Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for sampling a solid or liquid sample using a sampling tool which has a sampling rod/tube that is configured to house a sampling pod, the apparatus comprising: a main body portion with at least one sample collecting cavity; and a removable/opening lid portion that in use fits/closes over at least part of said main body portion and thereby covers and the cavity; the method further comprising the following steps: Inserting said sampling pod main body portion within said sampling rod/tube and taking a solid or liquid sample from a vessel/container; removing sampling rod/tube from said vessel or container and covering said collecting cavity to seal said cavity; transporting said sample within said sampling pod to place of a analysis; and at place of analysis removing at least part of said covering from main body portion to expose sample for analysis.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for sampling a solid or liquid sample using a sampling tool which has a sampling rod/tube that is configured to house a sampling pod, the apparatus comprising: a main body portion with at least one sample collecting cavity; and a removable/opening lid portion that in use fits/closes over at least part of said main body portion and thereby covers and the cavity; the method further comprising the following steps: Inserting said sampling pod main body portion within said sampling rod/tube and taking a solid or liquid sample from a vessel/container; removing sampling rod/tube from said vessel or container and covering said collecting cavity to seal said cavity; transporting said sample within said sampling pod to place of a analysis; and at place of analysis removing at least part of said covering from main body portion to expose sample for analysis.

Abstract: A customer interface device is programmed with one or more survey questions and information regarding the customer's satisfaction with a product or service provided at the location of such device. The customer interface device displays the question, the customer inputs his answer, and additional questions may be generated. The data is stored and periodically transmitted to a Base Control Unit such as a processor with modem or wireless components. The data is stored and periodically transmitted to a data analyzer such as a computer or server which analyzes the number of responses indicating customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction. If the number of one type of responses exceeds a specified threshold, then the business owner or service provider is notified immediately. If the number does not exceed the designated threshold, then the data analyzer manipulates the data for presentation, makes the data available to the subscribers and generates periodic user defined reports.