Abstract:
In general, a method performed on a vehicle includes determining that the vehicle is located within a predetermined range of a beacon, the beacon being associated with a beacon identification, generating a first report based on determining that the vehicle is located within a predetermined range of the beacon or at a first location, the generating including: specifying the beacon identification, recording navigation data that includes an altitude, a distance from the beacon, and a bearing relative to the beacon, and recording environmental data. The method further includes transmitting the first report from the vehicle to a base station, the first report including the beacon identification, the navigation data, and the environmental data. Further, another method includes receiving environmental information collected by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the environmental information being associated with one or more conditions of a data center, storing the environmental information on one or more memory devices that are accessible by the one or more computing devices, determining, based on the environmental information, that an event has occurred, and performing, by the one or more computing devices and based on determining that the event has occurred, one or more actions.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle navigation with water depth detection. An example disclosed method includes determining a current and a projected water depth for road segments of and around a current route to a destination. Additionally, the example method includes, in response to the current or the projected water depth of the road segments of the current route exceeding a first threshold, determining an alternate route to the destination.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for an Automated Readiness Evaluation System (ARES), which is adapted for use with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The ARES (and UAS with such an ARES) is configured for a particular task or application selected by the user based upon their level of specific knowledge. The system may include: hardware components with communication protocols; a task, module data, and skill level repository; a user device; and an optional base system. Methods are provided for configuration, calibration, error checking, and operation of a UAS whereby the ARES serves as a mission planner by calculating the mission parameters for a user-selected task to minimize mission failure by determining the variables for task completion.
Abstract:
A wind detection apparatus detects wind vectors across a predetermined area at high resolution from a floating support. The apparatus includes a Doppler-based wind vector detection unit configured to detect wind direction, velocity, and turbulence, at selected intervals over the predetermined area. A stabilizer supports the wind vector detection unit and is configured to hold it level relative to a predetermined two-dimensional plane. A processor is provided for rendering the wind vector data into a combined representation of wind patterns across the predetermined area, and the processor continuously updates the rendered combined representation of wind patterns in tandem with the detection unit.
Abstract:
A flood warning system and method are described. The system obtains localized flood depth information and, based upon alert parameter information provided by registered users, creates personalized flood alerts for the registered users. The method uses ultrasound derived localized flood depth information and alert parameter information provided by registered users to provide personalized flood alerts to the registered users.
Abstract:
Innovative new systems and method of operating the systems, wherein the system comprises an airborne platform comprising an unmanned balloon; a payload that is separate from the unmanned balloon; a transceiver; first and second flight termination devices; at least two separate power sources for the first and second flight termination devices; a sensor; a processor; a pump; a valve; and a tether that when broken separates the unmanned balloon and the payload, are disclosed herein.
Abstract:
In general, a method performed on a vehicle includes determining that the vehicle is located within a predetermined range of a beacon, the beacon being associated with a beacon identification, navigating the vehicle to a first location based on determining that the vehicle is located with the predetermined range, generating a first report based on determining that the vehicle is located at the first location, the generating including: specifying the beacon identification, recording navigation data that includes an altitude, a distance from the beacon, and a bearing relative to the beacon, and recording environmental data. The method further includes transmitting the first report from the vehicle to a base station, the first report including the beacon identification, the navigation data, and the environmental data.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus to provide an aerial vehicle having an eyewall sensor to enable the aerial vehicle to stay within the eye of a hurricane and transmit weather information to a remote location. In one embodiment, the aerial vehicle is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launched into the eye of the hurricane.
Abstract:
A new High Altitude Airship (HAA) capable of various extended applications and mission scenarios utilizing inventive onboard energy harvesting and power distribution systems. The power technology comprises an advanced thermoelectric (ATE) thermal energy conversion system. The high efficiency of multiple stages of ATE materials in a tandem mode, each suited for best performance within a particular temperature range, permits the ATE system to generate a high quantity of harvested energy for the extended mission scenarios. When the figure of merit 5 is considered, the cascaded efficiency of the three-stage ATE system approaches an efficiency greater than 60 percent.
Abstract:
A new fabrication method for nanovoids-imbedded bismuth telluride (Bi—Te) material with low dimensional (quantum-dots, quantum-wires, or quantum-wells) structure was conceived during the development of advanced thermoelectric (TE) materials. Bismuth telluride is currently the best-known candidate material for solid-state TE cooling devices because it possesses the highest TE figure of merit at room temperature. The innovative process described here allows nanometer-scale voids to be incorporated in Bi—Te material. The final nanovoid structure such as void size, size distribution, void location, etc. can be also controlled under various process conditions.