Abstract: In one illustrative configuration, a system and method of air quality monitor minimization/optimization is disclosed. The method may include providing at least a first air quality monitor on a site. The first air quality monitor may be configured to generate a first set of attached parameters. The method may further include providing a SCADA system, on the site, configured to generate a set of SCADA data. The SCADA data, the first set of attached parameters may be processed to determine a redundant/sub-optimized air quality monitor, which may be removed. In other illustrative configurations, the system and method may be utilized to locate and/or quantify emissions.

Abstract: In one illustrative configuration, a system and method of air quality monitor minimization/optimization is disclosed. The method may include providing at least a first air quality monitor on a site. The first air quality monitor may be configured to generate a first set of attached parameters. The method may further include providing a SCADA system, on the site, configured to generate a set of SCADA data. The SCADA data, the first set of attached parameters may be processed to determine a redundant/sub-optimized air quality monitor, which may be removed. In other illustrative configurations, the system and method may be utilized to locate and/or quantify emissions.

Abstract: Systems for real-time wave monitoring, which provide real-time updates of wave conditions to users who wish to access the beach for leisure or sporting activities, are described. One example system includes a plurality of buoys and a transceiver. Each of the plurality of buoys includes a sensor array configured to continuously monitor one or more characteristics of the wave conditions, and the transceiver is configured to transmit, to a remote server, information corresponding to the one or more characteristics of the wave conditions over a wireless communication channel. The information from each of the plurality of buoys is combined with a user preference to provide a user with a message regarding the wave conditions in response to a user request, and a duration between the user request and transmission of the information from each of the plurality of buoys is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: There is disclosed a meteorological observation device for observing weather in an Atmospheric Boundary Layer or a Planetary Boundary Layer, comprising: a basic observation unit and one or more additional observation units which are connected directly or indirectly to the basic observation unit; a storage box whose inner space is compartmentalized to form a plurality of grids, wherein the grids include 1-st type cells, each of which holds the basic observation unit and each of the one or more additional observation units and 2-nd type cells, each of which forms 1-st sub space for holding a basic wire and 2-nd sub space for holding each of additional wires, wherein a size of each of the 2-nd type cells is determined as a size of each of the 1-st type cells.

Abstract: In one illustrative configuration, a system and method of air quality monitor minimization/optimization is disclosed. The method may include providing at least a first air quality monitor on a site. The first air quality monitor may be configured to generate a first set of attached parameters. The method may further include providing a SCADA system, on the site, configured to generate a set of SCADA data. The SCADA data, the first set of attached parameters may be processed to determine a redundant/sub-optimized air quality monitor, which may be removed. In other illustrative configurations, the system and method may be utilized to locate and/or quantify emissions.

Abstract: System and method for estimating how an atmospheric gas is distributed. A server receives prior data related to historical and/or theoretical global patterns of the gas, as well as measurements of the concentration and/or emission of the gas. The server passes the data and measurements to a database for storage and/or to at least one processor, which applies statistical inference methods to estimate a probability distribution of gas concentration and emission within the region. In one embodiment, the entire atmosphere is divided into numerous regions, and gas distributions are evaluated in each region, to thereby produce an estimated distribution covering the atmosphere. In some embodiments, the regions are divisions of an equirectangular projection of the Earth's surface and have a length and width of 0.025°.

Abstract: Embodiments of the Invention provide real-time portable, deployable data acquisition units and monitoring consoles that can be used in combination with radio communication technology to provide for monitoring of wildfires and local weather conditions to aid in fighting wildfires.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medical apparatus for use in laparoscopic surgery, that includes an insufflator supplying a gas; a heating and humidification system which includes a heating element and humidification material, the heating and humidification system receives the gas supplied by the insufflator and warms and humidifies the gas; and a computing device for measuring at two or more time periods a resistance value associated with a component of the heating and humidification system and based in part on the measured resistance values, determines a water content of the humidification material.

Abstract: In one illustrative configuration, a system and method of air quality monitor minimization/optimization is disclosed. The method may include providing at least a first air quality monitor on a site. The first air quality monitor may be configured to generate a first set of attached parameters. The method may further include providing a SCADA system, on the site, configured to generate a set of SCADA data. The SCADA data, the first set of attached parameters may be processed to determine a redundant/sub-optimized air quality monitor, which may be removed. In other illustrative configurations, the system and method may be utilized to locate and/or quantify emissions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for determining an optimized flight route for an aerial vehicle. In some examples, weather conditions for the aerial vehicle during a flight can be predicted based on weather data. At least two flight route segments based on the predicted weather data can be determined. The at least two flight route segments can include one of a solar flight route segment and a thermal flight route segment. A respective flight route segment of the at least two flight route segments can be discarded that can cause the aerial vehicle to violate a flight constraint. A replacement flight route segment for the respective discarded flight route segment can be determined. An optimized flight route for the aerial vehicle can be generated based on the replacement flight route segment and at least one remaining flight route segment of the at least two flight route segments.

Abstract: A high-fidelity, multi-point, full-mission sonic-boom propagation tool that includes functionality to handle aircraft trajectories and maneuvers, as well as, all relevant noise metrics at multiple points along the supersonic mission. This allows efficient computation of sonic-boom loudness across the entire supersonic mission to allow pilots and aircraft operators to plan the aircraft flight path to manage the sonic boom footprint.

Abstract: Embodiments of the Invention provide real-time portable, deployable data acquisition units and monitoring consoles that can be used in combination with radio communication technology to provide for monitoring of wildfires and local weather conditions to aid in fighting wildfires.

Abstract: Described herein is a gateway for sensor data forwarding, including first communication circuitry adapted to receive sensor data from at least one sensor data source, processing circuitry connected to the first communication circuitry and adapted to collect and buffer the sensor data and to execute programs, which map a communication protocol, second communication circuitry connected to the processing circuitry and arranged for transmitting the collected and buffered sensor data, wherein the processing circuitry is arranged to switch on the second communication circuitry for transmitting the collected data and to switch the second communication circuitry off after transmitting the collected data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insufflator comprising an insufflation hose with an integrated heating element and a humidifying medium for use in laparoscopy, wherein the heating wire is adapted to measure the resistance and permits a refill alarm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to passively measure and calculate the strength of turbulence via the index of refraction structure constant Cn2 from video imagery gathered by an imaging device, such as a video camera. Processing may occur with any type computing device utilizing a processor executing machine executable code stored on memory. This method significantly simplifies instrumentation requirements, reduces cost, and provides rapid data output. This method combines an angle of arrival methodology, which provides scale factors, with a new spatial/temporal frequency domain method. As part of the development process, video imagery from high speed cameras was collected and analyzed. The data was decimated to video rates such that statistics could be computed and used to confirm that this passive method accurately characterizes the atmospheric turbulence.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-intrusively measuring fluid flow in a conduit, such as a pipe or tubing. The apparatus includes an insulator having self-adhesive inner surface attachable to the conduit, a temperature sensor on the inner surface of the insulator that senses the conduit surface temperature, a heat source on the inner surface of the insulator that imparts heat into the conduit, and a microcontroller connected to the heat source activator and the sensor assembly. In one embodiment, a baseline conduit temperature is measured, and the heat source raises the temperature of the conduit by a predetermined amount. When the conduit reaches target temperature, the heat source is deactivated and the cooling time for the conduit to return to its baseline temperature is measured. Fluid flow rate is determined from the cooling time, the temperature rise within a predetermined time, a temperature drop within a predetermined time, and/or a temperature gradient over time.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to reduce static pressure measuring error are disclosed. An example apparatus to measure static pressure includes a static pressure tap including a channel to define an external opening of a vehicle, where the channel extends through a pressure chamber to a pressure sensor disposed within, and a porous material disposed proximate the opening to reduce error in static pressure measurements.

Abstract: A wind speed detection method for an electronic device includes detection of a first air pressure value in outside environment around the electronic device when an air hole of the electronic device is blocked. The electronic device can be aligned directly against a wind and a second air pressure value is detected in outside environment. A wind pressure value in the outside environment can be acquired according to a difference value between the first air pressure value and the second air pressure value. Value of wind speed in the outside environment can be established according to the wind pressure value and a relationship between the wind pressure value and the wind speed value.

Abstract: Various embodiments pertain to communication network systems. In particular, various embodiments relate to multi-path probing in communication network systems that can be used to estimate the complete topology of the network. A method includes receiving data at a source node from a tracerouting probe in the network. The tracerouting probe detects edges. The method also includes calculating an edge completion ratio based on the edges. In addition, the method includes terminating the probe when the edge completion ratio is greater than or equal to a threshold.

Abstract: A sensor enclosure comprises a cover and a structure. The structure can be encased by the cover. The structure comprises a frame, a ring, and one or more anchoring posts. The frame can be configured to mount one or more sensors. The ring, disposed peripherally to the frame, can be operatively coupled to the cover. The ring can include a drainage ring plate that drains rainwater accumulated on the cover away from the sensor enclosure. The one or more anchoring posts, disposed underneath the frame and the ring, can be used to anchor the sensor enclosure to a vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to passively measure and calculate the strength of turbulence via the index of refraction structure constant Cn2 from video imagery gathered by an imaging device, such as a video camera. Processing may occur with any type computing device utilizing a processor executing machine executable code stored on memory. This method significantly simplifies instrumentation requirements, reduces cost, and provides rapid data output. This method combines an angle of arrival methodology, which provides scale factors, with a new spatial/temporal frequency domain method. As part of the development process, video imagery from high speed cameras was collected and analyzed. The data was decimated to video rates such that statistics could be computed and used to confirm that this passive method accurately characterizes the atmospheric turbulence.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to providing an observer-based scenic and aesthetic meteorology/weather model and service. Examples of observers include but are not limited to: photographers, particularly those who desire to take sunset and sunrise landscape photographs, videographers, motion picture crews, outdoor goers, aviation crews, tour groups, and weather enthusiasts.

Abstract: Certain aspects pertain to a cloud detector comprising a first detector module directed to a first region of the sky and a second detector module directed to a second region of the sky. Each detector module has a tube enclosing one or more sensing elements. The one or more sensing elements of the first detector module are configured to take weather condition readings from the first region of the sky. The one or more sensing elements of the second detector module are configured to take weather condition readings from the second region of the sky. In one aspect, the cloud detector is configured to detect cloud cover based on these weather condition readings. In some cases, the one or more sensing elements comprise an infrared radiation detector (e.g., thermopile) for measuring infrared radiation intensity and a photosensor element for measuring sunlight intensity.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for nearfield gunshot and explosion detection comprising a hardware device with a differential air pressure sensor, a pressure amplifier that amplifies pressure signals generated by the differential air pressure sensor, a microphone, a microphone amplifier that amplifies audio signals generated by the microphone, and a pulse counter that calculates a total event length. The system includes a digital processor that processes the amplified signals from the differential air pressure sensor and the microphone and a data radio that generates alerts based on input from the differential air pressure sensor and the microphone. The system determines whether a gunshot event or an explosive event has occurred based on a pressure length sensitivity setting, a microphone length sensitivity setting, and a correlation sensitivity setting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the localized presence of severe weather and signaling an alarm. An outdoor sensor assembly may contain a number of sensors including a barometric pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and humidity sensor. The outdoor sensor assembly is in electrical communication with an indoor controller assembly. A plurality of parameters may be measured and compared with pre-established threshold values. The alarm may be signaled when the measured parameters meet or exceed the selected threshold values.

Abstract: A buoy for automated collection and transmittal of data. Select embodiments allow calculation of mass balance using data collected from an ice floe. The buoy is adapted to be inserted into the water through an opening in ice so that the buoy floats with the ice floe, the top of the buoy protruding above the surface of the ice floe. The buoy walls are constructed of white PVC. One section of the buoy incorporates closed cell foam for maintaining buoyancy and a bottom section houses a counterweight for maintaining proper orientation of the buoy in the water, the buoy requiring no support from its surrounds while minimally impacting response of the surrounding ice to it. Multiple sensors are incorporated for gathering data and a satellite transmitter transmits the data to a remote user.

Abstract: A precipitation sensor including a cantilevered sensor member having a cantilevered portion and an upper and a lower surface extending on opposite sides of the cantilevered portion. The sensor member can receive falling precipitation on the upper surface and vibrate when struck by such precipitation. The cantilevered portion can have outer perimeter edges that are sloped downwardly for shedding the precipitation off the cantilevered portion. An electromechanical sensor can be incorporated with at least a part of the cantilevered portion of the sensor member for sensing the vibrations of the sensor member caused by the precipitation, and generating an electrical response from which precipitation properties can be determined. A support structure can be connected to the lower surface of the cantilevered portion at about a central region of the sensor member for supporting the sensor member. The cantilevered portion extends outwardly beyond the support structure.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture for forecasting a meteorological parameter. The method includes analyzing geographically distributed sensor network data to assess spatial and temporal variation of a meteorological parameter in real-time, correlating at least two portions of data from the sensor network to identify a temporal and spatial evolution of the meteorological parameter, and forecasting the meteorological parameter based on the temporal and spatial evolution of the meteorological parameter.

Abstract: Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) collect and transmit information about ice floe thickness; this is combined with SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR images from satellites to identify and track dangerously thick regions of ice. The overlayed data is presented graphically to allow tracking of the thick ice regions over time. This information is used to alert drilling platforms in icy ocean conditions of pending ice floe dangers.

Abstract: A solar-powered windsock assembly indicates wind direction and relative wind speed while also providing a light for illuminating the assembly at night. The assembly includes an elongated tube having an open top end, an open bottom end, and a perimeter wall extending between the open top and bottom ends. A support apparatus is coupled to the tube and extends upwardly away from the open top end wherein the support apparatus is configured for coupling the tube to a mounting pole and directing wind therethrough. A plurality of solar cells is coupled to the tube and electrically coupled to a power supply wherein the solar cells recharge the power supply. A light is coupled to the tube and is operationally coupled to the solar cells wherein the light is configured to emit light energy through the tube when the power supply delivers power to the light.

Abstract: A system configured for measuring and displaying air pressure or air speed at a given location, the system including a sensor module and a display module that receives sensor readings from the sensor module for display in human perceptible form.

Abstract: A aircraft hazard warning system or method can be utilized to determine a location of a turbulence hazard for an aircraft. The aircraft hazard warning system can utilize processing electronics coupled to an antenna. The processing electronics can determine an inferred presence of turbulence in response to lightning sensor data, radar reflectivity data, turbulence data, geographic location data, vertical structure analysis data, and/or temperature data. The system can include a display for showing the turbulence hazard and its location.

Abstract: An environment monitoring system is described. In an example embodiment, an environment monitoring system includes a portable environment monitor configured to provide environment information to a plurality of applications, including a first application. The portable environment monitor includes a sensor and an antenna. The sensor is configured to monitor a characteristic of an environment proximate the sensor. The antenna is configured to form an interface with a mobile device. The portable environment monitor is configured to transmit environment information to the mobile device such that the environment information is provided to the first application located on the mobile device. The first application is configured to process the environment information and display data on a display of the mobile device based at least in part on the environment information. The environment information is based at least in part on the characteristic of the environment monitored by the sensor.

Abstract: A system configured for measuring and displaying air pressure or air speed at a given location, the system including a sensor module and a display module that receives sensor readings from the sensor module for display in human perceptible form.

Abstract: An environment monitoring system is described. In an example embodiment, an environment monitoring system includes a portable environment monitor configured to provide environment information to a plurality of applications, including a first application. The portable environment monitor includes a sensor and an antenna. The sensor is configured to monitor a characteristic of an environment proximate the sensor. The antenna is configured to form an interface with a mobile device. The portable environment monitor is configured to transmit environment information to the mobile device such that the environment information is provided to the first application located on the mobile device. The first application is configured to process the environment information and display data on a display of the mobile device based at least in part on the environment information. The environment information is based at least in part on the characteristic of the environment monitored by the sensor.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to weather sensors and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systems related to collecting weather data by measuring bending and compression stresses in a weather sensor device.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for observing a physical phenomenon in the ocean and the atmosphere, the observation apparatus including an observation signal receiving unit to receive an observation signal indicating a physical phenomenon of an observation object, a physical quantity determining unit to determine a physical quantity of the observation object, using the observation signal, and a frequency determining unit to determine whether an observation frequency is to be changed, based on the physical quantity of the observation object.

Abstract: An environment monitor is described. In an example embodiment, an environment monitor includes an outer housing, an inner housing, and an environment sensor. The inner housing is slidingly positioned relative to the outer housing. The inner housing is configured to be selectively positioned at a first position relative to the outer housing and selectively positioned at a different second position relative to the outer housing. The environment sensor is configured to monitor a characteristic of an environment proximate the sensor. The sensor is positioned on the inner housing such that the environment sensor is at least partially positioned within the outer housing when the inner housing is at the first position relative to the outer housing, and is positioned outside the outer housing when the inner housing is at the second position relative to the outer housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to using remote sensing equipment such as a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) device to detect wind characteristics for use by wind turbines of a wind park. A wind park controller may received raw wind data from the remote sensing device and determine one or more turbines that can use the raw wind data. The raw wind data may be converted to customized data for each of the one or more wind turbines. Upon being provided the customized wind data, the one or more wind turbines may adjust one or more operational characteristics to improve power production or avoid damage to turbine components.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a data collection method and apparatus comprises at least one sensor that may be configured as a mobile data collection apparatus, which sensor may be in communication with a controller. The data collection apparatus may include one or more sensors, including but not limited to air pressure, air humidity, air temperature, road surface temperature, lightning distance, light level, precipitation rate, ozone level, carbon dioxide level, nitrous oxide level, and methane level; all of which may be in communication with a controller. One or more sensors may be positioned on or within a main assembly.

Abstract: A device for attaching to an electric power line conductor includes an electrically conductive housing having an opening for accepting the power line conductor and is configured to be grounded to the power line conductor. At least one magnetic core is configured to surround the power line conductor and power a power supply module. A laser triangulation distance measuring device is configured to be powered by the power supply module.

Abstract: Described herein is a rain intensity sensor. The sensor includes a circuit, which includes a resistor and at least two spaced apart electrically conductive strips electrically connected in series to the resistor. The resistor is located between the conductive strips. The conductive strips are sufficiently spaced apart such that when a raindrop contacts with the conductive strips provides a resistive path therebetween and which is electrically parallel with the resistor.

Abstract: A method of generating individualized real-time weather and environmental information, including receiving weather or environmental condition data from weather and environmental sensors, analyzing the data received from the sensors to generate weather and environmental information, and transmitting the information to a communicator device. The method may include determining a spatial range of a sensor and/or determining if a communicator device is within close proximity of a sensor. The sensors may be mounted in fixed locations along a roadway or a railway. The sensors may be approximately equidistant.

Abstract: An instrument for obtaining airborne measurements of cloud microphysical parameters. The instrument comprises supporting arms mounted thereon, optics and a detector for measuring the cloud microphysical parameters The supporting arms define an optical path of the instrument and comprise probe tips affixed thereto. The probe tips comprise an outer portion and an inner portion opposite the outer portion. The inner portion of the tips may comprise an angled section having at least one angled surface shaped to deflect particles away from the optical path of the instrument.

Abstract: A measuring device for an aircraft is provided in order to determine physical properties of aerosol particles in real time. The device includes a heating device that separates volatile and solid aerosol particles, and a particle sensor that measures acquired data. The physical properties of the solid aerosol particles are determined with an analyzer. The determined analytical data is forwarded to other internal aircraft systems via a communication interface. Due to the formation of a measuring data or analytical data network with several airliners equipped with the measuring device, accurate and up-to-date information on the particle pollution, for example, along flight paths, can be obtained and used for defining no-fly zones, if so required.

Abstract: A rain monitoring system includes a rain monitor configured to measure fluid precipitation. A mount is provided and the rain monitor is attached to the mount. The mount includes a lower plate that has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. The lower plate has a plurality of primary apertures extending therethrough. An upper plate has an upper side, a lower side and an exterior edge. The upper plate has a plurality of secondary apertures extending therethrough. The rain monitor may be positioned on the upper side. A plurality of fasteners each has a first end and a second end. Each of the fasteners extends through a corresponding one of the primary apertures. Each of the fasteners threadably engages one of the secondary apertures to retain the upper plate above the lower plate. A support is attached to the mount and supports the mount above a surface.

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 for identifying at least one species in space includes a physical response module for outputting multiple spectral data based on received signals from a target in space; a calibration module for receiving the spectral data and outputting a first dataset, including density of an {x, y, z} coordinate location in space as a function of time, t; and a classification module for receiving the first dataset, and outputting a second dataset including multiple tuples of {x, y, z, t, d} associated with the at least one species, wherein d is density of the at least one species. Also included is an HD processor for receiving the second dataset from the classification module and providing a visual image of the second dataset to a user.

Abstract: The present invention essentially comprises a system, method, computer program and combinations thereof to utilize dual-polarization generated date generally associated with weather events for mapping data, producing geo-referenced data, producing mosaics, generation of conditional precipitation masks, production of vertical cross sections and predetermined fly throughs, producing short term forecasting, prediction of specific weather phenomenon, correcting or adjusting rain gauge data as well as quantitative precipitation estimation, and combining other meteorological data to correct or adjust estimated rainfall accumulation gathered by dual-polarization radar.

Abstract: A meteorological measurement system is disclosed having a meteorological mast which extends upwards from a base and supports one or more wind gauges. At least one of the wind gauges is disposed in the region of the upper tip of the mast and is designed as a remote wind gauge for measuring wind conditions at one or more remote measurement locations situated above the mast tip at a distance from the remote wind gauge. At least another wind gauge is disposed in the region of the upper tip of the mast in close spatial proximity to the remote wind gauge and is designed as a local wind gauge for measuring wind characteristics at the location of the remote wind gauge.