Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to methods, apparatus and systems for sharing measurements related to snow stability and structure which may be used to assess avalanche risk among multiple users. Such measurements may include a profile of snow layer hardness according to depth, a profile of snow temperature according to depth, a profile of snow grain size according to depth, ambient temperature, slope aspect and inclination, and humidity. The disclosed apparatus includes a mobile device configured to send and receive said measurements, and to display such measurements on an area map. The disclosed apparatus also includes a server configured to receive said measurements from a plurality of mobile devices, analyze the measurements to evaluate the avalanche risk at a geographic area, and transmit said measurements and evaluated avalanche risk to the mobile devices.

Abstract: We have disclosed systems and methods for monitoring an individual's performance during a physical activity. The methods may include using a first component and second component each configured to be worn or carried by the individual during a physical activity. The methods may include the first component communicating wirelessly with the second component over a personal area network during the physical activity, the first component determining that the second component has ceased communication with the first component during the physical activity, and the first component adapting a function in response to determining that the second component has ceased communication with the first component.

Abstract: The system of the present invention is a highly integrated radio communication system with a multimedia co-processor which allows true two-way multimedia (video, audio, data) access as well as real-time biomedical monitoring in a pager-sized portable access unit. The system is integrated in a network structure including one or more general purpose nodes for providing a wireless-to-wired interface. The network architecture allows video, audio and data (including biomedical data) streams to be connected directly to external users and devices. The portable access units may also be mated to various non-personal devices such as cameras or environmental sensors for providing a method for setting up wireless sensor nets from which reported data may be accessed through the portable access unit. The reported data may alternatively be automatically logged at a remote computer for access and viewing through a portable access unit, including the user's own.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an industrial process, comprising one or more sensors connected to one or more operating components of the industrial process; a remote monitoring station, comprising a computer and a database; and a connection between the one or more sensors and the remote monitoring station, wherein the remote monitoring station is at least about 100-2500 miles away from the industrial process, for example 500-1000 miles.

Abstract: A system level scheme for networking of implantable devices, electronic patch devices/sensors coupled to the body, and wearable sensors/devices with cellular telephone/mobile devices, peripheral devices and remote servers is described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a parameter in an irradiated environment and communicating a signal representative of the monitored parameter to a less caustic environment that employs a wireless transmitter that is powered by the irradiated environment. The power for the wireless transmitter is derived from a self-powered radiation detector disposed within the radioactive environment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining a current location and receiving energy usage information from devices in the location.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring vital signs of one or more living subjects comprises a monitoring station and at least one sensor in communication with the monitoring station. The sensor comprises an antenna system, an ultra wideband radar system coupled to the antenna system, a signal processor and a communication system. The signal processor is connected to receive a signal from the ultra wideband radar system and configured to extract from the signal information about one or more vital signs of a person or animal in a sensing volume corresponding to the antenna system. The communication system is configured to transmit the information to the monitoring station.

Abstract: A telemetry device for state acquisition for an agricultural working train (with at least a drive machine and an attachment) has a transmission unit for receiving state values from the working train, a tele-unit for wireless transmission of teledata sets to a telemetry server and a processing unit for generating the teledata sets on the basis of the state values that are received. The received state values embody drive state values assigned to the drive machine and device state values assigned to the attachment. The processing unit groups the received drive state values with the received device state values based on predefined grouping instructions and the grouped state values to generate a teledata set according to generation instructions.

Abstract: A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and a wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs.

Abstract: A data collection system is formed from an analyte detection meter and a base station. The meter and the base station are operatively connected to one another to transfer data from the meter. The base station is able to communicate transferred data to a data receiving server, and the transfer of data occurs in response to a defined stimulus such as the proximity of the meter and base station or an alarm set at a predetermined time of day. The data collection system can be used in combination with a system interface that provides a data management system (DMS) resident on a device such as a personal computer. The DMS can recognize a particular meter and may incorporate into the displayed information not only the data resident on the meter but also information previously transferred from the meter. The DMS may be launched on the computer as soon as connection with a meter is detected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drifting airborne probe that includes a body having an aerodynamic shape that is biologically inspired by a wind dispersible natural seed. The probe includes a total mass of less than 10 grams, a power source operably connected to the body; at least one sensor operably connected to the body for collecting data from the environment and about the environment, a transmitter for transmitting the data operably connected to the body and no active propulsion system. Disclosed herein is also a method for collecting and transmitting data about an environment that includes providing a plurality of these drifting airborne probes. Moreover, a system that utilizes a plurality of these drifting airborne probes is also provided.

Abstract: A system and methods for cell telemetry are disclosed. An average magnetizing current in a sampling transformer is forced to about zero amperes by balancing volt-seconds using a voltage clamp mechanism. Furthermore, a pulse driven switch and a synchronized sampling switch are activated, and substantially simultaneously the voltage clamp mechanism deactivated.

Abstract: In a telemetry system for use in an engine, a circuit structure (34) affixed to a moving part (20) of the engine is disposed for amplifying information sensed about a condition of the part and transmitting the sensed information to a receiver external to the engine. The circuit structure is adapted for the high temperature environment of the engine and includes a differential amplifier (102, 111) having an input for receiving a signal from a sensor (101, 110) disposed on the part. A voltage controlled oscillator (104, 115) with an input coupled to the output of the amplifier produces an oscillatory signal having a frequency representative of the sensed condition. A buffer (105, 116) with an input coupled to the output of the oscillator buffers the oscillatory signal, which is then coupled to an antenna (26) for transmitting the information to the receiver.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for interaction with water usage information are provided. In various embodiments, a method comprises receiving water usage data from a meter device, receiving an identifier from a user associated with the meter device, providing an interactive interface to the user, the interactive interface conveying at least some water usage information based on the water usage data, receiving a first characterization of a first water activity from the user, generating a visualization based on the water usage information and the first characterization of the first water activity, and displaying the visualization.

Abstract: A telemetry system for use in a combustion turbine engine (10) comprising a sensor (428) in connection with a rotating component such as a turbine blade, and a telemetry transmitter circuit (418) affixed to the turbine blade and in electrical communication with the sensor (428) for routing electronic data signals from the sensor (428) to the telemetry transmitter circuit (418). An induction power system is provided to power the telemetry transmitter circuit (418) and includes a plurality of primary induction coil assemblies (400) each including a primary planar winding (410) formed on a respective ceramic substrates (404), which are mounted end to end on a static seal segment (323) of a stator (180). The induction power system also includes a secondary induction coil assembly (402) comprising a secondary planar winding (412) formed on a ceramic substrate (404), which is mounted to an end face of a turbine blade root (132).

Abstract: What is provided is recording capability for each of the modules utilized by the first responders and other personnel within the area of the incident, with the stored information at each of the first responders' modules being read out through the ad hoc network, where it can be uploaded to storage. The stored information can be displayed at an incident commander work station in real time to give the incident commander a realistic view of the timeline and the severity of the incident, as well as the response. The use of the ad hoc network permits offloading stored information from each of the first responders' modules so as to free up storage within the modules. By providing storage at every node of the ad hoc network, one has access to a timeline of the actions at the incident as well as redundancy, which enhances the memories and observational skills of the first responders.

Abstract: A miner communication and locating system is disclosed. Two technologies used in the system include a communicator, and a locator array that may be used with a computer. The communicator portion allows trapped miners to continually signal without physical effort that they have survived a cave-in or explosion in a direct, mechanical, and reliable manner. The locator array receives the communicator signal for use to accurately identify where the survivors are underground, and facilitate their rescue; a computer can be used to calculate the position of the communicator from information provided by a plurality of locators: global positioning system receivers may be used with the locator array.

Abstract: The present invention provides system of active uniform and base station for sensing an aspect of the wearers environment or physiology. Active uniform (1) is comprised of uniform (3), electronic sensors (40) for sensing an aspect of the wearer's environment or of the wearer's physiology and an active tag (10). The system of active uniform (1) and base station (2) is used to collect data from wearers of the at least one item of active uniform which allows an assessment of the health of the wearer where said health assessment is subsequently used to enhance the survivability of the wearer. The active tag contains various components that allow it to communicate with the base station (2) including (i) sensor interface (80) for interfacing electronic sensors (40) to the active tag, (ii) a microcontroller (70), (iii) a data store (60) including flash memory, (iv) radio frequency interface (110), (v) at least one tag antenna (120) and (vi) a battery (100) and power management unit (90).

Abstract: A method for detecting vehicles with cargo in a traffic telematics system comprising at least one radio beacon for radio communication with onboard units (OBUs) carried by vehicles and their cargo. The method including: establishing radio communications between said radio beacon and a first OBU, and between said radio beacon and a second OBU, via radio signals; electronically evaluating said radio signals; and when said evaluation indicates that said first and second OBUs are moving at a limited and constant distance from one another, receiving characteristic data from the first OBU in the radio beacon, transmitting the characteristic data from the radio beacon to the second OBU, and recording the characteristic data in a memory of the second OBU.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) installed on any game machine providing two wires for each meter a user desired to monitor in the machine, and two wires to supply power to the PCB. A monitor attached to any meter ranging from 12 volts to 48 volts that is not polarity specific. The PCB connected via Wifi, regular CAT 5 Internet cable or even via cellular service for areas where the Internet is not available. A single “ HUB” per location can provide access and monitoring for a plurality of machines located at one location. The controller can transmit negative and positive alerts provide the user. Additionally, a user can set “alarms” for each item they are monitoring. Using the controller of the present invention, game machines are all wirelessly connected to the game machine comprised of the HUB and can be moved anywhere in the location.

Abstract: A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.

Abstract: A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a module device, system, and method for controlling or modifying a cargo's microenvironment in a reefer during transit. The system remotely gathers, controls and modifies reefer parameters during transit. Additionally, the system remotely gathers, controls and modifies cargo parameters in a microenvironment surrounding or within the cargo.

Abstract: A system and method for portable instrumentation is proposed, comprising a server computer and a portable instrument that is wirelessly connectable to the server computer. The portable instrument comprises sensors for performing respective physical or electrochemical measurements, and a hand-held computer that is operably connectable to the sensors. The hand-held computer is configured to record and transmit the measurements to the server computer. The hand-held computer evaluates a real-time wireless connection quality between the portable instrument and the server computer. When the wireless connection quality shows a declining trend, the hand-held computer determines a spatial boundary where the portable instrument reaches a dead zone with wireless connection quality below a predetermined threshold. The hand-held computer then requests pre-recorded data from the server computer to be forwarded to the portable instrument before the portable instrument reaches the spatial boundary.

Abstract: A business method to provide and charge for utility, digital and analog services from a common service platform system to one, or more, end-users.

Abstract: Modular personal networks (MPNs) are disclosed that include multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Devices include security circuitry that prevents them from being used in a different MPN once the user has configured them. Devices not designed for use within an MPN can be included in the network using a bridge device. Devices can be integrated into items of jewelry, such as earrings, rings, pendants, and bracelets. One item of jewelry, such as a bracelet, can support multiple replaceable modules with variable functions. Functions of the MPN can include communications, entertainment, medical monitoring, sports monitoring, personal organization, and games. Multiple users each with his or her own MPN can use them to collaborate in creation of music. An MPN can be used for mobile recognition and logging of wildlife.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring wood harvesting. According to the method, image data, measuring device data and location data are generated on wood harvesting at a forest working site. The produced data is conveyed from a forest machine (1) to a server (12) where data items are combined and they are modified to a more readily understandable form. The provided monitoring data may be presented in the service user's electronic terminal device (17) logged into the server.

Abstract: A circuit assembly (34) resistant to high-temperature and high g centrifugal force is disclosed. A printed circuit board (42) is first fabricated from alumina and has conductive traces of said circuit formed thereon by the use of a thick film gold paste. Active and passive components of the circuit assembly are attached to the printed circuit board by means of gold powder diffused under high temperature. Gold wire is used for bonding between the circuit traces and the active components in order to complete the circuit assembly (34). Also, a method for manufacturing a circuit assembly resistant to elevated temperature is disclosed.

Abstract: A telemetry system for use in a combustion turbine engine (10) having a compressor (12), a combustor and a turbine (16) that includes a sensor (50, 74) in connection with a turbine blade (18) or vane (22). A telemetry transmitter circuit (210) may be affixed to the turbine blade (18) with a first connecting material (52, 152) deposited on the turbine blade (18) for routing electronic data signals from the sensor (50, 74) to the telemetry transmitter circuit (210), the electronic data signals indicative of a condition of the turbine blade (18). An induction power system for powering the telemetry transmitter circuit (210) may include a rotating data antenna (202) affixed to the turbine blade (18) with a second connecting material (140) deposited on the turbine blade (18) for routing electronic data signals from the telemetry transmitter circuit (210) to the rotating data antenna (202).

Abstract: The system and method of the present application includes a wireless transmitter adapted to receive physiological signals from a patient and to wirelessly transmit the physiological signals to a receiver, where a display device prepares the physiological signal for display on a display monitor. In one embodiment, both the wireless transmitter and receiver further include an estimation algorithm module. The estimation algorithm module in each of the wireless transmitter and the receiver calculate a physiological signal based on a collected signal. The system displays the calculated, estimated signal unless the error of the estimated signal reaches a predetermined threshold. When the estimated signal is being displayed, no transmission from the wireless transmitter is necessary.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of monitoring food quality including (a) receiving an environmental factor value sensed during transporting by a moving sensor tag attached to a container or palette on which a plurality of food is stacked, a time value sensing the environmental factor, and food information from a distribution company server; (b) receiving an environmental factor value sensed by a fixed sale sensor tag which matches the food information stored in the moving sensor tag, a time value sensing the environmental factor, and food information from the distribution company server; (c) measuring a current quality index for each individual quality analysis item and a total quality index based on the food information sensed by the moving sensor tag and the fixed sale sensor tag, the environmental factor values, and the time values sensing the environmental factors; (d) setting price of the food based on the measured quality index for each individual quality analysis item and total quality index; and (e) transmittin

Abstract: A server and method detects a pipeline. The server reads pipeline data from a data collector and analyzes the pipeline data to determine if the pipeline works abnormally. An alert command is sent by the server to an alarm computer to notify a user in response to a determination that the pipeline works abnormally. The server saves the pipeline data into a database system.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a physical system includes an interface in operable communication with the physical system and a control circuit in operable communication with the interface. The device also includes a memory in operable communication with the control circuitry and an electronic paper display in operable communication with the control circuitry. The electronic paper display continuously displays information related to the operation of the physical system.

Abstract: A power meter having fault tolerance enhances the monitoring of electrical power by increasing the reliability of data output by the power meter having fault tolerance. The power meter having fault tolerance may enhance the monitoring process by transitioning from a faulty power monitoring device to a non-faulty power monitoring device without losing or corrupting power management data.

Abstract: A system capable of ascertaining, determining, monitoring and controlling the biological state of and metagenomic state of microbial colonies as well as the physical state of waste liquids in grease interceptors, vaults and other waste collecting enclosures. The system consists of an array of cameras (14) a multi-phased sonar array (18), pH in (42)/pH out (24) and delta temperature arrays (36, 44), redundant liquid level sensors (10, 12), a nutrient measurement array (30, 32) and dissolved oxygen sensor (22). These sensors are mounted inside a grease interceptor (2) or waste collecting enclosure and enable accurate monitoring and control of all physical and biological processes to enable, optimize and control bioremediation processes. Continuous optimized control algorithms are either generated locally or updated remotely via internet or modem connection. All data is collected, logged in a Control/Telemetry Unit (20) and can be retrieved either locally or remotely via internet or modem connection.

Abstract: An automatic delivery system for an infrastructure comprising passenger transportation, freight delivery, electrical grid, oil, gas, water pipelines, communication, sewer removal, etc. The automation at the current state of technology is mostly achieved by enclosing the delivery system inside of an enclosure for achieving automatic weather independent transportation and eliminating costs related to protecting the aforementioned infrastructure components from outside elements. In addition, the system is simple enough to avoid traffic and collisions automatically by processing in real time just a single piece of information: a location of each vehicle; as the result, the system is inexpensive since no hardware is necessary for between-vehicles communications, for road condition detection, for GPS, etc. Plus every person will be able to use transportation on-demand with or without sharing a commute and at a desired comfort level including but not limited to entertainment, exercise, working on the go, etc.

Abstract: To provide users the ability to track their cardiovascular exercise and determine cardiovascular exercise machine usage, the present system and methods describe an activity tracking platform. The platform includes a wireless sensor configured to monitor a piece of cardiovascular exercise equipment. The sensor can be configured and positioned to monitor a moving part of the exercise equipment, such as the spinning tread of a treadmill or the circular movement of a bike peddle. Responsive to detecting activity, the sensor can associate the data with a specific user and, using a wireless sensor network, transmit the data to a central server. The platform provides the user an associated website, where the user may view historical workout information, current exercise equipment usage at a local gym, or current workout goals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether an appliance is leaking gas is provided. Pressure measurements are taken after closing off the flow of gas to the appliance and within the appliance so as to isolate the gas within the distribution system of the appliance. If unacceptable changes in the pressure of the gas are detected, a warning signal can be provided and the flow of gas into the appliance can be maintained in an off state until further corrective steps are undertaken. Corrections for temperatures changes between pressure measurements can also be provided.

Abstract: A smart metering system using a white space band includes a band search sensor installed in a predefined area which scans a digital public broadcast channel band; a band management server which manages area specific broadcast channel status information based on a scanning result obtained by the band search sensor and which searches a white space band that is an idle channel band of a corresponding area based on the broadcast channel status information to allocate the white space band as a smart metering data transmission channel; and a base station which allocates the smart metering data transmission channel from the band management server and which forms a wireless communication channel between a smart meter and a grid central server via the allocated smart metering data transmission channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of modular environmental conditions and object sensing at several locations are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A test stand sensor apparatus includes a sensor for acquiring data from the item under test and/or the environment, a power supply unit for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy, and a unit for the wire-free transmission of sensor data and of a code which is characteristic of the sensor.

Abstract: A demand supply management system for an appliance receives information related to cost of energy use and communicates data to the associated appliance in response thereto. A single chip, light emitting diode (LED) device is preferably associated with a module or portion of the home appliance. The LED device conveys information relating to at least two of cost of energy use, signal strength, and module status. The LED device is preferably a single chip, single color solid-state LED device that is selectively actuated between “illuminated” and “non-illuminated” states, steady on, slow flash, fast flash, varying duration, intermittent “illuminated” and “non-illuminated”, etc. to convey information to the user.

Abstract: A moving or rotating body and a stationary body having a wireless communication link with each other. The communication link may involve RF telemetry. The stationary body may provide power in a wireless manner to the rotating body. The moving body may be a rotation sensor for determining torque, speed of rotation, angular position, power and the like. The stationary body may also interact with a processing module via a communication medium. The communication medium may be an Ethernet or an equivalent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to mobile inventory unit monitoring systems and methods. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile inventory unit monitoring system comprising a computer configured to execute at least one computer program, at least one wireless transmitter located proximate to a mobile inventory unit, a plurality of radio-frequency transceivers dispersed geographically at defined locations, and a gateway connected to a wide area network. Select information can be transmitted from the transmitter proximate to the mobile inventory unit, through a transceiver in the plurality of transceivers, through the gateway, and to the wide area network. Other aspects, features, and embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to network management using visual identifiers. In one of many possible embodiments, a network management system includes a visual identifier device located visibly proximate to a network device. The visual identifier device includes a set of visual identifiers and a selector mechanism configured to be manipulated to select at least one of the visual identifiers to be assigned to the network device. The network management system also includes a display device configured to display a visual representation of said selected visual identifier.

Abstract: A method and a monitor for monitoring a driver of a vehicle, the monitor includes: multiple sensors coupled to at least one vehicle element or integrated with at least one vehicle element; a processor for: receiving physiological information relating to the driver from the multiple sensors; detecting, based on the physiological information, a health problem of the driver, an awareness level of the driver and a stress level of the driver; determining a selected action to be performed based on the detection, wherein the action is selected from a list consisting of: establishing a call to a remote assistance site, transmitting the physiological information to a remote assistance site, generating an audio alert, and generating a visual alert; and assisting in a completion of the selected action.

Abstract: A method for querying a measurement value, wherein the measurement value is converted into a modulation signal that influences the reflective properties of a sensor antenna. A signal is emitted via a query device, wherein the signal is returned in an altered fashion by the sensor antenna and then received again by the query device. The measurement value is determined from the altered signal received. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of measurement values are detected by sensors and the query device is moved past a plurality of sensor antennas in a vehicle or by a person. Thus, a plurality of sensors detect measurement values on a railroad line, for example. The vehicle is, for example, a rail vehicle traveling on the track of the railroad line.

Abstract: An active monitoring system for serial monitoring devices and the method thereof are provided. By receiving serial data from a serial monitoring device on a triggering device and analyzing the serial data to generate a device tag, the mechanism transmits the packed device tag actively to a server through a network. The server automatically generates a tag compliant with the Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control (OPC) according to the device tag for monitoring. The mechanism improves the compatibility and efficiency of monitoring and bandwidth usage.

Abstract: A method for collecting data is disclosed herein. The method involves selecting, via a processor associated with a telematics service center, a mobile vehicle to collect data from a sensor configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more selected vehicles and, via a telematics unit disposed in the selected mobile vehicle, receiving data collected by the sensor. The method further involves, via the telematics unit, transmitting the data from the telematics unit to a data aggregator and reporting the data from the data aggregator to a facility. Also disclosed herein is a system for accomplishing the same.