Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A multi-channel pipe for monitoring groundwater and the like at one or more subsurface aquifer levels, said multi-channel pipe comprising: a longitudinally extending outer wall defining an interior volume; a longitudinally extending interior element further comprising a central core coaxial with the outer wall and radial segments extending between the core and outer wall, said interior element dividing the interior volume into multiple continuous channels defined in part by the outer wall, wherein at least two of the continuous channels each include a monitoring port opening through the outer wall, each of said two channels having its monitoring port at an aquifer level different from the aquifer level of other channels, so that each channel communicates between the surface and its own aquifer level; and means for plugging each of said two channels below the respective monitoring port of each channel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
A multi-channel pipe for monitoring groundwater and the like at one or more subsurface aquifer levels, said multi-channel pipe comprising: a longitudinally extending outer wall defining an interior volume; a longitudinally extending interior element further comprising a central core coaxial with the outer wall and radial segments extending between the core and outer wall, said interior element dividing the interior volume into multiple continuous channels defined in part by the outer wall, wherein at least two of the continuous channels each include a monitoring port opening through the outer wall, each of said two channels having its monitoring port at an aquifer level different from the aquifer level of other channels, so that each channel communicates between the surface and its own aquifer level; and means for plugging each of said two channels below the respective monitoring port of each channel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A multi-channel pipe according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring port is covered with a filter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A multi-channel pipe according to claim 1, wherein the interior element divides the pipe into eight channels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A multi-channel pipe according to claim 1, further including means for coupling sections of pipe lengthwise to each other.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A multi-channel pipe according to claim 4, wherein the coupling means comprises a separate element between the pipe sections.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
A multi-channel pipe according to claim 5, where the coupling means comprises a plurality of hollow couplings, each coupling having a first end sealingly insertable into a channel of one pipe section, and an opposite end sealingly insertable into a corresponding channel of a second pipe section.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A multi-channel pipe according to claim 6, wherein the plugging means comprises a plug insertable into one of the couplings.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
A multi-channel pipe according to claim 1, further comprising: an inflatable packer supported on the pipe and capable of sealing a drill hole around the pipe when inflated, and means for inflating the packer when the pipe is placed in the drill hole.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A multi-channel pipe according to claim 8, wherein the packer comprises a circumferential flexible membrane encircling the pipe and attached thereto by circumferential bands.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
A multi-channel pipe according to claim 9, wherein the inflating means comprises one of the channels of the pipe and an inflation port communicating with the channel of the inflating means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A multi-channel pipe according to claim 10, wherein the inflating means further comprises check valve means for preventing deflation of the packer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
A multi-channel pipe according to claim 11, wherein the check valve means comprises a circumferential flexible membrane arranged between the outer wall and the packer and covering the inflation port.