Leakage location methods
US9021539B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R31/083
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
“Cradle-to-grave” treatment of leaks begins with technicians logging leakage signal strengths and GPS latitude and longitude coordinates in technicians' vehicles as the technicians go about their daily assignments. Leakage signal strengths and GPS latitude and longitude coordinates are then uploaded to a leakage server. The server calculates leak latitude and longitude coordinates and signal strengths. The system sends the leakage signal strengths and/or calculated leak latitude and longitude coordinates to technicians' vehicles, for example, as components of, or attachments to, work orders. The latitudes and longitudes are converted by GPS navigators in the technicians' vehicles to turn-by-turn directions to the calculated leak locations. The technicians drive to the leaks, identify and repair them, and close the work orders.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.