Abstract:
A programmable liquid sampler for obtaining and digitally analyzing multiple, sequential samples in real time from an external source of liquid to be analyzed comprises an adaptive feedback algorithm for correcting sample weight measurements occasioned by vacuum delays. A sampling assembly receives and at least temporarily stores a sample drawn by suction through an air port that can also pressurize the chamber. A load cell determines sample mass through a logic controller that implements adaptive feedback by recognizing a desired target sample size, requesting an initial sample, and measuring the initial sample size. A variable scaling factor is derived by comparing the target sample size to said measured sample size and the subsequent requesting size is scaled. Samples can be stored in multiple compartments of a radial table that is indexed by the computer software for proper sample control.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the filing date of, and is based upon, prior U.S. provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/835,510, filed Oct. 20, 2006, and entitled Programmable Digital Vacuum Operated Liquid Sampler. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    I. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a bulk density sampling apparatus for continuously and repetitively measuring liquid samples from a bulk source and storing them for subsequent testing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a digitized, electronic liquid sampler that adaptively compensates and corrects for sampling errors. 
         [0004]    II. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Sampling devices have long been used under a variety of circumstances for collecting sample materials of both free flowing solids and fluids from various sources. For example, samples are routinely collected from waste water flow lines or reservoirs for subsequent testing and analysis. Many such devices provide for a sample pickup element to be fixed within the line of flow. Retractable sampling devices include hardware that is periodically inserted into the flow line and then withdrawn after the sample has been collected. 
         [0006]    Prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,555,910, issued Jan. 19, 1971 to the instant assignee, provides a sampling apparatus for periodically withdrawing sample amounts of free flowing material from a continuous stream for testing. Such materials may be in a pressurized or non-pressurized tube, conduit or chute. The sample is obtained by extending a sample gathering apparatus into the tube or conduit capable of intercepting a portion of the moving material and then retracting the sample. The removal of the sample from the sampling device is accomplished by a controlled blast of air under pressure to move the material into an appropriate sample collecting container. This sampling apparatus is usable with free flowing granular material such as grain and the like and also with fluids. 
         [0007]    A significant problem with prior art samplers that utilize suction techniques for withdrawing liquid samples is sampling errors caused by delays between suction shutoff instructions, relayed by the electronics, and the cessation of sampling intake. For the resultant sample to match that requested by a user, the software must make adaptive corrections to insure that the correct sample mass or weight is obtained, notwithstanding the delays occasioned by vacuum suction transfer techniques. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    This invention provides a digital, programmable wastewater sampler capable of producing numerous sequential real-time samples from wastewater moved into and out of the system with vacuum. An adaptive algorithm is employed to correct the sample, repeatedly introducing a correction factor to insure that the measure mass after sampling approximates the mass inputted by a user. 
         [0009]    The programmable device utilizes a highly reliable vacuum pressure pump rather than less-reliable, peristaltic pumping designs. Samples are fed into a measuring chamber, for digital analysis and measurement, prior to being transferred to a remote container for later analysis. A computer-controlled load cell within the chamber provides the initial sampling data. The invention combines a vacuum lift technique, a real-time mass measuring technique, and a software process for adaptive sample size feedback which allows repeatable, accurate sampling. Vacuum lift technology has several intrinsic benefits over peristaltic pumps; however, it has traditionally also suffered from lack of repeatability. This invention compensates for the lack of repeatability while leaving the advantages in place. 
         [0010]    The sampler is characterized by numerous programmable parameters. For example, the time delay between sampling cycles can be varied. The sample quantity gathered during each cycle can be changed as well. The sample volume (i.e., in milliliters) to be gathered in each sampling cycle is thus user programmable. 
         [0011]    The described pumping system is superior to peristaltic pumps because it moves the product without pinching the tubing that it goes through. Thus, it does not disturb or crush possible solids that may be suspended in the sample. It is also superior because the peristaltic system creates more wear on the intake tubing which can cause variances in sampling accuracy and requires scheduled maintenance more often. The discharge from the measuring chamber also leaves the tubing wide open as the sample passes through, leaving our system with a ⅜″ (ID) intake and outlet system throughout without restrictions which peristaltic pumps cannot offer. Our measuring system does not require any sensors for actually make contact with the product, instead digitally measuring the sample. 
         [0012]    Thus a basic object is to provide a programmable, digitally controlled sampler device. 
         [0013]    A related object is to digitally analyze multiple, sequential samples. 
         [0014]    A related object is to provide a sampler of the character described in which the time delay between sampling cycles can be varied. 
         [0015]    A further object is to provide a sampler in which vacuum lift technology is coupled with real-time measurement and adaptive feedback to ensure accurate and repeatable sample sizes. 
         [0016]    An important related object is to provide a software controlled liquid sampler that automatically corrects the obtained mass of vacuum-derived samples. 
         [0017]    It is also an object to provide a sampler in which the quantity of liquid sample gathered during each cycle can be varied as desired by the user. 
         [0018]    Another important object is to maximize reliability by extending tubing life. It is a feature of our invention that a vacuum system is employed, rather than a peristaltic pump, so the tubing through product movers is not degraded over time. 
         [0019]    A related object is to provide a sampling system of the character described that does not deform or crush entrained solids traveling through the tubing. 
         [0020]    A further related object is to provide a sampling system of the character described that has all of the advantages of vacuum lift systems while avoiding the traditional drawbacks. 
         [0021]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a functional diagrammatic block diagram illustrating the overall system concept of the preferred embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the sequential sample storage carousel system employed with the preferred embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the preferred rotary table employed with the sequential sample storage system of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a preferred sequential storage container employed with the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram illustrating operational functions of the rotary table of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic view illustrating preferred index position sensing; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram of the preferred logic controller of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a functional block diagram of the load cell transducer of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a graph depicting the preferred load cell signal process, with voltage plotted against time; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic view illustrating the preferred adaptive feedback process for sample-to-sample mass correction; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a software flowchart illustrating the logic for determining the scaling factor used in the adaptive feedback process of  FIG. 10 ; and, 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a software flowchart illustrating the preferred processes involved in acquiring a single sample. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0035]    The instant liquid sampler repetitively suctions a liquid to be sampled, i.e., waste water, from a remote source. For example, samples may be obtained from a conventional sewage wet well buried in the earth. The automatic wastewater sampler combines a vacuum lift technique with real-time mass measurement and adaptive feedback logic to enable accurate, repeatable sampling heretofore unachievable with traditional vacuum lift techniques. This invention, therefore, has all of the advantages of vacuum lift while avoiding the traditional drawbacks. 
         [0036]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a sampling assembly  1  comprises a sampling chamber  2 , a sampling intake port  3 , an air port  4 , a discharge port  23 , a pinch valve  5 , and a mechanical coupling  6  that contacts the load cell. The sampling chamber  2  in the first preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  comprises a plastic cylindrical housing which screws onto a cylindrical plastic base and joins with a water-tight seal. 
         [0037]    The sampling intake port  3  receives a sample drawn into the sampling chamber  2  under vacuum. In the preferred embodiment intake port  3  comprises an elongate plastic tube that receives liquid as indicated by arrow  25 . The intake tube for port  3  enters sampling chamber  2  through the lower plastic cylindrical base and extends vertically to a point above the highest wastewater level  16  in the sampling chamber  2 . This vertical height is chosen so that the sample, once in the sampling chamber  2 , cannot exit the chamber through the sample intake port  3 . As indicated diagrammatically by arrow  25 , a sampling tube attached to the bottom of the sampling intake port  3  conducts a liquid sample from the source to be tested. The air port  4  alternately applies vacuum or pressure to the sampling chamber  2 . Similar to the sample intake port  3 , the air port  4  in the preferred embodiment consists of a plastic tube entering through the cylindrical plastic base and extending vertically to a point above the maximum wastewater level in the sampling chamber  2 . As indicated diagrammatically, the bottom of the air port  4  is in fluid flow communication with a four-way valve  7  to be described hereinafter. 
         [0038]    This discharge port  23  provides a path for a test sample, after analysis, to exit sampling chamber  2 . In the preferred embodiment the discharge port  23  comprises a pliable, latex rubber tube. Pinch valve  5  functions as a switch, first retaining the sample within sampling chamber  2  and then providing a path for the sample to subsequently exit into sample storage system  13 , as indicated by the vertical arrow  24 , eventually establishing liquid level  17 . Pinch valve  5  is controlled by logic controller  14  via line  20 . System  13  ( FIG. 1 ) generically represents both types of storage systems employed by the invention—composite and sequential. Composite storage involves a single container into which all the samples are deposited, such as that generally illustrated Sequential storage involves multiple bottles with the samples distributed between the bottles in a variety of ways depending on the programmed logic, as described later. 
         [0039]    In the preferred embodiment the pinch valve  5  comprises an electrical solenoid, a plastic plunger, and a mating plastic anvil, the pliable discharge port  23  being pinched between the plunger and the anvil. The pinch valve  5  is just one means of alternately retaining and then releasing the sample. Alternate means could include pneumatic cylinders, commercially available valves, a sliding valve assembly among others. 
         [0040]    The mechanical coupling  6  secures the sampling assembly  1  to the load cell  11 , allowing real-time measurement of the mass of the assembly and the wastewater sample. In the preferred embodiment, the sampling chamber  2  and the pinch valve  5  are rigidly coupled and then attached to the measurement end of the strain beam of the load cell  11 . The other end of the load cell  11  is rigidly attached to a fixed position in the sampler housing. As a practical consideration, the lines attaching the sample intake port  3  to the sample tube and the air port  4  to the four-way valve  7  should be routed in such a way as to minimize torque on the load cell during sample acquisition. Failure to do so can introduce significant measurement errors. 
         [0041]    Air pump  8  supplies vacuum on line  10 , and pressure along line  9  ( FIG. 1 ). Vacuum or pressure are transmitted to the sampling chamber through the four-way valve  18  and air port  4 . During sample acquisition, vacuum is applied to the sampling chamber  2  via air port  4  through a four-way valve  18 . During sample discharge, pressure is applied to the sampling chamber  2 . In the preferred embodiment, the four-way valve  7  comprises an electrical solenoid valve controlled by the logic controller  14  via line  21 . Air pump  8  alternately functions as a vacuum means and a pressure means as selected by the logic controller  14  on line  28 , combining both functions in a single device. Alternatively, vacuum and/or pressure could be generated in separate devices and separately controlled via the logic controller  14 . Similarly the four-way valve  18  broadly functions as a switching means for alternately connecting vacuum or pressure to the sampling assembly  1 . 
         [0042]    The sampling velocity is the velocity of the material in the sampling tube  3  and subsequently the sampling port. Once the sampling material hits the sampling chamber, velocity is no longer an issue. Regulatory requirements fix the minimum linear velocity in the sampling tube  3  to prevent solids from separating during sample acquisition. This linear velocity is a function of the volumetric displacement of the air pump  8 , the diameter of the sampling tube, the height difference between the sampling chamber  2  and the sample source, and sample viscosity. For very small sample sizes, excessive linear velocities may make sample acquisition less accurate; therefore, in some cases it is desirable to install a bleed valve or a fixed orifice in the pneumatic vacuum line  10  to introduce a calibrated leak, thereby reducing the linear velocity to an acceptable level. 
         [0043]    During sample acquisition and prior to discharge, the mass of the sample is measured by the load cell  11  and the load cell transducer  12 . In the preferred embodiment, the load cell  11  and the load cell transducer  12  form a modular assembly which communicates digitally over the peripheral communications bus  19  to the logic controller. This modularity was selected to allow the load cell  11  and the load cell transducer  12  to be calibrated separately at a factory independent of the logic controller. Also, a microcontroller embedded within the load cell transducer is used to offload processing power from the logic controller  14  providing better overall system response and hence better accuracy. 
         [0044]    The load cell  11  and the load cell transducer  12  provide a measuring means whereby the sample mass is determined in real-time during sample acquisition. Alternate configurations could include a different method for determining either a direct measurement of mass or an indirect measurement of mass. Various techniques could be used for liquid level sensing, including ultrasonic techniques, capacitive techniques, optical techniques, and mechanical resonance techniques to name a few. 
         [0045]    Importantly, vacuum lift technology is coupled with a real-time measurement and adaptive feedback to ensure accurate and repeatable sample sizes. Sample storage after acquisition and prior to collection for separate analysis is accomplished by storage system  13 . Two storage systems are implemented in the preferred embodiment, composite and sequential. In the composite storage system all samples are deposited in a single container and mixed before analysis. In the sequential storage system samples may be deposited into a plurality of containers allowing samples to be segregated in one of several ways under logical control from the logic controller  14 . 
         [0046]    Logic controller  14  can be configured to store a single sample in each of a plurality of containers. It can store a plurality of sequential samples in a single container before indexing to the next container. It can store samples from a given hour of each day in a single container, thus grouping samples from the same time of day but across several days into a single container. Multiplicities of options are programmable. The important feature is that samples can be segregated logically into different containers. In the case of sequential sample storage, various control signals on line  26  ( FIG. 1 ) are required between the logic controller  14  and the sample storage system  13 . In the case of a composite storage system, no logic is required to be implemented physically between the logic controller  14  and the sample storage system  13 . 
         [0047]    Reference numeral  15  ( FIG. 1 ) depicts a power source. In the preferred embodiment both AC and battery powered systems are implemented. AC systems are used in non-portable, fixed installations. Battery power is used in both portable systems and in fixed installations that require power loss failsafe operation. The logic controller  14  power subsection is designed to accommodate both AC and battery operations in a single device. Power is supplied via line  22  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0048]      FIG. 2  shows the preferred sequential sample storage system  13 . System  13  comprises a rotary table unit  30 , connected to the logic controller via control cable  31 , a generally cylindrical container carrier  40 , and a plurality of sample containers  41 . The sample containers fit within the container carrier  40  in a radial pattern. The number of containers is variable, and the container number can be a function of size and radial angle. Various model options exist for the sequential storage system. An example is a carrier with twenty-four, 500 ml. bottles. Another option is four separate one-half gallon bottles. The size of the bottles limits the number that can be radially distributed in the physical space. 
         [0049]      FIG. 3  shows the rotary table unit  30 , which comprises a rotary table housing  32 , containing a rotary drive motor and multiple (at least two) position sensors  35 - 37 . The position sensors are preferably magnetic reed switches placed radially at a distance from the axis of rotation of the rotary table corresponding to the radii of the position indicated by  36  and  37 . The magnetic reed switches are axially aligned with the axis of the position indicator magnets as shown in  FIG. 6 , and a circular, rotary platform  33  for supporting the container carrier  40 . Platform  33  includes radially spaced apart index position indicators  35 , a home position indicator  36 , and  37 . The centered index drive nut  34  ( FIG. 3 ) mates with a socket (not shown) to rotate the cylindrical container carrier  40  ( FIG. 2 . 
         [0050]    The index position indicators  35  and the home position indicator  36  ( FIG. 3 ) preferably comprise cylindrical permanent magnets embedded within the plastic rotary platform  33 . Magnetic index indicators  35  and  36  are sensed through the rotary table housing  32  by appropriately placed magnetic reed sensors  56  ( FIG. 6 ) located beneath the upper surface of the table  33 . The reed sensors  56  are radially distributed at the radii corresponding to position  36  and  37  and are axially aligned with the axis of the magnets. The upper surface of the rotary table housing is contained within the rotary table housing  32 . The index drive nut  34  is designed to couple to a receptacle in the lower surface of the container carrier  40  keeping the angular relationship between the rotary platform  33  and the container carrier fixed, subsequently fixing the angular relationship between the rotary platform  33  and the individual sample containers  41 . For a given container configuration within the container carrier  40 , the position of the index position indicators  35  in the rotary platform  33  must correspond to the physical position of the containers  41  within the container carrier  40 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 4  illustrates a typical sequential storage container  41  that is used with the preferred sequential carrier  40 . A preferred, blow molded plastic container  41  is wedge shaped, and it comprises a cylindrical lid, attachment point  42 . The lid attachment can be either screw type or snap on. Containers  41  each have a sector-shaped transverse cross section facilitating their radial deployment about the circular platform  33  as seen in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 5  shows the control functions within the rotary table assembly  30 . A rotary table drive motor  54  receives a signal from the logic controller  14  via line  51 . When activated, the rotary table drive motor will turn the rotary platform at a fixed rate. In the preferred embodiment motor  54  is a DC gear drive motor. The rotary table drive motor  54  ( FIG. 5 ) may comprise a stepper motor, an AC synchronous motor, a servo system, or a ratchet-paw technique involving both solenoid or pneumatic techniques known in the art. The home position sensor  55  communicates to the logical controller  14  via control line  52  when the home position indicator is aligned with the home position sensor  55 . Similarly, the index position sensor  56  communicates to the logical controller  14  via control line  53  when an index position sensor is aligned with the index position sensor  56 . Sensors  55  and  56  are preferably reed switches, but they could be Hall-effect sensors, inductive proximity sensors, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, etc. Technically, reference numerals  55  and  56  represent the sensing function not the physical hardware. Lines  51 - 53  run within control cable  31 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 6  illustrates the magnetic coupling between the index position sensor  56  (i.e., a reed switch within table housing  32  of  FIG. 3 ) and the index position indicator  35  on rotary platform  33  ( FIG. 3 ). The magnetic flux lines from the index position sensor  35  are coupled into the index position sensor  56  as shown by reference numeral  57 . It will be clear to those skilled in the art that a number of sensor/indicator technologies could be used to achieve the same performance including optical techniques, inductive proximity sensor techniques, capacitive sensor techniques, hall-effect sensor techniques and mechanical switches. Similarly, the sequential storage system could have been linear storage as compared with the described radial system. Such design variations are anticipated within the scope of this invention. 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  illustrates major electronic features of the logical controller  14 . The control logic is preferably implemented using a Harvard Architecture FLASH based RISC microcontroller  83 . The microcontroller major subsystems include the RISC CPU  84 , the CPU clocking system  85 , FLASH based program memory  86 , SRAM based data memory  87 , internal data EEPROM  88 , various chip peripherals  89 , and various built-in fail-safe features  90 . In the preferred embodiment, the Harvard Architecture provides for separate data and program memory spaces. Code for the microcontroller is written in a combination of assembly language and ANSI C. The CPU clocking system  85  is capable of being generated from a plurality of sources, but the design implements a primary clock from an external crystal for accuracy reasons. Internal software clocks are all derived from this external crystal source. Typical microcontrollers suitable for this design have a plurality of on-chip peripherals. At a minimum this design requires two asynchronous serial ports (UARTS), various internal hardware clocks capable of generating interrupts, multiple analog to digital conversion channels, and configurable digital I/O. The fail-safe feature  90 , implemented in this design, include a hardware based internal watch dog timer and brown out detection circuitry. 
         [0055]    The user interface  72  ( FIG. 7 ) comprises a graphic LCD type display  73  with variable intensity backlight control  74  and a keypad  75 . The keypad  75  consists of 10-digit numeric entry keys, a backspace key, an enter key, up and down scroll keys, and three soft keys associated with three zones on the LCD display  73 . The soft keys are used for activating multiple functions depending on the context of the running program. The content on the LCD display  73  in the display zones associated with the soft keys changes depending on the context of the program. These softkeys are primarily used for menu navigation during user configuration and for context switching during sample program execution. The logic controller  14  ( FIG. 1 ) also implements a long term archival feature for logging events during the life of the product. Typical logged events include sample acquisition, program start and stop events, exception events, program changes, power outages, and system resets among others. 
         [0056]    The archival system  93  ( FIG. 7 ) consists of external archival FLASH memory  97 , a real-time clock  94 , non-volatile RAM  95 , and a battery  96  for backup of the real-time clock  94  and the non-volatile RAM  95 . The real-time clock  94  provides a time of day and date time stamp for the archival records in the archival FLASH memory  97 . The non-volatile RAM  95 , though included in the archival system hardware, also serves to store rapidly changing program state data in the event of a power failure. This data is used to restore the system to its last state prior to the loss of system power. Three types of non-volatile storage are provided in the logic controller: the non-volatile RAM  95 , the EEPROM memory  88 , and the archival FLASH memory  97 . These three memories have differing characteristics and are used in a complementary fashion to support the fail-safe operation of the logic controller. The non-volatile RAM  95  has rapid write capabilities and an unlimited number of read/write cycles. The data EEPROM  88  has a larger memory size and has rapid read capabilities, but quite slow data write times. It is byte writable. The archival FLASH memory has a much larger memory space, but is not byte writable. It also has a very limited number of write cycles. 
         [0057]    Given their different characteristics, the three memories  95 ,  88  and  97  ( FIG. 7 ) are used for three distinctively different purposes. The non-volatile RAM  95  is used for rapidly changing system state variables. It is typically updated every second during program execution. The data EEPROM is used for system configuration variables, sample program configuration, and for logging data associated with individual samples and sample containers during a sampling program execution. A plurality of sampling programs can be configured by the user to determine when to sample and what to do with each sample. The archival FLASH memory  97  is used for logging rather long records associated with archival events. It performs much like a very large circular queue with the most recent data always being loaded and the oldest data being erased when the memory is full. The size of archival FLASH memory  97 , however, is sufficiently large that several years of typical operation are capable of being stored without loss of data. All three types of non-volatile memory are checked for corruption using cyclical redundancy checks (CRC) at the record level. Each record, prior to being written has a 16-bit CRC calculated and appended to the record. On reading, each record is verified using the same CRC calculation to check for errors. This ensures that if a write is interrupted and does not complete correctly that the corrupted_data is not subsequently used in error. Power regulation features are indicated by block  99 . Further voltage monitoring, as indicated by block  100  in  FIG. 7 , is done prior to most writes to ensure that the write will be capable of being successfully completed. 
         [0058]    The logical control  14  implements a variety of inputs including analog inputs  68  ( FIG. 7 ), the combination analog and digital inputs  65 , and high-level digital inputs  61  ( FIG. 4 ). The analog inputs  68  and the digital inputs  61 , and flow pulses  62  are used under configurable program control to determine the appropriate time for acquiring a sample. Sampling programs can be configured by the user through a series of menus to determine when to take a sample. Sampling can be variably configured to take place at a specified time, at a variable list of times, at a specified flow, at a variable list of flows, and at a combination of times and flows. The time base for sampling is derived from the internal clock  85  in conjunction with timing hardware provided by the chip peripherals  89 . The flow signal is derived from one of four sources: the digital input flow pulses  62 , the flow current  69 , the zero to five volt flow voltage  70 , or the zero to ten volt flow voltage  71 . This is configurable under software control and is stored in the non-volatile sampling program records in the data EEPROM  88 . If “flow pulses  62 ” is selected, the sampling interval is related to a number of pulses on the flow pulses  62  input. Hardware protections are provided on this input and all the digital inputs  61  to protect against electronic damage due to over voltage conditions. Software filtering is provided to protect against spuriously detecting noise as pulses. This software filtering is matched to the pulse rates that are common in flow sensors used in the industry. If one of the analog inputs  68  is selected, the user can select the sampling interval using a simple procedure. The user is asked to input the maximum flow rate of the sensor and then is asked to input the total flow between samples. The scaling and interval calculations are performed by the logic controller. This simplification is an advantage over prior art solutions, which require the user to calculate the scaling factors manually.  66   67   
         [0059]    The analog inputs  68  ( FIG. 7 ) all share a common connector on the printed circuit board. The input type is selected via software for one of the following four to twenty ma. current loop  69 , zero to five volt full scale signal  70 , or zero to ten volt full scale signal. The combination analog/digital inputs  65  accept the signals from the rotary table assembly  60 . These will accept either a digital signal or a current loop four to twenty ma. signal so that a variety of sensors could be used in the rotary table assembly  60 . The two inputs  66  and  67  correspond to the logical signals  52  and  53  on  FIG. 5 . 
         [0060]    The digital input, sample enable option  63  ( FIG. 7 ), is used with sampling programmable options to allow an external float switch, or similar device, to signal the sampling program to change states. The actual logic of this input is program dependent and firmware dependent. An auxiliary input  64  is provided to allow additional functionality in future generations of the design. All inputs groups  61 ,  65 , and  68  are designed to survive incorrect wiring and industrial or commercial ESD events. 
         [0061]    Six digital power outputs  76  ( FIG. 7 ) are provided in the logical controller  14 . Each of these consists of an appropriately sized relay and each supplies power to its respective device in  FIG. 1 . The output air pump  77  is configured to drive both AC and DC air pumps with AC snubbing and DC flyback protection integral to the configuration. The four-way valve  78  output is a relay configured to drive a twelve volt DC solenoid valve. Flyback protection on the contacts is provided. The pinch-valve  79  output is a relay configured to drive a twelve volt DC solenoid. Flyback protection on the contacts is provided. The rotary table drive motor  80  output is a relay configured to supply twelve volts DC to the rotary table drive motor  54 . Again, flyback protection on the contacts is preferred. The fault  81  output is a relay providing a set of dry contacts to downstream logic in the event of a failure to sample or other fault condition. The use of this relay is optionally configurable under software control. The auxiliary output  82  is a relay providing a set of dry contacts for downstream logic. It is included for future functionality, but presently signals the presence of a sampling cycle. 
         [0062]    Two data buses ( FIG. 7 ) are provided for communication with other systems. The peripheral bus  91  is included for communicating with the load cell transducer  12  and future sensors. It is hardware configured to be compatible with the SDI-12 industry standard, but can under software control, communicate via a proprietary protocol. The external bus  92  is an RS-232 compatible serial bus for communicating with a PC or other data collection device primarily intended for downloading the archival data. It can optionally be programmed as a configuration and factory test port. The logic controller  14  further incorporates a power management system  98 . This is used for two primary purposes: power regulation and distribution about the various board subsystems and voltage monitoring to detect battery levels and/or an AC power loss condition. This system is used to conserve battery power and to detect conditions which could corrupt non-volatile memory storage routines. 
         [0063]    Referencing FIGS.  1  and  7 - 8 , the preferred load cell transducer  12  is designed to communicate to the logic controller  14  via the peripheral bus  91  ( FIG. 7 ). The load cell transducer can be calibrated independently of the logic controller  14 , or in conjunction with the logic controller  14 . The logical control of the load cell transducer  12  is accomplished with a FLASH based, RISC microcontroller  140  ( FIG. 8 ). It comprises a RISC based CPU  141 , an internal clock generating system  142 , FLASH memory  143  for program storage, SRAM memory  144  for run-time variables, EEPROM memory  145  for non-volatile storage of calibration constants, a plurality of chip based peripherals  146 , and a number of fail-safe features  147 . The chip based peripherals  146  include a multiple channel ADC system for analog to digital conversion of the signal conditioned load cell voltage  131 . Fail safe features of the microcontroller  140  include a watch dog timer and brown out detection circuitry. The load cell analog signal conditioning is accomplished via a multiple stage filter/amplifier system. 
         [0064]    Each side of the differential signal from the load cell  121  is derived through the bridge circuit, between Vcc and ground, respectively indicated as  122  and  123 . That signal is first passed through a simple single pole low pass filter  124  prior to being routed into a first input of differential instrumentation amplifier  125 . The output from the differential instrumentation amplifier  125  is passed via line  160  through a single pole low pass filter  126  prior to being scaled and offset in the fixed gain amplifier  127 . A third low pass filter  128  further filters the signal prior to final buffering in the amplifier  129 , which feeds its output directly into an ADC input on the microcontroller  140  via line  133 . 
         [0065]    A feature of the analog signal conditioning ( FIG. 8 ) is a wide range zeroing function. Input line  133  on the instrumentation amplifier  125  is used to change the offset voltage of the instrumentation amplifier  125 . The microcontroller  140  controls the subcircuit  130 . Under software control, circuit  130  can deliver a range of voltages to the second input of differential amplifier  125  on line  131 . This voltage is what alters the span adjustment on the amplifier and provides a closed-loop between the microcontroller and the analog sensing circuit allowing a measurement window to be variably moved across a wide range of input masses. Thus, the effective zero point of the load cell can be varied over the entire range of the load cell. The gain of amplifiers  125 ,  127  and  129  determine the full-scale range of the load cell  121 , but the voltage at  131  determines the zero point. In this way, a measurement window with rather high resolution can be moved over a large range of overall voltages. This allows, for example a one-thousand gram range with a resolution of one gram to be selected from a total range of ten-thousand grams. 
         [0066]    The software zeroing function is critical to the overall operation of the automatic sampler. First, it allows rather large range load cells to be used which are less susceptible to mechanical damage. Secondly, and more importantly it allows a rather precise measurement to be made in the presence of a relatively massive assembly. Thus, the sampling assembly  1  can vary considerably in manufacturing and the load cell transducer  12  is capable of handling those variations. Thirdly, this allows zeroing of the measurement prior to taking a sample so that an accumulation of debris in the sampling chamber  2  has no effect on the individual sample accuracy. 
         [0067]    In the preferred embodiment a variable calibration ability thus results. The microcontroller controls the variable voltage source  130  ( FIG. 8 ) and in doing so is able to move the measurement window across a wide range of masses. In effect this is the “tare” function on an electronic scale. The voltage on line  131  ( FIG. 8 ) can also be varied with a digitally controlled potentiometer and an operational amplifier. Other techniques could have been used including, but not limited to, a DAC, pulse width modulation with output filtering, and a frequency to voltage converter. 
         [0068]    The load cell transducer  12  has two user input switches  154  and two user LED&#39;s  153  which under software control can be used to both zero the load cell and calibrate the load cell against a reference mass. Its user interface is designated with the reference numeral  152 . The calibration factors are then saved in the EEPROM memory  145  so that the output is scaled appropriately after power loss. This allows the load cell  11  and the load cell transducer  12  to be calibrated in a stand-alone environment prior to shipping from a factory. The load cell transducer derives its power from the peripheral bus  150 , but local voltages are regulated on the load cell transducer PCB. This regulation and distribution function is represented by reference numeral  151 . The peripheral bus interface  150  is hardware compatible with the SDI-12 industry standard, but communicates preferentially with a customized protocol. The SDI-12 standard is referenced, for example, in “ A Serial - Digital Interface Standard for Microprocessor - Based Sensors , Version 1.3, Jul. 18, 2005, Prepared by SDI-12 Support Group (Technical Committee), 165 East 500 South, River heights, Utah (http://www.sdi-12.org). 
         [0069]    A UART on the microcontroller  140  is used for communications functions. Power is delivered to the load cell by the peripheral bus  150  ( FIG. 8 ). This power can be switched on and off under control from the logic controller  14 . When power is applied, the microcontroller  140  experiences a power on reset. The various systems are initialized and the calibration constants are retrieved from the EEPROM  145 . The load cell parses the commands originating from the logical controller that are delivered over the peripheral bus interface  150 , executes those commands, and responds accordingly. Example commands are, but not limited to zero the load cell, calibrate the load cell, read the load cell, and notify when a preselected mass is reached. The command to notify the logic controller when a preselected mass is reached allows the load cell transducer  12  to off-load significant processing power from the logic controller  14  while a sample is being acquired.  152   153   154   
         [0070]    In conjunction with the described vacuum lift technique mechanical vibrations result from the close coupling of the air pump  8  with the base to which the load cell  11  is mounted. When the air pump  8  is running, which is always the case during sample acquisition, mechanical vibrations coupled into the load cell can introduce a periodic noise that is significantly larger than the resolution of the signal under consideration.  FIG. 9  illustrates this. If a probe were placed in the load cell circuitry on line  160  in  FIG. 8 , the observed signal would look similar to signal  170  in  FIG. 9 . The noise amplitude  171  ( FIG. 9 ) is in the order of 30% of the entire load cell range. The sample interval is designated  172 . The ADC sample waveform is  174 . 
         [0071]    Referencing  FIG. 9 ,  170  the analog signal that would be measured if an oscilloscope were place at location  160  in  FIG. 8  is numbered  170 . Sample point  174  represents a digital sample taken in time along this analog signal, this distinction is important. The continuous analog signal is  173 ,  174  is the digitized sample used in the digital algorithms. 
         [0072]    For example, if a one thousand gram range is under consideration, then the noise generated (i.e.,  171  in  FIG. 8 ) at the load cell due to mechanical vibrations could be as much as three hundred grams. The sampling interval is designated  172 . This noise is superimposed on the actual mass value which must be acquired with a resolution of approximately one g. The low pass filters  125 ,  127  and  129  ( FIG. 8 ) in the load cell analog signal conditioning circuitry can be used to minimize the noise, but these introduce an alternate problem. If the signal is over filtered, then the response time of the measuring system is reduced such that the mass of the sample under acquisition is predicted too low in real-time. If the delays to recognize the sample weight are significant, then the acquisition will overshoot and the sample will be acquired with significant error. Similarly, if the signal is under filtered, then the noise amplitude will terminate sampling too soon and the sample will be less than the target mass. 
         [0073]    Proper filtering (i.e.,  FIG. 8 ) remedies the latter problem. A filter with a pure zero gain at a specific frequency is preferred. That is, if none of the frequency is passed by the filter, then this is a pure zero. An analysis of the noise signature in the design shows a common fundamental noise frequency with variable amplitude harmonics. The fundamental period is shown by reference numeral  173  in  FIG. 9 . It is recognized that a boxcar averager properly designed has a pure zero at the fundamental frequency and several of the harmonic overtones. The ADC conversion was synchronized to collect 2 n  samples in each fundamental period  173 . By averaging these samples, n overtones can be purely rejected. This boxcar averager, coupled with properly selected low pass cutoff frequencies in filters  125 ,  127  and  129  ( FIG. 8 ) allows the signal to be measured accurately and with optimal time response. Furthermore, the load cell transducer may use logic to extrapolate and predict the point in time when the sample mass will be collected. As the signal gets close to the target value, the firmware looks to see if the signal is closer than the time period represented by the 2 to the nth samples comprising the boxcar averager. If the signal is closer than the change in the signal between the last two averaged samples then it calculates the time at which the target should be reached based on the last rate of change. It interpolates the time based on the last known rate of change. 
         [0074]    With reference directed jointly to  FIG. 10 , there is a desired target sample size  205 , a requested sample size  214  determined and suctioned in by the sampler, and then, after sample acquisition, a measured sample size  213  results. As used herein, the “Target sample size” is the size of sample that the user programs into the sampler. The “Requested sample size” is the size of sample that is actually requested by the sampler electronically to the load cell, and it ultimately depends on the adaptive feedback. The “Measured sample size” is a measurement of what was drawn into the system by suction, and it&#39;s value is used to improve the next requested sample size. The adaptive logic transforms a first requested sample size  214  ( FIG. 10 ) into a corrected size  204 , as indicated by arrow  215 . A scaling factor  210  is derived and applied as explained hereinafter. Size  204  is greater than the first requested sample size indicated at  214  and by line  203 . The maximum target, requested and measures sample sizes are designated generally by lines  206 ,  207  and  208  ( FIG. 10 ) respectively. The minimum target, requested and measures sample sizes are designated generally by lines  202 ,  201  and  200  ( FIG. 10 ) respectively. 
         [0075]    During sample acquisition, liquid is drawn through the sample intake port  3  ( FIG. 1 ), through a height above liquid level  16 , within the sampling assembly  1 . Even before sample material is entering the sampling chamber, mass is being detected by the load cell transducer  12 . After a sample begins to be injected into the sampling chamber ( FIG. 1 ) the load cell transducer  12  determines that a machine-requested liquid mass has been acquired. This signals the logic controller  14  to reverse the state of the four-way valve  7  to begin to pressurize the sampling chamber  2 . This switching time has a small but measurable delay. There is a similar delay as air begins to pressurize the sampling chamber  2 , and, thus, the resultant mass will typically overshoot the mass measured at the time that sample intaking was logically terminated. This coupled with delays due to signal response time in the sample measuring system require that some sort of adaptive feedback be included in the sampling system to accommodate the variations in configuration and temporal variations that occur during the draining of a system battery or slowly varying variations in AC line voltage. Requirements of the feedback system are that it must converge on the correct sample size quickly (within just a few sampling cycles), that it should not oscillate outside of the sampling accuracy specification when near the target sample size, and that excursions toward the sampling limits should not oscillate. The preferred embodiment implements a simple algorithm in which the subsequent sample is determined by the error in the previous sample. More sophisticated algorithms are possible within the scope of this invention, but this is preferred for simplicity and efficiency of microcontroller resources. The sample volumetric velocity is affected by a plurality of factors including but not limited to air pump displacement rate, sampling height, sample viscosity, volume of the sampling chamber  2 , and remaining air volume in the system. 
         [0076]      FIG. 10  diagrammatically illustrates the preferred adaptive feedback. For each Sample N, there is a desired target sample size  205  desired and inputted by the machine operator which is followed by a machine generated requested sample size  214  suctioned in by the apparatus. The mass of the resultant sample is measured as indicated by  213 . Prior to taking the next sample, a sample error  209  ( FIG. 10 ) is calculated as the difference between the target sample size  205  and the measured sample size  213 . This error is multiplied by a scaling factor  210 , designated “F”. The resulting value  212  is added in the software to force the circuit to internally generate a new “requested” sample size  214  that will be sought in the succeeding cycle. 
         [0077]    If the measured sample size  213  is sufficiently close to the target sample size, then F is relatively small. If the measured sample size is sufficiently far from the target sample size, then F is large to encourage rapid convergence. Simply stated, with each sample the requested sample size is adjusted by a fraction F of the error of the last sample. The scaling factor F is not constant, but is dependent upon where in the sample measurement range the measured sample lies. In  FIGS. 10 and 11  the values for F 1 , F 2  and F 3  are determined by the parameters of the system, but are fixed with a given model. F 2  is typically greater than F 1 . F 2  is typically greater than F 3 . 
         [0078]    Referencing primarily  FIG. 11 , the correction factor “F” and the combination of the load cell transducer signal conditioning/processing and the adaptive feedback logic are critical to the accuracy and the repeatability of the sampling system.  FIG. 11  illustrates the adaptive logical process  220  for determining and generating “F.” It is assumed that the user-selected target sample size  205  is constant within a program cycle. After program start step  221 , step  222  determines if the target sample size  205  ( FIG. 8 ) is changed, and, if so the system variables associated with the adaptive feedback are initialized in step  223  to values that have been empirically determined in the design. These values are based on experiments with typical sampling flow rates, the present sample chamber size and the present pump. It is an attempt to get at close as possible on the first requested sample size. The actual values are not so important, because they will change as more field experience is gained and/or the design is refined. The end step  224  is thus followed by a next sample cycle as indicated by line  225  when the cycle restarts and repeats. 
         [0079]    If the calculated requested sample size is either too large in the measurement range or too small in the measurement range, then the requested sample size is limited to the two limits  201  and  207  ( FIG. 10 ) and a counter is initialized. When close to the limits, there is a possibility of oscillation, so presently for five sampling cycles the convergence rate is limited by reducing the scale factor. The software counter  235  ( FIG. 11 ) is what is keeping track of this period of reduced convergence. Acceptable results occur where K=5 but this value may be changed with software. For the next K samples, then the scaling factor “F” is reduced. This prevents oscillation at the extreme ends of the measurement range. 
         [0080]    If step  227  ( FIG. 11 ) determines that the counter step  235  (explained hereinafter) is greater than zero, step  228  sets “F” equal to “F 3 .” The machine calculates the next requested sample size using the correction factor “F 3 ” in step  230  utilizing the process of  FIG. 10 . In step  232  if the requested sample size recalculated in step  230  is greater than or equal to the maximum possible requested sample size limit  207  (i.e.,  FIG. 10 ) step  233  resets the requested sample size to the maximum allowed requested size  207  and counter step  235  follows. Conversely, in step  232  if the requested sample size recalculated in step  230  is not greater than or equal to the maximum requested sample size limit  207  (i.e.,  FIG. 10 ) step  232  is followed by step  234 . If the requested sample size recalculated in step  230  is less than or equal to the minimum allowable requested size  201  ( FIG. 10 ), step  234  is followed by step  237  that resets the requested sample size to the minimum allowed requested size  201 , and the counter step  235  follows, outputting on line  239 . The cycle repeats as indicated by dashed line  225 . 
         [0081]    If step  227  determines that the counter step  235  output is not greater than zero, step  242  is followed by step  244  to set “F” equal to “F 1 ,” and the calculation step  230  is followed by steps  232  and  234 . If the sampling error is outside the range of step  242 , step  246  sets “F” equal to “F 2 ,” and calculation step  230  again follows. 
         [0082]      FIG. 12  illustrates the sampling process flow. The start condition  300  is determined under variable program control and is configured using the system menus. After the start  300  condition occurs, various system variables and logical outputs are initialized in step  301 . This also sets the initial state of the air pump  8  ( FIG. 1 ), the four-way valve  7 , and the pinch valve  5 . Next, a command is sent via the peripheral bus  19  to the load cell transducer  12  to zero the load cell measurement. Thus, any debris in the sampling chamber  2  or associated lines is compensated. Unless blocked by a prior exception condition, the algorithm  220  ( FIG. 11 ) for adjusts the requested weight. The target weight is what the user inputs or selects. The above-described adaptive feedback process commences. 
         [0083]    At this point the air pump is operational, the pinch valve is closed and the four-way valve is selected for pressure in the sampling chamber. The logical decision  304  ( FIG. 12 ) involves a concept called recycle. Because the sample is measured after acquisition, there is a possibility with this invention to correct large errors in sample acquisition before accepting the sample. Recycle is the process of attempting multiple times to successfully acquire a sample. Typically at this point in the logic, the recycle value will be greater than 1. It could be greater than 1 depending on the user and/or factory configuration. The logical decision at  305  involves a concept called rinse. Rinse is the process of repeatedly alternately forcing material out of the sample tube and drawing material into the sample tube prior to sample acquisition. If the user and/or factory has configured for rinses then the processes  306 ,  307  and  308  will be repeated multiple times. This consists of pressurizing the sampling chamber forcing air down the sample port and out the sampling tube. This is maintained for a configurable time. The rinse vacuum process is accomplished by changing the state of the four-way valve  7 , thus applying vacuum to the sampling chamber  2 . This is maintained for a configurable time. The pressure  306  and vacuum  307  is alternately applied for a configurable number of times, in selectable RINSES step  308 . 
         [0084]    The next step (i.e.,  FIG. 12 ) is the PURGE LINE  309  process. The PURGE LINE  309  process timing is optionally configurable to accommodate varying installation configurations. PURGE LINE step  309  consists of pressurizing the sampling chamber  2  with the pinch valve  5  closed, forcing air out the sample port  3  and through the sampling tube. The objective is to remove retained material from the sampling tube prior to drawing fresh sample material. At this point, the sampling process is irreversibly committed. If the logic control  14  loses power during the subsequent processes, then the sample (indicated by liquid level  17  of  FIG. 1 ) will fall by gravity into the sample storage system  13 , but it will be unknown how much sample has been acquired. For this reason, the present state of the sampling process is saved to the non-volatile ram in step  310 . If the logic controller, on power up, reads the non-volatile ram  95  and determines that a sampling cycle was started, but not finished normally, then exception logic is required to account for the indeterminate size sample. 
         [0085]    The sample acquisition step  311  ( FIG. 12 ) first sends a command over the peripheral bus  19  ( FIG. 1 ) to the load cell transducer  12 , instructing it to notify the logic controller  14  when it senses a mass equal to requested sample size  214 . The pinch valve  5  remains closed. The four-way valve  7  is placed in the vacuum position pulling a vacuum on the sampling chamber  2 . Sample is drawn from the source through the sample tube and into the sample chamber  2  via the sample intake port  3 . During this time, the load cell transducer is continuously measuring the change in mass of the sampling assembly  1 . When the requested sample size  214  is sensed, the load cell transducer  12  notifies the logic controller  14  that the sample is to be terminated. The logic controller terminates the sampling process by reversing the state of the four-way valve  7  forcing pressurized air into the sampling chamber  2  which after a short time stops the flow of sample and forces the sample material in the sample port  3  and the sampling tube back to the sample source. Various exception conditions can abnormally terminate this process; hence, the logical check step  312  determines if a sample is normally terminated. One such exception condition can be a clogging of the sample tube. Failure to acquire a sample redirects the process to just before the recycle check step  304 . 
         [0086]    A successfully acquired sample causes the logic controller  14  to after a stabilization time to request a final measurement of the sample weight read in step  313 . The load cell transducer responds with a final reading which is recorded by the logic controller  14 . The sample tube is purged again at step  314 . The control conditions are identical to the purge line step  309 . The duration time is user configurable. Prior to dispensing the sample, a final comparison is made at logical step  315 . If the sample weight which was read in step  313  is below a pre-programmed lower limit, then control is passed back to the recycle step  304  via a calling of the adaptive feedback algorithm  220  ( FIG. 11 ). Once a sample is successfully acquired or the recycle option terminates, then the sample is dispensed by step  316  into the sample storage system  13 . There are many logical options related to sample dispensing depending on the type of sample storage system and the user programmed choices. These involve where to place the sample in the sequential sample storage system, when to terminate sampling, and overfill protection among others. Archival records are written with each sample and involve critical information about each sample, the time of day and date, and information about the sample storage system. Steps  317  and  318  complete the program. 
         [0087]    The logical control  14   FIG. 1 ) can always be in either a program active state or in a user state. In the program active state, one of a multiplicity of preconfigured programs is active. These programs can be either factory default programs or individually configured by the user. The program can be in the running state or the idle state. In the idle state, a program is either awaiting a start signal or is idle after program termination. In the running state, a program can be waiting to begin the sample acquisition loop, between acquiring samples, or actively acquiring a sample. Various logical options can affect the state change between states. Active programs can be paused, temporarily blocking the acquisition of a sample without affecting the logic for determining when to acquire the next sample. Input from the user can terminate a program. Exception conditions can terminate a program. In the user state a multiplicity of user menus can be selected for performing various functions. These functions include factory configuration, factory test modes, program entry, archival management, and administrative functions including password management. Various portions of the user state are blocked from end-users and are reserved for factory related functions. Password protection of menus is layered allowing various levels of access.