Abstract: An apparatus for remote detection and assessment of progressing deformation of utility pipes and culverts. The apparatus includes a sensing device configured to acquire information quantifying deformation of a utility pipe or culvert; a communication device connected to the sensing device configured to relay the information of the sensing device to a monitoring station; a plurality of sensor targets in operational communication with the sensing device in a powered-up state of the apparatus, the targets being configured to be fixed in relation to the utility pipe or culvert; and the sensing device being configured to detect a change in a condition or a displacement of at least one of the sensor targets to generate the sensor information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a damaged host pipe, such as a culvert or other conduit and for installing one or more sensors to monitor one or more parameters within the host pipe. The method includes repairing the damaged host pipe by positioning one or more expandable ribs or sleeves within the damaged host pipe; expanding the one or more ribs or sleeves to move the one or more ribs or sleeves to an installation within the host pipe; installing sealant in spaces between the host pipe and the one or more ribs or sleeves; and attaching the one or more sensors to an inner wall of the host pipe or rib or sleeve or embedding the one or more sensors within the host pipe or rib or sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-adjusting link for connecting two anchors that move under a varying external force, comprising: N magnetic units; N?1 link connectors, each link connector connecting one unit to an adjacent unit, each magnetic unit being held by the link connectors such that each pair of adjacent units can move from a closed position where they are magnetically bound to an open position where they do not exert significant force on each other; and anchor connectors attached to the anchors. The length of the link increases as the external force increases sufficiently to cause one or more pairs of magnetic units to move from the closed position into one of the open positions to permit the anchors to further separate, and the length of the link decreases as the external force is reduced and one or more pairs of magnetic units move into the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-adjusting link for connecting two anchors that move under a varying external force, comprising: N magnetic units; N?1 link connectors, each link connector connecting one unit to an adjacent unit, each magnetic unit being held by the link connectors such that each pair of adjacent units can move from a closed position where they are magnetically bound to an open position where they do not exert significant force on each other; and anchor connectors attached to the anchors. The length of the link increases as the external force increases sufficiently to cause one or more pairs of magnetic units to move from the closed position into one of the open positions to permit the anchors to further separate, and the length of the link decreases as the external force is reduced and one or more pairs of magnetic units move into the closed position.

Abstract: A charge pump device and method for providing power to a microcontroller where the voltage required to operate the microcontroller (VCCmin) is greater than the voltage of the power source, which may be a single galvanic cell. The invention utilizes a flying capacitor circuit having a flying capacitor, and a supply capacitor connected to the power supply terminal of the microcontroller. The invention utilizes firmware that runs on the microcontroller and which controls the flying capacitor circuit to repeatedly switch the flying capacitor from being connected in series with the power source to being connected in parallel with the power source so as to maintain the voltage provided to the microcontroller at a level of at least VCCmin.

Abstract: A charge pump device and method for providing power to a microcontroller where the voltage required to operate the microcontroller (VCCmin) is greater than the voltage of the power source, which may be a single galvanic cell. The invention utilizes a flying capacitor circuit having a flying capacitor, and a supply capacitor connected to the power supply terminal of the microcontroller. The invention utilizes firmware that runs on the microcontroller and which controls the flying capacitor circuit to repeatedly switch the flying capacitor from being connected in series with the power source to being connected in parallel with the power source so as to maintain the voltage provided to the microcontroller at a level of at least VCCmin.