US3727464A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Liquid sampling
Assignee: Pro-Tech Inc
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Filing: 1972-04-14
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Granted: 1973-04-17
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Expires: 1992-04-14
Abstract
Abstract Repetitive sampling of liquid from a body thereof is controlled in frequency, dependent upon the depth of the liquid being sampled, so as to accord with the volume of the body thereof. Such depth-proportioning is accomplished, in a system using pressurized gas as a propulsion fluid and determining sampling frequency by gradual release thereof from a source to accumulate to a switching pressure at a given location, through bleeding off part of the accumulating gas against the back pressure of the depth of liquid. Principal uses are in stream monitoring for pollution control, in sewage treatment facilities, and in industrial waste reduction programs.
Inventors
- 👤 M Rutkowski
- 👤 R Stanley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 01:15
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N1/00; G01N1/02; G01N1/10; G01N1/14; G01N2001/1031; G01N2001/1043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
In sampling of liquid from a body thereof at a given locus therein to a collection location, utilizing accumulation of fluid to determine sampling frequency, the improvement comprising bleeding off fluid from such accumulation against back pressure of the body of liquid at the sampling locus therein and thereby relating the quantity of liquid collected to the depth at the sampling locus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
62 words
In sampling of liquid from a body thereof at a given locus therein to a collection location, utilizing accumulation of fluid to determine sampling frequency, the improvement comprising bleeding off fluid from such accumulation against back pressure of the body of liquid at the sampling locus therein and thereby relating the quantity of liquid collected to the depth at the sampling locus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
Liquid sampling according to claim 1, including proportioning the quantity of liquid collected by repeated sampling to the liquid depth at the sampling locus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
Liquid sampling according to claim 1, wherein the body of liquid is flowing, and including proportioning the quantity of liquid collected by repeated sampling to the liquid flow past the sampling locus.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
64 words
Process of depth-proportional sampling of liquid from a body thereof at a given locus therein by accumulation of fluid for propulsion thereof to a collection location, characterized by the steps of propelling samples of the liquid with the fluid at intervals and bleeding off fluid from such accumulation against back pressure of the body of liquid at the depth of the sampling locus therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
64 words
Process of depth-proportional sampling of liquid from a body thereof at a given locus therein by accumulation of fluid for propulsion thereof to a collection location, characterized by the steps of propelling samples of the liquid with the fluid at intervals and bleeding off fluid from such accumulation against back pressure of the body of liquid at the depth of the sampling locus therein.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
Liquid sampling according to claim 4, including the step of triggering sample propulsion at a certain pressure of accumulated fluid and thereby controlling the sampling repetition frequency.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
Liquid sampling according to claim 4, wherein the fluid is bled off substantially continuously and is bubbled through the liquid at such depth, including the step of adjusting the bleed-off rate at zero depth of liquid to equal the rate of fluid accumulation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
85 words
Flow-proportional sampling of liquid to a collection location from a body thereof flowing past a given locus therein, comprising accumulating fluid at increasing pressure from a source thereof, bleeding off fluid substantially continuously from the accumulation thereof at a rate lower than the rate of accumulation, conducting such bled-off fluid to and releasing it against the liquid back pressure at the sampling locus, and thereby regulating the quantity of liquid so propelled and collected in accordance with the flow of liquid past the sampling locus.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
85 words
Flow-proportional sampling of liquid to a collection location from a body thereof flowing past a given locus therein, comprising accumulating fluid at increasing pressure from a source thereof, bleeding off fluid substantially continuously from the accumulation thereof at a rate lower than the rate of accumulation, conducting such bled-off fluid to and releasing it against the liquid back pressure at the sampling locus, and thereby regulating the quantity of liquid so propelled and collected in accordance with the flow of liquid past the sampling locus.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
Liquid sampling according to claim 7, including the step of triggering sample propulsion repeatedly whenever the accumulated fluid pressure reaches a certain value.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
Liquid sampling according to claim 7, including the step of proportioning the sampling repetition frequency to the liquid flow past the sampling locus.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
104 words
Process of liquid sampling comprising supplying fluid at given pressure continuously from a source thereof, accumulating such fluid at a given location at a regulated rate and at pressure gradually increasing toward the given supply pressure, continuously bleeding off part of the accumulating fluid against back pressure of the liquid to be sampled as determined by the depth thereof at a sampling locus therein, the bleed-off rate at zero depth of liquid equalling the rate of fluid accumulation, establishing, whenever a certain accumulated fluid pressure is reached, an interconnection from the fluid source to the sampling locus and thereby propelling samples of liquids therefrom.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
104 words
Process of liquid sampling comprising supplying fluid at given pressure continuously from a source thereof, accumulating such fluid at a given location at a regulated rate and at pressure gradually increasing toward the given supply pressure, continuously bleeding off part of the accumulating fluid against back pressure of the liquid to be sampled as determined by the depth thereof at a sampling locus therein, the bleed-off rate at zero depth of liquid equalling the rate of fluid accumulation, establishing, whenever a certain accumulated fluid pressure is reached, an interconnection from the fluid source to the sampling locus and thereby propelling samples of liquids therefrom.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
79 words
Apparatus for sampling liquid, comprising a source of fluid at superatmospheric pressure, valve means regulating flow of fluid from the source to a locus of accumulation thereof, means interconnecting the locus oF fluid accumulation to the liquid to be sampled to bleed fluid off against back pressure of the liquid, and means separately interconnected to such locus and responsive to the pressure of such fluid accumulation for effecting sampling of the liquid when-ever a certain pressure thereof is reached.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
79 words
Apparatus for sampling liquid, comprising a source of fluid at superatmospheric pressure, valve means regulating flow of fluid from the source to a locus of accumulation thereof, means interconnecting the locus oF fluid accumulation to the liquid to be sampled to bleed fluid off against back pressure of the liquid, and means separately interconnected to such locus and responsive to the pressure of such fluid accumulation for effecting sampling of the liquid when-ever a certain pressure thereof is reached.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the bleed-off means includes adjustable valve means and a bubbler tube immersed in the liquid to the sampling depth.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
40 words
Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 11, including a surge tank at the locus of fluid accumulation, wherein the last means is adapted to interconnect the surge tank intermittently to the liquid to be sampled whenever the certain pressure is reached.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the last named means is adapted to interconnect the fluid source intermittently to the liquid to be sampled whenever the certain pressure is reached.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
118 words
Apparatus for sampling liquid repeatedly from a body thereof, comprising a source of fluid at superatmospheric pressure, first valve means therebetween for determining the sampling repetition rate, including a first normally closed pressure-responsive switching valve; second valve means for determining the duration of individual samplings, including a second normally closed pressure-responsive switching valve therebetween; conduit means containing the respective valve means between the fluid source and the body of liquid and leading therefrom to a collection location for liquid samples, and including means for accumulating fluid under pressure from the source, also including conduit means separately interconnecting the accumulation locus to the body of liquid for bleeding off fluid therefrom against the back-pressure applied thereto by the liquid.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
118 words
Apparatus for sampling liquid repeatedly from a body thereof, comprising a source of fluid at superatmospheric pressure, first valve means therebetween for determining the sampling repetition rate, including a first normally closed pressure-responsive switching valve; second valve means for determining the duration of individual samplings, including a second normally closed pressure-responsive switching valve therebetween; conduit means containing the respective valve means between the fluid source and the body of liquid and leading therefrom to a collection location for liquid samples, and including means for accumulating fluid under pressure from the source, also including conduit means separately interconnecting the accumulation locus to the body of liquid for bleeding off fluid therefrom against the back-pressure applied thereto by the liquid.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
45 words
Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 15, including, in the line of the latter conduit means, valve means for calibrating the bleed-off rate, including means for adjusting such rate at zero back-pressure to equal the rate of flow from the fluid source to the accumulation locus.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
95 words
Liquid-sampling apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the valves therein include in the line of fluid flow a constant-pressure regulator, an adjustable-orifice valve, and a valve having an open position in which the accumulation locus is connected to the body of liquid and having also a closed position in which the fluid is precluded from bleeding off from the accumulation locus and a vent is established to the body of liquid and having also an open position in which propulsion fluid from the accumulation locus is connected to the body of liquid to bubble therethrough.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-16 | 1976-10-16 | 1977-04-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-16 | 1980-10-16 | 1981-04-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-16 | 1984-10-16 | 1985-04-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |