The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 12, 1988
Filed:
Jan. 31, 1986
Applicant:
Inventors:
Merle E Converse, Helotes, TX (US);
David W Shultz, San Antonio, TX (US);
Assignee:
Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G01R / ; G08B / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
324546 ; 340605 ;
Abstract
An automated search apparatus is disclosed for detecting leaks in liquid impoundments usually defined by a geomembrane layer. A voltage gradient is created within the impoundment by means of a source electrode. The search apparatus contains pairs of electrodes coupled to differential amplifiers which allow plotting of the voltage gradient within the impoundment. The search vessel is controlled via radio telemetry, and its position may be tracked using optical theodolites. A distortion in the equipotential lines associated with the voltage gradient indicates the presence of a leak.