Abstract: An all-terrain rover has a ladder frame having one or more crosspieces, two drive units connected on opposite sides of the frame, first and second auger cylinders engaged with the drive. The drive units are in contact with the axes of the auger cylinders and the flange of the first cylinder is wound in an opposite direction to the flange of the second cylinder. The cylinders are counter-rotated to urge the rover forward. Sampling equipment is mounted on the frame. In an embodiment, each cylinder further comprises a conical end cap at each end. Each cylinder may have a frustaconical end cap at each end, and each cylinder may be buoyant.

Abstract: An all-terrain rover has a ladder frame having one or more crosspieces, two drive units connected on opposite sides of the frame, first and second auger cylinders engaged with the drive units so as to be urged into rotation by the drive units, each cylinder comprising a sealed hollow cylinder; and a spiral auger flange affixed to the exterior of the cylinder, wherein the drive units are in contact with the axes of the auger cylinders are parallel and the flange of the first cylinder is wound in an opposite direction to the flange of the second cylinder, and wherein the cylinders are each counter-rotated to urge the rover forward. In one embodiment sampling equipment is mounted on the frame. In another, each cylinder further comprises a conical end cap at each end. Each cylinder may have a frustaconical end cap at each end, and each cylinder may be buoyant.

Abstract: A sampling device for retrieving a sample having a frame, a scoop with an open end configured to retrieve a sample, an actuator in communication with the scoop, a base plate mounted below the frame, configured to support the sampling device on the material, and a spade at least as large as the opening, extending below the base plate, configured to extend into the material and configured to engage with the open end of the scoop once a sample has been retrieved, wherein the actuator is configured to move the scoop between an open and a closed position, and in the open position, there is a gap between the open end of the scoop and the spade for the entry of a sample, and in the closed position, the open end of the scoop sealingly engages with the spade to close the scoop and retain the retrieved sample.

Abstract: A sampling device for retrieving a sample having a frame, a scoop with an open end configured to retrieve a sample, an actuator in communication with the scoop, a base plate mounted below the frame, configured to support the sampling device on the material, and a spade at least as large as the opening, extending below the base plate, configured to extend into the material and configured to engage with the open end of the scoop once a sample has been retrieved, wherein the actuator is configured to move the scoop between an open and a closed position, and in the open position, there is a gap between the open end of the scoop and the spade for the entry of a sample, and in the closed position, the open end of the scoop sealingly engages with the spade to close the scoop and retain the retrieved sample.