Abstract: A subsurface deployable antenna array is provided which expands upon deployment and contracts for storage to provide an antenna array that can be stored in a comparatively compact space. Electronically interconnected antenna modules are connected by expandable/contractable connectors. A helically-organized bundle of optical cables and electrical wiring are utilized in the expandable/contractable connectors. Mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic means may be utilized to control the spacing between the antenna modules.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the thickness of a configuration having flat, parallel surfaces that are transparent, or nearly so, to pre-specified types of energy. Embodiments comprise a mechanism for illuminating a front surface with an energy source and mechanisms for measuring reflections of the illumination from a parallel back surface. The energy is contained in a spectrum of wavelengths, the energy being refracted in components at unique wavelengths, e.g., different colored light bands, and similarly reflected from the back surface. The measuring mechanisms, e.g., spectrometers, determine the relative lateral displacement between two spectral lines in the refracted and reflected beams to enable determination of thickness. Other characteristics of the material of the configuration may be ascertained, e.g., chemical composition is ascertained by measuring the intensity of responses at multiple wavelengths and comparing this to responses of known materials.

Abstract: Arrays of optical fibers connected to specially configured electronics, e.g., a phototransistor, an LED, an amplifier, a detector, and display, software and PCMCIA A/D board available on a personal computer, are used to obtain continuous real-time acquisition, processing, and visualization of change in a media occurring in natural environments. Alternatively, many of the individual circuit elements above may be replaced with a power meter. In a specific application, data are collected on the depth of sediment below a body of water. As the sediment depth is changed by an event, the ends of the optical fibers in the array display a different reflection or transmission coefficient indicating that water has replaced sediment or vice versa. By knowing which of the optical fiber ends in the array is indicating the changed reflection or transmission coefficient, scour depth or silt accretion may be estimated. A method of employment of the system is also described.

Abstract: An array of electrically isolated electrode pairs in combination with a specially configured processor, e.g., a personal computer, is employed to obtain a continuous real-time acquisition, processing, mapping and visualization of fluid washover. In a specific application, washover data are collected on salient electrical characteristics of seawater accumulating between electrodes of an electrode pair, one of which may be a common ground plane. For example, the resistance of seawater is measured dynamically at each electrode pair. These data are then processed using specialized software to yield representation of the dynamics of selected washover events on a surface of interest. Described systems specifically provide real-time spatial and temporal representations of interaction, including two and three-dimensional visualization of the washover, as well as recording selected data for future use. Methods of employment of the system are also described.

Abstract: Using an array of optical sensors affixed to measure interactions on a surface of an object, in combination with a specially configured personal computer, dynamic mapping of interaction is provided. One application maps washover of an object towed in a large body of water. Data are collected on optical characteristics of the interaction such as reflectivity at a boundary. For example, in one embodiment the reflectivity at an optical fiber/seawater boundary is compared to that of an optical fiber/air boundary and dynamic measurements made using an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR). These data are then processed using specialized software to yield representation of the dynamics (spatial and temporal) of selected washover events on a surface of interest. The system specifically provides a real-time representation of washover, including two and three-dimensional visualization of washover, as well as recording selected data for future use. Methods of employment of the system are also provided.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting and monitoring scour in sediment positioned beneath a body of water, which includes a probe at least partially embedded in the sediment. Sensor electronics are superimposed on the probe. Such electronics include a reflectometer, a battery supply and a telemetry transmitter to display an interface boundary between the water and the transmitter. The sensor is particularly well adapted for use in lossy soils.

Abstract: Using an array of optical sensors affixed to measure interactions on a surface of an object, in combination with a specially configured personal computer, dynamic mapping of interaction is provided. One application maps washover of an object towed in a large body of water. Data are collected on optical characteristics of the interaction such as reflectivity at a boundary. For example, in one embodiment the reflectivity at an optical fiber/seawater boundary is compared to that of an optical fiber/air boundary and dynamic measurements made using an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR). These data are then processed using specialized software to yield representation of the dynamics (spatial and temporal) of selected washover events on a surface of interest. The system specifically provides a real-time representation of washover, including two and three-dimensional visualization of washover, as well as recording selected data for future use. Methods of employment of the system are also provided.

Abstract: Using arrays of optical fibers connected to specially configured electronics, e.g., a phototransistor, an LED, an amplifier, a detector, and display, software and PCMCIA A/D board available on a personal computer, continuous real-time acquisition, processing, and visualization of change in a monitored medium is provided. Many of the individual circuit elements above may be replaced with a power meter in an alternative embodiment. In a specific application, scour data are collected on the depth of sediment below a body of water. As the sediment is eroded by an event, the ends of the optical fibers in the array display a different reflection or transmission coefficient indicating that water has replaced sediment. By knowing which of the optical fiber ends in the array is indicating the changed reflection or transmission coefficient, an estimate of how much scour has occurred is provided. A method of employment of the system is also provided.

Abstract: A system employing principles of the present invention governs operation of an apparatus by an operator. An embodiment of the present invention comprises means for receiving at least one signal, portable means affixed to the operator for transmitting the signal, and means for inactivating or interrupting the operation of the apparatus should the operator be beyond a pre-specified distance from the controls of the apparatus. The means for inactivating communicates with both the means for receiving and the apparatus, while the means for transmitting sends the signal to the means for receiving during normal operation of the apparatus, e.g., with the operator physically present. Without the presence of the signal, operation of the apparatus is interrupted. One embodiment provides for an emergency override of the system to permit operation of the apparatus without the presence of the signal. Methods of using embodiments of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A compact, autonomous motion detecting and alerting system alerts to the movement of objects of interest. Mounted on an environmentally sealed PC board are a transceiver such as a CW radar front-end, connectors, signal processors and a communications device. The system provides early warning of movement of an ice sheet or rubble field via the communication device that may be a cellular telephone. This system is mounted proximate the target surface under observation, oriented at pre-specified offset angles both laterally and in elevation. The target is illuminated and energy reflected therefrom is mixed with a portion of the transmitted signal to produce a difference frequency signal that is processed to establish existence of motion within a pre-specified velocity range. Upon verification of motion, notification is sent to a responsible authority. An autonomous or semi-autonomous power source and integral power management function may be incorporated on the same PC board.

Abstract: An automated inexpensive system and reliable method for detecting spatial anomalies in real time, allows an unsophisticated operator to detect hidden anomalies efficiently and safely. In a preferred embodiment, an FM-CW radar front-end communicates with a personal computer incorporating specific filter and processing circuitry, including an A/D converter and a DSP. A target volume is illuminated from just above its top surface and return signals processed using the PC as programmed with a purpose-built algorithm. Data are down-converted to audio frequencies for ease in handling using inexpensive audio frequency circuitry. For use in avoiding bridged (hidden) crevasses during operation in snowfields, a version is mounted on a long boom extending from the front of the platform on which it is installed, typically a lead vehicle of a convoy. Heretofore, expensive systems requiring full-time monitoring by a well-trained operator were the only safe and reliable solution to insure safe traversal of snowfields.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting accumulation of material concurrently on multiple areas of a surface in real time. In one embodiment, it is used for detecting icing of airframes while in use or on the ground while awaiting use. It may use either Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) or Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FM-CW) sources to provide a known energizing signal to a transmission line sensor. The system ascertains the signal's round trip travel time in the transmission line. As material accumulates around the transmission line sensor, the medium through which the signal propagates is indicated by the change in time for the signal to propagate in relation to propagation in a reference medium, e.g., air. By employing pre-specified spectral analysis algorithms and referencing to the dielectric constant of media of interest, a determination of the occurrence, location, and the rate and type of material accumulation can be made.

Abstract: Using an array of electrically isolated electrode pairs in combination with a specially configured processor, e.g., a personal computer, continuous real-time acquisition, processing, mapping and visualization of an object's interaction with its environment are provided. In a specific application, washover data are collected on salient electrical characteristics of seawater accumulating between electrodes of an electrode pair, one of which may be a common ground plane. For example, in one embodiment, the resistance of seawater is measured dynamically at each electrode pair. These data are then processed using specialized software to yield representation of the dynamics of selected washover events on a surface of interest. Described systems specifically provide real-time spatial and temporal representations of interaction, including two and three-dimensional visualization of the interaction, e.g., washover, as well as recording selected data for future use.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting accumulation of material concurrently on multiple areas of a surface in real time. In one embodiment, it is used for detecting icing of airframes while in use or on the ground while awaiting use. It may use either Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) or Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FM-CW) sources to provide a known energizing signal to a transmission line sensor. The system ascertains the signal's round trip travel time in the transmission line. As material accumulates around the transmission line sensor, the medium through which the signal propagates is indicated by the change in time for the signal to propagate in relation to propagation in a reference medium, e.g., air. By employing pre-specified spectral analysis algorithms and referencing to the dielectric constant of media of interest, a determination of the occurrence, location, and the rate and type of material accumulation can be made.

Abstract: A system for efficiently and cost effectively monitoring the status of the interface between two dissimilar media is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the system uses principles applied from the theory of time domain reflectometry (TDR), together with novel circuitry and low cost narrow band telemetry, to provide real time monitoring on a continuous basis, as needed. The circuitry involved permits operation of the system without relying on relative values of signal amplitude while employing a novel feedback function that sets the pulse repetition frequency instantaneously to permit an optimum data collection rate as well as a separate measure of the status based on the system operating parameters. It has particular application to real time monitoring and alerting to the effect of scour events in waterways.

Abstract: A optical scour sensor monitors scour, including deposition and ablation, in bodies of water that may be too lossy to enable use of electrical signals. A specially configured optical fiber is inserted into the sediment and the interface between the sediment and water thereby monitored using a top-mounted control box to pulse light down the cable and capture reflected signals. The optical fiber may be armored by a soft plastic concentric shield and incorporate a micro-bend inducer for detecting minute indentations in the fiber. The presence of a non-liquid, e.g., sediment, against the cable is detected because the sediment impinges on the fiber causing an indentation therein. At each indentation a reflection is sent back to the source. Using principles of optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR), the location of the indentiation is determined. The data are fed to a remote system for processing, analysis and display.

Abstract: A compact, autonomous motion detecting and alerting system alerts to the movement of objects of interest. Mounted on an environmentally sealed PC board are a transceiver such as a CW radar front-end, connectors, signal processors and a communications device. The system provides early warning of movement of an ice sheet or rubble field via the communication device that may be a cellular telephone. This system is mounted proximate the target surface under observation, oriented at pre-specified offset angles both laterally and in elevation. The target is illuminated and energy reflected therefrom is mixed with a portion of the transmitted signal to produce a difference frequency signal that is processed to establish existence of motion within a pre-specified velocity range. Upon verification of motion, notification is sent to a responsible authority. An autonomous or semi-autonomous power source and integral power management function may be incorporated on the same PC board.

Abstract: An inexpensive system and reliable method for detecting spatial anomalies in real time detects hidden anomalies efficiently and safely. In a preferred embodiment, an FM-CW radar front-end communicates with a personal computer incorporating specific filter and processing circuitry, including an AID converter and a DSP. A target volume is illuminated from just above its top surface and return signals processed using the PC as programmed with a purpose-built algorithm. Data are down-converted to audio frequencies for ease in handling using inexpensive audio frequency circuitry. For use in avoiding bridged (hidden) crevasses during operation in snowfields, a version is mounted on a long boom extending from the front of the platform on which it is installed, typically a lead vehicle of a convoy. Heretofore, expensive systems requiring full-time monitoring by an operator were the only safe and reliable solution to insure safe traversal of snowfields.

Abstract: A scour sensor assembly includes a pair of substantially parallel electrically conductive leads for disposition in a water/sediment interface such that a first portion of a length of each lead is disposed in the sediment below the interface and a second portion of the length of each lead is disposed in the water above the interface. A pulse propagation electronics assembly is fixed at first ends of the pair of leads and is adapted to send periodic electromagnetic pulses of positive polarity through the leads toward second ends of the leads and to receive reflected pulses from the interface and the lead second ends. The electronics assembly is adapted to detect a pulse reflected from the interface and to thereupon send a new pulse, the reflected pulses received from the second ends of the leads and from the interface being of opposite polarity.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus for and a method of locally or remotely monitoring a number of geophysical and other variables related to the refractive index of materials, e.g., soil and pavement moisture content; the moisture content of bulk food products such as grains and beans; liquid levels in storage tanks; interface levels between water and floating layers of oil; the thickness of ice layers; the water/ice interface in partially frozen ground; the location of liquid and gas leaks on roofs, in landfill liners, geosynthetic membranes, and pipelines; and the cables. The detection technique is based on the reflection of frequency-modulated continuous waves during their propagation along transmission line probes embedded in the material being tested.