Abstract: According to another aspect of the present invention, an airship includes a plurality of connected segments and a controller that is adapted to dynamically control the movement of each of the plurality of segments relative to one another during flight of the airship.

Abstract: An expandable sensor array including at least one expandable member movable between an unexpanded stowed state and an expanded deployed state and a plurality of sensors interconnected with the at least one inflatable member and operatively connected to form a sensor array.

Abstract: A nondestructive method of and apparatus for detecting degradation of reinforcing members embedded within a structure is disclosed. Degradation can arise from many sources, such as corrosion, fracture, cracking, fatigue, chemical reaction, etc. The device includes an inducing instrument(210) to induce a vibration of the reinforcing members (110)and a measuring device (220) to detect the vibration of the reinforcing members. The measurement is analyzed to detect the presence of reinforcing member degradation or reinforcing member-to-concrete bonding. The device may include a controller (230) to enhance the detection. The device may also include an amplifier (240) to further increase the energy in the waves imparted to the structure and the acoustic waves detected by the measuring instrument.

Abstract: A general purpose surveillance system for remote surveillance applications. The system is comprised of one or more audio (e.g., microphone) or video (e.g., camera) surveillance devices that are wirelessly coupled with triggering devices. The system is capable of transmitting audio, video and still pictures via wireless transmission links. The wireless transmission links can be radio frequency (RF) links such as satellite up/down links and commercial cellular networks. Or, the wireless transmission links can be direct line of sight wireless communications such as infrared (IR). The system can be triggered to transmit audio and/or video data either remotely or internally. A variety of sensor types, including but not limited to, infrared sensors, motion sensors, acoustic sensors, magnetic sensors, or electric field sensors can act as a triggering mechanism.

Abstract: An expandable sensor array including at least one expandable member movable between an unexpanded stowed state and an expanded deployed state and a plurality of sensors interconnected with the at least one inflatable member and operatively connected to form a sensor array.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring a machine for significant deviations from normal operations include collecting, at a first processing element, sensor data about the machine. The first processing element performs narrowband frequency domain processing to determine a segment of sensor data that indicates a deviation from normal operations that exceeds a threshold deviation. A message including the segment of sensor data is sent to a second processing element. In response to receiving the message, the second processing element performs different narrowband frequency domain processing to determine whether the deviation from normal operations is significant for maintaining the machine. If the deviation from normal operations is determined to be significant for maintaining the machine, then the deviation is reported to cause the machine to be maintained.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring a machine for significant deviations from normal operations include collecting, at a first processing element, sensor data about the machine. The first processing element performs narrowband frequency domain processing to determine a segment of sensor data that indicates a deviation from normal operations that exceeds a threshold deviation. A message including the segment of sensor data is sent to a second processing element. In response to receiving the message, the second processing element performs different narrowband frequency domain processing to determine whether the deviation from normal operations is significant for maintaining the machine. If the deviation from normal operations is determined to be significant for maintaining the machine, then the deviation is reported to cause the machine to be maintained.