초록 ▼

A robotic sampling device has a maneuverable, telescoping sample collector comprising a sample collecting arm and a propulsion module containing means for supporting and facilitating movement. Most preferably, the means for supporting and facilitating movement are wheels. The robotic sampling device

A robotic sampling device has a maneuverable, telescoping sample collector comprising a sample collecting arm and a propulsion module containing means for supporting and facilitating movement. Most preferably, the means for supporting and facilitating movement are wheels. The robotic sampling device also contains means for increasing traction for the propulsion module. The sampling device is remotely controlled. The sampling device contains at least one light source and a viewer that provides information for navigation and sample collection. The wheels of the propulsion module contain extendable pins which promote increased traction. The telescoping sample collector may also be rotated or tilted through a 180 degree arc relative to the axis of the pipe. The robotic sampling device also provides a means for collecting, labelling, and storing a sample, as well as cleaning the sample collector in preparation of another sampling event.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A robotic sampling device for collecting samples from process streams in piping networks, comprising:a. a front end and a back end, and a propulsion module and a sample collecting module intermediate the front and back ends;b. a maneuverable, telescoping sample collector

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A robotic sampling device for collecting samples from process streams in piping networks, comprising:a. a front end and a back end, and a propulsion module and a sample collecting module intermediate the front and back ends;b. a maneuverable, telescoping sample collector supported by said sample collecting module, comprising a telescopic sampling housing; a telescoping sampling arm; means for extending the sample collecting arm; means for rotating the sampling collecting arm through a 180.degree. arc relative to the axis of the pipe; means for retracting the sample collecting arm; a pump providing suction; a sampling line connecting the sample collecting arm to the pump; means for identifying and storing a sample collected by the sample collecting arm; and means for flushing the sample collector;c. the propulsion module containing means for supporting movement and facilitating movement of the robotic sampling device;d. means for increasing traction for the propulsion module with respect to a supporting surface exterior to the robotic sampling device connected to the propulsion module;e. at least one light source on said front end;f. viewer connected to the robotic sampling device for providing information for navigation and sample collection; andg. means for remotely controlling the robotic sampling device. [28.] A remote-controlled sampling module for collecting samples from process streams in piping networks, comprising:a. a housing;b. a maneuverable, extendable, retractable telescoping sample collecting arm supported by the housing and rotatable through a 180.degree. arc relative to the axis of the pipe;c. a remotely-controlled pump within the housing and connected to the sample collecting arm via a sampling line, the pump alternately providing suction for sample collection and pressure for sampling line flushing;d. a remotely-controlled switch valve positioned within a solenoid valve in the sampling line to regulate fluid flow therein;e. sample collection containers located inside the housing to receive sampled analyte from the sample collecting arm;f. means within the housing for labeling the sample collection containers; andg. means for flushing the sampling line with distilled water, said means connected to the pump and a source of distilled water external to and separate from the sampling module.