Patents Assigned to Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution
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Publication number: 20210072137Abstract: A system for the differentiation of plastic and non-plastic particles in suspension in a liquid, and the method of use thereof. The system having a channel for constraining and presenting the liquid to a detector, the detector having at least one transmit electrode for emitting electrical current to at least one receive electrode. Circuitry provides the current input and received electrical signals measurement capacities. Particles passing the receive electrodes alter the received electrical current according to the particle's dielectric properties, the circuitry records the received signals and discerns a particle's nature, most often plastic from non-plastic, from the differential signal of these received signals as a function of frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Applicant: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Anna Pauline Miranda Michel, Beckett Colson
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Patent number: 10889475Abstract: A lightweight winch suitable for industrial applications has the motor assembly self-centered with a housing within the winch drum where it may be easily accessed and removed from the winch drum. The winch drum is supported by a bearing means capable of bearing heavy loads in addition to contributing to a compact profile of the winch. The winch comprises an improved, non-load bearing levelwind mechanism for evenly winding cable about the winch drum.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: James A. Haley, Joshua A. Eaton
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Patent number: 10830692Abstract: A high-resolution in situ sensing system and method for providing continuous measurements of at least one dissolved analyte including a sample processing cell having at least a first conduit defining a first passage with at least one selectively-permeable wall capable of passing a portion of the sample liquid into a processing, fluid. The at least one selectively-permeable wall substantially resists flow of another portion of the sample liquid therethrough. Processing fluid is directed through the first conduit while moving the sample liquid and the reagent fluid relative to each other in one of a stationary, concurrent or a countercurrent flow relationship to achieve either partial or full equilibration between the sample liquid and processing fluid to generate at least partially equilibrated reagent fluid and a processed sample in a substantially continuous manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Zhaohui ‘Aleck’ Wang, Frederick N. Sonnichsen
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Patent number: 10691993Abstract: A submersible tag device configured to operate within a liquid medium, including a liquid-tight housing defining a chamber that remains isolated from the liquid medium when the housing is immersed in the liquid medium, and an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a target selected by a user. A communication module is disposed in the chamber, the module including a receiver, a controller configured to receive input from the receiver, a power source operatively connected to at least the controller, and data storage. When the tag device is immersed in the liquid medium, the receiver is configured to receive a command signal through the liquid medium.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2019Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Amy L. Kukulya, Thomas Austin, Frederic Jaffre, Robin Hunter Littlefield
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Patent number: 10683196Abstract: A portable, lightweight, and low relief profile turntable is equipped for the universal mounting of different winches and winch-type apparatus suitable for use on the deck of a ship or other surface. The turntable is capable of mounting to an increased number of potential locations on deck where it may be easily manipulated to achieve a useful direction and an optical fleet angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Joshua A. Eaton, James A. Haley
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Patent number: 10640188Abstract: A passive ballast device, system and method of using same, configured for use with a submersible vehicle in a liquid environment, including a chamber having at least one rigid wall to define at least a portion of a chamber volume, and a passively movable compensator having at least first and second surfaces, the first surface configured to be exposed to the liquid environment, the second surface excluded from the liquid environment, and forming, together with the at least one wall of the chamber, a fluid-tight seal to establish the remainder of the chamber volume, to exclude the liquid environment from the chamber volume and configured to adjust the chamber volume to at least a first chamber volume and a second chamber volume.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Jeffrey Kaeli, Robin Littlefield, Michael Jakuba, Brian Guest
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Patent number: 10611437Abstract: The present invention relates to profiler systems and methods for observing and sensing aspects of a body of water at a plurality of depths. A water profiler is disclosed comprising, generally, a vessel body connected to an external mooring cable via an attachment means, a drive means for maneuvering the vessel body longitudinally about the mooring cable; an articulating mechanism; and a sensor array capable of measuring a parameter for study wherein the vessel body is capable of articulating about the mooring cable. In alternate embodiments, the articulation allows the vessel body to be placed in relation with the three dimensional current such that at least one sensor is positioned into the current so as to sample or measure undisturbed water. In alternate embodiments, hydrofoils or wings are mounted to the vessel body that can be manipulated to harness the current force and maneuver the vessel body.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2016Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: John M. Toole, Kenneth W. Doherty, Jeffrey K. O'Brien, Frederik T. Thwaites
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Publication number: 20200071210Abstract: Described herein is a system to provide continuously measurements of an analyte present in a fluid sample, particularly dissolved oxygen in wastewater. The system comprises a sample chamber absent of ambient light to contain the sample and in many embodiments employs a non-invasive method of measuring the analyte and determining the change over time in the concentration of the analyte. It is also an aspect of the invention to deliver analyte measurements in real-time and provides the operator with feedback in substantially less time after sample collection than previously accomplished in the field. It is another aspect of the invention to simultaneously or at least in a substantially short period of time thereafter measure temperature to remove initial error encountered at the start of analyte measurement at least until the sample chamber reaches thermal equilibrium.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Applicant: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: BENJAMIN VAN MOOY, PAUL D. FUCILE, GLENN E. MCDONALD
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Patent number: 10488344Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the early detection of harmful algal blooms. The system employs the ability of whole cell non-contact micro Raman spectroscopy to detect cell pigmentation in such a way that distinct patterns or fingerprints can be assembled. Light field microscopy will provide a fundamentally innovative increase in image and sample volume. Furthermore, darkfield microscopy is employed to capture high-resolution, color images of the detected plankton to increase the accuracy of species identification and classification. Together, this new instrument will provide a powerful yet elegantly simple solution to detection of HAB cells and characterization of environmental conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventor: Scott M. Gallager
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Patent number: 10486991Abstract: Described herein is a system to provide continuously measurements of an analyte present in a fluid sample, particularly dissolved oxygen in wastewater. The system comprises a sample chamber absent of ambient light to contain the sample and in many embodiments employs a non-invasive method of measuring the analyte and determining the change over time in the concentration of the analyte. It is also an aspect of the invention to deliver analyte measurements in real-time and provides the operator with feedback in substantially less time after sample collection than previously accomplished in the field. It is another aspect of the invention to simultaneously or at least in a substantially short period of time thereafter measure temperature to remove initial error encountered at the start of analyte measurement at least until the sample chamber reaches thermal equilibrium.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Benjamin Van Mooy, Paul D. Fucile, Glenn E. McDonald
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Patent number: 10375939Abstract: A retrieval system and methods of preparing and using same to retrieve underwater objects from a selected depth, including a flotation device having at least a selected amount of buoyancy, a release mechanism that is capable of releasably engaging an anchor, and a controller to actuate the release mechanism when a selected condition is achieved. The system further includes a spool assembly having a frame for carrying (i) the floatation device, (ii) the release mechanism, (iii) the controller and (iv) in combination with the flotation device, a quantity of pre-wound line having a length greater than the selected depth.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: James Partan, Keenan Ball
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Patent number: 10337997Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the early detection of harmful algal blooms. The system employs the ability of whole cell non-contact micro Raman spectroscopy to detect cell pigmentation in such a way that distinct patterns or fingerprints can be assembled. Light field microscopy will provide a fundamentally innovative increase in image and sample volume. Furthermore, darkfield microscopy is employed to capture high-resolution, color images of the detected plankton to increase the accuracy of species identification and classification. Together, this new instrument will provide a powerful yet elegantly simple solution to detection of HAB cells and characterization of environmental conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventor: Scott M. Gallager
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Publication number: 20190161777Abstract: A method comprising a series of selective extraction techniques for the parallel production of biodiesel and isolation of several valuable co-products including an alkenone hydrocarbon mixture of the kerosene/jet fuel range (primarily C10-, C12-, and C17-hydrocarbons) and fucoxanthin, a high-valued carotenoid, from the marine alkenone-producing microalgae Isochrysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2019Publication date: May 30, 2019Applicants: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION, WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORYInventors: CHRISTOPHER M. REDDY, GREGORY W. O'NEIL, SCOTT R. LINDELL
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Patent number: 10303995Abstract: A submersible tag device configured to operate within a liquid medium, including a liquid-tight housing defining a chamber that remains isolated from the liquid medium when the housing is immersed in the liquid medium, and an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a target selected by a user. A communication module is disposed in the chamber, the module including a receiver, a controller configured to receive input from the receiver, a power source operatively connected to at least the controller, and data storage. When the tag device is immersed in the liquid medium, the receiver is configured to receive a command signal through the liquid medium.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Amy L. Kukulya, Thomas Austin, Frederic Jaffre
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Patent number: 10267783Abstract: Submersible technology capable of sampling and evaluating suspended particulate materials, including living and dead organisms, is disclosed herein. In addition to fluorescent imaging and analysis, the invention provides automated cell staining, cell sorting, particulate concentration, and organism recovery and preservation. These new technologies may be incorporated into a traditional “fully vertical flow path” cytometer configuration most suitable for anchored or suspended stationary embodiments, or in a novel modularized “low relief” configuration, suitable for integration into or on a submersible aquatic vehicle or in other low clearance installations, where it is important to limit the vertical height of the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Robert J. Olson, Heidi M. Sosik
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Patent number: 10222688Abstract: The innovative systems and methods described herein use a high-resolution imaging microscope for capturing images of marine microorganisms and particles in situ in an aquatic environment. Using darkfield illumination, high-resolution images may be obtained, capturing features of the microorganism or particle as small as 10 ?m in remarkable clarity. Utilizing an open flow-through approach in sample imaging, the delicate structures of the plankton and particles may be imaged completely intact without damage and in their natural orientation. The images can be classified at high accuracy based on physiological and morphological information captured in the image including features as fine as 1 ?m. The disclosed classification method utilizes adaptable training sets of taxonomic categories and a novel method of discerning in-focus targets, providing a highly accurate identification system.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventor: Scott M. Gallager
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Patent number: 10208321Abstract: A method comprising a series of selective extraction techniques for the parallel production of biodiesel and isolation of several valuable co-products including an alkenone hydrocarbon mixture of the kerosene/jet fuel range (primarily C10-, C12-, and C17-hydrocarbons) and fucoxanthin, a high-valued carotenoid, from the marine alkenone-producing microalgae Isochrysis.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignees: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Western Washington UniversityInventors: Christopher M. Reddy, Gregory W. O'Neil
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Publication number: 20180340208Abstract: Described herein is a method for producing and calibrating isotopically labeled peptides for use as standards for a variety of analytical and qualitative purposes. An expression construct, encoding a superprotein comprised of concatenated peptides, proteolysis sensitive sites, a detectable moiety, and optionally, a purification tag, is provided. The quantity of the superprotein and/or peptide is determined using the detectable moiety. The superprotein is subjected to proteolytic digestion and the peptides are isotopically labeled.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2016Publication date: November 29, 2018Applicant: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: MAKOTO SAITO, MATTHEW R. MCILVIN
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Patent number: 10132935Abstract: A monitoring assembly and method to measure selected properties of water or other amorphous medium, including a carrier suitable for immersion in the medium and a sorbent module, held by the carrier and capable of being exposed to medium of interest, having at least one sorbent material capable of capturing at least a first, target item and a second, reference item from the medium during a sampling period. Preferably, a sensor module measures at least one parameter that is associated with the sampling period for the sorbent module.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2015Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventor: Ken O. Buesseler
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Patent number: 10112686Abstract: The present invention involves a system for the release of low relief, self-orienting deployable payloads from a platform such as an underwater vehicle and a mechanism of passive buoyancy compensation of the vehicle. The system secures one or more payloads by a vacuum force without an additional mechanical restraining mechanism and deployment of a payload is accomplished by disengaging the vacuum hold to release the payload for its intended function. Once deployed, the payload may reorient itself to a functional orientation without additional assistance.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionInventors: Thomas Austin, Michael Purcell, Robin Littlefield, Frederic Jaffre, Gwyneth Packard, Glenn McDonald