Other

Brunswick Corporation

Analytical Bio-Chemistry Laboratories, Inc.

Jerome B Weber

Len R Swain

Donna Daly

Martin W Winberry

Ranga R Velagaleti

Mark D Williams

The present invention comprises a self-contained, modular unit and method of using the same for evaluating the mobility, dissipation and degradation of chemicals and their degradates through a soil matrix. The self-contained, modular unit comprises at least a soil matrix vessel for containing the soil matrix and a leachate collection vessel communicating with the soil matrix vessel for collecting and storing the leachate from the soil matrix vessel. The leachate collection vessel is designed and connected to the soil matrix vessel in such a manner that the collected leachate is observable and removable at ground level, thus eliminating the necessity of digging a trench to view or retrieve the leachate as prior art units required. The preferred embodiment of the self-contained modular unit further comprises a runoff collection vessel which communicates with the soil matrix vessel and collects the runoff from the soil matrix vessel. By collecting both the runoff and the leachate, the user has the opportunity to perform a more complete analysis of the degradation and movement of the test chemicals and their degradates. Furthermore, if radiolabeled test chemicals are utilized, they are fully contained within the preferred embodiment of the self-contained modular unit of this invention.

Self-contained, modular lysimeter and method of using the same

An air gage (10) is provided for measuring an otherwise inaccessible right angle opening (12) in a confined spaced in a workpiece (14). An air plug (18) extends axially into the opening (12) and has a central air passage (22) communicating with one or more transverse air passages (24 and 26) directing air outwardly of the plug (18) and against the workpiece (14) in the opening (12). A collar (40) mounted to the plug (18) has an air passage (60) therethrough communicating with the central air passage (22) in the plug (18). The collar (40) has a generally cylindrical cavity (50) forming a socket with an arcuate opening (74) in a cylindrical sidewall (66) subtending a given arc. An extension arm (36) has an inner cylindrical end (52) received in the cylindrical cavity (50), and has a tubular rod (76) extending from the inner cylindrical end (52) outwardly through the arcuate opening (74) in the cylindrical sidewall (66) and movable along the noted arc to articulate and pivot the extension arm (36) by pivoting the inner cylindrical end (52) in the cavity (50) about a pivot axis (42) along the cylindrical axis of the cavity (50), which axis (42) is perpendicular to the axis (20) of axial extension of the plug (18). The extension arm (36) has an internal air passage (38, 78, 64, 62) through the tubular rod (76) and the inner cylindrical end (52) communicating with the air passage (60) in the collar (40). The degree of articulation of the extension arm (36) is determined by the arc subtended by the arcuate opening (74) in the collar (40), which articulation facilitates access to otherwise inaccessible openings in workpieces.

Articulating air plug gage

A leaching column comprising two half cylinders held together by a removable band at one end and a leachate funnel at the other. For testing various pesticides and herbicides, the particular chemical is added to the leaching column and allowed it to pass through soil contained therein for a measured period of time. The half cylinders are then separated and, while retaining their respective soils, are used to perform a bioassay as well as chemical and radiological tests.

Leaching column and method of use

In abstract, a preferred embodiment of this invention is a soil sampler having a specially designed tip for easy penetration, a movable slot cleaner for cutting away surface soil that clings as the sample is taken, and depth markings for allowing accurate gauging of the samples. This invention also includes handles that are off-set 90.degree. from an open soil slot to allow the sampler to be placed horizontally on the ground with the slot upright without danger of tipping.

Growing community of inventors

Raleigh, NC, United States of America

Jerome B Weber