Abstract: A method for forming a sensing system responsive to a wavefield of acoustic or seismic signals. One embodiment includes providing a foil layer having first and second opposing surfaces and piezoelectric properties. The foil layer, configured as a sheet, is positioned about a frame surface which provides the foil layer a stable shape while permitting the sheet configuration of the foil layer to be responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy. Coupling between the foil layer and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the foil layer with signals of the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy.

Abstract: A method for forming a sensing system responsive to a wavefield of acoustic or seismic signals. One embodiment includes providing a foil layer having first and second opposing surfaces and piezoelectric properties. The foil layer, configured as a sheet, is positioned about a frame surface which provides the foil layer a stable shape while permitting the sheet configuration of the foil layer to be responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy. Coupling between the foil layer and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the foil layer with signals of the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy.

Abstract: Methods or systems for identifying seismic or acoustic signals of interest originating with moving motorized vehicles or footstep movement or stationary or moving machinery. A related system for monitoring an area includes a plurality of sensing devices each comprising a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. A monitoring device is coupled to receive information from each of the sensing devices. One method includes providing a processing chain coupled to receive signal data from a sensor device which receives the signals, including a detection stage, a Joint Time Frequency (JTF) domain stage, and a classification stage. The detection stage identifies presence of signals that emerge from the background. The JTF domain stage estimates the state of the signals of interest over time. The classification stage assesses the previously derived information to form a decision about source identity. In one embodiment, the detector stage performs detections on a single cycle basis.

Abstract: Methods or systems for identifying seismic or acoustic signals of interest originating with moving motorized vehicles or footstep movement or stationary or moving machinery. A related system for monitoring an area includes a plurality of sensing devices each comprising a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. A monitoring device is coupled to receive information from each of the sensing devices. One method includes providing a processing chain coupled to receive signal data from a sensor device which receives the signals, including a detection stage, a Joint Time Frequency (JTF) domain stage, and a classification stage. The detection stage identifies presence of signals that emerge from the background. The JTF domain stage estimates the state of the signals of interest over time. The classification stage assesses the previously derived information to form a decision about source identity. In one embodiment, the detector stage performs detections on a single cycle basis.

Abstract: A sensing system responsive to a wavefield of acoustic or seismic signals. In one embodiment, the system includes a frame having a surface of tubular shape about which a layer of piezoelectric material can be positioned to extend along a first direction. A piezoelectric element is positioned under tension to apply a force against the frame, which tension increases signal response of the element.

Abstract: A sensor system responsive to acoustic or seismic signals. One system includes a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. The sensor element, responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy, is positioned about the frame. Coupling between the sensor element and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy. Another system includes a frame and a cable element, responsive to a seismic or acoustic wavefield, extending about the frame. Coupling between the cable element and frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with acoustic or seismic energy. The element may be coaxial cable or have piezo-electric properties to generate a charge differential measurable as a voltage between conductors.

Abstract: Methods or systems for identifying seismic or acoustic signals of interest originating with moving motorized vehicles or footstep movement or stationary or moving machinery. A related system for monitoring an area includes a plurality of sensing devices each comprising a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. A monitoring device is coupled to receive information from each of the sensing devices. One method includes providing a processing chain coupled to receive signal data from a sensor device which receives the signals, including a detection stage, a Joint Time Frequency (JTF) domain stage, and a classification stage. The detection stage identifies presence of signals that emerge from the background. The JTF domain stage estimates the state of the signals of interest over time. The classification stage assesses the previously derived information to form a decision about source identity. In one embodiment, the detector stage performs detections on a single cycle basis.

Abstract: Methods or systems for identifying seismic or acoustic signals of interest originating with moving motorized vehicles or footstep movement or stationary or moving machinery. A related system for monitoring an area includes a plurality of sensing devices each comprising a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. A monitoring device is coupled to receive information from each of the sensing devices. One method includes providing a processing chain coupled to receive signal data from a sensor device which receives the signals, including a detection stage, a Joint Time Frequency (JTF) domain stage, and a classification stage. The detection stage identifies presence of signals that emerge from the background. The JTF domain stage estimates the state of the signals of interest over time. The classification stage assesses the previously derived information to form a decision about source identity. In one embodiment, the detector stage performs detections on a single cycle basis.

Abstract: A sensing system responsive to a wavefield of acoustic or seismic signals. In one embodiment, the system includes a frame having a surface of tubular shape about which a layer of piezoelectric material can be positioned to extend along a first direction. A piezoelectric element is positioned under tension to apply a force against the frame, which tension increases signal response of the element.

Abstract: A method for forming a sensing system responsive to a wavefield of acoustic or seismic signals. One embodiment includes providing a foil layer having first and second opposing surfaces and piezoelectric properties. The foil layer, configured as a sheet, is positioned about a frame surface which provides the foil layer a stable shape while permitting the sheet configuration of the foil layer to be responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy. Coupling between the foil layer and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the foil layer with signals of the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy.

Abstract: A sensor system responsive to acoustic or seismic signals. One system includes a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. The sensor element, responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy, is positioned about the frame. Coupling between the sensor element and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy. Another system includes a frame and a cable element, responsive to a seismic or acoustic wavefield, extending about the frame. Coupling between the cable element and frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with acoustic or seismic energy. The element may be coaxial cable or have piezo-electric properties to generate a charge differential measurable as a voltage between conductors.

Abstract: A sensor system responsive to acoustic or seismic signals. One system includes a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. The sensor element, responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy, is positioned about the frame. Coupling between the sensor element and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy. Another system includes a frame and a cable element, responsive to a seismic or acoustic wavefield, extending about the frame. Coupling between the cable element and frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with acoustic or seismic energy. The element may be coaxial cable or have piezo-electric properties to generate a charge differential measurable as a voltage between conductors.

Abstract: Methods or systems for identifying seismic or acoustic signals of interest originating with moving motorized vehicles or footstep movement or stationary or moving machinery. A related system for monitoring an area includes a plurality of sensing devices each comprising a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. A monitoring device is coupled to receive information from each of the sensing devices. One method includes providing a processing chain coupled to receive signal data from a sensor device which receives the signals, including a detection stage, a Joint Time Frequency (JTF) domain stage, and a classification stage. The detection stage identifies presence of signals that emerge from the background. The JTF domain stage estimates the state of the signals of interest over time. The classification stage assesses the previously derived information to form a decision about source identity. In one embodiment, the detector stage performs detections on a single cycle basis.

Abstract: A sensor system responsive to acoustic or seismic signals. One system includes a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. The sensor element, responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy, is positioned about the frame. Coupling between the sensor element and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy. Another system includes a frame and a cable element, responsive to a seismic or acoustic wavefield, extending about the frame. Coupling between the cable element and frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with acoustic or seismic energy. The element may be coaxial cable or have piezo-electric properties to generate a charge differential measurable as a voltage between conductors.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition comprises a blend of a thermoplastic component with a cured elastomer component characterised in that the elastomer component prior to curing comprises a major proportion of a main elastomer and a minor proportion of a high molecular weight reactive polymer which shows a higher crosslinking efficiency in free-radical induced vulcanisation than the main elastomer. Preferably, the high molecular weight reactive polymer comprises from (3) to (15), and more preferably (4) to (10), parts by weight per one hundred parts of the total elastomer component of the composition. The use of the high molecular weight reactive polymer in the composition improves the low temperature performance of the composition and gives improvements to the processing behaviour, the resistance to stiffening at low temperatures and recovery/relaxation properties. Preferably, the high molecular weight reactive polymer is miscible with the main elastomer in the elastomer component.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition comprises a blend of a thermoplastic component with a cured elastomer component characterised in that the elastomer component prior to curing comprises a major proportion of a main elastomer and a minor proportion of a high molecular weight reactive polymer which shows a higher crosslinking efficiency in free-radical induced vulcanisation than the main elastomer. Preferably, the high molecular weight reactive polymer comprises from (3) to (15), and more preferably (4) to (10), parts by weight per one hundred parts of the total elastomer component of the composition. The use of the high molecular weight reactive polymer in the composition improves the low temperature performance of the composition and gives improvements to the processing behaviour, the resistance to stiffening at low temperatures and recovery/relaxation properties. Preferably, the high molecular weight reactive polymer is miscible with the main elastomer in the elastomer component.

Abstract: A dual air electrode metal-air cell having a casing with an upper cathode mask wall, a lower cathode mask wall, and a side wall; an anode assembly having a layer of anode material positioned above and below an anode collector and means, that may be a membrane or a solid foil current collector, for inhibiting movement of anode material between the two layers; separator materials covering the anode assembly on at least its upper and lower sides; an upper air cathode positioned between the upper cathode mask wall and the separator materials on the upper side of the anode assembly; a lower air cathode positioned between the lower cathode mask wall and the separator materials on the lower side of the anode assembly; a gas vent positioned on one or more of the side walls of the casing; and a liquid electrolyte substantially trapped by the separator materials.