Reversible flow sampler

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present invention include a reversible sampler comprising a housing, a housing cover, and a shuttle. The housing defines a sample chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a first opening, and a second opening. The shuttle is movably disposed within the housing and coupled to the housing cover. The shuttle has a first shuttle position and a second shuttle position. In the first shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the first opening to the sample chamber inlet and the second opening to the sample chamber outlet. In the second shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the second opening to the sample chamber inlet and the first opening to the sample chamber outlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a reversible sampler. [Previous Technology]

[0002] In some processes, various components of the process must be cleaned between runs of the product produced by the process or periodically cleaned. These components may include, for example, tanks, pipes, boilers, reactors, and other containers. Typically, a clean-in-place (CIP) skid is used in the cleaning process, and the effluent can be sampled during the cleaning process as it passes through the skid to examine for various contaminants and / or product residues remaining in the process components. In some examples, fluid from the cleaning process is introduced into a sampler, and the sampler provides a sample of the cleaning fluid to an analyzer. An exemplary sampler is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 9,074,967, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is part of this document. The analyzer is used to examine the effluent for various contaminants and / or product residues. Such an analyzer may include, for example, a total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer. Among other purposes, TOC analyzers are also used to validate the cleanliness of systems containing organic carbon. Descriptions of TOC analyzers can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,132,094 and 5,902,751, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. For example, TOC can be used to detect liquids used in cleaning equipment for various processes, including, for example, pharmaceutical processes.

[0003] Typically, one or both of the sampler and analyzer need to be cleaned between sample acquisition and / or analysis. However, in current samplers, the flow is directed directly to the bottom of the sample chamber, and there are few effective methods for cleaning the sample chamber between samples. If air is directed into the tubing at the bottom of the sample chamber while attempting to remove liquid residing in the sample chamber, the air will only bubble in the liquid and cannot be expelled. Therefore, cross-contamination can occur between subsequent samples. Cross-contamination between subsequent samples can lead to inaccurate analytical results.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a sampler that can effectively remove liquid from the sample chamber to prevent cross-contamination and thus obtain the most accurate analytical results from the sample chamber. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] This disclosure relates to equipment, systems, and methods for cleaning, blowing down, rinsing, and flushing samplers (all of which are used synonymously herein).

[0006] Many embodiments include a reversible sampler. The sampler includes a housing, a housing cover movable between an open position and a closed position, and a shuttle. The housing defines a sample chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a first opening, and a second opening. The shuttle is movably disposed within the housing and coupled to the housing cover. The shuttle has a first shuttle position and a second shuttle position. In the first shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the first opening to the sample chamber inlet and the second opening to the sample chamber outlet. In the second shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the second opening to the sample chamber inlet and the first opening to the sample chamber outlet.

[0007] In some embodiments, when in the first shuttle position, the shuttle is configured such that a first fluid enters the first opening and exits through the second opening. In some embodiments, the first fluid is a liquid. In some embodiments, the first fluid is sample water; in some embodiments, the first fluid is washing water. In some embodiments, the first fluid is the ambient pressure within the sample chamber.

[0008] In some embodiments, the closed position of the housing cover is airtight.

[0009] In some embodiments, when in the second shuttle position, the shuttle is configured such that the second fluid enters the second opening and exits through the first opening. In some embodiments, the second fluid is a gas. In some embodiments, the second fluid is air. In some embodiments, the second fluid is a liquid. In some embodiments, the second fluid is sample water. In some embodiments, the second fluid is washing water. In some embodiments, the second fluid is at a pressure higher than the ambient pressure within the sample chamber. In some embodiments, the pressure of the second fluid is approximately 10 psig when it enters the sampler.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the second shuttle is in the position, the shuttle causes the housing cover to be in the closed position so that the sample chamber can be subjected to a pressure higher than the ambient pressure.

[0011] In some embodiments, moving the housing cover from the closed position to the open position will cause the shuttle to move from the first shuttle position to the second shuttle position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sampler further includes an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator is coupled to the shuttle and the actuator is configured to move the shuttle from the first shuttle position to the second shuttle position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sampler further includes a fluid source, and the shuttle is disposed between the fluid source and the first and second openings.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sample chamber entrance further includes a vial inlet. In some embodiments, the vial inlet includes one or more needles.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the shuttle is disposed between the first opening and the second opening.

[0016] In some embodiments, the shuttle includes at least one radially extending protrusion disposed between the first opening and the second opening. In some embodiments, the at least one radially extending protrusion further includes at least one O-ring seal for forming an airtight seal between the first opening and the second opening.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sampler further includes a housing cover position detector, and the housing cover position detector is configured to detect whether the housing cover is in an open position or an airtight sealed position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the housing cover is mechanically coupled to the shuttle via a linkage. In some embodiments, the housing cover includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal includes a soft rubber gasket.

[0019] In some embodiments, the shuttle is deflected to the first shuttle position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sampler further includes a spring, and the shuttle is deflected to the first shuttle position by the spring force.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sample chamber is configured to collect samples when the shuttle is in the first shuttle position.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sample chamber is configured to discharge when the shuttle is in the second shuttle position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the housing cover is coupled to the sample chamber.

[0024] Many embodiments include a system for sampling. The system includes a first fluid source including a first fluid, a second fluid source including a second fluid, a housing, a housing cover movable between an open position and a closed position, a sample chamber, an actuator, and a shuttle. The sample chamber has an inlet and an outlet and is disposed within the housing. The housing defines a first opening and a second opening. The shuttle is movably disposed within the housing and coupled to the housing cover and the actuator. The shuttle has a first shuttle position and a second shuttle position. In the first shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the first fluid source to the first opening and the sample chamber inlet and fluidly connects the second opening to the sample chamber outlet. In the second shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the second fluid source to the second opening and the sample chamber inlet and fluidly connects the first opening to the sample chamber outlet. The actuator is configured to move the shuttle from the first shuttle position to the second shuttle position.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first fluid is a liquid. In some embodiments, the first fluid is sample water. In some embodiments, the first fluid is washing water. In some embodiments, the first fluid is at ambient pressure.

[0026] In some embodiments, the closed position of the housing cover is airtight.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second fluid is a gas. In some embodiments, the second fluid is air. In some embodiments, the second fluid is a liquid. In some embodiments, the second fluid is sample water. In some embodiments, the second fluid is washing water. In some embodiments, the second fluid is at a pressure higher than ambient pressure. In some embodiments, the pressure of the second fluid is approximately 10 psig. In some embodiments, when the second shuttle is in the position, the shuttle causes the housing cover to be in the closed position, such that the sample chamber can be at a pressure higher than ambient pressure.

[0028] In some embodiments, moving the housing cover from the closed position to the open position will cause the shuttle to move from the first shuttle position to the second shuttle position.

[0029] In some embodiments, the sample chamber entrance further includes a vial insert. In some embodiments, the vial insert includes one or more needles. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the shuttle is disposed between the first opening and the second opening.

[0030] In some embodiments, the shuttle includes at least one radially extending protrusion disposed between the first opening and the second opening. In some embodiments, the at least one radially extending protrusion further includes at least one O-ring seal for forming an airtight seal between the first opening and the second opening.

[0031] In some embodiments, the system further includes a housing cover position detector, which is configured to detect whether the housing cover is in the open position or the closed position.

[0032] In some embodiments, the housing cover is mechanically coupled to the shuttle via a linkage. In some embodiments, the housing cover includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal includes a soft rubber gasket.

[0033] In some embodiments, the shuttle is deflected to the first shuttle position. In some embodiments, the system further includes a spring, and the shuttle is deflected to the first shuttle position by a spring force.

[0034] In some embodiments, the sample chamber is configured to collect samples when the shuttle is in the first shuttle position.

[0035] In some embodiments, the sample chamber is configured to discharge when the shuttle is in the second shuttle position.

[0036] In some embodiments, the housing cover is coupled to the sample chamber.

[0037] Many embodiments include another embodiment of a reversible sampler. The sampler includes a housing, a housing cover movable between an open position and a closed position, and a shuttle. The housing defines a sample chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a first opening, and a second opening. The shuttle is movably disposed within the housing and coupled to the housing cover. The shuttle has a first shuttle position, a second shuttle position, and an intermediate shuttle position. In the first shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the first opening to the sample chamber inlet and the second opening to the sample chamber outlet. In the second shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the second opening to the sample chamber inlet and the first opening to the sample chamber outlet. In the intermediate shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the first opening to the sample chamber outlet and prevents both the first and second openings from being fluidly connected to the sample chamber inlet.

[0038] In some embodiments, moving the cover from the closed position to the open position causes the shuttle to move from the first shuttle position or the second shuttle position to the intermediate shuttle position.

[0039] In some embodiments, the sampler further includes a metering valve.

[0040] In some embodiments, the sampler further includes a stop link coupled to the shuttle, the stop link being configured to prevent the housing cover from moving from the closed position to the open position when the shuttle is in the second shuttle position.

[0041] In some embodiments, when in the first shuttle position, the shuttle is configured such that a first fluid enters the first opening and exits through the second opening. In some embodiments, the first fluid is a liquid. In some embodiments, the first fluid is sample water. In some embodiments, the first fluid is washing water. In some embodiments, the first fluid is at a first pressure, and the first pressure is the ambient pressure within the sample chamber.

[0042] In some embodiments, the sampler further includes a pressure regulator disposed within the housing, and the first fluid is at a first pressure before the sample chamber and the pressure regulator reduces the first pressure of the first fluid before the sample chamber to a predetermined level.

[0043] In some embodiments, the closed position of the housing cover is airtight.

[0044] In some embodiments, when in the second shuttle position, the shuttle is configured such that a second fluid enters the second opening and exits through the first opening. In some embodiments, the second fluid is a gas. In some embodiments, the second fluid is air. In some embodiments, the second fluid is a liquid. In some embodiments, the second fluid is sample water. In some embodiments, the second fluid is washing water.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second fluid is at a second pressure, and the second pressure is higher than the ambient pressure in the sample chamber.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second pressure of the second fluid is about 10 psig when the second fluid enters the sampler.

[0047] In some embodiments, the sampler further includes a pressure regulator disposed within the housing, wherein the second fluid is at a second pressure prior to the sample chamber, and the pressure regulator reduces the second pressure of the second fluid prior to the sample chamber to a predetermined level.

[0048] In some embodiments, when the second shuttle is in the position, the shuttle causes the housing cover to be in the closed position, so that the sample chamber can be at a pressure higher than the ambient pressure.

[0049] In some embodiments, the movement of the housing cover from the closed position to the open position causes the shuttle to move from the first shuttle position or the second shuttle position to the intermediate shuttle position.

[0050] In some embodiments, the sampler further includes an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator is coupled to the shuttle, and the actuator is configured to move the shuttle from the first shuttle position to the second shuttle position.

[0051] In some embodiments, the sampler further includes a fluid source, and the shuttle is disposed between the fluid source and the first and second openings.

[0052] In some embodiments, the sample chamber further includes a vial opening. In some embodiments, the vial opening includes one or more needles.

[0053] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the shuttle is disposed between the first opening and the second opening.

[0054] In some embodiments, the shuttle includes at least one radially extending protrusion disposed between the first opening and the second opening.

[0055] In some embodiments, the at least one radially extending protrusion further includes at least one O-ring seal for forming an airtight seal between the first opening and the second opening.

[0056] In some embodiments, the sampler further includes a housing cover position detector, and the housing cover position detector is configured to detect whether the housing cover is in an open position or an airtight sealed position.

[0057] In some embodiments, the housing cover is mechanically coupled to the shuttle via a linkage. In some embodiments, the housing cover includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal includes a soft rubber gasket.

[0058] In some embodiments, the shuttle is deflected to the first shuttle position.

[0059] In some embodiments, the sampler further includes a spring, and the shuttle is deflected to the first shuttle position by the spring force.

[0060] In some embodiments, the sample chamber is configured to collect samples when the shuttle is in the first shuttle position.

[0061] In some embodiments, the sample chamber is configured to discharge when the shuttle is in the second shuttle position.

[0062] In some embodiments, the housing cover is coupled to the sample chamber.

[0063] Many embodiments include a method for obtaining a sample using the aforementioned sampler and / or system and for removing the sample from the aforementioned sampler and / or system. Many other embodiments include a method for removing a sample from the aforementioned sampler and / or system using the aforementioned sampler and / or system. Many other embodiments include a method for purging a contaminated sample from the aforementioned sampler and / or system using the aforementioned sampler and / or system.

[0064] Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows or may be learned by practice. These advantages will be realized and obtained by means of the elements and combinations specifically pointed out in the appended claims. It should be understood that, as claimed, the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and not restrictive.

Implementation Method

[0081] Before disclosing and describing the present methods and systems, it should be understood that such methods and systems are not limited to specific synthesis methods, specific components, or specific compositions. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0082] When used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. A range herein may be expressed as from “about” a particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from that particular value and / or to that other particular value. Similarly, when a numerical value is expressed as an approximation by using the antecedent “about,” it will be understood as a particular value forming another embodiment. It will be further understood that each endpoint of such ranges is significant relative to and independent of the other endpoint.

[0083] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the event or situation described below may or may not occur, and the description includes instances where the event or situation occurs and instances where it does not occur.

[0084] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the term “comprising” and variations thereof, such as “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including, but not limited to” and are not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers, or steps. “Exemplary” means “one example” and is not intended to convey a representation of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “For example” is not used in a limiting sense but for interpretive purposes.

[0085] This document discloses components that can be used to implement the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it should be understood that while specific references to every different individual and collective combination and arrangement may not be explicitly disclosed, each of these components is specifically considered and described herein for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application, including but not limited to the steps in the described methods. Therefore, if multiple additional steps are available for implementation, it should be understood that each of these additional steps can be implemented by any particular embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed method.

[0086] This document discloses and describes systems, apparatus, and methods for reversible samplers, as well as embodiments of using the reversible sampler to purge a contaminated sample chamber. In some examples, the disclosed reversible sampler also employs an active flushing mechanism that uses the same components and functions to clean the sampling line, which is crucial in pharmaceutical and beverage manufacturing processes.

[0087] The apparatus, system, and method disclosed herein provide a reversible sampler. The reversible sampler includes a shuttle that reorients which opening of the sample chamber is the inlet and which is the outlet. When the shuttle is in a first position, the sample chamber is configured to collect a sample into the sample chamber. When the shuttle is in a second position, the inlet and outlet of the sample chamber are reversed, and the sampler is configured to empty the sample chamber. Furthermore, when the shuttle is in the second position, pressurized air can be forced into the shuttle chamber to further expel all liquid from the sample chamber. In some embodiments, the shuttle position also has an intermediate position that allows fluid flow from the sample chamber to be discharged while blocking all other fluid flow. The reversible sampler further includes an airtight, sealable cap mechanically connected to the shuttle, such that when the cap is opened, the shuttle can be moved to the second position to allow any residual fluid in the sample chamber to drain by gravity, or moved to the intermediate position to allow any residual fluid in the sample chamber to drain by gravity while blocking all other fluid flow. When the cap is closed, the shuttle returns to the first position.

[0088] Figures 1 to 7B show a reversible sampler 100, which includes a housing 102, a shuttle system 130, and a housing cover assembly 170.

[0089] The housing 102 defines a shuttle chamber 104 with a shuttle bushing 105, a shuttle pin groove 109, a sample chamber 112 with a sample chamber opening 114, a fluid source inlet 118, a first opening 120, a second opening 122, a first discharge outlet 124, and a second discharge outlet 126. The housing 110 also includes an outer surface 128.

[0090] The shuttle chamber 104 is defined between the sample chamber 112 and the fluid source inlet 118. The shuttle chamber 104 has a longitudinal axis 106, a first end 108, a second end 110 opposite to and spaced apart from the first end 108, and a shuttle chamber length extending along the longitudinal axis 106 between the first end 108 and the second end 110 of the shuttle chamber 104.

[0091] The shuttle bushing 105 is a tubular protrusion that extends radially inward adjacent to the first end 108 of the shuttle chamber 104. The shuttle bushing 105 includes an O-ring seal 107 for forming a seal between the first end 108 of the shuttle chamber 104 and the shuttle body 132, which will be discussed below.

[0092] The shuttle pin groove 109 is defined near the second end 110 of the shuttle chamber 104, extends from the shuttle chamber 104 to the outer surface 128 of the housing 102, and is configured to receive the shuttle pin 154 discussed below.

[0093] The shuttle chamber 104, the sample chamber 112, and the fluid source inlet 118 are all in fluid communication. Specifically, the shuttle chamber 104 is in fluid communication with the sample chamber 112 via a first opening 120 and a second opening 122. The first opening 120 extends from the shuttle chamber 104 to the sample chamber 112 at an angle of approximately 5 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 106 of the shuttle chamber 104, and the second opening 122 also extends from the shuttle chamber 104 to the sample chamber 112 at an upward angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis 106 of the shuttle chamber 104. In other embodiments, the first opening and the second opening extend from the shuttle chamber to the sample chamber at any angle between 0 and 90 degrees.

[0094] The first opening 120 and the second opening 122 are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis 106 of the shuttle chamber 104, such that the first opening 120 is defined to be closer to the first end 108 of the shuttle chamber 104 than the second opening 122.

[0095] Depending on the location of the shuttle system 130 within the shuttle chamber 104, as described in more detail below, the first opening 120 is in fluid communication with the first discharge outlet 124, or the second opening 122 is in fluid communication with the second discharge outlet 126. Furthermore, the housing 102 includes a weir. The weir is positioned near the second discharge outlet 126 such that at least a portion of the second opening 122 is closer to the second end 110 of the shuttle chamber 104 than the weir. In other embodiments, the weir is positioned below the second opening and between the second opening and the second discharge outlet. In other embodiments, the housing defines one or more discharge outlets in fluid communication with the first opening and / or the second opening.

[0096] The sample chamber 112 includes a sample chamber opening 114 and is configured to collect samples, and includes a vial inlet 115 with two needles 116. At least a portion of the outer surface 128 of the housing 102 adjacent to the sample chamber opening includes a raised lip 129. One of the needles 116 is configured to serve as a vent for the sample chamber 112, while the other needle 116 draws the sample into the analyzer (not shown). Although the sample chamber 112 shown in Figures 3 and 4 includes two needles 116, in other embodiments, the vial container includes one, three, four, or more needles. The sample chamber 112 switches from a first opening 120 as an inlet and a second opening 122 as an outlet depending on the position of the shuttle system 130, which will be described in detail below.

[0097] The shuttle system 130 includes a shuttle body 132, a spring 156, and an actuator 158. The shuttle system 130 is shown in Figure 2.

[0098] The shuttle body 132 is cylindrical, having a longitudinal axis 134, a first end 136, a second end 138 opposite to and spaced apart from the first end 136, and a shuttle body length extending along the longitudinal axis 134 from the first end 136 to the second end 138. Although the shuttle body 132 shown in FIG2 is solid, in other embodiments the shuttle body is hollow.

[0099] The shuttle body 132 is disposed within the shuttle chamber 104 such that the longitudinal axis 134 of the shuttle body 132 overlaps with the longitudinal axis 106 of the shuttle chamber 104, and the shuttle body 132 is disposed between the fluid source inlet 118 and the first and second openings 120, 122. The first end 136 of the shuttle body 132 is further slidably disposed within the shuttle bushing 105 such that the shuttle bushing 105 is adjacent to the first end 136 of the shuttle body 132. The length of the shuttle body is approximately 1 / 4 inch smaller than the length of the shuttle chamber, such that the shuttle body 132 is movably disposed within the shuttle chamber 104 along the longitudinal axis 106 of the shuttle chamber 104. In other embodiments, the length of the shuttle body is 1 / 2 inch, 1 inch, or any value greater than 1 inch smaller than the length of the shuttle chamber.

[0100] The shuttle body 132 further includes a first radial protrusion 144 and a second radial protrusion 150, which extend radially outward from the outer surface of the shuttle body 132. In other embodiments, the shuttle body includes one, three, four, five, or any number of radially extending protrusions.

[0101] The first radial protrusion 144 is disposed between the first end 136 and the second end 138 of the shuttle body 132, and the second radial protrusion 150 is adjacent to the second end 138 of the shuttle body 132.

[0102] The first radial protrusion 144 includes two O-ring seals 146 and an outer surface 148. The outer surface 148 of the first radial protrusion 144 extends longitudinally between the two O-ring seals 146. Regardless of the position of the shuttle body 132, one of the two O-ring seals 146 of the first radial protrusion 144 is disposed between the first opening 120 and the second opening 122. In Figures 1-7B, regardless of the position of the shuttle body 132, one of the two O-ring seals 146 of the first radial protrusion 144 creates an airtight seal between the first opening 120 and the second opening 122. However, in other embodiments, regardless of the position of the shuttle body, at least a portion of the first radial protrusion again creates an airtight seal between the first opening and the second opening. Moreover, in other embodiments, the O-ring seals have a circular, square, rectangular, cross-shaped, star-shaped, or any other closed cross-sectional shape.

[0103] The second radial protrusion 150 includes an outer surface 152 and an O-ring seal 153. The O-ring seal 153 helps to direct water onto the weir adjacent to the second discharge outlet 126 and prevents fluid from rising upwards and flowing out of the shuttle chamber 104. The outer surface 152 of the second radial protrusion 150 includes a shuttle pin 154 that extends outwardly perpendicular to the outer surface 152 of the second radial protrusion 150.

[0104] A spring 156 is disposed between the second end 138 of the shuttle body 132 and the second end 110 of the shuttle chamber 104, such that the spring 156 is coaxial with the longitudinal axes 134 and 106 of the shuttle body 132 and the shuttle chamber 104. The spring 156 deflects the shuttle body 132 toward the first end 108 of the shuttle chamber 104.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 1, the actuator 158 is spaced apart from the first end 136 of the shuttle body 132 and fixedly coupled to the housing 102 by means of a bracket 159. In other embodiments, the actuator is coupled stationarily to the housing by means of a mechanical fastener, adhesive, or any other coupling method capable of fixedly coupling the actuator to the housing. The actuator 158 extends into the shuttle chamber such that the actuator 158 pushes the shuttle body 132 from a first shuttle position as shown in FIG. 3 to a second shuttle position as shown in FIG. 4. The magnitude of the force by which the actuator 158 pushes the shuttle body 132 from the first position to the second position must exceed the frictional force of the O-ring seals 107, 148, and 153, and also exceed the biasing force of the spring 156. When the actuator 158 is not actuated, there is a gap of approximately 1-4 mm between the actuator and the shuttle body 132. In Figures 1-7B, the actuator includes a pneumatic piston, but in other embodiments, the actuator includes a solenoid, an electric actuator, or any actuator capable of moving the shuttle body from a first shuttle position to a second shuttle position.

[0106] In the first shuttle position as shown in FIG. 3, the sample chamber 112 is configured to take a sample, the fluid source inlet 118 includes a first fluid 160, and the shuttle body 132 is configured such that the first fluid 160 flows through a first fluid path 162. In the first fluid path 162, the fluid source inlet 118 is fluidly connected to the first opening 120, such that the first fluid 160 flows from the fluid source inlet 118 through the outer surface 148 of the first radial protrusion 144 to the first opening 120. The first opening 120 is the sample chamber inlet, and the second opening 122 is the sample chamber outlet. The second opening 122 is also in fluid communication with the second discharge outlet 126. The first fluid 160 along the first fluid path 162 in FIG. 3 is sample water. The shuttle body 132 is also deflected to the first shuttle position by a spring 156.

[0107] Although the first fluid in FIG3 is sample water, in other embodiments, the first fluid is cleaning water or any liquid.

[0108] Actuator 158 linearly pushes shuttle body 132 toward the second end 110 of shuttle chamber 104 along the longitudinal axis 106 of shuttle chamber 104 to the second shuttle position as shown in FIG4. In the second shuttle position, sample chamber 112 is configured to discharge, fluid source inlet 118 includes second fluid 164, and shuttle body 132 is positioned such that second fluid 164 flows through second fluid path 166, as shown in FIG4. In second fluid path 166, fluid source inlet 118 is fluidly connected to second opening 122 such that second fluid 164 flows from fluid source inlet 118 through the outer surface 148 of first radial protrusion 144 to second opening 122. Second opening 122 is sample chamber inlet, and first opening 120 is sample chamber outlet. First opening 120 is also in fluid communication with first discharge outlet 124. The second fluid 164 shown along second fluid path 166 in FIG4 is air and enters the second fluid path at a pressure of approximately 10 psig.

[0109] Although the second fluid 164 in FIG4 is air, in other embodiments, the second fluid is any gas or any liquid, such as sample water or washing water. In other embodiments, the pressure of the second fluid is any pressure higher than ambient pressure.

[0110] To ensure that pressurized air does not escape through the sample chamber opening 114 instead of the first discharge outlet 124, the housing cover assembly 170 is airtight when the second fluid path 166 is used. Although in other embodiments the housing cover assembly is not completely airtight, it is sufficiently sealed against gases (typically air) to propel fluid in the sample chamber through the second fluid path.

[0111] The housing cover assembly 170 includes a cover 172, two first lever arms 184, a second lever arm 194, and a housing cover position detector 199. The housing cover assembly 170 is pivotally coupled to the housing 102 and the shuttle body 132, such that the housing cover assembly 170 is movable between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the closed position is airtight.

[0112] In detail, the cover 172 of the housing cover assembly 170 is coupled to the shuttle body 132 by a plurality of pin-and-groove mechanical links between the cover 172, the two first lever arms 184, the second lever arm 194 and the shuttle pin 154.

[0113] The cover 172 has an outer surface 173 and an inner surface 174 and defines two opposing and spaced-apart first rod arm grooves 176 and a second rod arm groove 178. One of the first rod arm grooves 176 includes a small recess 177 at one end of the two first rod arm grooves with a depth of about 0.005 inches. In other embodiments, one end of one of the first rod arm grooves includes the small recess, or neither of the first rod arm grooves includes the small recess. In other embodiments, the recess has a depth of about 0.0025 inches to about 0.01 inches. The inner surface 174 of the cover 172 includes a cover protrusion 180 and a seal 182 extending adjacent to the cover protrusion 180, as shown in FIG. 5. The seal 182 includes a soft rubber gasket. The cover 172 is configured to be removably disposed on the sample chamber opening 114 and a raised lip 129 surrounding the sample chamber opening 114.

[0114] Each of the two first lever arms 184 includes a first end 185 and a second end 186 opposite to and spaced apart from the first end 185. Each first end 185 of the two first lever arms 184 is pivotally attached to the housing 102 and fixedly attached to each other via a first lever arm connector 188. Each second end 186 of the two first lever arms 184 includes a first lever pin 190, which is movably disposed within two first lever arm slots 176 defined by the cover 172. Furthermore, each of the first lever arms 184 includes a grip 192 fixedly attached to at least one of the first lever arms 184. In other embodiments, both first lever arms may include a grip, or neither first lever arm may include a grip.

[0115] The second lever arm 194 is pivotally attached to the housing 102, includes a second lever arm pin 196, and defines a second lever arm recess 198. The second lever arm pin 196 is disposed within the second lever arm groove 178 defined by the cover 172. The shuttle pin 154 is movably disposed within the shuttle pin groove 109 and the second lever arm recess 198, such that the shuttle body 132 and the housing cover assembly 170 are mechanically connected via the shuttle pin 154.

[0116] The housing cover position detector 199 is attached to the outer surface 128 of the housing 102 adjacent to the portion of the second lever 194 and is configured to indirectly detect the position of the cover 192 via the second lever 194. In the sampler 100 shown in Figures 1-7B, the housing cover position detector 199 is a limit switch. In other embodiments, the housing cover position detector is an infrared position sensor or other type of position sensor. In yet another embodiment, the housing cover position detector is placed adjacent to the cover, adjacent to the first lever, or at any location where the housing cover position detector can detect the position of the cover.

[0117] The cover 172 is opened and closed by rotating the handle 192. When the handle 192 is rotated clockwise as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the housing cover assembly 170 moves to the open position. The rotation of the handle 192 causes the first lever pin 190 to move within the first lever groove 176 and lift the cover 172, which causes the second lever pin 196 to move within the second lever groove 178, which rotates the second lever 194 counterclockwise as shown in Figure 6A. When the second lever 194 rotates counterclockwise as shown in Figure 6A, the shuttle pin 154 is moved within the shuttle pin groove 109 toward the second end 110 of the shuttle chamber 104, which positions the shuttle body 132 in the second shuttle position.

[0118] When the handle 192 is rotated counterclockwise, the housing cover assembly 170 moves to the closed position as shown in Figures 7A and 7B. The rotation of the handle 192 causes the first lever pin 190 to move within the first lever groove 176 and close the cover 172. This causes the second lever pin 196 to move within the second lever groove 178, which rotates the second lever 194 clockwise toward the housing 102 as shown in Figure 7A. As the second lever 194 rotates clockwise toward the housing 102 as shown in Figure 7A, the spring 156 forces the shuttle pin 154 downwards into the shuttle pin groove 198 toward the shuttle chamber 104, positioning the shuttle body 132 in the first shuttle position. When the cover 172 is fully in the closed position, the second lever 194 triggers the housing cover position detector 199. The housing cover position detector 199 is electrically connected to an analyzer or other logic controller. Furthermore, when the housing cover assembly 170 is in the closed position shown in FIG7B, the shape of the second lever arm recess 198 and the shuttle pin groove 109 allows the shuttle pin 154 to move longitudinally to the ground relative to the longitudinal axis 106 of the sample chamber 104, so that the shuttle body 132 can move between the first shuttle position and the second shuttle position.

[0119] In some embodiments, the housing cover assembly is coupled to the shuttle body such that when the actuator moves the shuttle body to a second shuttle body position, the shuttle body forces the housing cover assembly into a closed position. In some embodiments, the housing cover assembly is coupled to the shuttle body such that when the spring forces the shuttle body from a second shuttle position to a first shuttle position, the shuttle body forces the housing cover assembly into an open position. In other embodiments, the housing cover assembly is not coupled to the shuttle body. In yet another embodiment, the actuator is charged via an external logic controller electrically connected to a cover position detector, and the position of the shuttle body is electrically coupled to the position of the cover.

[0120] When the cover 172 is moved to the airtight or closed position, the angle between the two first lever arms 184 and the first lever arm groove 176 is approximately 90 degrees, resulting in increasing mechanical advantage as the soft rubber gasket of the seal 182 is pressed against the sample chamber opening 114 and the raised lip 129. When the first lever arm groove 176 reaches 90 degrees, the first lever arm pin 190 falls into the small recess 177 of the first lever arm groove 176. By falling into the small recess 177, the first lever arm is gently locked into position. The locking of the first lever arm in place locks the cover in position and prevents the housing cover assembly from being accidentally opened. In other embodiments, the housing cover assembly is slidably attached, latched, magnetically attached to the housing or any combination thereof. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the housing cover assembly is attached by means of a four-bar or multi-bar assembly.

[0121] In other embodiments and as shown in Figures 8A-8C, sampler 200 includes a structure and features similar to sampler 100 described above, the differences of which will be discussed in detail below, and the same component numbers will be used to indicate the same components. Shuttle body 232 is movable between the first shuttle position shown in Figure 8A, the intermediate shuttle position shown in Figure 8B, and the second shuttle position shown in Figure 8C. The first and second shuttle positions of shuttle body 232 are substantially similar to the first and second shuttle positions of shuttle body 132. In the intermediate position, shuttle body 232 is positioned within shuttle chamber 204 such that fluid source inlet 218 is fluidly blocked from the first opening 220 and the second opening 222. Furthermore, in the intermediate position, the first opening 220 is in fluid communication with the first discharge outlet 224. Shuttle body 232 can be moved into the intermediate position by a button, switch, slider, or any other control / actuator. In some embodiments, the shuttle body includes radially extending protrusions or another O-ring or any component capable of preventing fluid source from fluidly communicating with the first and second openings.

[0122] The sampler 200 shown in Figures 8A-8C also includes a pressure-reducing regulator 240. The pressure-reducing regulator 240 is located within the fluid source inlet 218 before the shuttle chamber 204, such that the fluid pressure is reduced to a predetermined level by the pressure-reducing regulator 240 before entering the shuttle chamber 204. In Figures 8A-8C, this predetermined level is approximately 10 psi, but in other embodiments, this predetermined level is any pressure that allows for accurate sample readings and fluid pressure normalization to the sample chamber pressure, such that the sampler valve timing is the same for each sequence regardless of the inlet pressure or source. In other embodiments, in addition to or instead of the pressure-reducing regulator, the sampler also includes a metering valve located within the fluid source inlet before the shuttle chamber.

[0123] In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figures 9A-9C, the sampler 300 includes a structure and features similar to the sampler 200 described above, the differences of which will be discussed in detail below, and the same component numbers will be used to indicate the same components. The shuttle body 332 has a first shuttle position shown in Figure 9A, an intermediate shuttle position shown in Figure 9B, and a second shuttle position shown in Figure 9C. The intermediate shuttle position shown in Figure 9B is similar to the intermediate shuttle position shown in Figure 8B, but the shuttle body 332 is further mechanically coupled to the housing cover assembly 370. The shuttle body 332 is coupled to the housing cover assembly 370 such that when the housing cover assembly 370 is moved to the open position, the housing cover assembly 170 causes the shuttle body 332 to move from the first shuttle position or the second shuttle position to the intermediate shuttle position shown in Figure 9B. The housing cover assembly 370 is coupled to the shuttle body 332 by the mechanical linkages shown in Figures 9A-9C. In some embodiments, the shuttle body is mechanically connected to the cover by means of the connecting rod, pin, and groove shown in the embodiment of Figures 5-7B.

[0124] Several embodiments are provided herein. However, it should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein. As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural meaning unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. The term “comprising” and its variations are used synonymously with the term “including” and its variations in this document and are open-ended and non-limiting terms. Although the terms “comprising” and “including” are used herein to describe various embodiments, the terms “substantially constitutes” and “comprises” may be used instead of “comprising” and “including” to provide more specific embodiments and are also disclosed.

[0125] What is disclosed herein are materials, systems, apparatuses, methods, compositions, and components that can be used, combined, or prepared, or the products of the disclosed methods, systems, and apparatuses. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it should be understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc., of these components are disclosed, while specific references to each distinct individual and collective combination and arrangement of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically considered and described herein. For example, if an apparatus is disclosed and discussed, every combination and arrangement of the apparatus and possible modifications thereof are specifically considered unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Similarly, any subset or combination of these is also specifically considered and disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this disclosure, including but not limited to the steps of methods using the disclosed system or apparatus. Therefore, if multiple additional steps can be performed, it should be understood that each of these additional steps can be performed using any particular method step or combination of method steps of the disclosed method, and each such combination or subset is explicitly considered and should be considered as disclosed.

[0126] Although the methods and systems have been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments and specific examples, this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments presented, as the embodiments herein are illustrative rather than limiting examples in all respects.

[0127] Unless otherwise expressly stated, no method presented herein should be construed as meaning that the steps of the method should be performed in a particular order. Therefore, if a method claim does not actually describe the order of steps that must be followed, or if the claim or description does not otherwise specify that the steps will be restricted to a particular order, then in no way does the inference imply an order. This applies to any possible non-explicit basis of interpretation, including: logical questions relating to the arrangement of steps or operational procedures; simple meanings derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0128] Many publications will be referenced throughout this application. The full disclosure of these publications is incorporated herein by reference in order to provide a more complete description of the prior art to which the methods and systems belong.

[0129] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. The specification and examples are intended to be considered merely exemplary, and the true scope and spirit are defined by the appended claims. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0065] Exemplary features and embodiments are disclosed in the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the precise configurations and means shown.

[0066] [Figure 1] is a perspective view of a reversible sampler according to one embodiment.

[0067] [Figure 2] is a perspective view of a reversible shuttle system according to one embodiment of Figure 1.

[0068] [Figure 3] is a cross-sectional view of the reversible sampler in Figure 1 at the first shuttle position.

[0069] [Figure 4] is a cross-sectional view of the reversible sampler of Figure 1 at the second shuttle position.

[0070] [Figure 5] is a perspective view of the reversible sampler of Figure 1, wherein the cover of the reversible sampler is in the open position.

[0071] [Figure 6A] is a side view of the reversible sampler of Figure 1, wherein the cover of the reversible sampler is in the open position.

[0072] [Figure 6B] is another side view of the reversible sampler of Figure 1, wherein the cover of the reversible sampler is in the open position.

[0073] [Figure 7A] is a side view of the reversible sampler of Figure 1, wherein the cover of the reversible sampler is in the closed position.

[0074] [Figure 7B] is another side view of the reversible sampler of Figure 1, wherein the cover of the reversible sampler is in the closed position.

[0075] [Figure 8A] is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the reversible sampler at the first shuttle position.

[0076] [Figure 8B] is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the reversible sampler of Figure 8A at the middle shuttle position.

[0077] [Figure 8C] is a schematic diagram of the implementation of the reversible sampler of Figure 8A at the second shuttle position.

[0078] [Figure 9A] is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the reversible sampler at the first shuttle position.

[0079] [Figure 9B] is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the reversible sampler of Figure 9A at the middle shuttle position.

[0080] [Figure 9C] is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the reversible sampler of Figure 9A at the second shuttle position.

Claims

1. A reversible sampler comprising: a housing; a housing cover movable between an open position and a closed position; a sample chamber defined by the housing, the sample chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a first opening defined by the housing; a second opening defined by the housing; and a shuttle movably disposed within the housing and coupled to the housing cover, the shuttle having a first shuttle position and a second shuttle position, wherein in the first shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the first opening to the sample chamber inlet and the second opening to the sample chamber outlet, and wherein in the second shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the second opening to the sample chamber inlet and the first opening to the sample chamber outlet.

2. The sampler of claim 1, wherein, in the first shuttle position, the shuttle is configured such that the first fluid enters the first opening and exits the second opening.

3. The sampler as requested in claim 2, wherein the first fluid is a liquid.

4. The sampler as requested in item 3, wherein the first fluid is sample water.

5. The sampler as requested in item 3, wherein the first fluid is cleaning water.

6. The sampler of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first fluid is at ambient pressure within the sample chamber.

7. The sampler as requested in item 1, wherein the closed position of the housing cover is airtight.

8. The sampler of claim 1, wherein, in the second shuttle position, the shuttle is configured such that the second fluid enters the second opening and exits the first opening.

9. The sampler as requested in item 8, wherein the second fluid is a gas.

10. The sampler of claim 9, wherein the second fluid is air.

11. The sampler of claim 8, wherein the second fluid is a liquid.

12. The sampler of claim 11, wherein the second fluid is sample water.

13. The sampler of claim 11, wherein the second fluid is cleaning water.

14. The sampler of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the second fluid is at a pressure higher than the ambient pressure in the sample chamber.

15. The sampler of claim 14, wherein the pressure of the second fluid is approximately 10 psig when the second fluid enters the sampler.

16. The sampler of claim 14, wherein when the second shuttle is in the position, the shuttle causes the housing cover to be in the closed position, so that the sample chamber can be subjected to pressure higher than ambient pressure.

17. The sampler of claim 14, wherein moving the housing cover from the closed position to the open position causes the shuttle to move from the first shuttle position to the second shuttle position.

18. The sampler of request item 1 further includes an actuator.

19. The sampler of claim 18, wherein the actuator is coupled to the shuttle, wherein the actuator is configured to move the shuttle from the first shuttle position to the second shuttle position.

20. The sampler of claim 1 further includes a fluid source, wherein the shuttle is disposed between the fluid source and the first and second openings.

21. The sampler as requested in item 1, wherein the sample chamber inlet includes a vial port.

22. The sampler as requested in item 21, wherein the vial opening includes one or more needles.

23. The sampler of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the shuttle is disposed between the first opening and the second opening.

24. The sampler of claim 23, wherein the shuttle includes at least one radially extending protrusion disposed between the first opening and the second opening.

25. The sampler of claim 24, wherein the at least one radially extending protrusion further includes at least one O-ring seal for forming an airtight seal between the first opening and the second opening.

26. The sampler of claim 1 further includes a housing cover position detector, wherein the housing cover position detector is configured to detect whether the housing cover is in the open position or the airtight sealed position.

27. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the housing cover is mechanically coupled to the shuttle.

28. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the housing cover includes a seal.

29. The sampler of claim 28, wherein the seal comprises a soft rubber gasket.

30. The sampler of request item 1, wherein the shuttle is deflected to the first shuttle position.

31. The sampler of claim 30 further includes a spring, and the shuttle is deflected to the first shuttle position by the spring force.

32. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the sample chamber is configured to collect a sample when the shuttle is in the first shuttle position.

33. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the sample chamber is configured to discharge when the shuttle is in the second shuttle position.

34. The sampler of claim 1, wherein the housing cover is coupled to the sample chamber.

35. A sampling system comprising: a first fluid source containing a first fluid; a second fluid source containing a second fluid; a housing; a housing cover movable between an open position and a closed position; a sample chamber within the housing having an inlet and an outlet; a first opening defined by the housing; a second opening defined by the housing; an actuator; and a shuttle movably disposed within the housing and coupled to the housing cover and the actuator, the shuttle having a first shuttle position and a second shuttle position; wherein in the first shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the first fluid source to the first opening and the sample chamber inlet and fluidly connects the second opening to the sample chamber outlet, and wherein in the second shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the second fluid source to the second opening and the sample chamber inlet and fluidly connects the first opening to the sample chamber outlet, wherein the actuator is configured to move the shuttle from the first shuttle position to the second shuttle position.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the first fluid is a liquid.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the first fluid is sample water.

38. The system of claim 36, wherein the first fluid is cleaning water.

39. The system of any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the first fluid is at ambient pressure.

40. The system of claim 35, wherein the closed position of the housing cover is airtight.

41. The system of claim 35, wherein the second fluid is a gas.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the second fluid is air.

43. The system of claim 35, wherein the second fluid is a liquid.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein the second fluid is sample water.

45. The system of claim 43, wherein the second fluid is cleaning water.

46. ​​The system of claim 35, wherein the second fluid is at a pressure higher than ambient pressure.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the pressure of the second fluid is approximately 10 psig when the second fluid enters the sampler.

48. A system as claimed in any of claims 46 to 47, wherein, in the second shuttle position, the shuttle causes the housing cover to be in the closed position, such that the sample chamber is under pressure higher than ambient pressure.

49. A system as claimed in any of claims 46 to 47, wherein placing the housing cover from the closed position to the open position causes the shuttle to move from the first shuttle position to the second shuttle position.

50. The system of request item 35, wherein the sample chamber entrance further includes a vial inlet.

51. The system of request item 50, wherein the vial contains one or more pins.

52. The system of claim 35, wherein at least a portion of the shuttle is disposed between the first opening and the second opening.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein the shuttle includes at least one radially extending protrusion disposed between the first opening and the second opening.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein the at least one radially extending protrusion further includes at least one O-ring seal for forming an airtight seal between the first opening and the second opening.

55. The system of claim 35 further includes a housing cover position detector, wherein the housing cover position detector is configured to detect whether the housing cover is in the open position or the closed position.

56. The system of claim 35, wherein the housing cover is mechanically coupled to the shuttle.

57. The system of claim 35, wherein the housing cover includes a seal.

58. The system of claim 57, wherein the seal comprises a soft rubber gasket.

59. The system of request 35, wherein the shuttle is deflected to the first shuttle position.

60. The system of claim 59 further includes a spring, and the shuttle is deflected to the first shuttle position by the spring force.

61. The system of claim 35, wherein the sample chamber is configured to collect samples when the shuttle is in the first shuttle position.

62. The system of claim 35, wherein the sample chamber is configured to discharge when the shuttle is in the second shuttle position.

63. The system of claim 35, wherein the housing cover is coupled to the sample chamber.

64. A reversible sampler comprising: a housing; a housing cover movable between an open position and a closed position; a sample chamber defined by the housing, the sample chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a first opening defined by the housing; a second opening defined by the housing; and a shuttle movably disposed within the housing and coupled to the housing cover, the shuttle having a first shuttle position, a second shuttle position, and an intermediate shuttle position, wherein in the first shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the first opening to the sample chamber inlet and the second opening to the sample chamber outlet, wherein in the second shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the second opening to the sample chamber inlet and the first opening to the sample chamber outlet, and wherein in the intermediate shuttle position, the shuttle fluidly connects the first opening to the sample chamber outlet and blocks both the first opening and the second opening from fluidly connecting them to the sample chamber inlet.

65. The sampler of claim 64, wherein moving the cover from the closed position to the open position causes the shuttle to move from the first shuttle position or the second shuttle position to the intermediate shuttle position.

66. The sampler of any of the requests 64 to 65 further includes a metering valve.

67. The sampler of claim 64 further includes a stop link coupled to the shuttle, the stop link being configured to prevent the housing cover from moving from the closed position to the open position when the shuttle is in the second shuttle position.

68. The sampler of claim 64, wherein, in the first shuttle position, the shuttle is positioned such that a first fluid enters the first opening and exits the second opening.

69. The sampler of claim 68, wherein the first fluid is a liquid.

70. The sampler of claim 69, wherein the first fluid is sample water.

71. The sampler of claim 69, wherein the first fluid is cleaning water.

72. The sampler of any of claims 68 to 71, wherein the first fluid is at a first pressure, the first pressure being the ambient pressure within the sample chamber.

73. The sampler of any one of claims 68 to 71 further includes a pressure regulator disposed within the housing, wherein the first fluid is at a first pressure prior to the sample chamber, and wherein the pressure regulator reduces the first pressure of the first fluid prior to the sample chamber to a predetermined level.

74. The sampler of claim 64, wherein the closed position of the housing cover is airtight.

75. The sampler of claim 64, wherein, in the second shuttle position, the shuttle is positioned such that a second fluid enters the second opening and exits the first opening.

76. The sampler of claim 75, wherein the second fluid is a gas.

77. The sampler of claim 76, wherein the second fluid is air.

78. The sampler of claim 75, wherein the second fluid is a liquid.

79. The sampler of claim 78, wherein the second fluid is sample water.

80. The sampler of claim 78, wherein the second fluid is cleaning water.

81. The sampler of any one of claims 75 to 80, wherein the second fluid is at a second pressure that is higher than the ambient pressure within the sample chamber.

82. The sampler of claim 81, wherein when the second fluid enters the sampler, the second pressure of the second fluid is approximately 10 psig.

83. The sampler of any one of claims 75 to 80 further includes a pressure regulator disposed within the housing, wherein the second fluid is a second pressure prior to the sample chamber, and wherein the pressure regulator reduces the second pressure of the second fluid prior to the sample chamber to a predetermined level.

84. The sampler of claim 64, wherein, in the second shuttle position, the shuttle causes the housing cover to be in the closed position, such that the sample chamber can be subjected to pressure higher than ambient pressure.

85. The sampler of claim 64, wherein moving the housing cover from the closed position to the open position causes the shuttle to move from the first shuttle position or the second shuttle position to the intermediate shuttle position.

86. The sampler of request item 64 further includes an actuator.

87. The sampler of claim 86, wherein the actuator is coupled to the shuttle, wherein the actuator is configured to move the shuttle from the first shuttle position to the second shuttle position.

88. The sampler of claim 64 further includes a fluid source, wherein the shuttle is disposed between the fluid source and the first and second openings.

89. The sampler of request item 64, wherein the sample chamber inlet includes a vial port.

90. The sampler as claimed in claim 89, wherein the vial opening contains one or more needles.

91. The sampler of claim 64, wherein at least a portion of the shuttle is disposed between the first opening and the second opening.

92. The sampler of claim 91, wherein the shuttle includes at least one radially extending protrusion disposed between the first opening and the second opening.

93. The sampler of claim 92, wherein the at least one radially extending protrusion further includes at least one O-ring seal for forming an airtight seal between the first opening and the second opening.

94. The sampler of claim 64 further includes a housing cover position detector, wherein the housing cover position detector is configured to detect whether the housing cover is in the open position or the closed position.

95. The sampler of claim 64, wherein the housing cover is mechanically coupled to the shuttle.

96. The sampler of claim 64, wherein the housing cover includes a seal.

97. The sampler of claim 96, wherein the seal comprises a soft rubber gasket.

98. The sampler of request item 64, wherein the shuttle is deflected to the first shuttle position.

99. The sampler of claim 98 further includes a spring, and the shuttle is deflected to the first shuttle position by the spring force.

100. The sampler of claim 64, wherein the sample chamber is configured to collect a sample when the shuttle is in the first shuttle position.

101. The sampler of claim 64, wherein the sample chamber is configured to discharge when the shuttle is in the second shuttle position.

102. The sampler of claim 64, wherein the housing cover is coupled to the sample chamber.

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