Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and computer program products for use in monitoring, and/or surveillance applications. Generally, systems provided include embedded devices with integrated sensors, manager software capable of supporting the particular sensors and embedded devices used, and a hierarchical database structure for storage and retrieval of continuous or event-based data. Preferred embedded devices advantageously include integrated audio, video, and wireless technology to provide an array of sensory detection, analysis, and interactive controls. Preferred database structures advantageously incorporate a secure archiving scheme for retrieval and/or analysis in multiple formats.

Abstract: An advanced thermal container has a thermally insulated open receptacle, a thermally insulated closure member, a data monitoring system incorporated into the container that can send and receive information via wireless communication, and a sealing system to minimize heat transfer and air exchange between the interior and exterior of the container. Hard plastic casing enclosing foam-encased vacuum insulation panels is used to construct the insulated receptacle and closure member. The closure member and receptacle each have an elongated portion with shoulders above and below the elongated portion. When the container is closed, a lower seal and an upper seal are compressed between the mating lower and upper shoulders, respectively. The onboard data monitoring system records important parameters concerning the internal and external environments of the container, particularly temperature information, as well as other significant events such as the number of times the container was opened during transit.

Abstract: A wireless soil moisture meter network includes a central display unit and a plurality of remote sensor units. Each sensor unit uses a probe to measure moisture content in soil, and uses a wireless transmitter to transmit the measurement through a wireless channel to the central display unit. The central display unit receives and displays the measurement in a format selectable by a user. The user may add to or remove from the network a sensor unit using a user interface of the central display unit.

Abstract: A communication terminal for communicating through an artificial satellite, wherein the artificial satellite is placed into an orbit in which an individual satellite orbits on an elliptical orbit so that at least one of the artificial satellites is always viewable within a pre-defined range of operational elevational angle in a zenith direction from a service area. A group of the artificial satellites are satellites on respective orbits obtained by combining an inclination angle and an eccentricity squared of said elliptical orbit so that a time period during which an artificial satellite is viewable from ground is substantially identical and the communication terminal has a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving a signal through the group of artificial satellites.

Abstract: Portable and wearable chemical detector devices, such as badges, that are analyte-general, rather than analyte-specific, and which provide an optimal way to notify and protect personnel against known and unknown airborne chemical hazards. The devices of the present invention are advantageously low-cost, have low-power requirements, may be wearable and are designed to detect and alarm to a general chemical threat. A sensor device of the present invention in one embodiment includes two or more sensor devices, a processing module coupled to each of the sensor devices and configured to process signals received from each of the two or more sensor devices to determine an environmental state; and a communication module that communicates information about the environmental state to a user.

Abstract: A metering arrangement includes a meter housing, a source of energy signals, a source of gas flow signals, a source of temperature signals, and a processing circuit. The meter housing is securedly supported proximal to a facility receiving utility commodities. The processing circuit is disposed within the meter housing, and is operably connected to the source of energy signals, the source of gas flow signals, and the source of temperature signals. The processing circuit is operable to generate electrical energy consumption metering information from the energy signals. The processing circuit is further operable to generate corrected gas consumption information based on the received gas flow signals and the received temperature signals.

Abstract: A plurality of wireless sensors can be placed within a large system in various locations to monitor critical elements of that system. Each wireless sensor can include sensor elements usable to monitor one or more parameters of an element of the system and a wireless signal transmitter, such as, for example, a speaker or an antenna. Each sensor can transmit one or more unique identifying signals to a signal-receiving device, which can be processed by a signal processor. The signal processor can determine each received signal, the sensor corresponding to that identified signal, and the time the wireless signal was generated. Based on this information, the wireless signals can be diagnostically compared against expected values for the system being monitored and evaluated. If a discrepancy is detected, then the components and/or subsystems within the system that are implicated in the discrepant wireless signals can be evaluated for possible errors.

Abstract: A system for providing services for gathering data in an event driven environment. Upon occurrence of one or more events in an event source, the system includes means for receiving the events in a event repository and means for transmitting an event message to a data warehouse. Upon receipt of the events in the event repository, the system includes means for activating an event activator, the event activator for causing an event transmitter to transmit the event message. The system further includes means for evaluating search conditions; and means for causing, when the search conditions are true, the event transmitter to transmit the event message.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low cost energy monitoring and accounting system for conservation and management of both electrical and mechanical energy. The energy balance established by the energy monitoring system clearly brings out the losses and wastes as well as abnormalities in energy consumption at different sections of the industry paving the way for effective energy management.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a reader and a remotely powered and remotely interrogated sensor transponder. The sensor transponder includes a coil or an antenna, a switched reactance circuit, a processor, and a sensor. The sensor transponder receives power radiated from the reader to the coil or antenna. The sensor uses the power for sensing. The sensor transponder is capable of processing sensor data in the processor and transmitting the sensor data to the reader using the switched reactance circuit. In one embodiment, the receiver coil or antenna is part of a resonant tank circuit which includes an impedance matching circuit. The impedance matching circuit is connected to the receiver coil or antenna to provide greater current to the sensor or other power-using device than would be available to the sensor or other power-using device if the sensor or other power-using device were connected between the first and second end. The impedance matching circuit can be two or more taps to the coil or antenna.

Abstract: State of test points on an integrated circuit are encapsulated in a telemetry frame that is wirelessly conveyed to a test system. Test points may be logic levels or analog levels converted into representative multi-bit values. Conveyance off the circuit may be by radio frequency or optical emission.

Abstract: This document contains a specification for a substation relaying and control wide area network based on a SONET or possibly a T Carrier (Small Site) communication concept. At this level every device at the substation, plant or any place where control of high voltage (600 Volts and above) equipment, can be networked. Every secondary signal can be digitized for control, alarm, and indication. SCADA equipment can be interfaced or replaced with this concept. Metering equipment can be interfaced to SONET Protocol without actual secondary values at inputs to control house meter. Panel device(s) footprint will be reduced thereby reducing the control housing dimensions. Stub-up conduit quantity for the power equipment will be reduced thereby reducing labor and material costs. Inventory stock will be reduced thus minimizing storage fees. Reliability and security will be increased. Fault monitoring will be simplified. Surveillance will be more practical.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for collecting sensor data in a pressure regulator system including a controller and a plurality of sensors. The controller and each of the individual sensors are activated as required to collect sensor data during a sampling period thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the pressure regulator system. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a battery sensor to monitor the capacity of the pressure regulator battery and placing the pressure regulator in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the conditions within a storage tank includes a sensor communicating data indicative of conditions within the storage tank to a base controller. The data is decoded and arranged into a graphical display of the conditions of the storage tank. The graphical display includes a representation of storage tank conditions including the configuration of the storage tank, current fluid levels and temperature within the storage tank. The graphical display also includes a historical database of conditions within the storage tank that may be displayed graphically to track usage. The base controller is connected to a communications network such that data indicative of conditions with the storage tank can be communicated to remote users through a wireless communication network by way of alphanumeric messages.

Abstract: A transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus for moving machinery includes a microwave transmitter disposed outside the moving machinery to fill a chamber of the moving machinery with microwave energy. The transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus also includes a transponder disposed inside the moving machinery for measuring a sensed condition of a part of the moving machinery and providing a modulated microwave signal that contains information on the sensed condition. The transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus further includes a receiver disposed outside the moving machinery to separate modulated and continuous-wave signal components of the signal and extracts information from the modulated component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a programmable field device (1) comprising a sensor (2), evaluation electronics (4) and a communication device (5) with a calling unit (7). The invention is characterized in that an additional power supply unit (10), which can be connected to the calling unit (7), is provided. The additional power supply unit (10) allows energy-intensive applications to be performed more rapidly.

Abstract: A multi-functional sensor system for simultaneously monitoring various parameters such as the structural, chemical and environmental conditions associated with a medium to be monitored, e.g., bridges, high-rise buildings, pollution zones, is provided wherein the system includes at least a plurality of wireless multi-functional sensor platforms embedded in the medium in which an interrogation unit transmits power and receives responses. Each wireless multi-functional sensor platform includes multiple channels for accommodating a plurality of sensor types to simultaneously monitor the parameters associated with the medium. Thus, the wireless sensor platforms are formed to include those sensor types which are considered germane to the intended medium to be monitored.

Abstract: A mobile system powers, charges, and communicates with separate devices, such as sensors and actuators. The mobile system includes an unmanned vehicle for approaching and wirelessly electromagnetically powering the separate device.

Abstract: A sensor device and method of employment is provided. More specifically, a sensor device adapted to detect, identify and/or measure a chemical and/or physical characteristic upon placement of the device into an environment, especially a liquid medium for which monitoring is sought is provided.

Abstract: A sensor system for monitoring for the presence of contamination with one or more contaminating biological, chemical and/or radioactive agents on a terrain surface, and creating a contamination map thereof. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensor pods, a ground station, an airborne dispensing portion, and an airborne monitoring portion. The sensor pods include a pod housing, a descent slowing airfoil, a detector unit for detection of the contaminating agent and outputting contaminating agent data, a processor for processing the contaminating agent data, a GPS unit for determining the position of the sensor, and a transmitter for transmitting contamination agent data and position data to the airborne monitoring portion. The airborne monitoring portion receives the transmitted data from the sensor pods, and relays the data to the ground station, where the contamination map is made available.

Abstract: A four-row tapered roller bearing is incorporated in the clearance between the inner surface of a housing and the outer surface of a rolling roller. A pair of supporting members supporting sensor devices are fitted in and supported by a part of the inner surface of the housing in such a manner that they are opposed to the ends of outer rings of the four-row tapered roller bearing disposed close to the both axial ends thereof. The sensor devices each comprise a distortion gauge as a detecting portion and a first coil for transmitting as a wireless signal a signal obtained by processing an output signal outputted from the distortion gauge. A second coil for receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the first coil is retained on a part of a member other than the supporting members.

Abstract: For acquiring data of dynamic physical processes via a radio link, a transponder antenna (17) is excited by an electromagnetic exciting wave at the resonance frequency of the transponder antenna (17), and a back-scattered electromagnetic sensor wave which is modulated by a sensor (16) having an electrical impedance depending on the data to be acquired is received and analyzed. The sensor (16) is directly connected to the transponder antenna (17) such that the sensor changes the electrical impedance of the transponder antenna (17) with every variation of the data to be acquired. The electromagnetic wave which is back-scattered by the transponder antenna (17) is received as the sensor wave at the same time as the transponder antenna (17) is excited by the exciting wave.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for configuring an external device so that may communicate with and an implantable medical device in accordance with a desired telemetry protocols. The external device utilizes a telemetry module can be loaded with a protocol driver necessary for communicating with the implantable medical device. Once the desired protocol driver has been installed, the telemetry module and its associated external device, e.g., a physician programmer, are enabled to communicate with the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A vending machine is equipped with a short range communication circuit for uploading vending machine data to passing mobile terminals. The mobile terminals subsequently upload the data to a remote location through a wireless communication process, such as through a cellular phone call. Compensation may be provided to the user of the mobile terminal and aggregation between mobile terminals and/or vending machines is contemplated.

Abstract: A meter for measuring electricity usage for a given load includes a housing and two light sources disposed in the housing and configured to output light at a predetermined frequency. Two light receivers are disposed in the housing so that a light path is defined between each light source and its respective light receiver. Each light receiver is configured to receive the light from its light source and to output a signal responsively thereto. A rotatable member is disposed in the housing in the light paths and is rotatable responsively to the electricity usage. The member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion transmits incident light while the second portion blocks light. The first portion and the second portion are defined on the member so that the member modulates the light as it rotates. A filter circuit in communication with the light receiver is configured to receive the output signal from the light receiver and to detect therefrom modulation of the light by the rotatable member.

Abstract: A method and system for telemetry through a compressible drilling fluid during underbalanced drilling is disclosed. A reflector (110) is positioned downstream from the gas inlet (84) and causes reflected pressure waves having the same pressure polarity as incident pressure waves. A pressure sensor (92) is positioned below the reflector to sense pressure in the compressible drilling fluid. The reflector (110) can be a fixed orifice plate or an adjustable aperture. A borehole communication system is also disclosed wherein a pair of pressure sensors are positioned on either side of a flow restriction (118) located in the gas conduit leading to the gas injector. The flow restriction can be a valve used to regulate the flow rate of the gas being supplied into the drilling fluid, or it can be separate venturi or orifice plate.

Abstract: An antenna assembly (10) for RF communication of signals representing utility meter data. The antenna assembly (10) comprises a first conductor (30) forming at least a portion of an antenna radiating element, a second conductor (28), and a dielectric (34) disposed between the first conductor (30) and the second conductor (28), such that the first conductor (30), the second conductor (28) and the dielectric (34) form a capacitor. The antenna assembly (10) further comprises an inductance (36) in cascade with the capacitor to provide a selected L-C circuit impedance in relation to the antenna radiating element. The second conductor (28) is disposed opposite to the first conductor (30) and at least one of the first and second conductors (28, 30) is movable from a first to a second position to adjust the capacitance of the L-C circuit to a selected frequency of operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor integrated-circuit device capable of seamlessly switching a power source obtained by rectifying a carrier wave and an external power source. The semiconductor integrated-circuit device having a non-contact card function and a non-contact reader/writer function includes a rectifier 131 for rectifying a received carrier wave, a serial regulator 132 for obtaining a predetermined voltage from an output voltage of the rectifier 131, and a power-supply control circuit 138 for turning on/off the voltage from a battery 160. In a case where the output voltage of the battery 160 is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage, the power-supply control circuit 138 selects the voltage of the battery 160 as power required for operation of an IC 300 when a reader/writer mode signal or a card mode signal is received.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely starting a cable pressure monitoring unit operable for monitoring the air pressure within a pressurized cable route, such as a telecommunications cable route, including a remote computer operable for generating and transmitting a command signal directing the cable pressure monitoring unit to start, an automated transfer system operable for receiving the command signal directing the cable pressure monitoring unit to start, and a computer network operable for communicating the command signal from the remote computer to the automated transfer system.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coupling system is disclosed which includes a first electromagnetic transducer sealingly disposed in an outer wall of a tool mandrel, the mandrel adapted to be positioned in a drill collar. A second electromagnetic transducer is sealingly disposed in an interior of a port in the drill collar. The second transducer is positioned so that it is proximate the first transducer when the mandrel is positioned in the drill collar. A third electromagnetic transducer is sealingly disposed in an exterior of the port in the collar. The second and third transducers define a sealed chamber in the port. The second and third transducers are electrically coupled to power conditioning and signal processing circuits disposed in the chamber. A fourth transducer is positioned proximate the third transducer. The fourth transducer is electrically coupled to at least one of a sensor, an external communication line and an external power line.

Abstract: A system and method for profiling and modifying fluid flow through a wellbore. The system comprises a logging system, a downhole unit, and a deployment system. The logging system comprises a logging tool. The downhole unit is operable to house the logging tool. In addition, the downhole unit is operable to selectively secure a retrievable fluid barrier within a wellbore casing. The deployment system is operable to deploy the downhole unit in the wellbore casing. The method comprises deploying the downhole unit into the wellbore and securing the retrievable fluid barrier below a first group of perforations. The method also comprises operating the logging tool to detect a wellbore fluid parameter.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information between a utility metering device, such as a water meter, and a remote location, such as inside a residence or a service provider.

Abstract: A software/hardware system which provides immediate, on-going interaction between an institution and its customers. The system communicates with customers/subscribers over numerous, different communication channels and actively screens market conditions for situations that could potentially impact its customers, based on the customers' unique situation and prearranged instructions. The system and method interacts with the institution's processing centers which handle incoming customer transactions and the system creates outgoing messages. The system has a decision making component used to make the decision in each case as to which information to push to the customer in the form of a message. The message is delivered to the customer via any communication channels presently known.

Abstract: An unattended ground sensor for the monitoring of a remote area. The unattended ground sensor comprises a housing that supports a power source, a communications module, at least one sensor module and a mainframe module. Additionally, the unattended ground sensor includes a common electrical bus in electrical communication with the power source, the communications module, the at least one sensor module, and the mainframe module. The common electrical bus is operative to provide a communications pathway between the power source, the communications module, the at least one sensor, and the mainframe module. Accordingly, the mainframe module is operative to control the operation of the unattended ground sensor through the common electrical bus.

Abstract: In an electronic device having a housing containing electronic components and a front part connected to the housing and having control elements, the connections between the electronic components and the control elements are made using a first transmitter and a second receiver on the front part respectively aligned with a second receiver and a second transmitter on the housing. This arrangement obviates the need for mechanical connections which are susceptible to faults between the housing and the front part.

Abstract: A medical monitoring system has a sensor system including a sensor associated with a patient and a remote monitoring unit. The remote monitoring unit includes a microprocessor in communication with the sensor system, and a portable-monitoring-unit transceiver system in communication with the microprocessor. The portable-monitoring-unit transceiver system has a land-line telephone transceiver and/or a cellular telephone transceiver, and a third-network transceiver such as a paging-network transceiver. A full data set is transmitted over the land-line telephone transceiver or the cellular telephone transceiver when communications links over these transceivers are available, and a reduced data set is transmitted over the third-network transceiver when communications links over the land-line telephone transceiver and the cellular telephone transceiver are not available.

Abstract: In a method and system for collecting data from remote terminal units using the Internet, each remote terminal unit is connected to an Internet-ready communication module having an Internet-like client running thereon. The Internet-like client provides the communication protocols and procedures to allow direct, bearer service and network independent communication between the communication module and an Internet server.

Abstract: A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the receiver. The casing sensor may be coupled to the transmitter. A drill string actuator may be controllable through the downhole receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal-pressure detection apparatus for a pneumatic fender that can reduce the labor of maintenance. The internal-pressure detection apparatus is configured of an internal-pressure detection unit 10 provided in a pneumatic fender that is fixed to an underwater structure such as a quay 2 and bridge pier 3 or floated and is used as cushioning material for a ship or the like, and a monitor unit 20 provided in an internal-pressure monitoring station 4 on land. The internal-pressure detection unit 10 is driven by the energy of an electromagnetic wave having a first frequency, and detects internal air pressure of the pneumatic fender 1; transmits this air pressure information by an electromagnetic wave having a second frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining severity of a trend toward an impending machine failure under actual operating conditions. The method and apparatus includes providing a typical failure trend based on a set of normal operating conditions for the machine, determining a slope value for the typical failure trend, determining a slope value for the trend toward the impending machine failure under the actual or proposed operating conditions, determining a weight value for at least the actual or proposed operating conditions, and determining the severity as a function of the slope values and the weight value.

Abstract: In a system for the exchange of data, including a teleservice terminal apparatus, a user apparatus adapted to exchange data with the teleservice terminal apparatus, a central control unit having access to a public communication network, and a subcontrol unit connectable to the teleservice terminal apparatus and to the central control unit, the teleservice terminal apparatus transmits data of a particular event to the subcontrol unit which includes a first table for a first evaluation of the data and, depending on the result, transmits the data to the central control unit for a second evaluation on the basis of a second table before transmission to a certain user apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system is configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network.

Abstract: A system and method for providing data acquisition services for a customer from a sensor located in a remote location. A communicator co-located with at least one sensor monitors the sensor and reports data to a network operations center according to data monitoring instructions. The data is reported via a transport path, which can be cellular, satellite cellular, pager, or a public phone path. The network operations center reports data to the customer or to another designated recipient through a dissemination channel. The customer is able to provide revised data monitoring instructions to the network operations center via the dissemination channel. The network operations center forwards the revised data monitoring instruction to the communicator.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously reading a serial number and/or other information from multiple colliding RF signals from RF identification tags requires minimal additional logic in the tag's processor and provides for a powerful and rapid sorting and identification scheme. This technique employs a primary communication channel and multiple secondary channels. A locator or reader unit interrogates the tags, which respond with an RF signal. Upon receiving multiple signals, the locator or reader unit commands the RFID tags and requires them to transmit another response, which is transmitted in one of the secondary channels based on a portion of their unique serial identification number, thereby forcing the tags to sort in the secondary channels. These secondary channels are assigned using a portion of the unique serial identification numbers for the tags. The reader then detects an acknowledgment in the occupied secondary channels and commands a tag in a particular channel to move to the primary channel.

Abstract: A method for data transmission from control devices to a display, which also makes possible retrofitting of a reversing aid system since it transmits the data via existing supply line(s) of further electrical loads.

Abstract: A data collection apparatus includes a sensing unit for attaching to a structure or live subject for sensing a parameter of the structure or live subject. The sensing unit includes a sensor, a data storage device, and a transmitting device. The data storage device is for storing data from the sensor. The apparatus also includes a control unit that is separable from the sensing unit. The control unit includes a data receiving device and a second data storage device different from said first storage device. The data receiving device is to receive data transmitted from the data sensing unit. The second data storage device is for storing the data received from the sensing unit. The apparatus also includes a triggering device for modifying the storing of data being stored to the first data storage device or for initiating transmission of data from the sensing unit to the control unit. The triggering device is controlled by a real time change in information about the structure or live subject.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low-power sensing and processing are provided. A method preferably includes collecting a plurality of sensor signals. The plurality of sensors include sensed data representative of at least shock and vibration. The method also includes converting the plurality of sensor signals into digital data, processing the digital data, generating a data communications protocol for communicating the digital data, and simultaneously and remotely detecting the generated communications protocol having the processed data to determined the occurrence of at least one predetermined condition. An apparatus preferably includes a low-power, data acquisition processing circuit responsive to a plurality of sensor signals representative of at least shock and vibration for acquiring and processing the sensed data.

Abstract: The invention combines multiple technologies to create a low-cost, self-powering local area network (LAN) for the collection of data from water, electric, and natural gas meters and the wireless transfer of the meter readings to a solar powered, wide area network (WAN). The WAN collects the data and re-transmits the readings to the secure server via satellite, cellular, or radio frequency in bulk data transmission. The utilities can view, download to billing software, and manage the meter readings in a much more cost efficient and less labor-intensive manner that any system currently available.

Abstract: An optical signal transmission circuit for a probe is switched on by an optical switch-on signal comprising a burst 42 of pulses having a predetermined length. This is detected by a circuit which discriminates whether an input signal is a genuine switch-on signal or an interference burst 44, on the basis of the duration of the switch-on signal.

Abstract: A mobile automotive telemetry system for installation on-board a vehicle, includes: (i) diagnostic structure for monitoring operational functions of the vehicle and generating operational information; (ii) a memory for storing the generated operational information; and (iii) a server, in communication with the diagnostic structure and the memory. The server includes: (a) structure to receive a request from a remote client for the generated operational information; (b) structure to retrieve the generated operational information from the memory; and (c) structure to transmit the generated operational information to the remote client.