Abstract: Provided is a cleanable conductivity sensor and related methods having a distal sensing end in which active sensing elements are positioned and an outer fin specially configured to minimize unwanted interference without impacting the ability for automated cleaning of the distal sensing end. A rotatable wiper or brush may be periodically rotated over the distal sensing end, thereby removing unwanted biological build-up and avoiding fouling, thereby increasing the sensor deployment time without active intervention and maintenance.

Abstract: Provided is a cleanable conductivity sensor and related methods having a distal sensing end in which active sensing elements are positioned and an outer fin specially configured to minimize unwanted interference without impacting the ability for automated cleaning of the distal sensing end. A rotatable wiper or brush may be periodically rotated over the distal sensing end, thereby removing unwanted biological build-up and avoiding fouling, thereby increasing the sensor deployment time without active intervention and maintenance.

Abstract: Provided are turbidometers and fluorometers having a unique form-factor to accommodate a number of optical components in a confined geometry. This provides the ability to compensate for change in light intensity from an optical source even in a closed-loop manner. The ability to package reference and signal detectors, along with a relatively large diameter LED light source in a confined geometry is particularly suited for applications requiring small-diameter sensors, such as multi-parameter sonde devices having a total diameter that is in the sub-two inch range.

Abstract: Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique form-factor, wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in a tight-fit configuration. This provides a single distal sensing surface and minimal separation distance between adjacent sensors. The sensors may be pie shaped with an interlocking feature to tightly hold the sensors together, with a sensor guard disposed over the outer surface of the interlocked sensors. Sensor-guards disclosed herein may have an integrated sensor storage and sensor guard configuration, thereby avoiding a need for a separate storage cup and that are configured to minimize unwanted biological growth. Also provided are uniquely shaped individual sensors having interlocking features to hold several sensors together in a sonde.

Abstract: A submersible water monitoring probe assembly including: a cam-twist type interconnect mechanism; flexible PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) having flexible ribbon cable sandwiched between layers of an elongated circuit board, the ribbon cable extending outwardly from each end of the board and along an elongated probe-body; internal gas-permeable and generally liquid impermeable barrier assembly disposed within the cam-twist inter-connect mechanism between the elongated PCBA housed within the probe-body and an electrical connector of the cam-twist interconnect mechanism; and if used, a vented cable assembly, or other means of transmitting sensor data collected by sensing circuitry within a submersed probe-end. Also, an extender assembly for use with the submersible probe. At each end portion of the extender assembly is either a male cam-twist type interconnect piece or a female cam-twist type interconnect piece. The length-extender assembly may be electrically adapted to house one or more battery cells.

Abstract: A sensor head component is configured for use with a monitoring tool assembly in the performance of one or functions as part of a monitoring process. The sensor head component is configured to include at least one electrical component for performing the function as well as a memory device upon which operational information for the component is storable. The sensor head component is further configured to include an elongated body within which the electrical component is positionable and a base portion connectable to the elongated housing which further provides for mechanical and electrical engagement in a port for the tool assembly through application of a linear force.

Abstract: A plurality of multi-parameter monitoring tool assemblies are connectable over a communications network and are further in communication with a central controller. Each of the tool assemblies is configured to interconnect with one or more sensor head components which may be employable in the monitoring of water quality. According to the system described herein, the central controller may periodically communicate with one or more of the tool assemblies connected in the communications network and extract, process, and display information as to the configuration and operation of one or more tool assemblies.

Abstract: A sensor head apparatus is configured to include a plurality of sensor ports each configured to receive and electrically interconnect with a sensor head component. The sensor head is further configured to be connectable to a housing for a multi-parameter monitoring tool assembly, wherein electrical connections are provided between the electronics for the tool assembly and any sensor head component engaged in the sensor head. Each port in the sensor head is configured to receive and engage a sensor head component through application of a linear force on the component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool assembly for use in field applications to monitor at least one condition in a well or other hole. The tool assembly may include a computing unit for directing operation of the tool assembly and may be sized to be operable in a hole having a diameter of 1 inch, and in some cases even smaller. In one aspect, the tool assembly is designed to significantly conserve power. Sensor readings may be taken at different schedules to conserve power when frequent readings are not required. Also, internal electronics of the tool assembly can be operated at a low voltage. In one aspect, the tool assembly is assemblable by simple rotatable engagement of the components, with electrical interconnections being made automatically by the rotatable engagement without keying of components. In another aspect, the tool assembly is networkable with other like tool assemblies and monitorable from a central location.

Abstract: A sensor head component is configurable as an accessory for performing various functions on other sensor head components interconnected in a sensor head of a monitoring tool assembly. Certain sensor head components may benefit from the performance of such functions as removable of debris from particular surfaces as well as calibration processes. To perform these functions, an accessory is configurable to include a body portion with a motor positioned therein. Connectable to the motor may be an accessory arm which includes at least one element connected thereto for performing the particular function. When activated, the motor manipulates the accessory arm such that the element moves within a target area and performs the particular function upon at least one of the sensor head components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool assembly for use in field applications to monitor at least one condition in a well or other hole. The tool assembly may include a computing unit for directing operation of the tool assembly and may be sized to be operable in a hole having a diameter of 1 inch, and in some cases even smaller. In one aspect, the tool assembly is designed to significantly conserve power. Sensor readings may be taken at different schedules to conserve power when frequent readings are not required. Also, internal electronics of the tool assembly can be operated at a low voltage. In one aspect, the tool assembly is assemblable by simple rotatable engagement of the components, with electrical interconnections being made automatically by the rotatable engagement without keying of components. In another aspect, the tool assembly is networkable with other like tool assemblies and monitorable from a central location.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for measuring pressure in a sealed well using a differential transducer. A differential transducer is employed in a number of applications to measure either the pressure in the upper portion of a well or the level of liquid contained in the well. In each application, the back side of the differential transducer is vented to the same pressure as is present in the upper portion of the well. In one embodiment, the present invention is used to determine information relating to the liquid level in a well during a soil vapor extraction procedure. The information is then used to control a pump which maintains a desired liquid level in the well. In another embodiment, the present invention is used to determine information relating to the liquid level in a well during a pneumatic slug test. The information is then used to determine how quickly the well can recover from changes in pressure.

Abstract: A device for supporting a keyboard apparatus having a top surface generally defined by the top surfaces of the individual keys, includes a frame for mounting the device to a support structure. The frame includes a platform for supporting a keyboard apparatus thereon which is inclined between first and second portions of the frame. A forearm resting member is provided on the keyboard support platform for resting the forearm of an operator while gaining access to the keyboard. The forearm resting member includes a support surface which is substantially coplanar with the top surface of the keyboard apparatus when the keyboard apparatus is positioned on the keyboard support platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of automatic frequency control (AFC) in a frequency-shift-key (FSK) data transmission system that allows a receiver to be used that has a bandwidth that approaches the requisite minimum bandwidth for a given data transmission rate and produces a substantial signal noise ratio (SNR) in the detected signal by the receiver. The invention includes a transmitter that outputs a SPACE signal and a MARK signal in a preamble that precedes the transmission data. The apparatus also includes a receiver that uses the SPACE and MARK signals to adjust the frequency of the signal output by a voltage-controlled-oscillator (VCO) to tune the receiver and thereby improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the signals subsequently detected by the receiver.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for reducing false indications of leakage between the inner and outer walls of a double-wall tank. The device reduces contact between a sensor assembly and condensation which forms between the walls, preferably comprising an isolation stand-off flange secured around a portion of the sensor assembly. The method comprises spacing the sensor assembly from the walls to reduce the potential for contact between the sensor assembly and condensation.