Montana Patent of the Month – December 2025
Energy producers are gaining a powerful new tool in the fight against climate change. Bridger Photonics Inc. recently secured a breakthrough for its methane detection technology, promising to find and quantify invisible leaks with unprecedented speed. This innovation addresses a critical challenge for the oil and gas industry: pinpointing tiny emissions across massive infrastructure networks before they become major environmental liabilities.
Mapping the Unseen in 3D
The innovation, protected under U.S. Patent No. 12510354, titled ‘Gas-mapping 3D imager measurement techniques and method of data processing’, integrates advanced laser scanning with spatial data. Unlike traditional sensors that require crews to walk through hazardous sites, this system uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to scan terrain from the air. It captures high-resolution 3D images of equipment while simultaneously measuring the concentration of gas in the air above it.
Actionable Data for Rapid Repair
The patented method stands out by automatically “geo-registering” gas plumes. This means it creates a precise digital map that links an invisible cloud of methane directly to its physical source, such as a leaky valve or tank. By using GPS and sophisticated algorithms, the system removes the guesswork for maintenance teams. They receive clear visual evidence of the leak’s exact location and its emission rate.
Scaling Global Emissions Reduction
Bridger’s technology allows operators to scan hundreds of sites daily, which is far faster than ground-based methods. This efficiency helps companies meet strict new regulatory standards while reducing their carbon footprint. By turning complex laser data into simple, actionable maps, the company is helping the energy sector transition toward a more transparent and sustainable future.
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Are you developing new or improved products, or thinking of applying for a patent? Did you know your research work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please check out our free online eligibility test.
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The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
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