Abstract: A sensor apparatus for wellbore applications includes an electrical conductor extending within an armored tubular jacket to protect the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor is isolated from wellbore fluids when the sensor is placed in a wellhead flange by redundant seals such that the tubular jacket around the conductor does not provide a leak path to the surrounding subsea or surface environment. To isolate the electrical conductor, a connector housing may be provided that establishes a glass-metal seal or a PEEK-metal seal with the electrical conductor. The connector housing may be welded or otherwise sealed to a Christmas tree flange that connects to the wellhead flange. The welds and seals of the sensor apparatus may be proof tested to ensure their effectiveness before the Christmas tree flange is installed in the subsea or surface environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for assessing the current state of doneness of a cooking food item. In a preferred embodiment, a sharpened hollow tubular cutting member of relatively small diameter is rotationally activated to cut and remove from a cooking food item a cylindrical core sample, preferably throughout its entire thickness, without substantial distortion of the shape of the sample. Upon expulsion from the cutting member, inspection of the core sample permits visual determination of the current state of doneness of the food item.

Abstract: A soil sample collection machine has a mobile support frame that is transportable across the soil surface of an agricultural field. A surface scraper assembly is mounted to the mobile support frame and includes a scraper and a driver that is adapted to lower the scraper onto the surface of the soil and move the scraper across the soil surface for removing surface debris before a sample collection probe is driven into the soil at the scraped location and removes a soil sample. A soil sampling probe assembly is also mounted to the mobile support frame and includes a sample collection probe and a driver that is adapted to move the sample collection probe along a downward path into the soil to collect a sample of soil at the place the surface was scraped, to retract the probe upward and then to eject the soil sample from the probe into a container on an endless conveyer of containers.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for determining soil properties and managing the ground can include a platform equipped with traction anchors, wherein at least one anchor is configured to provide a point of traction on the ground and to pull the platform. The system also includes one or more sensors positioned and configured to detect ground properties near the anchor, and a computer subsystem configured to receive and process data on ground properties measured by the sensor, to process this information, and capable of transmitting information about the ground soil to a remote receiver.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for sampling rock mass, especially jointed rock mass. The present disclosure provides a simple and convenient method for sampling jointed rock mass to prevent the rock sample from being disturbed and damaged during sampling and accordingly resulting in opening of the weak structural planes, to therefore obtain rock specimen correctly reflecting the basic physical and mechanical characteristics of rock mass comprising integral fissure network. The method for sampling jointed rock mass of the present disclosure comprises the following steps: Step a: Siting; Step b: Drilling; Step c: Protecting; and Step d: Sampling. The method is suitable for determining the basic mechanical properties of the rock mass and for assessing the stability of caverns in jointed rock mass.

Abstract: An automated soil sampler is removably mounted on an agricultural tractor and collects soil samples in a farm field while the tractor is driven through the field. At a periodic interval, the soil sampler momentarily lowers a soil collection knife into the soil to collect a soil sample, raises the collection knife out of the soil, and transfers the collected soil sample into a bar-coded storage container. The GPS location of the soil sample is associated with the storage container's bar-code in a data file. The interval between successive periodic soil samples corresponds to a determined forward displacement of the tractor. Storage containers that have received soil samples are moved to a storage area until all of the soil samples for a given field have been collected.

Abstract: The invention provides material sampling devices and methods of using the material sampling devices. In a general aspect, the material sampling device includes a material sampling device including a rotator, an auger, and a sample containment tube. The rotator includes a rotating mechanism. The auger is attached to and rotatable by the rotating mechanism. A sample containment tube is constructed and arranged to receive the auger. The invention also provides kits useful for making the material sampling devices and using such material sampling devices for collecting and evaluating samples of a material.

Abstract: Sample or specimen retrieval may be performed via a tool that includes a multi-section tool bit which carries a plug. A cutter of the tool bit forms (e.g., drill, mill, bore, ream) a hole in a structure. A mandrel on a leading section of the tool bit sealing engages the plug in the hole from a blindside of the structure. A sample chamber of a trailing section of the tool bit extends into the hole through a passage in the plug and is opened. Optionally an auger portion of the trailing section rotates to acquire the sample in the sample chamber. The sample chamber is closed and withdrawn from hole and the mandrel seats in the passage to seal the plug. The trailing section is separated from the leading section, and retrieved along with the sample. Such may be particularly suitable for use with submersible ROVs.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for withdrawing respective liquid samples from vials (2) which are closed by closure caps (4) includes a plurality of racks (7) for accommodating the vials (2). A device (10) including a housing (25) is slideably carried on a gantry (9) which in turn is slideably carried on guide tracks (12) to provide two degrees of movement of the device (10) for selective alignment of the device (10) with the vials (2). An abutment member (43) is driven vertically by a second gearwheel (51) by a drive shaft (27) through a first gearwheel (40) and a dog clutch (52). A cannula which is secured within a first gear rack (33) is driven vertically by the first gearwheel (40). On engagement of the abutment member (43) with the closure cap (4) of the selected vial (2), the clutch (52) decouples the second gearwheel (51) from the first gearwheel (40) so that the cannula (28) is urgeable through the closure cap (4) into the vial (2).

Abstract: A material sampling device comprises an auger, a first motor, and a rotatable tube assembly. The auger is configured to extract material from a container. The first motor is configured to rotate the auger. The rotatable tube assembly comprises an outer tube and a second motor. The outer tube is configured to allow the auger to rotate within the outer tube. The outer tube comprises an upper portion configured to remain stationary, and a lower portion configured to rotate. The second motor is configured to rotate the lower portion of the outer tube. In a second embodiment, a material sampling device comprises an auger, and a rotatable tube assembly. The rotatable tube assembly comprises an outer tube comprising an upper portion configured to remain stationary and a lower portion configured to rotate. The auger and the lower portion of the outer tube are configured to rotate simultaneously in opposite directions.

Abstract: A soil sampling machine and its method of use is provided. The soil sampling machine can include a sampling mechanism configured and positioned to obtain a soil sample. A storage tank is located on the machine and can store the obtained sample material from the sampling mechanism. A hose connects the sampling mechanism and the storage tank and a vacuum generator generates a vacuum force in the hose to transport the obtained soil sample from the sampling mechanism to the storage tank.

Abstract: A sampling tool (100, 200) for use in obtaining a sample of material from within a container comprises a cutter shaft carrying a cutting head (1, 101), the shaft including a passage which has an inlet located at or towards the cutting head (1, 101), a drive mechanism which is adapted to cause the cutter shaft to rotate in a first direction in turn to cause the cutting head to cut a hole in wall of the container and expose the inlet to the material contained within the container, a flexible seal (3, 103) carried by the cutter shaft which is located so that with the inlet in contact with the fluid the seal extends at least partially through the hole, a clamp mechanism which is operable once the seal is located in the hole such that continued rotation of the cutter shaft pulls the cutting head (1, 101) back towards the hole to mechanically clamp the seal (3, 103) around the hole; and a self sealing connector which is in connection with an outlet of the passage and through which a sample may be withdrawn into a s

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for obtaining samples of meat during commercial meat production. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide for an automated, hand held device used to rapidly obtain samples of meat that are of essentially uniform size in order to test for the presence of microbiological contaminants in such meat, as well as methods of using the device. The device can be used to comply with laws and regulations concerning the testing of meat for microbial contamination during commercial meat production. The device is also lightweight and ergonomically constructed so that it may be operated by a single individual.

Abstract: A mobile soil sampling device is mounted on the side of a vehicle such as an ATV or UTV and includes an upstanding frame member which is vertically movable with respect to the vehicle by means of a parallel arm linkage and actuator. A vertically disposed and rotatable auger is mounted on the frame member and is moved upwardly and downwardly with respect thereto through the use of a motor and pinion gear with the pinion gear engaging a gear rack on the frame member. The auger is rotated so as to dig into the ground to the desired depth with the soil sample being conveyed upwardly into a vacuum collection chamber with the soil sample being conveyed to a vacuum chamber mounted on the vehicle. A sample collection device is mounted beneath the vacuum chamber for receiving the desired soil samples. An auger flute cleaning apparatus is mounted on the device to remove soil from the flutes of the auger as the auger is raised from a soil penetration position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting, sorting and storing samples from multiple batches of copper cathode is disclosed. Samples are collected at a sampling station and transferred to a collection container. The samples are then transferred to a sorting container by way of chutes forming a continuous path from the collection container to the sorting container. The sorting container is affixed on the top surface of an automated carousel having a plurality of sorting containers for sorting samples from multiple batches. Samples in the sorting containers are recovered into storage containers through an access door panel and a funnel placed beneath the access door.

Abstract: A water bottom ore sampler includes a submersible housing for positioning on or near a water bottom, a riser duct mounted within the submersible housing and movable vertically relative to the submersible housing, a drilling assembly disposed within the riser duct for excavating the water bottom, a passage defined within the riser duct through which a particulate fluid mixture produced by the excavation can flow up the riser duct and into an interior of the submersible housing, and a sample container disposed within the submersible housing for collecting ore from the particulate fluid mixture received in the submersible housing.

Abstract: A removable plug and collar for a hollow stem screened auger and a method of collecting water samples using the plug and collar. The plug has an outer threaded surface that is threaded in a first direction. The top of the plug has an internal threaded cavity that is threaded in a second direction opposite that of the first direction. The collar is pressure fit within the top of the screened auger, held in place with an auger bolt, and has an internal threaded surface to receive the plug. The plug has multiple ports to receive air and sample tubes, enabling samples to be collected without removing the plug from the screened auger. To set a well after sampling, the plug is removed from the collar down hole as a drill rod is threaded into the plug's internal threaded cavity in a direction the same as the second direction.

Abstract: A material sampling device comprises an auger, a first motor, and a rotatable tube assembly. The auger is configured to extract material from a container. The first motor is configured to rotate the auger. The rotatable tube assembly comprises an outer tube and a second motor. The outer tube is configured to allow the auger to rotate within the outer tube. The outer tube comprises an upper portion configured to remain stationary, and a lower portion configured to rotate. The second motor is configured to rotate the lower portion of the outer tube. In a second embodiment, a material sampling device comprises an auger, and a rotatable tube assembly. The rotatable tube assembly comprises an outer tube comprising an upper portion configured to remain stationary and a lower portion configured to rotate. The auger and the lower portion of the outer tube are configured to rotate simultaneously in opposite directions.

Abstract: A mobile soil sampling device is mounted on the side of a vehicle such as an ATV or UTV and includes an upstanding frame member which is vertically movable with respect to the vehicle by means of a parallel arm linkage and actuator. A vertically disposed and rotatable auger is mounted on the frame member and is moved upwardly and downwardly with respect thereto through the use of a motor and pinion gear with the pinion gear engaging a gear rack on the frame member. The auger is rotated so as to dig into the ground to the desired depth with the soil sample being conveyed upwardly into a vacuum collection chamber with the soil sample being conveyed to a vacuum chamber mounted on the vehicle. A sample collection device is mounted beneath the vacuum chamber for receiving the desired soil samples.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling a filter layer and a method using the same are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a cylindrical tube made of a transparent material; a screw installed at a central portion in the cylindrical tube, to be rotated for shifting a sample from the lower part to the upper part of the cylindrical tube, and a rotary operating unit fixed to the upper end of the screw for rotating the screw, wherein the cylindrical tube is provided with a scale formed on its outer circumference and a protective cap combined with the lower end for smoothly excavating the filter layer and preventing the damage of the cylindrical tube. The apparatus further lower case a fixed supporter on the upper end of the screw and a supporting hand lever protruding from one side of the fixed supporter to be pressed by a worker with force required for excavation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system to characterize the contamination levels of bulk materials, the method comprises drilling into the material, sampling material from the drill point at predetermined intervals, and analyzing the sampled material. Such an embodiment may be accomplished by using a drill with a specialized cutting and sampling head, drill bits, a sample collection units and a vacuum pump. The embodiment in conjunction with portable radiometric instruments produces a profile of radiological or chemical contamination through the material being studied.

Abstract: The device for sampling material of granular or powdery composition includes a stem at one end of which a wheel is mounted intended to cause the device to rotate. At the opposite end is a driving head. The head is mounted symmetrically on the stem and includes lower and side parts of a streamlined shape. The stem has a predetermined shape to scrape material nover the entire driving depth of the device in the material to be sampled. The head has a cross section that is smaller than, equal to, or greater than the cross section of the stem and in proportions determined in relation to the nature or moisture content of the material to be sampled.

Abstract: A permeameter having a hollow tube with a second tube slidably disposed within an internal chamber of the hollow tube, used in combination with one or more tables each of which correlates a specific rate of reading fall rate of water within the hollow tube with a unique soil hydraulic capacity of the soil being tested. The second tube has an air hole and a slot which are used in causing water contained in the hollow tube to seep into an auger hole. A reducing connector is secured to the bottom of the hollow tube which provides the means for maintaining the second tube within the internal chamber of the hollow tube. The second tube is secured in the extended position by a compression fitting attached to the reducing connector. A conventional measuring tape, having consecutive markings showing continuous ¼, ½, and 1 inch distances, is affixed to the outside surface of the hollow tube such that the numbers extend vertically along the length, or longitudinal central axis, of the hollow tube.

Abstract: A suction lysimeter for sampling subsurface liquids includes a lysimeter casing having a drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portion including a membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled; a fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the membrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and a plurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the reservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing. A method of sampling subsurface liquids comprises using this lysimeter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for taking samples in a material of granular or powdery composition, comprising a rod (12) at one end of which is mounted a hand grip (10) for rotating the wheel and at the other end of which is a driving head (13). Said device is characterized in that the head (13) is mounted symmetrically on the rod (12) and comprises lower and lateral parts having a profiled shape, the rod (12) having a specific form for scraping the material over its entire length and the head (13) having a cross-section smaller, equal or larger than the cross-section of the rod (12), in specific proportions based on the type and/or moisture content of the material to be sampled.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted soil sampler is provided. The soil sampler is designed to be mounted inside the vehicle proximal the operator. A mounting plate secures the soil sampler to the interior of the vehicle. A opening is provided in the floorboard underneath the soil sampler to permit the soil sampler to leave the vehicle, take a sample, and return to the vehicle with the sample. The soil sampler includes a first hydraulic motor and a second hydraulic motor. The first hydraulic motor is operates a chain drive which moves a guide member in an upward or downward fashion. The guide member is affixed to the auger assembly. The auger assembly includes an auger, a second hydraulic motor which rotates the auger as well as a sample chamber. The operator will drive the vehicle to a location where a soil sample is desired to be taken. The first hydraulic motor is actuated, lowering the auger assembly through the floor of the vehicle to the soil surface.

Abstract: The method is used for locally testing underground soil contamination by determining the generation rate of a first contaminant fluid in porous soil. The method includes the steps of making a hole of known dimensions in the soil, with the hole defining a first and a second spaced-apart portions; covering the hole, so as to define a closed volume in the hole; constantly injecting a second fluid in the hole at a constant given flow rate at said first portion of the hole, while simultaneously collecting fluid samples at the above-mentioned constant given flow rate at the second portion of the hole; measuring the concentrations of the first contaminant fluid from the fluid samples collected at known time intervals; and computing the generation rate of the first contaminant fluid, from the known volume of the hole and from the concentrations previously measured and originating from samples collected at the known time intervals.

Abstract: A soil sampling apparatus removably mountable upon a wheeled vehicle includes a mounting frame having elongated longitudinal members adapted to adjustably extend in the direction of the length of the vehicle, and paired parallel attachment members emergent from the longitudinal members and adapted to be secured to the vehicle. A center frame is vertically positionable by virtue of sliding engagement with bushings held by the longitudinal members. A bottom panel held by the center frame has an aperture and a guide tube upwardly directed from the panel in communication with the aperture. A motor slideably positioned within the center frame holds a downwardly directed auger adapted to enter the guide tube. The motor undergoes reciprocal vertical movement within the center frame by virtue of manual downward pushing and upward lifting accomplished within an operating lever.

Abstract: A survey device for use in a borehole formed in an earth formation. The device includes a carrier body carrying earth formation survey apparatus and drilling device arranged at the front end of the device for drilling of the borehole, a device for progressing the carrier body through the borehole in correspondence with progress of drilling by the drilling device and a device for removing the rock particles resulting from the drilling process. The device for removing the rock particles comprises a device for transporting the rock particles to the rear end of the device and depositing the rock particles into the borehole behind the rear end of the device.