Patents Assigned to In-Situ, Inc.
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Patent number: 11920987Abstract: Provided herein is a differential temperature sensor which utilizes multiple temperature sensors to quickly and accurately calculate ambient fluid temperature with a reduced response time. The provided systems and methods utilize a first fluid temperature sensor and a second probe temperature sensor to account for the thermal impact of the device on the ambient fluid temperature and the effect of heat within the device, or temperature difference between the probe and fluid temperature, on the first fluid temperature sensor measurement.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Kimbell, Elijah Lyle Scott, Nathan T. Baltz
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Patent number: 11668691Abstract: Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique integrated user interface for ease of set-up and control, service and maintenance, even in the field and without accessory controllers. The necessary components, such as central processing unit, display and accelerometer are positioned in a water-tight housing, with the display configured for convenient observability and readability. A plurality of sensors provide electronic signals to the CPU, such as by a measurement subsystem. Upon a controlled change in orientation or a force application to the sonde, the display via the accelerometer provides a desired output display configuration.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.Inventor: Duane B. McKee
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Publication number: 20230079652Abstract: Provided are load bearing universal adaptors for connecting electrical cables in a watertight configuration. The mechanical advantage associated with wedges in a tapered cavity ensures that load is appropriately transferred to the walls of the wedge housing. In this manner, a load applied to the electrical cable is at least partially provided to the walls of the system rather than acting to pull the cable out of the adaptor, and the object to which the adaptor is connected, such as a terminal block.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2021Publication date: March 16, 2023Applicant: IN-SITU, INC.Inventors: Michael IX, Aaron BEESE, Elijah Lyle SCOTT
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Patent number: 11349251Abstract: Provided are load bearing universal adaptors for connecting electrical cables in a watertight configuration. The mechanical advantage associated with wedges in a tapered cavity ensures that load is appropriately transferred to the walls of the wedge housing and, as the load increases, the gripping force on the electrical cable increases. In this manner, a load applied to the electrical cable is at least partially provided to the walls of the system rather than acting to pull the cable out of the adaptor, and the object to which the adaptor is connected, such as a terminal block.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2021Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Michael Ix, Aaron Beese, Elijah Lyle Scott
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Publication number: 20220163406Abstract: Provided herein is a differential temperature sensor which utilizes multiple temperature sensors to quickly and accurately calculate ambient fluid temperature with a reduced response time. The provided systems and methods utilize a first fluid temperature sensor and a second probe temperature sensor to account for the thermal impact of the device on the ambient fluid temperature and the effect of heat within the device, or temperature difference between the probe and fluid temperature, on the first fluid temperature sensor measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2021Publication date: May 26, 2022Applicant: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin KIMBELL, Elijah Lyle SCOTT, Nathan T. BALTZ
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Patent number: 11181427Abstract: Provided herein is a differential temperature sensor which utilizes multiple temperature sensors to quickly and accurately calculate ambient fluid temperature with a reduced response time. The provided systems and methods utilize a first fluid temperature sensor and a second probe temperature sensor to account for the thermal impact of the device on the ambient fluid temperature and the effect of heat within the device, or temperature difference between the probe and fluid temperature, on the first fluid temperature sensor measurement.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Kimbell, Elijah Lyle Scott, Nathan T. Baltz
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Publication number: 20210265772Abstract: Provided are load bearing universal adaptors for connecting electrical cables in a watertight configuration. The mechanical advantage associated with wedges in a tapered cavity ensures that load is appropriately transferred to the walls of the wedge housing and, as the load increases, the gripping force on the electrical cable increases. In this manner, a load applied to the electrical cable is at least partially provided to the walls of the system rather than acting to pull the cable out of the adaptor, and the object to which the adaptor is connected, such as a terminal block.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Applicant: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Michael IX, Aaron BEESE, Elijah Lyle SCOTT
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Patent number: 11060956Abstract: Provided are low flow groundwater fluid sampling systems and related methods of collecting fluid samples, including a low flow pump, flow cell, waste container and a communication device in communication with those components. In this manner, the low flow pump may be controlled to ensure a desired constant flow-rate is achieved, and a remote operator may monitor the status of fluid being pumped to the flow cell with the communication device, such as with a portable electronic device, including a smart phone. The system may alert the operator that fluid is ready to be collected for sampling, including at an off-site laboratory. Particularly useful applications are for monitoring groundwater quality and contamination.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2020Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.Inventors: Matthew Trumbo, Benjamin Kimbell
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Publication number: 20210199577Abstract: Provided is a cleanable conductivity sensor and related methods having a distal sensing end in which active sensing elements are positioned and an outer fin specially configured to minimize unwanted interference without impacting the ability for automated cleaning of the distal sensing end. A rotatable wiper or brush may be periodically rotated over the distal sensing end, thereby removing unwanted biological build-up and avoiding fouling, thereby increasing the sensor deployment time without active intervention and maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2021Publication date: July 1, 2021Applicant: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Elijah Lyle SCOTT, Duane B. McKEE, Steven Collin SEWELL
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Publication number: 20210199636Abstract: Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique integrated user interface for ease of set-up and control, service and maintenance, even in the field and without accessory controllers. The necessary components, such as central processing unit, display and accelerometer are positioned in a water-tight housing, with the display configured for convenient observability and readability. A plurality of sensors provide electronic signals to the CPU, such as by a measurement subsystem. Upon a controlled change in orientation or a force application to the sonde, the display via the accelerometer provides a desired output display configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2021Publication date: July 1, 2021Applicant: In-Situ, Inc.Inventor: Duane B. McKee
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Patent number: 10989657Abstract: Provided are turbidometers and fluorometers having a unique form-factor to accommodate a number of optical components in a confined geometry. This provides the ability to compensate for change in light intensity from an optical source even in a closed-loop manner. The ability to package reference and signal detectors, along with a relatively large diameter LED light source in a confined geometry is particularly suited for applications requiring small-diameter sensors, such as multi-parameter sonde devices having a total diameter that is in the sub-two inch range.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Nathan T. Baltz, Steven Collin Sewell
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Patent number: 10914718Abstract: Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique form-factor, wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in a tight-fit configuration. This provides a single distal sensing surface and minimal separation distance between adjacent sensors. The sensors may be pie shaped with an interlocking feature to tightly hold the sensors together, with a sensor guard disposed over the outer surface of the interlocked sensors. Sensor-guards disclosed herein may have an integrated sensor storage and sensor guard configuration, thereby avoiding a need for a separate storage cup and that are configured to minimize unwanted biological growth. Also provided are uniquely shaped individual sensors having interlocking features to hold several sensors together in a sonde.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Steven Collin Sewell, Duane B. McKee
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Patent number: 10908140Abstract: Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique integrated user interface for ease of set-up and control, service and maintenance, even in the field and without accessory controllers. The necessary components, such as central processing unit, display and accelerometer are positioned in a water-tight housing, with the display configured for convenient observability and readability. A plurality of sensors provide electronic signals to the CPU, such as by a measurement subsystem. Upon a controlled change in orientation or a force application to the sonde, the display via the accelerometer provides a desired output display configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2019Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.Inventor: Duane B. McKee
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Patent number: 10890526Abstract: Provided is a cleanable conductivity sensor and related methods having a distal sensing end in which active sensing elements are positioned and an outer fin specially configured to minimize unwanted interference without impacting the ability for automated cleaning of the distal sensing end. A rotatable wiper or brush may be periodically rotated over the distal sensing end, thereby removing unwanted biological build-up and avoiding fouling, thereby increasing the sensor deployment time without active intervention and maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Duane B. McKee, Steven Collin Sewell
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Publication number: 20200240878Abstract: Provided are low flow groundwater fluid sampling systems and related methods of collecting fluid samples, including a low flow pump, flow cell, waste container and a communication device in communication with those components. In this manner, the low flow pump may be controlled to ensure a desired constant flow-rate is achieved, and a remote operator may monitor the status of fluid being pumped to the flow cell with the communication device, such as with a portable electronic device, including a smart phone. The system may alert the operator that fluid is ready to be collected for sampling, including at an off-site laboratory. Particularly useful applications are for monitoring groundwater quality and contamination.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Applicant: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Matthew TRUMBO, Benjamin KIMBELL
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Patent number: 10591389Abstract: Provided are low flow groundwater fluid sampling systems and related methods of collecting fluid samples, including a low flow pump, flow cell, waste container and a communication device in communication with those components. In this manner, the low flow pump may be controlled to ensure a desired constant flow-rate is achieved, and a remote operator may monitor the status of fluid being pumped to the flow cell with the communication device, such as with a portable electronic device, including a smart phone. The system may alert the operator that fluid is ready to be collected for sampling, including at an off-site laboratory. Particularly useful applications are for monitoring groundwater quality and contamination.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2019Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.Inventors: Matthew Trumbo, Benjamin Kimbell
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Patent number: 10429369Abstract: Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique integrated user interface for ease of set-up and control, service and maintenance, even in the field and without accessory controllers. The necessary components, such as central processing unit, display and accelerometer are positioned in a water-tight housing, with the display configured for convenient observability and readability. A plurality of sensors provide electronic signals to the CPU, such as by a measurement subsystem. Upon a controlled change in orientation or a force application to the sonde, the display via the accelerometer provides a desired output display configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.Inventor: Duane B. McKee
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Patent number: 10393654Abstract: Provided are turbidometers and fluorometers having a unique form-factor to accommodate a number of optical components in a confined geometry. This provides the ability to compensate for change in light intensity from an optical source even in a closed-loop manner. The ability to package reference and signal detectors, along with a relatively large diameter LED light source in a confined geometry is particularly suited for applications requiring small-diameter sensors, such as multi-parameter sonde devices having a total diameter that is in the sub-two inch range.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.Inventors: Nathan T. Baltz, Steven Collin Sewell
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Patent number: 10365097Abstract: Provided herein are sondes having a pressure sensor that is separated from active sensing portions of the other sonde sensor or sensors by a longitudinal distance along the sonde. The pressure sensor may be positioned in the base portion of the sonde, with removable sensors connected thereto with a sensor plane at a distal end of the sensors that measures any number of parameters associated with the liquid in which the sonde is immersed. An orientation sensor positioned in the base portion determines an orientation angle of the sonde that, in combination with the depth determined at the pressure sensor location by the pressure sensor, provides the ability to determine the actual depth of the sensor plane, irrespective of orientation angle. Accordingly, improved depth measurement is achieved, without having to confine placement of the pressure sensor at the sensor plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.Inventors: Ashley Steinbach, Duane B. McKee
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Patent number: 10302616Abstract: Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique form-factor, wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in a tight-fit configuration. This provides a single distal sensing surface and minimal separation distance between adjacent sensors. The sensors may be pie shaped with an interlocking feature to tightly hold the sensors together, with a sensor guard disposed over the outer surface of the interlocked sensors. Sensor-guards disclosed herein may have an integrated sensor storage and sensor guard configuration, thereby avoiding a need for a separate storage cup and that are configured to minimize unwanted biological growth. Also provided are uniquely shaped individual sensors having interlocking features to hold several sensors together in a sonde.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Steven Collin Sewell, Duane B. McKee