Abstract: A non-contacting mensuration system including a light source for projecting light on a target; an imager having an image plane; a first optical subsystem configured to project a first image of the light on the target onto a first portion of the image plane of the imager; and a second optical subsystem configured to project a second image of the light on the target onto a second portion of the image plane of the imager so that two different images are obtained from different aspects simultaneously.

Abstract: A non-contacting mensuration system including a light source for projecting light on a target; an imager having an image plane; a first optical subsystem configured to project a first image of the light on the target onto a first portion of the image plane of the imager; and a second optical subsystem configured to project a second image of the light on the target onto a second portion of the image plane of the imager so that two different images are obtained from different aspects simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for sensing the presence of fluids, such as hydrocarbon-based liquids and/or water, in an ambient environment based upon their light refractive properties. An optical waveguide is deployed in the environment (or a sample chamber disposed within the environment), such that the transmittance of light through the waveguide is attenuated in the presence of the fluid analyte. In one preferred embodiment, the light source is aligned with the waveguide, such that the light entering the waveguide enters one end at an angle relative to the central axis of the waveguide and propagates by internal reflection within the waveguide. Optimal propagation occurs in the absence of the fluid while the presence to the fluid in contact with the waveguide walls causes detectable losses in light propagation due to degradation of the internal reflectance.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling dispensation of hydrocarbon fuels from storage tanks and the like, by employing a sensor in an environment proximal to the dispenser. The sensor preferably includes an optical waveguide having a central axis along which light can transmitted, and the waveguide is disposed in the environment, such that fuel present in the environment contacts at least a portion of the waveguide. The sensor further includes a light source for projecting light into a first end of the waveguide, and a detector for detecting the amount of light propagated through the waveguide. The sensor is electrically connected to a controller which terminates the dispensation of fuel in the event that a leak is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: Electrical current distribution in the soil surrounding a buried pipeline is detected by applying an AC electrical potential between the pipe and a buried electrode spaced from the pipe. The magnetic field at spaced localities along the pipe arising from currents transverse to the pipe is detected. Additionally, a potential containing a plurality of alternating frequencies is similarly applied to the pipe and the magnetic field induced by the resulting electrical current both along the pipe and transversely of the pipe is detected. The magnetic field is detected by correlation discrimination at spaced locations along the pipe and across the spectrum of the impressed frequencies. The detected data is used to determine the capacitance and resistance of the soil/pipe interface at localities along the pipe and to generate impedance plots which indicate characteristics of that interface.

Abstract: Electrical current distribution in the soil surrounding a buried pipeline is detected by applying an AC electrical potential between the pipe and a buried electrode spaced from the pipe. The magnetic field at spaced localities along the pipe arising from currents transverse to the pipe is detected. Additionally, a potential containing a plurality of alternating frequencies is similarly applied to the pipe and the magnetic field induced by the resulting electrical current both along the pipe and transversely of the pipe is detected. The magnetic field is detected by correlation discrimination at spaced locations along the pipe and across the spectrum of the impressed frequencies. The detected data is used to determine the capacitance and resistance of the soil/pipe interface at localities along the pipe and to generate impedance plots which indicate characteristics of that interface.

Abstract: Dynamic imaging microellipsometry (DIM) is a rapid full-field imaging technique for high resolution studies of thin-films. The DIM concept is based on radiometric polarizer, compensator, specimen, analyzer (PCSA) ellipsometry combined with video and image processing techniques. The theoretical basis for this approach is developed using the Jones vector and matrix formalism. Basic systems design is presented with error model predictions of ellipsometric accuracies better than 0.1.degree. for full-field .psi. and .DELTA. images captured in a few seconds with spatial resolution under 10 microns.