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In-situ Vadose zone remote sensor

  • US 6,378,362 B1
  • Filed: 10/23/2000
  • Issued: 04/30/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An In-Situ Vadose Zone Remote Sensor comprised of:

  • A. a sample collector assembly 40 which intercepts, collects and filters liquids transiting through the soil;

    the filtered sample liquid enters a sensor receiver housing 4 connected to the sample collector assembly 40;

    the sensor receiver housing 4 containing one or a plurality of sensors 5;

    the one or a plurality of sensors 5 deliver a data signal via sensor data lined 8 to a microprocessor;

    detector or switch means insure proper operational levels of liquids within a sensor receiver housing 4 and separately within a remote sensor housing 30;

    B. at least one detector or switch means within the sensor receiver housing 4 to detect an unacceptable liquid level in relation to the one or a plurality of sensors 5 and will, upon activation, of opening, closing or detecting conductivity, provide an output to a microprocessor;

    said level detection within the sensor receiver housing 4 comprised of a top conductivity switch and a lower conductivity switch (12), (15);

    the top conductivity switch 12 fulfilling the purpose of detecting a liquid level dropping below the desired operating level for the one or a plurality of sensors 5;

    an output from the top conductivity switch 12 will cause a pumping of liquid to the sensor receiver housing 4 via a liquid line injector 13, delivered in 5 ml increments and delivered in a time delay sequence until such time as the top conductivity switch 12 again detects liquid;

    the lower conductivity switch 15, positioned at a lower level, indicates a failure;

    an output from the lower conductivity switch 15 to a microprocessor will cause an output from the microprocessor to turn power off to the one or a plurality of sensors 5 and will create a command to alarm 80 the system operator;

    C. the liquid level of liquids received into the sensor receiver housing 4 is fixed by an overflow tube 18 which exits the sensor receiver housing 4 at a point below the operating level desired for liquids within the sensor receiver housing 4 with the overflow tube 18 exit placed within the remote sensor housing 30;

    the liquid exiting the sensor receiver housing 4 via the overflow tube 18 is deposited into a remote sensor housing sump 21;

    the level of liquid received into the sump 21 is controlled by switch means by one or more conductivity switches, float controlled switches or other switching means;

    such one or more switch means will detect an upper liquid level in relation to the sump and will, upon activation, of opening, closing or detecting conductivity, provide an output to a microprocessor;

    such level detection within the remote sensor housing 30 at the sump 21 is comprised of a sump top and bottom conductivity switch 23, 25;

    the sump top conductivity switch 23 fulfilling the purpose of detecting a liquid level rising to the desired operating level for pumping the sump 21 to uncontaminated sample liquid storage 60;

    the sump top conductivity switch 23 providing an output to a microprocessor;

    a sump bottom conductivity switch 25 fulfilling the purpose of detecting a liquid level indicating uncontaminated sample liquid available for pumping to the uncontaminated sample liquid storage 60;

    the sump bottom conductivity switch 25 providing an output to control and data storage means 70;

    D. control means will principally provide on or off input to a control system provided, by a Programmable Logic Controller(PLC) or microprocessor which will provide control signals to operate pumps, provide power and perform other tasks recognized by those of ordinary skill in control arts.

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