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).

  • Patent number: 11668691
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.
    Inventor: Duane B. McKee
  • Publication number: 20210199577
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle SCOTT, Duane B. McKEE, Steven Collin SEWELL
  • Publication number: 20210199636
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane B. McKee
  • Patent number: 10914718
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Steven Collin Sewell, Duane B. McKee
  • Patent number: 10908140
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.
    Inventor: Duane B. McKee
  • Patent number: 10890526
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Duane B. McKee, Steven Collin Sewell
  • Publication number: 20190369077
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventor: Duane B. McKee
  • Publication number: 20190310236
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle SCOTT, Steven Collin SEWELL, Duane B. McKEE
  • Patent number: 10429369
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.
    Inventor: Duane B. McKee
  • Patent number: 10365097
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.
    Inventors: Ashley Steinbach, Duane B. McKee
  • Patent number: 10302616
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Steven Collin Sewell, Duane B. McKee
  • Publication number: 20180202929
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Applicant: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle SCOTT, Duane B. McKEE, Steven Collin SEWELL
  • Publication number: 20180120281
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle SCOTT, Steven Collin SEWELL, Duane B. McKEE
  • Patent number: 9835554
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Duane B. McKee, Steven Collin Sewell
  • Patent number: 9689855
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Steven Collin Sewell, Duane B. McKee
  • Publication number: 20170176183
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Ashley Steinbach, Duane B. McKee
  • Publication number: 20160146777
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventor: Duane B. McKee
  • Publication number: 20160139101
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Steven Collin Sewell, Duane B. McKee
  • Publication number: 20160139070
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Duane B. McKee, Steven Collin Sewell
  • Patent number: 7832295
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin S. Rodriguez, Bruce A. Barker, Duane B. McKee