Van Veen grab sampler

The Van Veen grab sampler is an instrument to sample sediment in water environments.

The sampler[1] was invented by Johan van Veen (a Dutch engineer) in 1933.

While letting the instrument down into the water, the two levers with buckets at their ends are spread like an open scissor.

When the rope is pulled upward again, the two buckets close and grab a sample from the sea floor.

[2] Three small technical changes lead to variations with more mechanical parts or structure:

Closed Van Veen grab sampler