Abstract: A module for managing communication among instrumentation and control devices associated with a system, and a method for using the module, enable interconnection of various devices across multiple network buses, and filtering of messages travelling between devices on disparate buses. Buses may be established wirelessly in addition to via wired connections. Additional devices may connect to a pluggable terminal interface integrated with the module. The terminal interface may connect to a configurable variety of interconnecting circuits appropriate for various types of terminal devices. An associated user interface may enable a user to configure various parameters pertaining to connected devices, including alerts to be issued when certain parameters exceed thresholds, and actions to be taken upon issuance of such alerts.

Abstract: A process for preparing a porous ceramic body includes forming a green body with a mixture of ceramic material powder, binder material, and pore-forming particles. The process further includes extracting the binder material, decomposing the pore-forming particles, and removing residual organic materials from the green body at respective, progressively higher pre-firing temperatures. After these three stages, the green body is sintered at a still-higher temperature to form the porous ceramic body. Embodiments facilitate manufacturing and can render most or all surface grinding unnecessary, allowing electrode deposition directly onto substantially non-porous surfaces of the porous ceramic body that are naturally formed during sintering. Advantageously, the green body may be formed into net shape by injection molding the mixture that includes the pore-forming particles, and embodiments can result in porous ceramic bodies that are much thicker than currently available, with better structural integrity.

Abstract: A module for managing communication among instrumentation and control devices associated with a system, and a method for using the module, enable interconnection of various devices across multiple network buses, and filtering of messages travelling between devices on disparate buses. Buses may be established wirelessly in addition to via wired connections. Additional devices may connect to a pluggable terminal interface integrated with the module. The terminal interface may connect to a configurable variety of interconnecting circuits appropriate for various types of terminal devices. An associated user interface may enable a user to configure various parameters pertaining to connected devices, including alerts to be issued when certain parameters exceed thresholds, and actions to be taken upon issuance of such alerts.

Abstract: A method of optimizing acoustic transducer performance, and corresponding system, can include mechanically coupling a transducer to a fluid barrier, calibrating the acoustic transducer by measuring response as a function of drive frequency to determine one or more optimum drive frequencies, optimized for the transducer actually coupled to the fluid barrier, and storing the one or more optimum drive frequencies for use in operating the acoustic transducer. Shims may also be used between the transducer and fluid barrier, such as a boat hull, to optimize transducer performance. Embodiments can enable improved in-hull transducer depth sounding, as well as improved fluid level measurements in tanks.

Abstract: A multi-function sensor system comprises a dual-axis electromagnetic speed sensor and a depth transducer to enable various underwater or marine measurements to be achieved in a single unit thus reducing the space required on a vessel and the cost of having such multiple functions.

Abstract: A software defined platform is provided for subsea acoustic applications that utilizes a broadband phased array transducer and a configurable, multi-function software defined transducer that is configurable on the fly to enable various subsea acoustic systems to be achieved in a single unit thus reducing the space required on the vessel and the cost of having such multiple functions.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an acoustic transducer includes an element with an acoustic radiative surface having two warped edges at opposing sides. In another embodiment, an acoustic transducer includes first and second elements, each divided into at least two spatially separated portions electrically coupled to each other, the portions configured to interleave. In a further embodiment, an acoustic transducer includes first and second transducer elements. The second element is situated adjacent to the first element and includes a radiative surface with an edge having periodic elongations. In yet another embodiment, an acoustic transducer includes a transducer element with an acoustic radiative surface that has a skewed diamond shape.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an acoustic projector includes an acoustic transmit transducer capable of producing a sound pressure radiation in response to a driver signal received from a transmit source, an acoustic receive transducer capable of producing a source level signal in response to receiving at least a portion of the sound pressure radiation, and a controller configured to monitor the source level signal and report the source level signal monitored.

Abstract: A software defined platform is provided for subsea acoustic applications that utilizes a broadband phased array transducer and a configurable, multi-function software defined transducer that is configurable on the fly to enable various subsea acoustic systems to be achieved in a single unit thus reducing the space required on the vessel and the cost of having such multiple functions.

Abstract: A software defined platform is provided for subsea acoustic applications that utilizes a broadband phased array transducer and a configurable, multi-function software defined transducer that is configurable on the fly to enable various subsea acoustic systems to be achieved in a single unit thus reducing the space required on the vessel and the cost of having such multiple functions.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a speed sensor and a speed sensing method for measuring relative speeds of receivers with respect to particles in a fluid by detecting individual particles. A receiver generates a plurality of signals related to reflections from particles in a region being monitored. A sampling circuit samples the signals, and a processing device processes the signals according to a particle detection scheme to determine speed. Concomitant use of the same receivers allows depth measurement.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a speed sensor and a speed sensing method for measuring relative speeds of receivers with respect to particles in a fluid by detecting individual particles. A receiver generates a plurality of signals related to reflections from particles in a region being monitored. A sampling circuit samples the signals, and a processing device processes the signals according to a particle detection scheme to determine speed. Concomitant use of the same receivers allows depth measurement.

Abstract: A precipitation sensor including a cantilevered sensor member having a cantilevered portion and an upper and a lower surface extending on opposite sides of the cantilevered portion. The sensor member can receive falling precipitation on the upper surface and vibrate when struck by such precipitation. The cantilevered portion can have outer perimeter edges that are sloped downwardly for shedding the precipitation off the cantilevered portion. An electromechanical sensor can be incorporated with at least a part of the cantilevered portion of the sensor member for sensing the vibrations of the sensor member caused by the precipitation, and generating an electrical response from which precipitation properties can be determined. A support structure can be connected to the lower surface of the cantilevered portion at about a central region of the sensor member for supporting the sensor member. The cantilevered portion extends outwardly beyond the support structure.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer for producing sonar waves features a piezoelectric structure with a radiating surface. A plurality of elements is attached to the radiating surface, and at least two of the plurality of elements have different acoustic properties. The acoustic transducer is designed for a wider beam angle for a thickness vibration mode while maintaining other desired vibration frequencies, maximum input power and low cost.

Abstract: A software defined platform is provided for subsea acoustic applications that utilizes a broadband phased array transducer and a configurable, multi-function software defined transducer that is configurable on the fly to enable various subsea acoustic systems to be achieved in a single unit thus reducing the space required on the vessel and the cost of having such multiple functions.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an acoustic projector includes an acoustic transmit transducer capable of producing a sound pressure radiation in response to a driver signal received from a transmit source, an acoustic receive transducer capable of producing a source level signal in response to receiving at least a portion of the sound pressure radiation, and a controller configured to monitor the source level signal and report the source level signal monitored.

Abstract: A precipitation sensor including a cantilevered sensor member having a cantilevered portion and an upper and a lower surface extending on opposite sides of the cantilevered portion. The sensor member can receive falling precipitation on the upper surface and vibrate when struck by such precipitation. The cantilevered portion can have outer perimeter edges that are sloped downwardly for shedding the precipitation off the cantilevered portion. An electromechanical sensor can be incorporated with at least a part of the cantilevered portion of the sensor member for sensing the vibrations of the sensor member caused by the precipitation, and generating an electrical response from which precipitation properties can be determined. A support structure can be connected to the lower surface of the cantilevered portion at about a central region of the sensor member for supporting the sensor member. The cantilevered portion extends outwardly beyond the support structure.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a speed sensor and a speed sensing method for measuring relative speeds of receivers with respect to particles in a fluid by detecting individual particles. A receiver generates a plurality of signals related to reflections from particles in a region being monitored. A sampling circuit samples the signals, and a processing device processes the signals according to a particle detection scheme to determine speed. Concomitant use of the same receivers allows depth measurement.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a speed sensor and a speed sensing method for measuring relative speeds of receivers with respect to particles in a fluid by detecting individual particles. A receiver generates a plurality of signals related to reflections from particles in a region being monitored. A sampling circuit samples the signals, and a processing device processes the signals according to a particle detection scheme to determine speed. Concomitant use of the same receivers allows depth measurement.

Abstract: A precipitation sensor including a cantilevered sensor member having a cantilevered portion and an upper and a lower surface extending on opposite sides of the cantilevered portion. The sensor member can receive falling precipitation on the upper surface and vibrate when struck by such precipitation. The cantilevered portion can have outer perimeter edges that are sloped downwardly for shedding the precipitation off the cantilevered portion. An electromechanical sensor can be incorporated with at least a part of the cantilevered portion of the sensor member for sensing the vibrations of the sensor member caused by the precipitation, and generating an electrical response from which precipitation properties can be determined. A support structure can be connected to the lower surface of the cantilevered portion at about a central region of the sensor member for supporting the sensor member. The cantilevered portion extends outwardly beyond the support structure.