Abstract: A self-entry exploitation device and method for marine natural gas hydrates is provided. The exploitation device includes a self-entry structural body (1), a sand control device (2) and a gas-liquid lifting system. The self-entry structural body (1) is a gravity anchor. The sand control device (2) and the gas-liquid lifting system are mounted on the self-entry structural body (1). At least one cavity (21) is formed between the self-entry structural body (1) and the sand control device (2), and the cavity (21) is communicated with at least one channel. The sand control device (2) allows liquid and gas to pass through to enter the cavity (21) and is able to filter out silt. The gas-liquid lifting system includes at least one lifting power device (31) and has an end connected to the cavity (21) and an end extending out through a pipeline.

Abstract: A soil sampler assembly includes a utility vehicle and a soil sampler module coupled to the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle includes a cab, and the soil sampler module is configured to deposit a soil sample in the cab. For example, the soil sampler assembly includes a conveyor system configured to convey the soil sample to the cab. The conveyor system includes a central conveyor and a lateral conveyor that feeds the central conveyor. The central conveyor is on a travel track. The soil sampler assembly further includes a sampler arm assembly. The sampler arm assembly includes a power cylinder, a guide cylinder, a transfer block, and a probe. The probe has a tip, and the tip of the probe includes an outer surface defining an outer taper bore and an inner surface defining an inner taper bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit of parts comprising a collecting device for collecting a tissue sample and a storage tube for storing the tissue sample therein. The collecting device comprises a punch and a plunger located within a bore of the punch and being adapted to slide within the bore. The storage tube comprises a tube body having an open first end, a closed second end, and a cap located at the first end of the tube body, the cap having a breakable seal that extends across the body of the tube to seal the first end of the tube body. The collecting device is adapted to break the seal of the cap and to fill the resulting opening to close off the storage tube.

Abstract: A liner assembly for use in a soil sampling system comprises a thin sheet of flexible plastic that can be laid flat for shipping and rolled into a cylindrical shape with overlapping edges for use as a liner. The rolled sheet can be inserted into a soil sample tube to line the sample tube during soil sampling operations. A wedge assembly comprising a split holding ring and a wedge ring holds the liner in place at the bottom of the soil sample tube. After the soil sampling system is advanced into the subsurface to collect a soil sample, the soil sample is removed by removing the cutting shoe from the sample tube and sliding the rolled liner sheet out the bottom end of the sample tube. The liner sheet can be unrolled to access and remove the soil sample. The liner sheet can be reused after removing the soil sample.

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: A single-use coring probe for collecting a frozen aliquot from a frozen biological sample includes a hollow coring bit and an ejector adapted. The ejector is operable to eject a frozen sample core from the bit as it moves from a retracted position to an extended position. Use of the ejector converts the probe to a disabled configuration to discourage reuse of the coring probe to obtain another sample. The probe may include a locking mechanism adapted to prevent re-use of the single-use coring probe by locking the ejector in the extended position. A hand-held coring device can be used to take frozen sample cores from frozen samples. A tissue container is suitable for holding a frozen tissue sample in frozen storage and also for holding the sample while the sample is sectioned and/or a full-depth frozen sample core is extracted from the frozen tissue.

Abstract: Described herein is a cutting apparatus (100) for allowing visual inspection of a core sample in an inner tube at a drilling site after the inner tube has been removed from a coring tube and prior to it being transported to a laboratory. The cutting apparatus (100) comprises a support track (110, 112, 114, 116)) on which is mounted a tube support member (120), a cutter wagon (130, 132, 138) and a drive arrangement (140, 142, 144, 146). The apparatus (100) provides relative movement between an inner tube (150) and the cutter wagon (130, 132, 138) to allow a section of the inner tube (150) to be removed along its entire length for visual inspection. The drive arrangement (140, 142, 144, 146) provides the relative movement between the inner tube (150) and the cutter wagon (130, 132, 138).

Abstract: The vehicle mounted soil sampler includes a vertical mast tube connected to a receiver hitch mounted on a vehicle. A support plate is clamped to the mast. A drive shaft and gear, driven by a motor, is journaled in a gear housing mounted on the support plate. An elongated gear rack is parallel to the vertical mast and moved vertically by the drive shaft and gear in the gear housing. A tubular soil probe with an open bottom end and an open slot is attached to the gear rack. A spoon bar is pivotally attached to the mast tube. A spoon bar lower end is urged into the open slot and removes soil from the tubular soil probe during upward movement of the gear rack. A soil sample container catches soil discharged from the soil probe. A plastic guide bearing guides the gear rack.

Abstract: Sampling devices for procuring building material samples may include a first shaft, a second shaft, a core sampler, and at least one dust inhibitor. Sampling device kits may include a second shaft, at least one core sampler for procuring building material samples and configured to connect to the second shaft, at least one of an optional handle and an optional drill chuck configured to connect to the second shaft, an optional first shaft through which the second shaft and core sampler are configured to extend, and at least one optional dust inhibitor configured to connect to the first shaft. Methods of procuring a sample of building material may include sampling devices.

Abstract: Device for taking samples from the bottom boundary layer of a water body, consisting of compact bottom sediments, overlying water-saturated mud layer, and near-bottom water layer directly connected with the latter, belongs among oceanographic devices. Disturbance of the probes' structure is avoided by the construction of the device with several shorter tubes with their inlet holes being located at different heights, instead of one long sampling tube. There are distinctive tubes for taking samples from layers at different heights from the bottom. The sampling tube divided into sections is furnished with isolating valves that divide the interior of the tube into layers isolated from each other. Soft and regulated drop of the device is achieved using the inflatable contact belt. Using an upper inflatable balloon avoids the vertical stability of the device and raising it to the surface without cabling.

Abstract: A robotic end effector for collecting frozen aliquots from an array of frozen samples in a plurality of containers has a coring bit for taking frozen sample cores from the frozen samples and a frozen sample core extraction system adapted to extract frozen sample cores from the frozen samples. A fill level detection system is adapted to detect the positions of the surfaces of the frozen samples. A processor is adapted to receive signals from the fill level detection system and use the signals and information concerning operation of the frozen sample core extraction system to determine at least one of the following: (a) the amount of material contained in a frozen sample core obtained by the coring bit; and (b) the number of frozen sample cores needed from a particular frozen sample to obtain a predetermined amount of material from that frozen sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for an easy-to-open liner for use in connection with direct push, rotary and coring soil samplers. The liner according to the invention is pre-scored by one or more score lines comprising an indentation of substantially uniform depth or a series of perforations into the outer wall of the liner in one or more locations. The liner of the invention can easily be opened using pliers to expose the sample within the liner without the need of cutting blades or other sharp objects. The liner of the invention permits safe and easy opening in accordance with health and safety requirements.

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 soil-cement sampling device and method of sampling soil-cement is provided. The soil-cement sampling device may include an inner tube arranged within an outer tube. The inner tube may be removably connected to the outer tube and may be split into two longitudinal sections removably connected to each other. The inner and outer tubes may be inserted into a recently mixed soil-cement mixture before it hardens and a sample of the soil-cement mixture may be collected in the inner tube after it hardens. Once the sample hardens, the inner tube may be removed from the outer tube and the longitudinal sections may be separated to expose the soil-cement sample for inspection and testing.

Abstract: A coring apparatus including an outer core barrel associated with a drill bit; an inner core barrel adapted to accept a core sample; and at least one strain sensor adapted to measure strain experienced by the inner core barrel selected from the group consisting of tension and compression, wherein an output of the at least one strain sensor is indicative of entry of the core sample into the inner core barrel.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the presence and/or concentration of at least one contaminant in a subsurface at a test site. The method generally includes inserting a sampling assembly into at least one tree at the test site, processing at least part of the sampling assembly to determine if a contaminant is present in the at least one tree, and then correlating the presence and/or concentration of the contaminant in the at least one tree to presence and/or concentration of the contaminant in the subsurface. The sampling assembly is operable to sorb at least one contaminant located within the at least one tree to at least part of the sampling assembly. The sampling assembly may include a solid phase microextraction (SPME) sampling assembly having a SPME sampling device and a support configured to help position the SPME sampling device within a tree for sampling operation.

Abstract: A groundwater sampling tool that includes an elongated hollow coring tube having a proximal end and a distal end for collecting groundwater and sediment; a Peltier element located in close proximity to a wall of the elongated hollow coring tube adapted to freeze groundwater and sediment collected by the elongated hollow coring tube.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for collecting marine deposits. The apparatus includes: a piston corer for collecting a deep part of marine deposits; a corer for collecting a surface part of marine deposits; and a trigger body connecting the corer for collecting a surface part of marine deposits and the piston corer for collecting a deep part of marine deposits to each other while being maintained at a laterally set interval. The apparatus for collecting marine deposits can greatly save costs consumed to collect marine deposits and increase accuracy of collecting the marine deposits.

Abstract: An apparatus and method obtains a sample from a subterranean formation. The coring apparatus includes an outer core barrel associated with a drill bit; an inner core barrel adapted to accept a core sample; and sensors adapted to provide data relating to downhole conditions. The sensors may be one or more sensors the output of which is indicative of entry of a core sample into the inner core barrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampler for gas hydrates by hole bottom freezing, the sampler comprises a fisher, a wire-line coring mechanism and an outer barrel, and it further comprises a refrigeration portion, a low temperature control portion and a frozen insulation sample portion, which constitute an inner barrel assembly located inside the outer barrel together, wherein a refrigerant in the refrigeration portion is injected into the frozen insulation sample portion under a control of the low temperature control portion, so that a cooling medium in the frozen insulation sample portion is always kept under a predetermined temperature, and a core sample of gas hydrates is frozen at the bottom of a drill hole. The invention also relates to a sampling method using the sampler as mentioned above.

Abstract: Device, system and method for sampling of soft sediments with retention of sample material and profile. A barge is anchored and stabilized in position; sampling tubes are driven through underlying sediments using continuous and controllable translational pneumatic force; a torpedo-shaped end piece leads the sampling tubes into the sediments. Once at desired depth, a rotational force is applied to sampling tubes. Fins located around torpedo prevent the torpedo from rotating and connection between leading sampling tube and torpedo is tightened. O-ring located between torpedo and leading sampling tube is squeezed as a result of such tightening and bulges inward pinching the core inside sampling tube. During retrieval, core is more likely to break at the location of the pinch which has introduced structural discontinuity; core above the pinch is capped by compacted material at the pinch. O-ring does not disturb sample integrity during descent. Winch and pulley mechanism may assist.

Abstract: A kit of component parts for forming at least first and second grease sampling devices includes a number of housings, piston bodies, and piston shafts. A first grease sampling device has a piston movable in the barrel and vent holes that resists the buildup of back pressure when the device is filled with a grease sample. A second grease sampling device includes a push rod extending from the piston that enables a representative grease sample to be obtained from a bearing, gear or other lubricated part that is not easily accessible.

Abstract: The inventors perfected the present invention upon finding that a conventional fecal sampling stick is given a hollow structure that has openings a certain distant apart, permitting in aspiration through the capillary tube phenomenon. That is, the present invention is a feces collection container for collecting faeces as an analyte, which comprises a fecal sampling stick which has a holding part (11) at a base, a fecal sampling part (12) at a tip and is formed a hollow passage with openings at the tip and on the base side a predetermined distance from the tip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method obtains a sample from a subterranean formation. The coring apparatus includes an outer core barrel associated with a drill bit; an inner core barrel adapted to accept a core sample; and sensors adapted to provide data relating to downhole conditions. The sensors includes: a strain sensor adapted to measure tension and/or compression experienced by the inner core barrel; a first pressure sensor adapted to measure pressure out with the inner barrel and a second pressure sensor adapted to measure pressure within the inner barrel; a rotation sensor adapted to measure relative rotation between the inner core barrel and the outer core barrel; and a vibration sensor adapted to measure vibration experienced by the inner barrel.

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 automatically removes soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly that rotates on a track. The probe of the sampler assembly is extended through the track and into the ground, then retracted on each revolution of the track. The sampler assembly is hinged and guided along a track in order to minimize soil compaction as the probe rotates around the rear wheel of the apparatus. Soil is ejected by means of a “rumble path” along the top of the track. The soil samples are pneumatically transferred to a bagging assembly located in the tractor pulling the apparatus.

Abstract: This fence post tool makes an opening in a fence post to receive a fence rail. The tool includes a threaded first member received within the hollow fence post and having an elongate handle to manipulate the first member into position adjacent a predrilled pilot hole. A second member includes a cutting edge defining the profile of the cutout and having a bolt received through the second member and into the threaded passage of the first member to draw the second member cutting edge into cutting engagement with the fence post sidewall.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for taking a core sample of dense packed fibrous material including: (a) a generally cylindrical sampling tube open on its distal end, wherein the length of the sampling tube is greater than the sample length; (b) at least one exhaust port outside the sampling length adjacent to its proximate end; (c) a ram rod movable from the proximate end to the distal end of the sampling tube for discharging a sample from the sampling tube; and (d) a drive attached to the proximate end of the sampling tube for aiding in sampling.

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 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 removes soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly (60) that rotates on a track (32) riding on a plurality of idler wheels (29, 31). A probe (66) extends and retracts under the action of a scissored frame assembly (70), mechanically manipulated by passage of the scissored frame assembly (70) along a guide assembly (108). The probe (66) is extended into the ground and retracted on each revolution. An ejector (68) pushes soil from the probe (66) as it passes over a hopper (88) to retain the cores. The cores are pneumatically transferred from the hopper (88) to a plurality of sample collection containers (126). An electronic control system uses GPS location information to deposit collected cores in the appropriate container (126) based upon the current location of the apparatus in the field of interest.

Abstract: A sampling device for collecting depth-specific samples in silt, sludge and granular media has three chambers separated by a pair of iris valves. Rotation of the middle chamber closes the valves and isolates a sample in a middle chamber.

Abstract: A core sample extraction system for extracting a plug from soil and removing the plug from the device so that the soil and any roots in the plug can be analyzed includes a boring tube including a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end is driven into soil to isolate a plug of the soil when the boring tube is struck by a mallet. An extraction assembly is positioned in the boring tube. The extraction assembly engages the plug in the boring tube and pushes the plug out of the bottom end when the extraction assembly is forced through the boring tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coring tubular. The coring tubular has a body, at least one opening hole radially oriented in the tubular body and a parting line in the tubular body. Further disclosed herein is a method for reducing contamination of a core sample. The method includes installing a coring tubular having features set forth in the foregoing paragraph in a coring tubular, running the tubular to obtain a sample and retrieving the bore by prying the tubular open at an opening hole along the parting line.

Abstract: An apparatus removes soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly (60) that rotates on a track (32) riding on a plurality of idler wheels (29, 31). A probe (66) extends and retracts under the action of a scissored frame assembly (70), mechanically manipulated by passage of the scissored frame assembly (70) along a guide assembly (108). The probe (66) is extended into the ground and retracted on each revolution. An ejector (68) pushes soil from the probe (66) as it passes over a hopper (88) to retain the cores. The cores are pneumatically transferred from the hopper (88) to a plurality of sample collection containers (126). An electronic control system uses GPS location information to deposit collected cores in the appropriate container (126) based upon the current location of the apparatus in the field of interest.

Abstract: A coring device includes a base portion that receives an arrayed plurality of samples, the base portion including a plurality of vertically oriented slider rods. A coring portion including an arrayed plurality of samples is slidable along the vertically oriented slider rods between a retracted position and an actuated position where cores are taken from the samples. An extraction portion including arrayed plurality of extraction pins aligned with the arrayed plurality of coring tubes for insertion therein is also slidable along the vertically oriented slider rods between a retracted position and an actuated position where the extraction pins eject cores from the coring tubes. A coring drive mechanism is provided to mechanically move the coring portion between the retracted position and the actuated 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 coring device includes a base portion that receives an arrayed plurality of samples, the base portion including a plurality of vertically oriented slider rods. A coring portion including an arrayed plurality of coring tubes aligned with the arrayed plurality of samples is slidable along the vertically oriented slider rods between a retracted position and an actuated position where cores are taken from the samples. An extraction portion including arrayed plurality of extraction pins aligned with the arrayed plurality of coring tubes for insertion therein is also slidable along the vertically oriented slider rods between a retracted position and an actuated position where the extraction pins eject cores from the coring tubes. A coring drive mechanism is provided to mechanically move the coring portion between the retracted position and the actuated position.

Abstract: A novel corer and grinder apparatus suitable for interplanetary travel and extraplanetary operation is disclosed. The corer grinder composes a claw element attached to a shaft coupled to a motor. A second motor compresses a spring forcing against a hammer unit that constitute the majority of the unit's mass. On release the energy stored in the compressed spring converts into momentum of the hammer unit that strikes against the claw element releasing the impact energy directly to the cutting end for cutting. The direction of the energy released is modified by an impact platform to produce a horizontal chipping action to aid cutting. The claw element further comprises a pair of semi-cylindrical claw elements that separate upon rotation of the shaft in a first direction, easing collection of core samples. The semi-cylindrical claw elements join upon rotation of the shaft in the opposite direction, thereby grasping the core sample during removal from the material being sampled.

Abstract: A core sampling apparatus is comprised of a tubular punch, a storage container, and a press. The punch is comprised of a plurality of generally parallel metal sample tubes for being forced into a ground material. The storage container is comprised of a plurality of parallel storage tubes, a cap, and a lock nut. The filled punch is pushed into the storage tubes for encapsulation, and cap is secured against the open end of the storage container by the lock nut. The material samples are ejected from the storage container with an extraction tool with prongs attached to the press. Prongs on the extraction tool are inserted into the punch through breakable ends of the storage tubes, and the material samples are pushed out through breakable ends of the cap by the prongs into a collection vial.

Abstract: A turf cutting and handling system for the borehole of a golf green cup includes a generally cylindrical hollow barrel with a cutting edge disposed about a lower periphery of the barrel. A manually grippable handle allows the barrel to be drilled into a playing surface of the putting green, and an ejection port allows a cut plug of turf and soil to be removed from the cutting barrel after the cut plug has been moved from a cutting position to a removal position by means of an ejector plunger which is engaged with the lower rotationally sheared surface of the soil which is underlying the grassy portion of the cut plug.

Abstract: A device for preserving the orientation of a core is described. A core barrel is attached to a rotatable orienting rod. A plurality of projections are located on an inner surface of the core barrel. Three projections are grouped together and opposite from a fourth projection. A ratchet assembly is included at an end of the rotatable orienting rod opposite from the core barrel. The ratchet assembly includes a first body, to which the rotatable orienting rod is attached, a plate, a second body, and a biasing mechanism. A turning rod is mounted on the plate, which is located between the two bodies. The plate and the second body each have teeth which intermesh, but which slip if a clog in the core barrel inhibits rotation of the rotatable orienting rod.

Abstract: A stylet for use with an automatic tissue microarrayer is provided for arraying frozen tissue samples on a substrate. In one embodiment, the stylet comprises a stylet needle having a pushing surface for pushing either frozen tissue or embedding media out of a coring needle, and a connecting end. In another embodiment the stylet comprises a stylet body which comprises a stylet base for sliding along the length of the needle and a stylet cap for coupling to the connecting end of the stylet needle. In a further embodiment of the invention, the stylet base and stylet cap are separated from each other by a resilient element, such as a spring. Molds for generating component parts of the stylet are also provided.

Abstract: An in situ reactor for use in a geological strata, is described and which includes a liner defining a centrally disposed passageway and which is placed in a borehole formed in the geological strata; and a sampling conduit is received within the passageway defined by the liner and which receives a geological specimen which is derived from the geological strata, and wherein the sampling conduit is in fluid communication with the passageway defined by the liner.

Abstract: A powder sampling method and apparatus is provided for sampling powder from a mixer or a drum. An undisturbed column of powder is extracted from a vessel. The column of powder may then be sectioned into subunits, using a discharge device, providing up to dozens of samples per insertion. Larger number of representative samples of controlled size from a powder bed can be acquired.

Abstract: A sample thief comprising: an outer hollow rod with an open end; a piston with a plunger end inserted within the outer hollow rod; and the outer hollow rod having an adjustable means. The thief operates by inserting the thief into a blend to be sampled just above the area of the blend to be sampled; adjusting the plunger so that a cavity greater than the desired sample size is created; compacting the sample into the thief; removing the thief from the blend; ejecting the excess sample to a predetermined point; and collecting the sample.

Abstract: A hollow cylinder (12) surrounded within the helical coil of an extricating compression spring (10) filled at its breech and sharpened at its open front end for penetrating and capturing samples of material. The assembly itself is a projectile, or is attached to a projectile (24) which conveys it to a remote sample location and imbeds it into the sample material with inertia. The assembly is held together with keeper pins (22) inserted through common holes. The imbedded core barrel (12) with its sample chamber filled with a representative sample of material extricates itself from the host matrix by means of an extricating compression spring (10) releasing its force against the surface of the host material. Once self-extricated and distanced from the sampled material it falls to the nearest horizontal surface.

Abstract: The device of present invention is used for cutting and recovery of a selected gel piece from a larger gel mass. The gel piece suitably contains molecules that will be used in further work. The preferred device is made up of at least two parts: a hollow member with a distal end terminating in a cutting edge, a proximal end, and a lumen in between the proximal and distal ends; and a piston member. The lumen part of the hollow member close to the proximal end has a larger cross section than a lumen part close to the distal end. The piston body has at least a first body that fits snugly in the lumen part having the larger cross section and a second body is longer than length of the lumen part with a smaller cross section and fits within the smaller cross section portion of the hollow tube, creates reduced pressure when moved towards proximal end of the hollow tube is disposed within the lumen.

Abstract: A tool for withdrawing a soil sample comprising a frame member including a portion including spaced vertically extending legs having lower ends, a foot portion fixed to the lower ends of the legs and including a horizontally extending slot defined by a vertically extending wall including a horizontally extending groove, and an abutment surface extending horizontally and located between the legs in upwardly spaced relation from the foot portion.