Abstract: The present invention is a one-dimensional sonic anemometer paired with a tail vane that continuously rotates the sonic anemometer to be coaligned with the prevailing wind. The one-dimensional sonic anemometer being coaligned with the wind vector can measure the total wind speed directly with the wind direction measured by detection of the relative orientation of the instrument with respect to North as the instrument is held into the wind. Rather than a conventional two-dimensional sonic anemometer, the invention is a hybrid one-dimensional sonic anemometer with a mechanical wind direction measurement.

Abstract: According the present invention, air velocity and speed of sound which can be used to estimate air temperature can be measured from a sonic anemometer system attached to an airborne platform. Using multiple sonic emitters and receivers coupled to an assembly attached to an airborne platform where the atmosphere is free to pass through the volume between the acoustic elements, air data products can be estimated from the acoustic transit time between acoustic emitters and receivers for use in an airborne data system. The measurement method has high update rates and is resilient against acoustic noise and icing conditions making it a robust sensing platform for use on aircraft.

Abstract: According the present invention, air velocity and speed of sound which can be used to estimate air temperature can be measured from a sonic anemometer system attached to an airborne platform. Using multiple sonic emitters and receivers coupled to an assembly attached to an airborne platform where the atmosphere is free to pass through the volume between the acoustic elements, air data products can be estimated from the acoustic transit time between acoustic emitters and receivers for use in an airborne data system. The measurement method has high update rates and is resilient against acoustic noise and icing conditions making it a robust sensing platform for use on aircraft.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for temperature profiling based on using Raman scattering spectral shape changes that occur with temperature and the concentration of one or more components. In the case of water, as an example, Raman scattering spectral shape changes that occur with temperature and salinity are used. Raman scattering from liquid or solid water can be used to provide a temperature profile as a function of water depth/range without requiring contacting the water or air containing the water. A Raman spectrum can be analyzed to determine the molecule in the water that is responsible for the spectrum. Raman scattering is an inelastic process where the Raman scattered photons have a different frequency than the incident photon. The amount of the frequency shift depends upon the characteristics of the scattering medium. The invention is able to observe the Raman scattering from multiple ranges simultaneously.

Abstract: A flexible wiper blade is attached at each end to motor driven pivot points. When material needs to be cleared from the window surface, the motorized pivot points rotate in a controlled fashion to flex the wiper out into the window area sweeping debris away as the wiper moves. At the other end of motion, the wiper blade is again flexed mostly out of the clear aperture of the window but on the other side of the window's edge.

Abstract: A significant advantage of this system is that it captures and utilizes a distinctive amount of energy that normally is lost. Also, it is a system that the vehicle manufacturers can easily build into their ‘ready for market’ models or it may be offered to vehicle owners as a DIY attachment to their vehicles. While it should be apparent to those knowledgeable in the art of hydraulics, this system may be adaptable to other applications, hydraulic or not, where energy is being lost or wasted to conserve that energy. Most of the vehicle references in this specification have been made to automobiles, but it should be pointed out that the applicability of the proposed system to trucks is very sound and worthwhile. With worldwide emphasis now on energy conservation, this system provides a realistic cost-saving means.