Patent ID: 6062093
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A sample collector assembly for use in sampling aggregate material from a truck having an open bed, said assembly comprising:(A) an assembly frame which includes an overhead rail that is suspended over and adjacent to a truck zone into which the truck has been driven;(B) a carriage which is adapted to ride on the overhead rail between a first position adjacent to the truck zone and at least one sampling position over the truck zone;(C) means for moving the carriage between the first position and at least one sampling position over the truck zone;(D) a sample collector which is attached to the carriage and which comprises:(i) a collector frame which includes:(a) a probe that is shaped so as to be insertable along a defined axis into the aggregate material;(b) a plurality of elongate support rods, each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each rod is attached to the probe, and wherein each rod is arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the axis, and wherein the rods are spaced apart from each other so as to define a collection space;(c) a seat to which the second end of each of the support rods is attached;(ii) a sleeve which is adapted to slide over the collector frame between an open position which exposes the collection space and a closed position which encloses the collection space;(iii) means for sliding the sleeve over the collector frame between an open position which exposes the collection space and a closed position which encloses the collection space;(iv) an elongate extension which is attached to the seat;(v) a boom to which the elongate extension is mounted in sliding engagement therewith;(vi) means for moving the elongate extension from a retracted position to an extended position for inserting the collector into the aggregate material in the truck.