18561480. INTEGRATED AUTONOMOUS OIL-SLICK SAMPLER AND STORAGE PRESERVATION DEVICE simplified abstract (ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company)

INTEGRATED AUTONOMOUS OIL-SLICK SAMPLER AND STORAGE PRESERVATION DEVICE

Organization Name

ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company

Inventor(s)

William P. Meurer of Magnolia TX (US)

David T. Wang of Witchita Falls TX (US)

Gregory W. Shipman of Houston TX (US)

Jeffrey D. Spitzenberger of Spring TX (US)

Michael Sutton of Magnolia TX (US)

Jeffrey C. Bridges of Magnolia TX (US)

Paul Moreno of Houston TX (US)

INTEGRATED AUTONOMOUS OIL-SLICK SAMPLER AND STORAGE PRESERVATION DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18561480 titled 'INTEGRATED AUTONOMOUS OIL-SLICK SAMPLER AND STORAGE PRESERVATION DEVICE

The abstract describes an autonomous surface vessel with a sampling system that includes multiple sampling modules, each containing a storage container, sampling material, actuation system, and end cap.

• Each sampling module can transition between a stowed state, where the sampling material is stored in the container and the end cap seals it, and a deployed state, where the end cap is removed and the sampling material is extracted.
• A computer system controls the actuation system of each sampling module, allowing for precise sampling operations.
• The vessel can autonomously collect samples from the environment for various purposes, such as scientific research or environmental monitoring.
• The innovative sampling system enables efficient and accurate sample collection in marine environments.
• The design of the vessel and sampling system enhances the capabilities of autonomous marine research and monitoring missions.

Potential Applications: - Environmental monitoring in marine ecosystems - Scientific research in oceanography and marine biology - Resource exploration in underwater environments

Problems Solved: - Streamlining sample collection processes in marine environments - Enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of autonomous marine research missions

Benefits: - Improved data collection for scientific research - Cost-effective and efficient sampling operations in marine environments - Enhanced capabilities for autonomous marine vessels

Commercial Applications: Title: Autonomous Marine Sampling Vessel for Efficient Data Collection This technology can be utilized by research institutions, environmental agencies, and commercial entities involved in marine research, monitoring, and exploration. The vessel's advanced sampling system offers a competitive advantage in data collection and analysis in marine environments.

Questions about Autonomous Surface Vessel Sampling System: 1. How does the autonomous sampling system of the vessel improve data collection efficiency? 2. What are the potential cost savings associated with using this autonomous surface vessel for marine research and monitoring?

Original Abstract Submitted

An autonomous surface vessel includes an elongate body, and a sampling system operatively coupled to the body and including one or more sampling modules, wherein each sampling module includes a housing including a storage container, a sampling material receivable within the storage container, an actuation system operatively coupled to the sampling material via a lead line, and an end cap operatively coupled to the lead line and matable with an open end of the storage container. A computer system is in communication with the sampling system to operate the actuation system, wherein each sampling module is actuatable between a stowed state, where the sampling material is received within the storage container and the end cap sealingly engages the open end, and a deployed state, where the end cap is disengaged from the open end and the sampling material is drawn out of the sampling container.