In-situ Vadose zone remote sensor
US6378362B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N1/16
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention provides saturated and unsaturated Vadose zone remote sample acquisition and in-situ contaminant character identification. The invention is addressed to the management of the Vadose zone. Matters of interest to the agricultural community may include, in addition to other factors, the quantity of nutrients in the saturated zone and the existence of contaminants and the potential for loss of nutrients to the unsaturated zone. Matters of interest to facilities engaging in pollution, toxic or other contaminant detection will be the presence of such contaminants in both the saturated and unsaturated zones and additionally of the transit of contaminants into the unsaturated zone having potential of interaction with the water table. The unit acquires a sample of liquid transiting the vadose zone; sensors exposed to the liquid transmit data signals regarding the quantity and character is the liquid; liquid accumulated in a unit sump is periodically pumped to uncontaminated sample liquid storage for analysis and as a resource for replenishing the liquid proximal the sensors. All activities occurring within the unit are recorded or stored by storage or computer means; control …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.