Abstract: A seismic data acquisition unit includes a housing, and disposed within the housing, communication circuitry, and circuitry configured to detect and digitize seismic signals. The communication circuitry includes a first transmitter plate, a second transmitter plate, a first receiver plate, a second receiver plate, and a driver. The first and second transmitter plates, and first and second receiver plates, are adjacent a wall of the housing. The driver is coupled to the first transmitter plate and the second transmitter plate. The receiver is coupled to the first receiver plate and the second receiver plate. The communication circuitry transmits digitized seismic signals via a first capacitor that includes the first transmitter plate, and a second capacitor that includes the second transmitter plate. The communication circuitry receives information via a third capacitor that includes the first receiver plate, and a fourth capacitor that includes the second receiver plate.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a plurality of optical fibers and an optical sensor. The optical sensor includes a first optical coupler and a first mirror. The first optical coupler is coupled to a first of the optical fibers and to a second of the optical fibers at a first sensor takeout location. The first mirror is coupled to the first of the optical fibers at a second sensor takeout location. The first sensor takeout location is longitudinally offset from the second sensor takeout location.

Abstract: A seismic data acquisition unit includes circuitry to detect and digitize a seismic signal, and timing circuitry to control a time of acquisition of each sample of the seismic signal. The timing circuitry include a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), a local clock incremented by the VCO, and a reference time receiver. The timing circuitry powers on the reference time receiver to generate a reference time value based on signals received from a reference time source, and measures time deviation of the local clock from the reference time value. The timing circuitry determines an adjustment value to apply to the VCO over a time interval during which the reference time receiver is not powered on. The adjustment value is selected to gradually bring the local clock into synchronization with the reference time source over the time interval at a time that the reference time receiver is to be next powered on.

Abstract: A device. At least some example embodiments are a device including a filter element configured to receive optical energy from a first optical fiber. The filter element is reflective in a preselected band of optical wavelengths. A first lens is configured to receive optical energy transmitted through the filter element. A shell is disposed about the optical filter and the first lens; surfaces of the first lens, the filter element and the shell form a first boundary portion of an internal volume of an interior of the shell. A fluid is sealably disposed within the internal volume.

Abstract: A device. The device includes a substrate a substrate, a first optical waveguide disposed on the substrate and a second optical waveguide disposed on the substrate. The device further includes a coupling element disposed on the substrate, the coupling element configured to couple an optical signal in the first optical waveguide to the second optical waveguide, and couple an optical signal in the second optical waveguide to the first optical waveguide. A first reflective element is disposed at an end of the first optical waveguide configured to reflect optical signals in the first optical waveguide. A second reflective element disposed at an end of the second optical waveguide configured to reflect signals in the second optical waveguide.

Abstract: A system for seismic data acquisition includes data recorders that lack external electrical connectors. A seismic data recorder includes a housing. Within the housing the seismic data recorder includes circuitry configured to detect and digitize seismic signals and communication circuitry. The communication circuitry includes a first transmitter plate adjacent a wall of the housing, and a first driver coupled to the first transmitter plate. The communication circuitry configured to communicate the digitized seismic signals to a data retrieval unit that is external to the data acquisition unit via a capacitor formed by the first transmitter plate, the wall of the housing, and a receiver plate external to the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods associated with a pressure-balanced seismic sensor package are disclosed. One example of an apparatus can include a plurality of optical components, a sensor box enclosing the plurality of optical components, and a lid for the sensor box. The plurality of optical components, the sensor box, and the lid form a pressure-balanced seismic sensor package.

Abstract: Clamp and Bending Strain Relief (BSR) system and method are disclosed. One example of a system can include a clamp coupled to a cable. The clamp is configured to couple an apparatus to the cable while allowing the cable to pass continuously through the clamp. A BSR apparatus is coupled to the clamp and the cable by a housing.

Abstract: A system for seismic data acquisition includes data recorders that lack external electrical connectors. A seismic data recorder includes a housing. Within the housing the seismic data recorder includes circuitry configured to detect and digitize seismic signals and communication circuitry. The communication circuitry includes a first transmitter plate adjacent a wall of the housing, and a first driver coupled to the first transmitter plate. The communication circuitry configured to communicate the digitized seismic signals to a data retrieval unit that is external to the data acquisition unit via a capacitor formed by the first transmitter plate, the wall of the housing, and a receiver plate external to the housing.

Abstract: A modular water meter box includes a plurality of water meter side modules. Each water meter side module includes a first end, a second end, a top side, and bottom side. The first end is configured for detachable connection to a first different box side module. The second end is configured for detachable connection to a second different box side module. The bottom side is thicker than the top side.

Abstract: An antenna/battery pack suitable for powering an automatic meter reading system (“AMR”) and emitting a radio frequency signal received from a transmitter. The antenna/battery pack may be connected to a single-unit register/AMR device using a coaxial cable. This cable may connect to an electronic interconnect to allow for the replacement of the antenna/battery pack without the need to splice any wires. The antenna/battery pack may be easily replaceable such that a hermetically sealed single-unit register/AMR may be used for an extended period of time while the antenna/battery pack may be replaced more frequently.

Abstract: An improved connector assembly is disclosed wherein end segment portions of a male plug have increasing cylindrical wall cylindrical wall diameter from the outer-most segment to an intermediate segment to an inner segment. The female receptacle has its female receptacle dimensions arranged to accept the male plug such that increasing cylindrical wall diameters exist from its outer-most segment to an intermediate segment to an inner-most segment. The increased diameters enhance the sealing with a strong and sustainable sealing pressure wherein coupling forces between the male plug and female receptacle are minor until the end of the insertion of the male plug into the female receptacle.

Abstract: A male connector (20) for connection to a female connector (30) to form a water tight connector (40) is disclosed. A plug connector body (2) and a connector overmold (5) are connected together where the plug connector body (2) of hard urethane material is molded with no mold parting lines. The soft connector overmold (5) of soft urethane is fitted about a portion of the plug connector body (2) with heat applied such that the plug body (2) and overmold (5) are fused together along their connecting surfaces so that substantially no water ingress into the connection of plug body (2) and connector overmold (5) is possible. An “O” ring (14) is placed in an annular space (12) defined between facing shoulders of the connector overmold (5) and the plug connector body (2). Annular alignment keyways (16) of; the female connector (30) engage the “O” ring (14) to seal the male connector (20) and female connector (30) from water ingress.

Abstract: An improved connector assembly is disclosed wherein end segment portions of a male plug have increasing cylindrical wall cylindrical wall diameter from the outer-most segment to an intermediate segment to an inner segment. The female receptacle has its female receptacle dimensions arranged to accept the male plug such that increasing cylindrical wall diameters exist from its outer-most segment to an intermediate segment to an inner-most segment. The increased diameters enhance the sealing with a strong and sustainable sealing pressure wherein coupling forces between the male plug and female receptacle are minor until the end of the insertion of the male plug into the female receptacle.

Abstract: A male connector (20) for connection to a female connector (30) to form a water tight connector (40) is disclosed. A plug connector body (2) and a connector overmold (5) are connected together where the plug connector body (2) of hard urethane material is molded with no mold parting lines. The soft connector overmold (5) of soft urethane is fitted about a portion of the plug connector body (2) with heat applied such that the plug body (2) and overmold (5) are fused together along their connecting surfaces so that substantially no water ingress into the connection of plug body (2) and connector overmold (5) is possible. An “O” ring (14) is placed in an annular space (12) defined between facing shoulders of the connector overmold (5) and the plug connector body (2). Annular alignment keyways (16) of; the female connector (30) engage the “O” ring (14) to seal the male connector (20) and female connector (30) from water ingress.

Abstract: A recording system and method for conducting seismic surveys including cordless battery-operated digital recorders, each employing an integral global positioning system receiver that is only periodically enabled for the purpose of establishing synchronized acquisition clock signals among all the recorders. The satellite receiver adjustment cycle is varied depending on past acquisition clock accuracy and temperature changes. A time stamp is recorded with the digitized seismic data in non-volatile memory. The memory is sized to allow extended periods of operation. Each recorder preferably includes a low-power system timer that may be used as a timer to remotely turn on and off the recorders according to a pre-programmed schedule to conserve power when the system is not in use. Electronic components are idled or de-energized when not needed.