US4287472A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for measuring the thickness of an ice sheet
Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
•
Filing: 1980-03-03
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Granted: 1981-09-01
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Expires: 2000-03-03
Abstract
Abstract A method for measuring the thickness of an ice sheet is disclosed. The resistance of an electric circuit embedded in an ice sheet floating at the surface of a body of water is measured. A relationship between the measured electric resistance and the ice sheet thickness is possible because sea ice has a much larger resistance than sea water and, therefore, acts as an insulator. Thus, the resistance of the circuit is altered by the vertical location of the water's surface on the circuit.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert B. Pan
- 👤 John S. Templeton, III
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 14:50
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B7/00; G01B7/02; G01B7/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A method for measuring the thickness of an ice sheet floating at the surface of a body of water with a circuit whose resistance is a function of the length of the circuit embedded in the ice, said method comprising the steps of: (a) transmitting an electric current through the circuit; (b) measuring the electric resistance of the circuit as the current passes through the circuit; and (c) determining the thickness of the ice sheet by correlating the measured resistance of the circuit with predetermined calibrated ice thickness values.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
A method for measuring the thickness of an ice sheet floating at the surface of a body of water with a circuit whose resistance is a function of the length of the circuit embedded in the ice, said method comprising the steps of: (a) transmitting an electric current through the circuit; (b) measuring the electric resistance of the circuit as the current passes through the circuit; and (c) determining the thickness of the ice sheet by correlating the measured resistance of the circuit with predetermined calibrated ice thickness values.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the circuit extends through the ice sheet so that at least a portion of the circuit contacts the water below the ice sheet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein steps (b) and (c) are performed continuously over a predetermined length of time to monitor continuously the thickness of the ice sheet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the thickness of the ice sheet is at least one foot.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for measuring the thickness of an ice sheet floating at the surface of a body of water with a circuit whose resistance is a function of the length of the circuit embedded in the ice, said method comprising the steps of: (a) placing the circuit through the surface of the body of water before the ice sheet begins to form; (b) transmitting an electric current through the circuit; (c) measuring the electric resistance of the circuit as the current passes through the circuit; and (d) determining the thickness of the ice sheet by correlating the measured resistance of the circuit with predetermined calibrated ice thickness values.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for measuring the thickness of an ice sheet floating at the surface of a body of water with a circuit whose resistance is a function of the length of the circuit embedded in the ice, said method comprising the steps of: (a) placing the circuit through the surface of the body of water before the ice sheet begins to form; (b) transmitting an electric current through the circuit; (c) measuring the electric resistance of the circuit as the current passes through the circuit; and (d) determining the thickness of the ice sheet by correlating the measured resistance of the circuit with predetermined calibrated ice thickness values.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 5 wherein steps (b), (c) and (d) are continuously performed over a predetermined length of time to continuously monitor the thickness of the ice sheet.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
133 words
A method for measuring the thickness of an ice sheet floating at the surface of a body of water with a circuit resistance is a function of the length of the circuit embedded in the ice, said method comprising the steps of: (a) excavating a hole through the ice sheet; (b) inserting the circuit into the hole; (c) allowing ice to form within the hole between the circuit and the ice sheet so that at least a portion of the circuit is embedded within the ice sheet; (d) transmitting an electric current through the circuit; (e) measuring the electric resistance of the circuit as the current passes through the circuit; and (f) determining the thickness of the ice sheet by correlating the measured resistance of the circuit with predetermined calibrated ice thickness values.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
133 words
A method for measuring the thickness of an ice sheet floating at the surface of a body of water with a circuit resistance is a function of the length of the circuit embedded in the ice, said method comprising the steps of: (a) excavating a hole through the ice sheet; (b) inserting the circuit into the hole; (c) allowing ice to form within the hole between the circuit and the ice sheet so that at least a portion of the circuit is embedded within the ice sheet; (d) transmitting an electric current through the circuit; (e) measuring the electric resistance of the circuit as the current passes through the circuit; and (f) determining the thickness of the ice sheet by correlating the measured resistance of the circuit with predetermined calibrated ice thickness values.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 7 wherein steps (d), (e) and (f) are continuously performed over a predetermined length of time to continuously monitor the thickness of the ice sheet.
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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) | 1984-08-31 | 1985-03-02 | 1985-09-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-08-31 | 1989-03-02 | 1989-09-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-08-31 | 1993-03-02 | 1993-09-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |