Abstract: An application for a liquid sampling device includes an elongated shaft with a handle at a first end of the elongated shaft and a sample container removably affixed to a distal end. A trigger is pivotally affixed to the handle and a flapper is pivotally affixed to the elongated shaft. The flapper is urged towards an opening in the sample bottle, thereby covering the opening in the sample container in a default position and the trigger is linked to the flapper, wherein operation of the trigger results in opening of the flapper.

Abstract: A sampling device for a specimen container having a closure sealing the interior of the specimen container from the environment includes a needle, a body coupled to the needle and defining a chamber in fluid communication with the needle, the body further comprising a port forming an opening in the body, the port in fluid communication with the chamber. A multitude of the sampling devices may be stored in a cassette. The sampling devices may include a second chamber for separation and concentration of a microbial agent present in a sample. In this configuration second chamber is connected to the first chamber via a valve or the like.

Abstract: A sample collection vial and process of using a vial is provided. The sample collection vial has an opening secured by a dissolvable plug. When dissolved, liquids may enter into the interior of the collection vial passing along one or more edges of a dissolvable blocking member. As the blocking member is dissolved, a spring actuated closure is directed towards the opening of the vial which, when engaged, secures the vial contents against loss or contamination.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a fractionator for collecting at least one of a plurality of segregated components from a segregated sample disposed in a sample tube. The fractionator has a head with a head surface at its forward end. The head may be configured to form a slideable seal with the inside surface of a sample tube. A collection port is disposed forward of the head surface, and a fluid passageway is in fluid communication with the collection port and is configured and arranged to allow fluid transport from the sample tube to a sample receptacle. The fractionator may have a valve in fluid communication with the collection port and may have a valve controller configured and arranged to operate the valve based, at least in part, on the location of the collection port with respect to a sample disposed in the sample tube.

Abstract: A device for collecting samples of the sea floor, including a collection apparatus, a diving apparatus and a control apparatus.

Abstract: A gas sampling container capable of obtaining, isolating and transporting samples of gas or other fluid under pressure form. The container further exhibits a plurality of simple, reliable, inexpensive, self sealing, valves which allow the introduction, flow through and exit of the gas sample. The container is suitable for taking discrete or serial samples from a gas or fluid flow source and is especially suited for use in automated sampling apparatus. These containers are acceptable for shipment of compressed flammable gases under the regulatory structures of many countries.

Abstract: A closed loop system for obtaining a sample of a fluid from a source of fluid is disclosed, the system including a collection vessel having a fluid chamber disposed therein. A valve assembly is disposed within the collection vessel and adapted to selectively open and close a fluid communication path between the fluid chamber and an associated fluid receptacle. An inlet provides a fluid communication path between the source of fluid and the fluid chamber, and an outlet provides a fluid communication path between the fluid chamber and a fluid recovery system.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for characterizing particles suspended in a liquid, especially a self-contained disposable cartridge for single-use analysis, such as for single-use analysis of a small quantity of whole blood. The self-contained disposable cartridge facilitates a straightforward testing procedure, which can be performed by most people without any particular education. Furthermore, the apparatus used to perform the test on the cartridge is simple, maintenance free, and portable.

Abstract: A gas sampling container (15) capable of obtaining, isolating and transporting samples of gas or other fluid under pressure form. The container (15) further exhibits a plurality of simple, reliable, inexpensive, self sealing, valves (2) which allow introduction, flow through and exit of the gas sample. The container (15) is suitable for taking discrete or serial samples from a gas or fluid flow source and is especially suited for use in automated sampling apparatus. These containers are acceptable for shipment of compressed flammable gases under the regulatory structures of many countries.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel contaminant tester has an upper transparent chamber for viewing a first sample of aviation fuel, a lower chamber, a fuel cell drain valve actuating device for loading the upper transparent chamber. A thumb actuated valve halts flow of fuel from the upper chamber into the lower chamber until actuated by the pilot after viewing contaminated fuel in the upper transparent chamber. The larger lower chamber permits several samples of fuel to be repeatedly drained from the fuel tank and examined merely by manually actuating the valve without the undesired discarding of any fuel. When the fuel in the last batch of sampled fuel, viewed in the upper chamber, is free of contaminants, the inspection process ends and the tester is inverted, draining the sampled fuel from both chambers, usually at one time only, to eliminate the repeated discarding of the fuel from the commonly used sampler cup.

Abstract: A sample station and method of using the station, which contains a removable receptacle for collecting fluid samples from tanks, pipelines or other receptacles. The removable receptacle has a valve at the bottom for easy emptying and cleaning. The sample station is vented so the sample receptacle can not be pressurized, and is meant to be piped to the container which holds the fluid to be sampled, so the sample can be collected without risk of splashing, and without risk of spilling.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided that includes a plurality of retainment regions interconnected through at least one fluid processing passageway or separated by at least one barrier. A fluid flow modulator can be provided in the fluid processing passageway if a fluid processing passageway is provided. The barrier and/or fluid flow modulator can comprise a polysaccharide, a derivative of a polysaccharide, or a combination thereof. For example, the barrier can comprise a chitosan material.

Abstract: A sweat collector for application to a body part of a subject in order to collect sweat therefrom for purposes of analysis, includes a receptacle having an open side for application to the skin of the subject's body part from which the sweat is to be collected; and a port for the introduction of a fluid into the receptacle and into contact with the skin of the subject's body part for enhancing the removal and/or production of sweat thereat. The sweat collector further includes a syringe having an open end insertable into the port for introducing the fluid into the receptacle, and for removing the introduced fluid and the sweat collected therein for analysis. Several embodiments are described, illustrating various ways of attaching the sweat collector to various body parts. Also described is a method of collecting and analyzing sweat from a body part in order to provide information useful in determining the medical condition of a subject.

Abstract: Sample vials and methods of processing the sample vials are provided. The sample vial comprises a vial container, a sample collection chamber within the vial container, a vial cap configured to be mated with the vial container to enclose the collection chamber, an aliquot chamber, which may be carried by the vial cap or the vial container, and a valve mechanism for selectively sealing and unsealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber. The method may comprise flowing an aliquot of the sample from the collection chamber while the sample within the collection chamber is isolated from an environment exterior to the vial, sealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber to isolate the aliquot sample from the remaining sample portion, and transferring at least some of the remaining sample portion from the collection chamber to a microscope slide while the aliquot chamber is sealed from the collection chamber.

Abstract: An automatic sterile sampling system for sampling fluid includes a steam valve, a sampling valve, a processing system, an isolation valve, and a controller. The inner diameters of the valve ports and fluid lines are less than about 8 mm. The system has tapered transitions between an outlet port of the sampling valve and an inlet port of the isolation valve and between a sample transfer port of the isolation valve and a sample transfer channel. An isolation valve drain outlet port protrudes upwardly from the isolation valve and has a longitudinal axis that is angled less than about 45° with from vertical.

Abstract: A method for environmental monitoring and bioprospecting includes the steps of: (a) utilizing a testing device having: (i) a container having a fluid inlet and outlet, (ii) a plurality of capillary microcosms situated within the container, each of these capillaries having an inlet and outlet that are configured so as to allow for fluid flow through the capillaries, each of these capillaries further having a means for covering its inlet and outlet so as to prevent flow through the capillary, (iii) a pump connected to the container outlet, the pump being configured so as to draw fluid from the surrounding environment into the container's inlet and through the capillaries, (iv) connected to the outlet of the container, a means for collecting the flow through the container, and (v) a check valve connected downstream of the container to prevent the backflow of fluid into the container, (b) adding specified test substances to the device's capillaries, wherein these substances are to be analyzed for their ability to

Abstract: A closure and method of making a closure are disclosed. The closure includes a cap body having a top portion and an opening extending therethrough defining a cavity in communication with said opening. A flow channel is defined within a portion of the cap body having an inlet and an outlet. A stopper is disposed within the cavity adjacent the outlet of the flow channel. The stopper is formed from a material adapted for flowing through the flow channel to form a pierceable portion, with at least one of the cap body and the stopper configured for closing a container.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356).

Abstract: The invention relates to a bailer that includes a leak-free, novel check valve assembly and a complemental flow-controlling release nozzle. The check valve is guided and confined to the valve housing and is configured with a contour rubber O-ring so that an airtight seal can be achieved when valve is closed. The release nozzle is designed to gradually open and close the check valve. Users thus are able to achieve desired sample outflows by turning the release nozzle just as using a faucet.

Abstract: An application for a liquid sampling device includes an elongated shaft with a handle at a first end of the elongated shaft and a sample container removably affixed to a distal end. A trigger is pivotally affixed to the handle and a flapper is pivotally affixed to the elongated shaft. The flapper is urged towards an opening in the sample bottle, thereby covering the opening in the sample container in a default position and the trigger is linked to the flapper, wherein operation of the trigger results in opening of the flapper.

Abstract: A container for storing a biological sample for molecular diagnostic testing and/or histological testing is provided. The container includes a first chamber for receiving a sample holder therein, a second chamber, and a closure for enclosing the container. A transitional barrier, such as a valve, is in fluid communication between the two chambers. The transitional barrier is transitional between a first position in which the first chamber is in fluid isolation from the second chamber, and a second position in which fluid can pass from at least one of the first and second chambers to the other of the first and second chambers.

Abstract: Fluid injection port. An elastomeric injection nipple is supported within a compression fitting and the injection nipple includes a slit. A first via is provided that connects the slit in the nipple to a flow channel leading into a fluid reservoir. A venting channel is provided in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and also in fluid communication with a second via. When a pipette is inserted into the slit in the injection nipple, the nipple deforms allowing the second via to be in fluid communication with space on either side of the pipette tip whereby air can be discharged.

Abstract: A sample pump system for metering the amount of sample taken from a pressurized fluid process such as a natural gas pipeline or the like, the sample pump system designed for immersion, directly or indirectly, into the pressurized fluid stream so that the sampling is taken at the prevailing pressure and temperature of the fluid stream. A spot sample cylinder device is further provided which employs a method of collection wherein the initial cylinder volume of the collection vessel or sampling cylinder is zero. The spot sample cylinder is inserted into the pressurized gas (or fluid) source, said sample cylinder employing a piston or moveable end configured such that purging of the cylinder sample cavity is not required, since the sample cavity volume is essentially eliminated prior to sampling by the location of the piston within the cavity, the cavity expanding upon sampling via piston movement within the cavity.

Abstract: In an aspect of this invention, a closure for a well plate is provided which has a reservoir. The closure has openings through which acoustic ejection of fluid droplets can take place without removing the closure. The reservoirs in the closure may help to maintain acceptable levels of solvent in the wells of the well plate despite the evaporation which may occur during the course of ejection.

Abstract: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356).

Abstract: A system and method for automated handling of vials containing liquid medical specimens is disclosed. The robotic system processes the specimens for further downstream molecular analysis. The processing comprises automated vial cap removal, pipetting of the vial contents, transfer of the vial contents to a destination tray such as a multiwell plate, and recapping of the vial.

Abstract: An apparatus (300) for obtaining a fluid sample in a subterranean well includes a housing (302) having a sample chamber (314) defined therein. The sample chamber (314) is selectively in fluid communication with the exterior of the housing (302) and is operable to receive the fluid sample therefrom. A debris trap piston (318) is slidably disposed within the housing (302). The debris trap piston (318) includes a debris chamber (326). Responsive to the fluid sample entering the sample chamber (314), the debris trap piston (318) receives a first portion of the fluid sample in the debris chamber (326) then displaces relative to the housing (302) to expand the sample chamber (314).

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for taking a liquid sample includes an inlet, a sample housing defining a sampling chamber for the liquid sample, and a sampling tube through which, in use, a flow of liquid to be sampled flows from the inlet into the sampling chamber. The sampling tube extends a predetermined distance within the sampling chamber, and defines a fluid pathway between the inlet and the sampling chamber.

Abstract: A gas sampling apparatus and process is provided in which a standard crimping tool is modified by an attached collar. The collar permits operation of the crimping tool while also facilitating the introduction of a supply of gas to be introduced into a storage vial. The introduced gas supply is used to purge ambient air from a collection chamber and an interior of the sample vial. Upon completion of the purging operation, the vial is sealed using the crimping tool.

Abstract: A water well bailer. In one embodiment, the bailer includes a tubular housing composed of any polymer used as a plastic, such as, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyesters, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, poly(methyl methacrylate), polytetrafluoride, polyacrylonitrile, or chemical derivations there of for storing within the housing a sample of well water. A texture may be on the housing. The texture of the bailer reduces the surface area of the bailer in contact with the inside wall of a water well such that the bailer does not stick to the wall of the water well during incidental contact. The reason a bailer sticks to the side of a well is due to adhesive and cohesive forces acting between the well wall and the bailer. Adhesive and cohesive forces are generated between the bailer and well wall because of humidity and condensation of water on the well wall, and water on the outside of the bailer after initial contact with groundwater.

Abstract: A bailer has a tapered leading end to reduce agitation and turbidity as the bailer is introduced into a body of liquid fluid. A check valve is unseated and admits liquid fluid into the bailer as the bailer enters the liquid fluid. The check valve is seated and seals the liquid fluid within the bailer against leakage when the bailer is retrieved from the liquid fluid. A first embodiment includes a bottom-emptying device that guides liquid fluid in the bailer into a wide-mouth container. A second embodiment includes a bottom-emptying device that guides the liquid fluid into a narrow mouth container such as a vial. In both embodiments, the bottom-emptying device is tapered and engages the outside walls of the tapered leading end of the bailer. This prevents liquid fluid from wetting a user's hands when the bottom-emptying device is used to unseat the check valve.

Abstract: A sampling device (1) comprises a sampling container (4) for reception of a sample volume and a connecting piece (7) adapted to be connected to a fitting (2) mounted on a processing installation. The connecting piece (7) has a sample passage which is provided with a stationary valve part (12) and a corresponding valve member (14) which is displaceable between a closed and an open position. The stationary valve part (12) and the displaceable valve member (14) are integrated in the sampling container (4). The valve member (14) is spring-loaded towards its closed position and adapted to be automatically displaced to its open position upon connection of the connecting piece (7) with the fitting (2).

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for measuring the thickness of one liquid layer overlying another liquid layer. The liquid thickness measuring device consists of a tubular casing, constructed of a transparent material, a resiliently biased valve member and a retaining member. The resiliently biased valve member is pivotally movable between open and closed positions to alternatively allow liquid to be sampled to enter the casing when in the open position and to seal the liquid sample when in the closed position. In operation, with the valve member disengaged from the bottom of the tubular casing, the measuring device is slowly lowered into the enclosed device. As a result, the liquid present in the enclosed structure is conductible through the opening of the tubular casing, to seek its level in the tubular member. The retaining member, which engages and holds the valve in an open position, is then released and the valve is allowed to move to the closed position.

Abstract: An improved bailer which allows for the variance of flow into the bailer through use of attachments with varying inflow orifice sizes. As the size of the orifice changes, the weight of the apparatus can also be changed allowing for an only slightly negative buoyancy of the apparatus. The attachment may also be designed to include features for filtering unwanted particulates from the sample.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a top-emptying bailer has a cylindrical filter positioned within a hollow interior of the bailer. A bottom, leading end of the filter is capped by an imperforate bottom fitting having an insert that fits into the hollow interior of the filter. The top, trailing end of the filter receives a cylindrical insert that together with the imperforate bottom fitting insert helps hold the filter open as liquid fluid flows into it. The filter is preferably formed of polypropylene. The bailer is inverted so that liquid fluid in the hollow interior of the bailer is constrained to flow through the filter before it exits the trailing end of the bailer. In a second embodiment, the filter is positioned at the leading end of the bailer and the bailer is emptied from the bottom.

Abstract: An upper imperforate cap closes the uppermost end of a bailer and a lower imperforate cap closes the lowermost end of the bailer. In a preferred embodiment, screwthreads are formed in the uppermost and lowermost ends of the bailer and complemental screwthreads are formed in the upper and lower caps. By capping the opposite ends of a bailer, the bailer serves as its own container when the sample contained within it is shipped to a laboratory. This eliminates VOC devices, nozzles, and the concomitant contamination that may result from emptying a bailer in the field.

Abstract: A liquid sample collection system includes a container having an interior reservoir for receiving the liquid sample, and a valve assembly that may be coupled to the container to facilitate collecting the liquid sample, the valve assembly includes a valve housing having a funnel-shaped inlet for directing liquid into the container and a valve that automatically closes when the container is full. The valve assembly further includes a separator configured to inhibit particulate material from entering the valve housing inlet.

Abstract: A bailer has a check valve housing at its leading end. A free-floating ball in the check valve housing is unseated and admits liquid fluid into the bailer as the bailer enters a body of liquid fluid. The free-floating ball is seated and seals the liquid fluid within the check valve housing against leakage when the bailer is retrieved from the body of liquid fluid. An annular valve seat is formed flush with a leading edge of the check valve housing and the free-floating ball has a diameter only slightly greater than the diameter of the annular valve seat. About half of the free-floating ball extends downwardly from the check valve housing. The structure prevents formation of an annular air pocket at the leading end of the check valve housing so that liquid fluid drained from the bailer is not contaminated by oxygen.

Abstract: The groundwater well sample device is an elongated, cylindrical sample tube, having a top end and a bottom end. The top end is open. A knothole is formed through the wall of the sample tube near the top end. The knothole is large enough for the knotted end of a string to be easily passed through the knothole. A zigzagging string-retaining slot is formed through the sample tube wall, extending from the knothole toward the top end of the sample tube. The string-retaining slot is slightly narrower than the diameter of a string. The string-retaining slot terminates in a stress-reducing aperture. In use, the knotted end of a string is passed through the knothole, and the string then pulled into the string-retaining slot where the string, slightly compressed within the slot, is held tightly in place. The top end is angled to allow easy access to the string-insertion aperture.

Abstract: An upper imperforate cap closes the uppermost end of a bailer and a lower imperforate cap closes the lowermost end of the bailer. In a preferred embodiment, screwthreads are formed in the uppermost and lowermost ends of the bailer and complemental screwthreads are formed in the upper and lower caps. In another embodiment, screwthreads are formed in a downspout and complemental screwthreads are formed in an imperforate downspout cap. By capping the opposite ends of a bailer, the bailer serves as its own container when the sample contained within it is shipped to a laboratory. This eliminates VOC devices, nozzles, and the concomitant contamination that may result from emptying a bailer in the field.

Abstract: A no purge sampler for collecting fluid samples includes a flexible tube having a sealed first end and a second end, the tube defining an interior cavity, a buoyancy-compensating ballast compartment secured to the tube, and a check valve disposed at the second end of the tube. To collect fluid samples, the no purge sampler is lowered into the fluid to be sampled. The buoyancy-compensating ballast compartment is filled with an appropriate ballast to allow the sampler to sink to a desired level. Once the sampler reaches the desired depth, the sampler is moved up and down to pump water into the collapsed tube. The check valve is opened each time the sampler is pulled upwards allowing fluid to enter the interior cavity. The up and down motion is repeated until the interior cavity of the tube is filled with fluid. Once the interior cavity is filled, the pressure of the fluid in the tube causes the check valve to close, thereby preventing additional fluid from entering the interior cavity.

Abstract: The invention comprises a material sampling interface that includes one or more inlet manifolds and one or more outlet manifolds and piping running to and from the manifolds. There are rungs connecting the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold. In addition, a bypass rung is positioned between the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold, with a bypass valve positioned on the bypass. Each of the rungs has piping connected to the inlet and outlet manifolds and a removable reservoir connected to the piping. The reservoir includes an internal removable sampler adapted to sample the material. There is an inlet valve connected to the piping between the reservoir and the inlet manifold and an outlet valve connected to the piping between the reservoir and the outlet manifold. The invention is capable of sampling any flowable material including fluids, gases, particles, etc.

Abstract: A liquid sample collection system includes a container having an interior reservoir for receiving the liquid sample, and a valve assembly that may be coupled to the container to facilitate collecting the liquid sample. the valve assembly includes a valve housing having a funnel-shaped inlet for directing liquid into the container and a valve that automatically closes when the container is full. The valve assembly further includes a separator configured to inhibit particulate material from entering the valve housing inlet.

Abstract: A fluid sampling device for use with dual-opening sample containers includes attachment members holding open end seals of the sample container that are urged to a closed position by an elastic member. The elastic member is normally within the container. The sampling device is lowered into a fluid source and fluid fills the sample container. The attachment members are released remotely by a trigger, allowing the end seals to close the open ends of the container. The sampling device is withdrawn from the fluid source and the sample container is removed from the sampling device. Securing end caps are attached to the sample container to hold the end seals in place for transport and storage of the sample container. The end seal may have a membrane central portion to permit entry of a syringe needle for sampling. The securing end cap may include a septa to assist in syringe sampling.

Abstract: A spill proof liquid sample cup is provided having an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner defines a sample chamber. The inner liner is spaced inwardly from the outer shell such that a test chamber is formed between the outer shell and the inner liner that is fluidly separate from the sample chamber. The inner liner is configured with a valve to allow selective fluid communication between the sample chamber and the test chamber. The valve is actuatable by either removing a bottom cap, manual manipulation, or by an external tool. One or more test strips are located within the test chamber to provide information about the sample fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling chemicals prevents exposure of laboratory personnel to the chemicals being tested and to volatile solvents or chemicals that may be mixed with the tested chemicals. The apparatus includes a sampling line connected to the source of the chemicals, a cooling means for reducing the temperature of the chemicals, and a sample holder for containing the sampled chemicals. In the method, the chemicals are removed from their source, cooled, and contained in the presence of a shortstop chemical, i.e. a chemical designed to terminate any chemical reaction that may be taking place when the chemicals are sampled. The apparatus also captures and contains any volatile solvents or chemicals that may be mixed with the chemicals being tested.

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 sampling probe includes a housing, a cover and a guide. The housing defines a trough having an opening, at least a portion of the opening being in an insertion direction of the probe. The cover is axially movable with respect to the housing between an open position in which a substance is allowed to pass into the trough and a closed position in which the cover covers the opening to retain a predetermined volume of the substance in the trough. The cover is flexible. The guide is configured to guide axial movement of the cover between the open and closed positions. The guide is configured to direct the cover in a curved path.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus comprising a beaker having an integral base and transparent sidewall, and a removable cap engagable with the sidewall. The cap provides a male bayonet nipple extending outwardly. The bayonet nipple has a terminal annular lip with protuberances extending radially outward and adapted for press-fit interconnection with a sampling port of an oil handling system.