits liquid fluid into the bailer as the bailer enters a body of liquid fluid. The free-floating ball is seated and seals the liquid fluid within the check valve housing against leakage when the bailer is retrieved from the body of liquid fluid. An annular valve seat is formed flush with a leading edge of the check valve housing and the free-floating ball has a diameter only slightly greater than the diameter of the annular valve seat. About half of the free-floating ball extends downwardly from the check valve housing. The structure prevents formation of an annular air pocket at the leading end of the check valve housing so that liquid fluid drained from the bailer is not contaminated by oxygen.

Abstract: An upper imperforate cap closes the uppermost end of a bailer and a lower imperforate cap closes the lowermost end of the bailer. In a preferred embodiment, screwthreads are formed in the uppermost and lowermost ends of the bailer and complemental screwthreads are formed in the upper and lower caps. In another embodiment, screwthreads are formed in a downspout and complemental screwthreads are formed in an imperforate downspout cap. By capping the opposite ends of a bailer, the bailer serves as its own container when the sample contained within it is shipped to a laboratory. This eliminates VOC devices, nozzles, and the concomitant contamination that may result from emptying a bailer in the field.

Abstract: A bailer collects a column of liquid fluid of predetermined height from a body of liquid fluid at a predetermined depth. The bailer is emptied without contaminating the collected liquid fluid with oxygen. The bailer has two check valves spaced apart from one another by a preselected distance so that it can collect liquid fluid at a predetermined depth below the surface of the body of liquid fluid. A vent opening is formed between the first check valve and the second check valve to enable the bailer to be emptied in the substantial absence of oxygen contamination.

Abstract: A bailer collects a column of liquid fluid of predetermined height from a body of liquid fluid at a predetermined depth. The bailer is emptied without contaminating the collected liquid fluid with oxygen. The bailer has two check valves spaced apart from one another by a preselected distance so that it can collect liquid fluid at a predetermined depth below the surface of the body of liquid fluid. A vent opening is formed between the first check valve and the second check valve to enable the bailer to be emptied in the substantial absence of oxygen contamination.

Abstract: An air-tight bailer is filled completely and closed at its open upper end with a flat cap so that no ambient air is trapped in the bailer. A mounting member to which a rope is secured for lowering and lifting the bailer is recessed with respect to the open upper end of the bailer so that it does not interfere with the cap. A disc-shaped protuberance formed on the bottom of the cap fills the recess. An annular groove around the recess receives the rim of the open upper end to enhance an air-tight seal between the cap and the open upper end. In a first embodiment, the bailer is emptied by piercing a thin membrane formed in the cap with a spout device having a trailing end in fluid communication with a container. A second embodiment eliminates the membrane and the spout device.

Abstract: An air-tight bailer is filled completely and closed at its open upper end with a flat cap so that no ambient air is trapped in the bailer. A mounting member to which a rope is secured for lowering and lifting the bailer is recessed with respect to the open upper end of the bailer so that it does not interfere with the cap. A disc-shaped protuberance formed on the bottom of the cap fills the recess. An annular groove around the recess receives the rim of the open upper end to enhance an air-tight seal between the cap and the open upper end. In a first embodiment, the bailer is emptied by piercing a thin membrane formed in the cap with a spout device having a trailing end in fluid communication with a container. A second embodiment eliminates the membrane and the spout device.

Abstract: A bailer having multiple check valves to minimize leakage of sample fluid from the bailer. A primary check valve assembly including a ball and a seat are disposed at a lower end of the bailer. At least one auxiliary check valve assembly is positioned above the primary check valve assembly. When a first auxiliary check valve closes, the hydrostatic pressure applied to the primary check valve is reduced significantly and leakage through the primary check valve is reduced. When a second auxiliary check valve closes, the hydrostatic pressure applied to the first auxiliary check valve is reduced and the same benefits are obtained for the first auxiliary check valve. Particulate matter is collected in an annular trough formed in the primary check valve assembly and in pockets that form a part of each auxiliary check valve assembly.

Abstract: A bailer having multiple check valves to minimize leakage of sample fluid from the bailer. A primary check valve assembly including a ball and a seat are disposed at a lower end of the bailer. At least one auxiliary check valve assembly is positioned above the primary check valve assembly. When a first auxiliary check valve closes, the hydrostatic pressure applied to the primary check valve is reduced significantly and leakage through the primary check valve is reduced. When a second auxiliary check valve closes, the hydrostatic pressure applied to the first auxiliary check valve is reduced and the same benefits are obtained for the first auxiliary check valve. Particulate matter is collected in an annular trough formed in the primary check valve assembly and in pockets that form a part of each auxiliary check valve assembly.

Abstract: An upper imperforate cap closes the uppermost end of a bailer and a lower imperforate cap closes the lowermost end of the bailer. In a preferred embodiment, screwthreads are formed in the uppermost and lowermost ends of the bailer and complemental screwthreads are formed in the upper and lower caps. In another embodiment, screwthreads are formed in a downspout and complemental screwthreads are formed in an imperforate downspout cap. By capping the opposite ends of a bailer, the bailer serves as its own container when the sample contained within it is shipped to a laboratory. This eliminates VOC devices, nozzles, and the concomitant contamination that may result from emptying a bailer in the field.

Abstract: A bailer that is substantially leak-free includes an improved valve housing at its lowermost end. A valve body in the form of a solid or hollow hemispherical ball is mounted at the lowermost end of a straight valve stem. The hemispherical valve body seats in a valve seat that matches the contour of the hemispherical exterior surface of the valve body. The valve body has a preselected specific gravity that enables it to float on the surface of the liquid fluid being sampled when the valve body is unrestricted. The valve stem is slideably received within and guided by a central aperture formed in a central hub of a spider member that spans the hollow interior of the valve housing. The spider is supported about its periphery by an annular shoulder formed in the interior sidewalls of the valve housing. The spider is inserted into the valve housing and pressed against the annular shoulder when the bailer is assembled.

Abstract: A substantially leak-free bailer includes an improved valve assembly at its lowermost end. A valve body is mounted to the lowermost end of a valve stem and the valve stem is slideably received within and guided by a central bore formed on a support member that spans the hollow interior of the bailer at its lowermost end. The valve body may be hemispherical, frusto-conical, or elongate and downwardly tapered. The valve seat is configured to match the contour of the valve body. An annular ridge circumscribes the valve seat and serves as a barrier to particulate matter so that the valve body sits in the valve seat without interference from such particulate matter.

Abstract: A bailer having a slow rate of descent into a liquid body to minimize agitation. In a first embodiment, a plug closes the upper end of the bailer and a perforation is formed in the plug. Air in the hollow interior of the tubular main body of the bailer is constrained to flow through the perforation as the bailer fills. A back pressure created by the air prevents rapid descent of the bailer and thus prevents rapid filling of the bailer. When the bailer is being emptied, the perforation prevents a vacuum from forming in the space below the plug and above the liquid level, but it provides a partial vacuum and therefore slows down the rate of flow of the liquid as it exits the bailer. Covering the perforation with a thumb creates a vacuum above the liquid level and stops the flow of liquid from the bailer. This eliminates the need for a tool that unseats the valve of the bailer from its valve seat.

Abstract: A bailer having a slow rate of descent into a liquid body to minimize agitation. In a first embodiment, a plug closes the upper end of the bailer and a perforation is formed in the plug. Air in the hollow interior of the tubular main body of the bailer is constrained to flow through the perforation as the bailer fills. A back pressure created by the air prevents rapid descent of the bailer and thus prevents rapid filling of the bailer. When the bailer is being emptied, the perforation prevents a vacuum from forming in the space below the plug and above the liquid level, but it provides a partial vacuum and therefore slows down the rate of flow of the liquid as it exits the bailer. Covering the perforation with a thumb creates a vacuum above the liquid level and stops the flow of liquid from the bailer. This eliminates the need for a tool that unseats the valve of the bailer from its valve seat.

Abstract: A substantially leak-free bailer includes an improved valve assembly at its lowermost end. A valve body is mounted to the lowermost end of a valve stem and the valve stem is slideably received within and guided by a central bore formed on a support member that spans the hollow interior of the bailer at its lowermost end. The valve body may be hemispherical, frusto-conical, or elongate and downwardly tapered. The valve seat is configured to match the contour of the valve body. An annular ridge circumscribes the valve seat and serves as a barrier to particulate matter so that the valve body sits in the valve seat without interference from such particulate matter.

Abstract: A bailer that is substantially leak-free includes an improved valve assembly at its lowermost end. In a first embodiment, a valve body in the form of a hemispherical ball is mounted at the lowermost end of a straight valve stem. The hemispherical ball seats in a valve seat that matches the contour of the hemispherical exterior surface of the ball. In a second embodiment, the valve body and the matching valve seat are both frusto-conical in configuration. In a third embodiment, the valve body and matching valve seat are tapered downwardly to form an elongate, narrow slot. A fourth embodiment adds a guide member to the third embodiment structure to ensure seating of the downwardly tapering valve body in its valve seat. In all embodiments, the valve stem is slideably received within and guided by a central bore formed in a support member that spans the hollow interior of the lowermost end of the bailer, and the valve body is covered with a cushioned material of uniform thickness.

Abstract: A bailer has two externally-mounted weights. The first weight is positioned at the uppermost end and the second weight is positioned at the lowermost end of the bailer. The combination of weights increases the insertion rate of the bailer into a liquid so that the time elapsed for an insertion is reduced relative to the time required to insert unweighted bailers, top-weighted bailers, or bottom-weighted bailers. The weights also prevent wobble about the longitudinal axis of the bailer as it descends. The external mounting of the weights further prevents contamination of the liquid collected by the bailer and eliminates back pressure and turbulence caused by interior weights.