Abstract: The systems and methods of the invention provide for improved underwater communication systems. In particular, the systems and methods of the invention provide for improved underwater optical modems including optical transmitters and optical receivers that allow omni-directional transmission and reception of optical signals underwater and having a range of about 100 m and allowing data rates greater than 1 Mbit/s. The systems and methods of the invention also provide for underwater communication networks having a plurality of optical modems communicating with each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a reconfigurable, long-range, underwater data-communication network are described. The network provides a low cost, low power, lightweight, and easy to deploy underwater communication system capable of being operated at long distances. The network may include a cabled ocean observatory, which may be deployed underwater and connected to a surface buoy. The cabled ocean observatory may be connected to one or more removable underwater sensors via fiber optic cables. The underwater sensors may be disposed at underwater locations at long distances from the cabled ocean observatory. Fiber optic extension modules may be permanently connected to each end of the fiber optic cables. Each fiber optic extension module may include an optical transceiver, a power supply, and an inductive element for removably coupling an underwater sensor or the cabled ocean observatory to the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: Advantageous OFDM-based underwater acoustic (UWA) apparatus, systems and methods are provided according to the present disclosure. In general, OFDM transmissions over UWA channels encounter frequency-dependent Doppler drifts that destroy the orthogonality among OFDM subcarriers. The disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods use a two-step approach to mitigate frequency-dependent Doppler drifts for zero-padded OFDM transmissions over fast-varying channels: (1) non-uniform Doppler compensation via resampling to convert a “wideband” problem into a “narrowband” problem; and (2) high-resolution uniform compensation on the residual Doppler. The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods are based on block-by-block processing and do not rely on channel dependence across OFDM blocks. Thus, the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods are advantageously applicable for fast-varying UWA channels.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed toward the use of radiocarbon analysis techniques in the manufacture of biofuel products. Among other things, methods and systems for using measured fossil-fuel-derived carbon content in biofuel products to guide the design and modification of biofuel manufacturing systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of estimating contamination of oil based mud filtrate in a hydrocarbon sample. The method comprising the steps of obtaining a hydrocarbon sample contaminated with oil based mud filtrate, then analyzing the contaminated hydrocarbon sample using two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). The method further comprises identifying one or more unique component or tracer in the oil based mud filtrate in the contaminated hydrocarbon sample. Finally, the method comprises of summing the peak volumes of the one or more unique component or tracer, relative to the peak volumes of a clean hydrocarbon sample.

Abstract: This systems and methods described herein relate to a device which enables oceanographic surface buoy mooring systems to detect and monitor underwater noise at most sea state and weather conditions. In particular, the systems and methods described herein provide mooring systems that can support a hydrophone or other underwater listening devices connected to a surface buoy located at a deep sea position. As will be more fully described below, the mooring includes an expandable tether cable/hose that reduces noise generated underwater when the buoy moves in response to wave and weather.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein related to measuring hydraulic parameters across a surface water-aquifer interface. In particular, the systems include a pressure differential sensor within a watertight housing. The pressure differential sensor has two inlets, one of which is connected to a piezometer located in an aquifer, and the other of which is connected to a surface water body. A solenoid valve allows the systems to switch between a first, measurement configuration and a second, calibration configuration. A pump and a conductivity-temperature sensor enable a third and fourth configuration for measuring the electrical conductivity and temperature of surface water and groundwater. The collected data is then locally stored or transmitted wirelessly. The low-power components and calibration capabilities of the systems allow for long-term deployment, on the order of six months or more.

Abstract: Phytoplankton represent a potential source of bioactive compounds. The present disclosure provides, inter alia, methods for identifying glycerolipids and apoptosis-inducing sphingosine-like lipids from virally-infected phytoplankton.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph-combustion apparatus and method are disclosed in which the carrier gas type and flow rate is continuously exchanged to facilitate high speed, high sensitivity compound specific isotope analysis. Samples are injected into a gas chromatograph that uses H2 as the carrier gas. The gas stream exiting the gas chromatograph is passed through a combustion system in which H2 and the samples are combusted, simultaneously and totally, to oxidize the sample to CO2 and/or N2 gas, and to convert H2 gas to water vapor. Water vapor is removed using a water separator. Therefore, combustion serves the dual purpose of preparing the samples for isotopic analysis and converting H2 to water vapor, which can be easily separated out. A second carrier gas may be used to convey the CO2 and N2 to a mass spectrometer where the isotopic composition (e.g. 14C or 15N) is determined.

Abstract: Automated seepage meters that can detect and quantify groundwater outflow and seawater infiltration. In addition to its capabilities in saltwater-influenced systems, the automated seepage meter can detect and quantify groundwater outflow and surface water infiltration in freshwater systems (e.g., aquatic, riverine, lacustrine environments). Based on a dye-dilution technique, this instrument provides high resolution time series data for submarine groundwater discharge to the coastal zone. The dye dilution method may employ two repeatable steps: the timed injection of a water-soluble dye into a dye mixing chamber mounted in series with a seepage or collection chamber and the subsequent timed measurements of the absorbance of the dyed solution.

Abstract: Systems for tethering an underwater vehicles using a low strength optical fiber tether. The tether system includes, a mechanical fuse that prevents a high load from acting on and severing the tether that is attached to the underwater vehicle, thus allowing use of far smaller cables than typically used. Upon separation of the fuse, a cable payout system pays out an optical fiber that keeps the underwater vehicle, typically a robotic craft, in communication with the surface vessel. The relatively light weight glass fiber may be reinforced and extended to lengths greater than 40 km allowing deep-sea exploration at depths up to 11,000 m.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein allow for intercepting submarine groundwater discharge to be used as a supply source for desalination processes. In one practice a dye-dilution seepage meter is employed as a device for locating water sources. These meters can be placed in estuaries and other locations that may be candidate locations to test for flows of groundwater. In areas of suspected SGD, the meters can be deployed to quantify the potential yield and quality (e.g. salt content) of the resource. Regarding the water quality, it is important to note that even brackish water sources can greatly reduce the energy needed to achieve potable water by desalination.

Abstract: A system and method for developing a solid state stripper device is described that more effectively strips off negative carbon ions to produce positively charged carbon ions. In one embodiment the solid state stripping device is a self-supporting aggregate of nanotubes or Buckminster-Fullerenes. Such devices provide, among other things, carbon stripper foil for use in a tandem generator.

Abstract: Systems for tethering an underwater vehicles using a low strength optical fiber tether. The tether system includes, a mechanical fuse that prevents a high load from acting on and severing the tether that is attached to the underwater vehicle, thus allowing use of far smaller cables than typically used. Upon separation of the fuse, a cable payout system pays out an optical fiber that keeps the underwater vehicle, typically a robotic craft, in communication with the surface vessel. The relatively light weight glass fiber may be reinforced and extended to lengths greater than 40 km allowing deep-sea exploration at depths up to 11,000 m.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a system for detecting the presence of toxins in a sample that includes a plurality of chambers for culturing organisms and observing the organism's motility response when introduced into a sample containing a toxin. The toxicity measurement system may include an imaging module to monitor and track the movement of one or more organisms in the sample and identify abnormalities. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of culturing organisms and detecting the presence of toxins in the sample using the motility response of organisms in the sample.

Abstract: Automated seepage meters that can detect and quantify groundwater outflow and seawater infiltration. In addition to its capabilities in saltwater-influenced systems, the automated seepage meter can detect and quantify groundwater outflow and surface water infiltration in freshwater systems (e.g., aquatic, riverine, lacustrine environments). Based on a dye-dilution technique, this instrument provides high resolution time series data for submarine groundwater discharge to the coastal zone. The dye dilution method may employ two repeatable steps: the timed injection of a water-soluble dye into a dye mixing chamber mounted in series with a seepage or collection chamber and the subsequent timed measurements of the absorbance of the dyed solution.

Abstract: An innovative optical system and method is disclosed for analyzing and uniquely identifying high-order refractive indices samples in a diverse population of nearly identical samples. The system and method are particularly suitable for ultra-fine materials having similar color, shape and features which are difficult to identify through conventional chemical, physical, electrical or optical methods due to a lack of distinguishing features. The invention discloses a uniquely configured optical system which employs polarized sample light passing through a full wave compensation plate, a linear polarizer analyzer and a quarter wave retardation plate for producing vivid color bi-refringence pattern images which uniquely identify high-order refractive indices samples in a diverse population of nearly visually identical samples. The resultant patterns display very subtle differences between species which are frequently indiscernable by conventional microscopy methods.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the invention provide for improved underwater communication systems. In particular, the systems and methods of the invention provide for improved underwater optical modems including optical transmitters and optical receivers that allow omni-directional transmission and reception of optical signals underwater and having a range of about 100 m and allowing data rates greater than 1 Mbit/s. The systems and methods of the invention also provide for underwater communication networks having a plurality of optical modems communicating with each other.

Abstract: A system and method for developing a solid state stripper device is described that more effectively strips off negative carbon ions to produce positively charged carbon ions. In one embodiment the solid state stripping device is a self-supporting aggregate of nanotubes or Buckminster-Fullerenes. Such devices provide, among other things, carbon stripper foil for use in a tandem generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computerized method of profiling a shear flow, such as a boundary layer. The method includes receiving two successive images of a plurality of particles in the shear flow near the interface being analyzed. The method also includes determining a set of potential particle motion vectors based on the received images and dynamically ranks the likelihood that the potential tracks are correct based on track density. Track density is calculated using a plot matrix and kernel technique. The ranking is used to match particles from the successive images. The method also includes generating a velocity profile of the flow about the interface based on the particles matches and the determined location of the interface. The method is also applicable to moving and deforming interfaces.