Abstract: The present application relates to a system and method for real-time monitoring and failure prediction of electrical submersible pumps. The design includes generating a failure prediction value with a management system by calculating a percentage change of the respective first measurement values and the corresponding user-supplied stable operating values, the failure prediction value representing likelihood of failure of the electrical submersible pump.

Abstract: Provided are a land settlement measuring apparatus and a land settlement measuring system. The land settlement measuring apparatus includes a magnetic field detection unit, a microprocessor, and a containing unit. The magnetic field detection unit includes a plurality of magnetic field detection sensors that are separated from each other in a predetermined interval. The microprocessor calculates a differential settlement amount based on a magnetic field detection signal transmitted from the magnetic field detection unit, in the case where a change in the magnetic field is detected by the sensor. The containing unit contains the magnetic field detection unit and the microprocessor. The land settlement measuring system includes a magnetic field generation unit, a land settlement measuring apparatus, and a data logger. The magnetic field generation unit is disposed at a predetermined position of a ground to be adjacent to a hole which is perforated down to an unmovable layer.

Abstract: Stoneley-wave data acquired in the LWD environment are used to characterize/estimate formation permeability. Real-time Stoneley-wave time-delay/slowness and center-frequency/attenuation data are used to indicate/characterize formation permeability even during drilling. The use of stabilizers mounted at the tool ends helps maintain the tool position from severe decentralization, reducing ambiguities in the permeability characterization/estimation.

Abstract: Phytoremediation is an economical method to remove contaminants from soils. Understanding the mechanisms that control adsorption of a contaminant to a soil particle is the first step in designing a phytoremediation project in order to optimize removal of said contaminant. To characterize soil conditions, the following data were collected: a) historical land use information, b) evaluating on-site soils and plants for contaminant identity and concentrations, c) particle size analysis of soil samples, d) estimate total organic matter of soil samples, e) conducting batch adsorption experiments to determine Kd values, varying pH levels and concentrations of standard solutions, g) testing on-site pH of soils, h) testing pH levels of standard solutions prior to and after contact with soils used for batch adsorption experiments, i) conducting alkalinity/hardness tests.

Abstract: A system and method for combining the precision estimate of a database entry's coordinate value such that the precision information is included as part of the one-dimensional index. This is done by constructing a hierarchical index in which the size of the grid is related to the precision of the coordinate value. A grid index is a gridding of an n-dimensional space into a regular partition of the grid space into grid units, for which for a point in space, x, there is a function index (x), which retrieves a unique integer value for the grid that contains Point x, and a function coordinate (y, s), which returns a point associated with the index y at scale s. A hierarchical grid index is effectively a number of grid indices overlaid on the same space, with grid units of different sizes. In this case, each of the functions employs an additional argument that specifies the size of the grid unit to use.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the environmental impact of a process is disclosed in which resources are categorized into distinct Environmental Performance Indicators (“EPI's”), some of which are value EPIs that are derived based on the amount of the resource used per Finished Product Volume (FPV), which is representative of the amount of product that is produced by the process; and others are percentage EPIs that represent a measure of efficiency, and are derived from the amount of renewable resources used as a percentage of total resources used. A graphical representation of the EPIs allows a quick visual interpretation of the environmental friendliness of a particular process or group of processes, and allows a visual comparison between two different processes.

Abstract: The tools and methods disclosed herein can convert an analog signal from the soil sensor probes into a digital format that can be read by a low cost digital microcontroller which acts on the digital data with formulae and tables so that the displayed information is the same or nearly the same as the readings in the same soil from the analog meters. To provide accurate readings, the described tools can apply either of a fixed or floating calibration method to set a reference of the measured soil pH and moisture measure. The floating calibration method also permits adjustment of the measure reference to correct calibration imprecision induced by fluctuation in the battery voltage.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method of acquiring, processing, and imaging transient Controlled Source ElectroMagnetic (t-CSEM) data in ways that are similar to those used for seismic data. In particular, the instant invention exploits the time-distance characteristics of t-CSEM data to permit the design and execution of t-CSEM surveys for optimal subsequent processing and imaging. The instant invention illustrates how to correct t-CSEM data traces for attenuation and dispersion, so that their characteristics are more like those of seismic data and can be processed using algorithms familiar to the seismic processor. The resulting t-CSEM images, particularly if combined with corresponding seismic images, may be used to infer the location of hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating agricultural parameters for growing crops is well suited for promoting efficient utilization of agricultural inputs (e.g., water consumption). Sensors collect data via one or more vehicles equipped with location-determining receivers. A transmitter transmits the collected environmental data to a data processing system. The data processing system applies the collected environmental data to an agronomic model for determining an agricultural management parameter. A prescription is made available for application of an agricultural input (e.g., water) to a crop in a particular location consistent with the collected environmental data and the agronomic model.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for using a three-dimensional seismic image of a subsurface earth volume to construct a geologic model specifying the spatially-varying grain size distribution, porosity, and permeability throughout the volume. The method applies to earth volumes composed of water-lain clastic sedimentary deposits and involves, in one embodiment, (a) identifying the outline forms of geologic bodies in geologic data; (b) using the outline forms of the geologic bodies to determine the spatially-varying grain size distribution within the bodies, guided by assumptions about the nature and behavior of the paleoflow that deposited the bodies; (c) determining rock properties such as, porosity and permeability within the geologic bodies based on grain-size distribution, mineralogy and burial history information.

Abstract: The present system and method detects and predicts potential tornadic activity. In one aspect, the invention predicts potential tornadic activity based on radar data. In another aspect, the invention predicts potential tornadic activity based on an integrated and composite product based on model forecast data and radar data by generating a composite tornado potential index using weighted values of the model forecast data and the radar data.

Abstract: In various embodiments, points from flood maps (e.g., geospatial flood risk zoning maps) may be used in generating a flood frequency versus flood elevation curve for reducing the uncertainty in the flood risk assessment. In some embodiments, geospatial flood elevation lines for flood elevation lines at different flood frequency levels may be defined based on elevation datasets where there are inconsistencies between the elevation datasets and flood maps that were generated. The flood frequency versus flood loss curve may be derived based on the computed flood frequency versus flood elevation curve, digital elevation datasets, and collected damage curve. In some embodiments, the flood risk rating may also be derived and a flood risk assessment report may be generated.

Abstract: A method of providing data relating to carbon sequestration, including the steps of: a) taking a soil sample at a selected location where a plant type has grown or is growing; b) isolating phytoliths from the sample; c) quantifying phytolithic organic carbon in the sample from the plant type to provide data; and d) providing a projection for the data to support a carbon credit claim for the plant type growing at the location.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods of analyzing mass spectral data based on charge states of analyte ions. In some embodiments, the methods can be used for differential profiling of samples, such as comparing a sample comprising a given compound and a sample comprising metabolites of the same compound. The methods can also be used to identify and isolate biomarkers. Systems for performing the methods, as well as computer-readable media for performing the methods, are also described.

Abstract: A fingerprint processing system may include a fingerprint database for storing fingerprint data having at least one void therein. At least one processor may cooperate with the fingerprint database for inpainting data into the at least one void in the fingerprint data based upon propagating fingerprint contour data from outside the at least one void into the at least one void.

Abstract: A moored buoy floating at the ocean surface and anchored to the seafloor precisely measures acceleration, pitch, roll, and Earth's magnetic flux field of the buoy over a limited sampling period.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining earth vertical electrical anisotropy from offshore electromagnetic survey measurements. The method requires both online and offline data, which includes at least one electromagnetic field component sensitive at least predominantly to vertical resistivity and another component sensitive at least predominantly to horizontal resistivity. Using a horizontal electric dipole source, online EZ and offline HZ measurements are preferred. For a horizontal magnetic dipole source, online HZ and offline EZ data are preferred. magnetotelluric data may be substituted for controlled source data sensitive to horizontal resistivity. Maxwell's equations are solved by forward modeling or by inversion, using resistivity models of the subsurface that are either isotropic or anisotropic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alarm system intended to trigger an alarm signal upon deviation from at least one environment-dependent reference predetermined for a specific environment. The alarm system comprises at least one portable unit intended to be placed in said environment, which unit has a size corresponding to a mobile telephone. Each unit comprises a sensor system adapted for detecting different states comprising at least vibrations. Furthermore, the alarm system comprises a processor member connected to the sensor system and adapted for the comparison of signals received from the sensor system and said predetermined environment-dependent reference/references. The alarm system further comprises a communication member connected to the processor member and adapted for wireless communication upon, for instance, the triggering of an alarm signal.

Abstract: A method and system for taking direct measurements of GNSS signal's arrival angle to remotely measure the atmospheric variables used for weather prediction. More specifically, an improved method and system for obtaining and processing accurate information regarding the weather and other atmospheric changes by measuring the total refractive bending angle of the GNSS signal. For mobile platforms on which receivers are mounted, phased array receivers are used to allow precise measurements of GNSS arrival angles. By measuring the refractive bending angle, more accurate and cost-efficient measurements of atmospheric changes are obtained, thereby resulting in more accurate predictions of the weather.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for use for making subterranean nuclear measurements. The system can include a plurality of elongated scintillator members each generating optical signals in response to ionizing radiation. Optical detector units can be optically coupled to at least one end of each elongated scintillator member so as to detect optical signals from each elongated scintillator member. The system can be suitable for permanent or semi-permanent deployment downhole. For example, the system can operate for more than six months in a subterranean deployment measuring cosmic radiation. The system can be suited to monitor density changes in subterranean regions of interest, for example, density changes brought about by steam injection as part of a steam assisted gravity drainage operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, an apparatus and a computer program product for correcting the weather data of radial speed, spectral width and/or differential reflectivity which have been acquired from radar echo data recorded by a ground-based, radar-based remote-sensing appliance (1) for measuring atmospheric conditions and including evaluable weather echoes and interfering ground echoes, corrected weather data being obtained by calculating out the interfering ground echoes from the acquired weather data by using a previously stored clutter map with an intensity distribution of radar echo data which include the ground echoes substantially without weather echoes.

Abstract: A method for determining a refractivity profile of an atmosphere of the Earth. The method may involve: generating radar signals from a radar device located above the Earth's surface toward the Earth's surface; measuring a time of flight and a reflected intensity of reflected radar signals received back at the radar device; using the measured time of flight and the reflected intensity of the reflected radar signals received by the radar device to determine a distance to a radar horizon where the radar signals are tangent to the Earth's surface; and using the distance to the radar horizon to determine a refractivity profile of the atmosphere through which the radar signals and the reflected radar signals have travelled.

Abstract: A system for monitoring movement in a subsurface environment, which may be used to determine flow dynamics within a fluid mass such as an ore body, or track subsurface persons or moving assets. A plurality of underground positioning system (UPS) elements in the subsurface environment transmit characteristic signals to a plurality of antennas, which transmit the signals to a data processing apparatus. The system thus determines changes in the positions of the UPS elements to derive an indication of the motion of the fluid mass or the locations and movement of subsurface persons or assets.

Abstract: Local ES refractivity for a geographical position on a given date is determined by locating the geographical position within one of the Delaunay triangles in a grid of Delaunay triangles defined by a plurality of data points in a database containing temporal (e.g. monthly) average refractivity values at various locations around the globe. Each of the data points in the database form the vertices of the Delaunay triangles and by interpolating the temporal averaged refractivity of the vertices of the triangle enclosing the geographical position to the given date and then interpolating the refractivity of the vertices to the geographical position within the triangle, the local ES refractivity of the geographical position is estimated.

Abstract: A weather radar system includes an input for receiving lightning detection data and processing electronics for determining a presence of a convective cell or associated hazard. The processing electronics receive weather radar data and the lightning detection data. The weather radar data is related to radar returns. The processing electronics provide temporal or spatial filtering of the lightning detection data to provide filtered data and determine a position of the convective cell or associated hazard in response to the weather radar data and the filtered data.

Abstract: An Earth horizon sensor that images the vicinity of the Earth horizon or limb to locate the non-thermal airglow emissions and calculates the orientation of the horizon plane or alternately the vector pointing towards the center of the Earth based on the location of the said airglow emissions. The orientation of the horizon plane in turn can be used to calculate the pitch and roll of the platform upon which the Earth horizon sensor is mounted. Yaw angle can be calculated with an additional celestial reference located in the same image or made available from another source. The orientation of the horizon plane can also be used to calculate the latitude and longitude of Earth coordinates, provided that three axis inertial attitude and time are also available. The Earth horizon sensor can be adapted to operate in space upon spacecraft in Earth orbit or in the atmosphere upon aircraft flying at altitudes of 10K ft or more.

Abstract: A method and system for taking direct measurements of GNSS signal's arrival angle to remotely measure the atmospheric variables used for weather prediction. More specifically, an improved method and system for obtaining and processing accurate information regarding the weather and other atmospheric changes by measuring the total refractive bending angle of the GNSS signal. For mobile platforms on which receivers are mounted, phased array receivers are used to allow precise measurements of GNSS arrival angles. By measuring the refractive bending angle, more accurate and cost-efficient measurements of atmospheric changes are obtained, thereby resulting in more accurate predictions of the weather.

Abstract: The present technical solution provided allows it to determine true meridian of any movable object. This solution is based on determining true meridian by zero value of linear acceleration induced created by changing the projection of the vector of linear velocity, caused by rotating any heavenly body, in particular, the terrestrial globe. The determination is implemented in compact variant only by the devices located on the movable object without any necessity of using induced radiations, quickly and accurately without any necessity of knowing the coordinates of location and the speed of movement irrespective of weather conditions, transverse accelerations, temperature changes and external magnetic fields influence.

Abstract: A method for reservoir simulation that includes applying fraction boundary conditions at a surface of a grid representing the subterranean reservoir, finding a rock state, representing initial rock displacements and porosity in the grid, that satisfies a first equation of VeNTG?e=V0NTG?0=PV0, initializing the grid based on the rock state to generate an initialized grid, determining a set of rock displacements based on the initialized grid, and generating a simulation result based on the rock displacements, where an operation in the subterranean reservoir is performed based on the simulation result.

Abstract: A computer processor implemented method of developing irradiance mapping using a distributed network of solar photovoltaic systems, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a predetermined geographic area having at least five solar photovoltaic systems to provide a photovoltaic system; calibrating the photovoltaic system; reversing the photovoltaic system performance model using a computer processor to solve the irradiance input value; calculating irradiance according to irradiance input value, energy output and weather data using the computer processor to provide a single irradiance point; and mapping at least two single irradiance points to create an irradiance map.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at using LiDAR data to identify attributes of vegetation. In this regard, a method is provided that identifies the location of individual items of vegetation from raw LiDAR data. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a coordinate position represented in the LiDAR data that generated a return signal. Then, a determination is made regarding whether the selected coordinate position is inside a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation. If the selected coordinate position is not within a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation, the method determines that the selected coordinate position is associated with a new item of vegetation. In this instance, a digital representation of the new item of vegetation is generated.

Abstract: A parameter related to the Earth's magnetic field can be used to determine accuracy of a magnetometer of a mobile device. In one aspect, a first instance of a parameter related to Earth's magnetic field is determined using data generated by the magnetometer. The magnetometer data can be based in part on a position of the mobile device with respect to the Earth. A second instance of the parameter can be determined using data generated by a model of Earth's magnetic field. The model data can also be based in part on the position of the mobile device with respect to the Earth. The first instance of the parameter can be compared with the second instance of the parameter. An accuracy metric for the magnetometer can be determined based on a result of the comparison. An indication of the accuracy metric can be presented by the mobile device.

Abstract: A portable environmental monitoring instrument comprising: a housing comprising a main body and a cap; a display mounted to the housing; a processing circuit disposed within the main body, the processing circuit electrically connected to the display; a light sensor mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the processing circuit; a humidity sensor electrically connected to the processing circuit; and a probe member extending from the main body and exposed to the environment by opening the cap, the probe member carrying a temperature sensor at a distal end thereof and part of an electrical connection between the temperature sensor and the processing circuit, the processing circuit arranged to process signals received from the light sensor, the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor to obtain an environmental measure indicative of the affect of the environment and control the display to display data indicative of the environmental measure.

Abstract: A method for targeting trait phenotyping of a plant breeding experiment includes collecting soil data for at least one location, applying the soil data to a crop model, performing environmental monitoring at the at least one location to generate environmental data, updating the crop model with the environmental data, and using the crop model to provide predicted crop conditions. The method further includes determining environmental conditions for each of the plant breeding experiments, determining a likelihood of trait phenotype variations for each experiment using the environmental conditions and the predicted crop conditions, selecting a subset of the plant breeding experiments for collecting trait phenotype measurements based on the likelihood of trait phenotypic variation, and collecting trait phenotype measurements from the subset of the plant breeding experiments.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides an apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions and communicating an index value of thereof to a remote device. The apparatus comprises a controller, a temperature sensor operably coupled to the controller and capable of generating a first signal proportional to the temperature condition adjacent said apparatus, a humidity sensor operably coupled to the controller and capable of generating a second signal proportional to the humidity condition adjacent said apparatus and wireless communication means. The controller is responsive to the first and second signals to calculate an index value based thereupon and communicates the index value via the wireless communication means. System and method aspects are also provided.

Abstract: Hourly CO2 concentration, amount of solar radiation, and plant distribution information are calculated through observation from predetermined satellites. A concentration of CO2 absorbed by plant-chlorophyll per each time unit is calculated. By adding up the CO2 concentration on the earth and the concentration of CO2 absorbed by the plant-chlorophyll, a CO2 concentration obtained provided that no plant-chlorophyll exist is calculated for a certain period. Thereafter, a mean concentration of CO2 that is absorbed according to changes in the distribution of plant-chlorophyll is calculated on the basis of a monthly mean solar radiation amount and plant-chlorophyll distribution information. By subtracting the CO2 concentration, which is a mean, from the total CO2 concentration, a CO2 concentration, which is a normal, is calculated.

Abstract: Systems and devices for assessment of an impact by an event on an environment are disclosed. Processes for automated impact assessment are also disclosed. An impact assessment can be performed in computer-generated environments which include data regarding the environment impacted and data regarding the event impacting the environment. Environment data may be represented as a geospatial layer.

Abstract: A method for determining a formation electrical property under a sea floor includes obtaining measurement data using a receiver having an impedance lower than an impedance of seawater at a measurement site; correcting the measurement data to obtain corrected data corresponding to data that would have been acquired using a receiver having an impedance matched with the impedance of the seawater; and deriving the formation property from the corrected data.

Abstract: Method for removing air wave noise from shallow water controlled source electromagnetic survey data, using only the measured data and conductivity values for sea water (140) and air. The method is a calculation performed numerically on CSEM data and resulting in an estimate of those data that would have been acquired had the water layer extended infinitely upward from the seafloor. No properties of the sub-sea sediments are used. Synthetic electromagnetic field data are generated for (a) an all water model (141) and (b) an air-water model (146-147) of the survey region. These simulated results are then used to calculate (148-150) electromagnetic field values corresponding to a water-sediment model with water replacing the air half space, which represent measured data adjusted to remove air wave noise.

Abstract: A control device or “bird” for controlling the position of a marine seismic streamer is provided with an elongate, partly flexible body which is designed to be electrically and mechanically connected in series with a streamer. In its preferred form, the bird has two opposed wings which are independently controllable in order to control the streamer's lateral position as well as its depth.

Abstract: A method for determining formation electrical properties includes deploying one or more receivers for electromagnetic logging; obtaining measurement data indicative of the formation electrical properties using the deployed receivers; correcting the measurement data for receiver imperfection; and inverting the corrected measurement data to obtain one or more parameters of formation electrical properties.

Abstract: A locate transmitter and method for performing a locate operation to detect a presence or absence of an underground facility. An applied signal is generated to be applied along the underground facility. One or more environmental conditions of an environment in which the transmitted is located are detected and compared to a target value or range of values to determine if an out-of-tolerance condition exists.

Abstract: An indicating device capable of detecting environmental conditions includes a detection module, a selector, a functional processing unit, a display, and a power supply. The detection module detects UV light strength, temperature, moisture, and pressure. The selector selects the required detection information and sends it to the functional processing unit for signal processing. The result is shown on the display. The invention can be applied to a compact electronic watch for displaying both time and multiple environmental conditions simultaneously and for user's convenience of carrying.

Abstract: In a locate operation to detect a presence or absence of at least one underground facility using a locate device, an applied signal is transmitted to the at least one underground facility, and/or a magnetic field emitted from the at least one underground facility is detected. Environmental information is obtained regarding at least one environmental condition of an environment in which the locate device is used, and information relating to the signal transmission, field detection and/or environmental information is logged into local memory of the locate device.

Abstract: A performance assessment system for deep geologic repository for radioactive waste disposal is introduced to integrate a number of independent sub-system to perform the repository assessments in a systematic way under computer-based environment. Basically, the sub-system includes the input data file preparation sub-system for near-field/far-field multiple running, the near-field/far-field multiple running sub-system and the uncertainty and sensitivity analysis sub-system. With the system, the assessment for the deep geologic repository for radioactive waste disposal in many aspects can be achieved more completely and precisely.

Abstract: Human observers stationed on or near beaches gather subjective observations of one or more observable beach conditions associated with respiratory distress. Subjectively determined observations such as dead fish and audible coughing provide a better indication of the likelihood of respiratory distress than measurements made using scientific instruments. The observations may be sent to a remote central database using handheld communication devices. A beach status evaluation is determined based on stored observations, and may be provided to beachgoers through Internet web pages or by telephone or text-message to enable beachgoers to choose an alternative beach or alternative activity when respiratory distress is likely.

Abstract: Method for determining an expected value for a proposed reconnaissance electromagnetic (or any other type of geophysical) survey using a user-controlled source. The method requires only available geologic and economic information about the survey region. A series of calibration surveys are simulated with an assortment of resistive targets consistent with the known information. The calibration surveys are used to train pattern recognition software to assess the economic potential from anomalous resistivity maps. The calibrated classifier is then used on further simulated surveys of the area to generate probabilities that can be used in Value of Information theory to predict an expected value of a survey of the same design as the simulated surveys. The calibrated classifier technique can also be used to interpret actual CSEM survey results for economic potential.

Abstract: Methods and systems may be provided simulating forming a wide variety of directional wellbores including wellbores with variable tilt rates and/or relatively constant tilt rates. The methods and systems may also be used to simulate forming a wellbore in subterranean formations having a combination of soft, medium and hard formation materials, multiple layers of formation materials and relatively hard stringers disposed throughout one or more layers of formation material. Values of bit walk rate from such simulations may be used to design and/or select drilling equipment for use in forming a directional wellbore.

Abstract: Marking information relating to use of a marking device to perform a marking operation may be acquired from one or more input devices, logged/stored in local memory of a marking device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the marking device itself, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, a marking device may include one or more environmental sensors and/or operational sensors, and the marking information may include environmental information and operational information derived from such sensors. Environmental and/or operational information may be used to control operation of the marking device, assess out-of-tolerance conditions in connection with use of the marking device, and/or provide alerts or other feedback. Additional enhancements are disclosed relating to improving the determination of a location (e.g.

Abstract: Locate information relating to use of a locate device to perform a locate operation may be acquired from one or more input devices, logged/stored in local memory of a locate device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the locate device itself, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, a locate device may include one or more environmental sensors and/or operational sensors, and the locate information may include environmental information and operational information derived from such sensors. Environmental and/or operational information may be used to control operation of the locate device, assess out-of-tolerance conditions in connection with use of the locate device, and/or provide alerts or other feedback. Additional enhancements are disclosed relating to improving the determination of a location (e.g.