US3761713A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of detecting loose rock
Assignee: United States Department of the Interior
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Filing: 1971-07-13
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Granted: 1973-09-25
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Expires: 1991-07-13
Abstract
Abstract A method of detecting loose rock in excavated passages through subterranean structures by an analysis of thermal conditions at the surfaces of said passages measured with infrared responsive instruments.
Inventors
- 👤 R Merrill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:36
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V9/00; G01V9/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
A method for identifying the presence of discontinuities within the physical structure of an underground mass of basically solid natural substances, said mass having an indeterminate thickness from a surface thereof which defines a subterranean passage through said mass from within which said surface is exposed to optical observation, and said mass being further characterized by thermal conditions there in which are significantly affected by temperature and flow properties of a fluid environment within said passage which is at said exposed surface, comprising directing a sensing part of a thermal condition detector from within said passage at predetermined areas of said exposed surface, and activating said part thereat so as to chart for each such area a pattern of indicia representing thermal conditions over said exposed surface thereof which are indicative of said affected thermal conditions of said mass whereby distinguishable indica variations appearing in said patterns are determinative of said discontinuities in said mass.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
155 words
A method for identifying the presence of discontinuities within the physical structure of an underground mass of basically solid natural substances, said mass having an indeterminate thickness from a surface thereof which defines a subterranean passage through said mass from within which said surface is exposed to optical observation, and said mass being further characterized by thermal conditions there in which are significantly affected by temperature and flow properties of a fluid environment within said passage which is at said exposed surface, comprising directing a sensing part of a thermal condition detector from within said passage at predetermined areas of said exposed surface, and activating said part thereat so as to chart for each such area a pattern of indicia representing thermal conditions over said exposed surface thereof which are indicative of said affected thermal conditions of said mass whereby distinguishable indica variations appearing in said patterns are determinative of said discontinuities in said mass.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-24 | 1977-03-26 | 1977-09-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-24 | 1981-03-26 | 1981-09-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-24 | 1985-03-26 | 1985-09-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |