Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for producing bi-photons without the need for complex alignment or source design by the user. The invention provides a tunable source of high-brightness, high-visibility, bi-photons that can be configured for a number of applications.

Abstract: A hardware system and encryption method that generates encryption keys based on quantum mechanical phenomena that can be delivered directly, over public wired and wireless channels, to communicating devices. The encryption strength is derived from physical phenomena and not mathematical complexity and, therefore, is “future proof” against advances in computational power. The present invention allows pre-existing networked devices to communicate securely within a geographically defined “protection zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for producing bi-photons and/or entangled photons without the need for complex alignment or source design by the user. The invention provides a scalable source of high-brightness, high-visibility, bi-photons and entangled photons that can be configured for a number of applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for producing bi-photons without the need for complex alignment or source design by the user. The invention provides a tunable source of high-brightness, high-visibility, bi-photons that can be configured for a number of applications.

Abstract: A system makes real time fluid level determinations based upon shock waves detected by a pressure sensor which is able to detect very small changes in the amplitude of the received signal. Because the various components of the artificial lift system can have significant mechanical vibrations and noise, the pressure sensor utilized in the present invention may be high-sensitivity pressure sensor which is vibration-compensated with an electrical amplifier integrated directly into the sensor body to amplify the observed shock wave. The sensor has compensation components which ascertain low-frequency lateral motion and other noise, distinguishing the low frequency wave forms from the incoming reflections from the shock waves. The observed lateral motion is subtracted from the pressure sensor signal in determining the depth to the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the depth to the top surface of a fluid contained in a hydrocarbon well generates a pressure pulse which travels down the casing to the fluid and receives a returning pressure pulse. The system and method may measure the decay rate or pulse width of the returning pressure pulse and not necessarily require the measurement of the time between the emission of the pressure pulse and the detection of the return pulse to ascertain the depth to the fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for determining the temperature of an object using an optical pyrometer. Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology allow for making optical temperature measurements that are independent of the surface emissivity of the object being sensed. In one of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, a plurality of spectral radiance measurements at a plurality of wavelengths is received from a surface of an object being measured. The plurality of the spectral radiance measurements is fit to a scaled version of a black body curve, the fitting comprising determining a temperature of the scaled version of the black body curve. The temperature is then output. The present disclosure is not to be construed as limiting and is instead directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone or in various combinations and subcombinations with one another.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the depth to the top surface of a fluid contained in a hydrocarbon well generates a pressure pulse which travels down the casing to the fluid and receives a returning pressure pulse. The system and method may measure the decay rate or pulse width of the returning pressure pulse and not necessarily require the measurement of the time between the emission of the pressure pulse and the detection of the return pulse to ascertain the depth to the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for producing bi-photons and/or entangled photons without the need for complex alignment or source design by the user.

Abstract: A system makes real time fluid level determinations based upon shock waves detected by a pressure sensor which is able to detect very small changes in the amplitude of the received signal. Because the various components of the artificial lift system can have significant mechanical vibrations and noise, the pressure sensor utilized in the present invention may be high-sensitivity pressure sensor which is vibration-compensated with an electrical amplifier integrated directly into the sensor body to amplify the observed shock wave. The sensor has compensation components which ascertain low-frequency lateral motion and other noise, distinguishing the low frequency wave forms from the incoming reflections from the shock waves. The observed lateral motion is subtracted from the pressure sensor signal in determining the depth to the fluid.

Abstract: A hardware system and encryption method that generates encryption keys based on quantum mechanical phenomena that can be delivered directly, over public wired and wireless channels, to communicating devices. The encryption strength is derived from physical phenomena and not mathematical complexity and, therefore, is “future proof” against advances in computational power. The present invention allows pre-existing networked devices to communicate securely within a geographically defined “protection zone.

Abstract: An exemplary sensor system for a fuel transport vehicle can comprise a fuel marker sensor positioned between a fuel storage chamber of the vehicle and an access valve for the fuel storage chamber of the vehicle. The fuel marker sensor can be configured to measure one or more characteristics of one or more fuel markers present in the fuel adjacent the sensor, such as when the marked fuel is unloaded at a retail station. The one or more characteristics can comprise concentration and/or identity of the one or more fuel markers in the fuel. Based on the measured characteristics of the one or more fuel markers, the sensor system can identify the fuel and/or can determine whether the fuel has been adulterated after the marked fuel was last measured, such as when the marked fuel was loaded into the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for determining the temperature of an object using an optical pyrometer. Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology allow for making optical temperature measurements that are independent of the surface emissivity of the object being sensed. In one of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, a plurality of spectral radiance measurements at a plurality of wavelengths is received from a surface of an object being measured. The plurality of the spectral radiance measurements is fit to a scaled version of a black body curve, the fitting comprising determining a temperature of the scaled version of the black body curve. The temperature is then output. The present disclosure is not to be construed as limiting and is instead directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone or in various combinations and subcombinations with one another.

Abstract: A system for matching the hydrocarbon reservoir inflow with the outflow of an artificial lift system utilizes an apparatus which makes real time fluid level determinations based upon shock waves detected by a surface device and inputs the observed fluid levels into a processor which controls the speed of a motor which operates a subsurface pump, so as to increase hydrocarbon production. The apparatus which makes real time fluid determinations is installed such that a gas emission port and a pressure wave pressure wave receiving port are placed within the tubing-casing annulus.

Abstract: An exemplary sensor system for a fuel transport vehicle can comprise a fuel marker sensor positioned between a fuel storage chamber of the vehicle and an access valve for the fuel storage chamber of the vehicle. The fuel marker sensor can be configured to measure one or more characteristics of one or more fuel markers present in the fuel adjacent the sensor, such as when the marked fuel is unloaded at a retail station. The one or more characteristics can comprise concentration and/or identity of the one or more fuel markers in the fuel. Based on the measured characteristics of the one or more fuel markers, the sensor system can identify the fuel and/or can determine whether the fuel has been adulterated after the marked fuel was last measured, such as when the marked fuel was loaded into the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for determining range to a target are provided. A beam of electromagnetic energy is transmitted through an aperture in an opaque screen such that a portion of the beam passes through the aperture to generate a region of diffraction that varies as a function of distance from the aperture. An imaging system is focused on a target plane in the region of diffraction with the generated image being compared to known diffraction patterns. Each known diffraction pattern has a unique value associated therewith that is indicative of a distance from the aperture. A match between the generated image and at least one of the known diffraction patterns is indicative of a distance between the aperture and target plane.