Duke Energy has been granted a patent for a liquid sampling apparatus and method that allows for hands-free collection of low-level metals and other contaminant-sensitive samples from surface waters using drones or remote delivery systems. The apparatus includes a base with bottle holders, an upper portion, and an intermediate portion with a float and a cap engagement apparatus for opening and closing sample containers while submerged underwater. GlobalData’s report on Duke Energy gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Duke Energy, Smart metering system was a key innovation area identified from patents. Duke Energy's grant share as of September 2023 was 28%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Liquid sampling apparatus for collecting contaminant-sensitive samples remotely
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11768131B2) describes a liquid sampling apparatus that is designed to collect samples from a liquid surface. The apparatus consists of a base with bottle holders, an upper portion, and elongate rods connecting the base and upper portion. An intermediate portion is movably secured to the rods and includes a float for buoyancy and a cap engagement apparatus for removing and resecuring bottle caps.
When the apparatus is floating on the liquid surface, the base is submerged, allowing the bottle to fill with liquid when the cap is removed. The base includes a ballast to facilitate submerging. When the apparatus is lifted from the liquid, the cap engagement apparatus moves downwardly to engage the bottle and resecure the cap.
The cap engagement apparatus features a rotatable socket that can releasably engage the cap. The socket is threaded to remove and resecure the cap, and it is connected to a primary gear that meshes with another gear associated with the intermediate portion. An electric motor located within the float rotates the primary gear, causing the socket to rotate.
The apparatus also includes an electronic controller and a communication module for wireless control. A liquid detection switch detects when the apparatus is in the liquid, and the electronic controller operates the motor to remove the cap in response to a signal from the switch. Similarly, a lift detection switch detects when the apparatus is lifted, and the controller resecures the cap in response to a signal from the switch.
The patent also describes a method for using the apparatus. The floatable sampling apparatus is lowered into the liquid, and the cap engagement apparatus removes the cap by threadingly rotating the socket. This action causes the bottle to fill with the liquid. When the apparatus is lifted from the liquid, the cap engagement apparatus moves downwardly to engage the bottle and threadingly resecure the cap.
Overall, this liquid sampling apparatus provides a convenient and efficient way to collect liquid samples. Its design allows for easy removal and resecuring of bottle caps, making it suitable for various sampling applications.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
