ChemThief™ is an advanced, patented (U.S Patent 11,280,805) device that enables a robot operator to collect, containerize and transport solid, liquid, and multiphase samples while avoiding exposure of humans to a hazardous environment.

ChemThief™ can collect samples in the open, including soil samples, and pierce light-weight containers with a stainless-steel lance.

ChemThief™ uses a universal gripper mount to function across any robot platform able to carry a five-pound payload. A self-contained battery operates a programmed sequence of movement to collect and then expel the sample material into a container. The sample collection volume is designed to meet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) All Hazards Receipt Facility Screening Protocol of 2-grams of solid or 2-milliliters of liquid. The sample is transported in a non-reactive glass container and non-reactive sealed lid for testing or packaging in a safe, controlled area.

The robot operator controls the action of ChemThief™ through a pulse signal from any robot circuit with 5-24 volts of power. When ChemThief™ receives the pulse, the self-contained 9-volt battery powers a factory programmed cycle of movement. An LED atop ChemThief™ signals cycle status to the operator through robot camera view.

ChemThief™ consists of three main components: collector, container, and base. The collector is held in the gripper with the container attached under the collector with magnets. The foam base is used as a work surface and has a void that allows it to be hung on the collector/container held in the gripper. The three components are designed to be transported in this configuration.

At the sample collection site the non-slip foam base is placed on the floor or ground. The gripper pulls the collector/container assembly from the foam base. The operator maneuvers to place the container portion of the assembly in a void atop the foam base and then performs a sideways movement shears the magnetically attached collector away from the container. ChemThief™ is ready to collect a sample.

The unique cycling movements within ChemThief™ enable the operator to collect and expel the sample into the open glass container on the foam base.

Solid samples are collected using the lance to scoop or core, even through a light container wall, an approximately 2-gram or 2-milliliter sample. Once maneuvered above the container a cycle is initiated and a plunger clears the lance barrel, expelling the solid into the container. This assures a “sticky” solid will not hang up in the lance.

Liquid samples require two cycles. The lance is placed into a liquid so that the opening is immersed either in a pool or through a light container wall or cap. The operator initiates a cycle and liquid is drawn up the lance by a pipet. When the LED indicates the cycle is complete the operator maneuvers the collector above the container and initiates a second cycle that expels the liquid into the container.

Multiphase samples such as sludge, mud, slurry or insoluble solid spilled in a liquid are collected and containerize in the same way liquids are manipulated.

Next, the operator maneuvers the collector over the container. When the collector is close the magnets self-align the units and the container magnets “jump” to meet the collector magnets and the glass dish and sample are sealed from above by a non-reactive foam liner. The sample is now packaged for transport. The foam base may be picked up and transported with the sample or it may be abandoned until later.

In a safe and controlled area, a worker can view the sample through one of four ports in the side of the container unit. Using appropriate personal protective equipment, the same worker can manually shear the container from the collector magnets and test or repackage the sample as needed.

ChemThief™ is completely field- serviceable. All components, including electronics, are field-replaceable and cleanable or are considered consumable, such as foam inserts and polyethylene pipets.

ChemThief™ is designed to be decontam-inated by following a procedure described in the operator manual. Some contaminants, such as chemical warfare agents, may require decontamination efforts that are dangerous or not cost effective compared to some or all ChemThief™ components. Use, maintenance, and decontamination of ChemThief™ are performed solely at the risk of the owner.