Abstract: The system and method of the present invention generates high resolution phase measurements without the high processing and memory overhead requirements found in prior art circuits and methods. Each signal sample (of N samples) is divided further into J segments each segment having K samples. The frequency is computed with respect to one J segment and is used in the phase measurement computations performed for the remaining segments. The phase measurements performed with respect to each J segment are then averaged to compute a high resolution phase measurement for the corresponding N segment.

Abstract: A direct backscatter technique provides for the detection of precipitation in a measuring volume. A source light beam is projected into the measuring volume. Light in the volume, including source light scattered from any precipitation within the volume, is collected and detected. A signal is generated corresponding to the detected light. This signal is used to determine whether precipitation is present in the measuring volume. The light scattered from precipitation within the measuring volume may also be used to differentiate between types of particles. Rain and snow, for example, can be differentiated based on whether the transmitted light changed from its original polarization state.

Abstract: Pressure sensors positioned at strategic points on a floating vessel below the surface of the water provide depth information to a shore based control computer via wireless telemetry. The pressure sensors provide continuous information regarding the draft and inclination of the vessel as it is being loaded. The depth information produced by the pressure signals is telemetered to the control computer via transmitting units positioned on the floating vessel and a shore based receiver. The control computer compares the information from the pressure sensors to desired loading characteristics for the vessel and controls the loading process by sending control signals to a loader controller to adjust the point of loading. The point of loading is maintained so as to keep the vessel within desired trim and draft limits. Loading ceases when a desired amount of material has been delivered into the barge or when the barge is at the desired draft in a level state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a time efficient and practical method for signal burst detection. The signal is first applied to a set of linear transformations and input to a one-bit analog to digital converter and stored. The stored signal is then correlated with stored replications of sinusoidal wave forms over the range of frequencies using either a random access memory (RAM) or EPROM chip. The maximum of the correlation outputs is then compared with a selected threshold to provide a decision for the existence or nonexistence of the signal. This information is used to signal the processor to proceed with the acquisition and processing of the signal to determine the frequency and phase.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for determining the change in the effective cross-section of a sample volume defined by two crossed laser beams is disclosed. A laser generation means is provided for generating a pair of coherent laser beams and means are provided to change the separation, intersection angle, and focused diameter of the beams. These beams are directed along an axis, and are caused to cross the axis at a given angle to define an interference pattern constituting a sample volume. A collection apparatus for sensing the scattering of light caused by particles, droplets, bubbles, or the like within the sample volume is provided. In the presently preferred embodiment, the collection apparatus is disposed at preferred off-axis angles including off-axis backscatter with the angle predetermined, and the angle defined by the direction of beam propagation.

Abstract: An apparatus for sizing particles, droplets, bubbles, or the like employing laser light scattering is disclosed. A laser is used for generating two beams of light having different wavelengths or polarizations. The beams with different wavelengths may be generated by an argon ion laser or by two different lasers (e.g., Helium Neon and Helium Cadmium). Two beams with orthogonal polarizations may be produced by partitioning a single linearly polarized beam and rotating the polarization of one by 90.degree.. One of the beams is then expanded using a conventional beam expander and then redirected to be coaxial with the first beam. The beams are then focused to a common focal region. One beam is from two to four times larger in diameter than the other. An optical collection apparatus for sensing the light scattered caused by the particles, droplets, bubbles or the like passing through the focused beams has an axis extending into the focused beams.