Expandable sonde apparatus

Abstract

An expandable sonde apparatus includes a sonde body having an expansion port and a plurality of first sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of first sonde sensors to the sonde body. The sonde apparatus further includes a sensor expansion attachment removably connected to the expansion port of the sonde body for increasing sensor capacity of the sonde apparatus. The sensor expansion attachment includes a plurality of second sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of second sonde sensors to the sonde body.

Description

TITLE: EXPANDABLE SONDE APPARATUSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 728,420, filed December 5, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The teachings disclosed herein relate generally to environmental monitoring, and more specifically, to sonde apparatuses for fluid environments.INTRODUCTION

[0003] International Pub. No. WO 03 / 067021 (Henry et al.) discloses a multiparameter tool assembly for monitoring of one or more parameters, such as those relating to water quality. As part of the tool assembly, a sensor head is configured to receive and electrically interconnected with a plurality of interchangeable sensor head components. The sensor head components are specially configured to provide for the removal and insertion of sensors through the application of linear force. The housing for the tool assembly, which may include a plurality of layers, is further configured for simplified assembly with the sensor head and other components through the use of at least one radially compressive sealing device. The assembly is further connectable to a communications network wherein signals may be exchanged with one or more remote locations.

[0004] United States Pat. 8,479,598 (Vincent) discloses a probe or sonde comprising a plurality of sensors for sensing different parameters, at least one sensor being mounted on or at one end of the probe or sonde, and at least one sensor being mounted on or at the, or one, side of the probe or sonde.

[0005] United States Pat. App. Pub. No. 2011 / 0023586 (Leyer et al.) discloses an immersion probe for water analysis including at least two sensors configured to determine different water parameters, a sensor module receiving portion with at least two sensormodule plug-in positions, and at least two sensor modules. The at least two sensormodule plug-in positions are configured to be substantially physically and electricallysimilar. Each of the at least two sensor modules respectively comprise a sensor and are disposed in a respective sensor-module plug-in position.

[0006] United States Pat. 5,821 ,405 (Dickey et al.) discloses a modular water quality measurement apparatus that includes a sealed or unsealed housing with a universal sensor interface cap and mechanical and electrical sensor connections for receiving removably attachable sensors. Each of the mechanical and electrical sensor connections are individually electrically connected to a programmable motherboard within the housing. Sensor daughterboards are removably attached to the motherboard corresponding to individual sensors connected to the universal sensor interface cap.SUMMARY

[0007] The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the applicant’s teaching, but not to define any invention.

[0008] According to some aspects, an expandable sonde apparatus for submersion in a fluid environment includes a sonde body extending along a sonde axis between a proximal end for tethering the sonde apparatus and a distal end axially opposite the proximal end. The distal end includes an expansion port and a plurality of first sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of first sonde sensors to the sonde body. The sonde apparatus further includes a sensor expansion attachment removably connected to the expansion port of the sonde body for increasing sensor capacity of the sonde apparatus. The sensor expansion attachment includes an expansion head spaced axially ahead of the distal end of the sonde body. The sensor head has a plurality of second sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of second sonde sensors to the sonde body.

[0009] In some examples, the plurality of first sensor connectors are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the sonde axis and the expansion port is radially inward of the plurality of first sensor connectors.

[0010] In some examples, the expansion port is generally coaxial with the sonde axis and the plurality of first sensor connectors are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the expansion port.

[0011] In some examples, the plurality of second sensor connectors are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the sonde axis.

[0012] In some examples, the sensor expansion attachment has a stem extending along the sonde axis between a first end removably connected to the expansion port for electrical communication with the sonde body, and a second end attached to the head.

[0013] In some examples, each of the plurality of first sensor connectors and the plurality of second sensor connectors are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the stem.

[0014] In some examples, the head projects radially outwardly from the second end of the stem over the plurality of first sensor connectors.

[0015] In some examples, each of the expansion port and the stem is generally coaxial with the sonde axis.

[0016] In some examples, the expansion head is spaced apart from the distal end by a head spacing sized to accommodate the plurality of first sensors axially between the distal end of the sonde body and the expansion head.

[0017] In some examples, the plurality of second sensor connectors are on an underside of the expansion head directed toward the sonde body, and the head spacing is sized to accommodate the plurality of first and second sensors axially between the distal end of the sonde body and the expansion head.

[0018] In some examples, the expansion head includes another expansion port for removably connecting another sensor expansion attachment in a stacked arrangement to further increase sensor capacity.

[0019] In some examples, the sensor expansion attachment is attachable to and detachable from the sonde body independent of the plurality of first sonde sensors.

[0020] An expandable sonde apparatus includes (a) a sonde body having an expansion port and a plurality of first sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of first sonde sensors to the sonde body; and (b) a sensor expansion attachment removably connected to the expansion port of the sonde body for increasing sensor capacity of the sonde apparatus, the sensor expansion attachment including a plurality ofsecond sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of second sonde sensors to the sonde body.

[0021] An expandable sonde apparatus includes a sonde body having (i) a plurality of first sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of first sonde sensors to the sonde body, and (ii) an expansion port for removably connecting a sensor expansion attachment having a plurality of second sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of second sonde sensors to the sonde body to increase sensor capacity of the sonde apparatus.

[0022] In some examples, the sonde body extends along a sonde axis between a proximal end for tethering the sonde apparatus and a distal end axially opposite the proximal end, the distal end comprising the expansion port and the plurality of first sensor connectors.

[0023] In some examples, the expansion port is generally coaxial with the sonde axis and the plurality of first sensor connectors are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the expansion port.

[0024] According to some aspects, a sensor expansion attachment for increasing sensor capacity of an expandable sonde apparatus includes a stem extending along a stem axis between a first end and a second end axially opposite the first end. The first end has a base connector for removably connecting the expansion attachment to an expansion port at a distal end of a sonde body of the sonde apparatus. The distal end has a plurality of first sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of first sonde sensors to the sonde body. The sensor expansion attachment further includes an expansion head attached to the second end of the stem and having a plurality of second sensor connectors in electrical communication with the base connector. The plurality of second sensor connectors are for removably connecting a plurality of second sonde sensors to the expansion head for electrical communication with the sonde body.

[0025] In some examples, the stem has a stem length between the first and second ends, the stem length sized to accommodate positioning of at least the plurality of first sonde sensors axially between the distal end of the sonde body and the expansion head.

[0026] In some examples, the head projects radially outwardly relative to the stem.

[0027] In some examples, the expansion head has an underside facing toward the stem, and the plurality of sensor connectors are on the underside.

[0028] In some examples, the plurality of second sensor connectors are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the stem.

[0029] In some examples, the expansion head includes another expansion port for removably connecting another expansion attachment in a stacked arrangement to further increase sensor capacity of the sonde apparatus.DRAWINGS

[0030] For a better understanding of the described examples and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view of an example sonde system;

[0032] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a sonde apparatus of the sonde system ofFigure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 3 is a distal end view of a sonde body of the sonde apparatus of Figure 2;

[0034] Figure 4 is a perspective exploded view of a portion of the sonde apparatus of Figure 2;

[0035] Figure 5 is a perspective view of portions of the sonde body and an expansion attachment of the sonde apparatus of Figure 2;

[0036] Figure 6 is a proximal end view of the expansion attachment of Figure 5;

[0037] Figure 7 is a side view of a sensor cage of the sonde apparatus of Figure2;

[0038] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another example sensor expansion attachment for a sonde apparatus like that of Figure 2;

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic side view of another example sonde apparatus for a sonde system like that of Figure 1 ; and

[0040] Figure 10 is another schematic side view of the sonde apparatus of Figure 9, but with sensors and a sensor cage of the apparatus removed.DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EXAMPLES

[0041] Various apparatuses, systems, or processes will be described below to provide an example of each claimed invention. No example described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes, systems, or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, systems, or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus, system, or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, systems, or processes described below. It is possible that an apparatus, system, or process described below is not an example of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, system, or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors, or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0042] Environmental monitoring and data collection can often require deployment of sondes, which are compact instruments used to measure various environmental parameters. In fluid (e.g. aquatic) environments, such parameters can include, for example, water quality, temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, etc.. Some sonde designs utilize built-in sensors pre-configured for measuring specific parameters. While these sondes can perform well in their intended applications, they are typically limited in their ability to be customized or upgraded, which may necessitate the purchase of entirely new sondes to accommodate additional or specialized sensors.

[0043] Other sonde designs can include a cylindrical body with sensors removably attached to sockets at the distal end of the body. This can permit for selection, replacement, and / or upgrading of the sensor suite based on the desired application. However, the surface area at the distal end can limit the quantity of sensors that can beattached, forcing operators to optimize their selection of sensors. One option to address this limitation is to increase the surface area at the distal end to allow for attachment of additional sensors. However, this increases the diameter of the sonde, potentially making it suboptimal for certain applications. Another solution is to combine multiple sensor functions such that one sensor can measure multiple parameters. However, this may result in increased size, cost, and complexity for the sensors, and may be available in limited sensor function combinations (e.g. temperature and water pressure, or pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP)).

[0044] According to some aspects of the present teachings, sonde apparatuses are disclosed for increasing sensor capacity. In some examples, the sonde apparatuses include additional attachment surfaces for attaching additional sonde sensors to increase sensor capacity. In some examples, the sonde apparatuses of the present disclosure can include a sonde body with a plurality of first sonde sensor connectors for connecting a plurality of first sonde sensors, and one or more sensor expansion modules (e.g. attachments) removably connectable to the sonde body. Each expansion module can have a plurality of second sonde sensor connectors for connecting a plurality of second sonde sensors to increase sensor capacity of the sonde apparatus. In some examples, the increased sensor capacity may be provided without necessarily requiring an increase in the overall diameter of the sonde apparatus.

[0045] Referring to Figure 1 , an example sonde system 10 is illustrated. In the example illustrated, the sonde system 10 includes a floating deployment platform 12 (e.g. buoy, raft, etc.) for supporting a spool assembly 14 over a fluid environment (e.g. body of water). The spool assembly 14 includes a frame 16, a spool 18 rotatably mounted to the frame 16, and a tether 20 wound around the spool 18. The tether 20 extends between a proximal end coupled to the spool 18 and a distal end opposite the proximal end. A sonde apparatus 100 is coupled to the distal end of the tether 20 for submersion in the fluid environment. The spool 18 is rotatable about a spool axis 22 relative to the frame 16 to extend and retract the tether 20 for adjusting elevation of the sonde apparatus 100 in the fluid environment. The tether 20 provides communication between the sonde apparatus 100 and the spool assembly 14 (e.g. for data, signal, and / or power transmission).

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, in the example illustrated, the sonde apparatus 100 includes a sonde body 102 and a plurality of sonde sensors 104 connected to the sonde body 102 for monitoring one or more parameters of a fluid environment. In the example illustrated, the sonde body 102 extends along a sonde axis 106 between a proximal end 108 coupled to the tether 20 and a distal end 110 axially opposite the proximal end 108. Referring to Figure 3, the distal end 110 includes a plurality of first sensor connectors 112a, and the plurality of sonde sensors 104 comprises a plurality of first sonde sensors 104a removably connected to respective first sensor connectors 112a.

[0047] Referring to Figure 4, in the example illustrated, the apparatus 100 further includes a sensor expansion attachment 114 coupled to the sonde body 102 for increasing sensor capacity of the sonde apparatus 100. In the example illustrated, the sensor expansion attachment 114 includes a plurality of second sensor connectors 112b, and the plurality of sonde sensors 104 comprise a plurality of second sonde sensors 104b removably connected to respective second sensor connectors 112b. Referring to Figure 3, in the example illustrated, the distal end 110 of the sonde body includes an expansion port 116, and the sensor expansion attachment 114 is removably connected to the expansion port 116 of the sonde body 102 Referring to Figure 4, in the example illustrated, the sensor expansion attachment 114 includes an expansion head 118 spaced axially ahead of the distal end 110 of the sonde body 102 and comprising the plurality of second sensor connectors 112b to which the respective second sonde sensors 104b are removably connected.

[0048] In the example illustrated, each sensor connector 112a, 112b comprises an electromechanical interface (e.g. pogo or push-pull connectors) for interfacing with corresponding connectors 120 on each sensor 104 for mounting the sensors 104 in electrical communication with the sonde body 102. In some examples, each sensor connector 112a, 112b can comprise a retainer (e.g. socket) for receiving and retaining the sensors at predetermined positions on the sonde body 102 I expansion head 118, and a wireless connector for providing power and signal transmission between each connected sensor 104 (which may include an integrated battery and antenna) and the sonde body 102 I expansion head 118 (each of which may include one or more corresponding antennas for induction charging of the sensor batteries and wirelesscommunication with the sensors 104). Referring to Figure 4, in the example illustrated, any one of the sensors 104 is connectable to and disconnectable from any one of the connectors 112a, 112b. The sensors 104 can be selected for monitoring one or more respective parameters of the fluid environment, and the one or more parameters monitored by each sensor 104 can be different from those of each other sensor 104.

[0049] Referring to Figure 3, the distal end 110 of the sonde body 102 has an endface 124 directed axially away from the sonde body 102. In the example illustrated, the plurality of first sensor connectors 112a and the expansion port 116 are on the endface 124. The plurality of first sensor connectors 112a are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the sonde axis 106 (Figure 2), and are in radial alignment with each other. The expansion port 116 is radially inward of the plurality of first sensor connectors 112a. In the example illustrated, the expansion port 116 is generally coaxial with the sonde axis 106 and the plurality of first sensor connectors 112a are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the expansion port 116. Referring to Figure 5, in the example illustrated, the plurality of second sensor connectors 112b are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the sonde axis 106, and are in circumferential alignment with the plurality of first sensor connectors 112a (see e.g. Figure 2).

[0050] Referring to Figure 4, in the example illustrated, each sensor 104 extends axially along a respective sensor axis parallel with the sonde axis 106, between a first end having a connector 120 for interfacing with a respective sensor connectors 112a, 112b, and a second end axially opposite the first end. When connected to respective sensor connectors 112a, 112b, each sensor 104 projects axially from a respective connector 112a, 112b and each of the plurality of first sensors 104a and the plurality of second sensors 104b are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the sonde axis 106. In the example illustrated, the plurality of first sensors 104a are in circumferential and radial alignment with the plurality of second sensors 104b (see e.g. Figure 2). In the example illustrated, each sensor 104 has a radially inner surface directed toward the sonde axis 106, a radially outer surface directed away from the sonde axis 106, and a pair of circumferentially opposed side surfaces extending radially between the radially inner and outer surfaces. In the example illustrated, the radially inner surface has acircumferential extent that is less than that of the radially outer surface to provide each sensor 104 with a wedge-shaped cross-sectional profile (taken normal to the sensor axis 106). This can allow for each of the plurality of first sensors 104a and the plurality of second sensors 104b to be more densely packed in a circumferentially adjacent arrangement, which may help provide for an increased quantity of sensors in each sensor set, facilitate more compact sensor assemblies, and / or inhibit biofouling on sensor surfaces between adjacent sensors. Each sensor 104 has at least one active sensor surface 129 operable to measure the respective parameter(s) when in fluid communication with the fluid environment. In the example illustrated, the active sensor surface 129 of each sensor 104 is provided on the radially outer surface of the sensor 104, and is directed away from the sonde axis 106.

[0051] Referring to Figure 5, in the example illustrated, the sensor expansion attachment 114 has a stem 122 extending along the sonde axis 106 between a first end126 removably connected to the expansion port 116 (Figure 3) for electrical communication with the sonde body 102, and a second end 128 attached to the head 118. In the example illustrated, the second end 128 is removably attached to the head, and detachable therefrom (see e.g. attachment 1114 in Figure 8). Referring to Figure 6, in the example illustrated, the first end 126 of the stem 122 comprises a base connector127 for removably connecting the expansion attachment 114 to the expansion port 116. Each of the plurality of first sensor connectors 112a (Figure 3) and the plurality of second sensor connectors 112b are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the stem 122. Each of the expansion port 116 and the stem 122 are generally coaxial with the sonde axis 106. The sensors 104 are arranged circumferentially around the stem 122.

[0052] In the example illustrated, the head 118 projects radially outwardly from the second end 128 of the stem 122 over the plurality of first sensor connectors 112a (Figure 2). Referring to Figure 2, in the example illustrated, the expansion head 118 is spaced apart from the distal end 110 by a head spacing 130 sized to accommodate at least the plurality of first sensors 104a axially between the distal end 110 of the sonde body 102 and the expansion head 118. In the example illustrated, the stem 122 has a stem length between the first and second ends 126, 128 (Figure 5) corresponding to the head spacing 130. In the example illustrated, the plurality of second sensor connectors 112b are on anunderside 132 of the expansion head 118 directed toward the sonde body 102. The head spacing 130 is sized to accommodate the plurality of first and second sensors 104a, 104b, axially between the distal end 110 of the sonde body 102 and the expansion head 118. Each sensor 104 has an axial extent between the first end and the second end of the sensor 104, and the head spacing 130 is at least twice the axial extent to fit the first and second sensors 104a, 104b therein.

[0053] Referring to Figure 4, in the example illustrated, the sonde apparatus 100 includes a sensor cage 134 coupled to the sonde body 102 and enclosing the plurality of sensors 104. The cage 134 is detachably mounted to and extends axially between the distal end 110 of the sonde body 102 and the head 118 of the expansion attachment 114. The cage 134 is detachable from the sonde body 102 and the head 118 for accessing the sensors 104 and / or sensor connectors 112a, 112b. In the example illustrated, the sensor cage 134 encloses and protects the sonde sensors 104 while providing fluid communication between the sonde sensors 104 and the fluid environment. The sensor cage 134 encloses an interior cage volume 136 within which the plurality of sensors 104 are positioned and which is in fluid communication with the fluid environment when submersed. In the example illustrated, the sensor cage 134 has a sidewall 140 extending along the sonde axis 106 from the distal end 110 of the sonde body 102 to the head 118 of the sensor expansion attachment 114. The sidewall 140 extends about the sonde axis 106 and has a radially inner surface facing the radially outer surfaces of the sensors 104. In the example illustrated, the sensor cage 134 has a plurality of cage apertures 142 extending radially through the sidewall 140 and spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the sonde axis 106 for providing fluid communication between the interior cage volume 136 (and sensors 104) and the fluid environment.

[0054] In the example illustrated, the sonde apparatus 100 includes an ultraviolet (UV) irradiation system 150 comprising a plurality of UV light sources 152 for emitting UV light to inhibit biofouling. The plurality of UV light sources 152 are positioned for irradiating the interior cage volume 136 and plurality of sensors 104 with UV light to inhibit biofouling. In the example illustrated, each UV light source 152 comprises a UVC light emitting diode (LED). In the example illustrated, the plurality of UV light sources 152 are mounted to the sensor cage 134 for irradiating the interior cage volume 136, in which the sensors 104are positioned, with UV light. In the example illustrated, the UV light sources 152 are mounted to the sidewall 140 of the cage 134 and in electrical communication with the sonde body 102 through electrical lines extending along the cage 134. The plurality of UV light sources 152 are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the sonde axis 106 to emit the UV light radially inwardly toward the sonde axis 106 (and the interior cage volume 136 and plurality of sensors 104). In the example illustrated, each UV light source 152 is aimed at (and generally in circumferential and axial alignment with) the active sensor surface 129 of a respective sensor 104.

[0055] Referring to Figure 8, another example sensor expansion attachment 1114 for increasing sensor capacity of an expandable sonde apparatus (like the apparatus 100) is illustrated. The expansion attachment 1114 has similarities to the expansion attachment 114, and like features are identified with like reference characters, incremented by 1000. In the example illustrated, the expansion attachment 1114 includes a stem 1122 extending along a stem axis 1160 between a first end 1126 and a second end 1128 axially opposite the first end 1126. The first end 1126 of the stem 1122 comprises a base connector 1127 for removably connecting the expansion attachment 1114 to the sonde body (e.g. to expansion port 116 of sonde body 102). In the example illustrated, the attachment 1114 has an expansion head 1118 removably attached to the second end 1128 of the stem 1122. The head 1118 includes a plurality of sensor connectors 1112b in electrical communication with the base connector 1127 for removably connecting a plurality of sonde sensors to the expansion head 1118 for electrical communication with the sonde body (e.g. the sonde body 102) through the attachment 1114.

[0056] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, another example sonde apparatus 2100 is illustrated. The sonde apparatus 2100 has similarities to the sonde apparatus 100, and like features are identified using like reference numerals, incremented by 2000. In the example illustrated, the sonde apparatus 2100 includes a sonde body 2102 extending along a sonde axis 2106 between a proximal end 2108 for tethering the sonde apparatus 2100 and a distal end 21 10 axially opposite the proximal end 2108. The distal end 2110 has a first expansion port 2116a and a plurality of first sensor connectors 2112a for removably connecting a plurality of first sonde sensors 2104a to the sonde body 2102.

[0057] In the example illustrated, the apparatus 2100 includes a plurality of sensor expansion attachments 2114 connected to the sonde body 2102 for increasing sensor capacity of the sonde apparatus 2100. In the example illustrated, the plurality of sensor expansion attachments 2114 include a first sensor expansion attachment 2114a removably connected to the first expansion port 2116a of the sonde body 2102. The first sensor expansion attachment 2114a includes a first expansion head 2118a spaced axially ahead of the distal end 2110 of the sonde body 2102 and having a plurality of second sensor connectors 2112b for removably connecting a plurality of second sonde sensors 2104b to the sonde body 2102. The plurality of second sensor connectors 2112b are provided on a first side 2132 of the first expansion head 2118a directed toward the sonde body 2102. In the example illustrated, the expansion head 2118a has a second side 2133 axially opposite the first side 2132 and directed away from the sonde body 2102, and a plurality of third sensor connectors 2112c on the second side 2133 for removably connecting a plurality of third sonde sensors 2104c to the sonde body 2102.

[0058] In the example illustrated, the expansion head 2118a further includes a second expansion port 2116b on the second side 2133 of the expansion head 2118a for removably connecting a second sensor expansion attachment 2114b in an axially stacked arrangement. The second sensor expansion attachment 2114b extends along the sonde axis 2106 and includes a second expansion head 2118b spaced axially forward of the first expansion head 2118a. The second expansion head 2118b has a plurality of fourth sensor connectors 2112d for removably connecting a plurality of fourth sonde sensors 2104d to further increase sensor capacity of the sonde apparatus 2100. The plurality of fourth sensor connectors 2112d are on a first side of a head 2118b directed toward the sonde body 2102. The second expansion head 2118b has a second side opposite the first side, and a plurality of fifth sensor connectors 2112e on the second side for optionally connecting a plurality of fifth sensors. The second attachment 2114b (including the plurality of fourth and fifth sensor connectors 2112d, 2112e and the fourth sensors 2104d) is in communication with the sonde body 2102 through the first sensor expansion attachment 2114a. Optionally, additional sensor expansion attachments 2114 can be stacked in a similar manner (e.g. connected to an expansion port on the second expansion head 2118b) to further increase sensor capacity.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An expandable sonde apparatus for submersion in a fluid environment, comprising: a) a sonde body extending along a sonde axis between a proximal end for tethering the sonde apparatus and a distal end axially opposite the proximal end, the distal end including an expansion port and a plurality of first sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of first sonde sensors to the sonde body; and b) a sensor expansion attachment removably connected to the expansion port of the sonde body for increasing sensor capacity of the sonde apparatus, the sensor expansion attachment including an expansion head spaced axially ahead of the distal end of the sonde body and including a plurality of second sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of second sonde sensors to the sonde body.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first sensor connectors are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the sonde axis and the expansion port is radially inward of the plurality of first sensor connectors.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the expansion port is generally coaxial with the sonde axis and the plurality of first sensor connectors are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the expansion port.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the plurality of second sensor connectors are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the sonde axis.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor expansion attachment has a stem extending along the sonde axis between a first end removably connected to the expansion port for electrical communication with the sonde body, and a second end attached to the head.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of first sensor connectors and the plurality of second sensor connectors are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the stem.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the head projects radially outwardly from the second end of the stem over the plurality of first sensor connectors.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein each of the expansion port and the stem is generally coaxial with the sonde axis.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the expansion head is spaced apart from the distal end by a head spacing sized to accommodate the plurality of first sensors axially between the distal end of the sonde body and the expansion head.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the plurality of second sensor connectors are on an underside of the expansion head directed toward the sonde body, and the head spacing is sized to accommodate the plurality of first and second sensors axially between the distal end of the sonde body and the expansion head.11 . The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the expansion head includes another expansion port for removably connecting another sensor expansion attachment in a stacked arrangement to further increase sensor capacity.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the sensor expansion attachment is attachable to and detachable from the sonde body independent of the plurality of first sonde sensors.

13. An expandable sonde apparatus, comprising: a) a sonde body including an expansion port and a plurality of first sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of first sonde sensors to the sonde body; and b) a sensor expansion attachment removably connected to the expansion port of the sonde body for increasing sensor capacity of the sonde apparatus, the sensor expansion attachment including a plurality of second sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of second sonde sensors to the sonde body.

14. An expandable sonde apparatus comprising a sonde body including (i) a plurality of first sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of first sonde sensors to the sonde body, and (ii) an expansion port for removably connecting a sensor expansion attachment having a plurality of second sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of second sonde sensors to the sonde body to increase sensor capacity of the sonde apparatus.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the sonde body extends along a sonde axis between a proximal end for tethering the sonde apparatus and a distal end axially opposite the proximal end, the distal end comprising the expansion port and the plurality of first sensor connectors.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the expansion port is generally coaxial with the sonde axis and the plurality of first sensor connectors are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the expansion port.

17. A sensor expansion attachment for increasing sensor capacity of an expandable sonde apparatus, comprising: a) a stem extending along a stem axis between a first end and a second end axially opposite the first end, the first end comprising a base connector for removably connecting the expansion attachment to an expansion port at a distal end of a sonde body of the sonde apparatus, the distal end having a plurality of first sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of first sonde sensors to the sonde body; and b) an expansion head attached to the second end of the stem and including a plurality of second sensor connectors in electrical communication with the base connector, the plurality of second sensor connectors for removably connecting a plurality of second sonde sensors to the expansion head for electrical communication with the sonde body.

18. The attachment of claim 17, wherein the stem has a stem length between the first and second ends, the stem length sized to accommodate positioning of at least theplurality of first sonde sensors axially between the distal end of the sonde body and the expansion head.

19. The attachment of any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the head projects radially outwardly relative to the stem.

20. The attachment of claim 19, wherein the expansion head has an underside facing toward the stem, and the plurality of sensor connectors are on the underside.

21. The attachment of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the plurality of second sensor connectors are spaced circumferentially apart from each other about the stem.

22. The attachment of any one of claims 17 to 21 , wherein the expansion head includes another expansion port for removably connecting another sensor expansion attachment in a stacked arrangement to further increase sensor capacity of the sonde apparatus.

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