Multiparameter system for environmental monitoring

• US 8,440,062 B2
• Filed: 03/11/2009
• Issued: 05/14/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: the united states of america as represented by the secretary of the navy
• Original Assignee: the united states of america as represented by the secretary of the navy
• Inventors: Kidwell, David A
• Primary Examiner(s): Noguerola, Alex
• Application Number:
  US12/402,271
• Publication Number:
  US 20090173629A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,525 Days
• Field of Search: 204/435, 204416-418, 204/400, 422 8201- 8205
• US Class Current: 204/435
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 27/3335 the membrane containing at least one organic component G01N27/3271 takes precedence; aspects concerning the enzyme reagent in enzyme electrodes C12Q1/001
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/48714 for determining substances foreign to the organism, e.g. drugs or heavy metals drugs by chemical analysis G01N33/94

Abstract

A miniature, lightweight, inexpensive, environmental monitoring system containing a number of sensors that can simultaneously and continuously monitor fluorescence, absorbance, conductivity, temperature, and several ions. Sensors that monitor similar parameters can cross-check data to increase the likelihood that a problem with the water will be discovered.

Claims

1. A monitoring device, comprising:

(a) a cast membrane reference electrode comprising a membrane comprising a hydrophilic polymer and a hydrophobic polymer;

(b) at least one sensing electrode that measures a specific parameter relating to water quality, wherein there is electrical contact between the reference electrode and the at least one sensing electrode;

(c) an indicator for said electrical contact; and

(d) optionally, an absorbance sensor, a fluorescence sensor, a conductivity sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof;

wherein said monitoring device weighs less than one pound, is less than four inches in width, and is less than six inches in length.

2. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the data collected can be stored within the monitoring device.

3. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the monitoring device can communicate with another device through a direct connection, an IR connection, radio waves, or any combination thereof.

4. A monitoring system, comprising:

(a) a cast membrane reference electrode comprising a membrane comprising a hydrophilic polymer and a hydrophobic polymer;

(b) at least one sensing electrode that measures a specific parameter relating to water quality, wherein there is electrical contact between the reference electrode and the at least one sensing electrode;

(c) an indicator for said electrical contact; and

(d) optionally, an absorbance sensor, a fluorescence sensor, a conductivity sensor, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof;

wherein data obtained by a sensing electrode or an optional sensor from (d) can be compared with data obtained by a different sensing electrode or optional sensor from (d) that measures a similar aspect of the water, thereby improving the effectiveness of the monitoring system in detecting a water quality concern;

wherein said monitoring device weighs less than one pound, is less than four inches in width, and is less than six inches in length.

5. The monitoring device of claim 4 wherein the monitoring system has a conductivity sensor and uses a computer program to compare conductivity calculated from data obtained by a sensing electrode with conductivity data obtained by the conductivity sensor.

6. The monitoring system of claim 4, wherein the data collected can be stored within the monitoring system.

7. The monitoring system of claim 4, wherein the monitoring system can communicate with another device through a direct connection, an IR connection, radio waves, or any combination thereof.