Integrated Security System for Warning of Dangerous Substances That are Dispersed by Winds
Patent Number: US 8717164 Grant Date: 2014-05-06 Filing Date: 2011-04-13
Overview
This patented system protects remote oil‑ and gas‑field entry portals with a wind‑articulated, airfoil‑style warning display integrated with RFID and enhanced “logical” QR emblems to deliver classified, task‑specific information to authenticated visitors. Filed on April 13, 2011 and granted on May 6, 2014, the claims capture a robust combination of aerodynamic pointing hardware, low‑friction bearings and optimized lever‑arm geometry together with secure RFID authentication, password‑controlled web links and high‑visibility, retroreflective signage. Inventors based in Levelland, Midland, and Amarillo, Texas conceived a scalable, all‑weather apparatus and modular kit that prioritizes first‑responder triage: the display indicates instantaneous wind‑drift direction for heavier‑than‑air releases while providing smartphone and reader access to site maps, inventories and emergency procedures.
The firm’s patent drafting emphasizes practical deployment details — from bearing and mast placement to QR image sizing, error‑tolerant scanning, and secure random‑number tag protocols — ensuring enforceable coverage across mechanical, aerothermal and information‑security aspects of the invention.
Key Features
- Wind‑responsive airfoil “sail” with optimized lever arm for accurate pointing in light breezes
- Secure RFID and logical QR emblems for authenticated, role‑based web access
- Retroreflective, standards‑compliant signage and scalable kit for field assembly
- Integration with plume‑dispersion modeling and visitor‑class triage displays
This patent strengthens operational safety for hazardous‑materials sites and demonstrates high commercial and regulatory relevance for the oil & gas and emergency‑response sectors.
Invention Details
Abstract: An integrated security system for oil-field and gas-field sites is disclosed. The system utilizes state-of-the-art technologies including “logical QR emblems” and powerful, advanced RFID tags. The system is particularly valuable for emergency responders, since it facilitates immediate, secure display of critical site data-according to predetermined classifications, e.g., emergency triage for an accident or terrorist event.
Summary of the Invention: Global political and economic conditions now require extraordinary security for oil and gas facilities, especially remote wells, pipelines and field-processing sites. Part of this challenge is to provide reliable, secure, instant access to infrastructure records, data and emergency procedures to authenticated individuals having a confirmed need to know and to federal/state governmental agencies, especially the US Dept. of Homeland Security. Normal safety aspects toward the adjoining communities, e.g., warning signs and standard response procedures for a well are typically covered by the property owner or licensee. Compliance of each site with state and industry codes (API, American Petroleum Institute) for natural gas-production is confirmed by regular inspections required by the controlling state and local agencies, e.g., TX-RRC. The required API number display consists of 14 digits with 4 separator dashes which specifies the state, the county, the unique well identifier, 2 sidetrack digits and 2 event-sequence code characters. In case of a major emergency at a particular location, US federal agencies may also be involved under “Emergency Support Function #9”.
In case of an accident or a terrorist attack on a remote gas-production facility, all emergency responders need a simple, quick, universal system to provide their crews with detailed, updated technical data on many important matters including: property control-ownership, health and safety risks, emergency-contact data for responsible managers/supervisors, building drawings, wiring and electrical power equipment locations, piping and control valves for fluids handled at the site, dangerous materials storage, etc.
Patent Document
Related: Computer Science & Software | Mechanical Engineering | Oil & Gas | Aerospace | Safety Systems | Software And Electronics | Amarillo, Texas | Levelland, Texas | Midland, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney