Patent ID: 6989092
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A bailer, comprising: a main body having an elongate configuration and a hollow interior; said main body having a trailing end and a leading end; a top member having a first end mounted to said trailing end of said main body; said top member having a second end in open fluid communication with an ambient environment; a check valve housing mounted to said main body at said leading end; a check valve means disposed within said check valve housing; said check valve means adapted to admit liquid fluid into said hollow interior of said main body when said leading end of said bailer enters into a body of liquid fluid and said check valve means adapted to close said leading end when liquid fluid ceases flowing into said hollow interior; a filter member disposed within said hollow interior of said main body; said filter member having a diameter less than an inner diameter of said main body; said filter member having a trailing end, a leading end, and a hollow interior; an imperforate bottom fitting secured to and closing said leading end of said filter member; said trailing end of said filter member being in fluid communication with said top member of said bailer; a top fitting to which a trailing end of said filter member is secured; said top fitting including a first cylindrical wall having an outer diameter substantially equal to an inner diameter of said main body; said first cylindrical wall being snugly and slideably received within a trailing end of said main body; said top fitting including a second cylindrical wall having an outer diameter substantially equal to said inner diameter of said filter member so that said second cylindrical wall is snugly and slideably received within said hollow interior of said filter member; whereby liquid fluid within said hollow interior of said bailer is constrained to flow through said filter member when said liquid fluid is poured out of said open end of said top member by inverting said bailer; whereby a need for an external filter member is obviated.