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US4227246A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Multi-parameter measurement system for fluids
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1978-11-06
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Granted: 1980-10-07
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Expires: 1998-11-06
Abstract
Abstract There is provided a multi-parameter, self-contained, programmable, microcomputer-controlled monitoring system for the measurement of physical and chemical properties of water and other fluids. Data are stored within a sensor packge according to a chosen format and schedule. Oceanographic and limnological data are thus gathered without need of umbilical power and/or data links to external devices. A programming and interpreting device provides analytic interface with the sensor packge for logic input and data readout. Program-controlled analog/digital conversion yields constants for calibration of sensors which leads to freedom from measurement drift as well as great versatility and accuracy.
Inventors
- 👤 Warren T. Vaughan, III
- 👤 Gordon MacDonnell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 05:58
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F15/00; G01F15/06; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/18; G01N33/1886
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
68 words
A self-contained, independent probe control unit for monitoring at least one parameter of a fluid, comprising: (a) a housing immersible in the fluid; (b) means, connected to said housing, for sensing the parameter and providing output parameter data; (c) programmable, microcomputer control means, supported in said housing, for processing the output data from said sensing meas; and (d) means, supported in said housing, for storing the processed data.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
A self-contained, independent probe control unit for monitoring at least one parameter of a fluid, comprising: (a) a housing immersible in the fluid; (b) means, connected to said housing, for sensing the parameter and providing output parameter data; (c) programmable, microcomputer control means, supported in said housing, for processing the output data from said sensing meas; and (d) means, supported in said housing, for storing the processed data.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A probe control unit according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes means for automatically reprogramming said control means in response to the output data from said sensing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A probe control unit according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes means for independently operating said sensing means, said control means and said storing means from the time said housing is immersed in the fluid to the time said housing is recovered for access to the stored data.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
A probe control unit according to claim 1, wherein said control means and said storing means include means for gathering and storing data independent of imbilical power or data links from above the surface of the fluid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A probe control unit according to claim 1, further including batteries stored in said housing for supplying power for the unit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A probe control unit according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes means for automatically calibrating said sensing means during unit monitoring.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A probe control unit according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes means for eliminating drift and degradation of the output data from said sensing means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A probe control unit according to clam 1, wherein said sensing means includes an analog probe.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A probe control unit according to clam 1, wherein said sensing means includes an analog probe.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
A probe control unit according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes means for computing information based on the output data from said sensing means, said storing means including means for storing the computed information.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
A probe control unit according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes software for measuring and analyzing the output data from said sensing means.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
127 words
A system for monitoring at least one parameter of a fluid, comprising: (a) a self-contained, independent probe control unit for monitoring at least one parameter of a fluid, including (i) a housing immersible in the fluid; (ii) means, connected to said housing, for sensing the parameter and providing output parameter data; (iii) programmable, microcomputer control means, supported in said housing, for processing the output data from said sensing means; and (iv) means, supported in said housing for storing the processed data; and (b) an interpreter unit locatable above the surface of the fluid and including means for programming said control means to initiate processing of the data under a predetermined condition, said probe control unit and said interpreter unit being independent of each other during system monitoring.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
127 words
A system for monitoring at least one parameter of a fluid, comprising: (a) a self-contained, independent probe control unit for monitoring at least one parameter of a fluid, including (i) a housing immersible in the fluid; (ii) means, connected to said housing, for sensing the parameter and providing output parameter data; (iii) programmable, microcomputer control means, supported in said housing, for processing the output data from said sensing means; and (iv) means, supported in said housing for storing the processed data; and (b) an interpreter unit locatable above the surface of the fluid and including means for programming said control means to initiate processing of the data under a predetermined condition, said probe control unit and said interpreter unit being independent of each other during system monitoring.
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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) | 1983-10-07 | 1984-04-07 | 1984-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-07 | 1988-04-07 | 1988-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-07 | 1992-04-07 | 1992-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |