Earth Science Patents (Class 702/2)
  • Publication number: 20100191468
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for accurately estimating plasma velocities on the photosphere based on magnetic field data from vector magnetograms. Spatial and temporal derivatives of the magnetic field components are computed and a structure tensor containing terms that specifically include the horizontal magnetic field components is constructed. The structure tensor is convolved with a window function and a least-squares solution based on the convolved structure tensor is found. The solution includes the plasma velocities in the horizontal and vertical directions at the center of the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: The Government of the united States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Navy
    Inventor: Peter W. Schuck
  • Patent number: 7764386
    Abstract: A method and system are provided which can easily determine relative positions and postures of a three-dimensional measurement device and an object when the measurement device is used to measure the object using a manipulator. The method includes fixing one of the measurement device and the object, supporting the other at a support point with the manipulator so that a position and support posture of the other can be changed, conducting first measurement with the support point being set to first position and posture, changing the support point to second position and posture so that the second position is a position where the posture is changed, about a reference position within a measurable area of the measurement device in the first measurement, to an opposite side by a degree equal to a portion corresponding to a change from the first posture to the second posture, and conducting second measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Sensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichi Horita, Yoshihisa Abe
  • Patent number: 7765067
    Abstract: A multicomponent induction logging tool is used on a MWD bottomhole assembly. Multifrequency focusing that accounts for the finite, nonzero, conductivity of the mandrel is applied. Using separation of modes, the principal components and relative dip angles in an earth formation are determined. The results are used for reservoir navigation in an earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Leonty A. Tabarovsky, Michael B. Rabinovich
  • Patent number: 7761496
    Abstract: Methods for facilitating pipeline management, systems, and software, are provided. A method can include forming digitized map segments to provide for display of a geographical relationship between terrain featured in the map segments and a pipeline network, forming pipeline equipment records to provide for detailed engineering analysis on associated pipeline equipment, functionally linking each digitized map segment and each pipeline equipment record to at least one pipeline operational area geographically associated therewith, at least one pipeline geographically associated therewith, or both, and spatially displaying a pipeline equipment work location in relation to one of the map segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Thamer K Tarabzouni, Abdulaziz K. Al-Mejna, Howard Wood
  • Patent number: 7761237
    Abstract: This patent delineates methods for quantifying and mitigating dip-induced azimuthal AVO effects in seismic fracture detection using Azimuthal AVO analysis by accurately accounting for the divergence correction and azimuthal dependence of the reflection angle. Solutions are provided for three cases: (1) dipping isotropic reservoirs; (2) anisotropic reservoirs with fractures aligned in arbitrary direction; and (3) anisotropic reservoirs where vertical fractures are aligned perpendicular to the dip direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co.
    Inventors: Wenjie Dong, Chih-Ping Lu
  • Patent number: 7761334
    Abstract: Crop information related to a particular crop is collected and stored in data storage during the performance of an agricultural operation. A harvested particular crop is segregated from all other genetically distinct crops by storing the particular harvested crops in one or more segregated storage volumes for storing the particular crop. Each segregated storage volume has a corresponding storage identifier. An electronically accessible data profile, associated with the particular crop, is provided or made available to a user. The data profile includes the collected crop information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Terence Daniel Pickett, Frederick William Nelson, Stephen Michael Faivre, Andy Dwayne Beck, Georg Larscheid, Mark Steven Sommer, Thomas Kent Wagner
  • Patent number: 7755493
    Abstract: Predefined electrical signals, produced by an electrical equipment in the building during a change of electrical operating state of said equipment, are detected on the building's power supply system. By analyzing each detected electrical signal, tracking data is generated including information relating to the date of detection, the electrical equipment originating the signal and the corresponding change in electrical state. At least one parameter representative of the activity carried out by said person is determined, in the form of a probability of an activity or a type of activity being carried out, based on tracking data generated during a predefined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventors: Marc Berenguer, Hervé Provost, Floriane Gallay
  • Patent number: 7742879
    Abstract: The results of mass spectrometry are compared; correspondences are established between individual components contained in different samples; the results of establishment of correspondences are checked; and varying components are extracted. At least two samples are compared with respect to the ion intensity corresponding to retention times and mass-to-charge ratios obtained by chromatography-mass spectrometry on the samples having a plurality of components. In ion groups observed as mass spectra, a correspondence between the retention times at which the same component is supposed to be observed is established by determining coincidence between the mass-to-charge ratios and determining that the ion intensity fall within a designated variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Hiromichi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7742862
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Noel Wayne Anderson, Arnold Albert Taube
  • Patent number: 7739048
    Abstract: A system and method for obtaining weather related information for a portion of the Earth's atmosphere between a predetermined surface portion of the Earth and an airborne object located over the predetermined surface portion, and operating at a known altitude, using position locating signals from a space vehicle. In one exemplary implementation the space vehicle transmits a first position locating signal. The first position locating signal is received by the airborne object directly from the space vehicle. A second position locating signal from the space vehicle is received by the airborne object after being reflected from the predetermined surface portion at a known angle. Phase information from the first and second position locating signals is used to determine a refractivity of the atmosphere between the predetermined surface portion and the airborne object. The refractivity is used to determine weather related information for the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Tillotson, Tamaira E. Ross
  • Publication number: 20100141261
    Abstract: A method for determining the location of an underground sonde transmitter is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes measuring a set of complex electromagnetic field magnitude and phase strengths at one or more of positions while traversing a target sonde path at any angle using one or more electromagnetic coil sensors, modeling a set of expected complex electromagnetic strengths of a hypothetical sonde at the one or more of positions for one or more of the electromagnetic coil sensors, the set of expected electromagnetic field values corresponding to a model for the target sonde, and estimating parameters related to the target sonde based on the residual error between the measured set of complex electromagnetic field values and the modeled set of expected complex electromagnetic field strengths, wherein a final estimated parameter set is determined after the residual error has converged to a minimum tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Johan Overby, James W. Waite, Dimitar Gargov, Kun Li
  • Publication number: 20100145619
    Abstract: A personal computer including a CPU, storage disk, software program and arithmetic logic circuits are used for computing the amount of energy in each degree of the zodiac using the longitudinal positions of various planetary bodies and their angular separations for astrology purposes, cosmology purposes and financial market trading purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Earik Beann
  • Patent number: 7734245
    Abstract: A combined statistical-deterministic approach to methods and systems for assessing risk associated with natural disasters, in particular, hurricane wind risk. One example of a method of predicting wind speed distribution within a predetermined distance from a point of interest includes steps of statistically synthesizing a large plurality of wind storm tracks that pass within a predetermined radius of the point of interest, running a deterministic simulation of wind intensity along each one of the large plurality of wind storm tracks to produce an output representative of wind speed distribution along each track, and using the output to estimate an overall wind speed probability distribution from a combination of the wind speed distributions along each track within the predetermined distance from the point of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Sai Ravela, Kerry A. Emanuel
  • Patent number: 7733264
    Abstract: A weather radar system can be utilized on-board an aircraft. The weather radar system includes processing electronics for sensing weather. The processing electronics is configured to utilize sensed weather data to generate a vertical weather prediction for a given altitude in response to a range and an azimuth. The system can also include a display. The display provides visual indicia of the vertical weather prediction in response to the processing electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Woodell, Jeffery A. Finley, Marvin L. Hooker
  • Patent number: 7728759
    Abstract: A method for obtaining weather related information for a portion of the Earth's atmosphere between a mobile platform traversing over a predetermined surface portion of the Earth, and at least one satellite from a satellite constellation. The method involves modifying at least one satellite from the constellation of satellites to include time and location information in wireless signals that are transmitted in real time by the one satellite. The mobile platform receives the wireless signals from the one satellite. An occultation system carried on the mobile platform analyzes the time and position information, in addition to location information pertaining to a real time location of the mobile platform, and to derive real time atmospheric weather related information for a geographic area between the mobile platform and the one satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Tillotson, David A. Whelan
  • Patent number: 7723660
    Abstract: An algorithmic method is described for sensor-based real-time application of an agricultural material. Method includes means for characterizing and treating crop biomass variability without the use of a grower managed reference crop. Crop variability is determined statistically by driving one or more transects through the field in order to collect crop canopy information for sensor calibration purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Kyle Holland
  • Patent number: 7725264
    Abstract: An exemplary system for managing the deployment of a seismic data acquisition system uses a module configured to execute a plurality of task in the field by receiving one or more seismic devices. The module may include a power source that provides electrical power to the seismic devices. The module may also include a processor programmed to retrieve data stored in the seismic devices, perform diagnostics, facilitate inventory and logistics control, configure seismic devices and update data or pre-programmed instructions in the seismic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Ion Geophysical Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Pavel, Scott T. Hoenmans, Richard Eperjesi, Andra Streho, Gerardo Garcia, Richard Pedersen, Dmitry Grinblat
  • Patent number: 7720605
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey J Welty, Earl T Birdsall, Robert K McKinney
  • Publication number: 20100121578
    Abstract: A data analysis program operable for displaying at least one representation of a buried pipeline in a geographical area and associated on-pipe current values at various locations along the pipeline. The data analysis program is storable in a memory device and executable by a processor to generate a display on a display device. The data analysis program includes instructions for displaying a digital map representing at least a portion of the buried pipeline extending across the geographical area being surveyed. The program further includes instructions for displaying a current plot of current values associated with the various locations in the geographical area, and instructions for displaying a table having a plurality of fields including the leakage current values and associated geographical coordinates where the current values were measured in the geographical area being surveyed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas James Davis
  • Patent number: 7714307
    Abstract: Optimization of a projection system is performed to obtain a starting configuration that is at a local minimum of the merit function or simply a previously known minimum system is used as the starting configuration. A zero-thickness meniscus lens is inserted at a surface in the local minimum starting configuration with N surfaces to construct a saddle point with Morse Index=1 having N+2 surfaces. The saddle point is perturbed and optimization is performed on both sides of the saddle, and the distances at the two surfaces that have been introduced are increased, to generate two new configurations, m1 and m2, that are new minima in the merit function. Each resulting configuration is output, e.g., as a table of parameters specifying the projection system or as a computer file for use in making an actual projection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignees: ASML Netherlands B.V., Technische Universiteit Delf, Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Florian Bociort, Maarten van Turnhout, Oana Elena Marinescu
  • Patent number: 7715984
    Abstract: It is shown that a pressure pulse originating in a well is correlated to a pulse observed at a distant well with a characteristic time. The correlation time is directly related to the diffusion time scale arising out of the pressure diffusion equation. The relationship is affected by the source-observer or observer-observer distance but the correction is small for large distances. In practice, further corrections have to be included for finite width pulses. For these pulses, a practical scheme for continuous permeability monitoring is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan, Bhavani Raghuraman
  • Patent number: 7715983
    Abstract: A method of detecting hazardous conditions within an underground environment can include obtaining acceleration information at a plurality of communication nodes distributed throughout the underground environment and propagating the acceleration information among selected ones of the plurality of communication nodes to an analysis node. An indication of a hazardous condition within the underground environment can be identified from the acceleration information collected over a period of time. If an indicator is identified, a notification of the hazardous condition can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Barrus, John L. Ferenczi
  • Patent number: 7711531
    Abstract: A product recovery prediction model that models recovery of a product from a crop is generated by inputting training product recovery data by date, age, and variety. A first model that models season dependent effects on product recovery, and/or a second model that models age dependent effects on product recovery, and/or a third model that models other effects such as, for example, weather dependent effects on product recovery are generated. The first, second, and/or third models are combined, and the product recovery prediction model is generated based on the combined first, second, and/or third models and on the training product recovery data. The crop may be sugarcane, and the product may be sugar. The product recovery prediction model may be used to predict recovery of the product to use for harvesting or any economical decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mangesh D. Kapadi, Jinendra K. Gugaliya, Lingathurai Palanisamy, Jayaram Balasubrahmanyan
  • Publication number: 20100106420
    Abstract: A method for forming a virtual tripwire through a subregion of an area of interest. The method may involve performing a geometric analysis of terrain in the subregion, the geometric analysis determining a location for each one of a pre-designated plurality of candidate sensors that may potentially be used in forming the virtual tripwire. A viewshed for each candidate sensor is determined. Each viewshed represents a coverage region for its associated candidate sensor. A geometric beginning point and a geometric end point within the subregion are each defined for the virtual tripwire. The viewsheds are analyzed to determine a number of the candidate sensors required to form a path for the virtual tripwire from the beginning point to the end point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Raju S. Mattikalli, Robert W. Grube, Paul Z. Thunemann
  • Patent number: 7706980
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a blowout preventer (BOP) wherein a pressurization unit applies fluid to an isolated portion of the throughbore of the BOP. A signal that is representative of the actual pressure in the isolated portion of the throughbore over successive time points and a pre-determined non-deterministic finite state automaton are used to predict the pressure in the isolated portion of the throughbore as a function of time relative to a pre-determined acceptable leak rate and the time at which stability is achieved. In one embodiment stability is achieved when successive predicted pressures are within a predetermined difference over a predetermined interval of time. Visual indications are provided to depict the progress of testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Warren J. Winters, Ronald B. Livesay
  • Patent number: 7705727
    Abstract: A method and computer program for interfacing an expert system to a clinical information system. Embodiments of the invention provide tight integration of the systems permitting a clinician to use the functionality provided by the expert system without specifically maintaining separate patient data. They provide a method for communication between the expert system and one or more clinical information systems. This communication permits flow of information and actions between the expert system and the clinical systems and allows maintenance of audit logs in both systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: TheraDoc, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley L. Pestotnik, William J. Ketcherside, Jr., Jonathan B. F. Olson, William F. Harty, Robert R. Hausam, Michael E. Baza
  • Patent number: 7706915
    Abstract: A system, software, and methods related to enhanced pharmaceutical order entry and administration by medical personnel, and enhanced pharmaceutical inventory control within a medical institution are provided. An embodiment of the system includes a pharmaceutical information management server having memory and a medication administration program product including a set of instructions stored in the memory of the pharmaceutical information management server to enhance provision of pharmacy services. The system also includes medical institution physician computers to provide for computerized physician medication order entry, pharmacy computers to provide for review and verification by a pharmacist of electronic medication orders placed through the physician computers, and medical institution nursing unit computers, to provide for review of and input to electronic medication administration records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Om Mohapatra, Rao Arimilli, Masood U. Farooki
  • Publication number: 20100100327
    Abstract: One apparatus embodiment includes an electronic assembly, equipped to sense one or more changes in an environmental condition. The assembly includes a logic circuit coupled to: one or more environmental sensors, memory that provides data storage, and a wireless communicator. The logic circuit is configured to perform time measurement, perform environmental measurement with the one or more environmental sensors, store time-stamped environmental data in the memory, and communicate with particular other electronic assemblies, equipped to sense one or more changes in an environmental condition, via the wireless communicator. The logic circuit is also coupled to a power source that provides power to at least one of the logic circuit and the wireless communicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: PAKSENSE, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7702462
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of tracking individual plants growing and/or taken from a growing location, such as a field, growing bed, plot or greenhouse. Machine-readable data related to selected individual plants is maintained in close association with corresponding plants while growing or if the plant is taken from the growing location. Information about each plant, e.g. traits, characteristics, genetic make-up, can be added to a database that correlates the information to the machine-readable data. Thus, individual plants can be tracked and information about the plant is available by maintaining the machine-readable data with the plant. The machine-readable data can be read by a machine operatively communicated with a computer on which is stored the database. Identity and information about the plant is therefore available, without keeping specific track of a plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Blair C. Fuessley, Chad M. Marsh
  • Publication number: 20100076687
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring an environmental footprint for a printing device. A system for measuring an environmental footprint for a printing device may include a processor communicating with an output device and a computer-readable storage medium in communication with the processor. The computer-readable storage medium may contain one or more programming instructions for providing at least one value for a measurement factor pertaining to the printing device, selecting one or more environmental footprint outputs based on a total impact of creation, usage and disposal of the printing device, determining an estimated emissions profile regarding one or more selected environmental footprint outputs including an amount of emissions to air and/or emissions to water, and causing a difference between the estimated emissions profile and an initial emissions profile to be displayed on the output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Victoria Fornaro DeYoung, Patricia Anne Calkins-Martin
  • Patent number: 7676326
    Abstract: A method and system of detecting and mapping a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir includes determining ratio data for a plurality of orthogonal spectral components of naturally occurring low frequency background seismic data. The ratio data may be compared, plotted, contoured and displayed as a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir map or a hydrocarbon potential map. The ratio data may represent a vertical spectral component of the seismic data over a horizontal spectral component of the seismic data. The subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir map may include contouring the ratio data over a geographical area associated with the seismic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Spectraseis AG
    Inventors: Yuri Podladchikov, Marc-André Lambert, Rodolphe Dewarrat, Stefan Schmalholz
  • Publication number: 20100042324
    Abstract: Vessels comprising towed array and an autonomous self propelled instrument array can be use to perform marine laboratory tests as well as other functions. Propulsion can be provided by diesel-electric hybrid engines, by a motion charging device and by an ocean current generator. Data can be collected by the onboard laboratory and transmitted to a central database accessible by remote users. The vessel can also be used to counter natural and man made threats in a marine environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Robert J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20100030475
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for source area contamination data acquisition, analysis and processing. The present invention leverages and expands direct sensing technology, knowledge and experience to provide detailed, real-time images of subsurface conditions. The latest technologies in sensors, digital processing, computation and 3D visualization are used to enable clients to work with a single contractor who can perform data acquisition, processing and analysis necessary to produce quantifiable, user-friendly 3D maps on a daily basis which can be delivered via the Internet and/or to mobile devices. This allows the owner and site project manager to make timely decisions as they guide investigation, remediation and monitoring efforts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Columbia Technologies , LLC
    Inventors: John H. Sohl, III, James Edward Tillman
  • Publication number: 20100030528
    Abstract: A system for determining location data related to at least one underground installation includes a non-invasive underground structure detection system, at least one analyzer mechanism, and at least one computer. The non-invasive underground structure detection system is configured to scan a survey area and transmit a first data set at least partially representative of the survey area. The survey area includes at least one underground installation. The at least one analyzer mechanism is configured to measure at least one physical characteristic associated with the at least one underground installation and transmit a second data set at least partially representative of the at least one measured physical characteristic. The at least one computer receives the first transmitted data and the second transmitted data, and determines location data related to the at least one underground installation based at least in part on the first and second transmitted data sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Geospatial Mapping Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Smith, George L. Brandt, Christopher D. Carlin
  • Publication number: 20100026304
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for analysing geological features comprises a receiver (20) for measuring a magnetic field received from adjacent geological features (18) excited by a periodic transmitted electromagnetic signal, wherein the measured magnetic field is a scalar amplitude of the magnetic field or a scalar amplitude of the magnetic field is derivable from the measured magnetic field, wherein the receiver generates a received signal from the measured magnetic field; and a processor (28) for filtering unwanted signal components which are substantially synchronous with the periodic transmitted electromagnetic signal from the scalar amplitude of the received signal or the scalar amplitude derived from the received signal, such that target geological features are able to be analysed using the filtered scalar amplitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Duncan
  • Patent number: 7653496
    Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods of analyzing mass spectral data. In some embodiments, the methods can be used for differential profiling of samples, such as comparing a sample comprising a 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Xiangdong Don Li
  • Patent number: 7650258
    Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for assessing the risk of an anthropogenic event are disclosed. An anthropogenic event is defined and recursively decomposed into causal conditions with ascertainable probabilities. The causal conditions and probabilities are transformed into a comprehensive probability of the event. The risk related to the occurrence of the event, such as a monetary loss, is computed based on its derived probability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: George Mason Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Claudio Cioffi-Revilla
  • Patent number: 7643941
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a statistical measure of the size of liquid water droplets in a cloud, as well as a system and method for the detection and/or measurement of the presence of a cloud, liquid water content in the cloud and ice water content in the cloud, among other parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Science Engineering Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Lyle E. Lilie, Christopher P. Sivo, Daniel B. Bouley
  • Publication number: 20090326821
    Abstract: A detection of an anomaly of geomagnetism and a collection of data are performed by using portable telephones. Direction variations measured by geomagnetic sensors mounted to the portable telephones are collected via data transmission lines for portable telephones, and the variations are observed for each area. Earthquake occurrence warning information is transmitted to a portable terminal of a collaborator for geomagnetism information provision in an area in which a number of occurrences of the variations is significantly large.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Tomonari Yomoda, Toshio Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7640110
    Abstract: A method of determining the nature of a submarine or subterranean reservoir having an electromagnetic characteristic is described. The method comprises analyzing data associated with the application of a time varying electromagnetic field from above the reservoir using a data analysis methodology that does not utilize an estimate of the reservoir's geometry in determining one or more characteristics of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Aria Abubakar, Tarek M. Habashy, Vladimir Druskin, David Lee Alumbaugh
  • Patent number: 7640109
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of analysing a complex hydrocarbon-containing mixture, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a liquid sample of the complex hydrocarbon-containing mixture; injecting the sample into a liquid carrier flowing to a mass spectrometer, wherein the mass spectrometer is set so as to ionise molecules in the sample without causing fragmentation thereof; recording a mass spectrum for ions obtained from the sample; and using the mass spectrum to obtain fingerprint of the mixture. {dot over (a)}In one embodiment, two or more mass spectra are recorded and are combined to obtain a fingerprint of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Ingvar Eide, Kolbjorn Zahlsen
  • Patent number: 7630835
    Abstract: A first frequency of electromagnetic radiation and a second frequency of electromagnetic radiation are received at a detector. The first and second frequencies of electromagnetic radiation are transmitted through a medium within a frequency range of approximately 0.1 TeraHertz to approximately 10 TeraHertz. Signals are generated that are proportional to the transmittance of the frequencies of electromagnetic radiation through the medium. A ratio of the of the signals is formed, and one or more of a relative humidity, an absolute humidity, and a water vapor concentration of the medium are calculated as a function of a temperature of the medium, the ratio, and a set of functional parameters associated with the temperature of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Cox, Christopher J. Zins
  • Patent number: 7627428
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for rapidly calculating the surface displacement that results from an arbitrarily shaped load on the surface of a layered substrate. Some embodiments include sparse direct calculations of surface displacement in combination with interpolation methods for estimating surface displacement at other points. Some embodiments include methods for reducing computer time required for calculating surface displacement caused by an arbitrarily shaped load on a layered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventors: Ernian Pan, Michael Bevis, Feng Han, Hao Zhou, Ronghua Zhu
  • Patent number: 7603210
    Abstract: An emission management system (200) for a vessel (100) adapted to travel on water. The emission management system includes a monitoring assembly (202) for monitoring an emission from the vessel. The monitoring assembly is adapted to automatically detect the emission from the vessel and generate a data set representative of a vessel location at a time the emission occurred. The emission management system also includes a data storage system (210) in communication with the monitoring assembly for recording the data set generated by the monitoring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Glosten Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin John Reynolds, William Lefevre Hurley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7603263
    Abstract: It is possible to easily perform the spatial simulation for a large area. Provided is a computer-readable medium recorded with a spatial simulation program for controlling a computer to execute procedures for calculating a time-based change of a variable in a plurality of numerical grids to reproduce on a computer a time-based change of a phenomenon represented by the variable in a space represented by the plurality of numerical grids, the spatial simulation program including the procedures of: defining a sub domain composed of the plurality of numerical grids (201); setting a forcing condition for the sub domain (204); detecting the sub domain including the numerical grid in which the variable changes with time; detecting the sub domain including the numerical grid in which the variable referred to for calculating the time-based change is positioned (205); and updating variables in the numerical grids constituting the detected sub domain (208).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamaguchi, Keiro Muro, Kazuaki Iwamura
  • Patent number: 7599825
    Abstract: Various technologies for removing shoulder-bed effects from measurements of an earth formation made in a wellbore. In one implementation, a methodology for removing the shoulder-bed effects includes receiving the measurements and constructing a layered model of the earth formation. Each layer has a set of parameters corresponding to one or more types of the received measurements ascribed to each layer such that the set of parameters define a parameter space for the layered model. The methodology may further include dividing the parameter space into subspaces based on relationships among the parameters, selecting from the subspaces one or more starting points, minimizing a cost function using the one or more starting points to generate one or more candidate solutions having the shoulder-bed effects removed and selecting a final solution from the one or more candidate solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Yang, Dzevat Omeragic, Chengbing Liu, Qiming Li, Jan W. Smits, Yanqing Zeng, Helene C. Climent
  • Publication number: 20090240433
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for determining risk of loss to a wetland habitat is provided. The system comprises a computer, the computer configured to receive light detection and ranging data about a wetland habitat elevation and calculate the frequency distribution of the wetland habitat elevation based on the light detection and ranging data. The computer is further configured to calculate a skewness statistic based on the frequency distribution of the wetland habitat elevation, the skewness statistic being negative, zero, or positive. The computer is configured to calculate risk of loss to the wetland habitat by utilizing the skewness statistic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
    Inventor: James T. Morris
  • Patent number: 7587297
    Abstract: A computerized system for targeted horticultural advertising. In some embodiments, the system comprises a computer. The computer receives environmental data collected at a horticultural site. The computer determines conformance of the environmental data to a plant species profile and directs a user to commercial information regarding a plant associated with the plant species profile based on the conformance. In some embodiments, the system is used in plant selection and purchasing. In some embodiments, the system is used in plant health diagnostics and troubleshooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Plant Sense, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew K. Glenn, David L. Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20090222207
    Abstract: A method for mapping, in three dimensions, the contents of a plume within an area is described. The method includes distributing spectrally sensitive sensors on a first surface of a vehicle, distributing spectrally sensitive emitters on a second surface of a vehicle, causing the emitters to output a signal directed through the plume and towards the sensors, receiving at least a portion of the emitter output at the sensors, communicating an output of the sensors, the sensor output caused by the received optical emitter output, to a central processing unit, and analyzing the sensor outputs and time-based vehicle positions to characterize the plume and an area surrounding the plume in three dimensions over a period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Roger D. Bernhardt
  • Publication number: 20090216594
    Abstract: A vineyard information collection and management system is provided. The system allows a variety of information at one or more vineyards to be collected in real time, processed at a central server, and provided to users over the Internet using customizable, easy-to-use forms and pages accessible using a conventional web browser. The system includes planning, analysis, and management tools that assist in making purchasing, operations, and management decisions at one or more vineyards The invention includes a plurality of software modules that provide useful, real-time information about vineyards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: James Verhey, Alfred Buckland, Steve Matthiason, John Duckhorn