Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring the depth of snow with respect to the ground. The method may employ a global positioning system and includes an initialization unit for generating ground surface data representative of the surface of the ground. The method also includes a snow surface data acquisition unit for generating snow surface data representative of the surface of the snow. The method further includes an analysis unit in communication with the ground surface data and the snow surface data for comparing the ground and snow surface data. Snow depth data is then generated representative of the area between the ground and snow surfaces.

Abstract: An improved absolute position detection method is provided for a stroke sensing cylinder which includes a magnetic scale detecting step for obtaining a plurality of sine wave form voltages having different phases using a magnetic sensor unit in accordance with a driving operation of the cylinder. A wave form generation step is also provided for converting the sine wave form voltage obtained in the magnetic scale detection step into a square wave form and generating a triangle wave form having the same period as the thusly converted square wave form. A first absolute position value detection and stroke direction judging step is then provided for judging a first absolute position value and stroke direction of the cylinder using a pair of square and triangle wave forms generated in the wave form generation step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a parachute release device comprising a data processing and acceleration determining means connected to said data processing system and provided for determining an acceleration parameter indicating the acceleration of a falling object to which the parachute is attached, said data processing system being provided for calculating from said acceleration parameter and a jump duration time an instant speed and an instant height value, and for generating a release signal for opening said parachute when said instant height value reaches an opening height value.