Abstract: A clamp-on ultrasonic transducer includes an ultrasound-propagating wedge having a first face and a second face which is inclined to the first face. The clamp-on ultrasonic transducer further includes a first piezoelectric element which is mounted on the second face, and which is directed obliquely at the first face. The wedge has a width, w, between first and second side walls, wherein the width, w, is less than or equal to 10 mm.

Abstract: A clamp-on ultrasonic transducer is disclosed. The clamp-on ultrasonic transducer comprises an ultrasound-propagating wedge having a first face and a second face which is inclined to the first face. The clamp-on ultrasonic transducer further comprises a first piezoelectric element which is mounted on the second face and which is directed obliquely at the first face. The wedge has a width, w, between first and second side walls, wherein the width, w, is less than or equal to 10 mm.

Abstract: An airborne computational facility uses an energy collection system to provide energy for operation. An airborne balloon is provided with a photovoltaic collector array, and uses energy generated by the photovoltaic collector array to power an on-board computational facility. Data for computation is received by a communication module and computational results are transmitted by the communication module.

Abstract: An energy collection system uses one or more airborne energy collection vehicles having a lighter-than-air balloon structure. The balloon structure has an outer gas envelope formed of a substantially inelastic material and an inner gas envelope at least partially separate from the outer gas envelope, contained within the outer gas envelope and separated from the outer gas envelope by a flexible diaphragm. The space between the outer and inner gas envelopes is filled with air. An air chamber pressurization mechanism maintains the outer gas envelope gas pressure at a target value. An energy storage facility receives energy from a photovoltaic collector array and converts the received energy to stored energy. Storage of the received energy can be accomplished by conversion of a precursor to a high energy fuel as the stored energy, by use of storage batteries or by storage in an inertial mass.

Abstract: An airborne computational facility uses an energy collection system to provide energy for operation. An airborne balloon is provided with a photovoltaic collector array, and uses energy generated by the photovoltaic collector array to power an on-board computational facility. Data for computation is received by a communication module and computational results are transmitted by the communication module.

Abstract: An energy collection system uses one or more airborne energy collection vehicles having a lighter-than-air balloon structure. The balloon structure has an outer gas envelope formed of a substantially inelastic material and an inner gas envelope at least partially separate from the outer gas envelope, contained within the outer gas envelope and separated from the outer gas envelope by a flexible diaphragm. The space between the outer and inner gas envelopes is filled with air. An air chamber pressurization mechanism maintains the outer gas envelope gas pressure at a target value. An energy storage facility receives energy from a photovoltaic collector array and converts the received energy to stored energy. Storage of the received energy can be accomplished by conversion of a precursor to a high energy fuel as the stored energy, by use of storage batteries or by storage in an inertial mass.