US 5,211,248 A · Portable soil sampling device and method

Abstract

A portable soil sampling device is provided that is easily positoned in confined and hard-to-reach locations. The device includes a mast assembly comprising a pair of upright masts mounted on a frame having a pair of wheels. By tilting the frame and mast assembly back using a provided handle, the device may be transported to a sampling location. Where low overhead locations are encountered, such as within buildings, the mast assembly may be lowered with the use of a hinged connection intermediate its ends. The device is powered by hydraulic power from a remote source through flexible hydraulic hose, so as to help reduce the size and weight of the device. A hydraulic motor on the device is used to position a hydraulic hammer over a tube for driving. A hydraulic cylinder on the device is used to pull the sample tube from the ground after it has been driven to the desired depth. The invention also involves the method steps in accomplishing the above operation.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A portable soil sampling device comprising:

(a) a generally horizontal frame adapted for contacting a support surface;
(b) a generally vertical mast assembly defining a height above said support surface mounted on said frame;
(c) hydraulic removal means on said device for removing sample tubes after they have been driven to a desired depth;
(d) a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure for powering said hydraulic removal means, said fluid pressure source being located remotely from said device;
(e) conduit means intercommunicating said fluid pressure source with said hydraulic removal means;
(f) hydraulic driving means on said device for driving sample tubes, said driving means comprising a hydraulic hammer adapted for contacting and driving a sample tube;
and
(g) a hydraulic motor drivingly connected to a cable drum, a cable around said drum, and wherein said cable has a free end connected to said hydraulic driving means, whereby said hydraulic motor may be actuated to raise and lower said hydraulic hammer into and out of operative position in contact with said sample tube.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Portable soil sampling device and method

Life of this patent

Portable soil sampling device and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11