Abstract: A motorized apparatus to simultaneously excise, retrieve, temporarily store and transport a sample of material has a hollow clamshell casing with a blended contoured grip for the fingers, a horizontal extension to eliminate slippage when held in a user's hand, and a flange bottom portion from which a removable cutting tool threaded to a drive shaft extends downwards. Within the clamshell casing an electric motor is mounted which drives, via gears, a drive shaft which rotates a cutting tool threaded to the distal end of the drive shaft. The end of the cutting tool, distal from the clamshell casing, forms a cutting edge circumscribing a circular region. An ejection rod slides reciprocally within the cutting tool between a stowed position and an expulsion position.

Abstract: An apparatus to collect a sample of material has a handle with a tubular sample sleeve extending from an end of the handle. The end of the sleeve distal from the handle forms a cutting edge circumscribing a circular sampling region. A plunger slides reciprocally within the tubular sample sleeve between a retracted position and an expulsion position. A user cuts a sample from a source material by engaging contact between the cutting edge of the tubular sample sleeve and the source material. The sample cut from the source is lodged within the tubular sample sleeve. Actuation of the plunger from the retracted position toward the expulsion position displacing the sample from the sleeve.

Abstract: A motorized sample collection apparatus having a hollow clamshell casing with a contoured grip for the fingers, a horizontal extension to eliminate slippage when held in a user's hand, and a flange bottom portion from which a sample sleeve extends downwards. Within the clamshell casing an electric motor is mounted which drives, via spur gears the sample sleeve in a rotational manner. The distal end of the sample sleeve, is a cutting edge circumscribing a circular region. An ejection rod slides reciprocally within the sample sleeve between a retracted stowed position and an expulsion position. User cuts a sample from a substrate by engaging contact between the cutting edge of the sample sleeve and the substrate, applying pressure against the substrate and activating the motor to rotate the sample sleeve. Activation of the ejection rod towards the expulsion position displaces the sample into an appropriate collecting vessel.

Abstract: A recordable cutting mat supporting materials sampled for scientific analysis. Manufactured from extruded flat transparent polymer sheet of variable size and thickness. Source material placed on the cutting mat. Using a sharp cutting device, downward pressure is applied to the material through the cutting device until contact is made between the cutting device and the source material. Downward pressure continues until the cutting device penetrates the source material, making contact with the cutting mat surface. The mat surface is scored, not perforated, with a cut line from the cutting device which leaves a permanent visual record of the shape and location of the cut line produced. This record identifies prior cuts on the mat to avoid when the mat is reused, reducing the potential for cross contamination. The mat may be rinsed with ethanol for reuse or is disposable. The mats are transparent for use with transmitted light.

Abstract: An apparatus to collect a sample of material has a handle with a tubular sample sleeve extending from an end of the handle. The end of the sleeve distal from the handle forms a cutting edge circumscribing a circular sampling region. A plunger slides reciprocally within the tubular sample sleeve between a retracted position and an expulsion position. A user cuts a sample from a source material by engaging contact between the cutting edge of the tubular sample sleeve and the source material. The sample cut from the source is lodged within the tubular sample sleeve. Actuation of the plunger from the retracted position toward the expulsion position displacing the sample from the sleeve.