Multi-parameter measurement system for fluids
OwnerWarren T. Vaughan, III, Gordon MacDonnellinventors
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Abstract
There is provided a multi-parameter, self-contained, programmable, microcomputer-controlled monitoring system for the measurement of physical and chemical properties of water and other fluids. Data are stored within a sensor packge according to a chosen format and schedule. Oceanographic and limnological data are thus gathered without need of umbilical power and/or data links to external devices. A programming and interpreting device provides analytic interface with the sensor packge for logic input and data readout. Program-controlled analog/digital conversion yields constants for calibration of sensors which leads to freedom from measurement drift as well as great versatility and accuracy.
Claims11
A self-contained, independent probe control unit for monitoring at least one parameter of a fluid, comprising:
- (a) a housing immersible in the fluid;
- (b) means, connected to said housing, for sensing the parameter and providing output parameter data;
- (c) programmable, microcomputer control means, supported in said housing, for processing the output data from said sensing meas;
- and
- (d) means, supported in said housing, for storing the processed data.
A probe control unit according to clam 1, wherein said sensing means includes an analog probe.
A system for monitoring at least one parameter of a fluid, comprising:
- (a) a self-contained, independent probe control unit for monitoring at least one parameter of a fluid, including
- (i) a housing immersible in the fluid;
- (ii) means, connected to said housing, for sensing the parameter and providing output parameter data;
- (iii) programmable, microcomputer control means, supported in said housing, for processing the output data from said sensing means;
- and
- (iv) means, supported in said housing for storing the processed data;
- and
- (b) an interpreter unit locatable above the surface of the fluid and including means for programming said control means to initiate processing of the data under a predetermined condition, said probe control unit and said interpreter unit being independent of each other during system monitoring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.