Abstract: Techniques for allowing a vehicle equipped with at least one radar to take-off and land using radar return images of a landing site. The at least one radar generates radar return image(s) of the landing site, specifically of reflective symbols attached to the landing site, allowing the vehicle to orient itself to the landing site and providing information specific to the landing site. Position and velocity in relation to a landing site can be determined using at least one radar and a guidance and landing system. Using the position and velocity information, the guidance and landing system can guide the vehicle to and from the landing site and/or determine whether an obstacle requires the use of an alternate landing site.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sea fog monitoring method based on multi-source satellite remote sensing data. A fog and low cloud mixed region is preliminarily identified using visible light and infrared satellite remote sensing data. A temperature and humidity vertically-layered structure in the fog and low cloud mixed region is obtained using satellite microwave remote sensing data. Due to different heights of fog and low cloud high-humidity regions, the heights of the high-humidity regions can be extracted by a humidity layered structure, so that fog and low clouds are distinguished, and the monitoring accuracy of fog is effectively improved.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided having a sling or sock configured for contacting a wind turbine blade. A reinforcement member attached to the sling or sock. The reinforcement member configured to resist sling or sock collapse and maintain the sling or sock in an open configuration. A method is also provided for moving a wind turbine part, such as a rotor or blade. The method includes the step of attaching a sling or sock to the wind turbine part, where the sling includes a reinforcement member attached thereto.

Abstract: A visual sight flexible gas flow indicator has a truncated conical sleeve formed of flexible water repellent material tapered along its length from a larger diameter throat end to a smaller diameter exit end defining an interior. A threaded fitting secured to the throat end has an interior in fluid communication with the sleeve interior and is configured to be threadedly engaged in fluid flow communication with a conduit or bleeder valve of a vessel or piping system through which a gas to be monitored flows. The sleeve hangs flaccidly in a generally vertical position when no gas is flowing through the fitting and sleeve from the conduit or valve. Upon gas flowing through the fitting and sleeve from the conduit or valve, the sleeve becomes fully extended in a generally horizontal position to provide an external visual indication, from a distance, of gas flow and location of the leaking gas.

Abstract: A wind direction and orientation apparatus and method consists of a support shaft with a first end and a second end. A pointer is connected with the first end for identifying direction and an indicator is connected with the second end where, when exposed to wind, the indicator moves in the direction of the wind.

Abstract: An air pressure drop detecting device for detecting air flow volume of a cooling fan includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a display unit. The cooling fan has an air inlet and an air outlet opposite to the air inlet. The first pressure sensor is positioned in the air inlet and detects a plurality of first pressure values. The second pressure sensor is positioned in the air outlet and detects a plurality of second pressure values. The display unit is connected to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to display the first pressure values and the second pressure values, and a position of the cooling fan in the computer case is determined by the pressure difference between the first pressure values and the second pressure values.

Abstract: A device for estimating the angle of attack of an aircraft moving through the air comprises means for receiving a measured incidence presented locally by the air relative to the aircraft and means for determining the angle of attack of the aircraft as a function of the measured incidence and information about the airspeed of the aircraft. The means for determining the angle of attack of the aircraft comprise means for reading the angle of attack of the aircraft from a look-up table having at least the measured incidence and the airspeed information as inputs. Corresponding system and a corresponding method are also proposed.

Abstract: A wind current indicator device is provided for use in assisting in the hunting of wild game animals and includes a thin strand of fiber having a lightweight feather affixed at a first end and a swivel member affixed to opposite second end. The swivel member includes two rotating loops on opposite sides, wherein the first rotating loop is secured to the strand of fiber while the second rotating loop is secured to a second strand of fiber that is adapted for attachment to an object, such as the barrel of a rifle. In operation, wind currents lift and carry the feather, pulling the strand taut, indicating the direction of the wind current. Each of the rotating loops independently pivots and rotates in response to changes in wind current direction, thereby avoiding twisting and entanglement of either strand portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probe for aerodynamic measurement of an airflow. The probe comprises a plate rotating about an axis, a transmitter for transmitting a sound wave and a receiver responsive to the sound wave, the transmitter and the receiver forming two elements which are integrally connected to the plate and are placed at separate positions on the plate, the probe furthermore comprising means for delivering information representing a time of flight of the sound wave between the two elements and a temporal variation of the information. In the case of using the probe on board a helicopter, the rotating plate is advantageously placed at the centre of the rotor of the helicopter while being integrally connected to it. This type of probe makes it possible to carry out aerodynamic measurements even at low airspeeds of the helicopter.

Abstract: A combination wind direction and wind speed indicating apparatus for providing enhanced visibility at night and under other low visibility conditions is mounted, for example, at an airport landing zone, to rotate in the wind and indicates wind direction with high-intensity colored lights mounted in a specified array about the horizontal periphery of the apparatus; a vertical array of lights is illuminated in response to incremental wind speed variations. The apparatus can include a self-contained source of electrical power such as a rechargeable battery pack connected via appropriate circuitry to a solar power cell.

Abstract: A method for determining wind conditions within a geographic area based on a plurality of input wind resource grids. The input wind resource grids include input points associated with a geographic position and a wind condition. An output wind resource grid having a plurality of output points is defined. Each output point is associated with a geographic position within the geographic area. For each output point in the output wind resource grid, a wind condition is calculated based at least in part on wind conditions associated with at least some of the input points. A wind condition associated with an input point may be weighted based on the proximity of the output point to a meteorological instrument associated with the input point.

Abstract: A handheld windsock includes a housing with a graduated dial indicator mounted on the housing. A cord attached to the housing overlays the graduated dial indicator and a miniaturized chute is attached to an end of the cord. In response to airflow, the miniaturized chute displaces the cord in relation to the graduated dial indicator, providing a readable indication of the wind speed. Wind direction may be obtained as the direction of maximum displacement of the miniaturized chute. A data table displayed on the housing allows a user, such as a golfer, to cross-reference a measured wind speed to a quantitative adjustment, such as a numerical adjustment to the selection of a golf club.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring the turbulence intensity of a horizontal axis wind turbine that is capable of accurately obtaining the value of the turbulence intensity without the effect of the rotor and by taking into consideration the motion of the nacelle. In the method for measuring the turbulence intensity of a horizontal axis wind turbine, with the nacelle located on the upwind side of the rotor of the horizontal axis wind turbine, measurement values are obtained from an anemometer that is located on the nacelle and an acceleration sensor that is fastened to the nacelle, and the absolute value of the turbulence intensity is calculated based on the measurement values from the anemometer and the measurement values from the acceleration sensor. As a result, it is possible to accurately calculate the absolute value of the turbulence intensity that includes the effect of the movement of the nacelle.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for use in measuring wind velocity is described that includes a body that includes at least one surface a flow path defined at least partially by the at least one surface. The sensor assembly further includes a wire extending from the at least one surface, and the wire further extends at least partially through the flow path. The sensor assembly is configured to determine wind velocity when a current is induced to the wire as air flows through the flow path.

Abstract: A handheld windsock includes a housing with a graduated dial indicator mounted on the housing. A cord attached to the housing overlays the graduated dial indicator and a miniaturized chute is attached to an end of the cord. In response to airflow, the miniaturized chute displaces the cord in relation to the graduated dial indicator, providing a readable indication of the wind speed. Wind direction may be obtained as the direction of maximum displacement of the miniaturized chute. A data table displayed on the housing allows a user, such as a golfer, to cross-reference a measured wind speed to a quantitative adjustment, such as a numerical adjustment to the selection of a golf club.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for increasing safety in chemical application from an aircraft. Wind speed, wind direction and other critical flight parameters are measured, calculated, recorded, and visually or audibly announced during the aircraft flight via onboard equipment, which parameters provide a means for the aircraft pilot to control chemical spray application and for unassisted automatic chemical spray cutoff and for limiting spray application outside an application zone or target area. Such parameters also provide a means for indicating the lift reserve of the aircraft and a means for determining atmospheric stability near the ground and providing the pilot with a record of the meteorological conditions at a particular location. The method and system of the present invention also provide a means for predicting appropriate aircraft upwind offset distance to compensate for predicted chemical spray drift.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring the turbulence intensity of a horizontal axis wind turbine that is capable of accurately obtaining the value of the turbulence intensity without the effect of the rotor and by taking into consideration the motion of the nacelle. In the method for measuring the turbulence intensity of a horizontal axis wind turbine, with the nacelle located on the upwind side of the rotor of the horizontal axis wind turbine, measurement values are obtained from an anemometer that is located on the nacelle and an acceleration sensor that is fastened to the nacelle, and the absolute value of the turbulence intensity is calculated based on the measurement values from the anemometer and the measurement values from the acceleration sensor. As a result, it is possible to accurately calculate the absolute value of the turbulence intensity that includes the effect of the movement of the nacelle.

Abstract: A method for measuring channel flow discharge comprising the steps of: locating a platform carrying a fluid flow measurement device at a plurality of stations at spaced locations across a channel; determining the velocity of the platform at each station by averaging the differences between the position of the platform at a first time (t) and the position of the platform at a second time equal to the first time plus a position averaging interval (PI) for a plurality of different first times; obtaining current flow vs. depth profiles at each station by adjusting current velocity as measured by the current flow measuring device for the platform velocity; determining the flow discharge at each station.

Abstract: A method for ice detection for a wind turbine is provided. The method includes providing an ice condition threshold parameter adapted for distinguishing a condition during which icing may occur and a condition during which icing may not occur, measuring a wind velocity with a first anemometer, wherein the first anemometer being of a first type, measuring a wind velocity with a second anemometer, wherein the second anemometer being of a second type, and wherein the second type is different from the first type, evaluating, for a condition during which icing may occur, a deviation of the wind velocity measured with the first anemometer and the wind velocity measured with the second anemometer, and determine whether the deviation exceeds a limit value based on a calibration conducted under a condition during which icing may not occur.

Abstract: A device and method for applying a wind force to a plurality of plants in an agricultural environment is provided to screen for selected wind-resistance traits in the plurality of plants. In one embodiment of the present invention, a device is provided including a generating device for creating a moving fluid stream to provide the wind force, a directing device, such as a duct and/or movable vane, for precisely and selectively directing the wind force towards a portion of at least one plant, and a controller for adjusting one or more parameters of the fluid stream. The device and/or method embodiments of the present invention may thus be used to selectively apply the wind force to one or more plants (or portions thereof) such that the plants may be evaluated with respect to one or more wind-resistant physical characteristics.

Abstract: A method for ice detection for a wind turbine is provided. The method includes providing an ice condition threshold parameter adapted for distinguishing a condition during which icing may occur and a condition during which icing may not occur, measuring a wind velocity with a first anemometer, wherein the first anemometer being of a first type, measuring a wind velocity with a second anemometer, wherein the second anemometer being of a second type, and wherein the second type is different from the first type, evaluating, for a condition during which icing may occur, a deviation of the wind velocity measured with the first anemometer and the wind velocity measured with the second anemometer, and determine whether the deviation exceeds a limit value based on a calibration conducted under a condition during which icing may not occur.

Abstract: Wind indicator apparatus for indicating air flow comprising: a direction pointer, including a vane member, for providing a visible indication of air flow direction; pivoting means including a fixed portion for coupling to a sailing craft and a pivotable portion able to pivot with respect to said fixed portion and with which said direction pointer is entrained for movement therewith; and a counterbalance extending from said pivotable portion of said pivoting means and arranged to move therewith, the mass of the counterbalance being disposed so as to maintain the direction pointer in a substantially level position.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting hazardous materials is mounted on an aircraft and has a sensor, a heading unit, a transceiver and a GPS unit. The sensor has an airfoil shaped probe and an electronics module. The probe has a positive airflow, enclosed sensing chamber with a hazardous material sensing element. The system for detecting hazardous materials includes aircraft with the hazardous material detecting apparatus and a ground network. The method for detecting hazardous materials includes the steps of providing aircraft with hazardous material sensing apparatus and a ground network, collecting hazardous material and atmospheric data with the sensing apparatus, transmitting the position, wind velocity and hazardous material data to the ground network, calculating distribution of hazardous materials in the atmosphere, generating a real-time map of distribution of hazardous materials and predicting dispersion of the hazardous materials in the atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for airflow testing, especially for air testing of gas turbine components on an airflow test bench. Various embodiments of the present invention include the use of a measurement section downstream of the component being tested. The measurement section, in one embodiment, includes apparatus for measurement of gas properties at a plurality of spaced-apart radial locations and/or a plurality of spaced-apart circumferential locations. In another embodiment, the invention includes a method for testing a component including a comparison of gas properties measured in both forward and reverse flow directions.

Abstract: Weather vanes (1) are delicate instruments partially exposed to external conditions. They are used in particular in the aeronautical industry. The measurements provided by these weather vanes are crucial to the flying of an aircraft. A type of weather vane is proposed in which a vane can be changed. Changing the vane entails adjusting the orientation sensors (3). To perform this adjustment, use is made of a factory setting rig (16) that allows the various parts of the weather vane to be placed in a characteristic position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cup anemometer having at least two cups (1) each attached to an arm (2) of a hub (3) on a rotary shaft. By cup is meant a generally seen cup-shaped body with a concave inner surface (6) and a convex outer surface (7) which meet at the opening of the cup. The opening of the cup is directed essentially along the tangent to the rotational path of the cups. The invention is based on the fact that the cups are truncated at their opening by means of three cuts (14, 15, 16) which are esentially located in three planes that are parallel with the tangent of the rotational path of the cups at the opening and that, projected on a fourth plane (9) having the tangent as normal, essentially form a triangle. The cups are attached to their arms (2) at one of the three corners (10).

Abstract: An array of colorant nozzles, filled with different colors, is placed at an enclosure through which fluid flow is to be analyzed. The array injects the colors into the enclosure with the flow. Color paths through the enclosure are observed and analyzed. The array best spans the enclosure two-dimensionally and injects different colors at different portions of the channel. Controlled timing of injection, e. g. in pulses, and synchronous detection—including tracking leading/trailing ends of color pulses in the enclosure—is best. Specific spatial-temporal color patterns, and 3D observations (as by plural cameras, aimed through windows or a transparent wall, or inside the disclosure) are preferred. For very large systems a careful, exact scale model is used. Preferably a programmed processor operates the array and controls analysis of resulting observed color patterns in the fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for navigating an aircraft combines a protractor which has range markers for measuring distance and bearing on an aeronautical map; a speed chart having speed arcs at intervals from a fixed point and representing different aircraft speeds, a plurality of deviation angle lines at angular intervals from the fixed point and about a course line, and record areas for recording results; a customising sheet from which a speed arc cut out portion to match the speed of the aircraft can be cut and attached to the appropriate speed arc on the speed chart; and a ruler for converting between aeronautical map standards. The whole co-operate to readily calculate the compass bearing on which to fly an aircraft despite wind and calculate the aircraft's ground speed. The speed chart and protractor can be a block sliding within a transparent sleeve. Colours of adjacent elements are bright for good visibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device useful as a controllable variable speed thruster-driven oceanographic profiler for coastal waters for measuring the vertical structure of chosen properties of the oceanic water column.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for airflow testing, especially for air testing of gas turbine components on an airflow test bench. Various embodiments of the present invention include the use of a measurement section downstream of the component being tested. The measurement section, in one embodiment, includes apparatus for measurement of gas properties at a plurality of spaced-apart radial locations and/or a plurality of spaced-apart circumferential locations. In another embodiment, the invention includes a method for testing a component including a comparison of gas properties measured in both forward and reverse flow directions.

Abstract: A measuring system for determining an air data for an aircraft includes a measuring device for determining measured variables which are a function of the resulting flow vector and the inertia forces acting on a front fuselage section in relation to a rear fuselage section, an acceleration transducer, and an evaluation unit for determining the air data from the measured variables. A storage unit has stored calibration curves for determining an appropriate set of air data by selecting that calibration curve which is most similar to a curve formed from the measured variables.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for passive measurement of atmospheric temperature using a passive direction detector for detecting the energy of a narrow wavelength band emanating from a volume of atmospheric gas. The resulting signal can be associated with an effective temperature. The effective temperature can be associated with an effective range. The system generates a temperature map which can determine, at predetermined time intervals, atmospheric temperatures in an azimuth plane associated with a predefined range from the detector. The temperature map can then be used to calculate temperature gradients that in turn can be used to compute the average Richardson number over an atmospheric layer and other atmospheric conditions to predict the presence of clear air turbulence.