Abstract: Methods and systems for developing a prototype pulse in real-time. A method includes detecting, by a signal processor, a plurality of repetitive pulse signals carried in energy waves received at an antenna. The method further includes estimating time intervals corresponding to occurrences of the plurality of repetitive pulse signals and extracting a plurality of pulse signal segments detected by the signal processor during each of the time intervals over a time period. The signal processor selects a first pulse signal segment received during one of the time intervals and calculates respective time delays relative to the first pulse signal segment for each remaining pulse signal segment of the plurality of pulse signal segments. The signal processor then time-aligns the extracted pulse signal segments with the first pulse signal segment and averages the pulse signal segments to establish a prototype pulse signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for developing a prototype pulse in real-time. A method includes detecting, by a signal processor, a plurality of repetitive pulse signals carried in energy waves received at an antenna. The method further includes estimating time intervals corresponding to occurrences of the plurality of repetitive pulse signals and extracting a plurality of pulse signal segments detected by the signal processor during each of the time intervals over a time period. The signal processor selects a first pulse signal segment received during one of the time intervals and calculates respective time delays relative to the first pulse signal segment for each remaining pulse signal segment of the plurality of pulse signal segments. The signal processor then time-aligns the extracted pulse signal segments with the first pulse signal segment and averages the pulse signal segments to establish a prototype pulse signal.

Abstract: A system for estimating an angle of arrival of a signal includes an object, a movable component that is movably coupled to the object, and at least first and second spaced-apart antennas coupled to the movable component. The system also includes a controller that is configured to estimate an angle of arrival of a signal based on a difference between a time the signal arrives at the first antenna and a time the signal arrives at the second antenna while the movable component is moving, and a difference between a frequency of arrival of the signal at the first antenna and a frequency of arrival of the signal at the second antenna while the movable component is moving.

Abstract: A method of processing a timing synchronization signal includes selecting an initial sequence of complex numbers and modifying the initial sequence based upon a metric applied to the autocorrelation function to enhance its autocorrelation properties within a predetermined window about the main autocorrelation peak determined by the timing uncertainty of the system. This two-step optimization process produces a new complex sequence used for timing acquisition. It is applied by transmitting the sequence through a medium and correlating the received signal against a known error-free sequence. Only correlation within the window of the bounded timing uncertainty is performed, thus saving valuable computational cycles. Also, because the sidelobe levels of the autocorrelated function are significantly lower within the timing uncertainty window than the sidelobe levels of a non-optimized autocorrelation function of a signal, the likelihood of finding a peak for the wrong timing signal is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A non-linear, order-statistic filter that is able to detect transients within an ambient signal environment without the transients affecting the setting of the transient detection threshold. The filter obtains a power spectral estimate (PSE) signal for each one of a plurality of predetermined bandwidth portions of the ambient input signal. Specific PSE magnitude values making up the PSE signal are sorted and ordered from smallest to largest. An average PSE magnitude value is obtained for a preselected center range of the specific PSE magnitude values, and this value is used to set the transient signal detection threshold for the filter.

Abstract: A pipe manipulator for dismantling a pipeline includes a frame, a slide, a plurality of jaws for gripping the pipe to be dismantled, disengaging means, means for connecting the slide to the jaws and telescoping means. The telescoping means is connected to the disengaging means and the slide. Movement of the telescoping means causes movement of the slide and the disengaging means. The slide and jaws are mounted to the frame such that the slide moves in a longitudinal direction, opening and closing the jaws. The pipe can be uncoupled, dismantled and relocated without excessive damage to the pipes such that the operation is economically feasible.