Abstract:
The object of this invention is to provide a gas sampling system capable of taking discreet samples from a continuous flow of gas or fluid. Said apparatus offers a frame ( 1 ) and mounting components in the form of a fixed chuck ( 4 ) and a spring-loaded chuck with a sample container ( 5 ) mounted there between. The sampling container has self-sealing end cap valve assemblies ( 76 ) that automatically open when the sample container ( 5 ) communicates with the fixed chuck ( 4 ) and the spring loaded chuck ( 6 ) and the end cap valve assembly automatically closes when the sample container is removed. A value system allows the gas flow to be directed from one sample container to the other alternatively opening and closing a gas flow path. A sample extraction assembly ( 14 ) allows the efficient removal of samples from the sample containers. An extension rod pressurizer ( 117 ) in conjunction with the end cap value assembly, such as first end cap valve assembly ( 76 ) allow the sample to be pressurized to facilitate easy sample removal.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This Application claims the benefit of previously filed International Application PCT/US01/08652 which claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/197,181, filed Apr. 14, 2000. 

   FEDERALLY SPONSERED RESEARCH 
   Not applicable. 
   SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
   Not applicable. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of Invention 
   This apparatus relates to the collection, transportation and analysis of gas samples which may be required in various scientific, environmental and resource contests. 
   2. Background of the Invention 
   The oil and gas industry provides a suggested context in which to examine the need for collection, transportation and analysis of gas samples. In oil and natural gas exploration, drilling, recovery and storage, periodic sampling of recovered gases and fluid are required for subsequent analysis. In the oil industry, “mud” is a colloquial term for a thick chemical composition that is pumped into drills as they penetrate the substrate. This “mud” is returned to the surface and contains gases that are released from the rock as the drill penetrates. Significant data is acquired from the analysis of these gases. In the context of natural gas storage, large underground storage deposits are often chemically tagged for later identification. This apparatus facilitates the recovery of samples from these storage deposits for testing and identification of the chemical tag. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,330 to Spencer provided for a sample extraction system with a sampling container and valves. Such a sampling system requires the interruption of the fluid flow, as sampling containers are exchanged. Further, extraction of the sample from the sampling container was accomplished by “bleeding” the cylinder, a technique which relies on gravity and is suitable for fluids in a liquid rather than a gaseous state. Currently used in the industry are gas sample bags, which have the obvious problems of fragility, occupying a significant volume when being shipped and the inability to contain gas or fluid under any significant pressure. 
   OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
   The present invention provides a gas sampling apparatus in which continuous or periodic gas samples may be isolated in gas sampling containers. The gas sampling container associated with this apparatus contains self-sealing valves on either end which open when the sample container is positioned in the apparatus and automatically closes when the sampling container is removed from the apparatus. In one configuration, the apparatus has two gas sampling tubes mounted and the gas flow which is to be sampled is directed into and out of one gas sampling container and then, by operating a valve system, the flow to be sampled can then be directed through a second sample container. Upon removal from the apparatus, the first sample container self-seals and may be transported. An empty container can then take its place. When the valve system again is actuated, the gas flow is re-directed from one sample container to the other. In this way, continuous sampling of a gas flow may be achieved. Further, mechanisms are provided that facilitate the pressurization and removal of gas samples from the sample containers. 
   This gas sampling apparatus can also find use in any industry in which the continuous sampling of flows of gases or fluids are required. Further, the assembly also has applicability in any industry in which gas samples need to be transported in either a pressurized or unpressurized state and later need to be easily removed from testing. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of the major components of the apparatus. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross sectional diagram of the flow of gas or fluid through the left half of the system. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the gas flow through the right half of the system. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of the sample extraction assembly. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of a self-sealing chuck. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of a fixed chuck. 
       FIG. 7  is a plan view of the top of the fixed chuck. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of the sampling container. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the sample container ends. 
       FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of the spring-loaded chuck with the sample container seated therein. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the apparatus. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of the plunger-activated valve. 
       FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a sample container. 
       FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of an extension rod pressurizer. 
       FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view of the first end cap valve body. 
       FIG. 16  is a view of an alternative mechanism assuaging the ends of the sampling container. 
   

   COMPONENT LISTING 
   
       
       frame  1   
       first three-way valve  2   
       first fixed chuck  4   
       first sample container  5   
       first spring-loaded chuck  6   
       first flexible connector  7   
       first flexible connector fitting  7 A 
       second flexible connector  7 B 
       second flexible connector fitting  7 C 
       third flexible connector  7 D 
       third flexible connector fitting  7 E 
       second three-way valve  8   
       valve control rod  9   
       first control rod end  9 A 
       second control rod end  9 B 
       control handle  9 C 
       fourth flexible connector fitting  10   
       fourth flexible connector  10 A 
       second spring loaded chuck  11   
       second sample container  12   
       second fixed chuck  13   
       sample extraction assembly  14   
       coupler  15   
       coupler body  15 A 
       central longitudinal bore  15 B 
       first body end  16   
       second body end  17   
       central bore  18   
       small diameter segment  19   
       first larger diameter segment  20   
       first lip  21   
       first largest diameter segment  22   
       second lip  23   
       second larger diameter segment  24   
       third lip  25   
       annular bushing  26   
       central bore  26 A 
       bushing retaining cap  27   
       first seal  28   
       second seal  29   
       sample release device  30   
       stem  31   
       first stem end  32   
       second stem end  33   
       septum  34   
       septum seat  35   
       spring  35 A 
       septum retaining cap  36   
       central conical aperture  36 A 
       stem retaining screw  37   
       stem retaining screw central bore  37 A 
       threaded portion  38   
       cap portion  39   
       longitudinal planar segment  40   
       first planar segment end  41   
       second planar segment end  42   
       first panel  43   
       first panel first aperture  44 A 
       first panel second aperture  44 B 
       first panel third aperture  44 C 
       second panel  45   
       second panel first aperture  46 A 
       second panel second aperture  46 B 
       second panel third aperture  46 C 
       first valve inlet  47   
       first valve left outlet  48   
       first valve right outlet  49   
       first valve flow director  50   
       passage  51   
       first passage end  52   
       second passage end  53   
       second valve outlet  54   
       second valve left inlet  55   
       second valve right inlet  56   
       second valve flow directing means  57   
       conduit  58   
       first conduit end  59   
       second conduit end  60   
       annular body  61   
       internally threaded end  62   
       externally threaded end  63   
       first central bore section  64   
       second central bore section  64 A 
       central bore  65   
       seat  66   
       plunger depressor  67   
       first finger member  68   
       first transverse member  69   
       air passage aperture  70   
       first flexible washer  71   
       first flexible washer central bore  71 A 
       first annular chamber  72   
       second annular chamber end  73   
       first annular chamber end  74   
       edge tabs  74 A 
       first end cap  75   
       first end cap central bore  75 A 
       first self sealing valve  76   
       second self sealing valve  76 A 
       first end cap valve body  77   
       transverse base  78   
       annular section  79   
       first annular section end  80   
       internal threads  80 A 
       external threads  80 B 
       second externally threaded annular section end  81   
       central bore valve seat section  82   
       second end cap  83   
       first plunger-activated valve  86   
       valve body  86 A 
       plunger  87   
       plunger gasket  88   
       spring  89   
       central cavity  90   
       first plunger valve body end  91   
       central bore  92   
       first valve body aperture  93 A 
       second valve body aperture  93 B 
       second plunger valve body end  94   
       first plunger rod support  96   
       interior surface  96 A 
       first plunger rod support aperture  98 A 
       second plunger rod support aperture  98 B 
       second plunger rod support  99   
       second plunger rod support first aperture  101 A 
       second plunger rod support second aperture  101 B 
       annular space  102   
       first plunger end  103   
       cap  103 A 
       second plunger end  104   
       cap  104 A 
       conical plunger valve body segment  105   
       first swaged edge  106   
       first opposite notch  107 A 
       second opposite notch  107 B 
       end cap exterior  108   
       first annular chamber end central aperture  109 A 
       first end cap central aperture  109   
       valve body central bore  110   
       annular rubber ring  111   
       washer  112   
       nut  113   
       cap retaining nut  113 A 
       plunger valve body gasket  114   
       spring stop  115   
       a first plunger depressor retaining cap  116   
       first chuck head  117   
       extension rod pressurizer  117 A 
       first pipe  118   
       first pipe first end  118 A 
       first pipe second end  118 B 
       snap ring  118 C 
       spring  118 D 
       bolt  119   
       tube  119 A 
       lock nut  120   
       first bushing  121   
       first swage  121 A 
       second swage  121 B 
       third swage  121 C 
       fourth swage  121 D 
       plunger depressor  123   
       finger member  124   
       transverse member  125   
       stem member  126   
       spring  127   
       seat  128   
       seal  129   
       sample container  130   
       central bore  130 A 
       first internally threaded end  131   
       second internally threaded end  132   
       first externally threaded end valve  133   
       second externally threaded end valve  133 A 
       first pressure gauge  150   
       second pressure gauge  151   
     
  
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 . illustrates the major components of the gas sampling apparatus. The gas sampling apparatus is given structure by its frame  1 . The frame is composed of a rigid substance, usually metal, and exhibits a longitudinal planar segment  40 . The frame is further composed of a first planar segment end  41  and a second planar segment end  42 . A first panel  43  emanates from the first planar segment end  41  and is oriented at right angles to the planar segment  40 . The first panel  43  exhibits a plurality of apertures first panel first aperture  44 A, first panel second aperture  44 B and first panel third aperture  44 C. A second panel  45  emanates from the second planar segment end  42  again at right angles to the planar segment  40 . The second panel  45  also exhibits a plurality of apertures, second panel first aperture  46 A, second panel second aperture  46 B and second panel third aperture  46 C, in this case three in number, that correspond to and are opposite the apertures  44 A,  44 B and  44 C, exhibited by first panel  43 . Mounted to first panel  43  and through the outermost apertures  44 A and  44 C of first panel  43  are first fixed chuck  4  and second fixed chuck  13 . Mounted to second panel  45  and within the outermost apertures  46 A and  46 C are first spring-loaded chuck  6  and second spring loaded chuck  11 . 
   First spring-loaded chuck  6  and second spring-loaded chuck  11  as well as first fixed chuck  4  and second fixed chuck  13  their associated flexible connectors and the frame provide the mounting apparatus for first sample container  5  and the substantially similar, second sample container  12 . Turning for a moment to  FIG. 8 , it is seen that the first sample container  5  is composed of a first annular chamber  72  exhibiting a first annular chamber end  74  and a second annular chamber end  73 .  FIG. 9  shows that first annular chamber end  74  exhibits first swaged edge  106  with first opposite notch  107 A and second opposite notch  107 B. Turning to  FIG. 16 , and alternative means of swaging the edge is seen. Here the edge is swaged in a plurality of small increments or dimples, first swage  121 A, second swage  121 B, third swage  121 C and fourth swage  121 D, around the edge&#39;s diameter. This can facilitate the insertion of other forms of end cap valves. Turning now to  FIG. 8 , the first swaged edge  106  of first sample container  5  is shown disposed within the first end cap central bore  75 A of first end cap  75 . Disposed through both first annular chamber end central aperture  109 A and first end cap central aperture  109  is first self-sealing valve  76 . The end caps and nuts fixing the end caps to the self-sealing valves constitute the self-sealing valve. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 15 , the first end cap valve body  77  is illustrated which is one of the components of the first end cap valve assembly  76 . It is composed of a transverse base  78  and annular section  79 . Annular section  79  exhibits first annular section end  80  and second externally threaded annular section end  81 , which is attached to the transverse base  78 . Valve body central bore  110  extends through both transverse base  78  and the annular section  79 . The first annular section end  80  exhibits both external threads  80 B and internal threads  80 A within the valve body central bore  110 . The valve body central bore  110  exhibits a conical narrowing that comprises the central bore valve seat section  82 . It is here that a first plunger-activated valve  86  as seen in  FIG. 12 , is seated. Turning now to  FIG. 12 , plunger activated valve  86  is shown. First plunger activated valve  86  is composed of a valve body  86 A having a central cavity  90 . Externally threaded first plunger valve body end  91  has a central bore  92  and a plurality of apertures, first valve body aperture  93 A and second valve body aperture  93 B that communicate with the central cavity  90 . The second plunger valve body end  94  also exhibits a corresponding central bore  95  with an annular space  102  also communicating with the central cavity  90 . The exterior of the valve body  86  exhibits a conical plunger valve body segment  105 . A plunger valve body gasket  114  is seated around the conical plunger valve body segment  105  and substantially corresponds to the shape of the central bore valve seat section  82  shown in  FIG. 15 . Within the central cavity  90 , first plunger rod support  96  has a central bore  92  and a plurality of plunger rod support apertures, first plunger rod support aperture  98 A and second plunger rod support aperture  98 B. The first plunger rod support is fixed to the interior walls of the central cavity  90 . A second plunger rod support  99  also has a central bore  92  and a plurality of apertures second plunger rod support first aperture  101 A and second plunger rod support second aperture  101 B. The second plunger rod support  99  is also fixed to the interior walls of the central cavity  90 . Thus, the central bores of the second plunger valve body end  94 , the second plunger rod support  99 , the first plunger rod support  96  and the first plunger valve body end  91  all correspond such that plunger  87  can be disposed through all. Plunger  87  has a first plunger end  103  disposed outside central cavity  90  and above valve body  86 A. First plunger end  103  also exhibits a cap  103 A that acts as a stop and prevents first plunger end  103  from fully entering valve body  86 A. A second plunger end  104  is also disposed outside the central cavity  90  and below valve body  86 . Second plunger end  104  exhibits cap  104 A which prevents the second plunger end  104  from fully entering valve body  86 A and also provides an air tight seal against plunger gasket  88 . Plunger  87  also exhibits spring stop  115  fixed to plunger  87  between first plunger rod support  96  and second plunger rod support  99  but at a point on plunger  87  where the spring stop  115  communicates with the interior surface  96 A of the first plunger rod support  96  when in a resting position. The resting position is maintained by spring  89  disposed over the plunger rod and communicating with spring stop  115  in the second plunger rod support  99 . Fixed to the second plunger end  94  in such a manner as to preclude leakage around the plunger  87  is plunger gasket  88 . Plunger gasket  88  seals the central bore  95  and annular space  102  of second plunger valve body end  94  by being held against the second plunger valve body end  94  by the pressure exerted by spring  89  on spring stop  115 . Now returning to  FIG. 15 , it can be seen that when second plunger valve body end  94  of plunger activated valve  86  is inserted into first annular section end  80  of first end cap valve body  77 , externally threaded first plunger valve body end  91  may be disposed and threadedly mounted within the internal threads  80 A of first annular section end  80 . Disposition of plunger activated valve  86  is to such a depth as to press plunger valve body gasket  114  ( FIG. 12 ) firmly against central bore valve seat section  82  creating a seal. 
   Turning again to  FIG. 8 , it is seen that an annular rubber ring  111  is disposed over the annular section  79  and seats on the transverse base  78 . Washer  112  is likewise disposed over the annular section  79  and seats on the annular rubber ring  111 . Nut  113  is then threaded down over the second externally threaded annular section end  81  seen in  FIG. 15 . Insertion of the components of the first end cap valve stem assembly is facilitated by first opposite notch  107 A and second opposite notch  107 B shown in  FIG. 9 . Edge tabs  74 A are those areas of the wall curved inward between the opposing notches. Once the first self sealing valve  76  is within the first annular chamber  72 , nut  113  is tightened thereby applying pressure to washer  112  which in turn applies pressure to and expands the annular rubber ring  111  such that full diameter contact with the walls of the first annular chamber  72  and a tight seal is achieved. The first end cap  75  is then disposed over the first annular chamber end  74 . Cap retaining nut  113 A is then disposed over annular section  79  and then threaded over second annular section end  81  until the nut communicates with the end cap exterior  108 . The first self sealing valve  76  is then drawn toward the first swaged edge  106  which now retains the end cap valve assembly within first annular chamber  72  and holds the end cap in place. The second end cap  83  and second self sealing valve  76 A are similarly mounted within the second annular chamber end  73 . 
   Now turning to  FIG. 6 , first fixed chuck  4  is illustrated. First fixed chuck  4  is composed of an annular body  61  with externally threaded end  63  and internally threaded end  62 . A central bore exists between them. A first central bore section  64  is seen followed by larger diameter second central bore section  64 A. The differences in diameters produce seat  66 . Upon seat  66  rests plunger depressor  67 . Plunger depressor  67  has two components, a first finger member  68  and a first transverse member  69 . The first transverse member  69  is that portion of the plunger depressor  67  which communicates with the seat  66 . A first flexible washer  71  is disposed over the first finger member  68 , first finger member disposed within first flexible washer central bore  71 A, such that first flexible washer  71  rests on externally threaded end  63 . However, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the first transverse member is not a disk but is rectangular in shape such that only a portion of first flexible washer  71  is in contact with first transverse member  69  thus allowing fluid or gas to flow through first flexible washer  71 , past first transverse member  69  into air passage aperture  70  and then into first central bore section  64  and beyond.  FIG. 6  shows a first plunger depressor retaining cap  116  which is disposed over the externally threaded end  63 . It holds first flexible washer  71  in position and thereby retains plunger depressor  67 . First plunger depressor retaining cap  116  exhibits a central bore  65  into which a first endcap valve assembly  76  or second endcap valve assembly  76 A can be inserted. The second fixed chuck  13  is configured substantially similar to the first fixed chuck  4 . 
   Configured similarly to the fixed chucks  4  and  13  is the first chuck head  117  of the first spring loaded chuck  6  and second spring loaded chuck  11  as shown in  FIG. 10 . Disposed within the internally threaded end of first chuck head  117  is first pipe  118  having first pipe first end  118 A and first pipe second end  118 B. First pipe  118  then extends through first bushing  121  with first pipe second end  118 B threadedly attached to a first flexible connector fitting  7 A of such a diameter as to prevent pipe  118  from being returned through bushing  121 . Bushing  121  is fixed within an outer second panel aperture  46 C of second panel  45  by snap ring  118 C. Spring  118 D is disposed over pipe  118  and rests between chuck head  117  and bushing  121 . When chuck head  117  is depressed by sample container  5 , pipe  118  slides downward through bushing  121 . As chuck head  117  is depressed, the tension in spring  118 D is increased allowing chuck head  117  to return upward after pressure is released. Second spring loaded chuck  11  is configured in a substantially similar fashion being mounted in the second panel first aperture  46 A of panel  45 . 
   It can be seen in  FIG. 1  that to insert a sample container, for example, sample container  5 , the second self sealing valve  76 A is disposed within the mouth of spring loaded chuck  6 . Downward pressure is then applied whereupon first spring loaded chuck  6  is pressed down and through spring loaded chuck first bushing  121 . Spring loaded chuck  6  is able to be depressed a sufficient distance to allow the upper end of sample container  5  to be positioned under fixed chuck  4 . Downward pressure on the sample container is then released allowing the first self sealing valve  76  of sample container  5  to seat within fixed chuck  4 . A similar procedure is utilized to mount the second sample container  12  between the second spring loaded chuck  11  and second fixed chuck  13 . 
   At this point, it should be noted that the insertion of the end cap valve assemblies into spring loaded chuck  6  and fixed chuck  4  causes the ends of the end cap valve assemblies to be pressed into and to be pressed against the flexible washers such as the first flexible washer  71  as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . This produces a seal. A finger member such as first finger member  68  of plunger depressor  67  will come in contact with a plunger such as plunger  87  of plunger activated valve  86 , (Seen in  FIG. 12 ) causing the sample container, such as sample container  5  to open. This happens on both ends of the sample container allowing gas or fluid to pass through when the sample container is seated in the fixed and spring loaded chucks. 
   Returning to  FIG. 1 , first three-way valve  2  is mounted to panel  43  between first fixed chuck  4  and second fixed chuck  13 . First fixed chuck  4  is connected to the first valve left outlet  48 . The second fixed chuck  13  is connected to the first valve right outlet  49 . Mounted so as to read pressure from the first valve inlet  47  is pressure gauge  150 . A similar configuration is seen with the second three-way valve  8 , which is similarly attached to second panel  45 . The first spring loaded chuck  6  is connected to the second valve left inlet  55 . Second spring loaded chuck  11  is further connected to second valve right inlet  56 . Mounted to communicate and to read pressure from second valve outlet  54  is second pressure gauge  151 . Since first spring loaded chuck first pipe  118  may be pressed through first spring loaded chuck first bushing  121 , the first spring loaded chuck  6  is connected to second valve left inlet  55  by means of first flexible connector  7 . Similarly, second spring loaded chuck  11  is connected to second valve right inlet  56  by means of second flexible connector  10 . Valve control rod  9  extends through the second panel aperture  46 B in second panel  45  and first panel aperture  44 B in first panel  43 . Thus control rod  9  communicates simultaneously with first three-way valve  2  and second three-way valve  8 . Control handle  9 C communicates with control rod  9  facilitating its rotation. The first three way valve, second three way valve, control rod and control handle comprise the flow director. 
   Now turning to  FIG. 2 , we first see that control handle  9 C is oriented toward first sample container  5 . Control rod  9  exhibits first control rod end  9 A and second control rod end  9 B. First control handle end  9 A is attached to and operates a first valve flow director  50  which is mounted internally in first three-way valve  2 . The first valve flow director  50  exhibits a passage  51  with a first passage end  52  and a second passage end  53 . When the control handle  9 A is orientated toward sample container  5 , first passage end  52  aligns with first valve inlet  47 . Simultaneously, the second passage end  53  aligns with first valve left outlet  48 . It can then be seen that gas may flow into the first valve inlet  47  through first valve flow directing means passage  51 , out first valve left outlet  48 , through second flexible connector  7 C, then through first fixed chuck  4  into sample container  5 . Control rod second end  9 B is similarly connected to second valve flow directing means  57 . The second valve flow directing means exhibits conduit  58  which provides the same function as passage  51  in first valve flow directing means  50 . Conduit  58  exhibits a first conduit end  59  and second conduit end  60 . Control rod  9  is attached to both the first valve flow directing means  50  and second valve flow directing means  57  such that when the first valve flow directing means  50  is oriented as described above, the second valve flow directing means  57  is oriented in such a way that first conduit end  59  communicates with second valve inlet  55  and second conduit end  60  communicates with second valve outlet  54 . It can be seen that any gas or fluid in sample container  5  may then flow through second spring loaded chuck  6  through first flexible connector  7  into second valve left inlet  55  through the second valve flow director conduit  58  and finally out second valve outlet  54 . In this configuration, no gas will flow through first valve right outlet  49 , through second sample container  12  or second valve right inlet  56 . Now turning to  FIG. 3 , it can be seen that when control handle  9 C is directed toward second sample container  12 , the first valve flow directing means  50  is oriented such that first passage end  52  communicates with first valve inlet  47  and second passage end  53  is now oriented with first valve right outlet  49 . Now it can be seen that gas may flow in first valve inlet  47  through first valve flow directing means passage  51  into the first valve right outlet  49  through fixed chuck  13  and into second sample container  12 . 
   Again, when control handle  9 C is oriented towards second sample container  12 , the second valve flow directing means  57  has its conduit  58  oriented in such a way that first conduit end  59  communicates with second valve inlet  56  and second conduit end  60  communicates with second valve right outlet  54 . Now it can be seen that fluid or gas in sample container  12  may flow through spring loaded chuck  11  then through second flexible connector  7 B into second valve inlet  56  through conduit  58  and into second valve outlet  54 . 
   A method of acquiring samples would be to allow gas to flow though sample container  5  and then after having mounted sample container  12 , orienting the control handle so that gas now flows through sample container  12  and gas flow is terminated through sample container  5 . In this way, sample container  5  may be removed from the system and an empty sample container mounted. When sufficient sample has been gathered within sample container  12 , the control handle  9 C would then again be moved toward the fresh sample container thus occluding gas flow through sample container  12  whereupon it may be removed from the system. By alternating the removal of full sample containers and the replacement with empty containers, continuous or periodic samples in a line of gas or fluid flow may be obtained. 
   Once the sample container is removed from the gas sampling apparatus the fluid or gas sample must be removed from the container.  FIG. 4  illustrates the sample extraction assembly  14 . It is composed of a coupler  15 . Coupler  15  exhibits a coupler body  15 A. The coupler body has a central longitudinal bore  15 B which allows for fluid flow. The coupler also has an externally threaded first body end  16  and an internally threaded second body end  17 . The central longitudinal bore  15  B is divided into segments of varying diameters. The narrowest diameter is the small diameter segment  19 . Immediately below, is the first larger diameter segment  20 . The differences in diameter allow the formation of first lip  21 . Again below, toward the internally threaded second body end  17  is the first largest diameter segment  22 . The differences in diameter again allow the formation of another lip, second lip  23 . Upon second lip  23  rests a second seal  29  usually in the form of a rubber o-ring. This allows the internally threaded second body end  17  to be disposed over the externally threaded end of a first annular section end  80  of an end cap valve assembly such as first self sealing valve  76  thus creating a seal for gas or fluid. Returning to the description of the central longitudinal bore  15 B, we now have a second larger diameter segment  24  above, toward the externally threaded first body end  16 . The difference in diameter between the small diameter segment  19  and a second larger diameter segment  24  creates a third lip  25 . Disposed within the second larger diameter segment  24  and resting on the third lip  25  is first seal  28 , again seen usually in the form of a rubber o-ring. Annular bushing  26  exhibiting a central bore  26 A communicates with the walls of the second larger diameter segment  24  and is coterminous with the externally threaded first body end  16 . An internally threaded bushing retaining cap  27  having a central bore, is disposed over the externally threaded first body end  16 . The sample release device  30  exhibits stem  31  which is partially disposed within the central bore  18  of bushing retaining cap  27 , the central bore of the annular bushing  26  and the small diameter segment  19  and may slide within. First seal  28  communicates with stem  31  thereby preventing the passage of fluid or gas around the stem. Stem  31  has a first stem end  32  and an internally threaded second stem end  33 . Mounted within the internally threaded second stem end  33  is externally threaded stem retaining screw  37  having a threaded portion  38  and a cap portion  39 . The cap portion  39  is of a larger diameter than stem  31  and thereby is able to rest on first lip  21 . The stem retaining screw  37  thus secures stem  31  within body  15 A. The stem retaining screw  37  also exhibits a central bore that communicates with the central bore of stem  31 . First stem end  32  is attached to externally threaded septum seat  35 . Septum  34  rests on said septum seat  35  and is composed of a penetrable material such as rubber. Septum  34  is held in place by internally threaded septum retaining cap  36 . A spring  35 A is located between the septum seat  35  and internally threaded bushing retaining cap  27  which is disposed over externally threaded first body end  16 . 
   After the sample extraction assembly  14  is threadedly attached to an end cap valve assembly, such as first self sealing valve  76 , a needle such as a hypodermic needle, is inserted through the central conical aperture  36 A of the septum retaining cap  36 . Depressing the sample release device  30  compresses spring  35 A. In turn, stem  31  and stem retaining screw  37  are depressed such that stem retaining screw makes contact with plunger  87  shown in  FIG. 12  thereby opening the sample container, such as sample container  5 . When this is accomplished the sample may be extracted from the container. 
   Prior to removing a sample from the sample container, it may be necessary to pressurize the sample. This may be accomplished by removing the cap retaining nut such as cap retaining nut  113 A and then threadedly mounting extension rod pressurizer  117 A as seen in  FIG. 14 , to an end cap valve assembly such as first self sealing valve  76 . By using the extension rod pressurizer  117 A to press first self sealing valve  76  further into the sample container, increased pressure of the sample may be obtained. Extension rod pressurizer  117 A is composed of an internally threaded tube  119 A which is disposed over the externally threaded end of the first self sealing valve  76 . Bolt  119  is threaded into internally threaded tube  119 A and held by lock nut  120 . The length of the extension rod pressurizer may be adjusted by loosening the lock nut  120  and threading bolt  119  farther into or out of threaded tube  119 A. Another form of sample container is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Sample container  130  has a first internally threaded end  131  and a second internally threaded end  132 . An first externally threaded end valve  133  with the same internal mechanism of first self sealing valve  76  may then be inserted into first internally threaded end  131  and a second externally threaded end valve  133 A may be inserted into a second internally threaded end  132  thus creating a sample container. 
   An alternative mode of configuration for the fixed chuck and chuck heads of the spring loaded chuck is seen in  FIG. 5 . Here, the plunger depressor  123  in addition to a finger member  124  and a transverse member  125 , has a stem member  126 . Spring  127  rests between seat  128  and transverse member  125 . The tension in spring  127  creates a seal between transverse member  125  and seal  129 . This configuration allows any fluid or gas trapped in central bore  130  to remain captured. This is especially important when noxious gas for fluid is being sampled with this system. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 . illustrates the major components of the gas sampling apparatus. The gas sampling apparatus is given structure by its frame  1 . The frame is composed of a rigid substance, usually metal, and exhibits a longitudinal planar segment  40 . The frame is further composed of a first planar segment end  41  and a second planar segment end  42 . A first panel  43  emanates from the first planar segment end  41  and is oriented at right angles to the planar segment  40 . The first panel  43  exhibits a plurality of apertures first panel first aperture  44 A, first panel second aperture  44 B and first panel third aperture  44 C. A second panel  45  emanates from the second planar segment end  42  again at right angles to the planar segment  40 . The second panel  45  also exhibits a plurality of apertures, second panel first aperture  46 A, second panel second aperture  46 B and second panel third aperture  46 C, in this case three in number, that correspond to and are opposite the apertures  44 A,  44 B, and  44 C, exhibited by first panel  43 . Mounted to first panel  43  and through the outermost apertures  44 A and  44 C of first panel  43  are first fixed chuck  4  and second fixed chuck  13 . Mounted to second panel  45  and within the outermost apertures  46 A and  46 C are first spring-loaded chuck  6  and second spring loaded chuck  11 . 
   First spring-loaded chuck  6  and second spring-loaded chuck  11  as well as first fixed chuck  4  and second fixed chuck  13  their associated flexible connectors and the frame provide the mounting apparatus for first sample container  5  and the substantially similar, second sample container  12 . Turning for a moment to  FIG. 8 , it is seen that the first sample container  5  is composed of a first annular chamber  72  exhibiting a first annular chamber end  74  and a second annular chamber end  73 .  FIG. 9  shows that first annular chamber end  74  exhibits first swaged edge  106  with first opposite notch  107 A and second opposite notch  107 B. Turning to  FIG. 16 , and alternative means of swaging the edge is seen. Here the edge is swaged in a plurality of small increments or dimples, first swage  121 A, second swage  121 B, third swage  121 C, and fourth swage  121 D, around the edge&#39;s diameter. This can facilitate the insertion of other forms of end cap valves. Turning now to  FIG. 8 , the first swaged edge  106  of first samples container  5  is shown disposed within the first end cap central bore  75 A of first end cap  75 . Disposed through both first annular chamber end central aperture  109 A and first end cap central aperture  109  is first self-sealing value  76 . The end caps and nuts fixing the end caps to the self-sealing valves constitute the self-sealing valve. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 15 , the first end cap valve body  77  is illustrated which is one of the components of the first end cap valve assembly  76 . It is composed of a transverse base  78  and annular section  79 . Annular section  79  exhibits first annular section end  80  and second externally threaded annular section end  81 , which is attached to the transverse base  78 . Valve body central bore  110  extends through both transverse base  78  and the annular section  79 . The first annular section end  80  exhibits both external threads  80 B and internal thread  80 A within the valve body central bore  110 . The valve body central bore  110  exhibits a conical narrowing that comprises the central bore valve seat section  82 . It is here that a first plunger-activated valve  86  as seen in  FIG. 12 , is seated. Turning now to  FIG. 12 , plunger activated valve  86  is shown. First plunger activated valve  86  is composed of a valve body  86 A having a central cavity  90 . Externally threaded first plunger valve body end  91  has a central bore  92  and a plurality of apertures, first valve body aperture  93 A and second valve body aperture  93 B that communicate with the central cavity  90 . The second plunger valve body end  94  also exhibits a corresponding central bore  95  with an annular space  102  also communicating with the central cavity  90 . The exterior of the valve body  86  exhibits a conical plunger valve body segment  105 . A plunger valve body gasket  114  is seated around the conical plunger valve body segment  105  and substantially corresponds to the shape of the central bore valve seat section  82  shown in  FIG. 15 . Within the central cavity  90 , first plunger rod support  96  has a central bore  97  and a plurality of plunger rod support apertures, first plunger rod support aperture  98 A and second plunger rod support aperture  98 B. The first plunger rod support is fixed to the interior walls of the central cavity  90 . A second plunger rod support  99  also has a central bore  92  and a plurality of apertures second plunger rod support first aperture  101 A and second plunger rod support second aperture  101 B. The second plunger rod support  99  is also fixed to the interior walls of the central cavity  90 . Thus, the central bores of the second plunger valve body end  94 , the second plunger rod support  99 , the first plunger rod support  96  and the first plunger valve body end  91  all correspond such that plunger  87  can be disposed through all. Plunger  87  has a first plunger end  103  disposed outside central cavity  90  and above valve body  86 A. First plunger end  103  also exhibits a cap  103 A that acts as a stop and prevents first plunger end  103  from fully entering valve body  86 A. A second plunger end  104  is also disposed outside the central cavity  90  and below valve body  86 . Second plunger end  104  exhibits cap  104 A which prevents the second plunger end  104  from fully entering valve body  86 A and also provides an air tight seal against plunger gasket  88 . Plunger  87  also exhibits spring stop  115  fixed to plunger  87  between first plunger rod support  96  and second plunger rod support  99  but at a point on plunger  87  where the spring stop  115  cinnybucates with the interior surface  96 A of the first plunger rod support  99 . Fixed to the second plunger end  94  in such a manner as to preclude leakage around the plunger  87  is plunger gasket  88 . Plunger gasket  88  seals the central bore  92  and annular space  102  of second plunger valve body end  94  by being held against the second plunger valve body end  94  by the pressure exerted by spring  89  on spring stop  115 . Now returning to  FIG. 15 , it can be seen that when second plunger valve body end  94  of plunger activated valve  86  is inserted into first annular section end  80  of first end cap valve body  77 , externally threaded first plunger valve body end  91  may be disposed and threadedly mounted within the internal threads  80 A of first annular section end  80 . Disposition of plunger activated valve  86  is to such a depth as to press plunger valve body gasket  114  ( FIG. 12 ) firmly against central bore valve seat section  82  creating a seal. 
   Turning again to  FIG. 8 , it is seen that an annular rubber ring  111  is disposed over the annular section  79  and seats on the transverse base  78 . Washer  112  is likewise disposed over the annular section  79  and seats on the annular rubber ring  111 . Nut  113  is then threaded down over the second externally threaded annular section end  81  seen in  FIG. 15 . Insertion of the components of the first end cap valve stem assembly is facilitated by first opposite notch  107 A and second opposite notch  107 B shown in  FIG. 9 . Once the first self-sealing valve  76  is within the first annular chamber  72 , nut  113  is tightened thereby applying pressure to washer  112  which in turn applies pressure to and expands the annular rubber ring  111  such that full diameter contact with the walls of the first annular chamber  72  and a tight seal is achieved. The first end cap  75  is then disposed over the first annular chamber end  74 . Cap retaining nut  113 A is then disposed over annular section  79  and then threaded over second annular section end  81  until the nut communicates with the end cap exterior  108 . The first self-sealing valve  76  is then drawn toward the first swaged edge  106  which now retains the end cap valve assembly within first annular chamber  72  and holds the end cap in place. The second end cap  83  and second self sealing valve  76 A are similarly mounted within the second annular chamber end  73 . 
   Now turning to  FIG. 6 , first fixed chuck  4  is illustrated. First fixed chuck  4  is composed of an annular body  61  with externally threaded end  63  and internally threaded end  62 . A central bore exists between them. A first central bore section  64  is seen followed by larger diameter second central bore section  64 A. The differences in diameters produce seat  66 . Upon seat  66  rests plunger depressor  67 . Plunger depressor  67  has two components, a first finger member  68  and a first transverse member  69 . The first transverse member  69  is that portion of the plunger depressor  67  which communicates with the seat  66 . A first flexible washer  71  is disposed over the first finger member  68 , first finger member disposed within first flexible washer central bore  71 A, such that first flexible washer  71  rests on externally threaded end  63 . However, as show in  FIG. 7 , the first transverse member is not a disk but is rectangular in shape such that only a portion of first flexible washer  71  is in contact with first transverse member  69  thus allowing fluid or gas to flow through first flexible washer  71 , past first transverse member  69  into air passage aperture  70  and then into first central bore section  61  and beyond.  FIG. 6  shows a first plunger depressor retaining cap  116  which is disposed over the externally threaded end  63 . It holds first flexible washer  71  in position and thereby retains plunger depressor  67 . First plunger depressor retaining cap  116  exhibits a central bore  65  into which a first endcap valve assembly  76  or second endcap valve assembly  76 A can be inserted. The second fixed chuck  13  is configured substantially similar to the first fixed chuck  4 . 
   Configured similarly to the fixed chucks  4  and  13  is the first chuck head  117  of the first spring loaded chuck  6  and second spring loaded chuck  11  as shown in  FIG. 10 . Disposed within the internally threaded end of first chuck head  117  is first pipe  118  having first pipe first end  118 A and first pipe second end  118 B. First pipe  118  then extends through first bushing  121  with first pipe second end  118 B threadedly attached to a first flexible connector fitting  7 A of such a diameter as to prevent pipe  118  from being returned through bushing  121 . Bushing  121  is fixed within an outer second panel aperture  46 C of second panel  45  by snap ring  118 C. Spring  118 D is disposed over pipe  118  and rests between chuck head  117  and bushing  121 . When chuck head  117  is depressed by sample container  5 , pipe  118  slides downward through bushing  121 . As chuck head  117  is depressed, the tension in spring  118 D is increased allowing chuck head  117  to return upward after pressure is released. Second spring loaded chuck  11  is configured in a substantially similar fashion being mounted in the second panel first aperture  46 A of panel  45 . 
   It can be seen in  FIG. 1  that to insert a sample container, for example, sample container  5 , the second self-sealing valve  76 A is disposed within the mouth of spring loaded chuck  6 . Downward pressure is then applied whereupon first spring loaded chuck  6  is pressed down and through spring loaded chuck first bushing  121 . Spring loaded chuck  6  is able to be depressed a sufficient distance to allow the upper end of sample container  5  to be positioned under fixed chuck  4 . Downward pressure on the sample container is then released allowing the first self sealing valve  76  of sample container  5  to seat within fixed chuck  4 . A similar procedure is utilized to mount the second sample container  12  between the second spring loaded chuck  11  and second fixed chuck  13 . 
   At this point, it should be noted that the insertion of the end cap valve assemblies into spring loaded chuck  6  and fixed chuck  4  causes the ends of the end cap valve assemblies to be pressed into and to be pressed against the flexible washers such as the first flexible washer  71  as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . This produces a seal. A finger member such as first finger member  68  of plunger depressor  67  will come in contact with a plunger such as plunger  87  of plunger activated valve  86 , (Seen in  FIG. 12 ) causing the sample container, such as sample container  5  to open. This happens on both ends of the sample container allowing gas or fluid to pass through when the sample container is seated in the fixed and spring loaded chucks. 
   Returning to  FIG. 1 , first three-way valve  2  is mounted to panel  43  between first fixed chuck  4  and second fixed chuck  13 . First fixed chuck  4  is connected to the first valve left outlet  48 . The second fixed chuck  13  is connected to the first valve right outlet  49 . Mounted so as to read pressure from the first valve inlet  47  is pressure gauge  150 . A similar configuration is seen with the second three-way valve  8 , which is similarly attached to second panel  45 . The first spring loaded chuck  6  is connected to the second valve left inlet  55 . Second spring loaded chuck  11  is further connected to second valve right inlet  56 . Mounted to communicate and to read pressure from second valve outlet  54  is second pressure gauge  151 . Since first spring loaded chuck first pipe  118  may be pressed through first spring loaded chuck first bushing  121 , the first spring loaded chuck  6  is connected to second valve left inlet  55  by means of first flexible connector  7 . Similarly, second spring loaded chuck  11  is connected to second valve right inlet  56  by means of second flexible connector  10 . Valve control rod  9  extends through the second panel aperture  46 B in second panel  45  and first panel aperture  44 B in first panel  43 . Thus control rod  9  communicates simultaneously with first three-way valve  2  and second three-way valve  8 . Control handle  9 C communicates with control rod  9  facilitating its rotation. The first three way valve, second threeway valve, control rod and control handle comprise the flow director. 
   Now turning to  FIG. 2 , we first see that control handle  9 C is oriented toward first sample container  5 . Control rod  9  exhibits first control rod end  9 A and second control rod end  9 B. First control handle end  9 A is attached to and operates a first valve flow director  50  which is mounted internally in first three-way valve  2 . The first valve flow director  50  exhibits a passage  51  with a first passage end  52  and a second passage end  53 . When the control handle  9 A is orientated toward sample container  5 , first passage end  52  aligns with first valve inlet  47 . Simultaneously, the second passage end  53  aligns with first valve left outlet  48 . It can then be seen that gas may flow into the first valve inlet  47  through first valve flow directing means passage  51 , out first valve left outlet  48 , through second flexible connector  7 C, then through first fixed chuck  4  into sample container  5 . Control rod second end  9 B is similarly connected to second valve flow directing means  57 . The second valve flow directing means exhibits conduit  58  which provides the same function as passage  51  in first valve flow directing means  50 . Conduit  58  exhibits a first conduit end  59  and second conduit end  60 . Control rod  9  is attached to both the first valve flow directing means  50  and second valve flow directing means  57  such that when the first valve flow directing means  50  is oriented as described above, the second valve flow directing means  57  is oriented in such a way that first conduit end  59  communicates with second valve inlet  55  and second conduit end  60  communicates with second valve outlet  54 . It can be seen that any gas or fluid in sample container  5  may then flow through second spring loaded chuck  6  through first flexible connector  7  into second valve left inlet  55  through second valve flow director conduit  58  and finally out second valve outlet  54 . In this configuration, no gas will flow through first valve right outlet  49 , through second sample container  12  or second valve right inlet  56 . Now turning to  FIG. 3 , it can be seen that when control handle  9 C is directed toward second sample container  12 , the first valve flow directing means  50  is oriented such that first passage end  52  communicates with first valve inlet  47  and second passage end  53  is now oriented with first valve right outlet  49 . Now it can be seen that gas may flow in first valve inlet  47  through first valve flow directing means passage  51  into the first valve right outlet  49  through fixed chuck  13  and into second sample container  12 . 
   Again, when control handle  9 C is oriented towards second sample container  12 , the second valve flow directing means  57  has its conduit  58  oriented in such a way that first conduit end  59  communicates with second valve inlet  56  and second conduit end  60  communicates with second valve right outlet  54 . Now it can be seen that fluid or gas in sample container  12  may flow through spring loaded chuck  11  then through second flexible connector  7 B into second valve inlet  56  through conduit  58  and into second valve outlet  54 . 
   A method of acquiring samples would be to allow gas to flow though sample container  5  and then after having mounted sample container  12 , orienting the control handle so that gas now flows through sample container  12  and gas flow is terminated through sample container  5 . In this way, sample container  5  may be removed from the system and an empty sample container mounted. When sufficient sample has been gathered within sample container  12 , the control handle  9 C would then again be moved toward the fresh sample container thus occluding gas flow through sample container  12  whereupon it may be removed from the system. By alternating the removal of full sample containers and the replacement with empty containers, continuous or periodic samples in a line of gas or fluid flow may be obtained.