System for water sample extraction

Abstract

Aspects of a water sample extraction system are disclosed. In some aspects, the water sample extraction system may be configured on a floatable platform. In aspects, a programmable control module may lower a submersible unit into a body of water to retrieve water specimens from predetermined depths. In some aspects, a submersible unit may include a submersible pump in fluid communication with a sample collection system. In some aspects, a submersible unit may be lowered into a body of water during sample collection and raised and stowed out of the water when not in active sample collection. An automated collection system may collect water specimens and place the specimens into separate specimen containers.

Description

DESCRIPTIONSYSTEM FOR WATER SAMPLE EXTRACTIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 534,751, filed August 25, 2023, the contents of which is incorporated into the present application by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to mechanical devices and more specifically to water sample extraction and storage systems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Water sampling is often performed to determine water quality in bodies of water, including at different surface locations throughout a given body of water. Scientists, commercial developers, and others analyze water samples to determine water pH, dissolved oxygen content, water temperature, salt concentration, the presence of trace minerals, the presence of hazardous chemicals, the presence of aquatic organisms, and / or other physical or chemical properties. Retrieving water samples manually can be difficult, time consuming, and error-prone. This can be especially true when attempting to manually sample water from a single column of water. For example, drift in currents along the surface or under the water can cause samples believed to be obtained from a single column of water to be actually from different locations. Human error can also be introduced in sampling and storing specimens, which can lead to mislabeling of samples or cross contamination.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present disclosure provides for aspects of a water sample extraction system that address at least some of the shortcomings of currently available water same extraction systems. The water sample extraction system may retrieve predetermined amounts of one or more specimen, such as water and / or soil. The specimens may be from different depths in a water column. The specimens may be sampled and / or analyzed using sensors of the water sample extraction system. The specimens may be stored for later collection andanalysis. The water sample extraction system may be configured to perform tasks autonomously. This system that may be used to perform automated and precise water sampling at several depths in a water column and maintain continuous operation without an operator needing to physically visit the system. This system may also be reprogramed without the need for a physical visit to the system.

[0005] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a water collection apparatus comprises a water sample extraction system. The water sample extraction system may include an automated collection system. In some aspects the automated collection system may be configured to control placement of at least a first water specimen in a first specimen container. In some aspects, the automated collection system may be configured to control placement of a second water specimen in a second specimen container. In some aspects, the automated collection system may be configured to control placement of a third water specimen in a third specimen container. In some aspects, the automated collection system may be configured to collect a predetermined volume of a water specimen at a predetermined water depth. In some aspects, the automated collection system may be configured to place a water specimen in a predetermined specimen container. In some aspects, the water sample extraction system may include a filter for removing particles from water before storing the water in a specimen container. In some aspects, the submersible unit may be configured to also collect a soil specimen. In some aspects, the submersible unit may include sensors, including sensors for the samples collected. The sensors may include a pH sensor, a dissolved oxygen sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or a salinity sensor.

[0006] In some aspects, a water sample extraction system may include a floatable platform. In some aspects, the automated collection system is contained on or in the floatable platform. In some aspects, the water sample extraction system may include a submersible unit. In some aspects, the submersible unit may include a submersible pump in fluid communication with the automated collection system. In some aspects, the water sample extraction system may include a coiled hose in fluid communication with the submersible unit and the automated collection system.

[0007] In some aspects, the water sample extraction system may include a motorized reel mechanism. The motorized reel mechanism may be configured to deploy or stow the submersible unit. In some aspects, the water sample extraction system may includesensors. The sensors may include a water depth sensor and / or a motorized reel sensor. In some aspects, the water sample extraction system may include a winch in communication with the submersible unit. In some aspects, the water sample extraction system may include a parking mechanism.

[0008] In some aspects, the water sample extraction system may include a programable controller. In some aspects, the programable controller may include a user interface. In some aspects, the water sample extraction system may include wireless communication capabilities. The wireless communication capabilities may include satellite communications. In some aspects, the water sample extraction system includes a satellite communication module. In some aspects, the water sample extraction system may include a global positioning system (GPS) module.

[0009] In some aspects, the water sample extraction system may include a power source. The power source may be a rechargeable power source. In some aspects, the water sample extraction system may include a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may be connected to a solar panel. The solar panel may include a sun-tracking system.

[0010] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a method of collecting a water specimen using the apparatus described above is disclosed. The method may include:(a) lowering the submersible unit into a body of water;(b) pumping water from the submersible unit to the automated collection system;(c) placing a water specimen in a specimen container;(d) optionally collecting a soil specimen.In some aspects, step (c) may include automated collection of a predetermined volume of a specimen. In some aspects, step (c) may include automatic collection of a specimen from a predetermined water depth. In some aspects, step (c) comprises automated placement of the specimen into a predetermined specimen container. In some aspects, the method includes filtering the water specimen before placing in the specimen container.

[0011] As used herein, the term “coupled” means connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are “coupled” may be unitary with each other.

[0012] The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise.

[0013] The term “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0014] The phrase “and / or” means “and” or “or”. To illustrate, A, B, and / or C includes: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C. In other words, “and / or” operates as an inclusive “or”.

[0015] The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), and “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, an apparatus or system that “comprises,” “has,” or “includes” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those elements. Likewise, a method that “comprises,” “has,” or “includes,” one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.

[0016] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific aspect disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a water sample extraction system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an example water sample extraction system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 2B shows a side view of an example water sample extraction system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 2C shows a rear view of an example water sample extraction system and system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 2D shows a top view of an example water sample extraction system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 2E shows another perspective view of an example water sample extraction system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of an example control unit and an example sampling unit in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 3B shows a front cross-sectional view of an example control unit and an example sampling unit in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 3C shows a side cross-sectional view of an example control unit and an example sampling unit in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 4 shows an example of operating a water sample extraction system to collect samples from different depths;

[0028] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart for a method of collecting a sample using the water sample extraction system.

[0029] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the disclosed aspects are sometimes illustrated diagrammatically and in partial views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatuses or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular aspects illustrated herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] A water sample extraction system and methods of use thereof are disclosed herein. The water sample extraction system may provide the benefits of retrieving predetermined amounts of one or more specimens, such as water and / or soil, retrieving samples from different depths in a water column, analyzing the specimens, and / or storing the specimens for later collection and analysis. The water sample extraction system may be configured to perform these tasks autonomously.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, a water sample extraction system 110 may include a floatable platform 105, a control module 120, an automated collection system 130, a deploying module 140, a submersible unit 150, a parking mechanism 160, and / or a power supply module 170. Floatable platform 105 may enable the water sample extraction system to at least partially float at the surface of a body of water. In some aspects, the control module 120, automated collection system 130, deploying module 140, parking mechanism 160, and / or power supply module 170 may be kept above the water. Floatable platform 105 may be configured so that the submersible unit 150 can be lowered by the deploying module 140 into the body of water to collect samples and raised back above the surface of the body of water, such as to be docked using the parking mechanism 160. Floatable platform 105 may comprise at least one of any number of floating structures, including, but not limited to a buoy, a raft, an inflatable floatation device, an autonomous and / or unmanned watercraft, and / or a boat. In some aspects, floatable platform 105 may be anchored at a location to mitigate against the effects of drift. Alternatively, or additionally, in some aspects floatable platform 105 may be equipped with some means of propulsion (e.g., a propeller or propellers, a paddle or paddles, and / or a rudder, as non-limiting examples) such that the water extraction system 110 may be able to correct for drift and / or move the system to another location in a given body of water.

[0032] At a high level, the control module 120 may be responsible for operating the system. Control module 120 may be responsible to provide power to, control, monitor, receive feedback from, and / or coordinate other aspects of the water sample extraction system 110. The control module 120 may include a processor 122, a memory 124, and / or a user interface 126. The control module 120 may include a programmable controller. For instance, control module 120 may be configured to receive inputs, such as user commands and / or inputs made through the user interface 126, or signals from sensors in modules of the water sample extraction system 110. The control module 120 may be configured to control outputs in other modules and / or units, such as in sending signals to actuate elements of modules of the water sample extraction system 110. For example, the control module 120 may control modules of the water sample extraction system 110 to perform steps to collect sample specimens as described in this written description. Control module 120 may be configured to perform other operations as described in other portions of the present disclosure, and as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The control module 120 may comprise a programmable control unit, a single board computer, a microcontroller, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, and / or some other device capable of retrieving instructions from memory 124 and executing the instructions through processor 122. The control module 120 may also comprise a navigation unit, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) module, which would enable the control module 120 to receive and / or transmit location information. Alternatively, a GPS module may be provided to the system separately from the control module 120 and in communication with the control module 120. A navigation unit may enable samples to be collected from a specific location, and / or location data for each specimen collected could be stored, such as along with data about the volume, temperature, and / or depth of a specimen.

[0033] The user interface 126 may allow a user to program the control module 120, and may include a keypad, control knobs, switches, and / or other components. In some aspects, user interface 126 may include a display. User interface 126 may include an antenna for forming a wireless connection to an external device such that the control module 120 can be programmed remotely, such as through a mobile application or other software program. User interface 126 may also include a module enabling satellite communications. The control module 120 may be pre-programmed with sampling instructions using user interface 126 before the water sample extraction system 110 is deployed to collect samples. Alternatively, control module 120 can be configured to allow its sampling instructions to be altered remotelyusing satellite communication or other wireless communications, such as longer-range radio communication.

[0034] The control module 120 may be electrically connected to and / or in communication with any and / or all of the other components of automated collection system 130, deploying module 140, submersible unit 150, parking mechanism 160, and / or power supply module 170. The control module 120 may comprise digital control driver circuits for controlling or actuating the modules of the water sample extraction system 110, including individual elements of the modules. The control module 120 may be configured to receive signals from sensors in the other modules. The control module 120 may be configured to provide responses to signals received, including sending signals to actuators in the other modules to initiate, control, monitor, and / or terminate actions performed by components or elements of the other modules.

[0035] The control module 120 may direct the different portions of the system to perform tasks to extract specimens as programed or preconfigured. For example, as illustrated by the flowchart in FIG. 5, a process for operating the system and extracting water specimens may include the following steps. At initial stage 500, the system is prepared for operation. For example, an operator may enter the quantities of water to be extracted and the corresponding depths into the control module 120 via a user interface 126. An operator may also provide instruction on whether to collect a soil sample. Alternatively, these quantities and / or parameters could be preprogrammed into the control module 120 or communicated remotely to the control module 120 via a satellite communication module or other wireless communication mechanism.

[0036] At operation 510, the control module 120 may issue commands to the parking mechanism 160 to unpark the submersible unit and to the deploying module 140 to lower the submersible unit 150 into a body of water to a depth corresponding to the depth entered into the control module 120. The depth may be determined and communicated to the control module 120 by a water depth sensor, which could include an optical sensor, a water pressure sensor, or some other means of determining depth. The depth may alternatively and / or additionally be determined and communicated to the control module 120 by a motorized sensor on a reel, which may be included in deploying module 140 to be used in lowering thesubmersible unit into the body of water. Such a motorized reel sensor could translate rotations in its reel into a depth reached.

[0037] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which shows an example of operating a water sample extraction system to collect samples from different depths. In FIG. 4, the water sample extraction system 110 is shown to be floating at the surface 410 of a body of water. Submersible unit 150 is shown lowered to a first depth 420. Submersible unit 150 is also shown as being lowered to a second depth 430. Line 440 represents the floor of the body of water. Although FIG. 4 only shows submersible unit 150 being lowered to two depths, a person of skill in the art would understand that submersible unit 150 could be extended to any of multiple depths between its stowed position above the surface inside the water sample extraction system 110 and the floor 440 of the body of water or below the floor 440 of the body of water. Although in the example of FIG. 4 first depth 420 is shown as being shallower than second depth 430, a person of skill in the art would recognize that the submersible unit 150 could be lowered to a first depth 420, and then raised to a second depth 430 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0038] Returning to FIG. 5, at operation 520, the control module 120 then issues commands to the submersible unit 150 to retrieve an amount of water corresponding to the quantity entered or preprogrammed into the control module. For example, the water may be pumped from the submersible unit 150 to the automated collection system 130.

[0039] At operation 530, the control module 120 issues commands to the automated collection system 130 to open a fluid connection to a specimen container and place the water retrieved into the specimen container.

[0040] The submersible unit 150 may be configured to collect a soil specimen. At decision 535, the control module 120 may determine whether a soil specimen has been requested. If a soil specimen has been requested, the process follows branch 537 to operation 540. If a soil specimen has not been requested, the process follows branch 539 to decision 545. At operation 540, the control module 120 may issue commands to the submersible unit 150 to collect a soil specimen. In the case that the submersible unit is not in contact with the soil at the bottom of the body of water, the control module 120 may issue commands to the deploying module 140 to lower the submersible unit 150 to the bottom of the body of water and collect a soil sample. Alternatively, in the case that the submersible unit 150 is not in contact with thesoil at the bottom of the body of water, the control module 120 may bypass soil specimen collection. The process then proceeds to decision 545. At decision 545, the control module 120 determines whether additional water specimens have been requested. If additional specimens have been requested, the process follows branch 547 back to operation 510, at which point the submersible unit may be lowered or raised to a different depth for sample collection. If additional specimens have not been requested, the process follows branch 549 to operation 550.

[0041] At operation 550, the control module 120 may issue commands to the deploying module 140 to retrieve the submersible unit 150. When the submersible unit 150 has been retrieved to its resting position, control module 120 may issue commands to parking mechanism 160 to stow the submersible unit 150. The process then enters end state 560, where the system may remain idle until an operator gives a new set of program commands. In some aspects, the status of the system as having completed operation may be communicated to operators.

[0042] The foregoing operations of the system may be better understood with regard to FIGs. 2A-2E, which show an exemplary configuration of aspects of a water sample extraction system according to the present disclosure. In FIGs. 2A-2E, system 210 represents an example of a water sample extraction system 110.

[0043] In some aspects, the system 210 may include a frame 200 for supporting and mounting the various elements of the system. The frame 200 may include a base member 202. In some aspects, base member 202 may include an outer frame, for instance a rectangular frame, and cross members. In some aspects, frame 200 may include vertical members 204a, 204b, 204c, and 204d, wherein the vertical members may be spaced a distance apart and may be attached at separate locations on base member 202. In some aspects, frame 200 may include upper cross members 206a, 206b, and 206c, wherein upper cross member 206a may span a distance between vertical members 204a and 204c, and upper cross member 206b may span a distance between vertical members 204b and 204d. In some aspects, upper cross member 206c may span a distance between vertical cross members 202a and 202b. Such a configuration may be useful to provide stable support to the frame 200 as a whole as well as to the additional components to be mounted to the frame 200. The frame components may be joined together using brackets, such as brackets 208. Other fasteners, bolts, interlocking components, orequivalent structural components may be used, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In some aspects, as shown in FIGs. 2B and 2C, frame 200 may be mounted to a floatable platform 205, which is an example of the floatable platform 105 shown in FIG. 1. The frame 200 may include a mounting region 201 onto which an automated collection system, such as sampling module 230 may be mounted. Additional supports 203 for securely mounting sampling module 230 may also be provided, as shown in FIGs. 2B-2E.

[0044] The water sample extraction system 110 may include elements making up a deploying module 140. For example, the system 210 may include a winch, such as winch 242, which may be used to raise and lower the submersible unit into a body of water. Winch242 may be configured to extend or retract a cable 243. Although not shown in FIGs. 2A-2E, cable 243 may be configured to wind over a reel, such as reel 244 and attach to the submersible unit from above. Reel 244 may be a motorized actuated reel mechanism. Winch 242 and cable243 will preferably be rated as strong enough to lift the submersible unit against its own weight and additional forces placed on the submersible unit from the water. For example, a winch rated to 2000 pounds may be used. In other aspects, a winch rated for higher amounts of force may be used. In other aspects, a winch rated for lower amounts of force may be used. As one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, winch 242 may include a locking mechanism, a braking mechanism, and / or a ratcheting mechanism such that when cable 243 is not being extended or retracted, that the winch 242 secures cable 243 at a particular deployed length. For example, this can be used to dock the submersible unit at a home position out of the body of water, or to maintain a given depth in the body of water while a water sample is retrieved from that depth. FIGs. 2A-2E, reel 244 may be secured to frame 200 using a reel housing 246. For example, reel housing 246 may be attached at the intersection of cross members 206a and 206c, where it would be supported from both cross -members. In some aspects reel 244 may include a rotational sensor to determine length of cable extended, which may be communicated to a programmable controller, such as programmable controller 220, to indicate a depth to which the submersible unit was deployed. In some aspects, winch 242 may contain a sensor indicating to determine length of cable extended which may be communicated to a programmable controller, such as programmable controller 220, to indicate a depth to which the submersible unit was deployed. By receiving feedback on depth of deployment, as communicated by winch 242 and / or reel 244, programmable controller 220 can issue commands to winch 242 to acuateand lower the submersible unit into a body of water and to halt deployment when an appropriate depth position has been reached.

[0045] The water sample extraction system 110 may include elements making up a submersible unit 150 configured to collect specimens of water and / or soil. As an example, system 210 may include a submersible pump 252 in fluid communication with a sampling module, such as sampling module 230. In some aspects, submersible pump 252 may be in fluid communication with sampling module 230 through a coiled hose, such as coiled hose 254, or (not shown) a hose wound around a spool. Although not shown in FIGs. 2B-2E for clarity, coiled hose 254 may be connected to submersible pump 252 through nozzle 258. A coiled hose presents advantages over other methods of fluid communication because it is able to uncoil as the submersible unit is lowered into the body of water, and then coil itself again as the submersible unit is raised. An advantage of a coiled hose is that the coiling can help prevent the hose from dragging, or becoming snagged on other components of the system and / or external objects, either of which could lead to system malfunctions or increased difficulty in performing sample extraction processes.

[0046] In some aspects, the submersible pump may include a water level sensor, such as water level sensor 256. Water level sensor 256 may be used to determine the depth of the submersible unit. For example, the water level sensor 256 may be configured to measure the level of the water above the sensor. Water level sensor 256 may be a depth sensor, a pressure sensor (e.g. a hydrostatic pressure sensor), an ultrasonic sensor, and / or some other sensor capable of measuring or determining the depth of the submersible pump 252.

[0047] Other sensors may be included in the submersible unit, non-limiting example of which may include a pH sensor, a dissolved oxygen sensor, a temperature sensor, a volumetric flow rate sensor, and / or a salinity sensor. In some aspects, sensors included in the submersible unit, including water level sensor 256, may be in communication with the programmable controller to provide feedback on depth, water pressure, water level and / or other water properties sensed. In some aspects, submersible pump 252 may be in communication with the programmable controller such that the programmable controller can issue commands to begin or end pumping.

[0048] In some aspects, submersible pump 252, coiled hose 254, and aspects of sampling module 230 may be configured to perform a cleaning process. The cleaning process,in some instances, may ensure that water collected during a sampling operation at one stage or depth does not remain in the system where it could mix with water from samples from another sampling operation or a previous operation. For example, some aspects of a cleaning process may include opening a flush valve and turning on submersible pump 252 so that water is pumped through coiled hose 254 and out of the flush valve. At the same time, a valve to the sample collection unit could be closed, to prevent water from entering the sample collection unit. After the cleaning process runs, the flush valve could be closed and the valve to the sample collection unit could be opened to pump the desired amount of water into the sample collection unit. In some aspects, the sample collection valve could be closed after the desired amount of water had been retrieved, and the flush valve could be opened as the pump shuts off to drain excess water from the system. In some aspects, the flush valve could close after a predetermined time, for example, after 10 seconds. The flush valve may also be configured to close if the pump is no longer under the water. In some aspects, the cleaning process could be controlled by the programmable controller. In some aspects, the programmable controller may use a finite state machine to control process stages. Such a finite state machine may include, in some aspects, input signals regarding whether to perform the cleaning process, the amount of fluid pumped, and / or whether the pump has been stowed.

[0049] The water sample extraction system 110 may include elements making up a parking mechanism 160. In some aspects, the parking mechanism 160 may keep the submersible unit 150 securely stowed above the water when not in operation. In aspects, the parking mechanism 160 may keep the submersible unit 150 at a specified depth while the submersible unit 150 is operating under the water. As an example, system 210 may include such a parking mechanism in winch 242, which may include a locking mechanism, a braking mechanism, and / or a ratcheting mechanism such that when cable 243 is not being extended or retracted, the winch 242 secures cable 243 at a particular deployed length. For example, this can be used to dock the submersible unit at a home position out of the body of water, or to maintain a given depth in the body of water while a water sample is retrieved from that depth.

[0050] In some aspects, the parking mechanism may include a clamping mechanism, such as clamping mechanism 262. Clamping mechanism 262 may include a C- shaped member that extends from base member 202 to support submersible pump 252 during docking at rest position. In some aspects, two clamping mechanisms 262 may be extended from different sides of base member 202 to provide support for the submersible pump 252.

[0051] In some aspects, clamping mechanism 262 may be attached to base member 202 by a hinged member 264. Hinged member 264 may include a motorized pivot. Hinged member 264 may be configured to move the clamps. Hinged member 264 may enable clamping mechanism 262 to be rotated out of the way when the submersible pump is being deployed. Hinged member 264 may also be rotated back when docking the submersible unit. In some aspects, hinged member 264 may include a motorized actuator. In some aspects, hinged member 264 may be actuated by a signal from the programmable controller to move into a securing position during a parking operation, or to move out of the way during a deploying operation.

[0052] The water sample extraction system 110 may include an automated collection system 130. As shown in FIGs. 2A-2E, sampling module 230 is an example of an automated collection system useful for collecting and / or separately storing water specimens retrieved via the submersible pump 252. An example of a sampling module is now presented with regard to FIGs. 3A-3C. In FIGs. 3A-3C, sampling module 310 is an example showing certain aspects of automated collection system 130.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3A, sampling module 310 may include a housing 300. Housing 300 may be made of a water and / or weather resistant material, such as acrylic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), aluminum, and / or some other suitable material. The housing 300 may be weather and / or water resistant to protect the internal electronics, fluid transport devices, and specimen containers from the elements and to enable the system to be used outdoors for extended periods of time. In some aspects, at least a portion of housing 300 may be made of a transparent material so that fluid transport into the sampling module 310 can be more easily observed. In some aspects, at least a portion of housing 300 may be made of an opaque material so that specimens collected may be protected from UV or other light exposure. In some aspects, housing 300 may include brackets 301 used for securing sampling module 310 to a frame, such as to supports 203 discussed above. In aspects, housing 300 may include separate compartments. For example, housing 300 may include at least an upper compartment 302, a middle compartment 304, and a lower compartment 306. Upper compartment 302 may be used to house electronics used to communicate with and provide appropriate electrical power to aspects of the system. Middle compartment 304 may house fluid delivery components for use in transporting and arranging water specimens in the sampling module. Lower compartment 306 may house containers used for collecting and storing water and / or soil specimens. Lowercompartment 306 may be configured to be detachable from housing 300 to facilitate sample retrieval and / or analysis. Housing 300 may include, in some aspects, additional compartments and / or subcompartments for multiple reasons. For example, subcompartments may be formed by adding in structural support members.

[0054] In some aspects, a programmable controller 320, which is an example aspect of control module 120, may be incorporated into and / or onto the housing 300 of sampling module 310, such as in upper compartment 302. Such a programmable controller 320 may include a display 321, a control knob 322, a power switch 323, an embedded system, control drivers 325 and / or electrical connectors 326. In some aspects, programmable controller 320 may be built into a separate housing. In some aspects, programmable controller 320 may be electrically connected to other aspects of the system. For example, electrical connectors 326 may provide at least a portion of an electrical connection between programmable controller 320 and other aspects of the system.

[0055] Sampling module 310 may be configured to facilitate automated collection of specimens. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, components for sample collection may be included in a middle compartment 304. According to aspects of the present disclosure, sampling module 310, may include at least one intake nipple 340, an exhaust mesh 341, solenoid valves 342 (of which solenoid valves 342a-342f are an exemplary subset), valve output nipples 344, a tubing network (not shown), sample collection nipples 346 (of which sample collection nipples 346a-346c are an exemplary subset), a fluid flow meter 348, a filter (not shown), and / or specimen containers 362. In some aspects, a process for collecting water specimens may include receiving water from the submersible unit through intake nipple 340. Programmable controller 320 may determine into which specimen container 362 the sample is intended to be deposited, and may direct a corresponding solenoid valve 342 to open. The solenoid valves 342 may include valve output nipples 344 connected via a tubing network to sample collection nipples 346 positioned to correspond to a specimen container 362.

[0056] For example, FIG. 3C shows a cross-sectional side view of the forementioned features. In FIG. 3C, following the process outlined above, the programmable controller may determine that a sample should be placed into the leftmost specimen container 362 under sample collection nipple 346a. To achieve this, programmable controller 320 could direct a solenoid valve 342a, establishing a fluid connection between the solenoid valve 342a,a corresponding valve output nipple 344, through a tubing network, through sample collection nipple 346a, and into the specimen container 362. Although not limited to this exemplary configuration, sample collection nipple 346a may correspond to solenoid valve 342a and its corresponding valve output nipple 344, sample collection nipple 346b may correspond to solenoid valve 342b and its corresponding valve output nipple 344, and so on. Alternatively, tubing connections between the valve output nipples 344 and sample collection nipples 346 may be configured to decrease the amount of tubing used. Any of these configurations would enable the automated placement of water specimens into specimen containers. The exact configuration is not important so long as the programmable controller is able to deliver and keep separate the water specimens to the appropriate specimen containers 362.

[0057] In some aspects, the sampling module 310 may include a fluid flow meter 348. Fluid flow meter 348 may measure fluid flow to determine an appropriate volume of water is stored in a specimen container 362. For example, based on a signal from fluid meter 348, the programmable controller 320 may determine that a predetermined threshold volume has been reached during sample collection and send a signal to close the corresponding valve. In some aspects, the sampling module 310 may include a filter for removing particles from water before storing the water in a specimen container. During the sample collection process, the water may be filtered using the filter to remove particles from the water before storing the water in a specimen container 362. The specimen containers 362 can be any suitable container that can be configured within the sampling module 310. For example, the specimen containers 362 may be plastic or glass jars and / or bottles. The specimen containers 362 will ideally be large enough for the desired sample volumes. In one example, the specimen containers may be 500 ml containers. In other examples, the specimen containers may be larger than 500 ml. In other examples, the specimen containers may be smaller than 500 ml. Ideally, there are at least as many specimen containers available as there are samples to be collected. In some aspects, the containers may be arranged as shown in FIG. 3C, although other arrangements of containers are possible and anticipated by the present disclosure.

[0058] Returning to FIG. 1, the water sample extraction system 110 may include a power supply module 170. Power supply module 170 provides electrical energy to the other modules of the water sample extraction system 110. According to aspects, power supply module 170 may include a rechargeable battery. In some aspects, the rechargeable battery may be connected to a solar panel. In some aspects, the solar panel may include a sun-trackingsystem. In some aspects, the solar panel may be self-cleaning. Providing the water sample extraction system 110 with a power supply module 170 will enable the water sample extraction system 110 to perform autonomously and / or be maintained in continuous and / or extended operation while reducing the need for operator maintenance. The described features which may be provided to the solar panels also may help extend operational lifetime for the water sample extraction system 110.

[0059] Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular aspects of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding aspects described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

[0060] Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular aspects of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A water collection apparatus comprising: an automated collection system, wherein the automated collection system is configured to control placement of at least a first water specimen in a first specimen container, a second water specimen in a second specimen container, and a third water specimen in a third specimen container; a floatable platform comprising the automated collection system; and a submersible unit, wherein the submersible unit comprises a submersible pump in fluid communication with the automated collection system.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a coiled hose in fluid communication with the submersible unit and the automated collection system.

3. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising a water depth sensor and / or a motorized reel sensor.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a winch in communication with the submersible unit.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising a parking mechanism.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, further compromising a programable controller.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the programmable controller further comprises a satellite communication module.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 6-7, wherein the programable controller further comprises a user interface.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1-8, further comprising a global positioning system (GPS) module.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 3-9, wherein the motorized reel mechanism is configured to deploy or stow the submersible unit.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the automated collection system further comprises a filter for removing particles from water before storing the water in a specimen container.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the submersible unit further comprises a pH sensor, a dissolved oxygen sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or a salinity sensor.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-12, further comprising a rechargeable battery connected to a solar panel, optionally with a sun-tracking system.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the submersible unit is configured to also collect a soil specimen.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the automated collection system is configured to collect a predetermined volume of a water specimen at a predetermined water depth.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the automated collection system is configured to place a water specimen in a predetermined specimen container.

17. A method of collecting a water specimen using the apparatus of any one of claims 1- 16 comprising:(a) lowering the submersible unit into a body of water;(b) pumping water from the submersible unit to the automated collection system;(c) placing a water specimen in a specimen container;(d) optionally collecting a soil specimen.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein step (c) comprises automated collection of a predetermined volume of a specimen from a predetermined water depth.

19. The method of any one of claims 17-18, wherein step (c) comprises automated placement of the specimen into a predetermined specimen container.

20. The method of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the water specimen is filtered before placing in the specimen container.

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