Patents by Inventor Duane B. McKee
Duane B. McKee 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).
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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: 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: 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: 20190369077Abstract: 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: August 20, 2019Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventor: Duane B. McKee
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Publication number: 20190310236Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2019Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: Elijah Lyle SCOTT, Steven Collin SEWELL, Duane B. McKEE
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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: 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
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Publication number: 20180202929Abstract: 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: October 26, 2017Publication date: July 19, 2018Applicant: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Elijah Lyle SCOTT, Duane B. McKEE, Steven Collin SEWELL
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Publication number: 20180120281Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Elijah Lyle SCOTT, Steven Collin SEWELL, Duane B. McKEE
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Patent number: 9835554Abstract: 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: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Duane B. McKee, Steven Collin Sewell
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Patent number: 9689855Abstract: 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: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Steven Collin Sewell, Duane B. McKee
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Publication number: 20170176183Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2016Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Ashley Steinbach, Duane B. McKee
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Publication number: 20160146777Abstract: 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: November 10, 2015Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventor: Duane B. McKee
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Publication number: 20160139101Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2015Publication date: May 19, 2016Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Steven Collin Sewell, Duane B. McKee
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Publication number: 20160139070Abstract: 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: November 10, 2015Publication date: May 19, 2016Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Duane B. McKee, Steven Collin Sewell
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Patent number: 7832295Abstract: A submersible water monitoring probe assembly including: a cam-twist type interconnect mechanism; flexible PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) having flexible ribbon cable sandwiched between layers of an elongated circuit board, the ribbon cable extending outwardly from each end of the board and along an elongated probe-body; internal gas-permeable and generally liquid impermeable barrier assembly disposed within the cam-twist inter-connect mechanism between the elongated PCBA housed within the probe-body and an electrical connector of the cam-twist interconnect mechanism; and if used, a vented cable assembly, or other means of transmitting sensor data collected by sensing circuitry within a submersed probe-end. Also, an extender assembly for use with the submersible probe. At each end portion of the extender assembly is either a male cam-twist type interconnect piece or a female cam-twist type interconnect piece. The length-extender assembly may be electrically adapted to house one or more battery cells.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.Inventors: Dustin S. Rodriguez, Bruce A. Barker, Duane B. McKee