US3146838A - Rapid sampler - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 1, 1964 w. B. TIJMANN ETAL 3,146,838

RAPID SAMPLER Filed Oct. 25, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet l T Q J l 'l IG-" i Q z F Q A 2gb 32 HX/J; m 5

@Jim la N l'. tl A LEROY V. BOVE ATTORNEYS Sept. 1, 1964 w, B. TIJMANN ETAL 3,146,838

RAPID SAMPLER Filed Oct. 25, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Illu' nl fw mf w w! ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,146,838 RAPID SAMPLER c Willem B. Tjmann, 197 Miller Ave., Mill Valley, Calif., andlfLe Roy V. Bovey, 66 Jewell St., San Rafael, Cal' Filed Oct. 25, 1962, Ser. No. 232,998 9 Claims. (Cl. 175-405) This invention relates to apparatus for sampling solid materials. In one aspect it relates to soil sampling apparatus of the type designed for use on or below the surface of the ground. For example, the present apparatus is particularly well adapted to the taking of samples from each layer of a fill as it is deposited.

The present device is applicable broadly to the taking of samples from solid materials. For example, it is possible to use the present apparatus to sample a food item such as butter and wherein the sample may be taken directly through its outer container. In like manner the present device may be used to sample co pressed articles such as wooden materials. In the preferred embodiment the present device is used to take samples of soil. These samples may be taken from the surface of the ground. The same techniques are also useful in taking subsurface samples during excavations for example, or from a mine shaft. For ease of description, the invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the preferred utility of soil sampling, the application thereof to other areas being obvious.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention provides apparatus for obtaining a soil sample comprising a cylindrical coring tube having an earth penetrating edge adjacent one edge thereof. A cover is removably fixed on the opposite end of the tube and a rod is supported on and extends outwardly from the cover for receiving an explosive downward pressing force for driving the penetrating edge of the tube into the ground. A unitary plastic sleeve of preselected volume is removably fixed interiorly of the tube llush with the inner surfaces of the penetrating edge for receiving a soil sample. Cooperatively aligned gas vents are placed in the tube and sleeve adjacent said cover but spaced therefrom.

The present apparatus also includes a loose fitting outer protective cylindrical housing and guide for the coring tube. The housing and guide has a bottom open end to permit movement of the coring tube from the housing into the ground. A platform extends outwardly from the guide housing for supporting the housing substantially normal to the ground and for receiving forces to counteract any recoil of the coring tube when the tube is explosively pressed into the ground.

Downwardly directed vents are present in the housing for releasing gas under pressure from the interior of the guide housing to the adjacent atmosphere in the direction of the materials being sampled. The top of the cylindrical housing opposite from the open end denes an aperture through which at least part of the coring tube rod is upwardly extended when the coring tube is positioned in the guide housing so that downward forces may be applied to the coring tube rod from without the guide housing.

ln the preferred embodiment the apparatus also includes in combination with the foregoing, an explosive powder actuated gun for cooperation with the portion of the coring tube rod extending upwardly through the guide housing aperture. As a result, the coring tube rod may be explosively pressed toward the ground by expanding gases from the gun.

The present invention has a number of features and advantages peculiar thereto. One of the more outstanding of these is the rapidity with which the apparatus may be used to obtain a given soil sample particularly Patented Sept. l, 19:64

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when the combination with the powder actuated gun is employed. It has been found that where only about three soil samples per hour was obtainable with hand operated units previously designed for similar purposes, the present apparatus is capable of obtaining about ten soil samples per hour.

Closely related to the speed of operation of the present unit are the safety features which have been incorporated. Thus the present apparatus provides means for guarding against recoiling of the coring tube which might occur if the tube were to strike a particularly dense object during its insertion into the ground. For example, when the coring tube is explosively propelled and a rock is encountered, a relatively violent recoil might be experienced which, if not provided for, could result in serious injury to the operator of the unit.

ln the preferred embodiment a platform extending outwardly from the guide housing is provided upon which the operator of the unit may stand and thereby employ his weight as a counteracting force against recoil which would otherwise be entirely absorbed by the arms of the operator and could result in broken bones.

Another aspect of the safety features of the present unit lies in the positioning of the gas vent ports in both the coring tube and guide housing. It is essential to provide gas vents for the present unit where explosive propelling means for the coring tube is to be employed. Gas under pressure may be generated both by the explosive propelling means as well as by the movement of the coring tube into the ground. These gases are released in the preferred embodiment in such a manner that they are directed toward the ground and not toward vulnerable portions of the operator of the apparatus.

Perhaps an even more important advantageous aspect of the present invention lies in the ease of removal of the sample from the coring tube after it has been positioned within the coring tube. Thus in the present invention the sample is gathered in a removable sleeve in the coring tube. The sleeve is readily taken from the coring tube and a new sleeve may be inserted as a replacement for immediate further use of the apparatus. Further, the sleeve permits preservation of the sample if the sleeve is suitably sealed (with caps for example) immediately after its removal from the coring tube. This avoids any possible change in moisture content in the sample and permits the sample to be analyzed at any convenient later time instead of requiring analysis at once. This latter advantage is all the more important when it is considered that the present unit is adapted for obtaining a plurality of samples in rapid succession. Also, the use of a sleeve in the present invention provides a way to preserve the soil sample for later comparisons, reanalysis, and/or testing if desired.

Further features and advantages gained in the use of the present device relate to the condition of the soil in the sample and the soil surrounding the sample area. Due to the explosive force and high acceleration with which the coring tube enters the ground, the soil is sheared cleanly and without disturbing its packing. Disturbances in both the sample and surrounding soil are limited to an extremely thin Zone. This has obvious desirable results in not upsetting the area being sarnpled and in preserving the sample itself in as natural a state as possible for subsequent analysis. Test results are thereby rendered more valid. T-he size and mobility of the present unit also lends the apparatus for use in taking samples in restricted narrow areas as well as in submarine explorations.

In the accompanying drawings there is shown in FlG. l a plan view of the present guide housing with the coring tube inserted therein in position for use.

FIG. 2 shows in end section the guide housing of FIG. l and taken along the lines 2 2 of FIG. l.

FIG. 3 shows a top elevational view of the guide housing and coring tube of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the guide housing and coring tube of FIG. 1 with the guide housing in section.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the coring tube of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged sectional view of the coring tube of the present invention taken along the lines 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the present apparatus in position for use on the ground, with the fuither combination of a powder actuated gun in position for propelling the coring tube.

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the combination of apparatus of FIG. 7 wherein the powder actuated gun has been tired and the coring tube, with parts broken away, is shown penetrating the ground.

More specifically with respect to the drawings, the protective housingy and guide of the present apparatus shown generally at A includes a cylindrical body 1t) mounted on a platform 11 which extends outwardly from the lower portion of the cylindrical body 10. Platform 11 is designed for placement on the ground 12 from which a soil sample is to be obtained. Platform 11 serves to support the unit generally normal to the ground and thus in coring alignment therewith. Platform 11 has a further function in counteracting possible recoil, the cause of which will be more fully described hereinafter.

Cylindrical body defines an aperture 13 in the top portion thereof over which an upwardly extending tubular cylindrical extension 14 is mounted concentrically therewith. Cylindrical body 10 includes a plurality of vents 15 opening fluid communication between the interior cavity 16 and the exterior of body 10. Vents 15 are angularly inclined with respect to the ground and open into the surrounding atmosphere in a downward direction with respect to the ground as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The coring tube shown generally at B includes a cylindrical body portion 18 having an earth penetrating edge 19 at one end thereof. A removable cover 20 is fitted on the upper opposite end 21 of body portion 18. Cover 211 includes a depending annular ring 22 which fits closely on the inner surfaces of body 1S at upper end 21. A plurality of screws 23a, 23b are threadably inserted through body 18 and into annular ring 22 to fix cover 2t) on body 1S during use of the apparatus.

A rod 24 is pivotally engaged in cover 20 in a cooperating recess 25 that is centrally positioned on cover 20. Rod 24 is circumferentially notched at its lower end as at 24a. Rod 24 is held in recess 25 by screw 25a. Screw 25a is threadably inserted through cover 20 normal to rod 24 and enters notch 24a. When screw 25a is in notch 24a as in FIG. 6, rod 24 is joined to cover 20. However, since recess 25 is suitably of a larger radius than rod 24, rod 24 is pivotable therein. The advantage of this type of permissible movement will be mentioned later.

A sleeve 26 which is preferably made of plastic is inserted longitudinally interiorly of body 18 in close conformity with the interior surfaces thereof. (See FIG. 6.) The interior surfaces of body 18 are excised as at 27 to permit the insertion of sleeve 26 so that the interior surface of sleeve 26 is flush with the interior surfaces of penetrating edge 19.

Sleeve 26 is suitably inserted in body 18 by removing screws 23a, 23b and cover 2t) from body 18 and sliding sleeve 26 through end 21 of body 18. Replacement of cover 2t) and screws 23a and 23h serves to retain sleeve 26 in position as shown in FIG. 6 during use of the apparatus.

Fluid communication between the interior of sleeve 26 and cavity 16 of body 10 is accomplished by means of a pair of vent holes 28a in body 18 of coring tube B which are cooperatively aligned with a pair of vent holes .I 2gb in sleeve 26. Vent holes 23a, 2312 are located near end 21 of body 18 adjacent cover 20.

When assembled for use the apparatus in positioned as shown in FIG. 4 with coring tube B placed interiorly of guide housing A. Rod 24 of coring tube B is inserted through aperture 13 and cylindrical extension 14 of guide housing A so that at least a portion of rod 24 extends upwardly and out of guide housing A. Rod 24 is thus in position for receiving an explosive downward pressing force from without guide housing A. The internal diameter of cylindrical extension 14 is approximately equal to the external diameter of rod 24. In any even, the inner diameter of extension 14 is made so that the interior of extension 14 frictionally engages rod 24 when inserted therethrough. As a result coring tube B, when in position for use in housing A, is held above the ground by frictional forces as illustrated in FIG. 4. This preferred relationship is desirable so that coring tube B has a distance to travel before striking the ground 12. This permits coring tube B to gain additional speed before striking the ground and makes penetration of the ground faster and less disruptive of the soil structure. It also insures completeness of penetration of the ground to a depth equal to the length of sleeve 26.

As previously noted the coring tube is preferably explosively pressed into the earth with an explosive powder actuated gun 29. Any suitable gun may be used for this purpose such as that described in United States Patent No. 2,470,117 to Temple patented May 17, 1949. The powder actuated gun known as Model 330 ISP-8 manufactured by Omark Industries, Inc., Portland, Oregon, is particularly well adapted for use with the present apparatus.

The selected powder actuated gun 29 is cooperatively engaged with the portion of rod 24 which extends upwardly through aperture 13 and cylindrical extension 14 of housing A as illustrated particularly in FIG. 7. If Coring tube B is inserted within guide housing A on the ground to be sampled as illustrated in FIG. 7, gun 29 may be tired by pulling trigger 30 whereupon an explosive gas produces a pressing force on head 32 (see FIG. 5) of rod 24. The entire coring tube B is thereby propelled at high acceleration downwardly into ground 12 as illustrated in FIG. 8. During the passage of coring tube B into ground 12, sleeve 26 is filled with soil as the ground is severed by earth penetrating edge 19.

The reason for the preferred mounting of rod 24 on cover 20 in a pivotal fashion as described above will now be explained. During the passage of coring tube B from housing A into the ground it sometimes happens that tube B will not travel during the entire penetrating distance in a perpendicular plane with respect to the ground. This may be due to any number of reasons, with the most prevalant one being the striking of foreign objects in the ground by penetrating edge 19. If tube B is thus tilted during its passage from housing A into the ground, rod 24 will strike the interior of aperture 13. If rod 24 were fixed to cover 2t) it could result in rod 24 becoming bent or broke. By mounting rod 24 in a pivotal fashion the rod merely shifts to the side to absorb the forces 0f striking the sides of aperture 13.

Suitably, gun 29 is provided with a safety mechanism which prevents the firing thereof unless gun 29 is in a predetermined position. For example, gun 29 as positioned in FIG. 7 is spaced from cylindrical extension 14. In this position rod 24 may be made so that it is not sufliciently long enough to contact a safety release (not shown) within gun 29. If gun 29 is forced downwardly into contact with extension 14 as shown in FIG. 8, rod 24 may be made of a sufficient length to trip a safety release within gun 29.

On the downward passage of coring tube B as in FIG. 8, gas being compressed between the soil entering sleeve 26 and cover 20 is released through vent holes 28a and 2gb and into cavity 16 of body 1t), and thereupon released to the atmosphere through vents 15 of body 10. Similarly, expanding gases which may be injected into cavity 16 from gun 29 are released directly through vents 15 toward the atmosphere. All exterior venting occurs toward the ground and away from the user of the device because of the direction of vents 15.

Venting from the interior of tube B preferably proceeds through sleeve 26 and body 18 as illustrated in FIG. 6. Venting to the sides is preferred since upward venting might otherwise proceed into cavity 16 of housing A and up through extension 14 into the gun. Where the expanding gas carries some dirt or other particles with it, damage to the gun could result. In addition, by placing vents 28a and 28h adjacent cover 2t) but spaced therefrom, venting proceeds smoothly as the soil sample fills sleeve 26. When the soil sample reaches the level of vents 28a and 28h, the vents are covered by the soil sample and gases can no longer escape. From that point on the gas becomes compressed in the space between the soil sample and cover 20. This compression of gas prevents the soil sample from being packed against cover 20 and also stops the downward motion of coring tube B when sleeve 26 has been filled.

Preferably, the user of the device will place his feet on platform 11 with one foot on each side of body 10. The weight of the user will thereby provide downward forces which will counteract any recoil which may occur in the event that coring tube B should strike an impenetrable object such as a rock. In this event coring tube B might move upwardly and back into protective guide housing A. However, any upward movement is checked as soon as cover 20 strikes roof 32 of body 10. The weight of the user on platform 11 would counteract any upward movement of protective guide housing A imparted by the impact of cover 20 on roof 32.

After the coring tube B has been driven downwardly into ground 12, housing A is suitably lifted upwardly and over rod 24, and rod 24 pulled upwardly to recover coring tube A from the ground. Screws 23a, 23h are suitably removed and cover 20 lifted out of engagement with body 18. Sleeve 26 with the soil sample therein is slipped from body 18 and irnediately capped on both ends with suitable fluid-tight caps which may be made from plastic or similar materials. A new sleeve 26 may then be inserted in body 18 and cover 20 replaced with screws 23a, 23h. Further soil samples may be thereafter obtained in the manner described above. The sample which has been capped may be analyzed at any convenient time and may be stored indefinitely without change in composition.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the spirit of the invention as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. Apparatus for obtaining a sample of a solid material comprising a coring tube having a penetrating edge adjacent one end and means adapted for receiving an ex'- plosive downward pressing force adjacent the opposite end thereof, an outer protective housing and guide concentrically surrounding said coring tube along its entire length and over at least part of said opposite end, said housing having an open end to permit movement of said tube from within said housing into the solid material, and means rigidly joined to and extending outwardly from said guide housing for supporting the housing in coring alignment with the solid material and for receiving forces to counteract any recoil of said coring tube when the coring tube is explosively pressed into the solid material from the housing, said guide housing being adapted to permit actuation of said means adapted for receiving an explosive downward pressing force from without said housing.

2. Apparatus for obtaining a soil sample comprising a coring tube having an earth penetrating edge adjacentr one end thereof and an elongate projection supported on and extending upwardly from the opposite end of said tube for receiving an explosive downward pressing force for driving said tube into the ground, an outer protective housing and guide loosely conforming to said coring tube and having an open end to permit movement of said tube from said housing into the ground, a platform extending outwardly from said guide housing for supporting the housing substantially normal to the surface of the ground and for receiving forces to counteract any recoil of said coring tube when said coring tube is explosively pressed into the ground from the housing, said housing having another end opposite from said open end defining an aperture through which at least part of said coring tube projection extends when said coring tube is inserted within said guide housing.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 and including a powder actuated gun adapted for cooperation with the part of said coring tube projection which extends through said guide housing aperture to explosively press said projection downwardly with expanding gas when said gun is fired.

4. Apparatus for obtaining a sample of solid material comprising a coring tube having a penetrating edge adjacent one end thereof and means for receiving a downward pressing force adjacent the opposite end thereof, a unitary removable sleeve inserted longitudinally within said coring tube for receiving a sample of solid material a removable cover on said coring tube for retaining said sleeve and sample therein, and an outer protective housing and guide for said coring tube positioned loosely therearound, said guide housing being open at the bottom t0 permit movement of said tube from said housing into the solid material, said housing being adapted to permit actuation of said means for receiving a downward pressing force from without said housing.

5. Apparatus for obtaining a soil sample comprising a coring tube having an earth penetrating edge adjacent one end thereof and means for receiving a downward pressing force adjacent the opposite end thereof, a removable unitary plastic sleeve fitted flush with the interior surfaces of said coring tube for receiving a soil sample, a removable cover on said coring tube for retaining said sleeve and soil sample therein, and an outer protective housing and guide for said coring tube positioned loosely therearound, said guide housing being open at the bottom to permit movement of said tube from said housing into the ground, said housing being adapted to permit actuation of said means for receiving a downward pressing force from without said housing.

6. Apparatus for obtaining a soil sample comprising a cylindrical coring tube having an earth penetrating edge adjacent one end thereof, a cover removably fixed on the opposite end of said tube, a rod supported on and extending outwardly from said cover for receiving an explosive downward pressing force for driving the penetrating edge of said tube into the ground, a unitary plastic sleeve of preselected volume removably fixed interiorly of said tube ush with the inner surfaces of said penetratmg edge for receiving a soil sample, cooperatively aligned gas vents in said tube and sleeve adjacent said cover but spaced therefrom, and a loose fitting outer protective cylindrical housing and guide for said coring tube having a bottom open end to permit movement of said tube from said housing into the ground, a platform extending outwardly from said guide housing for supporting said housmg substantially normal to the ground and for receiving forces to counteract any recoil of the coring tube when said tube is explosively pressed into the ground, downwardly directed vents in said housing for releasing gas under pressure from the interior of said guide housing to the adjacent atmosphere in the direction of the ground, the top end of said cylindrical housing opposite from said open end defining an aperture through which at least part of said coring tube rod is upwardly extended when the coring tube is positioned in the guide housing so that downward forces may be applied to said coring tube rod from without the guide housing.

7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 and including an explosive powder actuated gun for cooperation with the portion of said coring tube rod extending upwardly through said guide housing aperture whereby said rod may be explosively pressed toward the ground by expanding gas from said gun when tired.

8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein said rod is pivotally attached to said cover.

9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 and including a tubular cylindrical extension mounted on the top end of said housing concentric with said aperture thereon, and wherein the inner diameter of said extension conforms to the surface of said rod to frictionally support said rod and tube in said housing,

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,109,446 Melberg Sept. 1, 1914 3,098,533 Ostrom July 23, 1963 FOREIGN PATENTS 27,634 Australia July 2, 1931 881,787 Great Britain Nov. 8, 1961

Claims (1)

1. APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING A SAMPLE OF A SOLID MATERIAL COMPRISING A CORING TUBE HAVING A PENETRATING EDGE ADJACENT ONE END AND MEANS ADAPTED FOR RECEIVING AN EXPLOSIVE DOWNWARD PRESSING FORCE ADJACENT THE OPPOSITE END THEREOF, AN OUTER PROTECTIVE HOUSING AND GUIDE CONCENTRICALLY SURROUNDING SAID CORING TUBE ALONG ITS ENTIRE LENGTH AND OVER AT LEAST PART OF SAID OPPOSITE END, SAID HOUSING HAVING AN OPEN END TO PERMIT MOVEMENT OF SAID TUBE FROM WITHIN SAID HOUSING INTO THE SOLID MATERIAL, AND MEANS RIGIDLY JOINED TO AND EXTENDING OUTWARDLY FROM SAID GUIDE HOUSING FOR SUPPORTING THE HOUSING IN CORING ALIGNMENT WITH THE SOLID MATERIAL AND FOR RECEIVING FORCES TO COUNTERACT ANY RECOIL OF SAID CORING TUBE WHEN THE

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