Abstract: An intelligent electronic device (IED) for monitoring power quality of electrical services and receiving/transmitting information using a wireless and wired communication protocol is disclosed. The IED may be configured as a terminal or server of a Wi-Fi network, a cellular network, Intranet, LAN, WAN, or the Internet. In one application, these techniques are implemented in IEDs such as portable power quality analyzers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for downhole monitoring are provided by interrogating an unmodified optic fiber (102) arranged along the path of a well bore (106) to provide a distributed acoustic sensor and sampling data gathered from a plurality of contiguous sensing portions of the fiber. The sampled data is processed to determine one or more well bore parameters. The well bore parameters may comprise a well condition profile, and may be obtained in response to an acoustic stimulus.

Abstract: This application discloses the technique to pipeline the Clock Guided Logic. Latch based storage elements are used in CGL based design such that when first stage CGL elements are in precharge phase the second stage CGL elements are in evaluate phase and vice-versa resulting into higher design throughput.

Abstract: Logging and transmission equipment comprising at least one autonomous measurement sensor, supplied by an electric cell, comprising an emitter able to transmit at various instants at least one value measured by the sensor, and a receiver for gathering the values transmitted by the emitter; the sensor comprises a means of measuring the temperature in the vicinity of the cell; a link is provided for supplying the emitter with the temperature values measured, which emitter is provided so as to transmit, in addition the values of at least one physical quantity, these temperature values measured, at determined intervals, and the receiver is provided so as to store the temperature values measured, estimates the lifetime of the cell by taking account of these measured values, and determine a date for replacing this cell.

Abstract: This application describes methods and apparatus for downhole monitoring in real-time. The method involves interrogating an unmodified optic fiber (102) arranged along the path of a well bore (106) to provide a distributed acoustic sensor and sampling data gathered from a plurality of sensing portions of the fiber. The sampled data is then processed to provide a real-time indication of the acoustic signals detected by the sensing portions of the fiber. The real-time indication provides information to an operator or controller of the downwell process with real-time feedback data regarding what is happening during the downwell process which allows the identification of any problems and adjustment of the process parameters.

Abstract: Methods and systems regarding an electricity meter in a wireless network are disclosed. The network may comprise a collector and a plurality of electricity meters that measure consumption of electricity and that bi-directionally communicate wirelessly with the collector. The electricity meter may have an established association with at least one battery-powered meter that measures consumption of a commodity other than electricity. The electricity meter may receive information about measured consumption of the other commodity from the battery-powered meter and store the received information. The electricity meter may transmit both information about consumption of electricity measured by the electricity meter and the information about consumption of the other commodity received from the associated battery-powered meter to the collector via the wireless network and also to a remotely located display associated with the electricity meter.

Abstract: A planar reciprocating actuator (PRA) provides a linear motor configured and optimized for small displacement and oscillation, and can use the effect of a designed mechanical or magnetic spring to increase the amplitude of displacement at certain operating points. The PRA is intended to be used in vibrotactile and haptic applications. The PRA can generate various types of vibratory characteristics that may be perceived as distinct and readily user-identifiable haptic stimuli.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multifunctional input device. The input device includes a functional mode which defines the mode of operation of the input device. Each functional mode includes one or more domain levels with each domain level containing one or more domain-level values. Each domain level-value within each functional mode is assigned to one of a plurality of programmable input keys. The domain-level value assigned to each programmable input key controls the function of that programmable input key within a given functionality and domain level. The present invention also includes a display to indicate the domain-level value associated with each of the programmable input keys within a given functionality.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the present invention, a wireless power transmission link is proposed, which while substantially maintaining resonant coupling condition (resonance frequency of the source resonant circuit is substantially equal to the resonance frequency of the load resonant circuit) detects a coupling condition of the wireless power transmission link. In a further aspect of the present invention, a wireless power transmission link is suggested, which while substantially maintaining resonant coupling condition (resonance frequency of the source resonant circuit is substantially equal to the resonance frequency of the load resonance circuit) controlling the operating state of the wireless power transmission link such, that the coupling condition of wireless power transmission link is substantially limited to the critical coupling condition.

Abstract: New techniques for safeguarding valuables in a recreational, public setting are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a specialized portable safe is configured for insertion and securing into sand or other loose ground particles, with at least one removal-resisting edge or anchor. The edge or anchor may be shaped to facilitate insertion into the ground, but resists removal until switched for release by an authorized user. In further aspects, the invention comprises a tamper-detecting alarm. In other aspects, a compartment access door permits the placement and removal of valuables from a compartment of the safe, even when the safe is installed in the ground. In still other aspects of the invention, new wireless locking, unlocking and alerting techniques are provided. In some embodiments, computer hardware and tracking tags and beacons are provided, and trigger locking, unlocking and location alerts to aid a user in locating the safe.

Abstract: A computerized method for monitoring a water utility network, the water utility network comprising a network of pipes for delivering water to consumers and a plurality of meters positioned within the pipes across the water distribution network. The method includes receiving meter data representing parameters measured by the meters, such as flow, pressure, chlorine level, pH and turbidity of the water being distributed through the pipes. The method also includes receiving secondary data from sources external to the meters and representing conditions affecting consumption of water in a region serviced by the water utility network such as weather and holidays. The meter and secondary data is analyzed using statistical techniques to identify water network events including leakage events and other events regarding quantity and quality of water flowing through the pipes and operation of the water network. The events are reported to users via a user interface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a security alert system for communicating a security event to users by means of a full mesh network topology. The mesh network includes a plurality of remote units, receiver units, emergency box units, and teacher/hallway units strategically placed throughout a facility. Each remote unit has a plurality of buttons thereon wherein a button is designated for a specific type of problem, for example, an intruder, a gun carrying intruder, a medical emergency, or a fight. If a user presses one of the designated buttons the other members of the mesh network, including a receiver unit being monitored by security personnel, are immediately notified of the type and the location of the problem within the facility.

Abstract: A hand-held radiation detector that produces a voltage as a function of the amount of ionizing radiation is described. The hand-held radiation detector may be configured for measuring low levels of ionizing radiation including alpha radiation. A light alert feature may blink and/or a sound alert feature may produce a bird chirping sound at a frequency relative to the amount of radiation detected. The ionizing radiation detector may have an ion chamber comprising a first electrode chamber and a second electrode configured inside the first electrode chamber, and it may be an open type ion chamber allowing ambient air to enter the ion chamber. A sensitivity range selector may be used to increase or decrease the voltage range for detection. An input selector may be used to select the type of detection a user desires, such as consumables or radon gas for example.

Abstract: The method and devices for remote metering the consumption, of utilities according to the present invention provide the possibility to retrieve a specific amount of data, i.e. consumption data and/or additional data, from remote meters of a remote metering system. The retrieved data provide a data profile in a given time interval than the entire buffer, for example indicative of the consumption characteristics over time at the location of a remote meter or, in the case of a distribution network for electric energy, indicative of a ratio of active and reactive energy consumption at the location of a remote meter over time.

Abstract: A wearable, non-visible identification device that provides reliable, tamper proof, friendly-force identification and intruder detection. The device is integrated as a part of the wearer's uniform and includes a user input surface for periodic entry of a unit- or user-defined pass code. A timeout capability prevents the device and its identification signal from being used if the pass code is not entered within the specified time period. The preferred embodiment uses non-visible optical identification signals for 1-way identification using standard tactical equipment, making the device useful in the field during operations or at temporary security control points away from established bases. Alternative embodiments use radio-frequency, visible and reflective identification signals. All embodiments use identification signaling methods which are effective at safe stand-off distances to minimize the threat to security personnel.

Abstract: Transmitting acoustic signals from a wellbore. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including transmitting an acoustic signal comprising downhole data, receiving the acoustic signal (the receiving by a receiver disposed within the internal diameter of a casing in the wellbore) converting the acoustic signal to a corresponding first electromagnetic signal, and inducing a second electromagnetic signal in a tubing responsive to the first electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for remote monitoring of well operations. The apparatus may include an alerts module positioned proximate a well, at least one well parameter sensor in communication with the alerts module, and a well operation control module in communication with the alerts module. The apparatus may further include a remotely positioned well monitoring station in communication with the alerts module, and a plurality of user terminal in communication with the well monitoring station.

Abstract: A subsea system for producing or processing a hydrocarbon production fluid comprises a plurality of sensors, each of which generates a sensor signal that is representative of a condition of a component of the system or a property of a fluid. A base unit mounted on or adjacent the system is in wireless communication with each of the sensors, and a subsea control module is in communication with the base unit. In operation, the sensor signals are transmitted wirelessly from the sensors to the base unit and are then transmitted from the base unit to the subsea control module.

Abstract: A time-locking container to limit the compulsive overuse of objects and substances, such as but not limited to money, food, alcohol, and tobacco. The container locks until a future date and time of day set by the user. The container informs the user, before it locks, of the duration of locking. If the duration exceeds a user-selectable maximum, the container waits for user confirmation, otherwise it locks after a delay. This feature prevents an accidental prolonged lockout. While the container is locked, the user can extend, but not shorten, the duration of locking. The user can request early access to the contents, while the container is locked, subject to an unlocking delay before access is granted, a relocking delay after which access is denied, and an inhibit delay limiting the frequency of use of the early open feature. The device provides a programmable schedule, and can relock itself after a programmable delay.

Abstract: A system for remote monitoring of well operations. The system may include an alerts module positioned proximate a well, at least one well parameter sensor in communication with the alerts module, and a well operation control module in communication with the alerts module. The system may further include a remotely positioned well monitoring station in communication with the alerts module, and a user terminal in communication with the well monitoring station.