Telemetering Patents (Class 367/134)
  • Patent number: 9571265
    Abstract: A sample rate converter for an oversampled data stream develops interpolated samples at a first oversample rate, from samples at a second oversample rate; wherein the first oversample rate is a non-integer multiple of the second oversample rate. When the samples at the second oversample rate are changing state, at least two interpolated samples are generated or the interpolation is at least second order. When the sample at the second oversample rate is not changing state, the sample at the second oversample rate is passed substantially unchanged. In one embodiment of the invention, asynchronous sample rate conversion is performed, and the first oversample rate is a varying non-integer multiple of the second oversample rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Tempo Semicondutor, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell Eugene Tinker
  • Patent number: 9490867
    Abstract: A code division multiple access (CDMA) communications device includes a CDMA receiver to isolate a CDMA signal, and a processor to generate a quantized sample representation of the CDMA signal. The processor performs a hard correlation between the quantized sample representation of the CDMA signal and a quantized representation of a reference to generate a coarse time alignment. Based upon the coarse time alignment, the processor performs a soft correlation between actual values of the CDMA signal and the reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Edward Voglewede, James Thomas Stoops
  • Patent number: 9444556
    Abstract: An underwater communication system comprises a plurality of location and messaging units for sending and receiving ultrasonic energy through water. In accordance with one aspect, each of the location and messaging units comprising an array of transducers, a transceiver adapted to generate a code element, generate a data element, generate a modulation element, and combine the code element, the data element and the modulation element into an analog wave form. The system is further adapted to transmit the analog wave form through one of the ultrasonic transducers and receive the analog wave-form generated by at least one of the location and messaging units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ceebus Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Cahalan, Ted Noonan, Michel Hendricks, Jeffrey Croghan
  • Patent number: 9369214
    Abstract: Taps on a beam-interrupt button of an underwater signaling transceiver are encoded as binary frequency shift-key modulated Golay codes, which are transmitted via 56-58 kHz compression waves generated by a ring-shaped electromechanical transducer. Light emitting diodes flash to signal the content of received signals and provide monitoring of the distance between divers. All components of the transceiver—except outer portions of input/output leads and a suction cup for attaching to the transceiver to a diver's mask—are completely encased in transparent plastic. The input/output leads allow an internal battery to be recharged, provide access to the internal processor for programming and data retrieval, and monitor whether the transceiver is submerged so that the transceiver can operate in an underwater mode or an above-water mode. Transceivers only communicate with other transceivers which use the same communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Alan Fleming, Cherie Elaine Kushner
  • Patent number: 9338002
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for securing wireless communication using an acoustic signal are described. In one method involving a first and second device, the second device generates, when connecting to the first device, connection initiation information including key information for secure communication, converts the connection initiation information to an acoustic signal, and transmits the acoustic signal to the first device through an acoustic communication channel. Then the second device monitors a radio wireless channel, which is secured using the key information for secure communication, to determine whether a valid response is received from the first device and, upon receipt of the valid response, discontinues transmission of the acoustic signal and begins communicating with the first device securely on the radio wireless channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hee-Won Jung, Seung-Gun Park, Jun-Ho Ko, Sang-Mook Lee, Gi-Sang Lee, Sergey Zhidkov
  • Patent number: 9329299
    Abstract: A detection system of geological formations, particularly but not exclusively used for oil exploration, and for characterization and monitoring of hydrocarbon reservoirs. The detection system includes an electromagnetic transmission device positioned on a surface of a geological formation close to a first well having a vertical development direction, the first well being covered by a metal casing, and an electromagnetic reception device positioned deep inside the first well, the electromagnetic reception device including an electromagnetic detector. The electromagnetic transmission device includes a primary electromagnetic field generator configured to generate a primary electromagnetic field focalized in a direction of the metal casing, the metal casing irradiating the primary electromagnetic field into the geological formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Dell'Aversana, Massimo Zampato
  • Patent number: 9320431
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring biometric data of a diver and signaling those data from a first communication device to other communication devices, e.g., those of other divers, on a ship or buoy. A signal generated from a device of the diver can generate a diver identifier, an indication of a stress state of the diver and the diver's location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: InCube Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Mir Imran
  • Patent number: 9247364
    Abstract: In one aspect a system for acoustic testing comprises a plurality of acoustic sensors mounted to a plurality of vehicles, a control system to control the plurality of vehicles, and a data acquisition system to receive data generated by the plurality of acoustic sensors in response to noise from a noise source proximate the plurality of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Leon Brusniak, James R. Underbrink
  • Patent number: 9183721
    Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring waters, particularly swimming pools, including at least one control unit assigned to one person which includes at least one sensor device, one analysis device and one transmitter; at least one receiving device disposed within the waters; at least one transmission device which is signal-connected to the receiving device; and at least one display unit which is signal-connected to the transmitter. The transmitter is designed such that it emits signals of a predetermined pattern in the event of an alarm, and the receiving device is designed such that it recognizes a case of alarm based on the predetermined pattern of the signal and emits an alarm signal to at least one display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: BluArc Finance AG
    Inventors: Markus Mock, Heinz Ruchti
  • Patent number: 9095498
    Abstract: A storage and/or reaction container system for fluids, includes a container and an electronic documentation device connected to the container. The documentation device further includes a timing device for capturing a point in time, at least one sensor, at least one input device for capturing inputs, and a storage device to store for readout at least one measured value captured by the at least one sensor device and/or an input captured by the at least one input device. The at least one measured value and/or the at least one input is associated by the timing device with the point in time of the capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Reinhard Baumfalk, Wolfgang Kahlert, Julia Lueders, Daniel Riechers
  • Patent number: 9094110
    Abstract: A signal generator generates an electrical signal that is sent to an amplifier, which increases the power of the signal using power from a power source. The amplified signal is fed to a sender transducer to generate ultrasonic waves that can be focused and sent to a receiver. The receiver transducer converts the ultrasonic waves back into electrical energy and stores it in an energy storage device, such as a battery, or uses the electrical energy to power a device. In this way, a device can be remotely charged or powered without having to be tethered to an electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: uBeam Inc.
    Inventor: Meredith Perry
  • Patent number: 9094111
    Abstract: A signal generator generates an electrical signal that is sent to an amplifier, which increases the power of the signal using power from a power source. The amplified signal is fed to a sender transducer to generate ultrasonic waves that can be focused and sent to a receiver. The receiver transducer converts the ultrasonic waves back into electrical energy and stores it in an energy storage device, such as a battery, or uses the electrical energy to power a device. In this way, a device can be remotely charged or powered without having to be tethered to an electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: uBeam Inc.
    Inventor: Meredith Perry
  • Patent number: 9063249
    Abstract: A system and method measures the time offsets of a plurality of acoustic sensor nodes relative to a reference time. The system includes an acoustic transceiver arranged to transmit a first signal to each acoustic sensor node and a processing resource arranged to record the transmission time of the first signal relative to the reference time. The acoustic sensor nodes receive the first signal and transmit a return second signal to the acoustic transceiver after a predetermined time delay, the second signal including the current acoustic sensor node internal time. The acoustic transceiver receives the second signal, and the processing resource records the time at which the second signal was received relative to the reference time and records also the combined time of flight of the first and second signal. From this data the time offset between the sensor node internal time and the reference time is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Sonardyne International Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Pearce, Shaun Dunn
  • Patent number: 9054935
    Abstract: Disclosed is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based acoustic communications system. At an acoustic transmitting end, original data is modulated through channel coding into an acoustic signal of a data frame formed by multiple OFDM symbols and the acoustic signal is transmitted through a loudspeaker; at an acoustic receiving end, after a microphone receives the acoustic signal, and the acoustic signal is restored to the original data through demodulation and channel decoding. In a communication process, symbol synchronization is implemented through pilot information, and data frame synchronization is implemented in a manner of inserting baker codes, thereby simplifying processing, having a low bit error rate, improving acoustic communication efficiency, promoting development of acoustic communication, and having a good application prospect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Jinghong Chen
  • Patent number: 9030918
    Abstract: A method for mobile underwater acoustic communications includes double differentially (DD) encoding a communication signal to produce a DD-encoded communication signal, applying direct sequence spread spectrum (SS) to the DD-encoded signal to produce a DD-SS communication output signal, and transmitting the DD-SS communication output signal. The method i) increases the SNR via processing gain, ii) eliminates the ISI through multipath suppression, and iii) enables bandwidth efficiency improvement via data multiplexing. The method is shown capable of facilitating simple receiver processing and offering performance robustness against unpredictable channel fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Zhiqiang Liu
  • Publication number: 20150071039
    Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater communication system and method. The system comprises at least one underwater remote device comprising a processing unit and functionally connected to the processing unit first magnetoinductive communication means capable of communicating with other underwater devices using magnetic induction, and a wearable underwater monitor device comprising second magnetoinductive communication means capable of communicating with said remote device using magnetic induction. According to the invention, the remote device further comprises functionally connected to said processing unit acoustic communication means capable of transmitting acoustic signals. The invention helps to keep the monitor device small and energy efficient, still allowing for long-distance underwater communications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Suunto Oy
    Inventors: Satu Rahkonen, Jyrki Uusitalo, Toni Leskela
  • Publication number: 20150063071
    Abstract: A method of locating an underwater based system, the method including determining the underwater based system's geo-location, encoding the underwater based system's geo-location for RF transmission, encoding the underwater based system's geo-location for acoustic transmission, and transmitting RF and acoustic signals containing the encoded geo-location to a receiving station. A locator for locating an underwater based system including a buoy, a global positioning system having an antenna and a receiver, an RF transmission system including an antenna and a transmitter, an underwater acoustic transducer, and a locator control unit adapted to determine the underwater based system's geo-location, encode the underwater based system's geo-location for RF transmission, encode the underwater based system's geo-location for acoustic transmission, and transmit RF and underwater acoustic signals containing the encoded geo-location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin Kieffer, Walter Allensworth, Conrad Zeglin, James Wiggins, Peter Owen, Jeffrey Herdman
  • Publication number: 20150063072
    Abstract: Injectable acoustic tags and a process of making are described for tracking host animals in up to three dimensions. The injectable acoustic tags reduce adverse biological effects and have a reduced cost of manufacture compared with conventional surgically implanted tags. The injectable tags are powered by a single power source with a lifetime of greater than 30 days. The injectable tags have an enhanced acoustic signal transmission range that enhances detection probability for tracking of host animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicants: ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Z. Daniel Deng, Mitchell J. Myjak, Thomas J. Carlson, Jie Xiao, Huidong Li, Samuel S. Cartmell, Jun Lu, Honghao Chen, M. Bradford Eppard, Mark E. Gross
  • Patent number: 8929176
    Abstract: A method and system are described that can be used for scanning underwater structures. The method and system allow a user to gain a better understanding of an existing underwater structure. For example, the method and system allow for building a three dimensional model of an underwater structure. A sonar wave is directed toward an underwater structure, and a reflected sonar wave is received. Initial 3D data points are obtained from the reflected sonar wave, and are configured to provide a three-dimensional image of the underwater structure. A working alignment model of the underwater structure is generated by the initial data points. As new 3D sonar data is collected, the new 3D sonar data is aligned with and added to the alignment model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Christian H. Debrunner, Alan K. Fettinger, Christopher L. Baker
  • Patent number: 8842498
    Abstract: An underwater communication system comprises a plurality of location and messaging units for sending and receiving ultrasonic energy through water. In accordance with one aspect, each of the location and messaging units comprising an array of four ultrasonic transducers positioned such that they define a generally tetrahedral shape, a transceiver adapted to generate a code element, generate a data element, generate a modulation element, and combine the code element, the data element and the modulation element into an analog wave form. The system is further adapted to transmit the analog wave form through each of the four ultrasonic transducers and receive the analog wave-form generated by at least one of the location and messaging units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ceebus Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Cahalan, Ted Noonan, Michel Hendricks, Jeffrey Croghan
  • Patent number: 8804461
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide a buoy and system for monitoring divers and other underwater objects. In many embodiments, the buoy has capabilities to monitor a diver, obtain position information about the diver and use that information to move itself to an effective range for continued monitoring. The buoy can connect and communicate with a communication device attached to a diver to communicate, position, biometric and other data. In one embodiment, the buoy comprises a propulsion system for propelling the buoy, an acoustic communication module for communicating with the diver and a propulsion controller for controlling the propulsion system to move to the effective range. Other embodiments provide a power generation system using a power generating buoy comprising an inertial weight, an energy converter and a connecting linkage. The system may comprise a single or multiple buoys and can include an electrical storage such as an electrical battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: InCube Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Mir Imran
  • Patent number: 8699300
    Abstract: A method of underwater communication between a link initiator and a link receptor, by transmitting a link acquisition waveform from the initiator to the receptor, and establishing communications channel parameters from such a received waveform. Data is then transmitted according to these parameters, which may include range, direction, frequency band and Doppler, with greater efficiency and robustness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Atlas Electronik UK Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan James Davies, Shaun Michael Dunn
  • Publication number: 20140098642
    Abstract: An environmental monitoring system comprises at least one underwater environmental measurement device and a transmitter for transmitting data from the measurement device to an above water station using electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals, and/or a receiver for receiving data and/or commands from the above water station using electromagnetic and/or magnetic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8605552
    Abstract: The autonomous waterproof electronic signaling device disclosed comprises an activator; an audible signal emitter and a visual signal emitter, the audible signal emitter to emit a primary signal upon activation of the activator, the audible signal emitter comprising one or more of the following: a hydrophone, a siren, a speaker, or a transducer; and a head assembly, the head assembly positioned so as to alter at least a portion of the primary signal producing a notification signal. The visual signal emitter comprises at least one of incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, strobe bulbs, high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs, and light emitting diodes (LED) bulbs. The audible signal emitter and a visual signal emitter are operative singly or in combination, continuously or intermittently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Scuba Sonics Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael John Bustamante, Brian A. Amond, Anthony M. Scott, Paul W. Fulbright
  • Patent number: 8577288
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer system for providing wireless data transfer, electrical power transfer and navigation between a mobile subsea vehicle and a deployed subsea station that uses acoustic and electromagnetic carrier signals for wireless communication and navigation. An inductive connector is provided for power transfer between mobile subsea vehicle and a deployed subsea station without conductive contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Brendan Peter Hyland, Andrew Jaffrey
  • Publication number: 20130272098
    Abstract: An underwater communication system comprises a plurality of location and messaging units for sending and receiving ultrasonic energy through water. In accordance with one aspect, each of the location and messaging units comprising an array of four ultrasonic transducers positioned such that they define a generally tetrahedral shape, a transceiver adapted to generate a code element, generate a data element, generate a modulation element, and combine the code element, the data element and the modulation element into an analog wave form. The system is further adapted to transmit the analog wave form through each of the four ultrasonic transducers and receive the analog wave-form generated by at least one of the location and messaging units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: CEEBUS TECNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Cahalan, Ted Noonan, Michel Hendricks, Jeffrey Croghan
  • Patent number: 8477562
    Abstract: A communication device includes: an ultrasonic oscillating unit which detects or generates an ultrasonic wave; a communication unit which transmits and receives information using the ultrasonic wave; a storage unit which stores a table to which a communication command to designate communication with the another communication device is allocated in time series, the table being shared by the another communication device; and a control unit which shifts the communication unit to one of a transmitting state, a receiving state, and a standby state that is neither the transmitting nor the receiving state, synchronously with the another communication device on the basis of the communication command in the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shunsuke Koyama
  • Patent number: 8467269
    Abstract: Advantageous online and/or real-time OFDM-based underwater acoustic (UWA) apparatus, systems and methods are provided according to the present disclosure. The apparatus, systems and methods employ a receiver with a bank of parallel branches, with each branch having a self-correlator matched to a different waveform scaling factor. A detection is declared when any of the branches leads to a correlation metric larger than a pre-defined threshold. The branch with the largest metric yields a Doppler scale estimate and a coarse synchronization point. The proposed apparatus, systems and methods use one OFDM preamble, thereby avoiding the need to buffer the whole data packet before data demodulation and enabling online and/or real-time operation. Thus, the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods are advantageously applicable to UWA communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: University of Connecticut
    Inventors: Shengli Zhou, Peter Willett, Christian Berger, Sean Mason
  • Patent number: 8422337
    Abstract: An ultrasonic system including an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver is provided. The ultrasonic transmitter emits a transmission signal, which includes a synchronous burst and multiple data bursts. The ultrasonic receiver receives a synchronous echo, and determines whether the amplitude of the synchronous echo is larger than a first threshold. If the amplitude of the synchronous echo is larger than the first threshold, then the ultrasonic receiver interprets the multiple data echoes corresponding to the data bursts to obtain a digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Lite-On IT Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Yi Su, Yi-Chung Lee
  • Patent number: 8411531
    Abstract: A modulation device, a demodulation device, and a transmission system and acoustic signal transmission method using them which can carry out a synchronization process for data signals without using a carrier frequency for a synchronization signal. The modulation device transmits an acoustic signal superposed with a PN sequence set according to a carrier frequency and a data signal. A demodulation device receives the acoustic signal, determines the PN sequence having the highest maximum correlation value with the acoustic signal in a plurality of PN sequences, detects a symbol synchronization point according to the correlation value between the thus determined PN sequence and the acoustic signal, and performs a synchronization process. Thereafter, according to the detected synchronization point and determined PN sequence, an OFDM demodulation processing unit decides the carrier frequency band of the data signal superposed on the acoustic signal and demodulates the data signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
    Inventors: Hosei Matsuoka, Takeshi Yoshimura, Toshirou Kawahara
  • Patent number: 8412048
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are present for managing a transmission of photons. The number of parameters for transmitting the photons as a beam in a liquid are identified using a number of characteristics of the liquid to form a number of selected parameters. The photons are transmitted in the liquid as the beam to a target using the number of selected parameters to form the transmission of the photons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Philip Stephen Dunlap
  • Patent number: 8385821
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8380375
    Abstract: A metrology device, computer program product and computer-implemented method generating survey data without having the device touch subsea objects being surveyed. The metrology device may be used with an underwater vehicle or diving personnel, and may comprise an inertial navigation system having gyroscopes to detect angular velocity and accelerometers for the detection of linear velocity and transported by an underwater robotic apparatus or diver, the inertial navigation system outputting position and orientation data of the device for storage; an aiding device for collecting image data of the subsea objects, the aiding device being positioned so that the distance and orientation between the optical scanner and the inertial navigation system is known; and a computer for using the position information and image data between a successively visited known point to determine the drift of the metrology device and to use the drift of the metrology device to correct measurements of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: IPOZ Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Charles William Tink
  • Patent number: 8369185
    Abstract: Taps on a beam-interrupt button of an underwater signaling transceiver are encoded as binary frequency shift-key modulated Golay codes, which are transmitted via 56-58 kHz compression waves generated by a ring-shaped electromechanical transducer. Light emitting diodes flash to signal the content of received signals and provide monitoring of the distance between divers. All components of the transceiver—except outer portions of input/output leads and a suction cup for attaching to the transceiver to a diver's mask—are completely encased in transparent plastic. The input/output leads allow an internal battery to be recharged, provide access to the internal processor for programming and data retrieval, and monitor whether the transceiver is submerged so that the transceiver can operate in an underwater mode or an above-water mode. Transceivers only communicate with other transceivers which use the same communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Alan Fleming, Cherie Elaine Kushner
  • Patent number: 8355295
    Abstract: An underwater sensing and communications node includes an underwater vehicle, target sensing capability mounted on a forward portion of the underwater vehicle, at least three passive acoustic sensors evenly distributed about a first circumferential region of the underwater vehicle, and at least three transceiving hydrophones evenly distributed about a second circumferential region of the underwater vehicle. A controller governs collection of sensed data and transmission of the sensed data into the underwater environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Bryan J. Smallin
  • Patent number: 8346164
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8346165
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8335469
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: WFS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8331856
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8331194
    Abstract: A system and method for generating an underwater acoustic waveguide suitable for guiding acoustic energy between a source and a receiver to enable underwater communications. Electrolysis of water by electrically powered terminals continuously creates a bubble field having a volume fraction of less than 0.01% gas. The bubble field has a lower sound speed than the surrounding water, resulting in the bubble field acting as a waveguide to transmit sound over the length of the bubble field. By maintaining small bubble radii, the bubble field can be stable for long periods of time. By keeping the volume fraction and bubble radii small, the power requirements for the terminals are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Anthony A. Ruffa
  • Patent number: 8326219
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: WFS Technolgies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20120275274
    Abstract: Sensor and communications systems for communicating measurements from subsea equipment, such as at an offshore well, to the surface. A sensor for a physical parameter, such as pressure or temperature at a blowout preventer, capping stack, or conduit in communication with the same, is electrically connected to a subsea acoustic transponder. An acoustic monitoring transponder deployed near the well periodically interrogates the acoustic transponder with an acoustic signal, in response to which the acoustic transponder transmits an acoustic signal encoded with the measurement. The measurement data are stored at the acoustic monitoring transponder. An acoustic communications device later interrogates the acoustic monitoring transponder to receive the stored measurement data for communication to a redundant network at the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Gochnour, Graham Openshaw, Jonathan Peter Davis
  • Patent number: 8279710
    Abstract: An underwater system (10) comprising a transmitter (12) for broadcasting an electromagnetic synchronization signal and at least one node (14) that has a receiver for receiving that signal, the node being adapted to use the received signal for synchronization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Brendan Peter Hyland
  • Patent number: 8274861
    Abstract: An underwater wireless network can include plurality of nodes, each node having a cylindrical housing, a repeater, a transducer and a buoy. The housing defines a void and encloses the repeater. The transducer can be tethered to the housing and a buoy can be tethered to said transducer. Each node also includes at least two hemi-cylindrical flukes that can be pivotably attached to the housing. The housing can further be formed with at least two flood ports, and corresponding plugs are inserted into a respective fill port. Lanyards interconnect each flukes with a respective plug. During transport, the flukes can surround the transducer and the void is empty, which renders the node neutrally buoyant for ease of transport. For deployment, the flukes are pivoted away from each other to tighten the lanyards, which pull the plugs out of the flood ports, to further flood the void and deploy the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William H. Marn, James Ben Penney, Lonnie Allen Hamme, Christopher Lawson Fletcher, Robert Kevin Creber, James Gabriel Buescher
  • Publication number: 20120218865
    Abstract: A towed array sonar system 10 with a towed array 14, a deployment device 32 for respectively deploying and retrieving the towed array 14 into and from a body of water, a signal processing device 28 for processing the signals of the towed array 14 and at least one control console 30 for controlling the towed array sonar system 10. In order to create a mobile sonar system that can be deployed independently of a ship, the towed array 14, the deployment device 32, the signal processing device 28 and the control console 30 are installed in a container 12 that can be transported independently of a ship. The invention furthermore pertains to a method for carrying out a sonar mission using such a towed array sonar system 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Atlas Elektronik GmbH
    Inventors: Jens-Heiko DINTER, Uwe Fass
  • Patent number: 8254210
    Abstract: Techniques include determining coefficients of a complex auto regression (AR) model to fit a complex average spectrum at a base frequency resolution of a set of one or more measured acoustic beams during a time block. Residuals derived by filtering actual data through an inverse of the AR model are determined at frequencies below a first threshold frequency. A quantized spectrum of the residuals is determined at the base frequency resolution. Magnitude, phase, and frequency bin at the base frequency resolution are determined for each peak of a set of one or more narrowband peaks above a second threshold frequency for the set of one or more measured acoustic beams. A message is sent, which indicates without loss the coefficients of the AR model, the quantized spectrum of the residuals, and the frequency bin, magnitude and phase for each peak of the set of one or more narrowband peaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: G. Scott Peacock, Robert M. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20120213031
    Abstract: A sonar transducer network for observing a seabed includes a controller. A first transducer assembly includes a first acoustic transducer to convert a first ping to a first electrical signal; and a first transducer processor to receive a first electrical signal from the first acoustic transducer to generate the first transducer data. At least one second transducer assembly is spaced apart from the first transducer assembly. The second transducer assembly includes a second acoustic transducer to convert a second ping to a second electrical signal. The second transducer processor receives the second electrical signal from the second acoustical transducer to generate second transducer data. A network bus communicates first transducer data and second transducer data with the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: BIOSONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Acker, Assad E.K. Ebrahim, James J. Dawson
  • Publication number: 20120212350
    Abstract: A submersible telemetry platform includes a body and lift-generating surface(s) configured to provide lift to the body when a fluid flows thereacross. The platform includes attitude control surface(s) for controlling a pitch of the body in such a way that modifies the lift characteristics of the body. A control device is coupled to the attitude control surface(s) for controlling the lift attitude control surface(s). A base is configured to be anchored to a subsurface location and is coupled to the telemetry platform by a tether in such a way that the telemetry platform has freedom-of-movement about a common center point at the base. Telemetry equipment is coupled to the body of the telemetry platform for enabling wireless communication with at least one remote device. The telemetry platform is controllable to rise from a submersed position in a body of liquid to a surface of the body of liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Bruce A. Magnell
  • Publication number: 20120099402
    Abstract: A method and system are described that can be used for scanning underwater structures. The method and system allow a user to gain a better understanding of an existing underwater structure. For example, the method and system allow for building a three dimensional model of an underwater structure. A sonar wave is directed toward an underwater structure, and a reflected sonar wave is received. Initial 3D data points are obtained from the reflected sonar wave, and are configured to provide a three-dimensional image of the underwater structure. A working alignment model of the underwater structure is generated by the initial data points. As new 3D sonar data is collected, the new 3D sonar data is aligned with and added to the alignment model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christian H. Debrunner, Alan K. Fettinger, Christopher L. Baker
  • Patent number: 8159903
    Abstract: Underwater communication system comprising a plurality of communication modules, each provided with a microprocessor, a memory, a transmitter and a receiver unit; these communication modules are incorporated in an underwater computer and in a plurality of underwater equipment devices; the underwater computer and the underwater equipment devices form an underwater master/slave communication network for short and long ranges, in which each device forms a node and communicates in a bidirectional way with the other nodes of the network administered by a main underwater computer or master unit; each node of the network is identified by a unique identification code which is assigned dynamically by the master unit of the network, and is provided with at least one of said communication modules for short-range communication; a data and message transmission protocol is provided for this network, for administering the bidirectional network between the various nodes of the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Mares S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gerald Skrobanek, Giovanni Distefano