Patent ID: 6520035
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A system for extracting a sample of bulk particulate material solids carried on an elongate conveyor belt which is supported, at least adjacent the system, in an arcuate cross-sectional configuration, said system comprising:a sample cutter mounted for rotation about a rotational axis aligned above and substantially parallel with the conveyor belt for removing a cross-sectional increment sample of the material carried on said conveyor belt by movement of the sample cutter across the belt through the material along an arcuate path adjacent the surface of the belt, said sample cutter being rotatively driven about said rotational axis by at least a pair of double-acting fluid cylinders that are each pivotally secured to respective crank throws at pivot axes that are displaced radially from said rotational axis, said crank throws being structurally secured to said sample cutter and angularly displaced about said rotational axis from each other, said fluid cylinders having a pair of pressure chambers for reciprocally displacing a cylinder rod in at least one direction to various positions, each of said pressure chambers respective to each cylinder having separate valve means for regulating a flow of pressurized fluid into and from the respective chamber, said valve means having respective operator means for coordinating the flow direction of fluid for the respective chamber independently of fluid flow directions determined for other chambers among fluid cylinders driving said sample cutter such that each pressure chamber may pressurized or vented independently of any pressurization or venting of the other pressure chamber.