Patents by Inventor Robert H. Byrne

Robert H. Byrne 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).

  • Publication number: 20240027356
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for measuring the ionic strengths of the natural water sources. Also disclosed herein are systems used to measure an ionic strength of the natural water sources. More specifically disclosed herein are methods and systems utilizing spectroscopic pH measurements and calculations of the ionic strength as a function of the measured pH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventor: Robert H. Byrne
  • Patent number: 11808710
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for measuring the ionic strengths of the natural water sources. Also disclosed herein are systems used to measure an ionic strength of the natural water sources. More specifically disclosed herein are methods and systems utilizing spectroscopic pH measurements and calculations of the ionic strength as a function of the measured pH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: Robert H. Byrne
  • Publication number: 20210404972
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for measuring the ionic strengths of the natural water sources. Also disclosed herein are systems used to measure an ionic strength of the natural water sources. More specifically disclosed herein are methods and systems utilizing spectroscopic pH measurements and calculations of the ionic strength as a function of the measured pH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventor: Robert H. Byrne
  • Patent number: 10060891
    Abstract: A system and method for the substantially continuous measurement of the total alkalinity of a sample solution, which includes, equilibrating a sample solution and a gas at a chosen CO2 fugacity across a gas permeable membrane, measuring the equilibrium pH of the equilibrated solution in an optical cell using a spectrophotometric pH indicator and calculating the total alkalinity of the solution from the equilibrium pH measurement of the solution and a known partial pressure of CO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Robert H. Byrne, Xuewu Liu
  • Patent number: 8785207
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally a method and apparatus for measuring multiple parameters in-situ in a sample collected from an environmental system via a single device. In one embodiment, the method includes collecting the sample from said environmental system via the single device, measuring a first parameter of the sample in-situ via the single device, adding a reagent tot the sample within the single device to create a reagent infused sample and measuring a second parameter of the sample in-situ via the single device using the reagent infused sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Ryan J. Bell, R. Timothy Short, Strawn K. Toler, Robert H. Byrne
  • Patent number: 8077311
    Abstract: Provided is a flow-through CO2 system for simultaneously measuring surface seawater pH, carbon dioxide fugacity (fCO2), and total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). All measurements are based on spectrophotometric determinations of solution pH at multiple wavelengths using sulfonephthalein indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Robert H. Byrne, Eric Kaltenbacher, Xuewu Liu
  • Patent number: 8071031
    Abstract: A device for the precise and accurate potentiometric pH measurements in situ. Embodiments of a potentiometric device according to the invention consist of one or more glass pH-sensitive electrodes connected to a potentiometer. A key feature of the device is that, rather than being calibrated conventionally with buffers, it can be calibrated with an in situ device that measures pH spectrophotometrically. Spectrophotometric pH measurements obtained via sulfonephthalein absorbance measurements are inherently calibrated (do not require buffers). Thus, devices according to the invention allow for continuous potentiometric pH measurements with occasional spectrophotometric calibrations. The spectrophotometric calibration device consists of a spectrophotometer with associated pumps for combining a sulfonephthalein pH indicator with the aqueous medium whose pH is to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: Robert H. Byrne
  • Patent number: 8012760
    Abstract: A system and associated methodology to directly measure the concentration of carbonate ions in seawater by ultraviolet absorbance spectroscopy. Metal ions are added to seawater and the absorbance spectra of the added ions are measured in the ultraviolet. The spectral absorbance (light attenuation) of ions such as divalent lead or copper in seawater is predominantly determined by the carbonate ion content of seawater. Through a knowledge of (1) the strength of association between carbonate and either divalent lead or divalent copper and (2) the spectral characteristics of these cations in seawater (e.g., Pb2+ complexed solely as PbCO3 and Pb2+ complexed solely in the form of chloride complexes), it is possible to directly determine seawater carbonate ion concentrations from absorbance measurements at a variety of wavelengths in the ultraviolet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: Robert H. Byrne
  • Patent number: 7943391
    Abstract: A device for the precise and accurate potentiometric pH measurements in situ. Embodiments of a potentiometric device according to the invention consist of one or more glass pH-sensitive electrodes connected to a potentiometer. A key feature of the device is that, rather than being calibrated conventionally with buffers, it can be calibrated with an in situ device that measures pH spectrophotometrically. Spectrophotometric pH measurements obtained via sulfonephthalein absorbance measurements are inherently calibrated (do not require buffers). Thus, devices according to the invention allow for continuous potentiometric pH measurements with occasional spectrophotometric calibrations. The spectrophotometric calibration device consists of a spectrophotometer with associated pumps for combining a sulfonephthalein pH indicator with the aqueous medium whose pH is to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: Robert H. Byrne
  • Patent number: 7842507
    Abstract: A system and associated methodology to directly measure the concentration of carbonate ions in seawater by ultraviolet absorbance spectroscopy. Metal ions are added to seawater and the absorbance spectra of the added ions are measured in the ultraviolet. The spectral absorbance (light attenuation) of ions such as divalent lead or copper in seawater is predominantly determined by the carbonate ion content of seawater. Through a knowledge of (1) the strength of association between carbonate and either divalent lead or divalent copper and (2) the spectral characteristics of these cations in seawater (e.g., Pb2+ complexed solely as PbCO3 and Pb2+ complexed solely in the form of chloride complexes), it is possible to directly determine seawater carbonate ion concentrations from absorbance measurements at a variety of wavelengths in the ultraviolet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: Robert H. Byrne
  • Patent number: 7727770
    Abstract: A system and method for spectrophotometrically measuring the total alkalinity of a liquid sample. In a particular aspect, the method involves equilibration of a CO2 gas with a sample solution across the permeable walls of a Teflon AF 2400 liquid core waveguide. The waveguide acts as both an equilibration membrane and an optical cell in which spectrophotometric pH measurements are obtained via measurements of absorbance ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Robert H. Byrne, Eric Kaltenbacher, Xuewu Liu
  • Publication number: 20100070201
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally a method and apparatus for measuring multiple parameters in-situ in a sample collected from an environmental system via a single device. In one embodiment, the method includes collecting the sample from said environmental system via the single device, measuring a first parameter of the sample in-situ via the single device, adding a reagent tot the sample within the single device to create a reagent infused sample and measuring a second parameter of the sample in-situ via the single device using the reagent infused sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: RYAN J. BELL, R. Timothy Short, Strawn K. Toler, Robert H. Byrne
  • Patent number: 7538877
    Abstract: The present invention relates to instruments used to analyze materials with light-absorbing properties and their methods of use. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of adjustable optical filters whereby light-absorption can be measured in more detail and with greater variables than what is currently known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Eric Kaltenbacher, Robert H. Byrne, David P. Fries
  • Patent number: 7453572
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are herein disclosed which utilize a ratio based on a varied angle of incidence of light on an optical fiber analysis system. By calculating the ration of light incident on the sample element, variations in the system parameters which can provide deleterious effects are obviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Andres M. Cardenas-Valencia, Eric T. Steimle, Robert H. Byrne, Melynda Calves
  • Patent number: 7024060
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are herein disclosed which utilize a ratio based on a varied angle of incidence of light on an optical fiber analysis system. By calculating the ration of light incident on the sample element, variations in the system parameters which can provide deleterious effects are obviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Andres M. Cardenas-Valencia, Eric Toby Steimle, Robert H. Byrne, Melynda Calves
  • Publication number: 20040105607
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are herein disclosed which utilize a ratio based on a varied angle of incidence of light on an optical fiber analysis system. By calculating the ration of light incident on the sample element, variations in the system parameters which can provide deleterious effects are obviated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Andres M. Cardenas-Valencia, Eric Toby Steimle, Robert H. Byrne
  • Patent number: 6744045
    Abstract: A portable mass spectrometer for underwater use includes a watertight case having an inlet and means for transforming an analyte gas molecule from a solution phase into a gas phase positioned within the case. Means for directing a fluid to the transforming means from the inlet and means for analyzing the gas-phase analyte molecule to determine an identity thereof are also positioned within the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: David P. Fries, Robert Timothy Short, Robert H. Byrne
  • Patent number: 6727498
    Abstract: A portable mass spectrometer for underwater use includes a watertight case having an inlet and means for transforming an analyte gas molecule from a solution phase into a gas phase positioned within the case. Means for directing a fluid to the transforming means from the inlet and means for analyzing the gas-phase analyte molecule to determine an identity thereof are also positioned within the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: David P. Fries, Robert Timothy Short, Robert H. Byrne
  • Publication number: 20020079442
    Abstract: A portable mass spectrometer for underwater use includes a watertight case having an inlet and means for transforming an analyte gas molecule from a solution phase into a gas phase positioned within the case. Means for directing a fluid to the transforming means from the inlet and means for analyzing the gas-phase analyte molecule to determine an identity thereof are also positioned within the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: David P. Fries, Robert Timothy Short, Robert H. Byrne
  • Publication number: 20020079441
    Abstract: A portable mass spectrometer for underwater use includes a watertight case having an inlet and means for transforming an analyte gas molecule from a solution phase into a gas phase positioned within the case. Means for directing a fluid to the transforming means from the inlet and means for analyzing the gas-phase analyte molecule to determine an identity thereof are also positioned within the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: David P. Fries, Robert Timothy Short, Robert H. Byrne