Abstract: A method of obtaining data about a structure includes providing a plurality of sensor modules on the structure. Each of the sensor modules includes a sensor, a processor, a sensor module precision timekeeper, and a sensor module transceiver. One of the plurality of sensor modules includes an energy harvesting device. The processor and the sensor module transceiver of this one of the plurality of sensor modules are powered solely with electricity derived from the energy harvesting device. The method further includes providing a base station. The method further includes periodically wirelessly receiving a broadcast resynchronization timing packet with each of the sensor module transceivers, wherein the broadcast resynchronization timing packet received by each of the sensor module transceivers includes a common resynchronization time value. The method further includes periodically resynchronizing each of the sensor module precision timekeepers based on a signal derived from the resynchronization time value.

Abstract: A system comprises a sensing node that includes a sensor, a processor, an energy harvesting circuit, a time keeper, a first energy storage device, and a second energy storage device. The energy harvesting circuit is connected for recharging the first energy storage device. The processor is connected for receiving all its power derived from the energy harvesting circuit. The second energy storage device is connected for powering the time keeper.

Abstract: A corrosion sensing system includes a reader, a radiation receiving device, a sensing transponder, and a member. The sensing transponder includes a communications device, a processor, and a sensor. The member is subject to corrosion. The sensor is located to detect corrosion of the member. The communications device is connected for transmitting sensor data. The transponder is powered by electricity derived from electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the reader that is received by the radiation receiving device.

Abstract: A corrosion sensing system includes a reader, a radiation receiving device, a sensing transponder, and a member. The sensing transponder includes a communications device, a processor, and a sensor. The member is subject to corrosion. The sensor is located to detect corrosion of the member. The communications device is connected for transmitting sensor data. The transponder is powered by electricity derived from electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the reader that is received by the radiation receiving device.

Abstract: A method of obtaining data about a structure includes providing a plurality of sensor modules on the structure. Each of the sensor modules includes a sensor, a processor, a sensor module precision timekeeper, and a sensor module transceiver. One of the plurality of sensor modules includes an energy harvesting device. The processor and the sensor module transceiver of this one of the plurality of sensor modules are powered solely with electricity derived from the energy harvesting device. The method further includes providing a base station. The method further includes periodically wirelessly receiving a broadcast resynchronization timing packet with each of the sensor module transceivers, wherein the broadcast resynchronization timing packet received by each of the sensor module transceivers includes a common resynchronization time value. The method further includes periodically resynchronizing each of the sensor module precision timekeepers based on a signal derived from the resynchronization time value.

Abstract: A corrosion sensing system includes a reader, a radiation receiving device, a sensing transponder, and a member. The sensing transponder includes a communications device, a processor, and a sensor. The member is subject to corrosion. The sensor is located to detect corrosion of the member. The communications device is connected for transmitting sensor data. The transponder is powered by electricity derived from electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the reader that is received by the radiation receiving device.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a reader and a remotely powered and remotely interrogated transponder. The transponder includes a plurality of transponders connected to a single radiation receiving device. Each of the transponders receives power derived from radiation from the reader. Each of the transponders has an address. Each of the transponders has a system to transmit data so as to avoid collisions.

Abstract: A method of wirelessly communicating sensor data includes providing a wireless sensor module that includes a sensor and a transmitting circuit. The transmitting circuit is connected for wirelessly transmitting data derived from the sensor for receipt by a receiver connected to the internet for providing information derived from said sensor on the internet. The method also includes using said sensor and wirelessly transmitting data derived from the sensor.

Abstract: A system includes an unmanned vehicle and a separate device. The unmanned vehicle is for approaching the separate device. The unmanned vehicle includes an unmanned vehicle charging circuit. The separate device includes an energy storage device and a power receiving circuit. The unmanned vehicle charging circuit is for transmitting electromagnetic radiation from the unmanned vehicle to the separate device to the power receiving circuit for charging the energy storage device.

Abstract: A mobile system powers, charges, and communicates with separate devices, such as sensors and actuators. The mobile system includes an unmanned vehicle for approaching and wirelessly electromagnetically powering the separate device.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a reader and a remotely powered and remotely interrogated sensor transponder. The sensor transponder includes a reader and a remotely powered and remotely interrogated sensor transponder. The sensor transponder includes a sensor and a radiation receiving device. Data from the sensor is conditioned to provide sensor data ratiometric with magnitude of excitation voltage provided by the radiation receiving device.

Abstract: A system comprises a sensing node that includes a sensor, a processor, an energy harvesting circuit, a time keeper, a first energy storage device, and a second energy storage device. The energy harvesting circuit is connected for recharging the first energy storage device. The processor is connected for receiving all its power derived from the energy harvesting circuit. The second energy storage device is connected for powering the time keeper.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a structure includes providing a structure having a component subject to failure. A sensor, a memory and an energy harvesting device are mounted on the structure. The sensor is used and data derived from the sensor logged in the memory, wherein the memory is powered solely with energy derived from the energy harvesting device. The component is replaced if information in the memory shows that the component was subject to damaging usage.

Abstract: A system includes a moveable body and a first device for mounting on the movable body. The first device includes an orientation sensor, an inertial position sensor, a first processor, a frequency agile RF transceiver, and a memory device.

Abstract: A gauge includes a wire, a housing, a coil, a processor, and a power supply. The wire is mounted in the housing to vibrate at a natural frequency. The coil is magnetically coupled to the wire. The processor is connected to provide a digital signal to the coil and the processor is further connected to detect when the wire is vibrating. An embodiment provides an efficient technique to excite the wire into vibration. Another embodiment enables long term operation from a small battery. Another embodiment enables wireless communications to be used, eliminating the need for cable runs.

Abstract: A device for powering a load from an ambient source of energy is provided. The device includes an energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from the ambient source of energy wherein the rate energy is harvested from the ambient source of energy is below that required for directly powering the load. A storage device is connected to the energy harvesting device. The storage device receives electrical energy from the energy harvesting device and is for storing the electrical energy. A controller is connected to the storage device for monitoring the amount of electrical energy stored in the storage device and for switchably connecting the storage device to the load when the stored energy exceeds a first threshold. The system can be used for powering a sensor and for transmitting sensor data, such as tire pressure.

Abstract: A device for powering a load from an ambient source of energy is provided. The device includes an energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from the ambient source of energy wherein the rate energy is harvested from the ambient source of energy is below that required for directly powering the load. A storage device is connected to the energy harvesting device. The storage device receives electrical energy from the energy harvesting device and is for storing the electrical energy. A controller is connected to the storage device for monitoring the amount of electrical energy stored in the storage device and for switchably connecting the storage device to the load when the stored energy exceeds a first threshold. The system can be used for powering a sensor and for transmitting sensor data, such as tire pressure.

Abstract: A device for powering a load from an ambient source of energy is provided. The device includes an energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from the ambient source of energy wherein the rate energy is harvested from the ambient source of energy is below that required for directly powering the load. A storage device is connected to the energy harvesting device. The storage device receives electrical energy from the energy harvesting device and is for storing the electrical energy. A controller is connected to the storage device for monitoring the amount of electrical energy stored in the storage device and for switchably connecting the storage device to the load when the stored energy exceeds a first threshold. The system can be used for powering a sensor and for transmitting sensor data, such as tire pressure.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a structure includes providing a structure having a component subject to failure. A sensor, a memory and an energy harvesting device are mounted on the structure. The sensor is used and data derived from the sensor logged in the memory, wherein the memory is powered solely with energy derived from the energy harvesting device. The component is replaced if information in the memory shows that the component was subject to damaging usage.

Abstract: A differential variable reluctance transducer (DVRT) is provided to measure a translation parameter, such as acceleration and/or deceleration of a test projectile. The DVRT, contained in a canister of the projectile, includes a cylindrical housing and an electronics module. The housing defines a cavity containing insulation and a bobbin around which a wire coil is wrapped. The housing has an attachment end and a distal end that faces the acceleration indicator. The bobbin is disposed substantially collinear to the housing. The wire coil is helically disposed around the bobbin. The insulation fills the remainder of the cavity. The electronics module receives electric current from the wire coil and connects to a data recorder.