Funnel sample collector
AssigneePetrofunnels LLC
InventorHeath DRAGER
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A funnel sample collector is adapted to freestandingly support a sample bottle and allow for it to be filled from a sampler such as a zone or Petro View sampler while preventing spills, drips, and accidents. By moving the funnel sample collector between multiple bottles, they can be filled quickly, reducing time spent collecting the samples. An actuator is positioned to close the bottom of the funnel of the funnel sample collector when a sampler is not being dispensed thereinto. Flanges within the funnel prevent splashing. The funnel sample collector may be disassembled to allow for proper cleaning to prevent cross contamination.
Claims12
A funnel sample collector for filling a sample bottle from a sampler comprising:
- a funnel assembly, the funnel assembly including a funnel and a spout;
- a stand, the stand adapted to support the funnel assembly above the sample bottle and position the spout within a neck of the sample bottle;
- and
- an actuator assembly, the actuator assembly including a valve stem and a valve head, the valve stem extending through the funnel assembly, the valve head forming a fluid seal against the spout of the funnel assembly when in a closed position, the valve stem biased into the closed position by a spring, the valve stem adapted to contact and open a lower valve of the sampler and be forced into the opened position by the sampler allowing liquid dispensed from the sampler to flow into the sample bottle.
A method comprising:
- providing a sample bottle;
- providing a funnel sample collector, the funnel sample collector including:
- a funnel assembly, the funnel assembly including a funnel and a spout;
- a stand, the stand adapted to support the funnel assembly above the sample bottle and position the spout within a neck of the sample bottle;
- and
- an actuator assembly, the actuator assembly including a valve stem and a valve head, the valve stem extending through the funnel assembly, the valve head forming a fluid seal against the spout of the funnel assembly when in a closed position, the valve stem biased into the closed position by a spring,
- sampling a liquid in a liquid storage tank with a sampler having a lower flapper valve;
- contacting the actuator assembly with the lower flapper valve;
- opening the lower flapper valve, allowing liquid in the sampler to enter the funnel assembly;
- forcing the actuator assembly downward into an open position, allowing the liquid to enter the sample bottle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.