Abstract: An excavator data acquisition and control system and process for characterizing the subsurface geology of an excavation site, and for utilizing the acquired data to optimize the production performance of an excavator is disclosed. A geologic imaging system and a geographic positioning system are employed to initially survey a predetermined excavation site or route. A geologic characterization unit may also be employed to enhance the geologic imaging data. The acquired data are processed to provide detailed geologic and position data for the excavation site and utilized by a main control unit to optimize excavator production performance. In one embodiment, the main control unit accesses a geologic filter database, which includes geologic profile data for numerous types of geology, when analyzing unknown subsurface geology. Removing geological filter data content corresponding to known geology from the acquired geologic imaging data provides for immediate recognition of unknown and suspect subsurface objects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an underground boring tool involve rotating the boring tool and sensing a parameter of boring tool rotation. The boring tool is also displaced along an underground path and a parameter of boring tool displacement is sensed. Various sensors monitor boring machine activities, boring tool location, orientation, and environmental condition, and geophysical and/or geologic condition of the soil/rock at the excavation site. Data acquired by these sensors is processed by a boring machine controller to provide closed-loop, real-time control of a boring operation. The controller receives the boring tool signal and other sensor signals in real-time and, in response, transmits control signals to each of the rotation and displacement units substantially in real-time so as to control one or both of a rate and a direction of boring tool movement along the underground path.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for analyzing occurrences of atrial arrhythmias. Occurrences of each of a number of classified atrial arrhythmia rhythms are detected. The classified atrial arrhythmias may, for example, include at least atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. A duration of time associated with each of the detected atrial arrhythmia rhythms is measured. Trend data is produced with respect to a predetermined period of time using all or selected ones of the measured time durations. The detecting, measuring, and producing processes may also be performed for one or more unclassified atrial arrhythmias.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely altering operation of a horizontal directional drilling machine provide for remotely disabling movement of a drill string coupled to a cutting head or reamer and, in addition, disabling dispensing of fluid, foam and/or air communicated through the drill string. A lockout signal is transmitted from a portable or hand-manipulatable remote unit operated by an operator remotely situated with respect to the drilling machine. The lockout signal is received at the drilling machine. In response to the received lockout signal, a controller of the drilling machine prevents movement of the drill string and thus the cutting head or reamer. The controller also disables dispensing of fluid, foam and/or air through the drill string in response to the received lockout signal. The controller effects transmission of a verification signal from the drilling machine to the remote location.