Abstract: A supersonic fan has at least two fan blades extending radially from a rim surface of a hub and is circumscribed by a duct. An inboard leading edge having an inboard sweep angle rotates at approximately Mach 1 or greater. A low-pressure zone generates propulsion. An inboard flow regime may migrate outboard from the rim surface and contaminate the low-pressure zone, reducing propulsion. An outboard leading edge having an outboard sweep angle extends radially from the inboard leading edge to form an apex. The inboard and outboard sweep angles are each at least approximately 30 degrees and in the opposite direction. An inboard vortex forming near to and as a result of the apex trails circumferentially across the fan blades and is positioned to substantially confine the inboard flow regime to be inboard of the apex, thereby preserving the low-pressure zone and increasing propulsion for the supersonic fan.

Abstract: A supersonic fan has at least two fan blades extending radially from a rim surface of a hub and is circumscribed by a duct. An inboard leading edge having an inboard sweep angle rotates at approximately Mach 1 or greater. A low-pressure zone generates propulsion. An inboard flow regime may migrate outboard from the rim surface and contaminate the low-pressure zone, reducing propulsion. An outboard leading edge having an outboard sweep angle extends radially from the inboard leading edge to form an apex. The inboard and outboard sweep angles are each at least approximately 30 degrees and in the opposite direction. An inboard vortex forming near to and as a result of the apex trails circumferentially across the fan blades and is positioned to substantially confine the inboard flow regime to be inboard of the apex, thereby preserving the low-pressure zone and increasing propulsion for the supersonic fan.

Abstract: A wind velocity measuring apparatus. The apparatus includes a thermal sensor and a processor operatively coupled to the thermal sensor. The processor is configured to receive a first temperature reading from the thermal sensor of a beginning temperature sensed by the thermal sensor and to receive a second temperature reading from the thermal sensor of an ending temperature sensed by the thermal sensor after a quantifiable amount of heat is applied to the thermal sensor for a quantifiable amount of time. The processor is further configured to determine a theoretical temperature based on the quantifiable amount of heat, the quantifiable amount of time, and the beginning temperature and to determine a wind velocity based on the difference between the theoretical temperature and the ending temperature.

Abstract: A time keeping system having a first time module operable to keep a first time, a second time module operable to keep a second time, and a control module operatively coupled to the first time module and to the second time module. The control module adjusts the first time in response to information stored in the control module and adjusts the second time to reduce a time difference between the first time and the second time.

Abstract: A primary device for a synchronous event system. In one construction, the primary device includes a solar panel operable to convert light into electricity; a receiver operable to receive a global positioning system time signal; a processor coupled to the receiver and operable to process the global positioning system time signal to produce a processed time component; a internal clock coupled to the processor and operable to store the processed time component and to increment relative to the processed time component thereafter to produce an internal time; and a transmitter coupled to the processor and operable to transmit the internal time to a secondary device for wireless reception by the secondary device and synchronization of the secondary device relative to the primary device.

Abstract: A time keeping system used to automatically adjust for daylight savings includes a processor having a preprogrammed internal clock module, a preprogrammed daylight savings time setting module, and a low power detection module. The preprogrammed internal clock module is programmed with a time, a date, and a year. The preprogrammed daylight savings time setting module is programmed with a plurality of daylight savings changes and automatically adjusts the internal clock to reflect a daylight savings time change. The low power detection module detects an operating power level. A primary battery is operatively coupled to the processor, and provides a primary power source to the processor. A frequency generating unit is also operatively coupled to the processor, and provides a frequency to the preprogrammed internal clock module. Furthermore, a clock movement unit is operatively coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive a series of timed-pulses from the processor.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing an event system. The method includes receiving a first signal at a primary device, where the first signal includes a time component, and processing the first signal to produce a second signal, where the second signal includes the time component and an instruction. The method also includes wirelessly transmitting the second signal to a repeating device, wirelessly receiving the second signal at the repeating device, and wirelessly transmitting a third signal from the repeating device, where the third signal includes the time component and the instruction. The method further includes wirelessly receiving the third signal at a secondary device and executing an event with the third signal.

Abstract: A wireless synchronous time system comprising a primary master event device and secondary slave devices. The primary event device receives a global positioning systems “GPS” time signal, processes the GPS time signal, receives a programmed instruction, and broadcasts or transmits the processed time signal and the programmed instruction to the secondary slave devices. The secondary slave devices receive the processed time signal and the programmed instruction, select an identified programmed instruction, display the time, and execute an event associated with the programmed instruction. The primary event device and the secondary devices further include a power interrupt module for retaining the time and the programmed instruction in case of a power loss.

Abstract: A temperature measurement apparatus allows for accurate temperature measurement in both the sun and the shade using two different thermal sensors. A black sensor has an infrared absorbent surface and a white sensor has an infrared reflecting surface. Using the measurements from these two sensors, a series of equations calculate the correct ambient temperature regardless of where the measurement device is located and ensures accurate readings using a performance check system.

Abstract: An assembly for controlling the lateral stability of a swept-wing aircraft by varying the geometric dihedral of the wing as a function of the wing's lift coefficient, such assembly including a mechanism for producing a signal or other type response representative of the lift coefficient of the wing at any particular point in time during flight including changes in such lift coefficient due to changes in the particular flight condition or aerodynamic characteristics of such wing, and a mechanism responsive to such signal or other response for controlling and activating movement of variable dihedral panels associated with the respective opposite portions of the wing.