Abstract: Image acquisition and analysis systems for efficiently generating high resolution geo-referenced spectral imagery of a region of interest. In some examples, aerial spectral imaging systems for remote sensing of a geographic region, such as a vegetative landscape are disclosed for monitoring the development and health of the vegetative landscape. In some examples photogrammetry processes are applied to a first set of image frames captured with a first image sensor having a first field of view to generate external orientation data and surface elevation data and the generated external orientation data is translated into external orientation data for other image sensors co-located on the same apparatus for generating geo-referenced images of images captured by the one or more other image sensors.

Abstract: Image acquisition and analysis systems for efficiently generating high resolution geo-referenced spectral imagery of a region of interest. In some examples, aerial spectral imaging systems for remote sensing of a geographic region, such as a vegetative landscape are disclosed for monitoring the development and health of the vegetative landscape. In some examples photogrammetry processes are applied to a first set of image frames captured with a first image sensor having a first field of view to generate external orientation data and surface elevation data and the generated external orientation data is translated into external orientation data for other image sensors co-located on the same apparatus for generating geo-referenced images of images captured by the one or more other image sensors.

Abstract: Image acquisition and analysis systems for efficiently generating high resolution geo-referenced spectral imagery of a region of interest. In some examples, aerial spectral imaging systems for remote sensing of a geographic region, such as a vegetative landscape are disclosed for monitoring the development and health of the vegetative landscape. In some examples photogrammetry processes are applied to a first set of image frames captured with a first image sensor having a first field of view to generate external orientation data and surface elevation data and the generated external orientation data is translated into external orientation data for other image sensors co-located on the same apparatus for generating geo-referenced images of images captured by the one or more other image sensors.

Abstract: A probe for penetrating and measuring electrical properties of a soil comprises a probe tip connected, via a coaxial cable, to electrical circuitry. The probe tip is convex and includes first and second electrodes with an electrode insulator therebetween. The first electrode is tubular and includes an interior surface defining a central opening extending through the first electrode. The second electrode includes a convex section extending away from the first electrode, and the convex section is configured for insertion into soil. The one end of the coaxial cable is disposed within the central opening of the first electrode, and the inner conductive core of one end of the coaxial cable connected to the second electrode, and the conductive shield of the one end of the coaxial cable connected to the first electrode.

Abstract: Subject soils are classified using a sensing tool. By profiling each of a number of first locations that have a ground truth classification, using a deployed sensing tool, digital soil properties of new locations without ground truth classifications can obtained to determine corresponding classifications for the new locations. This allows information related classifications to be utilized for optimal used of the new locations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting subsurface tunnels employ an aboveground air pressure sensor and one or more subsurface air pressure sensors. The output of the aboveground sensor forms the input to a numerical model whose input parameters account for the effects of depth and permeability and porosity of the earth on the propagation of pressure variations from the surface to the location of each subsurface sensor. Tunnels are detected on the basis of a growing deviation between measured and modeled subsurface pressures using static model input parameters, or on the basis of changes in the model input parameters required to continue accurately approximating measured subsurface pressures, or on the basis of spatially anomalous values of the model input parameters corresponding to multiple horizontally separated subsurface sensors.

Abstract: Various methods of measuring electrical parameters of a material that may relate to other properties or states of the material are disclosed herein. Such a measurement can be made by, e.g., deploying a parallel conductive waveguide into a cavity formed in the material and observing changes in the electrical characteristics of the waveguide attributable to the properties of material proximal to which the waveguide is disposed. In one embodiment the material under test is soil or rock and the cavity is a borehole formed via drilling or direct push technology. Dielectric permittivity is an electrical parameter indicative of the water content of the soil or rock; measurements thereof may utilize an electrically conductive waveguide along which an electromagnetic wave or pulse is conducted. Electrical properties can be inferred from the effect they have on such an incident signal due to the proximity of the waveguide to the material under test.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software for measuring the spatially variable relative dielectric permittivity of materials along a linear or otherwise configured sensor element, and more specifically the spatial variability of soil moisture in one dimension as inferred from the dielectric profile of the soil matrix surrounding a linear sensor element. Various methods provided herein combine advances in the processing of time domain reflectometry data with innovations in physical sensing apparatuses. These advancements enable high temporal (and thus spatial) resolution of electrical reflectance continuously along an insulated waveguide that is permanently emplaced in contact with adjacent soils. The spatially resolved reflectance is directly related to impedance changes along the waveguide that are dominated by electrical permittivity contrast due to variations in soil moisture. Various methods described herein are thus able to monitor soil moisture in profile with high spatial resolution.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software for measuring the spatially variable relative dielectric permittivity of materials along a linear or otherwise configured sensor element, and more specifically the spatial variability of soil moisture in one dimension as inferred from the dielectric profile of the soil matrix surrounding a linear sensor element. Various methods described herein combine advances in the processing of time domain reflectometry data with innovations in physical sensing apparatuses. These advancements enable high temporal (and thus spatial) resolution of electrical reflectance continuously along an insulated waveguide that is permanently emplaced in contact with adjacent soils. The spatially resolved reflectance is directly related to impedance changes along the waveguide that are dominated by electrical permittivity contrast due to variations in soil moisture. Various methods described herein are thus able to monitor soil moisture in profile with high spatial resolution.

Abstract: A device for inserting a support beneath an object is provided that includes an eversible tubular membrane with a closed end and an open end with the open end sealably connected to a container enclosing a pressurized fluid, wherein the closed end is connected such that it can be retracted under tension through the inside of the tube formed by the radially outward facing aspect of the membrane, and wherein with pressure and/or tension changes the membrane can be eversibly extended and retracted between two surfaces. In addition, the membrane may be co-everted with a sling or draw sheet such that the sling or draw sheet can be inserted between two surfaces along with the membrane. Further, multiple eversible membranes may be inserted between two surfaces or beneath an object or a patient in accordance with the disclosed invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting subsurface tunnels employ an aboveground air pressure sensor and one or more subsurface air pressure sensors. The output of the aboveground sensor forms the input to a numerical model whose input parameters account for the effects of depth and permeability and porosity of the earth on the propagation of pressure variations from the surface to the location of each subsurface sensor. Tunnels are detected on the basis of a growing deviation between measured and modeled subsurface pressures using static model input parameters, or on the basis of changes in the model input parameters required to continue accurately approximating measured subsurface pressures, or on the basis of spatially anomalous values of the model input parameters corresponding to multiple horizontally separated subsurface sensors.

Abstract: Subsurface material property measurements, such as soil or chemical properties, are obtained in situ by a direct push method that includes rotating a ring bit at the end of a casing to drill through subsurface materials, lowering a measurement probe through the advanced casing, extending the lowered measurement probe through the ring bit, and advancing the extended probe through the soil at a controlled rate while gathering material property data from sensors attached to the probe. The probe may be withdrawn for drilling, and then replaced for further data gathering.

Abstract: A tool latching and retrieval system allows the deployment and retrieval of a variety of direct push subsurface characterization tools through an embedded rod string during a single penetration without requiring withdrawal of the string from the ground. This enables the in situ interchange of different tools, as well as the rapid retrieval of soil core samples from multiple depths during a single direct push penetration. The system includes specialized rods that make up the rod string, a tool housing which is integral to the rod string, a lock assembly, and several tools which mate to the lock assembly.

Abstract: A tool latching and retrieval system allows the deployment and retrieval of a variety of direct push subsurface characterization tools through an embedded rod string during a single penetration without requiring withdrawal of the string from the ground. This enables the in situ interchange of different tools, as well as the rapid retrieval of soil core samples from multiple depths during a single direct push penetration. The system includes specialized rods that make up the rod string, a tool housing which is integral to the rod string, a lock assembly, and several tools which mate to the lock assembly.