Abstract: A long-distance fiber optic monitoring system having a sensing unit and an analyzer that is remotely located from the sensing unit is provided. The sensing unit comprises a source of optical energy for injecting optical energy into the fiber optical cable and an optical detector configured to detect an optical return signal from the optical fiber. The detected optical return signal is associated with an acoustic signal impinging on the optical fiber. The analyzer receives a signal from the remote sensing unit via the optical fiber that is representative of the optical return signal, and determines a location of a disturbance based at least on the received signal. The representative signal can be transmitted from the remote sensing unit to the analyzer as an optical signal or via a metallic wired included with the optical fiber.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the structural integrity of a structure is provided. An optical fiber is acoustically coupled to one or more of the structural elements. A source of optical energy is configured to inject optical energy into the optical fiber, and an optical detector is configured to detect a first optical return signal having characteristics that are affected by vibrations of the structural elements. An analyzer measures characteristics of the optical return signal to determine information concerning the movement of the structural elements monitored by the fiber optic cable. The results of the analyzer can be stored and so that the analysis of the optical return signal can be compared to previously recorded signals to determine changes in structural integrity over time. Multiple fibers can be acoustically coupled to the monitored structural elements to obtain additional data concerning the structural integrity.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed technology, a fiber surveillance system includes a single optical fiber, used, for example, in the detection of acoustic signals associated with vibrations or other activity. In one embodiment of the disclosed technology, the fiber is arranged in a two dimensional topology to improve the spatial resolution of the system. With such a topology the spatial monitoring resolution of the surveillance system is significantly improved over systems in which the fiber is deployed in an essentially straight line topology. In a further embodiment of the disclosed technology, two or more such oriented fibers are juxtaposed or overlapped to yield even greater resolution.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed technology, wireless communications are used in a fiber surveillance system to enable monitoring of remote locations for vibrations, acoustic signals, stresses, stress fatigue or other detectable characteristics. A fiber that is deployed in the structure or region being monitored is connected a wireless transmitter that is used to transmit, to a receiving system, return optical signals obtained with the surveillance system. The return signals can be transmitted in raw form or after partial or total analysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) sequence from Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) (termed “TRL4”) that specifically protects neuronal cells from cell death and may therefore be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: A cable marker pole system is described for marking the location of buried utility cabling. The cable marker pole system includes a base for embedding in earth or concrete, and a two-part pole assembly that couples with the base. The two-part pole assembly includes a spring coupling the two pole members to allow the pole assembly to flex if struck. A sign is attached to the top of the pole assembly to indicate what is buried.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the structural integrity of a structure is provided. An optical fiber is acoustically coupled to one or more of the structural elements. A source of optical energy is configured to inject optical energy into the optical fiber, and an optical detector is configured to detect a first optical return signal having characteristics that are affected by vibrations of the structural elements. An analyzer measures characteristics of the optical return signal to determine information concerning the movement of the structural elements monitored by the fiber optic cable. The results of the analyzer can be stored and so that the analysis of the optical return signal can be compared to previously recorded signals to determine changes in structural integrity over time. Multiple fibers can be acoustically coupled to the monitored structural elements to obtain additional data concerning the structural integrity.

Abstract: A long-distance fiber optic monitoring system having a sensing unit and an analyzer that is remotely located from the sensing unit is provided. The sensing unit comprises a source of optical energy for injecting optical energy into the fiber optical cable and an optical detector configured to detect an optical return signal from the optical fiber. The detected optical return signal is associated with an acoustic signal impinging on the optical fiber. The analyzer receives a signal from the remote sensing unit via the optical fiber that is representative of the optical return signal, and determines a location of a disturbance based at least on the received signal. The representative signal can be transmitted from the remote sensing unit to the analyzer as an optical signal or via a metallic wired included with the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention is a vertical wind turbine having a turbine with a plurality of blades or wind vanes. The blades are constructed and attached to the shaft of the turbine so as to allow them to twist open to present more surface area to wind currents when a threshold rotational velocity is reached. Also presented are a novel outer shell that is placed over at least part of the shaft and a novel turbine blade.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus which provides for alerting of potential fiber optic cable intrusion. A stress detector located at a fiber optic cable termination point detects stress on the fiber optic cable and generates an alarm signal in response to the stress detection. The alarm signal is transmitted to remote alarm units along the fiber optic right of way via a conductive metallic portion of the fiber optic cable (e.g., the fiber optic cable sheath). In response to receipt of an alarm signal, the alarm units initiate a perceptible (e.g., audible and/or visible) alarm. The stress detector may also determine a location of the stress, and generate an alarm signal addressed to a particular one or more alarm units in the vicinity of the stress location.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed technology, wireless communications are used in a fiber surveillance system to enable monitoring of remote locations for vibrations, acoustic signals, stresses, stress fatigue or other detectable characteristics. A fiber that is deployed in the structure or region being monitored is connected a wireless transmitter that is used to transmit, to a receiving system, return optical signals obtained with the surveillance system. The return signals can be transmitted in raw form or after partial or total analysis.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed technology, a fiber surveillance system includes a single optical fiber, used, for example, in the detection of acoustic signals associated with vibrations or other activity. In one embodiment of the disclosed technology, the fiber is arranged in a two dimensional topology to improve the spatial resolution of the system. With such a topology the spatial monitoring resolution of the surveillance system is significantly improved over systems in which the fiber is deployed in an essentially straight line topology. In a further embodiment of the disclosed technology, two or more such oriented fibers are juxtaposed or overlapped to yield even greater resolution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus which provides for alerting of potential fiber optic cable intrusion. A stress detector located at a fiber optic cable termination point detects stress on the fiber optic cable and generates an alarm signal in response to the stress detection. The alarm signal is transmitted to remote alarm units along the fiber optic right of way via a conductive metallic portion of the fiber optic cable (e.g., the fiber optic cable sheath). In response to receipt of an alarm signal, the alarm units initiate a perceptible (e.g., audible and/or visible) alarm. The stress detector may also determine a location of the stress, and generate an alarm signal addressed to a particular one or more alarm units in the vicinity of the stress location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus which provides for alerting of potential fiber optic cable intrusion. A stress detector located at a fiber optic cable termination point detects stress on the fiber optic cable and generates an alarm signal in response to the stress detection. The alarm signal is transmitted to remote alarm units along the fiber optic right of way via a conductive metallic portion of the fiber optic cable (e.g., the fiber optic cable sheath). In response to receipt of an alarm signal, the alarm units initiate a perceptible (e.g., audible and/or visible) alarm. The stress detector may also determine a location of the stress, and generate an alarm signal addressed to a particular one or more alarm units in the vicinity of the stress location.

Abstract: A method for conducting an e-mail campaign is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) sending e-mails to a plurality of intended recipients; (b) determining a number of the e-mails that have been indicated as nondeliverable; (c) determining a number of the e-mails that have been identified as bulk and not delivered to the intended recipients; (d) determining, from the determinations made in steps (b) and (c), a number of the e-mails that have reached the intended recipients; and (e) billing only for the number of e-mails determined in step (d).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for interpreting data obtained by measuring a length of optical fiber using an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR), and comparing that measurement to a reference measurement. The technique uses statistical inference to determine a whether a reference trace is valid by comparing that trace to a more recent test trace. The reference trace may be replaced or an alarm may be transmitted under certain conditions.

Abstract: A duct mapping tool comprises a sonde for transmitting a locate signal detectable above the ground and locomotion means for providing movement through the underground duct. A user above the ground detects the transmitted location signal using a signal receiver, and maps the location of the underground duct. In one embodiment, a GPS receiver generates location data at locations associated with the received location signal. The GPS generated location data may be used in conjunction with appropriate mapping software to generate street level maps of underground ducts. Locomotion can be provided in a variety of ways, such as a flexible rod attached to the duct mapping tool and operated by a technician, air motors, or electric motors. Movement control signals may be sent to the underground duct mapping tool via a remote device controlled by a technician.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for repairing a collapsed underground duct for a fiber cable. A head is inserted into the duct until the collapsed section is sensed. Power, such as hydraulic or pneumatic pressure of electric potential, is applied to the head, actuating an expansion member that engages the duct wall and applies a force to it, forcing it to a non-collapsed state. The head may be fed through the non-collapsed duct by applying air pressure behind it, forcing through the duct until it encounters the collapsed section.

Abstract: An installation for conveying superheated fluid discharged from a vent located at or near the base of a body of water. The installation comprises a hood for locating the installation over the vent, and an insulated conduit that is in fluid communication with the hood and extends upwardly through the body of water.

Abstract: A passive optical arrangement for indicating the presence of a change in ownership along a fiber optic cable span uses an attenuation unit at a splice location that will severely attenuate an optical signal propagating along the span at a predetermined “marker” wavelength. Particularly well-suited in combination with determining the physical location of a fault along a fiber optic cable, the arrangement allows a technician to use an OTDR at the marker wavelength to determine both the physical location of the fault as well as the physical location of a change in ownership (if any) between the technician and the fault location, since the presence of the attenuation unit will register as a large step-wise change in signal propagation.