Tubular soil container cutting device and method

Abstract

A cutting device (1) for cutting a tubular container for holding a soil sample is provided. More specifically, a method for cutting a tubular container for holding a soil sample is provided. The cutting device comprises a base plate (2), a first holder (3), coupled to the base plate, a second holder (4), coupled to the base plate, opposite the first holder. The first and second holder together define a volume (5) arranged to at least partially receive the tubular container. The first holder comprises at least one blade (6), the blade at least partially protruding into the volume such that the blade is arranged to engage with the tubular container when it is received in the volume. Unlocking insights from Geo-Data, the present invention further relates to improvements in sustainability and environmental developments: together we create a safe and liveable world.

Description

TUBULAR SOIL CONTAINER CUTTING DEVICE AND METHODFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a cutting device for cutting a tubular container for holding a soil sample and more specifically to a method for cutting a tubular container for holding a soil sample. The cutting device comprises a base plate, a first holder, coupled to the base plate, a second holder, coupled to the base plate, opposite the first holder. The first and second holder together define a volume arranged to at least partially receive the tubular container. The first holder comprises at least one blade, the blade at least partially protruding into the volume such that the blade is arranged to engage with the tubular container when it is received in the volume. Unlocking insights from Geo-Data, the present invention further relates to improvements in sustainability and environmental developments: together we create a safe and liveable world.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There is a general and ongoing need to improve processes of soil investigations for e.g., infrastructure planning and design. Soil investigations may be executed to get a better understanding of the subsurface. The results may be used by engineering teams to improve choices in for example foundation design. Soil investigations may entail taking soil samples, such that the in-situ soil characteristics can be determined in a laboratory. For example, erosion tests, elasticity or plasticity tests or shear tests may be executed in a laboratory. Such laboratories may be located in traditional laboratories, or offshore, for example on vessels.

[0003] To this end, soil samples, after having been retrieved from the ground by means of a soil sampler, are packaged to retain as much of their in-situ characteristics. To prevent the samples falling apart, drying out, or otherwise being externally influenced, they are typically first wrapped in cling film, and subsequently covered in aluminium foil. The sample is placed inside a cardboard tube, generally falling within the general term of a tubular container for holding a soil sample. These cardboard tubes are prepared by placing a plastic cap on one end and filling the inside with a base layer of wax. Once the wax has dried, one end of the tubular container has been sealed. Once the sample is packaged in cling film and aluminium foil, the sample is placed inside the prepared tubular container. Then a casing of wax is applied to tubular container holding the soil sample, such that the outside of the soil sample is covered with wax. The placement of the wrapped samples, and the subsequent immersion in wax, adds rigidity to the samples for transportation or storage. This prevents undue compression of the samples, which could influence density measurements and shear or elasticity or plasticity measurements. The choices of which and how many testsneed to be executed will often be a substantial period after acquisition of the samples. As such, there is a need to protect the samples, both for transportation and storage. Even if the samples are tested at an offshore laboratory, in close proximity to where the samples are packaged, it may be beneficial to protect them during storage for, e.g., compression. In many cases, the scheduling of laboratory test on specific samples is done a substantial period after acquisition, making storage and transportation without compromising the structural integrity of the samples more important.

[0004] Once the samples arrive in a laboratory, the samples need to be removed from the tubular container, such as the cardboard tube. To achieve this, the cardboard must be cut circumferentially, such that the cardboard tube can be opened, and the soil sample can be removed.

[0005] The established method of cutting the cardboard tube housing the soil sample is with a handheld blade. This approach of cutting the cardboard tube entails holding the tube with one hand to prevent it rolling of the workbench, and simultaneously cutting into the cardboard with the blade in the other hand. The tube is then rotated manually while the circumferential cut is provided with the blade in a sawing motion. Because the cardboard tube is thick enough to support structural integrity of the samples during transportation, cutting the cardboard is cumbersome. The lab technician cutting open the tube needs to exert a high degree of force with the blade to ensure a cut through the cardboard.

[0006] The current process of opening the cardboard tubes housing the soil samples lacks in efficiency. A typical soil investigation laboratory handles hundreds of soil samples per month. Each soil sample needs to be removed from the cardboard tube, and it takes roughly fifteen minutes to gently cut through one cardboard tube with a handheld blade. This extended period of time that the lab technicians are spending on opening the soil containers results in operational inefficiencies and resulting higher costs of soil investigations during design phases of infrastructure projects.

[0007] In addition, exerting a high force while cutting leads to safety risks. The force applied by the technician to the cardboard tube while cutting, and the fact that the cardboard tubes are round, may result the blade to slip off the cardboard tube. This may have serious personal injuries as a result. If the blade slips a substantial cut may result.

[0008] Furthermore, at offshore laboratories, or other laboratories which have increased stringency on health and safety requirements, any operation with handheld blades is prohibited. As such, it is currently not possible to remove samples from their tubular container at an offshore testing facility. The only way of acquiring and testing samples at an offshore laboratory, or another facility which has higher safety requirements, is to not package the samples in their containers. In addition, the sampling pace is such that keeping up with sampling on the basis of lab testing is virtually impossible. So even if there is immediate testing available, right after sampling, there is always a need for storage of the samples. As such, data quality, repeatability of testing, and accuracy of the tests are reduced, as a result of the compromised structural integrity of the samples during transportation or storage.

[0009] There is thus a need for an improved approach of cutting the tubular container for holding a soil sample, that increases efficiency and safety.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In one aspect of the invention there is provided a cutting device for cutting a tubular container for holding a soil sample. The cutting device comprises a base plate, a first holder, coupled to the base plate, a second holder, coupled to the base plate, opposite the first holder. The first and second holder together define a volume arranged to at least partially receive the tubular container. The first holder comprises at least one blade, the at least one blade being configured to at least partially protrude into the volume such that the at least one blade is arranged to engage with the tubular container when it is received in the volume. In an example, the second holder comprises at least one blade, the blade being configured to at least partially protrude into the volume such that the blade is arranged to engage with the tubular container when it is received in the volume. The first and second holders in accordance with the present disclosure may be interchangeable. In an example, the base plate may be integrally formed or may be composed of different base plate portions, wherein the base plate portion are configured to be connected to each other. In an example, the first and second holder may be integrally formed. In such an example, the first holder may support one side of the tube, the second holder may support the opposing side of the tube. In such an example, the first and second holder may be formed of a single continuous unit. In an example, the first and second holder are both integrally formed with a first and second base plate, respectively, such that the first and second base plate may engage with one another.

[0011] The invention of the present disclosure allows for a safe, fast, and reliable way of providing a circumferential cut in the tubular container for holding the soil sample. In an example of the present disclosure, the volume is a demi-cylinder-shaped volume, corresponding to the shape of a tubular container for holding a soil sample. The first and second holders each have an inner surface abutting the volume. The inner surfaces of the first and second holders define an arc shaped circumference, for example half a circle. In an example, the first and second holders define a demi-cylinder-shaped volume such that the tubular container can be provided into the volume from above. That is, the opening defined by an upper region of the first and second holders is wide enough to allow the tubular container to be slid into the volume.

[0012] The first and second holder support the tubular container when it is inserted into the volume. The first and second holder do not necessarily provide a continuous support for the tubular container. The first and second holder may define a space between them. The first and second holder may define a plurality of apertures. The cutting device may have a third, or further, holders. For example, the cutting device may have a third holder provided between the first and second holder and arranged to rigidly support the tubular container for holding a soil sample, such that the first and second holders only provide lateral support to the tubular container.

[0013] The blade at least partially protrudes into the volume such that, when a container is placed inside the volume, the blade engages with a surface region of the tubular container. When the container is rotated, the protruding blade provides a circumferential cut into the tubular container around its circumference.

[0014] In an example, the blade is a circular blade. In an example, the cutting device further comprises a drive system, arranged to rotate the tubular container around a longitudinal axis. In an example, the drive system is electrically operated. In an example, the drive system comprises a wheel which is arranged to engage with the tubular container such that the friction between the tubular container and the wheel rotate the tubular container.

[0015] In an example, the circular blade is rotationally coupled to the first holder on an axle mounted to the first holder.

[0016] The blade being rotationally coupled allows the blade to rotate while the tubular container is rotated in the cutting device. In an example, the circular blade is rotationally fixed in relation to the first holder, such that the blade does not rotate when the tubular container is rotated. As a result, the blade surface has a relative motion to the surface of the tubular container, allowing for a cutting motion between the blade and the surface.

[0017] In an example, the first holder is moveably coupled to the base plate. In an example, the second holder is moveably coupled to the base plate.

[0018] In an example, the first holder is coupled to the base plate through a slotted connection between the first holder and the base plate, such that the first holder is moveable away from and towards the second holder.

[0019] Moving the first holder in relation to the second holder allows the size of the volume to be adapted such that tubular containers of different sizes may be cut. In an example, the second holder is coupled to the base plate through a slotted connection between the second holder and the base plate, such that the second holder is moveable away from and towards the first holder.

[0020] In an example, the cutting device further comprises a fastening unit, arranged to lock the first holder to the base plate. In an example, the fastening unit is arranged to lock the second holder to the base plate.

[0021] In an example, the cutting device further comprises at least one roller provided in the first holder, arranged to support the tubular container of the soil sample.

[0022] In an example, the cutting device further comprises at least one roller provided in the second holder, arranged to support the tubular container of the soil sample.

[0023] In an example, the first and second holders comprise laterally spaced sidewalls.

[0024] In an example, the cutting device comprises at least one roller provided between the laterally spaced sidewalls of the first or second holders.

[0025] In an example, the second holder comprises at least one additional blade, the additional blade at least partially protruding into the demi -cylinder-shaped volume such that the additional blade is arranged to engage with the tubular container of the soil sample when it is received in the demi-cylinder-shaped volume.

[0026] The provision of at least one additional blade in the second holder allows the rotation of the tubular contained to be executed two ways, while limiting the risk of the tubular container being moved upwards, out of the demi-cylindrical volume.

[0027] In an example, the cutting device further comprises a top clamp, the top clamp being rotationally coupled to the first or second holder, the top clamp defining an open and a closed position, wherein in the open position the top clamp is moved away from the volume, allowing the tubular container to be moved into the volume, and wherein in the closed position the top clamp covers the volume, such that the tubular container is maintained in the volume.

[0028] In an example, the cutting device further comprises a fastening unit coupled to the base plate, the fastening unit being arranged to releasably couple the cutting device to a supporting surface.

[0029] The supporting surface may be a workbench, a table, or any other surface. The fastening unit may comprise a clamping mechanism. The fastening unit may be a plurality of suction cups. The fastening unit may be a Velcro bottom, which may be coupled to a corresponding section on the supporting surface. The fastening unit may be a plurality of protruding pins, which are arranged to be received in a corresponding aperture in the supporting surface. In an alternative example, the fastening unit may be a plurality of apertures, arranged to receive protruding pins from the supporting surface.

[0030] In an example, the blade is retractable, such that lateral movement of the tubular container is allowed when the blade is retracted.

[0031] In an example, the first or second holder comprises an adjustment unit, arranged to alter the position of the blade in relation to the volume. In an example, the blade is coupled to a worm drive. In an example, the worm drive is coupled to the first or second holder such that rotation of the worm drive pushes the blade further into the volume. In an example, the worm drive is coupled to the base plate. In an example, the blade is moveable in relation to the first holder. In an example, the blade may be pushed further into the volume by an adjustment unit. In an example, the blade is coupled to a spring loaded adjustment unit.

[0032] In an example, the blade may be supported by a spring-loaded mechanism, such that the blade is forced against the tubular container. When the blade is retracted, the force exerted to retract the blade is provided against the spring of the spring -loaded mechanism. The blade may be locked in the retracted position such that the tubular container is able to move freely in a longitudinal direction. In an example, the cutting device comprises a longitudinal blade, arranged to protrude into the volume such that the longitudinal blade can provide a longitudinal cut to the tubular container. That way, two circumferential cuts can be made, and while moving the tubular container from a first position for the first circumferential cut to a second position for the second circumferential cut, a longitudinal cut is made by the longitudinal blade. As such, when the tubular container is lifted out of the cutting device, a section of the container is cut along two opposing peripheries and along a longitudinal section in between the two circumferential cuts and the section of container can be peeled of the soil sample. In an example, a plurality of longitudinal blades may be provided. In an example, the longitudinal blade is provided on the first holder or the second holder. In an example, the longitudinal blade is retractable to allow rotation of the tubular container when the longitudinal blade is not engaged with the container.

[0033] In one aspect of the invention there is provided a method for cutting a tubular container for holding a soil sample. The method comprises the steps of providing a tubular container holding a soil sample and providing a cutting device according to any of the examples in this disclosure. The tubular container is placed in the cutting device, such that the blade engages with the surface of the tubular container. The tubular container is rotated such that the blade cuts the container around a circumference of the tubular container.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the invention showing the cutting device; and

[0036] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the invention showing the cutting device with a tubular container provided in the cutting device.DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The following is a description of certain embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the drawings.

[0038] Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. A reference to an embodiment in the present disclosure can be a reference to the same embodiment or any other embodiment. Such references thus relate to at least one of the embodiments herein.

[0039] Reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “one example” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separateor alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.

[0040] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and no special significance should be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. In some cases, synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any example term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

[0041] Without intent to limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.

[0042] Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or can be learned by the practice of the principles set forth herein.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, an isometric view of one embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the cutting device 1 is depicted. FIG. 2 is a similar isometric view of one embodiment of the invention showing the cutting device with a tubular container provided in the cutting device. Reference is made simultaneous to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in this description. Features may be combined regardless of their description in light of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 in the following description.

[0044] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a cutting device 1 for cutting a tubular container 100 for holding a soil sample. The cutting device 1 comprises a base plate 2. The cutting device 1 further comprises a first holder 3, which is coupled to the base plate 2. The cutting device 1 comprises a second holder 4, coupled to the base plate 2, opposite the first holder.

[0045] The first holder 3 and second holder 4 together defining a volume 5 arranged to at least partially receive the tubular container 100. The first holder 3 comprises at least one blade 6, the blade 6 at least partially protruding into the volume 5 such that the blade 6 is arranged to engage with the tubular container 100 when it is received in the volume 5.

[0046] The blade 6 is a circular blade 6 in the shown example and is rotationally coupled to the first holder 3 on an axle 7 mounted to the first holder 3. In the shown example, the second holder 4 is moveablycoupled to the base plate 2. The second holder 4 is coupled to the base plate 2 via a slotted connection 8, not shown in FIG. 2. The slotted connection 8 is provided orthogonally to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tubular container 100 as shown in FIG. 2, such that the base plate 2 and the second holder 4 define an opposing movement which widens or narrows such that different diameters of tubular containers 100 can be accommodated. The cutting device 1 comprises a fastening unit 9 which is arranged to lock the second holder 4 in relation to the base plate 2.

[0047] The cutting device 1 comprises at least one roller 10. The roller 10 is provided in the first holder 3 and in the second holder 4 in the shown example. The roller 10 may also be separately supported on the base plate, without having a structural connection to the first holder 3 or the second holder 4.

[0048] The first holder 3 defines laterally spaced sidewalls 31. The second holder 4 similarly comprises laterally spaced sidewalls 41. In the shown example, the rollers 10 are provided between the laterally spaced sidewalls 31, 41, defined by the first holder 3 and the second holder 4, respectively.

[0049] The invention has been described by reference to certain embodiments discussed above. It will be recognized that these embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms well known to those of skill in the art. For example, it will be understood that in some embodiments the base plate may be integrally formed, whereas in other embodiments the base plate may comprise at least a first base plate portion coupled to the first holder, and a second base plate portion coupled to the second holder. Such base plate portions may be integrally formed with the first holder and second holder, respectively.

[0050] Further modifications in addition to those described above may be made to the structures and techniques described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, these are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cutting device for cutting a tubular container for holding a soil sample, the device comprising:a base plate;a first holder, coupled to the base plate;a second holder, coupled to the base plate, opposite the first holder;the first and second holder together defining a volume arranged to at least partially receive the tubular container;wherein the first holder comprises at least one blade, the at least one blade being configured to at least partially protrude into the volume such that the at least one blade is arranged to engage with the tubular container when it is received in the volume.

2. The cutting device of claim 1, wherein the blade is a circular blade.

3. The cutting device of claim 2, wherein the circular blade is rotationally coupled to the first holder on an axle mounted to the first holder.

4. The cutting device of any preceding claim, wherein the first holder is moveably coupled to the base plate.

5. The cutting device of claim 4, wherein the first holder is coupled to the base plate through a slotted connection between the first holder and the base plate, such that the first holder is moveable away from and towards the second holder.

6. The cutting device of claim 4 or 5, further comprising a fastening unit, arranged to lock the first holder to the base plate.

7. The cutting device of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one roller provided in the first holder, arranged to support the tubular container of the soil sample.

8. The cutting device of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one roller provided in the second holder, arranged to support the tubular container of the soil sample.

9. The cutting device of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second holders comprise laterally spaced sidewalls.

10. The cuting device of claim 9, wherein the cuting device comprises at least one roller provided between the laterally spaced sidewalls of the first or second holders.

11. The cuting device of any preceding claim, wherein the second holder comprises at least one additional blade, the additional blade being configured to at least partially protrude into the volume such that the additional blade is arranged to engage with the tubular container of the soil sample when it is received in the demi-cylinder-shaped volume.

12. The cuting device of any preceding claim, further comprising a top clamp, the top clamp being rotationally coupled to the first or second holder, the top clamp defining an open and a closed position, wherein in the open position the top clamp is moved away from the volume, allowing the tubular container to be moved into the volume, and wherein in the closed position the top clamp covers the volume, such that the tubular container is maintained in the volume.

13. The cuting device of any preceding claim, further comprising a fastening unit coupled to the base plate, the fastening unit being arranged to releasably couple the cuting device to a supporting surface.

14. The cuting device of any preceding claim, wherein the blade is retractable, such that lateral movement of the tubular container is allowed when the blade is retracted.

15. Method for cuting a tubular container for holding a soil sample, the method comprising the steps of:a. providing a tubular container holding a soil sample;b. providing a cuting device according to any of the preceding claims;c. placing the tubular container in the cuting device, such that the blade engages with the surface of the tubular container;d. rotating the tubular container such that the blade cuts the container around a circumference of the tubular container.

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