Patent US3853009A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3853009A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic water sampler
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1972-10-25
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Granted: 1974-12-10
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Expires: 1992-10-25
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for automatically collecting liquid samples, as for use in measuring water pollution. Included therein is a small metallic sampling cup suspended by a cable for immersion in the body of liquid to be sampled, a reversible electric motor driving a winch for the cable to raise and lower the sampling cup, and a tilting receiver unit for dumping liquid from the full cup in its uppermost position into a collecting bucket. The motor is provided with a reversing relay which when de-energised operates the motor in a first or lowering direction for the sampling cup. The cup includes therein a pair of spaced electrodes, one of which is defined by the metallic bottom wall of the cup, which are conductively bridged by a predetermined level of liquid in the cup to energise the reversing relay for operation of the motor in the opposite or lifting direction.
Inventors
- 👤 W Sutherland
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 10:15
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N1/00; G01N1/02; G01N1/10; G01N1/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
261 words
Apparatus for automatically collectIng fluid samples from an effluent stream or the like and comprising in combination: a housing supportable above the stream; a sampling container having a closed bottom wall and side walls defining an open top; a supporting cable secured at one end thereof to said sampling container; a winch mounted on said housing, said supporting cable being wound at its opposite end about said winch; a reversible electric motor drivingly connected to said winch; a direct current power supply for said electric motor; a pair of vertically spaced electrodes defining liquid level sensing means, one of said electrodes being disposed adjacent the bottom within said sampling container and the other of said electrodes being spaced by a gap thereabove at a predetermined height defining a predetermined liquid level in said container, conductive liquid in said sampling container at or above said predetermined liquid level forming a conductive path aCross said gap and bridging said electrodes; and electric switching means responsive to said sensing means sensing a liquid level at said predetermined level at least to switch said motor in one direction for raising said sampling container towards said housing responsive to said predetermined level of liquid therein and switching said motor in the opposite direction lowering said sampling container responsive to a liquid level therein below said predetermined level; said electric switch means comprising a double-poled, double-throw reverse relay having its points connected in series with said motor and said power supply, said reversing relay having a coil energized by bridging of said electrodes by said conductive liquid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
261 words
Apparatus for automatically collectIng fluid samples from an effluent stream or the like and comprising in combination: a housing supportable above the stream; a sampling container having a closed bottom wall and side walls defining an open top; a supporting cable secured at one end thereof to said sampling container; a winch mounted on said housing, said supporting cable being wound at its opposite end about said winch; a reversible electric motor drivingly connected to said winch; a direct current power supply for said electric motor; a pair of vertically spaced electrodes defining liquid level sensing means, one of said electrodes being disposed adjacent the bottom within said sampling container and the other of said electrodes being spaced by a gap thereabove at a predetermined height defining a predetermined liquid level in said container, conductive liquid in said sampling container at or above said predetermined liquid level forming a conductive path aCross said gap and bridging said electrodes; and electric switching means responsive to said sensing means sensing a liquid level at said predetermined level at least to switch said motor in one direction for raising said sampling container towards said housing responsive to said predetermined level of liquid therein and switching said motor in the opposite direction lowering said sampling container responsive to a liquid level therein below said predetermined level; said electric switch means comprising a double-poled, double-throw reverse relay having its points connected in series with said motor and said power supply, said reversing relay having a coil energized by bridging of said electrodes by said conductive liquid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus for automatically collecting liquid samples as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electric switching means further comprises a switching relay having a coil connected in series with said electrodes and a normally open movable armature connected in series with said coil of said reversing relay.
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) | 1977-12-09 | 1978-06-10 | 1978-12-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-09 | 1982-06-10 | 1982-12-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-09 | 1986-06-10 | 1986-12-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |