Patent ID: 8557183
Filing Date: 2013-10-15
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A submersible, self-propelled apparatus for analysis of a component contained in a liquid medium, the apparatus comprising: an analytical system comprising a liquid inlet to receive liquid from the liquid medium, a liquid outlet connected to the liquid inlet via a liquid conduit that defines a liquid pathway, wherein the liquid outlet dispels at least a portion of the liquid medium received by the liquid inlet, an analysis chamber connected to the liquid conduit, positioned intermediate to the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet in the liquid pathway and having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the analysis chamber houses the component, a first separator positioned at the proximal end of the analysis chamber in the liquid pathway to at least temporarily prevent unwanted material from entering the analysis chamber, a second separator positioned at the distal end of the analysis chamber in the liquid pathway to at least temporarily prevent the component from exiting the analysis chamber, and a sensor system positioned within the analysis chamber and in communication with the liquid pathway to sense the component; and a conveyance system to move the apparatus through the liquid medium and facilitate liquid flow through the liquid conduit when the apparatus is submersed in the liquid medium.