Abstract: Disclosed is an atmospheric information network comprised of a group of low earth orbit satellite-based sensors providing global coverage of the earth, together with one or more ground-based sensor networks, together with one or more mobile sensor networks, all operating to collect near-real-time or real-time data, together with data gathering from other governmental and commercial atmospheric data sources, together with software algorithms and processes for data reduction, data analysis, correlation of information, data fusion, modeling, reporting of near-real-time or real-time atmospheric conditions of air pollution and wind, and prediction of future atmospheric conditions of air pollution and wind. Such information is presented in geospatial and infographic formats on computer or mobile device displays, or electronic billboards.

Abstract: A method for operating a wireless field-device network, comprising: wirelessly transmitting a process variable and an expected remaining running time from each field device to the other field devices within a field-device network so that in each field device the process variable and the expected remaining running time of the other field devices of the field-device network are stored; activating a second radio module of that field device which has the highest expected remaining running time, and deactivating the second radio modules of the other field devices within the field-device network; wirelessly transmitting the process variables of all field devices of the field-device network stored in the active field device, or at least a subset of the stored process variables, to the superordinate unit, which is not part of the field-device network, by means of the second radio module of the active field device.

Abstract: A deployable structure includes a hydride material to be converted into hydrogen gas; and a sheet material encapsulating the hydride material; wherein the sheet material is to be plastically deformed by the hydrogen gas to have an expanded structure. A method of manufacturing a deployable structure includes: forming a sheet material comprising an outer shell structure and a hollow interior; placing a hydride material capable of being converted into hydrogen gas into the hollow interior; sealing the outer shell structure; and converting and releasing the hydrogen gas to expand and plastically deform the sheet material.

Abstract: An atmospheric turbulence detection method includes: providing a temperature difference measuring device including a thermocouple element and two sensing probes, wherein the thermocouple element has two opposite end portions, the two sensing probes are respectively disposed at the two end portions, and there is an ambient distance between the two end portions; placing the temperature difference measuring device in an atmospheric environment to generate an electromotive force by a temperature difference between the two end portions; analyzing the electromotive force to convert the electromotive force into an ambient temperature difference of an environment where the two end portions of the thermocouple element are located, an atmospheric refractive index structure constant is calculated according to the ambient temperature difference and the ambient distance, and a value of the atmospheric refractive index structure constant corresponds to an ambient disturbance of an atmospheric turbulence.

Abstract: A wind direction and a wind speed are readily and accurately estimated at a desired position without using a wind direction and velocity sensor. Movement instruction means of a wind estimation system instructs an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which includes a sensor unit that detects information about a position change, to move. Fall control means causes the UAV to free fall after the UAV is moved according to the instruction of the movement instruction means. Estimation means estimates at least one of a wind direction and a wind speed at a fall position based on the information about the position change detected by the sensor unit during a fall of the UAV.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus includes a magnetic field sonde and a satellite location system antenna node.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for fixing a navigational position using guided surface waves launched from guided surface wave waveguide probes at various ground stations. A guided surface wave is received using a guided surface wave receive structure. A reflection of the guided surface wave is received using the guided surface wave receive structure. An amount of time that has elapsed between receiving the guided surface wave and receiving the reflection of guided surface wave is calculated. A location of the guided surface wave receive structure is determined based at least in part on the amount of time elapsed between receiving the guided surface wave and receiving the reflection of guided surface wave.

Abstract: Disclosed are various approaches for navigation identifying one's current position. A navigation device receives a guided surface wave using a guided surface wave receive structure. The navigation device then receives a reflection of the guided surface wave using the guided surface wave receive structure. The navigation device calculates an amount of time elapsed between receiving the guided surface wave and receiving the reflection of guided surface wave. The navigation device then measures an angle between a wave front of the guided surface wave and a polar axis of the Earth. Finally the navigation device determines a location of the guided surface wave receive structure based at least in part on the angle between the wave front of the guided surface wave and the polar axis of the Earth the amount of time elapsed between receiving the guided surface wave and receiving the reflection of guided surface wave.

Abstract: Disclosed are various approaches for determining a location using guided surface waves. A guided surface wave is received. A field strength of a guided surface wave is identified. A phase of the guided surface wave is identified. A distance from a guided surface waveguide probe that launched the guided surface wave is calculated. A location is determined based at least in part on the distance from the guided surface waveguide probe.

Abstract: Disclosed are various approaches for determining a location using guided surface waves. A wavelength and a phase of a base guided surface wave launched from a ground station and received by the guided surface wave receive structure are identified. A range of an overlaid guided surface wave launched from the ground station and received by the guided surface wave receive structure are identified., wherein the range of the overlaid guided surface wave is measured as a number of wavelengths of the base guided surface wave. A distance of the guided surface wave receive structure from the ground station based at least in part on the phase of the base guided surface wave and the range of the overlaid guided surface wave is calculated. Finally, a location of the guided surface wave receive structure based at least in part on the distance of the guided surface wave receive structure from the ground station is determined.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of apparatuses, systems, and methods for restricting functionality of guided surface wave receive equipment to unauthorized users. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a network interface adapted to receive a valid key code, and a guided surface wave receive structure configured to obtain electrical energy from a guided surface wave traveling along a lossy conducting medium, wherein the guided surface wave is embedded with a user key code. Accordingly, processing circuitry is further included and is adapted to validate the user key code against the valid key code. The processing circuitry is adapted to disable delivery of the electrical energy from the guided surface wave to an electrical load responsive to the user key code being invalidated.

Abstract: A method and a radiosonde wherein the radiosonde is launched from a launching station and transmission of the radiosonde is started in order to send measurement data to a receiver. The transmission of the radiosonde is started only after a delay from the launch.

Abstract: An aircraft expendable instrument, an apparatus for launching an aircraft expendable instrument, and a method for detecting the launch of an aircraft expendable instrument are provided. The aircraft expendable instrument launch system an aircraft expendable instrument, a launch tube, a magnetic field generator positioned in the launch tube, a magnetic field detector positioned in the aircraft expendable instrument, and an electronics electrically coupled to the magnetic field detector. The electronics operable to detect a signal provided by the magnetic field detector when the aircraft expendable instrument an air travels through a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator.

Abstract: A system that reads and writes information from and onto a non-contact information recording medium using an electric wave includes a reader/writer and a measuring unit. The reader/writer includes an antenna configured to transmit an electric wave onto the non-contact information recording medium, a demodulator configured to demodulate a reflected wave obtained by the non-contact information recording medium modulating a part of the electric wave, and a calculator configured to obtain a delay time of the reflected wave. The measuring unit measures a difference in delay times calculated by the calculator, and obtains a change in a distance between the antenna mediating transmission/reception of the electric wave and the non-contact information recording medium.

Abstract: An information handling system is powered by a battery. In response to determining that a remaining amount of power within the battery has fallen below a first threshold, power consumption of the information handling system is reduced by reducing at least one non-critical operation of the information handling system, while maintaining at least one critical operation of the information handling system. After reducing the at least one non-critical operation, it is increased in response to determining that the remaining amount of power within the battery has risen above a second threshold.

Abstract: A utility meter includes an energy storage device configured to store energy to run the utility meter after a primary source of energy to the utility meter is unable to provide sufficient energy to run the utility meter. The utility meter includes a processor configured to determine utility usage data associated with a utility consumer, monitor an energy level of the energy storage device, and save the utility usage data, a reduced set of the utility usage data, or both, depending on the energy level of the energy storage device, and at least one data storage device configured to store the utility usage data, the reduced set of the utility usage data, or both.

Abstract: A pressure sensor can be implemented on a network device to minimize vertical positioning errors of the network device in an indoor environment. A reference altitude and a reference pressure associated with an access point in the indoor environment are received at the network device via a communication network. A pressure is determined at the network device in the indoor environment. An altitude of the network device associated with the pressure at the network device in the indoor environment is calculated based, at least in part, on the pressure at the network device, the reference pressure, and the reference altitude. A position of the network device in the indoor environment is determined based, at least in part, on the altitude of the navigation device and location information received from at least the access point.

Abstract: A radar system can include electronics configured to receive communications from a terrestrial location. The communications can include composite weather data from a plurality of sources and scheduling data. The scheduling data can include an indication of timing for sending local weather data sensed by an airborne radar system to the terrestrial location. The terrestrial system can provide composite weather radar data to an airborne source.

Abstract: A connection validation apparatus includes a connector engagement mechanism configured to physically engage a connector to connect the connector to a connector interface. The apparatus further includes a connection indication detector located on the connector engagement mechanism and configured to detect at least one of a sound and a vibration corresponding to a secure connection of the connector with the connector interface. The apparatus also includes a connection indicator output unit configured to provide an indication to a user that the connector is securely connected with the connector interface based on the detection of the at least one of the sound and the vibration by the connection indication detector.

Abstract: Provided is a low atmosphere ascent and descent observation experimental tool. Since a position of a radiosonde and a ground captive position of the radiosonde is accurately grasped using a GPS radiosonde, accurate observation results may be obtained.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for radiosonde power control based on position estimation, including a radiosonde system including a radiosonde that may collect weather information, receive Global Positioning System (GPS) information, and transmit a signal including the collected weather information, and a receiver that may receive the signal, and the radiosonde may also recognize a current position based on the GPS information and control a transmission power based on a distance between the current position and a position of the receiver.

Abstract: A method and a radiosonde wherein the radiosonde is launched from a launching station and transmission of the radiosonde is started in order to send measurement data to a receiver. The transmission of the radiosonde is started only after a delay from the launch.

Abstract: An engine control system comprises a signal deviation module, a variation determination module, and a sensor diagnostic module. The signal deviation module receives a signal from a sensor monitoring an operating condition of an engine and determines a plurality of signal deviations. Each of the plurality of signal deviations is based on a magnitude of a difference between the signal at a first time and the signal at a second time. The second time is different than the first time. The variation determination module generates a variation value based on the plurality of signal deviations during a period. The sensor diagnostic module determines a state of the sensor based on the variation value.

Abstract: A method for generating electromagnetic waves in the ELF/ULF comprising the steps of using a ground-based Horizontal Electric Dipole (HED) antenna to send electromagnetic pulses upwardly in the E-region of the ionosphere to form an oscillatory or pulsed electric field; allowing said pulsed electric field to interact with magnetized plasma of the lower ionosphere to generate a pulsed horizontal and vertical current which have associated Horizontal and Vertical Electric Dipole moment; and allowing them to radiate.

Abstract: Provided is a low atmosphere ascent and descent observation experimental tool. Since a position of a radiosonde and a ground captive position of the radiosonde is accurately grasped using a GPS radiosonde, accurate observation results may be obtained.

Abstract: A computing system for managing site security through a communication device includes a mobile communication device, a notification, and the communication device. Using BLUETOOTH technology, the mobile communication device communicates with and activates the communication device and the notification. The communication device detects any noteworthy event and captures visual data accordingly, and transmits the visual data to the mobile communication device. The notification generates visual and audio alerts. A related method and storage medium with instructions for performance of the method also provided.

Abstract: A programmable telemetry circuit that may be programmed for high bandwidth, low Q; low bandwidth, high Q; or for other parameters. The programmable telemetry circuit may include a first coil; a high impedance path having a first node connected to a first node of the first coil; a low impedance path having a first node connected to the first node of the first coil; a capacitive path having a first node connected to a second node of the first coil; and an input path for coupling signals into the high impedance path, the low impedance path, and the capacitive path. The low impedance path may be connected in parallel with the high impedance path. The capacitive path may form a circuitous path with the high impedance path and the low impedance path. The programmable circuit may be programmed to select the high impedance path or the low impedance path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying operation of process variable transmitters in process control or monitoring systems is provided. A process variable is measured with a process variable transmitter to verify operation of the process variable transmitter by comparing the process variable with a reference. A data entry is placed in a database which indicates operation of the process variable transmitter has been verified.

Abstract: An RF tag includes a sensor for detecting a change in an environment near the RF tag, a storage section for storing identifier information uniquely assigned to each RF tag to identify the RF tag, and a controller for controlling the sensor and the storage section. A reader-writer includes a sensor value requesting section for requesting, with respect to the identifier information, a sensor value detected by the sensor. When the environmental information changes, the reader-writer identifies an object according to the sensor value sent from the RF tag including the identifier information as a response to the reader-writer. It is therefore possible, using an information management system, an information management method, a program, and a recording medium, to recognize an object including a particular tag.

Abstract: Radiosondes (200) and related radiosonde systems (500) include a plurality of different sensors (105, 218, 237, 239) for acquiring sensor data related to atmospheric data, wherein the plurality of sensors consist of a single humidity sensor (105) that is within a sealed housing (120). The sealed housing (120) includes a hydrophobic filter window (130) that allows in ambient gases while preventing entry of condensed forms of moisture from entering the sealed housing (120). A wireless transmitter (255) including an antenna (228) is coupled to an output of the plurality of sensors (100, 218, 237, 239) for transmission of the sensor data over a wireless path to at least one ground based receiver. The radiosonde (200) is generally exclusive of any heater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and control of a system is disclosed. The method and apparatus include providing a plurality of sensors, a table, and a network processor. The sensors monitor attributes of the system. The table includes a plurality of entries. Each of the entries indicates at least one action to be taken in response to a portion attributes having particular values. The network processor is coupled with the sensors and with the table. The network processor receives from the sensors a plurality of statuses for the attributes. The network processor further determines at least one entry of the entries to access based upon the statuses and accesses the at least one entry to determine a corresponding action.

Abstract: A system detects the wiring phase of an unknown phase voltage at a remote location relative to a reference phase voltage at a reference location in an electrical power distribution system having a single phase or poly phase power line. A transmitter transmits a signal from the reference location to the remote location. The signal comprises a characteristic signal pattern. Moreover, a first circuit detects at the remote location the characteristic signal pattern of the signal and determines a first time interval between the characteristic signal pattern and the occurrence of a reference point in the unknown phase voltage. A second circuit determines at the reference location a second time interval between the characteristic signal pattern and the occurrence of a reference point in the reference phase voltage. The system determines the wiring phase of the unknown phase voltage from the first time interval and the second time interval.

Abstract: A low cost and easy to assemble communicating utility meter provides selectable measurement, calibration, display, and communications means so as to be re-configurable based on several factors including; harmonic content of the power signal measured, LCD display alternatives, time of use measurements, bandpass filter settings, power quality measurements, PLC communications. alternatives, radio frequency communications alternatives, optical communications alternatives, and hard wire communications alternatives.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the true temperature of connate fluid within a subterranean geological formation is provided herein. The method includes generating a flow of connate fluid, measuring the temperature of the flow over time until the measured temperature reaches a limiting value termed the stabilized temperature. Multiple events of temperature sampling events can be conducted at different flow rates of the connate fluid. The stabilized temperature values can then be ascendingly organized based on the value of their respective flow rates. The limiting value reached by the stabilized temperatures is taken to be substantially equal to the actual temperature of the connate fluid residing within the subterranean formation.

Abstract: This publication discloses a radiosonde system, a radiosonde system receiver and a signal processing method for use in a radiosonde system. The radiosonde system comprises at least one radiosonde (1) with means for acquisition of position and/or weather data and means for downstream transmission of the data over a radio-frequency path, signal capture means (2, 3) for reception of the weather and/or position data, and receiver means (4) for processing the received signals, the receiver means including RF circuit elements (11) for downconversion of the received signal frequency to a lower frequency known as the first intermediate frequency. According to the invention, the receiver means (4) include sampling means (12) performing sampling at the intermediate frequency, at least two digital mixer means (13) for selective filtration of desired frequency bands from the sampled signal, and processor means (14) for parallel signal processing at the desired frequency bands.

Abstract: A programmable telemetry circuit that may be programmed for high bandwidth, low Q; low bandwidth, high Q; or for other parameters. The programmable telemetry circuit may include a first coil; a high impedance path having a first node connected to a first node of the first coil; a low impedance path having a first node connected to the first node of the first coil; a capacitive path having a first node connected to a second node of the first coil; and an input path for coupling signals into the high impedance path, the low impedance path, and the capacitive path. The low impedance path may be connected in parallel with the high impedance path. The capacitive path may form a circuitous path with the high impedance path and the low impedance path. The programmable circuit may be programmed to select the high impedance path or the low impedance path.

Abstract: Method systems and apparatus for signalling within pipelines. The systems methods and apparatus make use of a unit locatable within a tubular piece of metallic structure for the transmission and/or reception of signals. The unit includes a magnetic material core (6) which provides a path for magnetic flux through the unit (4). A coil (81) is wound around a portion of the magnetic material core (6) to allow the detection and/or application of magnetic flux in the magnetic core (6). At each end of the core (6) there is pair of arms (63) which are arranged for location adjacent the inside surface of the tubular structure. In use magnetic signals flowing in the tubular structure pass through the core (6) and can be detected via the coil (81) in receive mode and similarly signals flowing in the coil (81) can cause magnetic flux to flow through the core (6) and into the metallic structure in transmit mode.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that use mobile collectors for accessing a wireless sensor network. In certain embodiments, one or more mobile collectors having mobility that is unpredictable to a wireless sensor network are deployed for use in accessing the wireless sensor network. Thus, rather than relying on an access technique having certainty designed therein with regard to the access of a wireless sensor network, certain embodiments utilize an access technique that relies on statistical probability for accessing the wireless sensor network. For instance, by deploying a plurality of mobile collectors that are operable for accessing a wireless sensor network, a statistical probability exists that at some point (or at various points in time) at least one of the mobile collectors will travel within range of the wireless sensor network to enable access thereof.

Abstract: A signal transmission connection for a tool string used in exploration and production of natural resources, namely: oil, gas, and geothermal energy resources. The connection comprises first and second annular elements deployed in cooperative association with each other. The respective elements comprise inductive transducers that are capable of two-way signal transmission between each other, with downhole components of the tool string, and with ground-level equipment. The respective inductive transducers comprise one or more conductive loops housed within ferrite troughs, or within ferrite trough segments. When energized, the conductive loops produce a magnetic field suitable for transmitting the signal. The second element may be rotational in drilling applications. The respective elements may be fitted with electronic equipment to aid and manipulate the transmission of the signal. The first element may also be in communication with the World Wide Web.

Abstract: A method monitors servicing operations of a vehicle capable for example of pumping various fluid treatments down into a well being serviced at a well site. The method records the vehicle's engine speed and the values of one or more service-related variables, such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, and pump strokes per minute. These variables are recorded as a function of the time of day in accordance with when they were sensed, and are associated with a well site identifier to form a data record. Global Positioning System data associated with the service vehicle assists in determining the well site identifier or can constitute the well site identifier. In some embodiments, the data record is communicated over a wireless communication link from a remote well site to a central office.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled antenna range extender structured to be interposed between an RF antenna and an electronic device. The antenna range extender is positioned between and proximate to one of the RF antenna and the electronic device, for extending the operating range over which information may be communicated and exchanged between the RF antenna and the electronic device.

Abstract: A telemetering system allows a receiver to provide an indication related linearly with the data from a sensor in a transmitter that comprises an amplifier composed of relatively inexpensive and low-quality parts. The transmitter includes an ID ROM (10) that stores an ID code specifying itself, and it transmits the ID code when transmitting the output from a sensor (1). The receiver includes a correction circuit (13), which finds the correction table corresponding to the transmitter in accordance with the received ID code and corrects the received sensor output on the basis of the correction table.

Abstract: A portable storage case for housing a medical monitoring device is provided that facilitates communications with the medical monitoring device while the portable storage case is in transport. The portable storage case may also store the accessories required for the tests and a portable computing device for receiving additional data relating to the various activities of the patient. In order to communicate with the medical monitoring device, the portable storage case may include an integral data connector disposed in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the medical monitoring device. As such, communication may be established between the integral data connector and a corresponding data connector carried by the medical monitoring device such that data collected by the medical monitoring device may be accessed, such as by being downloaded, once the medical monitoring device is disposed within the case.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive transmitter for transmitting measurement data and electrical energy between two components (1, 2) that move in relation to each other, having at least one primary (3, 5) and at least one secondary transmitter component (4, 6). There is one transmitter (3, 4) for transmitting measurement data and one transmitter (5, 6) for transmitting electrical energy, with the primary (3, 5) and secondary (4, 6) transmitter components being disposed in separate chambers (7, 8) that are magnetically shielded from each other to a large extent. The chambers (7, 8) are formed on the components by concentric, radial metal walls of the chamber elements (1, 2), with the concentric walls extending into each other in such a way that they form chambers (7, 8) situated radially one behind the other.

Abstract: A radio IC number tag (10) having a container number (1a) inputted is applied on a container (1); a radio document tag (14) having container (1) physical distribution information inputted is set to a trailer (2); and a radio antenna (11) is arranged at a gate of a container terminal. Upon passage of the trailer (2) through the gate, the radio antenna (11) receives the physical distribution information transmitted from the radio IC document tag (14) while reading the container number from the radio IC number tag (10) applied on the container (1). Such information is sent to a physical distribution information center (31). A computer (31a) in the physical distribution information center (31) checks up the container number (1a) with the physical distribution information and the like for confirmation and data-processing to send a command signal for a storage address to the trailer (2) through the radio antenna (11).

Abstract: A reconnaissance sonde to be dropped and erected in an area for wirelessly transmitting data to a data processing apparatus.

Abstract: A well servicing system includes a vehicle that travels to perform a service operation at several well sites while monitoring and recording data that reflects the performance of the operation at each site, and then associates that data with unique well site identifiers. The information is stored and secured against tampering to provide a reliable record of what work was done at each particular well site.

Abstract: A low cost and easy to assemble communicating utility meter provides selectable measurement, calibration, display, and communications means so as to be re-configurable based on several factors including; harmonic content of the power signal measured, LCD display alternatives, time of use measurements, bandpass filter settings, power quality measurements, PLC communications alternatives, radio frequency communications alternatives, optical communications alternatives, and hard wire communications alternatives.

Abstract: A telemetry system comprises a plurality of beacons. Each beacon repetitively transmits a packet having a first predetermined time duration. The beacon transmits the packet a first predetermined number of iterations. A monitoring receiver observes for the transmitted packets within each of a plurality of time slots. Each slot has second predetermined time duration. The first predetermined time duration is less than the second predetermined time duration.