Device and method for examining a soil sample

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a device (1), a method and a use of the device (1) for examining a soil sample, wherein: the device (1) comprises a sample-holding device (3); the device (1) comprises a funnel device (4); the funnel device (4) has a funnel wide part (5) and a funnel narrow part (6);the sample-holding device (3) is arranged above the funnel narrow part (6), in particular in the region of or above the funnel wide part (5); the device (1) has a housing device (7); at least one interior space (8) is formed by the housing device (7); the funnel device (4) and the sample-holding device (3) are provided in the interior space (8); a heating device (10) for heating the interior space (8) is provided in the interior space (8); an illumination device (11) for illuminating the interior space (8) is provided in the interior space (8); and a moisture absorption device (12) for absorbing moisture is provided in the interior space (8).

Description

[0001] DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EXAMINATION OF A SOIL SAMPLE

[0002] The invention relates to a device, a method and a use of such a device according to the preambles of the independent patent claims.

[0003] Various devices for examining soil samples, particularly for expelling soil organisms from them, are known from the state of the art. The so-called Berlese method was developed for the biological examination of soil samples and is used to experimentally separate soil organisms, especially microorganisms, from soil samples.

[0004] For example, the so-called Berlese apparatus is well known. It involves placing a soil sample into a funnel and then irradiating and heating it with a conventional light bulb. This irradiation and heating by the light bulb expels soil organisms from the soil sample, as they move away from the light bulb toward the funnel nozzle. However, the disadvantages of such devices are high energy and maintenance costs during operation, the heat distribution in the soil sample is uneven, and a large portion of the heat energy is lost unused.

[0005] The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a device, a method, and a use that enables efficient, in particular energy-efficient and / or cost-effective, testing of a soil sample. Further objects of the invention include, inter alia, providing a device for testing a soil sample, in particular for expelling soil organisms from a soil sample, which can also be operated on the move, in particular directly at the sampling site, preferably in field trials, and which enables uniform heat distribution on the surface of the soil sample during the testing.

[0006] The object of the invention is achieved in particular by the features of the independent patent claims.

[0007] In particular, the invention relates to a device, in particular a Berlese apparatus or a Berlese box, for examining a soil sample, in particular for expelling soil organisms from a soil sample.

[0008] In particular, it can be provided that the device, in particular the Berlese apparatus or the Berlese box, is designed to examine a soil sample with a weight in the range of 1 g, in particular one gram, up to and including 10,000 g, in particular ten thousand grams, preferably 100 g.

[0009] It may be provided that the soil sample is a sample of a soil, in particular an earth sample, which may contain soil organisms.

[0010] In particular, it can be provided that the device, in particular the Berlese apparatus or the Berlese box, is designed and / or configured to carry out the Berlese method. Preferably, it can be provided that the device comprises a sample receiving device for receiving the soil sample.

[0011] In particular, it can be provided that the sample receiving device is designed to receive a soil sample with a weight in the range of 1 g, in particular one gram, up to and including 10,000 g, in particular ten thousand grams, preferably 100 g.

[0012] It can be provided that the sample receiving device is designed as a sieve device and / or a grid device. In particular, it can be provided that the sample receiving device comprises a sieve device and / or a grid device.

[0013] Preferably, the device can comprise a funnel device.

[0014] Preferably, the funnel device can have a funnel opening and a funnel nozzle.

[0015] Preferably, the sample receiving device can be provided or arranged above the funnel nozzle, in particular in the area and / or above the funnel opening, so that the soil organisms contained in the soil sample move in the direction of the funnel nozzle when irradiated and / or illuminated by the illumination device and / or heated by the heating device.

[0016] In particular, it can be provided that the sample receiving device is provided or arranged in the area and / or above the funnel opening.

[0017] Preferably, it can be provided that the device has and / or comprises a housing device.

[0018] Preferably, the housing device can form at least one interior space, in particular one that can be opened and closed. Preferably, the housing device can form a sample receiving interior space, in particular one that can be opened and closed.

[0019] Preferably, it can be provided that a sample receiving interior, in particular an openable and closable interior, and a soil organism collecting interior, in particular an openable and closable interior, are formed by the housing device.

[0020] In particular, the housing device can be designed as a substantially closed box and / or as a closed system.

[0021] Furthermore, the device, in particular the housing device, can comprise at least one base device, at least one lid device, and at least one, in particular four or eight, wall device(s). The sample receiving interior is optionally enclosed and / or formed by or through the, in particular first, base device, the, in particular first, lid device, and four wall devices.

[0022] Preferably, it can be provided that the sample receiving device is provided and / or arranged in the housing device, in particular in the at least one interior space, preferably in the sample receiving interior space.

[0023] Preferably, it can be provided that the funnel device, in particular at least partially, preferably parts of the funnel device, particularly preferably the funnel cover device, are provided and / or arranged in the housing device, in particular in the at least one interior space, preferably in the sample receiving interior space or in the soil organism collecting interior space.

[0024] Preferably, a heating device, in particular a heating element, is provided and / or arranged in the housing device, in particular in the at least one interior space, preferably in the sample receiving interior space, in particular for heating at least one of the interior spaces, preferably for heating the sample receiving interior space, particularly preferably for heating the soil sample. In particular, it can be provided that the heating device is designed and / or arranged to heat and / or warm the at least one interior space, in particular the sample receiving interior space, preferably the soil sample.

[0025] In particular, it can be provided that the heating device is arranged in the housing device, in particular in the at least one interior space, preferably in the sample receiving interior space, such that the at least one interior space, in particular the sample receiving interior space, preferably the soil sample, can be heated, warmed, heated and / or warmed by the heating device.

[0026] It can be provided that the heating device is arranged in the at least one interior space, preferably in the sample receiving interior space, above the soil sample, in particular above the sample receiving device, or laterally to the soil sample, in particular laterally to the sample receiving device.

[0027] Preferably, it can be provided that in the housing device, in particular in the at least one interior space, preferably in the sample receiving interior space, a lighting device, in particular for illuminating and / or irradiating the at least one interior space, preferably for illuminating and / or irradiating the sample receiving interior space, particularly preferably for illuminating and / or irradiating the soil sample, is provided and / or arranged.

[0028] In particular, it can be provided that the lighting device is designed and / or arranged to illuminate and / or irradiate the at least one interior space, in particular the sample receiving interior space, preferably the soil sample.

[0029] Due to the heating device and / or lighting device, it can be warmer and / or brighter in the upper part of the at least one interior space than in the lower part of the at least one interior space, so that the soil animals from the soil sample may move from the upper part of the at least one interior space towards the lower part of the at least one interior space.

[0030] Due to the heating device and / or lighting device, it can be warmer and / or brighter in the sample receiving chamber than in the soil organism collection chamber, so that the soil animals from the soil sample may move from the sample receiving chamber towards the soil organism collection chamber.

[0031] Preferably, it can be provided that a moisture absorption device, in particular for absorbing moisture, preferably for absorbing the moisture escaping from the soil sample, is provided and / or arranged in the housing device, in particular in the at least one interior space, preferably in the sample receiving interior space.

[0032] In particular, it can be provided that the moisture absorption device is designed and / or positioned to absorb moisture, in particular the moisture escaping from the soil sample.

[0033] It can be provided that the funnel opening has a larger cross-section than the funnel nozzle. Within the scope of the present invention, the funnel device can be understood, among other things, as a conventional funnel, such as, in particular, a round, rectangular, or conical funnel.

[0034] The inventor further states that the device, in particular the control device, can optionally regulate and / or control the heat development and the light intensity in at least one interior space, in particular in the sample receiving space. Furthermore, the device can be designed as a closed system, so that, if necessary, regulation of the humidity in at least one interior space, in particular in the sample receiving space, is also possible.

[0035] Furthermore, the inventor states that, due to the compact design of the device and the low energy consumption of the device compared to a conventional Berlese apparatus, it may be possible to operate it on the move, in particular directly at the sampling point, preferably in field trials.

[0036] In the context of the present invention, soil organisms can be understood as living beings, in particular microorganisms, which live, in particular permanently, in the soil and / or in the earth.

[0037] In the context of the present invention, the term “above” or “below” may be understood as referring to the floor on which the device is arranged.

[0038] Optionally, it is provided that a recirculation device, in particular a fan, is provided and / or arranged in the housing device, in particular in the at least one interior space, preferably in the sample receiving interior space.

[0039] In particular, it can be provided that the device comprises the heating device, the lighting device, the moisture absorption device and / or the air circulation device.

[0040] Optionally, it is provided that the recirculation device is designed to generate recirculation air in the housing device, in particular in the at least one interior space, preferably in the sample receiving interior space.

[0041] Optionally, it is provided that the air recirculation device is designed and / or arranged in and / or on the housing device, in particular in and / or on the at least one interior space, preferably in and / or on the sample receiving interior space, in such a way as to even out the heat distribution in the at least one interior space, in particular in the sample receiving interior space, preferably in the soil sample, particularly preferably on the surface of the soil sample. In particular, it can be provided that the air recirculation device comprises at least one air recirculation device, in particular a plurality of air recirculation devices, preferably a plurality of fans.

[0042] If appropriate, it is provided that the housing device is designed as a, in particular substantially, closed housing.

[0043] Optionally, it is provided that the housing device, in particular the sample receiving interior, comprises at least one, in particular openable and closable, door device, preferably at least one door.

[0044] Optionally, it is provided that the housing device, in particular the sample receiving interior, comprises at least one, in particular removable, preferably first, cover device.

[0045] Optionally, it is provided that the heating device, the lighting device, in particular four lighting devices, the moisture absorption device and / or the air circulation device are arranged on the at least one lid device, in particular the lid device of the sample receiving interior.

[0046] In particular, it can be provided that the air circulation device is arranged in the middle of the at least one cover device.

[0047] In particular, it can be provided that the lighting device, in particular four lighting devices, is or are each arranged between the air circulation device and the edge of the at least one, in particular the first, cover device, in particular the cover device of the sample receiving interior, on the at least one, in particular the first, cover device, in particular on the cover device of the sample receiving interior.

[0048] Optionally, it is provided that the housing device, in particular the sample receiving interior, has at least one window, so that optionally the at least one interior, in particular the sample receiving interior, preferably the soil sample, can be viewed when the housing device, in particular the door device, is closed.

[0049] In particular, the at least one window can be transparent or translucent, so that one can possibly look into the at least one interior space, in particular into the sample receiving interior space, and thus possibly see the soil sample when the housing device, in particular the door device, is closed.

[0050] The wall device may optionally comprise the at least one door device and / or the at least one window.

[0051] Optionally, it is provided that the lighting device comprises at least one LED band and / or at least one LED strip.

[0052] If appropriate, the lighting device may consist of at least one LED strip and / or at least one LED band.

[0053] If necessary, the lighting device is dimmable.

[0054] Where appropriate, the brightness of the lighting device may be adjustable, controllable and / or regulated.

[0055] In particular, it can be provided that the brightness of the lighting device can be continuously adjusted, controlled and / or regulated between one percent and one hundred percent of the brightness output of the lighting device.

[0056] Optionally, it is provided that the lighting device is designed and / or configured to generate different colors, in particular colors of a color space, preferably colors of the RGB color space. Optionally, it is provided that the lighting device is operable and / or operated via a computer, in particular via a Universal Serial Bus interface, preferably a so-called USB interface.

[0057] In particular, it can be provided that the lighting device can be and / or is supplied with electrical energy via a computer, in particular via a universal serial bus interface, preferably a so-called USB interface.

[0058] In the context of the present invention, a computer may be understood to mean a laptop, a battery-operated laptop, a notebook or a battery-operated notebook.

[0059] In the context of the present invention, the Universal Serial Bus interface, in particular the so-called USB interface, can be understood as a Universal Serial Bus interface of a computer or a charging device, such as in particular a power bank.

[0060] The voltage of the Universal Serial Bus interface, preferably the so-called USB interface, can be in a range from 5 volts up to and including 20 volts, in particular 5 volts, 12 volts or 20 volts.

[0061] The maximum current of the Universal Serial Bus interface, preferably the so-called USB interface, can be in a range from 0.1 amperes up to and including 5 amperes, in particular 0.1 amperes, 0.5 amperes, 0.9 amperes, 1.5 amperes, 3 amperes, 5 amperes.

[0062] The maximum power of the Universal Serial Bus interface, preferably the so-called USB interface, can be in a range from 0.5 watts up to and including 100 watts, in particular 0.5 watts, 2.5 watts, 4.5 watts, 7.5 watts, 15 watts, or 100 watts. Optionally, the lighting device can have a radiant power in the range from 1 watt up to and including 200 watts, in particular in the range from 1 watt up to and including 100 watts, preferably 5 watts.

[0063] Optionally, it is provided that the lighting device can be and / or is operated with a voltage in the range from 1 volt up to and including 250 volts, in particular in the range from 1 volt up to and including 20 volts, preferably 5 volts.

[0064] In particular, it can be provided that the lighting device comprises at least one lighting device, in particular several lighting devices, preferably several LED strips and / or several LED strips.

[0065] Optionally, it is provided that the moisture absorption device comprises an adsorbent, in particular silica gel and / or at least one salt tablet.

[0066] Optionally, it is provided that the moisture absorption device consists of an adsorbent, in particular silica gel and / or at least one salt tablet.

[0067] In particular, it can be provided that the moisture absorption device comprises at least one moisture absorption device, in particular several moisture absorption devices, preferably several silica gels and / or several salt tablets.

[0068] It can be provided that the moisture absorption device comprises a moisture absorption holder, wherein the moisture absorption holder is designed to hold the silica gel and / or at least one salt tablet.

[0069] Furthermore, it can be provided that the moisture absorption device is arranged in the center of the at least one lid device. Optionally, it is provided that the device comprises a temperature measuring device, in particular a temperature sensor.

[0070] In particular, the device may comprise a temperature display device, in particular a display, which displays the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device.

[0071] Optionally, it is provided that the temperature measuring device is provided and / or arranged in the housing device, in particular in the at least one interior space, preferably in the sample receiving interior space.

[0072] Optionally, it is provided that the temperature measuring device is designed and / or inserted for measuring and / or determining the temperature in the housing device, in particular in the at least one interior space, preferably in the sample receiving interior space, particularly preferably the temperature of the soil sample.

[0073] It can be provided that the temperature measuring device comprises at least one temperature measuring device, in particular several temperature measuring devices, preferably several temperature sensors.

[0074] Optionally, it is provided that the heating device is designed and / or arranged to heat the device, in particular the at least one interior space, preferably the sample receiving interior space, particularly preferably the soil sample, to a range between 5 °C up to and including 70 °C, in particular 40 °C.

[0075] If appropriate, it is provided that the heating device can be and / or is operated via a computer, in particular via a universal serial bus interface, preferably a so-called USB interface.

[0076] In particular, it can be provided that the heating device can be and / or is supplied with electrical energy via a computer, in particular via a universal serial bus interface, preferably a so-called USB interface.

[0077] If appropriate, it is provided that the heating device has a heating power in the range from 1 watt up to and including 400 watts, in particular in the range from 1 watt up to and including 100 watts, preferably 5 watts.

[0078] Optionally, it is provided that the heating device is operable and / or operated with a voltage in the range from 1 volt up to and including 250 volts, in particular in the range from 1 volt up to and including 20 volts, preferably 5 volts.

[0079] In particular, it can be provided that the heating device comprises at least one heating device, in particular several heating devices, preferably several heating elements.

[0080] If necessary, it is provided that the device comprises a control device.

[0081] If appropriate, it is provided that the control device is designed and / or configured to regulate and / or control the heating device.

[0082] Optionally, it is provided that the temperature in the housing device, in particular the temperature in the at least one interior space, preferably the temperature in the sample receiving interior space, particularly preferably the temperature of the soil sample, is adjustable, controllable, regulated and / or controlled by the control device, in particular by the control and / or regulation of the heating device.

[0083] If appropriate, it is provided that the control device is designed and / or configured to regulate the lighting device.

[0084] Optionally, it is provided that the brightness, the radiant power and / or the color of the lighting device, in particular the lighting and / or the irradiation of the at least one interior space, preferably the lighting and / or the irradiation of the sample receiving interior space, in particular the lighting and / or the irradiation preferably of the soil sample, can be regulated, controlled, regulated and / or controlled by the control device, in particular by the control and / or regulation of the lighting device.

[0085] Optionally, it is provided that at least two, in particular three, preferably openable and closable, interior spaces, in particular the sample receiving interior space and a soil organism collecting interior space and optionally an intermediate space, are formed by the housing device.

[0086] In particular, it can be provided that the device, in particular the housing device, comprises at least two, in particular three, interior spaces, in particular the sample receiving interior space and the soil organism collection interior space and optionally the intermediate space.

[0087] It can be provided that the housing device, in particular the soil organism collection interior and the sample receiving interior, comprises at least one, in particular openable and closable, door device, preferably at least one door.

[0088] In particular, the device, in particular the housing device, can comprise two base devices, two cover devices, and at least one, in particular eight, wall device(s). Optionally, the base device, in particular the base, of the sample receiving interior is formed by the cover device, in particular the cover, of the soil organism collection interior.

[0089] The soil organism collection interior is optionally enclosed and / or formed by or through the, in particular second, base device, the, in particular second, lid device, and four additional wall devices. In particular, it can be provided that the soil organism collection interior is arranged below the sample receiving interior.

[0090] It can be provided that the soil organism collection interior is opaque, darkened and / or dark and / or comprises a darkening device, so that the brightness in the soil organism collection interior is lower than in the sample receiving interior.

[0091] In other words, it can be provided that the soil organism collection interior is designed such that the brightness, in particular in the interior, of the soil organism collection interior is lower than the brightness, in particular in the interior, of the sample receiving interior.

[0092] In particular, it can be provided that the floor device, the lid device and / or the wall devices of the soil organism collection interior is or are opaque.

[0093] It may optionally be provided that a further moisture absorption device for absorbing moisture, in particular for absorbing the moisture escaping from the soil sample, is provided and / or arranged in the soil organism collection chamber. The further moisture absorption device may comprise an adsorbent, in particular silica gel and / or at least one salt tablet, or may consist of an adsorbent, in particular silica gel and / or at least one salt tablet.

[0094] In particular, it can be provided that the soil organism collection interior is designed such that the temperature, in particular in the interior of the soil organism collection interior is lower than the temperature, in particular in the interior of the sample receiving interior.

[0095] As a result, the two interior spaces, in particular the sample receiving interior space and the soil organism collection interior space, can have different temperatures and / or different brightnesses, so that the soil animals from the soil sample move from the sample receiving interior space towards the soil organism collection interior space.

[0096] Optionally, it is provided that the sample receiving device, the heating device, the lighting device, the moisture absorption device, the circulating air device, the temperature measuring device and / or the funnel device, in particular at least a part of the funnel device, preferably the funnel cover device, is or are provided and / or arranged in the sample receiving interior.

[0097] Optionally, it is provided that the funnel device, in particular at least a part of the funnel device, preferably a part of the funnel nozzle and / or the outlet of the funnel device, particularly preferably the outlet of the funnel nozzle, and / or at least one soil organism collecting device is arranged in the soil organism collecting interior space.

[0098] In particular, it can be provided that the device comprises at least one soil organism collection device.

[0099] In particular, it can be provided that the at least one soil organism collecting device is designed and / or configured to allow the soil organisms expelled from the soil sample, in particular the soil organisms from the soil sample which move through the funnel nozzle, to be collected and / or absorbed.

[0100] It may optionally be provided that the soil organism collection interior comprises a soil organism collection device advance device configured to replace the soil organism collection device with another soil organism collection device after a predetermined time interval, so that a specific time interval can be analyzed if necessary. Optionally, it is provided that the two interior spaces, in particular the sample receiving interior space and the soil organism collection interior space, are connected to one another, preferably exclusively, by the sample receiving device and / or the funnel device, if optionally the device, in particular the two interior spaces, preferably the door devices, is or are closed.

[0101] It may be provided that the sample receiving interior and the soil organism collection interior are connected to each other via the intermediate space.

[0102] Furthermore, it can be provided that the intermediate space is arranged between the sample receiving interior and the soil organism collecting interior.

[0103] In particular, the sample receiving device and / or the funnel device can be designed and / or arranged on the device in such a way that the soil organisms from the soil sample can reach the soil organism collection interior, in particular exclusively, via the funnel device from the sample receiving interior.

[0104] It can be provided that the sample receiving device and / or the funnel device is or are inserted into the base device, in particular the base, of the sample receiving interior.

[0105] In particular, it can be provided that the sample receiving device and / or the funnel device is or are inserted into the base device, in particular the base, of the sample receiving interior and / or into the lid device, in particular the lid, of the soil organism collection interior.

[0106] It can be provided that the base device, in particular the base, of the sample receiving interior corresponds to the lid device, in particular the lid, of the soil organism collection interior. In particular, it can be provided that only one interior space is formed by the housing device.

[0107] It can be provided that the sample receiving device and / or the heating device and / or the lighting device and / or the moisture absorption device and / or the air circulation device and / or the temperature measuring device and / or the funnel covering device and / or the funnel device and / or at least one soil organism collecting device is or are arranged in the common interior space.

[0108] Optionally, it is provided that the device comprises a funnel cover device in which the sample receiving device can be inserted and / or is inserted.

[0109] It can be provided that the funnel device comprises the funnel opening, the funnel nozzle and a funnel cover device, wherein the sample receiving device can be inserted and / or is inserted into the funnel cover device.

[0110] If necessary, it is provided that the funnel opening is closed by the funnel cover device with the exception of the sample receiving device, in particular one used.

[0111] In particular, it can be provided that the floor device, in particular the floor, of the sample receiving interior, comprises the funnel cover device or from which the funnel cover device is formed.

[0112] It can be provided that the lid device, in particular the lid, of the soil organism collection interior, comprises the funnel device, in particular the funnel opening and the funnel nozzle, or is formed from the funnel device, in particular the funnel opening and the funnel nozzle. In particular, it can be provided that an intermediate space is provided between the base device, in particular the base, of the sample receiving interior, and the lid device, in particular the lid, of the soil organism collection interior.

[0113] In other words, the base device, in particular the base, of the sample receiving interior, and the cover device, in particular the cover, can be arranged at a distance from one another.

[0114] Optionally, it is provided that the device, in particular the heating device, the lighting device, the air circulation device, the temperature measuring device and / or the control device, is or are operable and / or operated via a computer, in particular via a universal serial bus interface, preferably a so-called USB interface.

[0115] In particular, it can be provided that the device, in particular the heating device, the lighting device, the air circulation device and / or the control device, is or are designed and / or configured for operation via a computer, in particular via a universal serial bus interface, preferably via a so-called USB interface, particularly preferably via a universal serial bus interface of a computer.

[0116] In particular, it can be provided that the device, in particular the heating device, the lighting device, the air circulation device and / or the control device, is or are designed and / or configured for connection to a computer, in particular to a universal serial bus interface, preferably to a so-called USB interface, particularly preferably to a universal serial bus interface of a computer.

[0117] In particular, it can be provided that the heating device, the lighting device, the air circulation device and / or the control device can be and / or are supplied with electrical energy via a computer, in particular via a universal serial bus interface, preferably via a so-called USB interface, particularly preferably via a universal serial bus interface of a computer.

[0118] Optionally, it is provided that the device, in particular the housing device, preferably the sample receiving interior and / or the soil organism collecting interior, is cuboid-shaped, box-shaped, and / or irregularly shaped.

[0119] If appropriate, it is provided that the device, in particular the housing device, has a height in the range from 10 cm up to and including 250 cm, in particular 50 cm or 80 cm.

[0120] If appropriate, it is provided that the device, in particular the housing device, has a width in the range from 10 cm up to and including 100 cm, in particular 20 cm or 30 cm.

[0121] Optionally, it is provided that the device, in particular the housing device, has a length in the range from 10 cm up to and including 100 cm, in particular 20 cm or 30 cm.

[0122] In particular, the invention relates to a method for examining a soil sample, in particular for expelling soil organisms from a soil sample, preferably for carrying out the Berlese method, with a device, in particular according to the invention.

[0123] Where appropriate, the procedure may include the following steps:

[0124] Opening the device, in particular the housing device, preferably the at least one interior space, particularly preferably the sample receiving interior space. In particular, it can be provided that the housing device, in particular the at least one interior space, preferably the sample receiving interior space, is opened by opening the door device of the housing device, in particular the door device of the sample receiving interior space.

[0125] Introducing the soil sample into the at least one interior space, in particular into the sample receiving interior space, preferably onto the sample receiving device, particularly preferably onto the sieve device or grid device of the sample receiving device, wherein optionally the sample receiving device is arranged above the funnel device, in particular in the region of or above the funnel opening.

[0126] Closing the device, in particular the housing device, preferably the at least one interior space, particularly preferably the sample receiving interior space. In particular, it can be provided that the housing device, in particular the at least one interior space, preferably the sample receiving interior space, is closed by closing the door device of the housing device, in particular the door device of the sample receiving interior space.

[0127] Switching on, in particular activating, the lighting device and / or the heating device, whereby optionally the at least one interior space, in particular the sample receiving interior space, preferably the soil sample, is illuminated and / or heated, so that optionally the soil organisms contained in the soil sample are expelled in the direction of the funnel nozzle of the funnel device, in particular from the sample receiving interior space in the direction of the soil organism collecting interior space.

[0128] Optionally, it is provided that the method steps of the method follow one another as described above. In this case, it is provided that first the housing device, in particular the at least one interior space, preferably the sample receiving interior space, is opened. In a next step, the soil sample is introduced into the at least one interior space, in particular onto the sample receiving device, which is arranged above the funnel device. Subsequently, the housing device, in particular the at least one interior space, preferably the sample receiving interior space, is closed. Thereafter, the lighting device and / or the heating device is switched on and / or activated, whereby optionally the at least one interior space, in particular the sample receiving interior space, preferably the soil sample, is illuminated and / or heated.

[0129] In particular, the procedure may include the following further steps:

[0130] Switching on, in particular activating, the air recirculation device, in particular the fan, so that, if appropriate, recirculation is generated in the at least one interior space, in particular in the sample receiving interior space, and / or if appropriate, the heat distribution in the at least one interior space, in particular in the sample receiving interior space, preferably on the surface of the soil sample, is evened out.

[0131] If necessary, it is provided that the device comprises a control device.

[0132] If appropriate, it is provided that the lighting device, the heating device and / or the air recirculation device are controlled and regulated by the control device.

[0133] In particular, the invention relates to a use of a device, in particular according to the invention, for examining a soil sample, in particular for expelling soil organisms from a soil sample.

[0134] In particular, the invention relates to an arrangement of a device according to the invention, wherein the sample receiving device is arranged above the funnel device, in particular in the direction of gravity.

[0135] If necessary, it is provided that the housing device forms two interior spaces, in particular the sample receiving interior space and the soil organism collection interior space.

[0136] Optionally, it is provided that the sample receiving device, the heating device, the lighting device, the moisture absorption device, the circulating air device, the temperature measuring device and / or at least a part of the funnel device, in particular the funnel cover device, is or are arranged and / or provided in the sample receiving interior.

[0137] Optionally, it is provided that at least a part of the funnel device, in particular at least a part of the funnel nozzle, preferably the outlet of the funnel device, particularly preferably the outlet of the funnel nozzle, and / or at least one soil organism collecting device is arranged and / or provided in the soil organism collecting interior space.

[0138] Where appropriate, it is provided that the sample receiving interior is arranged and / or provided above the soil organism collection interior, in particular in the direction of gravity.

[0139] If appropriate, it is provided that the two interior spaces are connected to each other, in particular exclusively, by the funnel device, in particular the funnel opening and / or the funnel nozzle and / or the funnel cover device.

[0140] In particular, it is intended that the two interior spaces are connected to each other, in particular exclusively, via the intermediate space.

[0141] Further features of the invention may arise from the claims, the description of the embodiments and the figures.

[0142] The invention will now be further explained using exemplary, non-exclusive and / or non-limiting embodiments.

[0143] It should be noted that in the different figures and / or embodiments, identical parts may be provided with identical reference symbols and / or identical designations. The disclosures contained in the entire description and / or the claims may be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols and / or identical designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, from the right, from the left, side, and the like, may be related to the directly described and illustrated figure.

[0144] Fig. 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d show schematic graphic representations of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0145] Unless otherwise stated, the reference numerals correspond to the following components:

[0146] Device 1, control device 2, sample receiving device 3, funnel device 4, funnel opening 5, funnel nozzle 6, housing device 7, interior 8, sample receiving interior 9, heating device 10, lighting device 11, moisture absorption device 12, air circulation device 13, window 14, door device 15, lid device 16, temperature measuring device 17, soil organism collection interior 18, funnel cover device 19 and soil organism collection device 20.

[0147] Figures 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d show schematic graphic representations of a first embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. In Figure 1a, the device 1 is schematically shown closed, wherein the door devices 15 of the sample receiving interior 9 and the soil organism collecting interior 18 are closed. In Figure 1b, the device 1 is schematically shown open, wherein the door devices 15 of the sample receiving interior 9 and the soil organism collecting interior 18 are open. In Figure 1c, the device 1 is schematically shown in an exploded view. Figure 1d shows a schematic graphic representation of a first embodiment of a lid device 16 of the device 1 according to the invention according to Figures 1a, 1b and 1c.

[0148] The device 1, in particular the Berlese box, is designed for examining a soil sample, in particular for expelling soil organisms from a soil sample. The device 1 comprises a sample receiving device 3 for receiving the soil sample. Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a funnel device 4, wherein the funnel device 4 has a funnel opening 5, a funnel nozzle 6, and a funnel cover device 19. The sample receiving device 3 can be inserted into the funnel cover device 19.

[0149] The sample receiving device 3 is arranged above the funnel nozzle 6, namely above the funnel opening 5, and inserted into the funnel cover device 19.

[0150] The device 1 has a housing device 7, wherein the housing device 7 comprises two openable and closable interior spaces 8, namely a sample receiving interior space 9 and a soil organism collecting interior space 18, and an intermediate space.

[0151] The funnel opening 5 is covered by the funnel cover device 19 with the exception of the sample receiving device 3, which is particularly used.

[0152] The sample receiving interior 9 is formed by a, in particular first, lid device 16, a, in particular first, base device, and four wall devices. According to this embodiment, the, in particular first, base device of the sample receiving interior 9 is formed by the funnel cover device 19.

[0153] The soil organism collection interior 18 is formed by one, in particular a second, cover device, one, in particular a second, base device, and four wall devices. According to this embodiment, the, in particular a second, cover device 16 of the soil organism collection interior 18 is formed by the funnel opening 5 and the funnel nozzle 6.

[0154] Furthermore, a heating device 10, in particular a heating element, for heating the sample receiving interior 9, in particular the soil sample, a lighting device 11 for illuminating the sample receiving interior 9, in particular the soil sample, and a moisture absorption device 12 for absorbing moisture, in particular for absorbing the moisture escaping from the soil sample, are provided in the sample receiving interior 9. For clarity, only the moisture absorption holder, which is designed to hold the silica gel and / or at least one salt tablet, is shown in the figures.

[0155] A recirculation device 13, namely a fan, is provided in the sample receiving interior 9, which is designed to generate recirculated air in the sample receiving interior 9. According to this embodiment, the recirculation device 13 is designed to even out the heat distribution on the surface of the soil sample.

[0156] According to this embodiment, the housing device 7 is designed as a closed housing and has eight windows 14, so that the sample receiving interior 9, in particular the soil sample arranged therein, is visible when the housing device 7 is closed. The windows 14 are arranged in the wall devices.

[0157] The housing device 7 comprises two openable and closable door devices 15 and a removable lid device 16. According to this embodiment, the heating device 10, the lighting device 11, the moisture absorption device 12 and the circulating air device 13 are arranged on the, in particular first, lid device 16 of the sample receiving interior space 9.

[0158] According to this embodiment, the lighting device 11 is formed from four dimmable LED strips. Furthermore, the brightness of the lighting device 11 is adjustable, and the lighting device 11 is designed to produce different colors.

[0159] According to this embodiment, the moisture absorption device 12 comprises an adsorbent, namely silica gel, which is not shown for clarity. The device 1 further comprises a temperature measuring device 17, namely a temperature sensor, which is arranged in the sample receiving space 9. Furthermore, the temperature measuring device 17 is designed to measure the temperature in the sample receiving space 9 and thus the temperature of the soil sample.

[0160] According to this embodiment, the heating device 10 is designed to heat the sample receiving interior 9 to 40°C.

[0161] Furthermore, the device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a control device 2, wherein the control device 2 is designed to regulate and control the heating device 10 and the illumination device 11. Thus, the brightness, radiant power, and color of the illumination device 11, as well as the temperature in the sample receiving interior 9, can be regulated and controlled using the control device 2.

[0162] According to this embodiment, the sample receiving device 3, the heating device 10, the lighting device 11, the moisture receiving device 12, the circulating air device 13, the temperature measuring device 17 and the funnel covering device 19 are provided in the sample receiving interior space 9.

[0163] According to this embodiment, the funnel opening 5 and the funnel nozzle 6 and three soil organism collecting devices 20 are arranged in the soil organism collecting interior 18.

[0164] The sample receiving interior 9 and the soil organism collecting interior 18 are connected to each other exclusively by the funnel device 4, in particular by the intermediate space.

[0165] According to this embodiment, the device 1, in particular the heating device 10, the lighting device 11, the air circulation device 13, the temperature measuring device 17 and the control device 2, can be operated via a computer, in particular via a universal serial bus interface, preferably a so-called USB interface.

[0166] According to this embodiment, the lighting device 11 has a radiation output of 5 watts and can be operated with a voltage of 5 volts. According to this embodiment, the heating device 10 has a heating output of 5 watts and can be operated with a voltage of 5 volts.

[0167] The device 1, in particular the housing device 7, is cuboid-shaped and has a height of 50 cm, a width of 20 cm and a length of 20 cm.

[0168] The effects according to the invention can be achieved by this exemplary configuration.

[0169] Furthermore, the method according to the invention can be carried out with this device 1.

[0170] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but includes any device, any method and any use according to the following claims.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1), in particular a Berlese apparatus or Berlese box, for examining a soil sample, in particular for expelling soil organisms from a soil sample, wherein the device (1) comprises a sample receiving device (3) for receiving the soil sample, wherein the device (1) comprises a funnel device (4), wherein the funnel device (4) has a funnel opening (5) and a funnel nozzle (6), and wherein the sample receiving device (3) is arranged above the funnel nozzle (6), in particular in the region of or above the funnel opening (5), characterized in that - that the device (1) has a housing device (7), - that at least one, in particular openable and closable, interior space (8), in particular a sample receiving interior space (9), is formed by the housing device (7), - that the sample receiving device (3) and the funnel device (4), in particular parts of the funnel device (4), are provided in the at least one interior space (8), in particular in the sample receiving interior space (9), - that in the at least one interior space (8), in particular in the sample receiving interior space (9), a heating device (10), in particular a heating element, is provided for heating the at least one interior space (8), in particular the soil sample, - that in the at least one interior space (8), in particular in the sample receiving interior space (9), a lighting device (11) is provided for illuminating the at least one interior space (8), in particular the soil sample, - and that in the at least one interior space (8), in particular in the sample receiving interior space (9), a moisture absorption device (12) is designed to absorb moisture, in particular to absorb moisture escaping from the soil sample.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that - that a recirculation device (13), in particular a fan, is provided in the at least one interior space (8), in particular in the sample receiving interior space (9), - that the air circulation device (13) is designed to generate air circulation in the at least one interior space (8), in particular in the sample receiving interior space (9), - and that, if appropriate, the air circulation device (13) is designed and / or arranged in the at least one interior space (8), in particular in the sample receiving interior space (9), in such a way as to even out the heat distribution in the at least one interior space (8), in particular in the sample receiving interior space (9), preferably on the surface of the soil sample.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - that the housing device (7) is designed as a closed housing, - and / or that the housing device (7) comprises at least one, in particular openable and closable, door device (15), preferably a door, - and / or that the housing device (7) comprises at least one, in particular removable, cover device (16) and wherein, if appropriate, the heating device (10), the lighting device (11), the moisture absorption device (12) and / or the air circulation device (13) on which at least one cover device (16) is arranged, - and / or that the housing device (7) has at least one window (14) so ​​that the at least one interior space (8), in particular the sample receiving interior space (9), preferably the soil sample, can be viewed when the housing device (7) is closed.

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the lighting device (11) comprises at least one LED band and / or at least one LED strip, - and / or that the lighting device (11) consists of at least one LED band and / or at least one LED strip, - and / or that the lighting device (11) is dimmable, - and / or that the brightness of the lighting device (11) is adjustable, - and / or that the lighting device (11) is designed to generate different colours, in particular colours of a colour space, preferably colours of the RGB colour space, - and / or that the lighting device (11) can be operated via a computer, in particular via a Universal Serial Bus interface, preferably a so-called USB interface, - and / or that the lighting device (11) has a radiant power in the range from 1 watt up to and including 200 watts, in particular 5 watts, - and / or that the lighting device (11) can be operated with a voltage in the range from 1 volt up to and including 250 volts, in particular 5 volts.

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the moisture absorption device (12) comprises an adsorbent, in particular silica gel and / or a salt tablet, - or that the moisture absorption device (12) consists of an adsorbent, in particular silica gel and / or a salt tablet.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the device (1) comprises a temperature measuring device (17), in particular a temperature sensor, - that the temperature measuring device (17) is provided in the at least one interior space (8), in particular in the sample receiving interior space (9), - and that the temperature measuring device (17) is designed to measure the temperature in the at least one interior space (8), in particular in the sample receiving interior space (9), preferably the temperature of the soil sample.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the heating device (10) is designed to heat the device (1), in particular the at least one interior space (8), preferably the sample receiving interior space (9), particularly preferably the soil sample, to a range between 5 °C up to and including 70 °C, in particular 40 °C, - and / or that the heating device (10) can be operated via a computer, in particular via a Universal Serial Bus interface, preferably a so-called USB interface, - and / or that the heating device (10) has a heating power in the range of 1 watt up to and including 400 watts, in particular 5 watts, - and / or that the heating device (10) can be operated with a voltage in the range from 1 volt up to and including 250 volts, in particular 5 volts.

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the device (1) comprises a control device (2), - wherein the control device (2) is designed to regulate and / or control the heating device (10) so that the temperature in the at least one interior space (8), in particular in the sample receiving interior space (9), preferably the soil sample, can be regulated and / or controlled, - and / or wherein the control device (2) is designed to regulate and / or control the lighting device (11), so that the Brightness, radiation output and / or color of the lighting device (11) is adjustable and / or controllable.

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that at least two interior spaces (8), in particular the sample receiving interior space (9) and a soil organism collecting interior space (18) and optionally an intermediate space, are formed by the housing device (7), - wherein, if appropriate, the sample receiving device (3), the heating device (10), the lighting device (11), the moisture absorption device (12), the air circulation device (13) and / or the temperature measuring device (17) are provided in the sample receiving interior space (9), - wherein optionally at least a part of the funnel device, in particular a part of the funnel nozzle (6) and / or the outlet of the funnel device, and / or at least one soil organism collecting device (20) is arranged in the soil organism collecting interior space (18), - and that the two interior spaces (8), in particular the sample receiving interior space (9) and the soil organism collecting interior space (18), are preferably exclusively connected to one another by the sample receiving device (3) and / or the funnel device (4), in particular via the intermediate space.

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the device (1), in particular the funnel device (4), comprises a funnel cover device (19) in which the sample receiving device (3) can be inserted or is inserted, - and that, if appropriate, the funnel opening (5) is closed by the funnel cover device (19) with the exception of the sample receiving device (3), in particular one used. 11.Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the device (1), in particular the heating device (10) and / or the lighting device (11) and / or the air circulation device (13) and / or the temperature measuring device (17) and / or the control device (2), can be operated via a computer, in particular via a universal serial bus interface, preferably a so-called USB interface.

12. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the device (1), in particular the housing device (7), is cuboid-shaped, box-shaped and / or irregularly shaped, - and / or that the device (1), in particular the housing device (7), has a height in the range of 10 cm up to and including 250 cm, in particular 80 cm, - and / or that the device (1), in particular the housing device (7), has a width in the range from 10 cm up to and including 100 cm, in particular 30 cm, - and / or that the device (1), in particular the housing device (7), has a length in the range from 10 cm up to and including 100 cm, in particular 30 cm.

13. A method for examining a soil sample, in particular for expelling soil organisms from a soil sample, with a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following steps: a. Opening the at least one interior space (8), in particular the sample receiving interior space (9), preferably by opening the door device (15) of the housing device (7), b. Introducing the soil sample onto the sample receiving device (3), which is arranged above the funnel device (4), in particular in the region of or above the funnel opening (5), c. Closing the at least one interior space (8), in particular the sample receiving interior space (9), preferably by closing the door device (15) of the housing device (7), d. Switching on, in particular activating, the lighting device (11) and the heating device (10), whereby the at least one interior space (8), in particular the sample receiving interior space (9), preferably the soil sample, is illuminated and heated.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that - that the device (1) comprises a control device (2), - and that the lighting device (11) and the heating device (10) are controlled and regulated by the control device (2).

15. Use of a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 for examining a soil sample, in particular for expelling soil organisms from a soil sample.

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