Modular magnetic scour monitoring device and method for using the same
First Claim
1. An apparatus for the monitoring of scour in a stream bed, said apparatus comprising:
- a. a length of hollow tubing to be positioned such that said tubing extends vertically into and from a stream bed;
b. a collar which fits around said length of tubing and rests upon said stream bed and wherein said collar moves downward with the event of scour, said collar comprising;
(1) a top section and a bottom section;
(2) a plurality of vertical spacers located between said top and bottom sections; and
(3) at least one bar magnet attached to at least one of said vertical spacers; and
c. a means for determining the vertical position of said collar along said tubing, wherein said means for determining comprises;
(1) a plurality of magnetic switches; and
(2) a plurality of electrical components, at least one component linked to one said magnetic switch.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A modular scour monitoring device which employs magnets located within a weighted descending collar is designed for placement about bridge piers, abutments and the like, such that the occurrence of scour causes descent of the collar. This descent is carefully monitored against the initial reference point using one of two systems: a magnetic detecting probe unit or a magnetic switch array. The probe unit utilizes a graduated cable with a magnet detector mounted at one end and a signalling device at the other. The switch array system employs electrical components which are selectively activated with the descent of the collar, permitting periodic readings of the arrays various electrical properties to reveal the new depth. A wide variety of accessory systems may be used in conjunction with the present invention to permit remote monitoring, visual, audible or other warning signals, and data storage and control. The modular design permits effortless storage and shipping of individual units, and more importantly construction of a monitoring unit without expensive construction equipment.
23 Citations
88 Claims
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1. An apparatus for the monitoring of scour in a stream bed, said apparatus comprising:
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a. a length of hollow tubing to be positioned such that said tubing extends vertically into and from a stream bed; b. a collar which fits around said length of tubing and rests upon said stream bed and wherein said collar moves downward with the event of scour, said collar comprising; (1) a top section and a bottom section; (2) a plurality of vertical spacers located between said top and bottom sections; and (3) at least one bar magnet attached to at least one of said vertical spacers; and c. a means for determining the vertical position of said collar along said tubing, wherein said means for determining comprises; (1) a plurality of magnetic switches; and (2) a plurality of electrical components, at least one component linked to one said magnetic switch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 43, 44)
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32. An apparatus for the monitoring of scour in a stream bed, said apparatus comprising:
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a. a length of hollow main tubing to be positioned such that said tubing extends into and from a stream bed; b. a collar comprising at least one magnet, wherein said collar fits around said length of tubing and rests upon said stream bed and wherein said collar moves downward with the event of scour; and c. a means for determining the vertical position of said collar along said tubing, wherein said means for determining comprises; (1) a length of flexible cable having two ends; and (2) a magnet detector attached to one end of said flexible cable; (3) a means for emitting a signal attached to the other end of said flexible cable. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61)
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62. A method for monitoring scour within a stream bed comprising the steps of:
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a. driving a rigid tubular member into said stream bed;
thenb. inserting a plurality of open switches linked sequentially and spaced equally apart within said tubular member, and wherein each said switch is electrically connected to an electrical component;
thenc. placing a non-floating collar about said tubular member;
thend. allowing said collar to rest upon the surface of said stream bed;
while alsoe. allowing said collar to descend incrementally as scour occurs to said stream bed;
whilef. closing one of said switches with each predetermined increment of descent of said collar thereby electrically engaging said electrical component;
theng. periodically determining an amount of scour occurring within said stream bed. - View Dependent Claims (63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 78, 79, 80, 81)
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72. A method for monitoring scour within a stream bed, wherein said stream bed has a surface, comprising the steps of:
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a. driving a rigid hollow tubular member into said stream bed;
thenb. placing a non-floating collar about said tubular member, wherein said collar comprises at least one magnetic body;
thenc. allowing said collar to rest upon the surface of said stream bed;
while alsod. allowing said collar to descend incrementally as scour occurs to said stream bed;
thene. periodically determining an amount of scour occurring within said stream bed, wherein said step of periodically determining comprises the steps of; (1) lowering a probe into said hollow tubular member;
then(2) activating said probe with said magnetic body as it reaches the depth of said collar. - View Dependent Claims (73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88)
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Specification