Abstract: A variable ratio power divider (VRPD) used for adjusting a calibration signal for a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The VRPD includes an input line that receives a calibration signal and splits the calibration signal into two separate test signals that have a 0° phase shift between them. The VRPD also includes a horizontal polarization output port for a horizontal calibration signal and a vertical polarization output port for a vertical calibration signal. A waveguide switch receives one of the test signals. If the waveguide switch is operating in a first position, it passes the test signal through a variable 0°-180° phase shifter. This evenly divides the power of the test signals between the horizontal and vertical output ports. If the waveguide switch is operating in a second position, it causes the test signal to bypass the phase shifter so that the entire power of the both test signals is directed entirely to either the horizontal phase output port or the vertical phase output port.

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: A system for providing environmental condition information to remote users includes a computer system that obtains environmental data from a variety of sources and converts them into data that indicate presence of an environmental condition (including the strength, severity and form of a weather event), a distribution network in communication with the computer system, and one or more remote systems, which further comprise a receiver configured to receive distribution network signals and down convert them, and a remote computer system. The remote computer system is configured to receive the down-converted signals from the receiver and uses the data transmitted in the messages to determine whether the environmental conditions are geo-graphically relevant to the remote system based upon the geographic position of the remote system. The remote systems include a display systems which provide visual or aural alerts relating to weather phenomena, road conditions, road status or traffic.

Abstract: A system for draping meteorological data on a three dimensional terrain image has been developed. The system includes a central processing server that receives meteorological data in real time and drapes the meteorological data over a three dimensional terrain image. The image is then transmitted to a display computer for use by an end user.

Abstract: A radar system having first and second modes of operation comprising a dual antenna assembly comprising first and second antennas having respective first and second antenna waveguides coupled to a waveguide switch operable to divert RF energy to or from either said antenna waveguide, said waveguide switch coupled to a common waveguide, said dual antenna assembly mounted to an antenna support assembly, said first and second antennas being designed for use in said first and second modes respectively and operable for coupling said RF energy to a transmit medium, and for coupling reflected RF energy from transmit medium to said first or second antenna waveguide; and a control processor configured with control logic operable to control the functions of said radar system wherein said first and second antennas are mounted generally perpendicularly in the vertical plane with respect to each other and wherein said radar system operates in only one of said modes of operation at any time.

Abstract: A radar system having first and second modes of operation comprising a dual antenna assembly comprising first and second antennas having respective first and second antenna waveguides coupled to a waveguide switch operable to divert RF energy to or from either said antenna waveguide, said waveguide switch coupled to a common waveguide, said dual antenna assembly mounted to an antenna support assembly, said first and second antennas being designed for use in said first and second modes respectively and operable for coupling said RF energy to a transmit medium, and for coupling reflected RF energy from transmit medium to said first or second antenna waveguide; and a control processor configured with control logic operable to control the functions of said radar system wherein said first and second antennas are mounted generally perpendicularly in the vertical plane with respect to each other and wherein said radar system operates in only one of said modes of operation at any time.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying storm tracks is provided. The method includes combining topographic imagery, preferably high-resolution photographic images, with storm path vectors. The method further comprises panning along the storm path vector, in a “zoomed-in” mode, to allow site-specific depiction of geographic landmarks and expected times of arrival. A system for performing the method includes control logic which causes a computer system to execute the steps of the method is also provided.

Abstract: A calibration system for the receiver of a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The system includes a radar transmitter that transmits signals in horizontal and vertical polarizations and a radar receiver that receives the horizontal and vertical polarization signals. The system also includes a test signal generator that generates a continuous wave test signal. A calibration circuit for the radar receiver modifies the test signal to simulate weather conditions by adjusting the attenuation and Doppler phase shift of a continuous wave test signal.

Abstract: A variable ratio power divider (VRPD) used for adjusting a calibration signal for a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The VRPD includes an input line that receives a calibration signal and splits the calibration signal into two separate test signals that have a 0° phase shift between them. The VRPD also includes a horizontal polarization output port for a horizontal calibration signal and a vertical polarization output port for a vertical calibration signal. A waveguide switch receives one of the test signals. If the waveguide switch is operating in a first position, it passes the test signal through a variable 0°-180° phase shifter. This evenly divides the power of the test signals between the horizontal and vertical output ports. If the waveguide switch is operating in a second position, it causes the test signal to bypass the phase shifter so that the entire power of the both test signals is directed entirely to either the horizontal phase output port or the vertical phase output port.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a dual polarization weather radar system has been developed. The method first generates a transmission pulse from the radar system. The transmission pulse is then modified to generate a test signal that simulates a desired atmospheric condition. The test signal is transmitted directly into the radar system from a test antenna and the radar system is calibrated according to the test signal.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying storm tracks is provided. The method includes combining topographic imagery, preferably high-resolution photographic images, with storm path vectors. The method further includes panning along the storm path vector, in a “zoomed-in” mode, to allow site-specific depiction of geographic landmarks and expected times of arrival. A system for performing the method includes control logic which causes a computer system to execute the steps of the method is also provided.

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.

Abstract: A calibration system for the receiver of a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The system includes a radar transmitter that transmits signals in horizontal and vertical polarizations and a radar receiver that receives the horizontal and vertical polarization signals. The system also includes a test signal generator that generates a continuous wave test signal. A calibration circuit for the radar receiver modifies the test signal to simulate weather conditions by adjusting the attenuation and Doppler phase shift of a continuous wave test signal.

Abstract: A variable ratio power divider (VRPD) used for adjusting a calibration signal for a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The VRPD includes an input line that receives a calibration signal and splits the calibration signal into two separate test signals that have a 0° phase shift between them. The VRPD also includes a horizontal polarization output port for a horizontal calibration signal and a vertical polarization output port for a vertical calibration signal. A waveguide switch receives one of the test signals. If the waveguide switch is operating in an open position, it passes the test signal through a variable 0°-180° phase shifter. This evenly divides the power of the test signals between the horizontal and vertical output ports. If the waveguide switch is operating in a closed position, it causes the test signal to bypass the phase shifter so that the entire power of the both test signals is directed entirely to either the horizontal phase output port or the vertical phase output port.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying storm tracks is provided. The method includes combining topographic imagery, preferably high-resolution photographic images, with storm path vectors. The method further comprises panning along the storm path vector, in a “zoomed-in” mode, to allow site-specific depiction of geographic landmarks and expected times of arrival. A system for performing the method includes control logic which causes a computer system to execute the steps of the method is also provided.

Abstract: A system for real-time tracking and display of movement of an airborne hazardous agent includes one or more mobile units each having a wind parameter measuring apparatus that provides real-time wind direction and speed, a navigation system that provides a mobile unit heading and real-time position of the mobile unit, and a radio transmitter; a computer system having an input for receiving the wind parameters and the mobile unit heading and the mobile unit position, a processor and a memory and that is configured with control logic to enable the computer system to obtain the wind parameters, mobile unit heading, mobile unit position, determine a wind heading and generate an image having a geographic point corresponding to position where the hazardous agent was released, a graphical indication of possible movement over time, and a graphical indication of predicted movement over time based upon the wind parameters; and a display for displaying the image.

Abstract: A method of processing meteorological data to combine meteorological threat products for presentation in a single graphical image is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, meteorological data is received from at least one meteorological data source, and the received meteorological data is processed to generate more than one distinct threat products for a given geographic area. The distinct threat products are then combined to create a composite threat product, which may be graphically displayed together with a graphical representation of the geographic area affected by the threat products. A system for processing meteorological data for the graphical display of more than one threat product in a single graphical image is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer based method of processing meteorological data to automatically characterize significant meteorological events is disclosed. Meteorological data is received and processed to generate a plurality of distinct threat products for a given geographic area. The threat products are combined over the given geographic area to create a composite threat product, which is automatically compared to predetermined threshold values to identify one or more areas of threat. A system for processing meteorological data to automatically characterize significant meteorological events is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for providing real-time site specific weather information comprises a weather alert manager that receives meteorological data and combines the meteorological data with a geographical grid covering a predefined geographic area to produce a storm profile for the storms within the geographical area, wherein the geographic grid partitions the geographic area into a plurality of cells. A distribution network distributes the storm profiles to remote units that are responsive to the storm profiles. The remote units are configured to process the storm profiles and present real-time site specific weather information based upon the storm profile. The storm profiles may include a cell identifier that identifies a cell of the geographic grid that is affected by the storm. In addition, the storm profiles may further include a storm identifier, a storm type identifier, and a presence qualifier associated with each cell identified.

Abstract: A system for providing real-time site specific weather information includes a plurality of remote sensing units, each of which incorporates an electronic messaging system for delivering electronic messages indicative of ground level meteorological observations, and a server system communicating with the remote sensing units to receive the electronic messages. The server system includes a database for storing information pertaining to the remote sensing units and instructions for routing the received electronic messages. At least one remote system is configured to receive non-ground level meteorological data indicative of a weather phenomenon and to associate the electronic messages with the non-ground level meteorological data for graphical display together with a graphical view of the geographic area affected by the weather phenomenon and the ground level meteorological observations. A method for providing real-time site specific weather information is also disclosed.