Abstract

The invention is directed towards decoupling tidal effects from time-series depth measurements. A drainage sensor includes a fluid depth sensor. The drainage sensors are positioned at monitoring points in a drainage system. Stormwater flows into an input of the drainage system. A tidal depth sensor is positioned in a tidal body of water near an output of the drainage system. During period of high tide, tidal water backflows into the output of the drainage system. The decoupling is accomplished by generating a model of tidal backflow patterns based on data from the drainage sensors and the tidal sensor. The model accounts for a lag time between the tidal data measurements and measurements of the drainage sensors. The model is be used to predict the contribution of tidal backflow effects to stormwater data.

IPC Classes  ?

• E03F 1/00 - Methods, systems, or installations for draining-off sewage or storm water
• G01W 1/14 - Rainfall or precipitation gauges

Abstract

An environmental monitoring network has transportable, self-contained, environment sensing capsules, each capsule is water-proof, with first and second sections, the second section being hollow. Apertures in the capsule's housing enable fluid and gas entry wherein first sensor(s) disposed internal to the housing measure within the hollow, and second sensor(s) disposed external to the housing measure external to the housing. A controller and power system are connected to the first and second sensors and transmits measured data. An access entry way is on a side of the housing, enabling access to first sensors, controller system, power system, and the communication system. A central data server is configured to receive and analyze the measurement data sent from the capsules. There is a priority list of appropriate personnel for contact by the central data server in an event there is an emergency condition at a capsule location.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01W 1/10 - Devices for predicting weather conditions
• B64C 39/02 - Aircraft not otherwise provided for characterised by special use
• B64F 3/00 - Ground installations specially adapted for captive aircraft
• B64U 10/13 - Flying platforms
• B64U 101/20 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for use as communications relays, e.g. high altitude platforms
• B64U 101/30 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for imaging, photography or videography
• B64U 101/35 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for science, e.g. meteorology
• G01W 1/00 - Meteorology
• G01W 1/04 - Instruments for indicating weather conditions by measuring two or more variables, e.g. humidity, pressure, temperature, cloud cover or wind speed giving only separate indications of the variables measured
• G06V 20/17 - Terrestrial scenes taken from planes or by drones

Abstract

In order to support two-way radio communications from enclosed space areas, such as street manholes, an antenna is required to provide high signal quality for satellite, cellular, or radio frequency communications under high impact traffic conditions. On a wastewater manhole the antenna must provide efficient two-way communications as well as survive the frequent impacts of heavy, high-speed traffic. A common method of mounting is to use high strength adhesives to secure the antenna to the manhole cover. This becomes a permanent attachment, which can be costly and inflexible. Described is a mounting method and hardware that provides secure attachment and the ability to remove and remount a housing-protected antenna on an alternative manhole cover. This reduces waste and cost and labor for re-installation.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 1/24 - SupportsMounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set
• H01Q 1/42 - Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome

Abstract

A covered enclosure device, with an on-chip 2-D phased array radar sensor, to create a three-dimensional image of the enclosure's interior. An environmental casing contains a processor, motion detector, communication module coupled to an external communication antenna, power source. It is attachable to a lid or upper side surface of the enclosure. A radar reflective element is disposed within the enclosure. After scanning, the device measures positions of, if present, surfaces and obstructions within the enclosure and a level of liquid or powder in the bottom of the enclosure, and if the enclosure contains an open channeled inlet and outlet, then liquid levels in the inlet and outlet, the position of the inlet and outlet, and the speed of fluid in the inlet and outlet. If the motion detector detects a threshold movement of the lid or surface sensing device, the phased array radar sensor performs a reorientation scan.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 23/284 - Electromagnetic waves
• G01S 7/00 - Details of systems according to groups , ,
• G01S 7/02 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
• G01S 7/41 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group using analysis of echo signal for target characterisationTarget signatureTarget cross-section
• G01S 13/02 - Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systemsAnalogous systems
• G01S 13/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates
• G01S 13/58 - Velocity or trajectory determination systemsSense-of-movement determination systems
• G01S 13/89 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging

Abstract

An environmental monitoring network has transportable, self-contained, environment sensing capsules, each capsule is water-proof, with first and second sections, the second section being hollow. Apertures in the capsule's housing enable fluid and gas entry wherein first sensor(s) disposed internal to the housing measure within the hollow, and second sensor(s) disposed external to the housing measure external to the housing. A controller and power system are connected to the first and second sensors and transmits measured data. An access entry way is on a side of the housing, enabling access to first sensors, controller system, power system, and the communication system. A central data server is configured to receive and analyze the measurement data sent from the capsules. There is a priority list of appropriate personnel for contact by the central data server in an event there is an emergency condition at a capsule location.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01W 1/10 - Devices for predicting weather conditions
• B64F 3/00 - Ground installations specially adapted for captive aircraft
• B64U 10/13 - Flying platforms
• G01W 1/04 - Instruments for indicating weather conditions by measuring two or more variables, e.g. humidity, pressure, temperature, cloud cover or wind speed giving only separate indications of the variables measured
• G06V 20/17 - Terrestrial scenes taken from planes or by drones
• B64C 39/02 - Aircraft not otherwise provided for characterised by special use
• B64U 101/20 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for use as communications relays, e.g. high altitude platforms
• B64U 101/30 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for imaging, photography or videography
• B64U 101/35 - UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for science, e.g. meteorology
• G01W 1/00 - Meteorology

Abstract

The invention is directed towards decoupling tidal effects from time-series depth measurements. A drainage sensor includes a fluid depth sensor. The drainage sensors are positioned at monitoring points in a drainage system. Stormwater flows into an input of the drainage system. A tidal depth sensor is positioned in a tidal body of water near an output of the drainage system. During period of high tide, tidal water backflows into the output of the drainage system. The decoupling is accomplished by generating a model of tidal backflow patterns based on data from the drainage sensors and the tidal sensor. The model accounts for a lag time between the tidal data measurements and measurements of the drainage sensors. The model is be used to predict the contribution of tidal backflow effects to stormwater data.

IPC Classes  ?

• E03F 1/00 - Methods, systems, or installations for draining-off sewage or storm water
• G01W 1/14 - Rainfall or precipitation gauges

Abstract

A combined sewer/enclosure overflow (CSO) sensor system is described for accurate detection and measurement of overflow events. From the combined data, trending information can determine if there is debris accumulation. Rain masks can be used in the trending data to measure overall health. External sensors in combination with the CSO sensors provide predictive information and additional levels of information/data accuracy. The sensor system automatically and remotely monitors CSO locations and provides real-time data regarding start times, stop times, duration, and flow volumes of overflows that occur in these structures and provide regulatory and public notification of these events.

IPC Classes  ?

• E03F 5/042 - Arrangements of means against overflow of water, backing-up from the drain
• E03F 3/02 - Arrangement of sewer pipe-lines or pipe-line systems
• G05D 9/12 - Level control, e.g. controlling quantity of material stored in vessel characterised by the use of electric means
• E03F 5/12 - Emergency outlets
• G01F 1/325 - Means for detecting quantities used as proxy variables for swirl

Abstract

An environmental sensor device with a sensor enclosure is configured for use in a gas environment. An enclosure support, at least one sensor on a face of the enclosure; and at least one debris sloughing structure is used. The debris sloughing structure is composed of a channel with a set of inner and outer ridges disposed in the enclosure around a periphery of the at least one sensor, wherein a top portion of the debris sloughing structure above the at least one sensor and lateral portions of the debris sloughing structure on lateral sides of the at least one sensor. A shape and arrangement of the debris sloughing structure carries condensate or contaminants forming on non-sensor areas of the enclosure away from the sensor and to a bottom portion of the enclosure.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01D 11/24 - Housings
• G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
• G01S 7/02 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group

Abstract

A method and device for controlling EM radiation from an exposed manhole around roadways. A remote field unit controller is disposed under a manhole cover proximal to a roadway, with a sensor attached to either the manhole cover, a manhole, or the remote field unit controller, providing information of at least one of a position, acceleration, direction of the manhole cover. An EM transmitter/receiver and EM emitter/absorber are disposed under the manhole cover and an EM controller communicates to the EM transmitter. When the sensor detects sufficient movement of the manhole cover, a signal is sent to the remote field unit controller to at least one of suppress, alter, and turn off EM emissions from the EM transmitter so as to prevent EM radiation from entering the roadway. The EM transmitter is at least one of a lidar, infrared, EM, and time-of-flight emitter or sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 7/02 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
• E03F 5/02 - Manhole shafts or other inspection chambersSnow-filling openingsAccessories
• G01S 7/48 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• G01P 15/00 - Measuring accelerationMeasuring decelerationMeasuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration

Abstract

Distributed systems and methods for the automatic monitoring and reporting of data relating to the chemistry and flow of stormwater (i.e. stormwater data) are presented. Multiple fluid sensor devices are exposed to stormwater via positioning the sensor devices in locations of interest. The sensor devices are arranged in self-healing mesh networks. The sensor devices are enabled to acquire stormwater data indicating various fluid properties that are desired to be monitored. A sensor device is further enabled to transmit its acquired stormwater data, either directly or indirectly, to one or more remote computing devices that is hosting a stormwater monitoring application (SMA). The SMA is enabled to process and analyze the stormwater data. The SMA generates measurements and reports based on the processed and analyzed stormwater data.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 23/26 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields
• G01W 1/14 - Rainfall or precipitation gauges
• E03F 1/00 - Methods, systems, or installations for draining-off sewage or storm water
• G01N 33/18 - Water
• G01K 13/02 - Thermometers specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring temperature of moving fluids or granular materials capable of flow
• G01F 1/00 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
• G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
• G01F 15/06 - Indicating or recording devices

Abstract

A method and device for controlling EM radiation from an exposed manhole around roadways. A remote field unit controller is disposed under a manhole cover proximal to a roadway, with a sensor attached to either the manhole cover, a manhole, or the remote field unit controller, providing information of at least one of a position, acceleration, direction of the manhole cover. An EM transmitter/receiver and EM emitter/absorber are disposed under the manhole cover and an EM controller communicates to the EM transmitter. When the sensor detects sufficient movement of the manhole cover, a signals is sent to the remote field unit controller to at least one of suppress, alter, and turn off EM emissions from the EM transmitter so as to prevent EM radiation from entering the roadway.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 7/02 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
• G01S 7/40 - Means for monitoring or calibrating
• G01S 7/00 - Details of systems according to groups , ,
• G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
• E02D 29/12 - Manhole shaftsOther inspection or access chambersAccessories therefor

Goods & Services

Liquid level sensors

Goods & Services

Electric or electronic sensors for sensing, reporting, tracking concentration of hydrogen sulfide in enclosures

Goods & Services

Software as a service (SAAS) featuring software for reporting, tracking, managing, recording and maintaining the levels of water in rivers, streams and brooks

Abstract

Distributed systems and methods for the automatic monitoring and reporting of data relating to the chemistry and flow of stormwater (i.e. stormwater data) are presented. Multiple fluid sensor devices are exposed to stormwater via positioning the sensor devices in locations of interest. The sensor devices are arranged in self-healing mesh networks. The sensor devices are enabled to acquire stormwater data indicating various fluid properties that are desired to be monitored. A sensor device is further enabled to transmit its acquired stormwater data, either directly or indirectly, to one or more remote computing devices that is hosting a stormwater monitoring application (SMA). The SMA is enabled to process and analyze the stormwater data. The SMA generates measurements and reports based on the processed and analyzed stormwater data.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 23/26 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields
• G01W 1/14 - Rainfall or precipitation gauges
• E03F 1/00 - Methods, systems, or installations for draining-off sewage or storm water
• G01N 33/18 - Water
• G01K 13/02 - Thermometers specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring temperature of moving fluids or granular materials capable of flow
• G01F 1/00 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
• G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
• G01F 15/06 - Indicating or recording devices

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards devices, systems, and methods for remotely acquiring stormwater data. A sensor device includes sensors and a transceiver. The sensors generate stormwater data in response to a fluid communication with (or exposure to) stormwater flowing through a stormwater drainage (such as a pipe). The transceiver provides the stormwater data to another sensor device included within a self-healing mesh network including similar sensor devices. The transceiver receives other stormwater data from still other sensor devices included in the mesh network. The sensor device additionally include a processor device, a memory device, a rechargeable battery, and a global positioning device. The components may be integrated on an inner surface of a compression ring that is positionable within the stormwater pipe. The mesh network includes a controller node for receiving the stormwater data from the sensor devices and relaying the stormwater to a remote computing device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G08B 21/00 - Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
• H04W 4/38 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for collecting sensor information

Goods & Services

(1) Electric or electronic sensors to be used on entry doors, entrances, or manhole cover entrances that monitor the environment inside, outside and around the entry, namely ultrasonic level sensors, pressure sensors, gas sensors, optical sensors, chemical sensors for PH, oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, turbidity units, conductivity sensors, temperature sensors, smoke detectors, radiation detectors, security sensors.

Abstract

In one embodiment, a flow-estimation processor receives one or more flow-depth measurements with each flow-depth measurement having been taken at a respective time. The processor calculates a respective estimated flow rate for each of the times based on the corresponding flow-depth measurement and one or more flow-estimation parameters each set to a respective initial value. The processor outputs the estimated flow rates for presentation via a user interface, and receives via the user interface one or more updated values corresponding respectively to a flow-estimation parameter. The processor calculates an updated estimated flow rate for each of the one or more times, such that each respective updated estimated flow rate is calculated based on the received updated values. The processor then outputs the updated estimated flow rates for presentation via the user interface.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01F 1/05 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
• G01P 3/36 - Devices characterised by the use of optical means, e.g. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
• G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
• G01F 15/06 - Indicating or recording devices
• G01F 1/74 - Devices for measuring flow of a fluid or flow of a fluent solid material in suspension in another fluid
• G01F 1/00 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
• G01F 25/00 - Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume
• G01P 5/24 - Measuring speed of fluids, e.g. of air streamMeasuring speed of bodies relative to fluids, e.g. of ship, of aircraft by measuring the direct influence of the streaming fluid on the properties of a detecting acoustical wave
• G05D 7/06 - Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means

Abstract

In one embodiment, a flow-estimation processor receives one or more flow-depth measurements with each flow-depth measurement having been taken at a respective time. The processor calculates a respective estimated flow rate for each of the times based on the corresponding flow-depth measurement and one or more flow-estimation parameters each set to a respective initial value. The processor outputs the estimated flow rates for presentation via a user interface, and receives via the user interface one or more updated values corresponding respectively to a flow-estimation parameter. The processor calculates an updated estimated flow rate for each of the one or more times, such that each respective updated estimated flow rate is calculated based on the received updated values. The processor then outputs the updated estimated flow rates for presentation via the user interface.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 19/00 - Investigating materials by mechanical methods
• G01F 15/00 - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
• G01F 1/00 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow

Goods & Services

Electronic data processing apparatus; Software for analyzing, diagnosing, and predicting conditions in sewers and water lines, and a system for providing alerts regarding conditions in sewers and water lines

Abstract

A sensor stabilization platform and method for installation in an enclosure is described, wherein the platform can be lowered into the enclosure from the enclosure's entry way (without requiring a person to enter the enclosure) and properly oriented to provide the structural support/securing capabilities needed for a sensor that is “sensing” the material at the bottom of the enclosure. The securing platform is weighted or configured to rest (without movement) at the bottom of the enclosure floor or manhole, and sensors can be lowered into the platform's receptacle(s), etc. The platform may be configured to be foldable, allowing it to be compact and pass through narrow entry ways.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01D 21/00 - Measuring or testing not otherwise provided for

Abstract

An apparatus for generating power in an enclosure includes a power generation device configured to operate in the environmental conditions of the enclosure, a first power storage device connected to the power generation device and configured to store power generated by the power generation device, a power converter connected to the power storage device and configured to output power at a voltage different than that output by the power storage device, and a second power storage device connected directly or indirectly to the power converter and configured to store power output by the power converter. The second power storage device may then provide power for at least one component of an environmental monitoring system.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01J 45/00 - Discharge tubes functioning as thermionic generators
• H02K 44/08 - Magnetohydrodynamic [MHD] generators
• H02N 11/00 - Generators or motors not provided for elsewhereAlleged perpetua mobilia obtained by electric or magnetic means
• H02P 3/00 - Arrangements for stopping or slowing electric motors, generators, or dynamo-electric converters
• H02P 9/06 - Control effected upon clutch or other mechanical power transmission means and dependent upon electric output value of the generator
• H02P 15/00 - Arrangements for controlling dynamo-electric brakes or clutches
• H02P 9/00 - Arrangements for controlling electric generators for the purpose of obtaining a desired output
• F02B 63/04 - Adaptations of engines for driving pumps, hand-held tools or electric generatorsPortable combinations of engines with engine-driven devices for electric generators
• H02K 7/18 - Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g.with turbines

Goods & Services

Sewer system monitoring services

Goods & Services

Sewer system monitoring services

Goods & Services

Sewer system monitoring services

Abstract

An apparatus for monitoring environmental parameters within an enclosure includes a power source; a communication device electrically connected to the power source and attachable to a cover of the enclosure; and a sensor suspended away from the cover of the enclosure. A method for providing a monitor of environmental parameters within an enclosure includes attaching a communication device to a cover of the enclosure, connecting the communication device to a power source; and suspending a sensor away from the cover of the enclosure. A method for monitoring environmental parameters within an enclosure includes monitoring one or more environmental parameters with a sensor suspended by a cable within an enclosure, and transmitting data representing one or more monitored environmental parameters from a communication device to a second communication device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G08B 23/00 - Alarms responsive to unspecified undesired or abnormal conditions

Abstract

A remote sensing system and method for instrumenting the entries to manhole enclosures, in order to provide a platform and means f sensing environmental parameters within and around the enclosures and wirelessly transmitting those parameters to a distant site. T system comprises a housing (10) with sensor for monitoring environmental prararreter in the vicinity of the manhole. A microcontrol (12) in the housing sends the parameters to a radio module (13), which transmits the parameters to a communication device for alerting a user that a manhole has been tampered with.

IPC Classes  ?

• G08B 1/08 - Systems for signalling characterised solely by the form of transmission of the signal using electric transmission
• H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks

Goods & Services

Electronics used to detect and transmit environmental conditions, namely, electric or electronic sensors used on entry doors, entrances, or manhole cover entrances that monitor the environment inside, outside and around the entry

Goods & Services

Measurement and false alarm controls for mounted electric or electronic sensors for environmental monitoring and intrusion detection

Goods & Services

Electric or electronic sensors to be used on entry doors, entrances, or manhole cover entrances that monitor the environment inside, outside and around the entry