Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to digital transponders.

Abstract: A method of extracting automatic identification system (AIS) message segments from AIS signals received by a satellite. The method includes: (a) receiving AIS signals from satellite antennas; (b) generating multiple versions of the AIS signals; (c) extracting message segments contained within each of the AIS signals using one or more AIS receivers; (d) sorting the message segments by time; and (e) deleting any duplicate message segments. Multiple versions of the AIS signals may be generated by one or more of the following methods: (i) processing the AIS signals multiple times, each time with different AIS receiver parameter settings; (ii) splitting each signal into multiple signals and filtering each of the multiple signals separately; (iii) receiving multiple AIS signals and combining them with different phases and amplitudes to produce a plurality of combined AIS signals; and (iv) removing extracted message segments from the received AIS signals and reprocessing the modified AIS signals.

Abstract: The ratchet buckle for tightening a strap under a ratchet action provides a retention arm that constrains folded excess strap to the buckle to prevent it from flapping free during transport of cargo that the strap secures. A guard is provided outside a crank arm that is rotatably journaled to a base by a spindle on its forward end. The crank arm is secured to the guard intermediate the length of the guard with the guard extending rearward of the crank arm. The guard thus covers a ratchet wheel and the crank arm and with the crank arm forms an effective double-layered crank arm. The retention arm is rotatable on a handle shaft mounted to the guard rearward end, biased down onto folded excess strap.

Abstract: A method and system for recreating a two-dimensional distribution of temperatures in an exhaust plane of a gas turbine engine. Light transmission and detection pairs may be arranged in the annulus of the exhaust of the turbine engine in such a way that the individual rays form a two-dimensional mesh of beams across a sector of the exhaust. Based on the absorption of the rays, the temperature of the sector of the exhaust thru which the ray passes may be determined. Based on these determinations, an image that corresponds to the operation of the turbine engine may be generated.

Abstract: The tie-down provides an adjustable strap under control of a ratchet during retraction and pay-out. The tie-down is provided with a strap issuing rearward from a transverse bar between base sides, the bar being an integral part of the base, three sides having been rolled up from the base bottom into a C-shaped bar opening rearward. A forward strap issues forward from the tie-down secured to a spindle to which ratchet wheels attach. The forward strap wraps the spindle during tie-down strap retraction.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to digital transponders.

Abstract: A wind power generation system includes a wind turbine at a wind turbine location, a measuring device for providing a wind condition signal at a test location, a sensor for providing a wind condition signal at the wind turbine, and a controller. The controller is configured for receiving the wind condition signals, using a wind correlation database and the wind condition signal at the test location for providing a wind condition estimation at the wind turbine location, obtaining a difference between the wind condition signal at the wind turbine location and the wind condition estimate at the wind turbine location, and using the difference for adjusting the wind condition signal at the wind turbine location.

Abstract: An article includes an electrically conductive corrodible element; a device that can inject electricity at a plurality of operation frequencies into the corrodible element; and a measurement apparatus operable to measuring impedance of the electrically conductive corrodible element under various operation frequencies.

Abstract: The retractable tie-down provides an adjustable strap under control of a rotation brake during retraction and pay-out. The rotation brake impedes rotation of a spool on which the strap is wrapped and unwrapped during retraction and pay-out of the strap as the tie-down operates in one of either a pay-out mode or a retraction mode. Thus, the rate of retraction of the strap is user-controlled through the rotation brake. The tie-down is provided with a lanyard issuing from rearward from the tie-down and a strap issuing forward from the tie-down for securement without direct, or positive attachment of the tie down to an anchor point, such as a chassis of a vehicle or the like.

Abstract: A corrosion detection apparatus is provided. The corrosion detection apparatus is capable of detecting corrosion on a surface of a pipe or a vessel where the surface contacts a fluid that is corrosive to the surface. The corrosion detection apparatus includes a corrodible element having a contact surface; at least two electrodes that are in electrical communication with each other through a segment of the corrodible element; and a detector in communication with the at least two electrodes. The detector detects a characteristic impedance value from the at least two electrodes through the corrodible element segment.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to corrosion sensors having one or more linear reactive impedance corrosion element capable of detecting both general and local corrosions, and to methods for detection same.

Abstract: A multi tip clearance measurement system is provided. The clearance measurement system includes a sensor disposed on a first object, wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of probe tips configured to generate signals representative of a sensed parameter corresponding to a second object and a processing unit configured to evaluate the signals from subsets of the sensed parameters from the probe tips to detect an outlier probe tip and to adjust a gain, or an offset of the respective outlier probe tip for estimating the clearance between the first and second objects based upon the signals.

Abstract: A frame constitutes the main part of a gradually released tension machine, which is a kind of tool for tensioning and releasing cargo binding strips by hand, and which also comprises a ratchet and an operating handle. On the edge of the frame is a locking slot and a loosening slot, and a releasing slot near the loosening slot. The frame also has a slow-release device comprising the releasing slot and a sliding gear which is used in combination with the ratchet of the tension machine and is rotatably fixed in proximity to the releasing slot, such that the tip of the sliding gear overlaps the releasing slot and is substantially even with the teeth of the ratchet. The frame is simple and can be easily manufactured. Utilizing this kind of frame, the releasing effect is much better, and the tension machine has greatly improved reliability and safety.

Abstract: A frame of gradually released tension machine, which is a kind of tool for binding by hand and the main part of machine; at the edge of the frame there are a locking slot and a loosening slot; a releasing slot is near the said loosening slot; the frame also has a slow-released device comprising the releasing slot and a sliding gear which combines with the ratchet of the tension machine and is turnable at the side of the releasing slot, and the acme of the sliding gear is up or even with the ratchet. The frame is simple and can be easily manufactured. Choosing this kind of frame to assemble the tension machine, the releasing effect is much better, and greatly improves its using reliability of safety. It is an ideal part for updating tension machines.