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:
Oct. 24, 1995
Filed:
Jun. 09, 1992
Herbert R Gram, Madison, CT (US);
Mathew P Jadamec, Mystic, CT (US);
Jonathan W Johnson, Madison, CT (US);
Other;
Abstract
A sensor for the reliable detection of oil spills using fluorescence techniques. An ultraviolet (UV) light source is located around an optical column with which selected wavelengths of fluorescing hydrocarbons or other substances can be detected. The source of UV light is held at a constant level and special techniques are employed to remove background optical noise from the various detected wavelength signals. Short and long term running averages are generated to detect oil spills. A special buoy is employed to allow the sensor to be oriented at a cavity in the buoy to reliable detect oil spills on waterways. The buoy has windows to enable surface water to freely pass through into the cavity while preventing turbulence from open water waves and wind. The buoy has a low center of gravity well below the water line with a large submerged segment to reduce heaving motions and provide a stable platform for the detection of fluorescing substances.