Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/417,282, filed May 1, 2006, entitled “In-Water Hull Cleaning Sampling Device”, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for its teachings, and referred to hereafter as “the parent application.” 

   FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
   This invention (Navy Case No. 98135) is assigned to the United States Government and is available for licensing for commercial purposes. Licensing and technical inquiries may be directed to the Office of Research and Technical Applications, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Code 2112, San Diego, Calif., 92152; voice (619) 553-2778; email T2@spawar.navy.mil. Reference Navy Case Number 98135. 

   BACKGROUND 
   The In-Water Hull Cleaning Sampling Device is generally in the field of environmental safety. 
   Typical cleaning methods of watercraft use abrasive materials that rub against watercraft hulls, which are usually covered in anti-fouling coatings. Anti-fouling coatings typically comprise a major source of copper, zinc and other toxins in coastal waterways. 
   A need exists for tools to help sample the amount of contaminants released as particles from watercraft and deposited in the environment when typical cleaning methods are used on watercraft hulls that are covered in anti-fouling coatings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Described herein is In-Water Hull Cleaning Sampling Device. 
   DEFINITIONS 
   The following acronyms are used herein: 
   Acronym(s): 
   IWHCS—In-Water Hull Cleaning Sampling 
   The In-Water Hull Cleaning Sampling Device (IWHCS Device) includes a cleaning pad, drive shaft, pressure spring, mechanical drive means, sampling chamber and chamber sealing membrane. The IWHCS device provides a simple apparatus for sampling contaminants in particles by simulating in-water hull cleaning below the waterline (i.e., underwater). Several exemplary embodiments of the IWHCS device are described hereinbelow. 
     FIG. 1  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. As shown in  FIG. 1 , IWHCS device  100  includes chamber sealing membrane  110 , base  120 , chamber wall  130 , chamber ceiling  132 , drive shaft housing  140 , sampling chamber  142 , upper drive shaft sealing membrane  150 , lower drive shaft sealing membrane  152 , drive shaft  160 , pressure spring  170 , spring retainer  180 , cleaning pad retainer  182 , cleaning pad  184  and mechanical drive means  190 . Sampling chamber  142  is a watertight enclosure partially defined by chamber sealing membrane  110 , base  120 , chamber wall  130  and chamber ceiling  132 . In one embodiment, sampling chamber  142  has a cylindrical configuration. Thus, chamber ceiling  132  has a circular configuration; and chamber wall  130 , base  120  and membrane  110  have cylindrical configurations. In one embodiment, sampling chamber  142  has an elliptical configuration. Thus, chamber ceiling  132 , chamber wall  130 , base  120  and chamber sealing membrane  110  have elliptical configurations. Those of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that other configurations can be used with the present IWHCS device  100  without departing from the scope or spirit of the present IWHCS device  100 . Other exemplary configurations include square, rectangular and polygonal. 
   Chamber sealing membrane  110  comprises a watertight material capable of forming a watertight seal. In one embodiment, chamber sealing membrane  110  comprises a gasket. In one embodiment, chamber sealing membrane  110  comprises a rubber O-ring. Chamber sealing membrane  110  is adapted to form a watertight seal when applied flush against boat hull  198 . Thus, sampling chamber  142  is substantially sealed from ambient water surrounding IWHCS device  100 . 
   Base  120  is operatively coupled to chamber sealing membrane  110  in a watertight manner. Base  120  is capable of retaining chamber sealing membrane  110 . Base  120  comprises a watertight material. In one embodiment, base  120  comprises a plastic material. In one embodiment, base  120  comprises a polycarbonate material. In one embodiment, base  120  comprises fiberglass material. Those of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that other watertight materials that are compatible with chemical sampling protocols can be used with the present IWHCS device  100  without departing from the scope or spirit of the present IWHCS device  100 . 
   Chamber wall  130  is operatively coupled to base  120  in a watertight manner. Chamber wall  130  comprises a watertight material. In one embodiment, chamber wall  130  comprises a plastic material. In one embodiment, chamber wall  130  comprises a polycarbonate material. In one embodiment, chamber wall  130  comprises fiberglass material. Those of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that other watertight materials can be used with the present IWHCS device  100  without departing from the scope or spirit of the present IWHCS device  100 . 
   Chamber ceiling  132  is operatively coupled to chamber wall  130  in a watertight manner. Chamber ceiling  132  comprises a watertight material. In one embodiment, chamber ceiling  132  comprises a plastic material. In one embodiment, chamber ceiling  132  comprises a polycarbonate material. In one embodiment, chamber ceiling  132  comprises fiberglass material. Those of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that other watertight materials can be used with the present IWHCS device  100  without departing from the scope or spirit of the present IWHCS device  100 . 
   Drive shaft housing  140  is operatively coupled to chamber ceiling  132  in a watertight manner. In one embodiment, drive shaft housing  140  forms a concentric cylinder substantially centered upon a central longitudinal axis of IWCHS device  100 . Drive shaft housing  140  comprises a watertight material. In one embodiment, drive shaft housing  140  comprises a plastic material. In one embodiment, drive shaft housing  140  comprises a polycarbonate material. In one embodiment, drive shaft housing  140  comprises fiberglass material. In one embodiment, drive shaft housing  140  includes a flanged lip to help retain pressure spring  170 . Those of ordinary skill in the art shall recognize that other watertight materials can be used with the present IWHCS device  100  without departing from the scope or spirit of the present IWHCS device  100 . 
   Upper drive shaft sealing membrane  150  and lower drive shaft sealing membrane  152  are operatively coupled to drive shaft housing  140  in a watertight manner. In one embodiment, upper drive shaft sealing membrane  150  and lower drive shaft sealing membrane  152  each form a concentric cylinder substantially centered upon a central longitudinal axis of IWCHS device  100 . Upper drive shaft sealing membrane  150  and lower drive shaft sealing membrane  152  are both adapted to retain drive shaft  160  along an axis of IWHCS device  100 . Upper drive shaft sealing membrane  150  and lower drive shaft sealing membrane  152  comprise a watertight material capable of forming a watertight seal. In one embodiment, upper drive shaft sealing membrane  150  and lower drive shaft sealing membrane  152  comprise gaskets. In one embodiment, upper drive shaft sealing membrane  150  and lower drive shaft sealing membrane  152  comprise rubber O-rings. 
   Drive shaft  160  is retained by upper drive shaft sealing membrane  150  and lower drive shaft sealing membrane  152  within drive shaft housing  140  in a watertight manner. Drive shaft  160  is capable of rotating along a longitudinal axis of IWCHS device  100 . In one embodiment, drive shaft  160  is situated substantially along a central longitudinal axis of IWCHS device  100 . Drive shaft  160  is situated partially outside of sampling chamber  142  and partially within sampling chamber  142 . Upper drive shaft sealing membrane  150  and lower drive shaft sealing membrane  152  are adapted to retain drive shaft  160 . Upper drive shaft sealing membrane  150  and lower drive shaft sealing membrane  152  allow drive shaft  160 , to rotate along a longitudinal axis while maintaining a watertight seal that prevents water outside of sampling chamber  142  to flow into sampling chamber  142  and water contained within sampling chamber  142  from flowing out of sampling chamber  142 . 
   Spring retainer  180  is operatively coupled to drive shaft  160  so that spring retainer  180  rotates when drive shaft  160  rotates. Spring retainer  180  comprises a water resistant material or watertight material. In one embodiment, spring retainer  180  comprises a plastic material. Spring retainer  180  is adapted to retain one end of pressure spring  170  in place around a longitudinal axis of IWCHS device  100 . In one embodiment, spring retainer  182  comprises a flanged disc, which helps retain pressure spring  170 . In one embodiment, spring retainer  180  retains one end of pressure spring  170  so that pressure spring  170  is situated around drive shaft  160 . 
   Pressure spring  170  is operatively coupled to drive shaft housing  140  and spring retainer  180 . Pressure spring  170  is situated along the same longitudinal axis of drive shaft  160 . Pressure spring  170  has a spring constant (k). Pressure spring  170  is selected so that its downward force (i.e., toward boat hull  198 ) simulates a desired pressure. Pressure spring  170  can be covered with a plastic film so that pressure spring  170  does not contact water. Those skilled in the art shall recognize that various springs can be selected as pressure spring  170  without departing from the scope and spirit of the IWCHS device. 
   Cleaning pad retainer  182  is operatively coupled to spring retainer  180  so that cleaning pad retainer  182  rotates when drive shaft  160  rotates. Cleaning pad retainer  182  comprises a water resistant material or watertight material. In one embodiment, cleaning pad retainer  182  comprises a plastic material. Cleaning pad retainer  182  is adapted to retain cleaning pad  184 . 
   Cleaning pad  184  is operatively coupled to cleaning pad retainer  182  so that cleaning pad  184  rotates when drive shaft  160  rotates. Cleaning pad  184  comprises a material having an abrasive surface. In one embodiment, cleaning pad  184  comprises a stiff bristle brush. In one embodiment, cleaning pad  184  comprises a rotary-style scrub brush. In one embodiment, cleaning pad  184  comprises a soft scouring pad. In one embedment, cleaning pad  184  comprises a grungy material. Cleaning pad  184  is adapted to simulate a cleaning tool used to clean watercraft hulls below the waterline. 
   Mechanical drive means  190  is operatively coupled to drive shaft  160 . Mechanical drive means  190  is adapted to provide rotational force that rotates drive shaft  160  along a longitudinal axis of IWHCS device  100 , which rotates cleaning pad  184  to simulate a cleaning motion. In one embodiment, mechanical drive means  190  is adapted to rotate drive shaft  160  substantially along a central longitudinal axis of IWHCS device  100 . In one embodiment, mechanical drive means  190  comprises a motor. In one embodiment, mechanical drive means  190  comprises an electric motor. In one embodiment, mechanical drive means  190  comprises a battery-powered motor. In one embodiment, mechanical drive means  190  comprises a gasoline-powered motor. In one embodiment, mechanical drive means  190  comprises a manually-powered device. In one embodiment, mechanical drive means  190  comprises a hand crank. In one embodiment, mechanical drive means  190  comprises a foot pedal crank. In one embodiment, mechanical drive means  190  comprises a pneumatic pump. Those skilled in the art shall recognize that various mechanical means can be selected as mechanical drive means  190  without departing from the scope and spirit of the IWCHS device. 
   An exemplary operation of IWHCS device  100  of  FIG. 1  is now described. IWHCS device  100  is adapted to simulate in-water hull cleaning. In the exemplary operation of IWHCS device  100 , IWHCS device  100  is situated flush against boat hull  198 . Pressure is applied so that chamber sealing membrane  110  maintains contact with boat hull  198 , which prevents ambient water from entering sampling chamber  142 . Pressure spring  170  provides pressure so that cleaning pad  184  is pressing against boat hull  198  with a force that approximately equals a force used to clean boat hull  198 . Mechanical drive means  190  provides rotational force to drive shaft  160 , which rotates cleaning pad  184 . When cleaning pad  184  rotates against boat hull  198 , cleaning pad  184  removes contaminants from boat hull  198 . During simulated cleaning, contaminants from boat hull  198  migrate into sampling chamber  142  and cleaning pad  184 . 
     FIG. 2  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. IWHCS device  200  of  FIG. 2  is substantially similar to IWHCS device  100  of  FIG. 1 , and thus, identical components are not described hereinagain. As shown in  FIG. 2 , IWHCS device  200  further comprises chamber sealing device  134 . Chamber sealing device  134  comprises a substantially rigid, watertight material. In one embodiment, chamber sealing device  134  comprises a plastic material. In one embodiment, chamber sealing device  134  comprises a polycarbonate material. In one embodiment, chamber sealing device  134  comprises fiberglass material. Chamber sealing device  134  is operatively coupled to chamber sealing membrane  110 . In one embodiment, chamber sealing device  134  is operatively coupled to chamber sealing membrane  110  via pressure applied on IWHCS device  200  toward boat hull  198 . Chamber sealing device  134  is adapted to prevent water and contaminants from leaving sampling chamber  142  and prevent water from entering sampling chamber  142 . 
   An exemplary operation of IWHCS device  200  of  FIG. 2  is now described. After IWHCS device  200  simulates in-water hull cleaning of boat hull  198  (see above description with regard to IWHCS device  100  of  FIG. 1 ), chamber sealing membrane  134  can be actuated to seal sampling chamber  142 . In one embodiment, chamber sealing membrane  134  is manually slid between boat hull  198  and chamber sealing membrane  110 . IWHCS device  200  can be removed from underwater and the contents of sampling chamber  142  can be removed for testing and measurement of contaminants. 
     FIG. 3  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. IWHCS device  300  of  FIG. 3  is substantially similar to IWHCS device  100  of  FIG. 1 , and thus, identical components are not described hereinagain. As shown in  FIG. 3 , IWHCS device  300  further comprises measurement device  302 , measurement device link  304  and display  306 . Measurement device  302  is situated within sampling chamber  142 . In one embodiment, measurement device  302  is operatively coupled to chamber ceiling  132 . Measurement device  302  is capable of analyzing the contents of sampling chamber  142 . Measurement device  302  comprises at least one sensor. Exemplary sensors include turbidity, salinity, oxygenation, acidity, mercury, copper, pesticide and bacterial. In one embodiment, measurement device  302  comprises a turbidity sensor. In one embodiment, measurement device  302  comprises electrodes. In one embodiment, measurement device  302  includes a data storage means such as RAM, ROM, hard disk, flash memory. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , measurement device link  304  is operatively coupled to measurement device  302 . Measurement device link  304  provides a means for information to be transmitted from measurement device  302  and display  306 . In one embodiment, measurement device link  304  comprises insulated copper wiring. In one embodiment, measurement device link  304  comprises optical cable. In one embodiment, measurement device link  304  comprises a wireless radio frequency link. In one embodiment, measurement device link  304  is adjacent to chamber ceiling  132 . 
   Display  306  is operatively coupled to measurement device link  304 . Display  306  is capable of displaying information received from measurement device  302  via measurement device link  304 . In one embodiment, display  306  comprises a digital LED. In one embodiment, display  306  comprises a digital LCD. In one embodiment, display  306  comprises an analog gauge. In one embodiment, display  306  comprises an acoustic speaker. In one embodiment, display  306  includes a data storage means such as RAM, ROM, hard disk, flash memory. 
     FIG. 4  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. IWHCS device  400  of  FIG. 4  is substantially similar to IWHCS device  100  of  FIG. 1 , and thus, identical components are not described hereinagain. As shown in  FIG. 4 , IWHCS device  400  includes base  420 , extended base  430  and chamber sealing slide panel  440 . Base  420  is operatively coupled to chamber sealing membrane  110  in a watertight manner. Base  420  is capable of retaining chamber sealing membrane  110 . Base  420  comprises a watertight material. Base aperture  422  is adapted to receive a proximal end of chamber sealing slide panel  440 . Base aperture  422  is formed within base  420 . Extended base  430  is operatively coupled to chamber sealing membrane  110  in a watertight manner. Base  430  is capable of retaining chamber sealing membrane  110 . Extended base aperture  432  is formed within extended base  430 . Extended base aperture  432  is adapted to snugly house chamber sealing slide panel  440 . Extended base aperture  432  is adapted to allow chamber sealing slide panel  440  to move from within extended base  430  to be situated partially within base  420  and partially within extended base  430 . Chamber sealing slide panel  440  comprises a watertight material. Chamber sealing slide panel  446  is adapted to form a watertight seal that encloses sampling chamber  142  when cleaning pad  184  is retracted into sampling chamber  142 . 
     FIG. 5  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. IWHCS device  500  of  FIG. 5  is substantially similar to IWHCS device  400  of  FIG. 4 , and thus, identical components are not described hereinagain. As shown in  FIG. 5 , cleaning pad  184  is retracted into sampling chamber  142 , which is sealed by chamber sealing slide panel  440 . In one embodiment, cleaning pad  184  is retracted by pulling drive shaft  160  upward (i.e., away from chamber ceiling  132 ). Chamber sealing slide panel  440  can be actuated using ordinary means in the art such as a spring lock and manual slide lever means. 
     FIG. 6  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device.  FIG. 6  is a spring lock embodiment of the IWHCS device. IWHCS device  600  of  FIG. 6  is substantially similar to IWHCS device  400  of  FIG. 4 , and thus, identical components are not described hereinagain. As shown in  FIG. 6 , cleaning pad  184  is retracted into sampling chamber  142 . Cleaning pad  184  is locked in retracted position using drive shaft aperture  660  and drive shaft lock pin  662 . Drive shaft aperture  660  is formed within drive shaft  160 . Drive shaft aperture  660  is adapted to snugly receive drive shaft lock pin  662 . When drive shaft lock pin  662  is situated within drive shaft aperture  660  and partially outside drive shaft aperture  660 , cleaning pad  184  is locked in the retracted position. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , sampling chamber  142  is sealed by chamber sealing slide panel  440 . Slide panel spring  670  forces chamber sealing slide panel  440  into base aperture  422  of base  420 . When in sampling mode, chamber sealing slide panel  440  is locked into place by a mechanical lock located within extended base  440  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
     FIG. 7  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device.  FIG. 7  is a negative pressure embodiment of the IWHCS device. IWHCS device  700  of  FIG. 7  is substantially similar to IWHCS device  100  of  FIG. 1 , and thus, identical components are not described hereinagain. As shown in  FIG. 7 , IWHCS device  700  includes pump  770 , outtake valve  772 , pump conduit  784 , intake valve  782  and intake aperture  732 . Intake aperture  732  is formed within chamber ceiling  132 . Intake aperture  732  is adapted to facilitate the flow of water between sampling chamber  142  and pump conduit  784 . Intake valve  782  is operatively coupled to chamber ceiling  132  and pump conduit  784 . Intake valve  782  forms a watertight seal so that water does not flow between the exterior of sampling chamber  142  and the following: the interior of sampling chamber  142 , intake aperture  732  and pump conduit  784 . When intake valve  782  is open, water can flow between sampling chamber  142  and pump conduit  784  via intake aperture  732  given that the pressure differential is favorable for such flow. Pump conduit  784  is operatively coupled to intake valve  782 . Pump conduit  784  is adapted to facilitate the flow of water to and from sampling chamber  142  via intake aperture  732  and intake valve  782 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , pump  770  is operatively coupled to pump conduit  784 . Pump  770  is capable of pumping water into or out of sampling chamber  142  via pump conduit  784 , valve  782  and intake aperture  732 . Pump  770  is capable of creating a negative or positive pressure within sampling chamber  142  when intake valve  782  is open or partially open. Outtake valve  772  is operatively coupled to pump  770 . Outtake valve  772  is capable of opening and closing. When water is pumped out of sampling chamber  142  via intake aperture  732 , valve  782  and pump conduit  784 , the water is expelled through outtake valve  772 . 
   An exemplary operation of the negative pressure pump embodiment of IWHCS device  700  of  FIG. 7  is now described. In the exemplary operation of IWHCS device  700 , IWHCS device  700  is situated flush against a boat hull (not shown in  FIG. 7 , however, shown in  FIG. 1  as boat hull  198 ). Pressure is applied so that chamber sealing membrane  110  maintains contact with the boat hull, which prevents ambient water from entering sampling chamber  142 . Prior to simulating cleaning, pump  770  is activated to pull a small amount of water from sampling chamber  142  via intake aperture  732 , intake valve  782 , conduit  784  and outtake valve  772 . Thus, a slight negative pressure is created within sampling chamber  142 , which helps chamber sealing membrane  110  maintain a watertight seal. Then, simulated cleaning proceeds as described above with reference to the exemplary operation of IWHCS device  100  of  FIG. 1   
     FIG. 8  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device.  FIG. 8  is a closed-loop pump embodiment of the IWHCS device, which provides recirculation of water contained within sampling chamber  142 . The closed-loop pump embodiment provides increased probability of even distribution of contaminants that are suspended in water contained within sampling chamber  142 , and thus, loss of contaminants when sealing sampling chamber  142  with chamber sealing device  134  or chamber sealing slide panel  440  (see  FIGS. 4-6 ) is reduced. IWHCS device  800  of  FIG. 8  is substantially similar to IWHCS device  100  of  FIG. 1  and IWHCS device  700  of  FIG. 7 , and thus, identical components are not described hereinagain. 
   As shown in  FIG. 8 , IWHCS device  800  includes recirculation aperture  832 , recirculation valve  882  and recirculation conduit  884 . Recirculation aperture  832  is formed within chamber ceiling  132 . Recirculation aperture  832  is adapted to recirculate water within sampling chamber  142 . Recirculation aperture  832  facilitates the flow of water between sampling chamber  142  and recirculation conduit  884 . Recirculation valve  882  is capable of opening and closing. Recirculation valve  882  is operatively coupled to chamber ceiling  132  and recirculation conduit  884 . Recirculation valve  882  forms a watertight seal so that water does not flow between the exterior of sampling chamber  142  and the following: the interior of sampling chamber  142 , recirculation aperture  832  and recirculation conduit  884 . When recirculation valve  882  is open, water can flow between sampling chamber  142  and recirculation conduit  884  via recirculation aperture  832  given that the pressure differential is favorable for such flow. 
   As shown in  FIG. 8 , pump  770  is operatively coupled to recirculation conduit  884  via outtake valve  772 . Pump  770  is capable of pumping water into or out of sampling chamber  142  via pump conduit  784  or recirculation conduit  884 . Pump  770  is capable of creating a negative pressure within sampling chamber  142 . 
   An exemplary operation of the closed-loop pump embodiment of IWHCS device  800  of  FIG. 8  is now described with regard to a recirculation mode. In the exemplary operation of IWHCS device  800  in recirculation mode, IWHCS device  800  is situated flush against a boat hull (not shown in  FIG. 8 , however, shown in  FIG. 1  as boat hull  198 ). Pressure is applied so that chamber sealing membrane  110  maintains contact with the boat hull, which prevents ambient water from entering sampling chamber  142 . During simulated cleaning, pump  770  is activated with valves  772 ,  782  and  882  open. Thus, water within sampling chamber  142  is re-circulated through conduits  784  and  884 . 
   An exemplary operation of the closed-loop pump embodiment of IWHCS device  800  of  FIG. 8  is now described with regard to a negative pressure mode. In the exemplary operation of IWHCS device  800  in negative pressure mode, IWHCS device  800  is situated flush against a boat hull (not shown in  FIG. 8 , however, shown in  FIG. 1  as boat hull  198 ). Pressure is applied so that chamber sealing membrane  110  maintains contact with the boat hull, which prevents ambient water from entering sampling chamber  142 . Prior to simulating cleaning, pump  770  is activated to pull a small amount of water from sampling chamber  142  with intake valve  782  open and one or more of the following valves closed: outtake valve  772  and recirculation valve  882 . Thus, a slight negative pressure is created within sampling chamber  142 , which helps chamber sealing membrane  110  maintain a watertight seal. Then, simulated cleaning proceeds as described above with reference to the exemplary operation of IWHCS device  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
     FIG. 9  is a side view of one embodiment of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device.  FIG. 9  is a recirculation and measurement embodiment of the IWHCS device, which provides recirculation of water and measurement of contaminants contained within sampling chamber  142 . The recirculation and measurement embodiment provides a convenient means for sampling and measuring water contaminants. IWHCS device  900  of  FIG. 9  is substantially similar to IWHCS device  100  of  FIG. 1  and IWHCS device  800  of  FIG. 8 , and thus, identical components are not described hereinagain. 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , IWHCS device  900  includes measurement device  970  and measurement device conduit  984 . Measurement device conduit  984  is operatively coupled to outtake valve  772 . Measurement device conduit  984  is adapted to receive water from sampling chamber  142  via pump  770  and outtake valve  772 . Measurement device  970  is operatively coupled to measurement device conduit  984  and recirculation conduit  884 . Measurement device  970  is adapted to receive water from sampling chamber  142  via intake aperture  732 , intake valve  782 , pump conduit  784 , pump  770 , outtake valve  772  and measurement device conduit  984 . Measurement device  970  is capable of analyzing the contents of water received from sampling chamber  142 . Measurement device  970  comprises at least one sensor. Exemplary sensors include turbidity, salinity, oxygenation, acidity, mercury, copper, pesticide and bacterial. In one embodiment, measurement device  970  comprises a turbidity sensor. In one embodiment, measurement device  970  comprises electrodes. Measurement device  970  is also capable of transmitting measurement data or displaying measurement data. In one embodiment, measurement device  970  includes a data storage means such as RAM, ROM, hard disk, flash memory. 
     FIG. 10  is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the method of flowchart  1000  includes boxes  1010 ,  1020 ,  1030 ,  1040 ,  1050 ,  1060 ,  1070  and  1080 , which comprise some of the procedures for one embodiment of a method of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. Referring to  FIG. 10 , at BOX  1010  of flowchart  1000 , the method prepares an In-Water Hull Cleaning Sampling Device. In one embodiment, the method prepares the IWHCS device by removing contaminants from the IWHCS device. After BOX  1010 , the method of flowchart  1000  of  FIG. 10  proceeds to BOX  1020 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , at BOX  1020  of flowchart  1000 , the method creates a watertight seal between the IWHCS device and the boat hull underwater. In one embodiment, the method creates a watertight seal between the IWHCS device and the boat hull underwater by situating the IWHCS device flush against the boat hull and applying pressure toward the boat hull. In one embodiment, the method creates a watertight seal between the IWHCS device and the boat hull underwater by situating the IWHCS device flush against the boat hull and activating a pump to create negative pressure within the IWHCS device. After BOX  1020 , the method of flowchart  1000  of  FIG. 10  proceeds to BOX  1030 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , at BOX  1030  of flowchart  1000 , the method activates a mechanical drive means to simulate cleaning of the boat hull. In one embodiment, the method activates a motor to simulate cleaning of the boat hull. In one embodiment, the method activates an electric motor to simulate cleaning of the boat hull. In one embodiment, the method activates a battery-powered motor to simulate cleaning of the boat hull. In one embodiment, the method activates an electric motor to simulate cleaning of the boat hull. In one embodiment, the method activates a manually-powered device to simulate cleaning of the boat hull. In one embodiment, the method activates a hand crank to simulate cleaning of the boat hull. In one embodiment, the method activates a foot pedal crank to simulate cleaning of the boat hull. In one embodiment, the method activates a pneumatic pump to simulate cleaning of the boat hull. After BOX  1030 , the method of flowchart  1000  of  FIG. 10  proceeds to BOX  1040 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , at BOX  1040  of flowchart  1000 , the method deactivates the mechanical drive means after a predetermined number of rotations or time period. After BOX  1040 , the method of flowchart  1000  of  FIG. 10  proceeds to BOX  1050 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , at BOX  1050  of flowchart  1000 , the method seals the sampling chamber of the IWHCS device. In one embodiment, the method seals the sampling chamber using a chamber sealing device. In one embodiment, the method seals the sampling chamber using a chamber sealing slide panel. After BOX  1050 , the method of flowchart  1000  of  FIG. 10  proceeds to BOX  1060 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , at BOX  1060  of flowchart  1000 , the method retrieves the IWHCS device from underwater. After BOX  1060 , the method of flowchart  1000  of  FIG. 10  proceeds to BOX  1070 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , at BOX  1070  of flowchart  1000 , the method removes a sample from the IWHCS device. After BOX  1070 , the method of flowchart  1000  of  FIG. 10  proceeds to BOX  1080 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , at BOX  1080  of flowchart  1000 , the method rinses a cleaning pad from the IWHCS device in the sample to obtain contaminants residing on the cleaning pad. The method of flowchart  1000  of  FIG. 10  terminates at BOX  1080 . 
     FIG. 11  is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the method of flowchart  1100  includes boxes  1132 ,  1134  and  1136 , which comprise some of the procedures for one embodiment of a method of an in-water hull cleaning sampling device. The method of flowchart  1100  is one embodiment of sub-boxes of box  1030  of  FIG. 10  for a recirculation and measurement embodiment of the IWHCS device. Referring to  FIG. 11 , at BOX  1132  of flowchart  1100 , the method opens valves and actuates a pump of the IWHCS device to circulate water through a measurement device. After BOX  1030 , the method of flowchart  1100  of  FIG. 11  proceeds to BOX  1134 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 11 , at BOX  1134  of flowchart  1100 , the method activates a mechanical drive means to simulate cleaning of the boat hull. After BOX  1030 , the method of flowchart  1100  of  FIG. 11  proceeds to BOX  1136 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 11 , at BOX  1136  of flowchart  1100 , the method displays and/or transmits measurement data using a measurement device. In one embodiment, the measurement device displays and measures one or more of the following quantities: turbidity, salinity, oxygenation, acidity, mercury, copper, pesticide and bacterial. The method of flowchart  1100  of  FIG. 11  terminates at BOX  1136 .

Technology Category: b