Patents by Inventor Alan T. Gardner

Alan T. Gardner has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8825430
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein related to measuring hydraulic parameters across a surface water-aquifer interface. In particular, the systems include a pressure differential sensor within a watertight housing. The pressure differential sensor has two inlets, one of which is connected to a piezometer located in an aquifer, and the other of which is connected to a surface water body. A solenoid valve allows the systems to switch between a first, measurement configuration and a second, calibration configuration. A pump and a conductivity-temperature sensor enable a third and fourth configuration for measuring the electrical conductivity and temperature of surface water and groundwater. The collected data is then locally stored or transmitted wirelessly. The low-power components and calibration capabilities of the systems allow for long-term deployment, on the order of six months or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Ann E. Mulligan, Alan T. Gardner, Terence Hammar, Charles Harvey, Harold F. Hemond
  • Publication number: 20100198547
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein related to measuring hydraulic parameters across a surface water-aquifer interface. In particular, the systems include a pressure differential sensor within a watertight housing. The pressure differential sensor has two inlets, one of which is connected to a piezometer located in an aquifer, and the other of which is connected to a surface water body. A solenoid valve allows the systems to switch between a first, measurement configuration and a second, calibration configuration. A pump and a conductivity-temperature sensor enable a third and fourth configuration for measuring the electrical conductivity and temperature of surface water and groundwater. The collected data is then locally stored or transmitted wirelessly. The low-power components and calibration capabilities of the systems allow for long-term deployment, on the order of six months or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION
    Inventors: Ann E. Mulligan, Alan T. Gardner, Terence Hammar, Charles Harvey, Harold F. Hemond