This invention relates to a sampling device. The device includes an elongate separating member having a sampling side and a non-sampling side. One or more through openings extend from the sampling side to the non-sampling side of the elongate member. The separating member is adapted for insertion into a reservoir of particulate material so as to define a sampling zone and a non-sampling zone within the reservoir. A shaft is positioned away from the sampling side and operably associated with the separating member, wherein the shaft is selectively rotatable about its longitudinal axis. One or more sample capturing scoops are attached to the shaft so as to be aligned with a respective opening. The or each scoop has a leading edge, a trailing edge and a cavity for receiving a sample of particulate material. The device is configured such that rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis causes a corresponding rotation of the or each scoop between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the leading edge of the associated scoop is located within the respective opening such that the opening is effectively closed and the remainder of the scoop projects away from the sampling side such that the sampling side of the separating member is free of protuberances during insertion into the reservoir. In the second position, the scoop is positioned on the sampling side and the leading edge of the associated scoop bears against the sampling side of the elongate member, thereby to enclose the sample of particulate material by the rotation of the scoop towards the second position.

This invention relates to a sampling device. The device includes an elongate separating member having a sampling side and a non-sampling side. One or more through openings extend from the sampling side to the non-sampling side of the elongate member. The separating member is adapted for insertion into a reservoir of particulate material so as to define a sampling zone and a non-sampling zone within the reservoir. A shaft is positioned away from the sampling side and operably associated with the separating member, wherein the shaft is selectively rotatable about its longitudinal axis. One or more sample capturing scoops are attached to the shaft so as to be aligned with a respective opening. The or each scoop has a leading edge, a trailing edge and a cavity for receiving a sample of particulate material. The device is configured such that rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis causes a corresponding rotation of the or each scoop between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the leading edge of the associated scoop is located within the respective opening such that the opening is effectively closed and the remainder of the scoop projects away from the sampling side such that the sampling side of the separating member is free of protuberances during insertion into the reservoir. In the second position, the scoop is positioned on the sampling side and the leading edge of the associated scoop bears against the sampling side of the elongate member, thereby to enclose the sample of particulate material by the rotation of the scoop towards the second position.

The present disclosure relates to a humidification-dehumidification desalination system. A humidification subsystem of the humidification-dehumidification desalination system includes a thermal element and a bubble column, in series. The thermal element further comprises a thermal energy storage unit including a phase change material and a thermal conductor. The thermal element can be supplemented by a Fresnel lens canopy. The thermal element and the bubble column of the humidification design are arranged in staircase design such that gravity drives the system.

Sample manipulating tools may comprise a handle portion and a tool portion. A sample spreading tool may comprise a head connected to the handle portion by a pivot connection permitting at least pivotal movement of the tool portion with respect to the handle portion. The head may comprise a perimeter section and a bridge section. Another sample spreading tool may comprise a central element and at least two loop segments connected to the central element with each loop segment having a substantially arcuate shape. A sample picking tool may have a loop section forming a reservoir for receiving a liquid sample and a hook portion fixed to the loop section, with a first end fixed to the loop portion and a second end being a free end. A sample scraping tool may comprise a mounting structure to receive a pipette and a scraper structure having a scraping edge.

Sample manipulating tools may comprise a handle portion and a tool portion. A sample spreading tool may comprise a head connected to the handle portion by a pivot connection permitting at least pivotal movement of the tool portion with respect to the handle portion. The head may comprise a perimeter section and a bridge section. Another sample spreading tool may comprise a central element and at least two loop segments connected to the central element with each loop segment having a substantially arcuate shape. A sample picking tool may have a loop section forming a reservoir for receiving a liquid sample and a hook portion fixed to the loop section, with a first end fixed to the loop portion and a second end being a free end. A sample scraping tool may comprise a mounting structure to receive a pipette and a scraper structure having a scraping edge.

Cuvette, comprising at least one measuring area on each one of two arms that are pivotally connected to each other such that from a swung-apart condition, they can be swung together into a measuring position in which the two measuring areas have a distance for positioning a sample between the measuring areas, and means for positioning the two arms in a measuring position in a cuvette shaft of an optical measuring device with a sample between the two measuring areas in a beam path of the optical measuring device that crosses the cuvette shaft.

Cuvette, comprising at least one measuring area on each one of two arms that are pivotally connected to each other such that from a swung-apart condition, they can be swung together into a measuring position in which the two measuring areas have a distance for positioning a sample between the measuring areas, and means for positioning the two arms in a measuring position in a cuvette shaft of an optical measuring device with a sample between the two measuring areas in a beam path of the optical measuring device that crosses the cuvette shaft.

The laboratory device includes an elongated handle with ergonomic grips. The device has a center recess for a rod to slide or rotate. The blade head attaches at the distal end of the elongated handle. The rod has geared teeth that interact and mesh with the gears on the blade head allowing the user to manipulate the angle of the blade head via rod. The rod in the proximal position of the handle is disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle such that the blade head and handle are positioned for insertion into and removal of a tissue culture vessel. When the rod is moved distally or rotated the blade head position is disposed perpendicularly, acute or obtusely in relationship to the longitudinal axes of the handle such that the blade head provides optimal raking opportunities for the device to collect cell colonies.

The laboratory device includes an elongated handle with ergonomic grips. The device has a center recess for a rod to slide or rotate. The blade head attaches at the distal end of the elongated handle. The rod has geared teeth that interact and mesh with the gears on the blade head allowing the user to manipulate the angle of the blade head via rod. The rod in the proximal position of the handle is disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle such that the blade head and handle are positioned for insertion into and removal of a tissue culture vessel. When the rod is moved distally or rotated the blade head position is disposed perpendicularly, acute or obtusely in relationship to the longitudinal axes of the handle such that the blade head provides optimal raking opportunities for the device to collect cell colonies.

This invention relates to a sampling device comprising a shaft and a sample collection portion removably connected with the shaft, wherein the connection site between the shaft and the sample collection portion is weakened. The invention relates also to a combination of a sampling device comprising a shaft and a removable sample collection portion and a sample vessel configured to receive sample collection portion from the shaft.