Abstract: A flow sensing module with a bypass channel is provided. The flow sensing module may include a body portion and a flow sensor. The body portion may include a main fluid inlet, a main fluid outlet, a main fluid channel extending between the main fluid inlet and the main fluid outlet, a bypass fluid inlet and a bypass fluid outlet each configured to be in communication with the main fluid channel, and a bypass fluid channel extending between the bypass fluid inlet and the bypass fluid outlet. The flow sensor may be disposed in the bypass fluid channel to sense a flow rate of a fluid in the bypass channel. No pressure drop element is disposed in the main fluid channel, so the main fluid channel may have a pressure loss of a very small value. Moreover, linearity and sensitivity of the flow sensing module may also be improved.

Abstract: A plurality of modules interact to form an adaptive network in which each module transmits and receives data signals indicative of the proximity of objects. A central computer accumulates the data produced or received and relayed by each module. One of the modules is operable as a leaf node having a sleep mode to conserve energy and an interactive mode. The central computer can send a message to the leaf node commanding it to stay awake in order to receive subsequent communications.

Abstract: A plurality of interactive modules are disposed at spaced locations to form an adaptive wireless network. Each module is capable of receiving transmissions of messages or data packets from other modules, and of transmitting messages or data packets to other modules for forming selected transmission paths via one or more modules toward a base station. Upon failure of a transmission path, a module not capable of transmitting a message along a transmission path toward the base station, transmits a message to other of the plurality of modules to form a new transmission path via such other module.

Abstract: An interface is provided that configures itself dynamically based on sensor information received from a sensor assembly or actuator information received from an actuator assembly. The interface may be configured to interoperate with sensor assemblies including analog transducers, smart transducers providing digital outputs and various actuators. The sensor information or the actuator information may include information for managing power consumption associated with the operation of the sensor or the actuator. Using the sensor information or the actuator information, a power management scheme may be implemented to reduce power consumption and extend the operational time of a module. The sensor information also includes information about the sensor signal generated by the sensor. The information about the sensor signal allows the module to interoperate with more diverse types of sensors.

Abstract: A plurality of modules interact to form an adaptive network in which each module transmits and receives data signals indicative of proximity of objects. A central computer accumulates the data produced or received and relayed by each module for analyzing proximity responses to transmit through the adaptive network control signals to a selectively-addressed module to respond to computer analyses of the data accumulated from modules forming the adaptive network. Interactions of local processors in modules that sense an intrusion determine the location and path of movements of the intruding object and control cameras in the modules to retrieve video images of the intruding object.

Abstract: A plurality of modules interact to form an adaptive network in which each module transmits and receives data signals indicative of proximity of objects. A central computer accumulates the data produced or received and relayed by each module for analyzing proximity responses to transmit through the adaptive network control signals to a selectively-addressed module to respond to computer analyses of the data accumulated from modules forming the adaptive network. Interactions of local processors in modules that sense an intrusion determine the location and path of movements of the intruding object and control cameras in the modules to retrieve video images of the intruding object. Multiple operational frequencies in adaptive networks permit expansions by additional networks that each operate at separate radio frequencies to avoid overlapping interaction. Additional modules may be introduced into operating networks without knowing the operating frequency at the time of introduction.

Abstract: A system and method for more accurately and robustly estimating navigation state of a vehicle by adaptively processing signals from an inertial sensor assembly and other sensors. A navigation system receives signals from two or more sensors to evaluate and correct the attitude estimated by an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). The navigation system selects sensor signals from the other sensor assemblies and processes the selected sensor signals in conjunction with estimates from the inertial navigation module to obtain more accurate estimates of the attitude. The parameters and conditions for using certain sensor signals may be adjusted based on the characteristics and configuration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A plurality of modules interact to form an adaptive network in which each module transmits and receives data signals indicative of physical properties sensed at the modules. A new module is joined in the adaptive network in an expedient manner. The new module transmits a burst of beacon messages after the interactive module is activated to discover neighboring interactive modules deployed and operating in the adaptive network. The neighboring interactive module stays in a sleep-mode of low-power expenditure. The beacon messages persist for a first interval longer than a second interval during which the neighboring interactive modules remain in the sleep mode. After receiving the beacon messages, one or more neighboring interactive modules transmit response messages to the new interactive module. The new interactive module receives the response messages and selects a neighboring interactive module for communication based on the received response messages.

Abstract: A plurality of modules interact to form an adaptive network in which each module transmits and receives data signals indicative of proximity of objects. A central computer accumulates the data produced or received and relayed by each module for analyzing proximity responses to transmit through the adaptive network control signals to a selectively-addressed module to respond to computer analyses of the data accumulated from modules forming the adaptive network.