Measuring and testing – Sampler – sample handling – etc. – Capture device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-26
2001-12-11
Noland, Thomas P. (Department: 2856)
Measuring and testing
Sampler, sample handling, etc.
Capture device
Reexamination Certificate
active
06327920
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the art of collecting fluid samples, and more particularly to a fluid sampling device for obtaining a sample of a fluid as the fluid is being delivered to a container.
2. State of the Prior Art
Being able to easily take samples of fluids such as motor oil as the fluids are collected from different vehicles and/or machines can be quite useful. In the case of crank case oil in vehicles, particularly trucks, industrial vehicles and machinery, the presence of certain contaminants and the fluid's physical properties can provide vital information about the condition of various parts of the machinery, such as the condition of bearings, pistons, rings etc. Being able to monitor the conditions of these parts can help avoid breakdowns.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,271,704 to Peters discloses a fluid sampler for taking a sample of a fluid in an oil well. A chamber is pressurized with a floating ball so the floating ball seals off the top end of a chamber. The device is lowered into an oil well. When the hydrostatic pressure in the oil well exceeds the pressure in the chamber, oil will fill the chamber, float the floating ball to the top, and again seal off the chamber so that no more oil enters the device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,271,704 to Davidowicz et al. discloses a fluid sampling device with a chamber with two balls—one floating and one non-floating. By pressurizing and depressurizing the float chamber, a precise sample of fluid can be obtained. U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,789 to Liegel et al. discloses a valve assembly for controlling hydraulic fluids. It utilizes balls and springs, but not floating balls.
While these devices may be suitable for obtaining samples from unsealed containers, they are not specifically adapted for taking samples of fluids as the fluids are collected from a particular fluid source, such as from a single vehicle, and delivered to a collection vessel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
One object of the invention is to provide an on-line fluid sampling device for use in obtaining a sample of a fluid from a fluid source being delivered to a container, comprising:
a fluid chamber with upper and lower opened ends with a seat located at each end;
a non-floatable ball sized to be seatable on the lower seat and a floatable ball sized to be seatable on the upper seat, said balls thereby being capable of sealing off the seats;
a ball stop positioned in said fluid chamber to prevent said non-floating ball from pushing said floating ball down against said upper seat;
a connector means to detachably place a lower end of said fluid chamber in fluid connection with a fluid line used to deliver fluid to the container; and
a vacuum hose adapted to establish a fluid connection between the upper end of said fluid chamber above said upper seat and said container, to place a vacuum on said fluid chamber.
Another object of the computer is to provide an on-line fluid sampling device, for connection to vacuum cylinder into which fluid is suctioned into, said device comprising:
a vacuum chamber which is sized to receive a fluid sample container;
a fluid supply tube in connection between a source of fluid to be sampled and said vacuum chamber;
a fluid overflow tube in connection between said vacuum chamber and the vacuum cylinder.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3881355 (1975-05-01), Nelson et al.
patent: 4037472 (1977-07-01), Gates
patent: 4271704 (1981-06-01), Peters
patent: 4548088 (1985-10-01), Hood, Jr.
patent: 4708011 (1987-11-01), Rautakorpi et al.
patent: 4715789 (1987-12-01), Liegel et al.
patent: 4854355 (1989-08-01), Chazot et al.
patent: 5524495 (1996-06-01), Dudley
patent: 5895868 (1999-04-01), Giammaruti et al.
patent: 2071846 (1981-09-01), None
patent: 8-43274 (1996-02-01), None
C.H. & I Technologies, Inc.
Christie Parker & Hale LLP
Noland Thomas P.
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