Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a fiber surveillance system for monitoring a pipeline is provided. The surveillance system includes an optical fiber acoustically coupled to the pipeline to detect acoustic signals associated with vibrations or other activity near or from the pipeline. Optical energy is injected into the optical fiber and an optical detector receives an optical return-signal having certain characteristics resulting from vibrations impinging on the optical fiber. An analyzer is configured to determine operating information about the pipeline based on the optical return-signal. Two or more fibers can be acoustically coupled to the pipeline and arranged in varying configurations to yield greater resolution.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a fiber surveillance system for monitoring a pipeline is provided. The surveillance system includes an optical fiber acoustically coupled to the pipeline to detect acoustic signals associated with vibrations or other activity near or from the pipeline. Optical energy is injected into the optical fiber and an optical detector receives an optical return-signal having certain characteristics resulting from vibrations impinging on the optical fiber. An analyzer is configured to determine operating information about the pipeline based on the optical return-signal. Two or more fibers can be acoustically coupled to the pipeline and arranged in varying configurations to yield greater resolution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grounding cables (e.g., fiber cables or copper wire cables) used in networks such as the telecommunications networks are disclosed. For example, the apparatus comprises an enclosure having a plurality of metal posts, e.g., metallic bolts, (e.g. brass or copper) for connecting with cables and at least one grounding rod. The apparatus contains apertures for allowing cables and at least one grounding rod to be brought into the apparatus in order to reach the metal posts. The grounding rod is then connected to one of the posts, and one or more of the cables are also connected to one or more of the posts. In one embodiment, the apparatus employs a movable cover with a conducting member (e.g., a metal hinged plate) mounted onto the movable cover. In operation, the metal plate makes contact with all the posts and provides grounding to all the cables when the cover is in a closed position.