Abstract: An environmental monitoring network has transportable, self-contained, environment sensing capsules, each capsule is water-proof, with first and second sections, the second section being hollow. Apertures in the capsule's housing enable fluid and gas entry wherein first sensor(s) disposed internal to the housing measure within the hollow, and second sensor(s) disposed external to the housing measure external to the housing. A controller and power system are connected to the first and second sensors and transmits measured data. An access entry way is on a side of the housing, enabling access to first sensors, controller system, power system, and the communication system. A central data server is configured to receive and analyze the measurement data sent from the capsules. There is a priority list of appropriate personnel for contact by the central data server in an event there is an emergency condition at a capsule location.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling EM radiation from an exposed manhole around roadways. A remote field unit controller is disposed under a manhole cover proximal to a roadway, with a sensor attached to either the manhole cover, a manhole, or the remote field unit controller, providing information of at least one of a position, acceleration, direction of the manhole cover. An EM transmitter/receiver and EM emitter/absorber are disposed under the manhole cover and an EM controller communicates to the EM transmitter. When the sensor detects sufficient movement of the manhole cover, a signal is sent to the remote field unit controller to at least one of suppress, alter, and turn off EM emissions from the EM transmitter so as to prevent EM radiation from entering the roadway. The EM transmitter is at least one of a lidar, infrared, EM, and time-of-flight emitter or sensor.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling EM radiation from an exposed manhole around roadways. A remote field unit controller is disposed under a manhole cover proximal to a roadway, with a sensor attached to either the manhole cover, a manhole, or the remote field unit controller, providing information of at least one of a position, acceleration, direction of the manhole cover. An EM transmitter/receiver and EM emitter/absorber are disposed under the manhole cover and an EM controller communicates to the EM transmitter. When the sensor detects sufficient movement of the manhole cover, a signals is sent to the remote field unit controller to at least one of suppress, alter, and turn off EM emissions from the EM transmitter so as to prevent EM radiation from entering the roadway.

Abstract: A combined sewer/enclosure overflow (CSO) sensor system is described for accurate detection and measurement of overflow events. From the combined data, trending information can determine if there is debris accumulation. Rain masks can be used in the trending data to measure overall health. External sensors in combination with the CSO sensors provide predictive information and additional levels of information/data accuracy. The sensor system automatically and remotely monitors CSO locations and provides real-time data regarding start times, stop times, duration, and flow volumes of overflows that occur in these structures and provide regulatory and public notification of these events.

Abstract: A combined sewer/enclosure overflow (CSO) sensor system is described for accurate detection and measurement of overflow events. From the combined data, trending information can determine if there is debris accumulation. Rain masks can be used in the trending data to measure overall health. External sensors in combination with the CSO sensors provide predictive information and additional levels of information/data accuracy. The sensor system automatically and remotely monitors CSO locations and provides real-time data regarding start times, stop times, duration, and flow volumes of overflows that occur in these structures and provide regulatory and public notification of these events.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling EM radiation from an exposed manhole around roadways. A remote field unit controller is disposed under a manhole cover proximal to a roadway, with a sensor attached to either the manhole cover, a manhole, or the remote field unit controller, providing information of at least one of a position, acceleration, direction of the manhole cover. An EM transmitter/receiver and EM emitter/absorber are disposed under the manhole cover and an EM controller communicates to the EM transmitter. When the sensor detects sufficient movement of the manhole cover, a signals is sent to the remote field unit controller to at least one of suppress, alter, and turn off EM emissions from the EM transmitter so as to prevent EM radiation from entering the roadway.

Abstract: A combined sewer/enclosure overflow (CSO) sensor system is described for accurate detection and measurement of overflow events. From the combined data, trending information can determine if there is debris accumulation. Rain masks can be used in the trending data to measure overall health. External sensors in combination with the CSO sensors provide predictive information and additional levels of information/data accuracy. The sensor system automatically and remotely monitors CSO locations and provides real-time data regarding start times, stop times, duration, and flow volumes of overflows that occur in these structures and provide regulatory and public notification of these events.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flow-estimation processor receives one or more flow-depth measurements with each flow-depth measurement having been taken at a respective time. The processor calculates a respective estimated flow rate for each of the times based on the corresponding flow-depth measurement and one or more flow-estimation parameters each set to a respective initial value. The processor outputs the estimated flow rates for presentation via a user interface, and receives via the user interface one or more updated values corresponding respectively to a flow-estimation parameter. The processor calculates an updated estimated flow rate for each of the one or more times, such that each respective updated estimated flow rate is calculated based on the received updated values. The processor then outputs the updated estimated flow rates for presentation via the user interface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flow-estimation processor receives one or more flow-depth measurements with each flow-depth measurement having been taken at a respective time. The processor calculates a respective estimated flow rate for each of the times based on the corresponding flow-depth measurement and one or more flow-estimation parameters each set to a respective initial value. The processor outputs the estimated flow rates for presentation via a user interface, and receives via the user interface one or more updated values corresponding respectively to a flow-estimation parameter. The processor calculates an updated estimated flow rate for each of the one or more times, such that each respective updated estimated flow rate is calculated based on the received updated values. The processor then outputs the updated estimated flow rates for presentation via the user interface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flow-estimation processor receives one or more flow-depth measurements with each flow-depth measurement having been taken at a respective time. The processor calculates a respective estimated flow rate for each of the times based on the corresponding flow-depth measurement and one or more flow-estimation parameters each set to a respective initial value. The processor outputs the estimated flow rates for presentation via a user interface, and receives via the user interface one or more updated values corresponding respectively to a flow-estimation parameter. The processor calculates an updated estimated flow rate for each of the one or more times, such that each respective updated estimated flow rate is calculated based on the received updated values. The processor then outputs the updated estimated flow rates for presentation via the user interface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flow-estimation processor receives one or more flow-depth measurements with each flow-depth measurement having been taken at a respective time. The processor calculates a respective estimated flow rate for each of the times based on the corresponding flow-depth measurement and one or more flow-estimation parameters each set to a respective initial value. The processor outputs the estimated flow rates for presentation via a user interface, and receives via the user interface one or more updated values corresponding respectively to a flow-estimation parameter. The processor calculates an updated estimated flow rate for each of the one or more times, such that each respective updated estimated flow rate is calculated based on the received updated values. The processor then outputs the updated estimated flow rates for presentation via the user interface.

Abstract: A hierarchical data management tool and user interface that provides an efficient and effective means for an organization to organize both users and their access to a system consisting of a large number of remote sensing locations. Various levels of notifications for specified personnel allow the notified persons to respond to alerts in an efficient manner. Personnel can be hierarchically organized according to their qualifications and proximity to the sensing location/alert type.

Abstract: A sensor stabilization platform and method for installation in an enclosure is described, wherein the platform can be lowered into the enclosure from the enclosure's entry way (without requiring a person to enter the enclosure) and properly oriented to provide the structural support/securing capabilities needed for a sensor that is “sensing” the material at the bottom of the enclosure. The securing platform is weighted or configured to rest (without movement) at the bottom of the enclosure floor or manhole, and sensors can be lowered into the platform's receptacle(s), etc. The platform may be configured to be foldable, allowing it to be compact and pass through narrow entry ways.

Abstract: A rugged patch antenna is described that is low profile and capable of resisting environmental and physical impact. The electrical properties of the antenna do not depend on the nature of the underlying surface. The standing wave ratio, return loss and impedance of the antenna are of sufficient quality to support efficient one and two way communications. The antenna can be mounted on vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft, manhole covers, utility covers, equipment cabinets, personnel and animals.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating power in an enclosure includes a power generation device configured to operate in the environmental conditions of the enclosure, a first power storage device connected to the power generation device and configured to store power generated by the power generation device, a power converter connected to the power storage device and configured to output power at a voltage different than that output by the power storage device, and a second power storage device connected directly or indirectly to the power converter and configured to store power output by the power converter. The second power storage device may then provide power for at least one component of an environmental monitoring system.

Abstract: A remote sensing system and method for instrumenting the entries to manhole enclosures, in order to provide a platform and means for sensing environmental parameters within and around the enclosures and wirelessly transmitting those parameters to a distant site. The system comprises a housing with sensor for monitoring environmental parameter in the vicinity of the manhole. A microcontroller in the housing sends the parameters to a radio module, which transmits the parameters to a communication device for alerting a user that a manhole has been tampered with.

Abstract: A remote sensing system and method for instrumenting the entries to manhole enclosures, in order to provide a platform and means for sensing environmental parameters within and around the enclosures and wirelessly transmitting those parameters to a distant site. The system comprises a housing with sensor for monitoring environmental parameter in the vicinity of the manhole. A microcontroller in the housing sends the parameters to a radio module, which transmits the parameters to a communication device for alerting a user that a manhole has been tampered with.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring environmental parameters within an enclosure includes a power source; a communication device electrically connected to the power source and attachable to a cover of the enclosure; and a sensor suspended away from the cover of the enclosure. A method for providing a monitor of environmental parameters within an enclosure includes attaching a communication device to a cover of the enclosure, connecting the communication device to a power source; and suspending a sensor away from the cover of the enclosure. A method for monitoring environmental parameters within an enclosure includes monitoring one or more environmental parameters with a sensor suspended by a cable within an enclosure, and transmitting data representing one or more monitored environmental parameters from a communication device to a second communication device.

Abstract: A remote sensing system and method for instrumenting the entries to manhole enclosures, in order to provide a platform and means for sensing environmental parameters within and around the enclosures and wirelessly transmitting those parameters to a distant site. The system comprises a housing with sensor for monitoring environmental parameter in the vicinity of the manhole. A microcontroller in the housing sends the parameters to a radio module, which transmits the parameters to a communication device for alerting a user that a manhole has been tampered with.

Abstract: A robust low profile antenna well suited for deployment on the lids of cavities, such as manholes is described. The antenna is constructed from a coaxial cable for use proximate to a structural surface. The antenna is formed by folding back an outer metallic braid of an end of the coaxial cable to a length that approximately matches ¼ of a wavelength of a desired operating frequency times a velocity factor of the coaxial cable. Next, the radiative element is formed by exposing the center conductor from the end of the coaxial cable to a length that approximately matches ¼ of the wavelength of the operating frequency multiplied by the composite velocity factor being based on a dielectric encasing of the coaxial cable and the distance of the antenna from the structural surface. The antenna is oriented substantially parallel to the structural surface. The resulting antenna is of a comparable size to the coaxial cable.