Ultrasonic Inspection of Wrinkles in Composite Objects

A method and apparatus for evaluating an object having a wrinkle are provided. An array of receiving elements is configured such that only two receiving apertures are configured to receive at a given point in time. Energy is sent into the object using an array of transmitting elements. Reflected energy is received at the only two receiving apertures of the array of receiving elements in response to a portion of the energy being reflected off a plurality of layers in the object. A number of dimensions of a wrinkle in the object is determined based on the reflected energy received at the only two receiving apertures of the array of receiving elements.

ULTRASONIC INSPECTION OF WRINKLES IN COMPOSITE OBJECTS

A method and apparatus for evaluating an object having a wrinkle are provided. An array of receiving elements is configured such that only two receiving apertures are configured to receive at a given point in time. Energy is sent into the object using an array of transmitting elements. Reflected energy is received at the only two receiving apertures of the array of receiving elements in response to a portion of the energy being reflected off a plurality of layers in the object. A number of dimensions of a wrinkle in the object is determined based on the reflected energy received at the only two receiving apertures of the array of receiving elements.

MIP-Nanopartikel-Chipsensor, dessen Verwendung und analytisches Nachweisverfahren

Chipsensor zum Nachweis mindestens eines Analyten in einer Probe enthaltend mindestens ein Mikrofluidiksystem mit mindestens einem Durchströmungskanal sowie mindestens einem im Durchströmungskanal angeordneten Cantilever, wobei auf der Oberfläche des Cantilevers zumindest bereichsweise Nanopartikel enthaltend mindestens ein molekular geprägtes Polymer, das für den mindestens einen Analyten spezifische Bindungskavitäten aufweist, angeordnet sind, wobei der Cantilever zumindest bereichsweise elektromagnetische Bereiche aufweist, die durch elektromagnetische Wechselwirkung eine Anbindung von Nanopartikeln, die ein magnetisches oder magnetisierbares Material enthalten, an der Oberfläche des Cantilevers ermöglicht.

METHOD FOR THE DETECTION AND PREVENTIVE CONTROL OF DEFECTS IN PARTS THAT ARE MADE FROM COMPOSITE MATERIALS

The invention relates to a method for the detection and preventive control of defects in series-produced composite material parts, comprising the following steps consisting in a) automatically obtaining parameters that are representative of the results of the intermediate background echo signal in each cell of a pre-defined mesh on the part, b) storing the parameters in a database and c) statistically analysing the stored parameters corresponding to determined areas of a determined part in order to: c1) detect localised, significant changes in the part-production process, which generate porosity defects; or c2) detect slow, permanent changes in the part-production process, which generate porosity defects; or c3) detect areas with little probability of generating defects, such that they can be identified as areas that can be inspected by sampling.

MIP-Nanopartikel-Chipsensor, dessen Verwendung und analytisches Nachweisverfahren

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen Chipsensor zum Nachweis mindestens eines Analyten in einer Probe, wobei der Sensor auf einem Cantilever mit molekular geprägtem Polymer (MIP)-Nanopartikeln beruht. Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein Verfahren zum Nachweis mindestens eines Analyten in einer Probe, bei dem dieser Chipsensor eingesetzt wird. Verwendung finden die erfindungsgemäßen Sensoren für vielfältige analytische Anwendungen in den Bereichen Medizin, Lebensmittelchemie und Umwelt.

Measurement device and measurement method

A measurement device includes a sensor that detects a particular substance, a storage unit that stores calibration data that indicate a relationship between a measurement value of the particular substance and an output of the sensor, and a calculation unit that calculates the measurement value of the particular substance from the calibration data based on the output of the sensor. The calculation unit produces a first waveform where a plurality of first outputs of the sensor are normalized, produces a plurality of second waveforms where a plurality of second outputs of the sensor that are included in the calibration data are normalized. The calculation unit calculates a measurement value of the particular substance based on the first waveform and the plurality of second waveforms.

Wireless inspection apparatus of a structure using nonlinear ultrasonic wave modulation and inspecting method using the apparatus

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING IN-SITU CROSSLINK DENSITY AND CROSSLINKED PRODUCT AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME

Disclosed are an apparatus for measuring an in-situ crosslink density includes a support configured to fix or support a cross-linkable structure, a light source configured to irradiate light for crosslinking to the cross-linkable structure, and a probe configured to provide in-situ micro-deformation to the cross-linkable structure, wherein the in-situ crosslink density of the cross-linkable structure is measured from a stress-strain phase lag of the cross-linkable structure by the in-situ micro-deformation, a method of measuring the in-situ crosslink density, a method of manufacturing a crosslinked product, a crosslinked product obtained by the method, and a polymer substrate and an electronic device including the crosslinked product.

MOLECULARLY IMPRINTED POLYMER (MIP) CHIP SENSOR, USE THEREOF, AND ANALYTICAL DETECTION METHOD

The invention relates to a chip sensor for detecting at least one analyte in a sample containing at least one microfluidic system having at least one flow channel and at least one cantilever arranged in the flow channel. Nanoparticles containing at least one molecular imprinted polymer, which has specific binding cavities for the at least one analyte, are arranged on the surface of the cantilever at least in some areas.

Photoacoustic Imaging Apparatus

A photoacoustic imaging apparatus includes a light source portion and a signal processing portion. The signal processing portion is configured to perform imaging processing on the basis of either a first acoustic wave signal or a second acoustic wave signal by performing processing for disabling either the first acoustic wave signal corresponding to a rising edge of a pulse signal of pulsed light or the second acoustic wave signal corresponding to a falling edge of the pulse signal of the pulsed light.

Messanordnung und Verfahren zur Bestimmung von Eigenschaften eines zu extrudierenden Materials während der Durchführung eines Schnecken-Extrusionsprozesses

Bei der Messanordnung zur Bestimmung von Eigenschaften eines zu extrudierenden Materials während der Durchführung eines Extrusionsprozesses in einem Extruder (7) ist in einem Gehäuse (7) in einer rohrförmigen Führung (5) mindestens eine Extruderschnecke (4) drehbar gelagert und mit einem Rotationsantrieb verbunden. Zu extrudierendes Material (1) wird der rohrförmigen Führung (5) an einer Stirnseite zugeführt und an einer dieser gegenüberliegend angeordneten Abführung (6) als fertig extrudiertes Material abgeführt. Entlang der Längsachse der Extruderschnecke (4) sind mehrere erste Schallwandler (3), die zur Detektion von Schallwellen, die während des Extrusionsprozesses als Prozessgeräusche durch den Extrusionsprozess generiert und/oder von einem an einer Stirnseite der rohrförmigen Führung (5) angeordneten zweiten Schallwandler (2) in das sich durch einen in der rohrförmigen Führung vorhandenen Knetraum geförderte zu extrudierende Material in Richtung der Längsachse der Extruderschnecke ...

Messanordnung und Verfahren zur Bestimmung von Eigenschaften eines zu extrudierenden Materials während der Durchführung eines Schnecken-Extrusionsprozesses

Messanordnung zur Bestimmung von Eigenschaften eines zu extrudierenden Materials während der Durchführung eines Extrusionsprozesses in einem Extruder (7), bei dem in einem Gehäuse in einer rohrförmigen Führung (5) mindestens eine Extruderschnecke (4) drehbar gelagert und mit einem Rotationsantrieb verbunden ist, und zu extrudierendes Material (1) der rohrförmigen Führung (5) an einer Stirnseite zuführbar und an einer dieser gegenüberliegend angeordneten Abführung (6) als fertig extrudiertes Material abführbar ist und entlang der Längsachse der Extruderschnecke (4) mehrere erste Schallwandler (3), die zur Detektion von Schallwellen, die während des Extrusionsprozesses als Prozessgeräusche durch den Extrusionsprozess generiert und von einem an einer Stirnseite der rohrförmigen Führung (5) angeordneten zweiten Schallwandler (2) in das sich durch einen in der rohrförmigen Führung vorhandenen Knetraum geförderte zu extrudierende Material in Richtung der Längsachse der Extruderschnecke (4) emittiert ...

Vibration monitoring system and method

Methods and systems for monitoring vibrations introduce baseline vibrations into a fiber optic cable with one or more of a designated frequency or a designated amplitude. Changes in the baseline vibrations are monitored using the fiber optic cable. Information about environmental conditions outside of the fiber optic cable and/or moving objects can be determined based at least in part on the changes in the baseline vibrations that are monitored. The information that is determined about the objects, such as vehicles, can be modified based on the changes in the baseline vibrations.

Photoacoustic imaging apparatus

A photoacoustic imaging apparatus includes a light source portion and a signal processing portion. The signal processing portion is configured to perform imaging processing on the basis of either a first acoustic wave signal or a second acoustic wave signal by performing processing for disabling either the first acoustic wave signal corresponding to a rising edge of a pulse signal of pulsed light or the second acoustic wave signal corresponding to a falling edge of the pulse signal of the pulsed light.

The use of non-linear ultrasonic modulation technique of the structure of the wireless diagnostic device and method of using the device of the safety diagnostic method

Ultrasonic inspection of wrinkles in composite objects

A method and apparatus for evaluating an object having a wrinkle are provided. An array of receiving elements is configured such that only two receiving apertures are configured to receive at a given point in time. Energy is sent into the object using an array of transmitting elements. Reflected energy is received at the only two receiving apertures of the array of receiving elements in response to a portion of the energy being reflected off a plurality of layers in the object. A number of dimensions of a wrinkle in the object is determined based on the reflected energy received at the only two receiving apertures of the array of receiving elements.

METHOD FOR THE DETECTION AND PREVENTIVE CONTROL OF DEFECTS IN PARTS THAT ARE MADE FROM COMPOSITE MATERIALS

A preventive defect detection and control process in mass produced composite material parts, comprising the following steps: a) Automatically obtaining representative parameters of backwall and intermediate echo signal results in each cell of a mesh predefined on the part. b) Storing said parameters in a database. c) Statistically analyzing the stored parameters corresponding to certain areas of a certain part for: c1) detecting isolated and significant alterations in the part manufacturing process generating porosity defects; or c2) detecting slow and permanent alterations in the part manufacturing process generating porosity defects; or c3) detecting areas with a negligible defect generation probability in order to identify them as areas susceptible of inspection by sampling.

MEASURING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING PROPERTIES OF A MATERIAL TO BE EXTRUDED WHILE A SCREW-EXTRUSION PROCESS IS BEING CARRIED OUT

WIRELESS DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS FOR STRUCTURE USING NONLINEAR ULTRASONIC WAVE MODULATION TECHNIQUE AND SAFETY DIAGNOSIS METHOD USING THE SAME

The present invention relates to a safety diagnosis method for a structure using a nonlinear ultrasonic wave modulation technique. The safety diagnosis method includes: making the structure vibrate by applying signals of different ultrasonic frequencies; converting the responses of the structure generated by the vibration into digital signals; extracting first modulation signals by subtracting the harmonic responses and the linear responses of the signals of different ultrasonic frequencies from the digital signals and synchronously demodulating the digital signals; constructing a first sideband spectrogram by combining the first modulation signals generated by continuously changing at least frequency among the signals of different ultrasonic frequencies; and deciding whether the structure is cracked based on the first sideband spectrogram. Even though the power of the ultrasonic wave applied to the structure is very small as compared with the related art, whether there is the damage is ...

Measurement System

A system for determining the position of a piston in a subsea accumulator, comprising: a sensor module comprising: a housing; an ultrasonic transducer facing the piston and configured to transmit an ultrasonic pulse through a fluid medium toward a surface of the piston; a pressure sensor configured to; and a temperature sensor; a control connector coupled to the sensor module capable of providing hardware and software functions to measure transit time of the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic transducer to the surface of the piston, comprising electronics for controlling the ultrasonic transducer, pressure sensor and temperature sensor; wherein the transit times of the ultrasonic signals across the fluid medium are measured and combined with a computed velocity of sound as a function of temperature/pressure to determine the distance between the ultrasonic transducer and the surface of the piston. 1. A measurement system comprising:an accumulator including an element movable within an internal volume of the accumulator; an ultrasonic transducer configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal through a fluid medium in the internal volume toward a surface of the movable element;', 'a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of the fluid medium; and', 'a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the fluid medium;, 'a sensor module comprisinga control connector coupled to the sensor module, capable of providing hardware and software functions to measure transit time of the ultrasonic signal through the accumulator to determine the location of the movable element within the accumulator.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the transit time of the ultrasonic signal across the fluid medium is measured and combined with a computed velocity of sound as a function of the temperature and pressure of the fluid medium.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the location of the movable element within the accumulator is indicative of remaining volume of the fluid ...

Apparatus for wirelessly diagnosing structure using nonlinear ultrasonic modulation technique and diagnosis method for assuring safety using same

ANALYZING SOUND WAVE PROPAGATION IN AN AQUATIC MEDIUM

A tool for analysis of sound wave propagation in an aquatic medium. The tool generates a model representing the aquatic medium as a three-dimensional (3D) Gaussian random field, the 3D Gaussian random field being described by one or more correlation functions. The tool determines a propagation trajectory of a sound wave in the aquatic medium based on the 3D Gaussian random field.

VIBRATION MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD

A method detects the presence of a vehicle on a railway track using a sensing processor monitoring a sensing system for detecting vibration into ground installed along the railway track. The sensing system includes a detection module for detecting a vehicle on the railway track. The method includes an initialization step which includes the sub-steps of emitting a first signal to be received by the sensing processor through the sensing system, sending a first message to the sensing processor, monitoring the sensing system, and configuring the detection module in function of the received first signal and configuration data received in the first message. The configuration data can include location of the initialization device, intensity/magnitude of the first signal, emission time of the first signal, and/or type of object corresponding to the first signal.

VIBRATION MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Methods and systems for monitoring vibrations introduce baseline vibrations into a fiber optic cable with one or more of a designated frequency or a designated amplitude. Changes in the baseline vibrations are monitored using the fiber optic cable. Information about environmental conditions outside of the fiber optic cable and/or moving objects can be determined based at least in part on the changes in the baseline vibrations that are monitored. The information that is determined about the objects, such as vehicles, can be modified based on the changes in the baseline vibrations.

Wireless diagnosis apparatus for structure using nonlinear ultrasonic wave modulation technique and safety diagnosis method using the same

The present invention relates to a safety diagnosis method for a structure using a nonlinear ultrasonic wave modulation technique. The safety diagnosis method includes: making the structure vibrate by applying signals of different ultrasonic frequencies; converting the responses of the structure generated by the vibration into digital signals; extracting first modulation signals by subtracting the harmonic responses and the linear responses of the signals of different ultrasonic frequencies from the digital signals and synchronously demodulating the digital signals; constructing a first sideband spectrogram by combining the first modulation signals generated by continuously changing at least frequency among the signals of different ultrasonic frequencies; and deciding whether the structure is cracked based on the first sideband spectrogram. Even though the power of the ultrasonic wave applied to the structure is very small as compared with the related art, whether there is the damage is ...

MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND MEASUREMENT METHOD

A measurement device includes a sensor that detects a particular substance, a storage unit that stores calibration data that indicate a relationship between a measurement value of the particular substance and an output of the sensor, and a calculation unit that calculates the measurement value of the particular substance from the calibration data based on the output of the sensor. The calculation unit produces a first waveform where a plurality of first outputs of the sensor are normalized, produces a plurality of second waveforms where a plurality of second outputs of the sensor that are included in the calibration data are normalized. The calculation unit calculates a measurement value of the particular substance based on the first waveform and the plurality of second waveforms.

System and method for position monitoring using ultrasonic sensor

A system for determining the position of a piston in a subsea accumulator, comprising: a sensor module comprising: a housing; an ultrasonic transducer facing the piston and configured to transmit an ultrasonic pulse through a fluid medium toward a surface of the piston; a pressure sensor configured to; and a temperature sensor; a control connector coupled to the sensor module capable of providing hardware and software functions to measure transit time of the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic transducer to the surface of the piston, comprising electronics for controlling the ultrasonic transducer, pressure sensor and temperature sensor; wherein the transit times of the ultrasonic signals across the fluid medium are measured and combined with a computed velocity of sound as a function of temperature/pressure to determine the distance between the ultrasonic transducer and the surface of the piston.

Preventive defect detection and control process in composite material parts

A preventive defect detection and control process in mass produced composite material parts, comprising the following steps: a) Automatically obtaining representative parameters of backwall and intermediate echo signal results in each cell of a mesh predefined on the part. b) Storing said parameters in a database. c) Statistically analyzing the stored parameters corresponding to certain areas of a certain part for: c1) detecting isolated and significant alterations in the part manufacturing process generating porosity defects; or c2) detecting slow and permanent alterations in the part manufacturing process generating porosity defects; or c3) detecting areas with a negligible defect generation probability in order to identify them as areas susceptible of inspection by sampling.

Vibration monitoring system and method

A method detects the presence of a vehicle on a railway track using a sensing processor monitoring a sensing system for detecting vibration into ground installed along the railway track. The sensing system includes a detection module for detecting a vehicle on the railway track. The method includes an initialization step which includes the sub-steps of emitting a first signal to be received by the sensing processor through the sensing system, sending a first message to the sensing processor, monitoring the sensing system, and configuring the detection module in function of the received first signal and configuration data received in the first message. The configuration data can include location of the initialization device, intensity/magnitude of the first signal, emission time of the first signal, and/or type of object corresponding to the first signal.

Apparatus and methods for testing of acoustic devices and systems

Methods and devices are disclosed for testing an acoustic probe having transducing elements for converting between acoustic and electrical signals. An electrical signal is generated at a frequency with a testing device capable of generating electrical signals over a range of frequencies. The electrical signal is transmitted to at least some of the transducing elements to measure a complex impedance and thereby evaluate a performance of the transducing elements.

Acoustic wave (aw) sensing devices using live cells

In one embodiment according to the invention, there is provided a method of sensing a response of a living cell or virus to a change in conditions. The method comprises applying an essentially constant external electromotive force that causes oscillation of an acoustic wave device at essentially constant amplitude and frequency under steady state conditions. The acoustic wave device has attached at least one living cell or virus. A combined oscillating system including the acoustic wave device and the living cell or virus exhibits a fundamental frequency and at least one harmonic frequency of the combined oscillating system. The living cell or virus is exposed to a change in an environmental condition while oscillating the combined oscillating system under the essentially constant external electromotive force, whereby a response of the living cell or virus to the change in environmental condition will be indicated by a change in at least one of frequency and amplitude of the oscillation of at least one harmonic frequency of the combined oscillating system.

Method for estimating an underwater acoustic sound velocity in a network of acoustic nodes, corresponding computer program product, storage means and device

A method for estimating an underwater acoustic sound velocity in a network of acoustic nodes arranged along towed acoustic linear antennas and in which a plurality of acoustic signals are transmitted between the nodes. The method includes: obtaining two predetermined distances each separating a couple of nodes placed along a same first acoustic linear antenna ( 31 ); for each couple of first and second nodes, obtaining a first propagation duration of an acoustic signal transmitted between said first node and a third node placed along a second acoustic linear antenna and a second propagation duration of an acoustic signal transmitted between said second node and said third node; and estimating said underwater acoustic sound velocity, as a function of said two predetermined distances and said first and second propagation durations obtained for each couple of nodes.

Concurrent Multiple Characteristic Ultrasonic Inspection

A method for acoustically measuring an external surface of a component and a wall thickness or component thickness at that location is provided. The method also provides for measuring the external surface by physical contact while concurrently acoustically measuring a wall thickness at that location.

Campbell diagram displays and methods and systems for implementing same

Methods and systems for creating Campbell diagram displays for illustrating vibration characteristics of a moving apparatus, such as a rotary machine, are provided. Data, representing vibration amplitudes and frequencies are recorded against rotational speeds of an apparatus. The data is used to create waveforms representing the forward and/or reverse vibration frequencies of the apparatus. The waveforms in turn are used to create spectral line envelopes to provide enhanced two dimensional images indicating the amplitudes of the vibrations of the apparatus at particular rotational speeds. The spectral line envelopes may be empty, filled with one or more colors, or other illustration features to impart solidity to the envelopes to enhance visibility.

Non-destructive evaluation methods for machine-riveted bearings

The disclosed embodiments generally relate to non-destructive evaluation methods. In an embodiment, a method for non-destructive evaluation of a machine-riveted bearing includes positioning a first plurality of sensors in the region of interest, the first plurality of acoustic sensors being provided in a phased array, positioning a second plurality of sensors in the region of interest, the second plurality of sensors being provided in a phased array, inducing a vibration in the region of interest using the first plurality of sensors and receiving a resonance frequency spectra using the second plurality of sensors, and comparing the received resonance frequency spectra against a reference spectra to determine the presence of an anomaly in the region of interest.

Apparatus For Determining The Texture Of Food Material

The present application relates to an apparatus for determining the texture of food material, wherein the apparatus comprises a device for generating a vibrational impact, such as a piezo actuator, a device for measuring vibrations, such as a vibrometer, a holding mechanism, comprising a container body for containing the food material therein or a string to attach the food material thereto, and an analyser for comparing measured vibrations with at least one reference value, determined prior to the measurement.

Acoustic wave (aw) sensing devices using live cells

In one embodiment according to the invention, there is provided a method of sensing a response of a living cell or virus to a change in conditions. The method comprises applying an essentially constant external electromotive force that causes oscillation of an acoustic wave device at essentially constant amplitude and frequency under steady state conditions. The acoustic wave device has attached at least one living cell or virus. A combined oscillating system including the acoustic wave device and the living cell or virus exhibits a fundamental frequency and at least one harmonic frequency of the combined oscillating system. The living cell or virus is exposed to a change in an environmental condition while oscillating the combined oscillating system under the essentially constant external electromotive force, whereby a response of the living cell or virus to the change in environmental condition will be indicated by a change in at least one of frequency and amplitude of the oscillation of at least one harmonic frequency of the combined oscillating system.

BIOSENSOR

The present application provides apparatus and methods for determining the density of a fluid sample. In particular, it provides a sensor device which can be loaded with a fluid sample such as blood, and which further comprises at least one oscillating beam member or resonator. Exposure of the blood sample to clotting agents allows a clotting reaction to commence. The device allows the density of the sample fluid to be monitored with reference to the oscillation of the vibrating beam member, thus allowing the monitoring of the clotting of the fluid sample. 1. A resonant sensor assembly for monitoring density and/or viscosity of a fluid comprising:a base substrate of fixed width and length;at least three parallel resonating beam members patterned in and integral to the base substrate, wherein the at least three beam members comprise a central beam member and at least two outer beam members, and wherein a width of the central beam member is twice the width of the at least two outer beam members such that a third mode of oscillation of the at least three beam members is optimally excitable;at least one vibration excitory element for use in providing a selective oscillation of at least one of the three beam members, wherein the at least one vibration excitory element is configured to cause at least one of the beam members to resonate in a transverse direction; andat least one sensor element for use in determining a frequency of oscillation of at least one of the at least three beam members, whereby density and/or viscosity of a fluid can be monitored by monitoring oscillations of at least one beam member.2. The resonant sensor assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the base substrate further comprising one or two side beams patterned in and integral to the base substrate parallel and spaced from the resonating beam members.3. The resonant beam assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one vibratory excitory element and the at least one sensor element are ...

METHOD FOR DETERMINING MECHANICAL DAMAGE TO A ROTOR BLADE OF A WIND TURBINE

A method for detecting mechanical damage to a rotor blade of a wind turbine includes measuring vibrations of the rotor blade and generating a frequency-dependent vibration signal. A value of the signal energy over a predetermined frequency range of the vibration signal is determined at each of a number of measuring times and the respectively determined signal energy values are evaluated with respect to time in order to detect mechanical damage. 1. A method for identifying mechanical damage to a rotor blade of a wind turbine , comprising:sensing vibrations of the rotor blade;generating a frequency-dependent vibration signal;determining in each case a signal energy measure, over a predefined frequency range of the vibration signal, at a number of measurement instants; and evaluating the respectively determined signal energy measures with respect to time, so as to identify mechanical damage.2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the predefined frequency range has a width of at least 50 Hz claim 1 , 100 Hz claim 1 , 250 Hz claim 1 , or 500 Hz.3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the predefined frequency range includes frequencies above 50 Hz.4. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the predefined frequency range includes frequencies below 1000 Hz.5. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a frequency range of approximately 150 to approximately 350 Hz claim 1 , 500 Hz claim 1 , or 1000 Hz is used as a predefined frequency range.6. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the signal energy measure is determined on the basis of a mean signal energy in the frequency range.7. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the evaluation in respect of time comprises comparing the signal energy measure of a rotor blade with a corresponding signal energy measure of another rotor blade of the same wind turbine claim 1 , and wherein mechanical damage is identified if a difference between the time characteristics of the two signal energy measures exceeds a ...

ULTRASONIC NDT SENSOR ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING SURFACES OF VARIABLE GEOMETRY OF METAL BODIES

The invention relates to an ultrasonic NDT sensor arrangement for inspecting surfaces of variable geometry of metal bodies. The sensor arrangement includes a housing with a hollow inner space and an opening, through which part of an incoming sound beam exits the housing to enter a metal body to be tested. An ultrasonic sensor is coupled to the housing such that it emits said incoming sound beam directly into said hollow inner space in a direction towards the opening. The said inner space of the housing is filled with a first coupling fluid which is water. The opening of the housing is closed with a closing member, which is made of a silicone material and which has a similar density and velocity of sound compared to the first coupling fluid. 1. An ultrasonic NDT sensor arrangement for inspecting surfaces of variable geometry of metal bodies , comprising:a housing with a hollow inner space and an opening, through which part of an incoming sound beam exits the housing to enter a metal body to be tested;an ultrasonic sensor coupled to said housing such that it emits said incoming sound beam directly into said hollow inner space in a direction towards said opening, whereby said inner space of said housing is filled with a first coupling fluid,wherein that first coupling fluid is water and said opening of said housing is closed with a closing member, which is made of a silicone material and which has a similar density and velocity of sound compared to said first coupling fluid.2. The sensor arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein said closing member is a membrane.3. The sensor arrangement according to claims 1 , further comprising a pump is connected to the inner space of said housing to supply said sensor arrangement with said first coupling fluid.4. The sensor arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein said ultrasonic sensor is oriented with respect to said opening or closing member such that said part of the incoming sound beam claim 1 , which exits the housing ...

Detecting Train Separation

This application describes method and apparatus for detecting train separation, where one or more railway cars/carriages () accidentally decouple from the rest of the train. The method involves performing distributed acoustic sensing on at least one optical fibre () to provide a plurality of longitudinal acoustic sensor portions along the railway (). The acoustic response is analysed to detect a signature indicative of a train separation. This may involve detecting acoustic events () associated with different parts of the train and detecting when the separation between the two events exceeds a threshold amount. The method may identify the front of the train and the rear of the train and detect when the distance between the front and rear changes by more than a threshold amount and/or sounds associated with wheelsets passing track features () may be used to determine the intervals (T, T) between wheelsets of adjacent cars and determine when the interval exceeds a threshold amount. The threshold may be based on the interval (T) between wheelsets of the same car passing the track feature. 1. A method detecting separation of a train comprising:performing distributed acoustic sensing on at least one optical fibre deployed along the length of a railway so as to provide a plurality of longitudinal acoustic sensor portions along the railway;analysing the acoustic response from said acoustic sensor portions to detect a signature indicative of a train having separated.2. A method as claimed in wherein said detecting said signature comprises detecting a first acoustic event associated with a first part of a train and a second acoustic event associated with a second different part of the train and detecting that the separation between the first acoustic event and second acoustic event is beyond a threshold.3. A method as claimed in comprising analysing the acoustic response from the acoustic sensor portions to locate an acoustic signal indicative of the front of the train and ...

Systems and methods for detecting embedded target elements using signal interference

A sensor system includes a sensor module that is embedded in a target environment and a signal system. The sensor module includes an active sensor of a first type that detects a target element in the target environment and a reference sensor of the first type that prevents detection of target elements by the reference sensor. The active sensor and the reference sensor receive an ultrasonic signal and respectively generate a first response signal and a second response signal. The first response signal is at least partially as a function of the detected target element. The signal system includes an ultrasonic transducer that generates the ultrasonic signal and receives the first and second response signals, and a controller communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic transducer. The controller identifies the detected target element based at least partially on the first and second response signals.

ULTRASONIC SENSOR

An ultrasonic sensor (), that transmits probe waves which are ultrasonic waves and acquires detection waves including reflected waves which have been reflected from surrounding objects, includes a transmitter/receiver () that transmits the probe waves and acquires the detection waves, a detection wave processing section () that executes processing for passing a predetermined frequency band which includes the frequency of the probe waves, an amplitude measurement section () which measures the amplitude of the detection waves, and a judgement section () which judges whether there is adherence of foreign matter on the transmitter/receiver, based on a relationship between a time axis and values of the amplitude of the detection waves during a reverberation interval following the termination of transmitting the probe waves. 1. A method of transmitting and receiving from an ultrasonic sensor , the ultrasonic sensor transmitting probe waves , which are ultrasonic waves , and acquiring detection waves that include reflected waves which have been reflected from surrounding objects , the method comprising:transmitting the probe waves and acquiring the detection waves from a single transmitter/receiver;executing filter processing of the detection waves in which frequencies within a predetermined frequency band that includes the frequency of the probe waves are passed;measuring an amplitude of the detection waves; andexecuting a judgement which judges whether there is adherence of foreign matter on the transmitter/receiver, based on a relationship between a time axis and values of the amplitude of the detection waves during a reverberation interval following a termination of the transmitting of the probe waves.2. The method of transmitting and receiving from the ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 , further comprising:acquiring, as the relationship between the time axis and the amplitude, an interval extending from the point at which the amplitude falls below a first ...

Integrated Vibration Measurement and Analysis System

A vibration data collection system performs an integration or differentiation process on incoming digitized vibration data in real time. The system uses a digital Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filter running at the input data rate to provide the integration or differentiation function. With this approach, the system reduces hardware complexity and data storage requirements. Also, the system provides the ability to directly integrate or differentiate stored time waveforms without resorting to FFT processing methods.

Environmental parameter sensor

An environmental parameter sensor for a mobile device is described comprising a first acoustic transducer; a second acoustic transducer arranged at a predetermined distance from the first acoustic transducer; a controller coupled to the first acoustic transducer and the second acoustic transducer; wherein the controller is configured to determine at least one of a time-of-flight value and an attenuation value of an acoustic signal between the first acoustic transducer and the second acoustic transducer and to determine at least one environmental parameter from the at least one of the time-of-flight value and the attenuation value The environmental parameter sensor may determine environmental parameters such as temperature, wind speed, and humidity from acoustic measurements.

Method and Apparatus for Determining Kinematic Viscosity Through the Transmission and Reception of Ultrasonic Energy

An apparatus for determining a fluid's kinematic viscosity from ultrasonic energy that has passed through the fluid of unknown viscosity along an acoustic path of known length. A computer of the apparatus determines a characteristic frequency of a received electrical signal associated with the ultrasonic energy and measures the fluid's velocity of sound. The kinematic viscosity of the fluid is determined by the computer on a continuous basis based on the characteristic frequency and the sound velocity. A method for determining a fluid's kinematic viscosity. 1. An apparatus for determining a fluid's kinematic viscosity comprising:a transmitter and a transmitting transducer capable of converting a single pulse from the transmitter into ultrasonic energy;a receiving transducer which converts some of the ultrasonic energy that has passed through a fluid of unknown viscosity into an electrical signal, the ultrasonic energy created by the transmitting transducer follows an acoustic path which is made to pass through the fluid of unknown viscosity along a path of known length; anda computer which determines a characteristic frequency of a received electrical signal and which determines kinematic viscosity of the fluid based on the characteristic frequency, where the kinematic viscosity is formed from a fluid's bulk viscosity and shear viscosity, wherein the fluid's bulk viscosity has a fixed relationship with the fluid's shear viscosity.2. The apparatus of wherein the fluid is flowing.3. A method for determining a fluid's kinematic viscosity comprising the steps of:triggering a transmitter which generates an electrical transmit pulse;commencing counting of timing pulses from a digital clock simultaneous with a transmit pulse transmission;applying the transmit pulse via electrical cables to an ultrasonic transmitting transducer;causing the transmitting transducer with the transmit pulse to produce an ultrasonic pressure pulse, the ultrasonic transmitting transducer is ...

OBSTACLE DETECTION DEVICE

An obstacle detection device includes an air-coupled ultrasonic wave sensor mounted into a penetrating hole of a mounting member with an emitting surface being oriented towards outside the obstacle detection device, and an acoustic matching layer fixed to the emitting surface to achieve matching between the acoustic impedance of the air-coupled ultrasonic wave sensor and that of the air, in which microcapsules are added to the same material as that of the mounting member 1. An obstacle detection device comprising:an air-coupled ultrasonic wave sensor having an ultrasonic transducer on an inner side of a bottom surface of a metallic case, and an emitting surface on an outer side of the bottom surface of said metallic case; andan acoustic matching layer placed and mounted in such a way that a surface thereof is fixed to said emitting surface and another surface thereof is exposed to outside said obstacle detection device via a penetrating hole of a mounting member, in which microcapsules are added to a material which is same as that of said mounting member.2. The obstacle detection device according to claim 1 , wherein an added amount of said microcapsules is a one that makes an acoustic impedance of said acoustic matching layer have a value intermediate between the acoustic impedance of said air-coupled ultrasonic wave sensor and that of the air.3. The obstacle detection device according to claim 2 , wherein the added amount of said microcapsules is a one that makes the acoustic impedance of said acoustic matching layer have a value which is approximately a square root of a product of the acoustic impedance of said air-coupled ultrasonic wave sensor and that of the air.4. The obstacle detection device according to claim 1 , wherein said acoustic matching layer has a thickness which is approximately one-quarter of a wavelength of an ultrasonic wave excited by said air-coupled ultrasonic wave sensor.5. The obstacle detection device according to claim 1 , wherein a ...

REFRIGERATOR AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF

A refrigerator including a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion unit that constitute a refrigeration cycle, an evaporator that evaporates a refrigerant that has passed through the expansion unit, a heating unit that provides heat for defrosting the evaporator, and a frost sensor unit that is provided at one side of the evaporator to sense the amount of frost on the evaporator, the frost sensor unit including a sound-source transmitting unit that generates a sound-source of a first volume to the evaporator, and a sound-source receiving unit that receives a sound-source of a second volume formed after the sound-source transmitted by the sound-source transmitting unit reflects from or passes through the evaporator, and a controller that controls the heating unit to generate heat, when the difference between the first volume and the second volume reaches a predetermined value. 1. A refrigerator , comprising:an inner case having a storage chamber;a cover plate provided at a rear portion of the inner case, wherein the storage chamber is formed at a front side of the cover plate;an evaporator that is provided in a space formed at a rear side of the cover plate, the evaporator including a refrigerant pipe and cooling fins;a heater that provides heat for defrosting the evaporator, the heater provided at a side of the refrigerant pipe; and a sound-source transmitter that generates a sound-source of a first volume to the evaporator; and', 'a sound-source receiver that receives a sound-source of a second volume formed after the sound-source transmitted by the sound-source transmitter reflects from or passes through the evaporator, and', 'a controller that controls the heater to generate heat, when the difference between the first volume and the second volume reaches a predetermined value., 'a frost sensor that is configured to sense an amount of frost on the evaporator, the frost sensor being provided in the space formed at the rear side of the cover plate, the frost ...

FLUID CONSUMPTION METER WITH NOISE SENSOR

A consumption meter, e.g. a water or heat meter, for measuring a flow rate of a fluid supplied in a flow tube. First and second ultrasonic transducers are arranged at the flow tube for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals transmitted through the fluid and operated by a flow measurement sub-circuit for generating a signal indicative of the flow rate of the fluid. A noise measurement sub-circuit operates a sensor arranged at the flow tube for detection of acoustic signals of the flow tube, and being arranged to generate a signal indicative of a noise level of the flow tube accordingly. This sensor may comprise a separate transducer, or the sensor may be constituted by one or both of the first and second ultrasonic transducers. The consumption meter may communicate data representative of the noise level via a communication module along with data consumed amount of water, heat etc. Such consumer noise level measurement at the consumer site allows collection of noise level data to assist in locating fluid leakages in a fluid supply pipe system. 1. A consumption meter arranged to measure a flow rate of a fluid , the consumption meter comprising:a flow tube with a through-going opening for passage of the fluid between an inlet and an outlet,first and second ultrasonic transducers arranged externally relative to the flow tube for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals transmitted through the fluid,a control circuit comprising a flow measurement sub-circuit arranged for operating the first and second ultrasonic transducers, and being arranged to generate a signal indicative of the flow rate of the fluid from the transmitted and received ultrasonic signals transmitted through the fluid,wherein the control circuit further comprises a noise measurement sub-circuit, arranged for generating a signal indicative of a noise level of the flow tube or of the fluid therein by operating at least one of the first and second ultrasonic transducers to detect acoustic ...

ACOUSTIC SENSING SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS

Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for touch, force and/or thermal sensing by an ultrasonic transceiver chip. In some aspects, an ultrasonic transceiver sensor device includes a semiconductor substrate; a CMOS layer attached to the substrate; an array of piezoelectric transducers coupled to the CMOS layer to generate ultrasonic pulses; and a contact layer attached to the substrate on a side opposite the substrate for providing a surface for contact with an object, where an ultrasonic pulse generated by a piezoelectric transducer propagates through the substrate and the contact layer, such that when the object is in contact with the surface of the contact layer, a reflected ultrasonic pulse is produced and propagates through the contact layer and the substrate to be received at the array of piezoelectric transducers, and the CMOS layer receive and process outputs from the piezoelectric transducers produced in response to the received reflected ultrasonic pulses. 1. An ultrasonic transceiver sensor device , comprising:a substrate including a semiconductor material;a CMOS layer attached to a first side of the substrate;an array of piezoelectric transducers coupled to the CMOS layer and operable to generate ultrasonic pulses having a frequency of at least 0.5 GHz; anda contact layer attached to a second side of the substrate opposite the first side to provide a surface for contact with an object,wherein an ultrasonic pulse generated by a piezoelectric transducer of the array is directed to propagate through the substrate and the contact layer, such that when the object is in contact with the surface of the contact layer, a reflected ultrasonic pulse is produced and propagates through the contact layer and the substrate to be received at the array of piezoelectric transducers, wherein CMOS elements of the CMOS layer in communication with the array of piezoelectric transducers are operable to receive and process outputs from the piezoelectric transducers produced ...

INSPECTION DEVICE FOR DETERMINING INSERTION OF CONNECTOR, AND ROBOT DEVICE HAVING INSPECTION DEVICE

An inspection device includes an oscillator for generating ultrasonic waves toward a first connector, and a vibration receiver for receiving vibrations generated in the first connector. The inspection device includes a vibration controller for analyzing the vibrations received by the vibration receiver. The vibration controller detects a resonance frequency by converting, by Fourier transform, the vibrations received by the vibration receiver. The vibration controller determines an insertion amount of the first connector into the second connector, based on the detected resonance frequency. 1. An inspection device for inspecting a state in which a first connector having a shape to be fitted to a second connector is inserted into the second connector , comprising:an oscillator for generating ultrasonic waves toward the first connector;a vibration receiver for receiving vibrations generated in the first connector; anda vibration controller for driving the oscillator and analyzing the vibrations received by the vibration receiver, whereinthe vibration controller detects a resonance frequency by converting, by Fourier transform, the vibrations received by the vibration receiver, and determines, based on the detected resonance frequency, an insertion amount of the first connector into the second connector.2. The inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein a determination range when the first connector is inserted into the second connector by an appropriate insertion amount is previously determined claim 1 , andthe vibration controller determines that the insertion amount of the first connector is small when the detected resonance frequency is lower than the determination range.3. The inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the vibration controller controls the oscillator so that the oscillator generates ultrasonic waves while continuously changing the frequency.4. The inspection device according to claim 1 , comprising an operation tool including the ...

SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING A SURFACE

A system includes an inspection robot having a plurality of input sensors, the plurality of input sensors distributed horizontally relative to an inspection surface and configured to provide inspection data of the inspection surface at selected horizontal positions; a controller, comprising: a position definition circuit structured to determine an inspection robot position of the inspection robot on the inspection surface; a data positioning circuit structured to interpret the inspection data, and to correlate the inspection data to the inspection robot position on the inspection surface; and wherein the data positioning circuit is further structured to determine position informed inspection data in response to the correlating of the inspection data with the inspection robot position. 1an inspection robot having a plurality of input sensors, the plurality of input sensors distributed horizontally relative to an inspection surface and configured to provide inspection data of the inspection surface at selected horizontal positions; a position definition circuit structured to determine an inspection robot position of the inspection robot on the inspection surface;', 'a data positioning circuit structured to interpret the inspection data, and to correlate the inspection data to the inspection robot position on the inspection surface; and', 'wherein the data positioning circuit is further structured to determine position informed inspection data in response to the correlating of the inspection data with the inspection robot position., 'a controller, comprising. A system, comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/997,569 (Attorney Docket No. GROB-0003-U01-C11), filed Jun. 4, 2018, and entitled “SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING A SURFACE.”U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/997,569 (Attorney Docket No. GROB-0003-U01-C11) claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/596,737 ( ...

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE PULSE MEASURING DEVICE AND METHOD, AND APPLICATION DEVICE USING THE SAME

An electromagnetic wave pulse measuring device, includes an elastic vibration wave generating section which irradiates a predetermined area of a sample with an elastic vibration wave, an electromagnetic wave pulse generating section which irradiates the predetermined area, which is irradiated with the elastic vibration wave, with an electromagnetic wave pulse, and an electromagnetic wave pulse detecting section which measures a waveform of the electromagnetic wave pulse modulated in the predetermined area by the elastic vibration wave. The timing at which the electromagnetic wave pulse detecting section measures the waveform of the electromagnetic wave pulse is a timing at which a phase angle of the elastic vibration wave has a predetermined value when the elastic vibration wave generating section generates the elastic vibration wave. 1. An electromagnetic wave pulse measuring device for acquiring information on a sample using time-domain spectroscopy comprising:an elastic vibration wave generating section which irradiates the sample with an elastic vibration wave;an electromagnetic wave pulse generating section which irradiates the sample with an electromagnetic wave pulse; andan electromagnetic wave pulse detecting section which measures a time waveform of the electromagnetic wave pulse modulated by the sample,wherein the electromagnetic wave pulse detecting section and the elastic vibration wave generating section are configured such the electromagnetic wave pulse detecting section measures the time waveform of the electromagnetic wave pulse at a timing when the elastic vibration wave generating section generates the elastic vibration wave with a phase angle of a predetermined value.2. The electromagnetic wave pulse measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein a repetition frequency of the electromagnetic wave pulse with which the sample is irradiated is a fraction of a natural number of the frequency of the elastic vibration wave.3. The electromagnetic wave ...

METHOD FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVELY TESTING A QUALITY OF AN ULTRASONIC WELD

A method for non-destructive testing of a quality of an ultrasonic weld from a welding process includes detecting of a time-dependent measurement value over a period of time, where the measurement value is characteristic of a mechanical or electrical vibration behavior of a welding process to be tested. The method includes evaluating a measurement-value course of the detected time-dependent measurement value by using a Fourier analysis. The method further includes comparing a result of the evaluation to a reference value in order to test the quality of the weld. A measuring device and an ultrasonic welding system are also included. 1. A method for non-destructive testing of a quality of an ultrasonic weld from a welding process , the method comprising:detecting a time-dependent measurement value over a period of time, wherein the time-dependent measurement value is characteristic of a mechanical or electrical vibration behavior of the welding process;evaluating a measurement-value course of the detected time-dependent measurement value by using a Fourier analysis; andcomparing a result of the evaluation to a reference value in order to test the quality of the ultrasonic weld.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the period of time corresponds to a duration of the welding process.3. The method according claim 1 , wherein the time-dependent measurement value is characteristic of a mechanical vibration behavior of the welding process claim 1 , the mechanical vibration behavior comprising a shear force and a deflection of a sonotrode.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the time-dependent measurement value is characteristic of an electrical vibration behavior of the welding process claim 1 , the electrical vibration behavior comprising at least one of an electrical current and an electrical voltage for controlling a piezo actuator.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the detecting of the time-dependent measurement value comprises detecting a ...

Acoustic pipe condition assessment using coherent averaging

Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for accurate time delay estimation using coherent averaging. A plurality of out-of-bracket acoustical impulses are generated in a pipe segment of a fluid distribution system. Signal data representing the acoustical impulses sensed at two locations along the pipe segment are recorded. Precise timings for the generation of the acoustical impulses are obtained, and the acoustical impulses in the signal data recorded from the first location are averaged based on the precise timings to produce a near-sensor average impulse. Similarly, the acoustical impulses in the signal data recorded from the second location are averaged based on the same precise timings to produce a far-sensor average impulse. A time delay between arrival of the plurality of out-of-bracket acoustical impulses at the first and second locations is estimated from the timing of the near-sensor average impulse and the far-sensor average impulse.

Electromagnetic transducer for exciting and sensing vibrations of resonant structures

A fluid properties measurement device, including a magnetically excited and sensed resonator and a resonator electromagnetic excitation assembly, including an excitation coil driven by an electrical network, electrically connected to the excitation coil. The excitation coil is positioned so that a varying magnetic field produced by the excitation coil will drive the resonator in a pattern of resonating movement that has predetermined characteristics. Also, an electromagnetic sensing assembly, including a gradiometric sense coil is positioned so that an electromagnetic field originating due to movement of the resonator in a pattern having the predetermined characteristics, will create a time-varying gradient across the sense coil. Finally, a signal sensing electrical network is electrically connected to the sense coil. 1. A fluid properties measurement device ,comprising:(a) a magnetically excited and sensed resonator;(b) a resonator electromagnetic excitation assembly, including an excitation coil driven by an electrical network, electrically connected to said excitation coil, said excitation coil positioned so that a varying magnetic field produced by said excitation coil will drive said resonator in a pattern of resonating movement that has predetermined characteristics; and(c) an electromagnetic sensing assembly, including a gradiometric sense coil positioned so that a magnetic field originating due to movement of said resonator in a pattern having said predetermined characteristics will create a time varying gradient across said sense coil; and a signal sensing electrical network electrically connected to said sense coil.2. The fluid properties measurement device of claim 1 , wherein said excitation coil driving electrical network overlaps with and shares components with said signal sensing electrical network.3. The fluid properties measurement device of claim 1 , wherein said resonator is a torsional resonator.4. The fluid properties measurement device of claim ...

INSPECTION DEVICE, INSPECTION METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY RECODING MEDIUM STORING INSPECTION PROGRAM

Provided are an inspection device and the like capable of correctly determining a state of an inspection target without destroying the inspection target. An inspection device calculates vibration characteristic values representing a character of vibration information indicating vibrations measured by vibration sensors measuring a vibration of an inspection target; calculates a scattering degree indicating a scattering degree of the calculated vibration characteristic values among the vibrations measured by the vibration sensors; and determines a condition of the inspection target based on a magnitude of the calculated scattering degree. 1. An inspection device comprising:a characteristic value calculator configured to calculate vibration characteristic values representing a character of vibration information indicating vibrations measured by vibration sensors measuring a vibration of an inspection target;a scattering degree calculator configured to calculate a scattering degree indicating a scattering degree of the calculated vibration characteristic values among the vibrations measured by the vibration sensors; anda determiner configured to determine a condition of the inspection target based on a magnitude of the calculated scattering degree.2. The inspection device according to claim 1 , whereinthe characteristic value calculator calculates the vibration characteristic values for vibration modes included in the measured vibrations, andthe determiner determines a damage of the inspection target based on a weighted average of scattering degrees for the vibration modes.3. The inspection device according to further comprisinga classifier configured to classify the vibration information in accordance with a magnitude of amplitude of the vibrations in the vibration information, whereinthe scattering degree calculator calculates the scattering degree for the classified vibration information.4. The inspection device according to claim 1 , whereinthe characteristic value ...

APPARATUS FOR DETECTING DEFECT AND METHOD FOR DETECTING DEFECT USING THE SAME

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for detecting a defect and a method for detecting a defect using the same, and more particularly, to an apparatus for detecting a defect and a method for detecting a defect using the same for detecting a defect inside an inspection object without destructing the inspection object. 1. An apparatus for detecting a defect comprising:a first probe unit configured to transmit a signal into an inspection object and receive a signal generated inside the inspection object;a second probe unit separately installed from the first probe unit and configured to receive the signal generated inside the inspection object; anda position determining unit configured to detect a defect position inside the inspection object using the signal received by the first probe unit and the signal received by the second probe unit.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first probe unit and the second probe unit are movably installed along a surface of the inspection object.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the signal generated inside the inspection object comprises a diffraction signal that the signal transmitted from the first probe unit is diffracted by a defect.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the position determining unit determines the defect position inside the inspection object using an interval L between the first probe unit and the second probe unit claim 1 , a distance Sfrom the first probe unit to the defect claim 1 , and a distance Sbetween the second probe unit to the defect.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the distance Sfrom the first probe unit to the defect is calculated using a difference between transmission time of the signal transmitted from the first probe unit and a reception time of the signal received by the first probe unit claim 4 , and a travel speed of the signal inside the inspection object.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the distance Sfrom the second probe unit to the defect is calculated using a ...

INFUSION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE WHICH PREVENTS OVER-SATURATION OF AN ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER

To detect air in a fluid delivery line of an infusion system, infusion fluid is pumped through a fluid delivery line adjacent to at least one sensor. A signal is transmitted and received using the at least one sensor into and from the fluid delivery line. The at least one sensor is operated, using at least one processor, at a modified frequency which is different than a resonant frequency of the at least one sensor to reduce an amplitude of an output of the signal transmitted from the at least one sensor to a level which is lower than a saturation level of the analog-to-digital converter to avoid over-saturating the analog-to-digital converter. The signal received by the at least one sensor is converted from analog to digital using an analog-to-digital converter. The at least one processor determines whether air is in the fluid delivery line based on the converted digital signal. 120.-. (canceled)21. An infusion system configured to detect air in an infusion line , said infusion system comprising one or more hardware processors configured to:control an operating frequency of a first sensor, said first sensor configured to transmit a first signal in a fluid delivery line;receive a digital signal from an analog to digital converter, said analog to digital converter configured to convert a detected signal responsive to the transmitted first signal from analog to digital;determine that the detected first signal is saturated;change the operating frequency of the sensor based on the determination of saturation; anddetect an air indication in the infusion line based on the changed operating frequency.22. The infusion system of claim 21 , wherein the changed operating frequency is different than a resonant frequency of the sensor.23. The infusion system of claim 22 , wherein the resonant frequency of the sensor is predetermined.24. The infusion system of claim 21 , wherein the sensor is responsive to signals above a minimum level.25. The infusion system of claim 24 , ...

Systems and Methods for Damage Detection

A system for detecting damage to a glass surface particularly vehicle glazing panels such as vehicle windscreens. The system uses a sensor unit disposed proximate the surface and a processor in communication with the sensor unit. The processor is configured to analyse data received from the sensor unit in order to determine the integrity of the surface and a communication unit is configured to output a signal in response to the processor determining that the surface has been damaged. For vehicle glass the system is preferably integrated into the vehicle management and control systems such that the system is active when the vehicle is active or moving. The management and or control system may monitor for instances or situations when changes, such as above threshold changes, occur in order to produce an output warning signal. 1. A system for detecting damage to a glass surface , the system comprising:a sensor unit disposed proximate the surface;a processor in communication with the sensor unit, wherein the processor is configured to analyze data received from the sensor unit to determine the integrity of the surface; anda communication unit configured to output a signal in response to the processor determining that the surface has been damaged.2. A damage detection system according to claim 1 , wherein the surface is a vehicle windscreen.3. A damage detection system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit comprises a microphone and the processor comprises a sound amplification and signal processing system.4. A damage detection system according to claim 3 , wherein the processor is configured to identify a plurality of predetermined sound signals indicative of damage events.5. A damage detection system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit comprises a camera arranged to image the surface and the processor comprises image processing software operable to analyze images received from the camera to identify any damage areas.6. A damage detection system ...

LOW CROSS-TALK FAST SAMPLE DELIVERY SYSTEM BASED UPON ACOUSTIC DROPLET EJECTION

An ion source for a mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an ultrasonic transducer which focuses ultrasonic energy onto a surface of a sample fluid without directly contacting the sample fluid. 127-. (canceled)28. An ion source for a mass spectrometer comprising:a transducer arranged and adapted to focus acoustic energy onto a surface of a sample fluid without said transducer directly contacting said sample fluid, wherein said transducer is arranged and adapted to eject one or more droplets from said sample fluid in a substantially controlled manner, and wherein said one or more droplets comprise a majority of un-ionised droplets; andan ionisation device arranged and adapted to ionise a volume of liquid comprising said one or more droplets ejected from said sample fluid by said transducer.29. An ion source as claimed in claim 28 , wherein said ionisation device is arranged and adapted to emit a stream of charged particles.30. An ion source as claimed in claim 29 , wherein said stream of charged particles emitted by said ionisation device comprise charged droplets and/or ions.31. An ion source as claimed in claim 28 , wherein said ionisation device comprises an Electrospray ion source claim 28 , an Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation (“APCI”) ion source claim 28 , an Impactor ion source wherein a sample is ionised upon impacting a target claim 28 , a Laser ion source claim 28 , an ultra-violet (“UV”) photoionisation device or an infra-red (“IR”) photoionisation device.32281. An ion source as claimed in claim claim 28 , wherein said ionisation device comprises an Electrospray ion source arranged and adapted to ionise said volume of liquid.33. An ion source as claimed in claim 28 , wherein said ionisation device is arranged and adapted to act as a source of secondary ionisation for said volume of liquid comprising said one or more droplets ejected from said sample fluid by said transducer.34. An ion source as claimed in claim 28 , wherein said transducer is ...

ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VESSEL IDENTIFICATION

The present invention proposes an ultrasound system and method of identifying a vessel of a subject. The ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound probe configured to simultaneously acquire a sequence of ultrasound blood flow data frames (such as a sequence of ultrasound Doppler data frames) and a sequence of ultrasound B-mode data frames of a region of interest including the vessel over a predetermined time period; a blood flow region selecting unit configured to select a blood flow region in the sequence of blood flow data frames; and a vessel segmenting unit configured to segment the vessel in at least one frame of the sequence of ultrasound B-mode data frames based on the selected blood flow region. Since there is no need to manually place any seed point for vessel segmentation any more, the user dependency is reduced and a fast measurement is made possible. Furthermore, since the segmentation of the vessel in a B-mode data frame makes use of information from multiple blood flow data frames, more robust, reliable segmentation can be achieved. 1. An ultrasound system for identifying a vessel of a subject , comprising:an ultrasound probe configured to simultaneously acquire a sequence of ultrasound blood flow data frames and a sequence of ultrasound B-mode data frames of a region of interest including the vessel over a predetermined time period;a blood flow region selecting unit configured to detect a blood flow region in each frame of multiple frames in the sequence of ultrasound blood flow data frame, and to select a blood flow region among the detected blood flow regions; anda vessel segmenting unit configured to segment the vessel in at least one frame of the sequence of ultrasound B-mode data frames based on the selected blood flow region, the at least one frame comprising the ultrasound B-mode data frame temporally corresponding to the ultrasound blood flow data frame in which the selected blood flow region is detected.2. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , ...

Analyte sensor and analyte sensing method

A biosensor includes a detection element having an analyte detecting portion which is monotonically increased in mass in response to detection of an analyte; a reference element having a reference measuring portion which exhibits no reactivity to the analyte; a mixer which mixes a detection signal responsive to mass variations in the analyte detecting portion from the detection element and a reference signal from the reference element; a measurement which calculates two candidate phase-change values of a positive value and a negative value, from a signal mixed by the mixer in accordance with a heterodyne system, and determines a phase-change value from the two candidate phase change value by judging whether the phase is positive or negative based on temporal changes in signal strength; and a detection amount calculation portion which calculates a detection amount of the analyte based on the phase change value determined by the measurement portion.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NON-AUDIBLE SENSING OF A DEFIBRILLATOR STATUS INDICATOR

A monitoring device for monitoring the readiness state of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and communicating the state to a remote receiver is described. An associated method is described as well. The monitoring device captures a non-acoustic parameter related to the activation of the AED readiness state beeper. 1. A monitoring device for sensing an operating status of a defibrillator having an audible annunciator with a diaphragm , comprising:a sensor disposed adjacent the annunciator and operable to detect a non-audible parameter related to a diaphragm motion of the annunciator diaphragm;a hardware processor in electrical communication with the sensor; andan output in communication with the hardware processor for providing a signal indicative of the diaphragm motion.2. The monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.3. The monitoring device of claim 2 , further comprising an electrically conductive decal adhered to the defibrillator on a defibrillator surface adjacent the annunciator claim 2 , wherein the sensor is disposed to detect an annunciator-induced vibration of the defibrillator surface.4. The monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a temperature sensor claim 1 , and wherein the parameter is a temperature change induced by the motion of the diaphragm.5. The monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor claim 1 , wherein the optical sensor is disposed to detect a change in reflectance of the diaphragm during the diaphragm motion.6. The monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor and further comprising an optically reflective decal adhered to the defibrillator on a defibrillator surface adjacent the annunciator claim 1 , wherein the optical sensor is disposed to detect an annunciator-induced vibration of the defibrillator surface.7. The monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an accelerometer that is arranged ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SIMULATED ULTRASOUND POROSITY WAVEFORMS

A system and method is disclosed for generating ultrasound results having a simulated level of porosity for a composite. Data for a set of composite coupons having different levels of porosity is obtained. An attenuation distribution function is fit to a back wall signal generated from the data for each coupon and a library of echo patterns based on such data is created. An interpolated attenuation distribution function is calculated based on an interpolation of two stored attenuation distribution functions having the closest porosity values to the selected level. A main attenuation distribution function value is assigned to one portion of a selected region in a zero porosity coupon and attenuation distribution functions values within a predetermined percentage of the main attenuation distribution function are assigned to other portions of the region. Waveforms associated with the portions are modified based on such values and selected echo patterns from the library. 1. A method for generating simulated ultrasound test results having a selected level of porosity for a particular material under test , comprising the steps of:selecting a region of ultrasound test results for a coupon among a set of coupons of a selected material, the selected region within a region of porosity below a predetermined minimum threshold, the selected region for adding a predetermined amount of simulated porosity, the region of the ultrasound test results comprising a plurality of ultrasound waveforms;calculating a main attenuation distribution function based on an interpolation of two of a set of stored attenuation distribution functions for the set of coupons, one of the two stored attenuation distribution functions for a coupon in the set of coupons having a porosity less than the predetermined amount of simulated porosity and the other of the two stored attenuation distribution functions for a coupon in the set of coupons having a porosity greater than predetermined amount of simulated ...

System to automate a non-destructive test for stress or stress change using unmanned aerial vehicle and ultrasound

This invention discloses a system to automate a non-destructive test (NDT) for measuring stress or stress change developed within an object during a certain time period by using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and ultrasound technique. The system comprises a ground control station (GCS), UAVs and reference positioning modules as its basis. Given a test plan containing test points over a surface of a test object in 3D point coordinates, UAVs can fly autonomously to the points and perform ultrasound measurements on them with a single or a plurality of ultrasound transducers in an automated manner. Moreover, after receiving trigger signals from the GCS, a UAV can also perform the flight and the measurement synchronously with other UAVs. After a measurement, an acquired ultrasound echo signal is taken with another echo signal acquired at a different time point to compute stress or stress change. 1. A system to automate a non-destructive test for stress or stress change developed within an object , comprises: 1. the station transmits a test plan, including a single or a plurality of autopilot flight control commands, to a single or a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles;', '2. the station receives the flight state of a single or a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles;', '3. the station receives and stores ultrasound echo signals or a stress map from a single or a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles;', '4. the station retrieves ultrasound echo signals acquired at different time points from a storage and computes stress or stress change from the temporal ultrasound velocity changes with the signals for creating a stress map;, 'wherein the station comprises the following properties, 'ground control station;'} 1. the vehicle comprises a single or a plurality of ultrasound transducers for a non-destructive test;', '2. the vehicle flies autonomously to a hold point located near above a surface of a test object;', '3. the vehicle comprises a single or a plurality of distance ...

ACOUSTIC INSPECTION APPARATUS, AUDIO SIGNAL ACQUISITION APPARATUS, ACOUSTIC INSPECTION SYSTEM, AND ACOUSTIC INSPECTION METHOD

An acoustic inspection apparatus includes an acoustic-intensity calculating unit, a noise calculating unit, a noise removing unit and an inspecting unit. The acoustic-intensity calculating unit calculates an acoustic intensity, in which an acoustic intensity caused by hammering on an inspection target at a hammering position is canceled out, based on audio signals acquired by microphones in a symmetrical arrangement of at least one pair of microphone positions with respect to the hammering position or in a symmetrical arrangement of two hammering positions with respect to a pair of microphone positions. The noise calculating unit calculates a noise component from the calculated acoustic intensity. The noise removing unit removes the noise component from a physical quantity based on at least one of audio signals acquired at the at least one pair of microphone positions. The inspecting unit performs inspection on the hammering position based on the physical quantity. 1. An acoustic inspection apparatus comprising:an acoustic-intensity calculating unit that calculates an acoustic intensity, in which an acoustic intensity caused by hammering on an inspection target at a hammering position is canceled out, based on audio signals acquired by microphones in an arrangement in which at least one pair of microphone positions are symmetrical with each other with respect to the hammering position or in an arrangement in which two hammering positions are symmetrical with each other with respect to a pair of microphone positions;a noise calculating unit that calculates a noise component from the acoustic intensity calculated by the acoustic-intensity calculating unit;a noise removing unit that removes the noise component from a physical quantity based on at least one of audio signals acquired at the at least one pair of microphone positions; andan inspecting unit that performs inspection on the hammering position based on a physical quantity from which the noise component has ...

DUAL ACOUSTIC AND ELECTRICAL ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE FOR THE TOMOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF MULTIPHASE FLOWS IN PIPES AND/OR LIQUID/FROTH INTERFACES IN PROCESS TANKS

Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured to: receive signaling containing information about at least two sensing modalities sensed by a single probe arranged in relation to a multiphase flow or process volume; and determine using a multiple modality tomographic analysis technique information about different fluid layers in the multiphase flow or process volume, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor or processing module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing corresponding information about different fluid layers in the multiphase flow or process volume. 1. Apparatus comprising:a signal processor or processing module configured at least to:receive signaling containing information about at least two sensing modalities sensed by a single probe arranged in relation to a multiphase flow or process volume; anddetermine using a multiple modality tomographic analysis technique information about different fluid layers in the multiphase flow or process volume, based at least partly on the signaling received.2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the at least two sensing modalities takes the form of dual sensing modalities that include electrical and acoustic sensing modalities.3. Apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein an electrical sensing modality is based at least partly on a difference in conductivity or electrical (complex) permeability of the multiphase flow or process volume under investigation.4. Apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein an acoustic sensing modality is based at least partly on an acoustic speed of sound analysis.5. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the signal processing module is configured to provide a differentiation between the “phases” of the multiphase flow or process volume claim 1 , including a batch storage vessel claim 1 , based at least partly on the signaling received.6. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the signal processor ...

LIQUID IMMERSION SENSOR

A liquid immersion sensor for a mobile device with at least two acoustic transducers is described. The liquid immersion sensor may include a signal generator having a signal generator output configured to generate a signal for transmission via a first acoustic transducer, and a signal receiver having a signal receiver input configured to receive a delayed version of the generated signal via a second acoustic transducer. The signal receiver includes a signal receiver output. The liquid immersion sensor includes a controller having a first controller input for receiving a reference signal and a second controller input coupled to the signal receiver output. The controller determines a time lag value between the reference signal and the delayed signal and generates a control output signal dependent on the phase difference. The control output signal indicates if the mobile device is immersed in liquid. 1. A liquid immersion sensor for a mobile device comprising at least two acoustic transducers , the liquid immersion sensor comprising:a signal generator having a signal generator output configured to generate a signal for transmission via a first acoustic transducer;a signal receiver having a signal receiver input configured to receive a delayed version of the generated signal via a second acoustic transducer, the signal receiver further comprising a signal receiver output; anda controller having a first controller input configured to receive a reference signal and a second controller input coupled to the signal receiver output; whereinthe controller is configured to determine a time lag value between the reference signal and the delayed signal; and to generate a control output signal dependent on the time lag, wherein the control output signal indicates whether or not the mobile device is immersed in liquid.2. A liquid immersion sensor of wherein the signal generator output is coupled to the first controller input and wherein the reference signal comprises the generated ...

Detection system, detection device, and detection method

According to one embodiment, a detection system of an embodiment includes a sensor configured to detect elastic waves and a determiner. The determiner determines a region where an elastic wave generation source is positioned on the basis of waveform information if the waveform information including a plurality of peak groups related to one elastic wave is included in a detection result of the sensor.

Method For Measuring Thickness Of Carbon Fiber Components Using Ultrasounds

The present disclosure refers to a method for measuring thickness in any type of carbon fiber component, even in components having parts with different thickness and integrating at least a second material. The method includes measuring with the maximum and minimum real thickness of the component, and measuring with ultrasonic equipment the time that the ultrasound takes to propagate across the component part with maximum and with minimum thickness, calculating a thickness correction value, and calculating an ultrasound test speed from said thickness correction value, said measured times, and said measured maximum and minimum real thickness. Then, the total thickness of each of the parts of the component are measured, using ultrasounds with the same calculated ultrasound test speed, and the thickness correction value is applied to each of the measuring total thickness of each part, to determine a corrected carbon fiber thickness for each part. 1. A method for measuring carbon fiber thickness , in a carbon fiber component having parts with different thickness and integrating at least a second material , the method comprising the steps of:measuring with a micrometer a maximum real thickness and a minimum real thickness of the carbon fiber component;measuring with an automatic ultrasonic equipment, a time that an ultrasound takes to propagate across the carbon fiber component part with the maximum real thickness and the carbon fiber component part with the minimum real thickness;calculating an optimum ultrasonic test speed and a thickness correction value for the carbon fiber component;wherein the thickness correction value and the optimum ultrasound test speed are determined using the time that the ultrasound takes to propagate across the carbon fiber component part with the maximum real thickness and the carbon fiber component part with minimum real thickness, and the maximum measured real thickness and the minimum measured real thickness;measuring a total thickness ...

HAIR MOISTURE MEASURING DEVICE, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE DEVICE

Technologies are generally described for measuring hair moisture using a hair moisture measuring device including a vibrator, a sound wave detector, a heater, and/or a processor. The vibrator may generate and propagate first sound waves through a strand of hair, which may be detected by the sound wave detector. The processor may then measure a first time-delay between the first sound waves and the first driving signals. After heating the hair by the heater, the vibrator may generate and propagate second sound waves through the strand of hair, which may be detected by the sound wave detector. The processor may measure a second time-delay between the second sound waves and the second driving signals, and also measure an amount of the moisture by calculating a time-delay difference between the first time-delay and the second time-delay. 1. A hair moisture measuring device , comprising:at least one vibrator configured to generate sound waves in response to driving signals, and to propagate the sound waves through at least one strand of hair before and after moisture removal;at least one sound wave detector spaced apart from the vibrator, configured to detect the sound waves that have propagated through the hair;at least one heater configured to generate heat for at least partially removing moisture in the hair; anda processor configured to generate the driving signals that are fed to the vibrator, and to measure a time-delay between the sound waves and the driving signals.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the vibrator comprises an ultrasonic vibrator configured to generate ultrasonic sound waves.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the ultrasonic vibrator is an ultrasonic ceramic transducer.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the sound wave detector comprises an ultrasonic microphone configured to detect ultrasonic sound waves.5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the ultrasonic microphone is an ultrasonic ceramic transducer.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the heater ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TAKING A MEASUREMENT AT A CONNECTION ELEMENT

A system for taking a measurement at a connection element protruding from a specified surface. The system has an ultrasonic sensor and a positioning bushing. The positioning bushing has a first recess and a second recess. The first recess is configured to receive the ultrasonic sensor, at least in part. The second recess is configured to receive at least part of the connection element protruding from the surface. The positioning bushing is configured to orientate the ultrasonic sensor relative to the connection element in a specified manner. 1. A system for taking a measurement at a connection element , which is already acted on by a preload and which protrudes from a specified surface , said system comprising:an ultrasonic sensor, anda positioning bushing, which has a first recess and a second recess, the first recess being configured to receive the ultrasonic sensor at least in part, the second recess being configured to receive at least part of the connection element protruding from the surface, the positioning bushing being configured to orientate the ultrasonic sensor relative to the connection element in a specified manner.2. The system according to claim 1 , in which the ultrasonic sensor is arranged in an axially displaceable manner in the first recess in the positioning bushing.3. The system according to claim 1 , in which the positioning bushing comprises at least one ventilation opening claim 1 , which creates a connection between a space claim 1 , which is formed during a measurement in the region of the sensor head of the ultrasonic sensor and the connection element claim 1 , and a surrounding environment.4. The system according to claim 1 , which comprises a guide bushing claim 1 , arranged separately from the positioning bushing and mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic sensor and having a grip region claim 1 , by which the system can be manually guided.5. The system according to claim 3 , in which the guide bushing is arranged on an end of the ...

APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND/OR MONITORING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS VARIABLE OF A MEDIUM

An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least a first process variable of a medium and method for operating the apparatus at least with an electronics unit and a sensor unit, wherein the electronics unit is embodied to supply the sensor unit with an excitation signal, which is composed of an excitation carrier signal with an excitation carrier frequency and an excitation modulation signal with an excitation modulation frequency, and to receive from the sensor unit a received signal, which is composed of a received carrier signal and a received modulation signal, and wherein the electronics unit is embodied to determine from the phase shift between the excitation modulation signal and the received modulation signal at least the first process variable. 115-. (canceled)16. An apparatus for determining and monitoring at least a first process variable of a medium , comprising:an electronics unit; anda sensor unit,wherein the electronics unit is embodied to supply the sensor unit with an excitation signal composed of an excitation carrier signal having an excitation carrier frequency and an excitation modulation signal having an excitation modulation frequency and to receive from the sensor unit a received signal composed of a received carrier signal and a received modulation signal,and wherein the electronics unit is further embodied to measure a phase shift between the excitation modulation signal and the received modulation signal and to determine from the phase shift the first process variable.17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the electronics unit is further embodied to determine from the received carrier signal at least a second process variable.18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the sensor unit includes at least one mechanically oscillatable fork claim 16 , single rod claim 16 , or membrane.19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the electronics unit is further embodied to determine and to monitor a predetermined ...

Substance Detection Element

A through hole () is provided on a supporting substrate (). A plate-shaped beam () extends from an edge of the through hole () to a facing edge in such a way as to cover part of the through hole () and is provided with a piezoelectric element. A drive electrode () vibrates the beam () by applying voltage to the piezoelectric element. Detection electrodes (A, B) detect information about the vibration frequency of the beam (). Substance adsorption films (A, B) change the vibration frequency of the beam () by adhesion of a substance. The substance adsorption films (A, B) and the detection electrodes (A, B) are respectively provided at the same position on the front and the back of the beam (). 1. A substance detection element comprising:a supporting substrate;a plate-shaped beam provided with a piezoelectric element, at least one end of the beam being fixed to the supporting substrate;a detection electrode detecting information about a vibration frequency of the beam; anda substance adsorption film changing a vibration frequency of the beam by adhesion of a substance,wherein the substance adsorption film and the detection electrode are respectively provided at a same position on a front and a back of the beam.2. The substance detection element according to claim 1 , whereinthe supporting substrate is provided with a through hole, andthe beam extends from an edge of the through hole toward a facing edge in such a way as to cover part of the through hole.3. The substance detection element according to claim 2 , whereinthe beam is fixed to an edge of the through hole at at least two spots,a plurality of pairs of the substance adsorption film and the detection electrode respectively provided at a same position on a front and a back of the beam is provided on the beam, anda substance absorbed by the substance absorption file is different for the each pair.4. The substance detection element according to claim 3 , whereinthe beam is fixed to an edge of the through hole at ...

Microcantilever

The invention relates to a microcantilever, a measuring device and a method for determining mass and/or mechanical properties of a biological system. 1. Microcantilever in particular for a measuring device for determining mass and/or mechanical properties of a biological system ,characterized in that, the cantilever has a barrier preventing migration of the biological system.2. Microcantilever according to claim 1 ,characterized in that, the barrier is a geometrical restriction on the cantilever.3. Microcantilever in particular according to or claim 1 ,characterized in that a part of the cantilever is functionalized to adhere and/or repel to a biological system.4. Microcantilever in particular according to one of the to claim 1 ,characterized in that, it has a platform linked to the cantilever.5. Microcantilever according to claim 4 ,characterized in that, the platform is linked to the free end of the cantilever.6. Microcantilever according to one of the and claim 4 ,characterized in that, the platform is perpendicular to the cantilever beam.7. Microcantilever according to one of the to claim 4 ,characterized in that, the platform is parallel to the cantilever beam.8. Microcantilever according to one of the to claim 4 ,characterized in that, the platform is linked near or to an antinode of the cantilever.9. Microcantilever according to one of the to claim 4 ,characterized in that, the cantilever beam is provided with more than one platform.10. Microcantilever according to one of the to claim 4 ,characterized in that, it is compatible with state of the art optical microscopies.11. Measuring device with a microcantilever according to one of the to claim 4 ,characterized in that, it is a scanning probe microscope, atomic force microscope cytomass device, microfluidic system or a micro chamber.12. Measuring device according to claim 11 ,characterized in that, the cantilever is immersed in a buffer solution.13. Measuring device according to one of the or claim 11 , ...

Resonant transducer, manufacturing method therefor, and multi-layer structure for resonant transducer

A resonant transducer includes a silicon single crystal substrate, a silicon single crystal resonator disposed over the silicon single crystal substrate, a shell made of silicon, surrounding the resonator with a gap, and forming a chamber together with the silicon single crystal substrate, an exciting module configured to excite the resonator, a vibration detecting module configured to detect vibration of the resonator, a first layer disposed over the chamber, the first layer having a through-hole, a second layer disposed over the first layer, a third layer covering the first layer and the second layer, and a projection extending from the second layer toward the resonator, the projection being spatially separated from the resonator, the projection being separated from the first layer by a first gap, the second layer being separated from the first layer by a second gap, the first gap is communicated with the second gap.

INFUSION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE WHICH PREVENTS OVER-SATURATION OF AN ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER

To detect air in a fluid delivery line of an infusion system, infusion fluid is pumped through a fluid delivery line adjacent to at least one sensor. A signal is transmitted and received using the at least one sensor into and from the fluid delivery line. The at least one sensor is operated, using at least one processor, at a modified frequency which is different than a resonant frequency of the at least one sensor to reduce an amplitude of an output of the signal transmitted from the at least one sensor to a level which is lower than a saturation level of the analog-to-digital converter to avoid over-saturating the analog-to-digital converter. The signal received by the at least one sensor is converted from analog to digital using an analog-to-digital converter. The at least one processor determines whether air is in the fluid delivery line based on the converted digital signal. 120.-. (canceled)21. An infusion system configured to improve detection of air in a fluid delivery line , the infusion system comprising:a sensor configured to detect a first signal transmitted in a fluid delivery line;an analog-to-digital converter electronically connected to the sensor, the analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the detected signal from analog to digital; determine that the detected first signal is saturated;', 'change an operating frequency of the sensor based on the determination of saturation;', 'transmit a second signal at the changed operating frequency; and', 'determine air in the fluid delivery line based on the transmitted second signal., 'a hardware processor connected with the analog-to-digital converter, the hardware processor configured to22. The infusion system of claim 21 , wherein the changed operating frequency is different than a resonant frequency of the sensor.23. The infusion system of claim 21 , wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured to determine the resonant frequency of the sensor.24. The infusion system of ...

Oil content measurement device

An oil content measurement device includes a fluid device which mixes water to be treated containing oil content with a solvent and extracts the oil content into the solvent, a sensor unit which has a casing storing a quartz crystal oscillator therein with a ring-like spacer in between, a dispensing nozzle which is disposed above the oscillator at a predetermined gap there between and feeds a predetermined amount of the solvent after the oil content has been extracted on the oscillator, a sensor circuit which measures a resonance frequency of the oscillator, and controller which controls at least the fluid device and the sensor circuit. Provided is a arithmetic logical unit, based on a change amount of the received resonance frequency of the oscillator in the sensor unit to which the solvent after the oil content has been extracted has been fed, measures the oil content remaining on the oscillator.

METHOD FOR CHARACTERISING THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF CEMENTS

The present invention relates to a method for determining mechanical parameters of a cementitious system, on the basis of time, and on the basis of the fineness of the cementitious system, pressure and/or temperature, representative of the in situ conditions found in wellbores. The initial composition of the cementitious system, the fineness Φ thereof and the speed of the compression waves on the basis of time V(t) are the only input data of the method. Said method comprises: a step A of estimating the degree of hydration of the cementitious system on the basis of time α(t) from Vp(t), at a pressure P1 and a temperature T1; a step B wherein α(t) is determined on the basis of desired values of fineness Φn of the cementitious system, pressure Pn and/or temperature Tn; a step C wherein the composition of the cementitious system is determined on the basis of time C(t) and on the basis of desired values of fineness Φn of the cementitious system, pressure Pn and/or temperature Tn from α(t) determined in step B; and a step D of determining at least one mechanical parameter of the cementitious system on the basis of time and on the basis of desired values of fineness Φn of the cementitious system, pressure Pn and/or temperature Tn, from C(t) determined in step C. According to the method of the invention, these parameters can be determined while the cementitious system is still very young. In particular, the parameters of static deformability and hydro-mechanical coupling parameters are determined by the method according to the invention. 1. A method for determining mechanical parameters of a cement system of initial composition Cand of fineness Φ , as a function of time , and as a function of the fineness of the cement system , pressure and/or temperature , comprising the following steps:{'sub': p', '1', '1, '(A) determining the degree of hydration of the cement system as a function of time α(t) from the velocity of the compression waves as a function of time V(t) measured ...

Highly-multiplexed nems-array readout system based on superconducting cavity optomechanics

A NEMS readout system includes a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors including a resonator with frequency characteristics different from the resonator of each other sensor of the plurality of sensors. A readout signal indicative of a plurality of output signals is collected from the sensor array. Each output signal of the plurality of output signals corresponding to one of the plurality of sensors. An analysis of the plurality of output signals is performed to identify a plurality of resonant frequencies and to detect a frequency shift associated with at least one of the plurality of resonant frequencies.

TOOTHING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING CHARACTERISTICS OF A TOOTHING ARRANGEMENT

The invention relates to a toothing arrangement, having at least one first element () which has a toothing (), and having at least one second element () which interacts with the first element (). According to the invention, at least one receiver () is provided which is arranged on the first or on the second element () and which serves for receiving acoustic waves (SAW) which are incited in the first and/or second element (), wherein information regarding characteristics of the toothing arrangement () can be determined through evaluation of a signal which is generated by the receiver () upon receipt of the acoustic waves (SAW). 211. The gearing arrangement as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the first element () is a gear wheel.311. The gearing arrangement as claimed in or claim 1 , characterized in that the first element () is a ring gear claim 1 , in particular a planetary transmission claim 1 , a bevel gear claim 1 , a crown gear claim 1 , a hybrid gear or an elliptical gear.412121. The gearing arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims claim 1 , characterized in that the second element () likewise has a gearing ().512. The gearing arrangement as claimed in claim 4 , characterized in that the second element () is a gear rack.611121112. The gearing arrangement as claimed in or claim 4 , characterized in that tooth flanks of the gearings of the first and the second element ( claim 4 , ) extend in a curve or at an angle to a movement direction of the first or the second element ( claim 4 , ).71112. The gearing arrangement as claimed in one of to claim 4 , characterized in that the gearings of the first and the second element ( claim 4 , ) form a cycloidal gearing or involute gearing.821112. The gearing arrangement as claimed in one of the preceding claims claim 4 , characterized by at least one transmitter () for exciting acoustic waves (SAW) in the first and/or second element ( claim 4 , ).921112. The gearing arrangement as claimed in claim 8 , ...

METHOD FOR ACOUSTICALLY DETERMINING PROPERTIES OF A MEDIUM, AND DEVICE FOR ACOUSTICALLY DETERMINING PROPERTIES OF A MEDIUM, COMPRISING A REFLECTIVE ELEMENT

The invention relates in particular to a method for determining physical, chemical, and/or biological properties of a medium (M) located in the interior () of a waveguide () using at least one acoustic wave which has propagated at least partly through the medium (M). According to the invention, a first wall section () and a second wall section () of the waveguide () are connected together via a connection piece () such that a second surface wave (OW) propagates to the first wall section () at least partly via the connection piece (). One of the wall sections () and/or the connection piece () is provided with at least one reflective element () on which at least one pert of a: least one first surface wave (OW) that is excited on the first wall section () by incurs of a transmitter (SE) is reflected ss a third surface wave (OW′). A receiver (SE) is used to receive second and third surface waves (OW OW′) on the first wall section (), and the second and third surface waves are used to determine physical, chemical, and/or biological properties of the medium (M). 1. A method for determining at least one of physical , chemical and/or biological properties of a medium situated in an interior of a waveguide with the aid of at least one acoustic wave which has propagated at least in part through the medium , wherein:a. at least one surface wave is excited by means of a transmitter at an outer surface of a first wall portion of the waveguide that bounds the interior, said surface wave propagating at the first wall portion along a first propagation direction,b. the at least one surface wave excites an acoustic wave propagating in the medium at an inner surface of the first wall portion facing the medium, the propagation direction of said acoustic wave comprising a directional component pointing away from the first wall portion,c. the acoustic wave propagating in the medium at least partly couples into an inner surface of a second wall portion of the waveguide, lying opposite the ...

Fluid consumption meter with noise sensor

A consumption meter, e.g. a water or heat meter, for measuring a flow rate of a fluid supplied in a flow tube. First and second ultrasonic transducers are arranged at the flow tube for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals transmitted through the fluid and operated by a flow measurement sub-circuit for generating a signal indicative of the flow rate of the fluid. A noise measurement sub-circuit operates a sensor arranged at the flow tube for detection of acoustic signals of the flow tube, and being arranged to generate a signal indicative of a noise level of the flow tube accordingly. This sensor may comprise a separate transducer, or the sensor may be constituted by one or both of the first and second ultrasonic transducers. The consumption meter may communicate data representative of the noise level via a communication module along with data consumed amount of water, heat etc. Such consumer noise level measurement at the consumer site allows collection of noise level data to assist in locating fluid leakages in a fluid supply pipe system.

Inspection apparatus and inspection system

An inspection apparatus includes a container, a connection interface, and a controller. The container stores a specimen. The connection interface is provided inside the container and allows detachable connection of detection units that detect different substances. The controller judges a quality of the specimen stored in the container on the basis of a substance emitted by the specimen and detected by a detection unit connected to the connection interface.

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE CONCENTRATION OF A VAPOR

A device for determining the partial pressure or concentration of a vapor in a volume includes a sensor element that can be caused to oscillate and temperature-controlled to a temperature below the condensation temperature of the vapor. The sensor element has an oscillation frequency that is influenced by a mass accumulation formed by condensed vapor on the sensor surface thereof. The rear side of the sensor element pointing away from the sensor surface contacts a thermal transfer surface of a thermal transfer element. The thermal transfer element is formed from an electrically heatable heating element that is connected to a cooling element in a thermally conductive manner by a thermal dissipation surface, which is different from the thermal transfer surface. The thermal transfer surface extends substantially parallel to the thermal dissipation surface. 12. A device for determining a partial pressure or concentration of a vapor in a volume () , the device comprising:{'b': 5', '5', '6', '5, 'a sensor element () that is able to be oscillated, the sensor element () having a temperature that is controllable to a temperature below the a condensation temperature of the vapor, and an oscillation frequency that is influenced by a mass accumulation formed by the vapor condensing on a sensor surface () of the sensor element ();'}{'b': 9', '18', '9', '7', '5', '6', '9', '8, 'a thermal transfer element with a thermal transfer surface () and a thermal dissipation surface () differing from the thermal transfer surface (), wherein a rear side () of the sensor element () facing away from the sensor surface () abuts against the thermal transfer surface () of the thermal transfer element, and wherein the thermal transfer element is formed by a heating element (); and'}{'b': 11', '18', '5', '9', '8', '11, 'a cooling element () that is connected to the thermal dissipation surface () in a thermally conductive manner, wherein during a cooling operation, heat is extracted from the sensor ...

METHODS AND INSTRUMENTATION FOR DETECTION OF TRANSVERSE ROLLING CONTACT FATIGUE RAIL DEFECTS WITHIN HEAD-HARDENED RAIL

There is provided detection instrumentation for the detection of transverse rail defects in rail head hitherto considered untestable on account of acoustic signal attenuation problems of horizontal lamination defects. The detection instrumentation comprises a pulse-echo acoustic transducer having a wear face for contacting a fillet of the rail and being aimed towards a head of the rail such that the transmitter transmits acoustic signals into the head and the receiver receives acoustic signals reflected at differing depths within the head. A signal receiver operably coupled to the receiver times the acoustic signals according to a timeseries railhead depth position scale. Analysis of the depth positions of the reflected acoustic signals according to relative positioning of the instrumentation along the rail may identify the transverse rail defects 1. A method of detection of transverse rail defects within head-hardened rail comprising acoustic signal attenuating horizontal lamination defects , the method comprising: having a wear face for contacting a fillet of the rail;', 'having an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver, wherein the transducer is aimed towards a head of the rail such that the transmitter transmits acoustic signals into the head and the receiver receives acoustic signals reflected at differing depths within the head; and', 'a signal receiver operably coupled to the receiver configured for timing the acoustic signals according to a timeseries railhead depth position scale; and, 'a pulse-echo acoustic transducer, 'moving detection instrumentation along the rail, the detection instrumentation comprisingtimeseries analysis of the depth positions of the reflected acoustic signals according to relative positioning of the instrumentation along the rail to identify the transverse rail defects.2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the signal receiver is calibrated to time the reflected signals according to a minimum depth position and a maximum ...

ESCAPE SYSTEM FOR A SUNKEN CAR AND ULTRASONIC COMPONENT

The present disclosure illustrates an escape system for a sunken car and an ultrasonic component. The ultrasonic component has a case and an ultrasonic module, and the escape system for a sunken car has at least the ultrasonic component and a main board. The escape system for the sunken car and the ultrasonic component in present disclosure utilize the property of the ultrasonic to recognize the type and thickness of the obstacle which is accumulated in the ultrasonic component, and to determine whether the warning message for sweeping the obstacle should be sent, so as to maintain the sensitivity of the ultrasonic component and further to prevent the ultrasonic component from mistakenly judging the car is sunk. 1. An ultrasonic component , at least comprising:a case, having a reception space therein, at least one side of the case has at least one hole, and the case further has at least two masking plates on two sides of the hole, wherein the masking plate and the side of the case have an angle therebetween; andan ultrasonic module, disposed in the reception space, the ultrasonic module comprises an ultrasonic signal transmitting unit, a first receiving unit electrically connected to the ultrasonic signal transmitting unit, a second receiving unit electrically connected to the ultrasonic signal transmitting unit, a calculating unit electrically connected to the first receiving unit and the second receiving unit, and a signal transmitting unit electrically connected to the calculating unit; the ultrasonic signal transmitting unit and the first receiving unit are disposed on the two opposite sides of the reception space, the ultrasonic signal transmitting unit is disposed on a top part of the reception space, and the first receiving unit is disposed on a bottom part of the reception space; the ultrasonic signal transmitting unit and the second receiving unit are disposed on the same side of the reception space, the ultrasonic signal transmitting unit and the second ...

Escape System Used For Cars Being Sunken Into Water And Ultrasonic Component

An escape system used for a car being sunken into water and its ultrasonic component are illustrated. The ultrasonic component has a case and an ultrasonic module, and the escape system used for the car being sunken into water has the ultrasonic component and a mainboard. The present disclosure utilizes the property of the ultrasonic to recognize the type and thickness of obstacles which are accumulated in the ultrasonic component, and to determine whether a warning message for sweeping the obstacles should be sent, so as to maintain a sensitivity of the ultrasonic component and further to prevent the ultrasonic component from mistakenly judging that the car is sunken in water.

METHODS AND DEVICE FOR CHECKING VALUE DOCUMENTS

A method for examining a value document includes emitting ultrasonic pulses onto several locations on the value document. An echo pulse arises by reflection of at least a portion of a respective ultrasonic pulse at the value document. The echo pulses are received while forming echo values, and from the echo values at least a characteristic value is established as to the wrinkledness of the value document. As apparatus is provided for carrying out the method. 120.-. (canceled)21. A method for examining a value document , in whichultrasonic pulses are emitted onto several locations on the value document, and respectively an echo pulse arises by reflection of at least a portion of a respective ultrasonic pulse at the value document,the echo pulses are received while forming echo values, andfrom the echo values at least a characteristic value is established as to the wrinkledness of the value document.22. The method according to claim 21 , in which upon establishing the characteristic value for a distribution of the echo values claim 21 , a value is established which is a measure for the position of an asymmetric distribution.23. The method according to claim 22 , in which a p quantile for a numeral p with 0.4 Подробнее

Systems, devices, and methods for generating a digital model of a structure

Methods and systems for generating a digital model of a structure indicate one or more characteristics of the structure in the model of the structure.

SUPPORT STRUCTURE LOCATION AND LOAD MEASUREMENT

A tool may be inserted into the pressure tube inside a calandria tube of a fuel channel of a nuclear reactor. Once in position, the tool may act to generate information useful for determining a location for an annulus spacer. Once the annulus spacer has been located, the tool may act to generate information useful for determining a compressive load on the annulus spacer due to the annulus spacer being pinched between the two tubes. In both the locating and the load determining, the tool may act to isolate a section of the pressure tube, excite the isolated section of the pressure tube with vibrations and measure resultant tube vibrations. Tube vibration characteristics, determined from the vibrations, may then be analyzed to determine an axial location along the pressure tube for the annulus spacer and/or determine a load on the annulus spacer. 1. A tool adapted to be positioned within a tube , the tool comprising:a tool body;a first clamping block assembly located at a first end of the tool body, the first clamping block assembly including first clamping members that, when actuated, apply pressure against an inside surface of the tube;a second clamping block assembly located at a second end of the tool body, the first clamping block assembly including second clamping members that, when actuated, apply pressure against the inside surface of the tube;a bearing pad mounted so as to contact the inside surface of the tube when the tool has been positioned within the tube;an actuator adapted to apply, via the bearing pad, a vibratory force to the inside surface of the tube when the tool has been positioned within the tube;a first accelerometer mounted to the tool body, the first accelerometer adapted to contact the inside surface of the tube at a first circumferential position when the tool has been positioned within the tube;a second accelerometer mounted to the tool body, the second accelerometer adapted to contact the inside surface of the tube at a second ...

MUD SETTLEMENT DETECTION TECHNIQUE BY NON-DESTRUCTIVE ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENTS

Systems and methods of determining settlement characteristics of a drilling mud are disclosed. Conditions under which heavier elements of the drilling mud settle under the influence of gravity can be determined. Samples of drilling mud can be placed in testing cells, and ultrasonic test pulses can be transmitted through the samples. Responses to the test pulses can be detected and compared to other responses detected at different vertical positions within the testing cell. Settlement can be detected when the responses from different vertical positions are generally dissimilar. An environmental temperature of the testing cell can be changed over a testing time interval, and a settlement temperature can be determined by detecting a divergence in the responses from different vertical positions. 1. A method of characterizing settlement characteristics of a drilling mud , the method comprising:disposing a sample of the drilling mud in an aging cell such that the sample of the drilling mud extends along a vertical axis of the aging cell;imparting a plurality of main pulses of energy to the sample of drilling mud, wherein each of the main pulses of energy is spaced over a testing time interval;recording upper responses and lower responses to the main pulses of energy respective upper and lower vertical positions along the vertical axis, wherein the upper vertical position is disposed above the lower vertical position;determining that a first upper response and a first lower response recorded at a first response time within the testing interval are generally equivalent; anddetermining that a second upper response and a second lower response recorded at a second response time within the testing interval subsequent to the first response time are generally dissimilar; andestimating a settlement time, based on the first response time and the second response at which settlement of heavier elements of the sample of chilling mud settle toward the lower vertical position.2. The ...

OPTICAL ACOUSTIC SUBSTRATE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

A system and method for identifying one or more characteristics of a structure formed into a substrate is herein disclosed. Surface and bulk acoustic waves are induced in the substrate and travel past a structure of interest where the acoustic waves are sensed. Information concerning one or more characteristics of the structure is encoded in the wave. The encoded information is assessed to determine the characteristic of interest. 1. A method for nondestructively examining subsurface structures on semiconductor devices comprising:inducing at least an acoustic wave at a first location on an outer surface of a semiconductor device adjacent a structure that is at least partially embedded below the outer surface of the semiconductor device;detecting with a probe laser an effect of the induced acoustic wave at a second location on the outer surface of a semiconductor device, the structure being positioned at least partially between the first and second locations; and,measuring the time the acoustic wave takes to travel from the first location to the second location,repeating the inducing, detecting and measuring steps at a plurality of respective different first and different second positions relative to the structure to identify at least one characteristic of the structure.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the detecting step includes using the probe laser to measure data representative of at least one of a physical distortion or index of refraction at the second location.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining the frequency of the induced acoustic wave at the second location.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of inducing at least an acoustic wave includes pulsing a pump laser for a first predetermined period of time.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the first predetermined period of time is between one to one hundred nanoseconds.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the characteristic of the structure that is identified is a position of the ...

MODAL VIBRATION ANALYSIS SYSTEM

A modal vibration analysis system and corresponding method is provided. A set of one or more exciters is coupled to a structure under test for generating vibrations in the structure. A set of sensors are coupled to the structure at multiple locations for sensing vibrations generated in the structure in response to the excitations. A controller receives sensor signals corresponding to the sensed vibrations from the set of sensors and provides drive signals to the set of exciters such that the sensor signals have a target output spectrum with specified characteristics in multiple designated frequency domains of the spectrum, characterized by a random phase for each frequency. Modal analysis processes digitized sensor signals with a Fast Fourier Transform conducted at two or more specified data sample rates to synthesize a spectrum containing data points with higher resolution for lower frequency range, and regular resolution for higher frequency range. From the multi-resolution spectra, natural frequencies and damping coefficients are determined at each mode, a mode shape at each natural frequency is computed using all measured data from all sensor locations. 1. A modal vibration analysis system , comprising:a set of one or more exciters coupled to a structure under test for generating vibrations in the structure;a set of sensors coupled to the structure at multiple locations for sensing vibrations generated in the structure in response to excitation;a controller receiving sensor signals corresponding to the sensed vibrations from the set of sensors and providing drive signals to the set of exciters such that the sensor signals have a target output spectrum with specified characteristics in multiple designated frequency domains of the spectrum, wherein the set of exciters simultaneously excite multiple coupled modes of vibration in the structure; anda modal analysis system receiving the excitation reference signal and sensor signals to compute a set of frequency ...

Capacitive transducer and ultrasonic probe using same

A capacitive transducer includes an element including a plurality of cells. Each of the cells includes a first electrode and a vibrating membrane including a second electrode opposed to the first electrode via a gap. The second electrode of one of the plurality of cells is electrically connected to the second electrode of at least one adjoining cell by first electrical wiring. The first electrical wiring over the gap of a first cell provided on a periphery of the element among the plurality of cells has a structure different from that of the first electrical wiring over the gap of a second cell provided on an inner side of the element than the first cell is.

ELECTRICAL MEASUREMENT CIRCUIT, GAS DETECTOR AND METHOD FOR MEASURING A GAS CONCENTRATION

An electric measurement circuit possesses an electrical reaction leg for forming an oscillator from a resonator, and furthermore possesses a measurement leg the input of which is supplied by the electrical reaction leg. The measurement leg contains an adjustable phase shifter so that an additional excitation force that is applied to the resonator in the measurement leg can be adjusted in phase quadrature with respect to an excitation force that is applied to the resonator in the electrical reaction leg. Such an electrical measurement circuit is particularly suitable for forming a photoacoustic gas detector. 21. The electrical measurement circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the resonator () is of the vibrating quartz element type claim 1 , for example the quartz tuning fork type claim 1 , or of the vibrating silicon element type claim 1 , for example the silicon tuning fork type.322122. The electrical measurement circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the feedback electric branch () comprises an amplifier () and a phase shifter () which are combined in series claim 1 , or comprises a phase-locked loop assembly.7. The gas detector according to claim 6 , wherein the modulatable laser is modulatable in wavelength or radiation power for the radiation beam (FX) which originates from this modulatable laser.81. The gas detector according to claim 6 , wherein the resonator () comprises a tuning fork claim 6 , and the modulatable laser is oriented so that the radiation beam (FX) which originates from said modulatable laser is perpendicular to two tines of the tuning claim 6 , and passes between the two tines of the tuning fork in a plane of symmetry of said tuning fork claim 6 , or passes on one side of one of the two tines of the tuning fork which is opposite from the other tine.9. A method for measurement of a concentration of a gas claim 6 , comprising the following steps:{'claim-ref': {'@idref': 'CLM-00006', 'claim 6'}, '/1/selecting a gas detector which complies with ...

Ultrasonic inspection method

An ultrasonic inspection method that includes arranging an ultrasonic transmission element and an ultrasonic reception element symmetrically in relation to a straight line in a diameter direction orthogonal to the cylinder axis of a cylindrical inspection object, the inspection object being interposed between the ultrasonic transmission element and the ultrasonic reception element; transmitting ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transmission element at a plurality of positions in the diameter direction; receiving by the ultrasonic reception element the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transmission element and transmitted through the inspection object by propagating through the inside of the inspection object; and inspecting the inspection object on the basis of a reception signal of the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic reception element.

QUARTZ CRYSTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FRACTIONS DERIVED FROM CRACKED STREAMS

Methods are provided for characterizing the stability of a distillate fraction using a quartz crystal microbalance apparatus, such as a distillate fraction derived at least in part from a pre-refined crude oil. A sample can be aged for an aging period in a quartz crystal microbalance apparatus, and a frequency value for the sample in the quartz crystal microbalance apparatus can be determined before and after the aging period to determine a frequency difference, This frequency difference can be correlated directly with the ability of a jet fuel fraction to satisfy a stability test standard, such as a jet fuel breakpoint stability. The methods can also include using a temperature profile during characterization that can reduce or minimize operator error during the characterization. 1. A method of characterizing a kerosene boiling range sample , comprising:disposing a quartz crystal in a vessel containing a kerosene boiling range sample;heating the kerosene boiling range sample to a baseline temperature;measuring a frequency of the quartz crystal at the baseline temperature during a first sampling period to obtain a baseline frequency;heating the kerosene boiling range sample to an aging temperature and maintaining the sample at the aging temperature for an aging period;returning the kerosene boiling range sample to the baseline temperature; andmeasuring the frequency of the quartz crystal at the baseline temperature during a second sampling period to obtain an aged frequency, a difference between the baseline frequency and the aged frequency being indicative of a stability of the kerosene boiling range sample.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the kerosene boiling range sample has a boiling range of about 140° C. to about 300° C.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the baseline temperature is about 25° C. to about 45° C.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the aging temperature is about 40° C. to about 100° C.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the aging period is about 5 ...

QUARTZ CRYSTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FRACTIONS DERIVED FROM PRE-REFINED CRUDE AND/OR CRACKED STREAMS

Methods are provided for characterizing the stability of a distillate fraction using a quartz crystal microbalance apparatus, such as a distillate fraction derived at least in part from a pre-refined crude oil. A sample can be aged for an aging period in a quartz crystal microbalance apparatus, and a frequency value for the sample in the quartz crystal microbalance apparatus can be determined before and after the aging period to determine a frequency difference. This frequency difference can be correlated directly with the ability of a jet fuel fraction to satisfy a stability test standard, such as a jet fuel breakpoint stability. The methods can also include using a temperature profile during characterization that can reduce or minimize operator error during the characterization. 1. A method of characterizing a distillate boiling range sample , comprising:determining a breakpoint for a first sample of a distillate fraction, the distillate fraction having an initial boiling point of at least about 284° F. (140° C.) and a final boiling point of about 572° F. (300° C.) or less, the determined breakpoint being greater than about 265° C., at least a portion of the distillate fraction being derived from a pre-refined crude oil, a cracked fraction, or a combination thereof;heating a second sample of the distillate fraction in a vessel of a quartz crystal microbalance apparatus to an aging temperature for an aging period, the quartz crystal microbalance apparatus comprising a quartz crystal, the quartz crystal being disposed in the second sample during the heating;measuring a baseline frequency and an aged frequency of the quartz crystal, the aged frequency being measured after maintaining the second sample of the distillate fraction at the aging temperature for an aging period, the baseline frequency being measured prior to maintaining the second sample of the distillate fraction at the aging temperature for the aging period, a difference between the baseline frequency ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING CRACKED EGGS BY DRIVING VIBRATION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining cracked eggs by driving vibrations without hitting eggs. The apparatus for determining cracked eggs comprises an integral type sensor and actuator which carries out applying a vibration to an egg in the state of contacting with the egg and detecting a vibration response signal corresponding to the vibration from the egg at the same time; a determination unit for determining whether or not the egg is cracked based on at least one of a resonance frequency and a quality factor of the vibration response signal detected from the integral type sensor and actuator; and a transport unit for moving the integral type sensor and actuator or the egg relatively to each other. 1. An apparatus for determining a cracked egg , comprising:an integral type sensor and actuator which carries out applying a vibration to an egg in the state of contacting with the egg and detecting a vibration response signal corresponding to the vibration from the egg at the same time;a determination unit for determining whether or not the egg is cracked based on at least one of a resonance frequency and a quality factor of the vibration response signal detected from the integral type sensor and actuator; anda transport unit for moving the integral type sensor and actuator or the egg relatively to each other.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the integral type sensor and actuator comprises a magnetic material and a coil claim 1 , the integral type sensor and actuator being configured to apply a vibration to the egg by an electromagnetic force generated when a current flows in the coil and generate an electrical signal by the electromagnetic force caused by a vibration response corresponding to the vibration from the egg claim 1 , orthe integral type sensor and actuator comprises a piezoelectric element, the integral type sensor and actuator being configured to apply a vibration to the egg by converting an electrical signal to ...

GAS SENSOR

A gas sensor offering high gas identification property includes: a first gas detection element having a first oscillator, as well as a first gas-adsorption film which is provided on the first oscillator and constituted by two or more fluorine resins including vinylidene fluoride resin; a second gas detection element having a second oscillator, as well as a second gas-adsorption film which is provided on the second oscillator and constituted by two or more fluorine resins including vinylidene fluoride resin and which has adsorption characteristics different from those of the first adsorption film; and a detection circuitry that detects the resonance frequencies of the first and second gas detection elements. 1. A gas sensor , comprising:a first gas-detection element having a first oscillator, as well as a first gas-adsorption film which is provided on the first oscillator and constituted by two or more fluorine resins including vinylidene fluoride resin wherein a resonance frequency of the first oscillator is changed when the first gas-adsorption film adsorbs gas;a second gas-detection element having a second oscillator, as well as a second gas-adsorption film which is provided on the second oscillator and constituted by two or more fluorine resins including vinylidene fluoride resin and which has gas-adsorption characteristics different from those of the first gas-adsorption film wherein a resonance frequency of the second oscillator is changed when the second gas-adsorption film adsorbs gas; anda detection circuitry that detects resonance frequencies of the first and second gas-detection elements.2. A gas sensor according to claim 1 , further comprising:a third gas-detection element having a third oscillator, as well as a third adsorption film which is provided on the third oscillator and which contains a cyanine pigment wherein a resonance frequency of the third oscillator is changed when the third gas-adsorption film adsorbs gas.3. A gas sensor according to claim ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TAGGING AND ACOUSTICALLY CHARACTERIZING CONTAINERS

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for tagging and acoustically characterizing containers. 1providing the container, the container: originating from within a mold and comprising at least one vertical sidewall; and a bottom coupled to the at least one vertical sidewall wherein the bottom has an interior side, an exterior side, and a thickness and includes a plurality of recesses, grooves, or protrusions on the exterior side for acoustic characterization of the container;transmitting an acoustic signal toward the bottom;receiving a plurality of reflections of the acoustic signal, wherein the plurality of reflections comprises a first reflection from a first subset of the plurality of recesses, grooves, or protrusions a second reflection from a second subset of the plurality of recesses, grooves, or protrusions, the first reflection having a first time of flight and the second reflection having a second time of flight; andcharacterizing the container based on the first and second times of flight, wherein the characterizing comprises determining a characteristic of the container,wherein (a) the characteristic is associated with a location in the mold from which the container originates or (b) the mold is one of a plurality of molds and the characteristic is associated with the mold.. A method for acoustically characterizing a container configured to hold a fluid, the method comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. 16,705,807, filed Dec. 6, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. 15/289,692, filed Oct. 10, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/240,412, filed Oct. 12, 2015, and all entitled “Systems and Methods for Tagging and Acoustically Characterizing Containers,” the entire contents of all applications are incorporated by reference herein.This application relates to tagging containers, such as containers formed using injection molding. But ...

Device and Method for Determining Particle Size Distribution On-line Using Acoustic Spectroscopy Through a Pipe

A device for determining particle size distribution on-line for concentrated dispersions or emulsions. The device includes an electronic block for generating electric pulses of specified frequencies on MHz scale and measuring magnitude and phase thereof. An acoustic sensor has an ultrasound transmitter to convert the electric pulses into ultrasound pulses of a same frequency and an ultrasound receiver to convert the ultrasound pulses back into electric pulses. The transmitter and the receiver each have a respective face. A stepping motor is connected to a movable piston, which carries one of the ultrasound transmitter or the ultrasound receiver thereon. A pipe with a flexible wall to conduct the dispersion or emulsion past the acoustic sensor. The pipe is disposed between the transmitter and the receiver, and the pipe has an exterior surface. The face of the transmitter and the face of the receiver are affixed to the exterior surface of the pipe. 2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said exterior surface of said pipe is affixed to said face of said receiver and to said face of said transmitter so that said faces and said surface do not move relative to one another during compression of said pipe.3. A method for determining particle size distribution on-line for concentrated dispersions and emulsions claim 1 , the method comprising:{'claim-ref': {'@idref': 'CLM-00001', 'claim 1'}, 'providing the device according to ;'}driving the stepping motor to a point where a distance between the transmitter and the receiver faces equals twice a thickness of the pipe wall for defining a closed system;subsequent to defining the closed system, transmitting pulses at the specified frequencies through the closed system for measuring a first energy loss of the transmitter, the receiver, and the pipe at each of the specified frequencies;moving a sample through the pipe and driving the stepping motor in specified multiple increments for opening the pipe to gap positions between ...

Method and Apparatus for the Measurement of the Mass Fraction of Water in Oil-Water Mixtures

An apparatus for measuring the mass fractions of water and oil in a flowing mixture of oil and water through a pipe includes a sensor portion that measures sound velocity and temperature of the flowing oil water mixture at a first time and at a second time. The apparatus includes a temperature changer in thermal communication with the flowing fluid which changes the temperature of the flowing oil water mixture by a measurable amount between the first time and the second time. A method for measuring water mass fraction in a flowing mixture of oil and water through a pipe includes the steps of measuring sound velocity and temperature of the flowing oil water mixture at a first time with a sensor portion. There is the step of changing the temperature of the flowing oil water mixture by a measurable amount with a temperature changer in thermal communication with the flowing fluid. There is the step of measuring sound velocity and temperature of the flowing oil water mixture at a second time with the sensor portion. 1. An apparatus for measuring the mass fractions of water and oil in a flowing mixture of oil and water through a pipe comprising:a sensor portion that measures sound velocity and temperature of the flowing oil water mixture at a first time and at a second time, the sensor portion includes a first sensor portion that measures the sound velocity and temperature of the flowing oil water mixture upstream of the temperature changer, and a second sensor portion that measures the sound velocity and temperature of the flowing mixture downstream of the temperature changer; anda temperature changer in thermal communication with the flowing fluid which changes the temperature of the flowing oil water mixture by a measurable amount between the first time and the second time.2. The apparatus as described in wherein the temperature changer is either a heat exchanger that adds thermal energy to claim 1 , or a cooler that removes thermal energy from the flowing mixture.3. ...

METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE LAYER THICKNESS OF A CONNECTING LAYER BETWEEN TWO PACKAGING LAYERS

For a simple, fast, safe and reliable determination of the layer thickness of a bonding layer between two layers of a packaging, a laser ultrasonic method is provided, in which the transit time of the ultrasonic wave through the first and second packaging layers () is determined in advance, and a maximum (M, M, M) in the measurement signal (S) is sought, and the point in time of occurrence of this maximum (M, M, M) is determined as the total transit time (T, T, T) of the ultrasonic wave, and the transit time of the ultrasonic wave through the first and second packaging layers () is subtracted from the total transit time (T, T, T), and the thickness (d) of the bonding layer is deduced from the known ultrasonic speed (v) in the bonding layer (). 1523211232312121223125. A method for determining the layer thickness (d) of a bonding layer () between a first packaging layer () and a second packaging layer () , wherein the first packaging layer () is acted upon by a laser pulse () , and the resulting ultrasonic wave is detected at a surface of the first or second packaging layer ( , ) , and the measurement signal (S) , which is detected over the time (T) , is evaluated for determining the bonding layer thickness (d) , characterized in that the transit time of the ultrasonic wave through the first and second packaging layers ( , ) is determined in advance and a maximum (M , M , Mn) in the measurement signal (S) is sought , and the point in time of occurrence of this maximum (M , M , Mn) is determined as the total transit time (T , T , Tn) of the ultrasonic wave , and that the transit time of the ultrasonic wave through the first and second packaging layers ( , ) is subtracted from the total transit time (T , T , Tn) , and the thickness (d) of the bonding layer is deduced from the known ultrasonic speed (vS) in the bonding layer ().21212. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that a time window (Z) is defined in the range of the total transit time (T claim 1 , T ...

ULTRASONIC FLAW DETECTION METHOD AND ULTRASONIC FLAW DETECTION APPARATUS

An ultrasonic flaw detection method includes a condition setting step of setting a boundary echo detection threshold and a gate end point relative position, according to a type of a test object, a flaw detection signal obtaining step of obtaining a flaw detection signal by converting ultrasonic waves received from the test object to an electric signal, a boundary echo detection step of detecting a boundary echo detection time of the flaw detection signal by using the boundary echo detection threshold, a flaw echo detection gate setting step of setting an end point of a flaw echo detection gate by subtracting the gate end point relative position from the boundary echo detection time, and a flaw echo detection step of detecting a flaw echo by using the flaw detection signal within the flaw echo detection gate. 18.-. (canceled)9. An ultrasonic flaw detection method comprising:a condition setting step of setting, according to a type of a test object, a boundary echo detection threshold and a gate end point relative position;a flaw detection signal obtaining step of obtaining a flaw detection signal, by converting ultrasonic waves received from the test object into an electric signal;a boundary echo detection step of detecting a boundary echo detection time of the flaw detection signal, by using the boundary echo detection threshold;a flaw echo detection gate setting step of setting an end point of a flaw echo detection gate, by subtracting the gate end point relative position from a base time determined based on the boundary echo detection time; anda flaw echo detection step of detecting a flaw echo, by using the flaw detection signal within the flaw echo detection gate.10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein in the boundary echo detection step claim 9 , when a value of the boundary echo detection threshold is positive and the flaw detection signal within a predetermined boundary echo detection gate exceeds the boundary echo detection threshold claim 9 , or when ...

Systems for Characterizing Resonance Behavior of Magnetostrictive Resonators

Illustrative embodiments of systems for characterizing resonance behavior of magnetostrictive resonators are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a first channel including one or more driving coils and one or more magnetostrictive resonators, the first channel having a first impedance; a second channel having a second impedance, the second impedance differing from the first impedance by an impedance attributable to the one or more magnetostrictive resonators; a signal source configured to apply an input signal to both the first and second channels; and a signal receiver configured to generate a combined output signal in response to output signals measured from both the first and second channels. 1. Apparatus comprising:a first channel including one or more coils and one or more magnetostrictive resonators, the first channel having a first impedance;a second channel having a second impedance, the second impedance differing from the first impedance by an impedance attributable to the one or more magnetostrictive resonators;a signal source configured to apply an input signal to both the first and second channels; anda signal receiver configured to generate a combined output signal in response to output signals measured from both the first and second channels.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more magnetostrictive resonators comprise a plurality of magnetostrictive resonators.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more coils surround a first portion of a sample and the one or more magnetostrictive resonators are disposed in the first portion of the sample.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the one or more magnetostrictive resonators each comprise a sensing element that reacts with a target species in the sample.5. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the second channel includes one or more coils surrounding a second portion of the sample and no magnetostrictive resonators are disposed in the second portion of the ...

MIXTURE RATIO CALCULATION DEVICE

A first heat generator heats a mixture of fluids to a first temperature. A predetermined thermal property value of the mixture set to the first temperature is obtained, the first heat generator heats the mixture to a second temperature, the thermal property value of the mixture set to the second temperature is obtained. First relationship information between the thermal property value of the mixture set to the first temperature and a mixture ratio of a first fluid is obtained. Second relationship information between the thermal property value of the mixture set to the second temperature and the mixture ratio of the first fluid is obtained. Mixture ratios are calculated based on the thermal property value of the mixture set to the first temperature, the thermal property value of the mixture of fluids set to the second temperature, the first relationship information, and the second relationship information. 1. A mixture ratio calculation device configured to calculate a mixture ratio of a mixture of fluids containing three or more kinds of fluids , the mixture ratio calculation device comprising:a first heat generator configured to heat the mixture of fluids;a basic information detector configured to detect basic information on a thermal property value of the mixture of fluids, the thermal property value being predetermined; anda mixture ratio calculator configured to calculate mixture ratios of the three or more kinds of fluids to the mixture of fluids, whereinthe mixture ratio calculator is configured to:cause the first heat generator to set the mixture of fluids to a first temperature;obtain the thermal property value of the mixture of fluids set to the first temperature on a basis of a detection result for the mixture of fluids set to the first temperature from the basic information detector;cause the first heat generator to set the mixture of fluids to a second temperature different from the first temperature;obtain the thermal property value of the mixture of ...

Method and device for examining a sample

A method for examining a sample ( 50 ) including the steps of exciting a propagating mechanical deformation ( 2 ) in the sample ( 50 ) using a fluidic oscillator ( 10 ), and determining a characteristic of the mechanical deformation ( 2 ).

SENSORS, METHODS OF MAKING AND DEVICES

Disclosed sensors can include at least one resonator (in some embodiments, at least two resonators) and various other structures that may be formed in association with the resonators. The at least one resonator in embodiments can include a bottom electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a top electrode, wherein the piezoelectric layer is positioned between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. 128.-. (canceled)29. An assembly comprising: a bottom electrode;', 'a piezoelectric layer; and', 'a top electrode,', 'wherein the piezoelectric layer is positioned between the bottom electrode and the top electrode;, 'at least one active sensor and at least one reference sensor, wherein each of the active sensor and the reference sensor comprises at least a first resonator, the first resonator having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the at least one resonator comprisinga coupling layer positioned adjacent the second surface of at least the first resonator of both the active sensor and the reference sensor, the coupling layer comprising silicon atoms;a molecular recognition component layer, the molecular recognition component of the molecular recognition component layer bound to the coupling layer over the at least one active sensor, the molecular recognition component layer having a substantially circular shape; anda reference binding material layer, the reference binding material of the reference binding material layer bound to the coupling layer over the at least one reference sensor, the reference binding material layer having a substantially circular shape,wherein the reference binding material is different than the molecular recognition component.30. An assembly comprising: a bottom electrode;', 'a piezoelectric layer; and', 'a top electrode,', 'wherein the piezoelectric layer is positioned between the bottom electrode and the top electrode and the first and second resonators of each of the active and the reference sensors are each individually connected ...

METHOD OF GAS COMPOSITION DETERMINATION, ADJUSTMENT, AND USAGE

Methods and systems for determining concentrations of gases within a process chamber are provided. In one or more embodiments, a method includes introducing a first gas into a first cavity of a gas monitoring module, where the first cavity is thermally coupled to a second cavity of the gas monitoring module, and where the first cavity contains a first inlet and the first gas is introduced via the first inlet. The method includes introducing a gas mixture containing the first gas and a second gas into a second cavity, where the second cavity contains a second inlet and the gas mixture is introduced via the second inlet. The method also includes determining a first speed of sound inside the first cavity, determining a second speed of sound inside the second cavity, and determining a concentration of the second gas in the second cavity based on the first and second speeds of sound. 1. A method of determining a gas composition in a process chamber , comprising:introducing a first gas into a first cavity of a gas monitoring module, wherein the first cavity of the gas monitoring module is thermally coupled to a second cavity of the gas monitoring module, wherein the first cavity comprises a first outlet and a first inlet and the first gas is introduced via the first inlet;introducing a gas mixture comprising the first gas and a second gas into a second cavity of the gas monitoring module, wherein the second cavity comprises a second inlet and a second outlet and the gas mixture is introduced via the second inlet;determining a first speed of sound inside the first cavity;determining a second speed of sound inside the second cavity; anddetermining a concentration of the second gas in the second cavity based on the first speed of sound and the second speed of sound.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , during the determining of the first speed of sound and the second speed of sound claim 1 , continuously flowing the gas mixture from the second cavity to a ...

Fluid Densitometer

Densitometers for measuring the density of fluid in a flow of fluid. 1. A fluid densitometer comprising:an inner flow tube;an outer flow tube that lies radially outside of the inner flow tube;the inner and outer flow tubes being associated with a flow of fluid to flow fluid within the inner flow tube and between the inner flow tube and the outer flow tube to pressure-balance the inner flow tube; anda sensor assembly to detect a resonant frequency of the inner flow tube.2. The fluid densitometer of further comprising a screen to remove debris from fluid flowing between the inner flow tube and the outer flow tube to protect portions of the sensor assembly from damage by debris.3. The fluid densitometer of wherein the sensor assembly further comprises:a resonant driver for vibrating the inner flow tube; anda resonance receiver to detect resonance created by the resonant driver.4. The fluid densitometer of wherein the screen further comprises a cylindrical screen which resides radially between the outer flow tube and the inner flow tube.5. The fluid densitometer of wherein the screen further comprises a screening insert which filters debris within the flow of fluid from entering an intermediate flow space between the inner flow tube and the outer flow tube.6. The fluid densitometer of wherein the sensor assembly further comprises a controller to vibrate the resonant driver and receive a signal indicative of resonant frequency from the resonance receiver.7. The fluid densitometer of further comprising:conductive wiring which extends between the resonant driver, resonance receiver and the controller for transmission of power and data to the controller; anda protective tube which radially surrounds the conductive wiring along a portion of its length.8. A fluid densitometer comprising:an inner flow tube;an outer flow tube that lies radially outside of the inner flow tube;the inner and outer flow tubes being associated with a flow of fluid to flow fluid within the inner flow ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MEASURE AND ANALYZE VIBRATION SIGNATURES

Methods and apparatus to measure and analyze vibration signatures are disclosed. In some examples, a meter is provided comprising a waveform generator to generate a waveform based on first distance measurements of an object. In some examples, the meter includes a waveform generator to determine a first vibration characteristic of the object based on the waveform. In some examples, the meter includes a comparator to compare the first vibration characteristic to a signature vibration characteristic of the object, the signature vibration characteristic of the object indicative of normal characteristics of the object. In some examples, the meter includes a reporter to, in response to determining the first vibration characteristic does not match the signature vibration characteristic, generate an alert. 1. A meter , comprising:a waveform generator to generate a waveform based on first distance measurements of an object;a waveform analyzer to determine a first vibration characteristic of the object based on the waveform;a comparator to compare the first vibration characteristic to a signature vibration characteristic of the object, the signature vibration characteristic of the object indicative of normal characteristics of the object; anda reporter to, in response to determining the first vibration characteristic does not match the signature vibration characteristic, generate an alert.2. A meter as defined in claim 1 , wherein the first vibration characteristic is at least one of a frequency claim 1 , an amplitude claim 1 , a height claim 1 , a velocity claim 1 , or an acceleration.3. A meter as defined in claim 1 , wherein the first distance measurements of the object are obtained by an ultrasonic transducer using a long sampling window for low frequency vibrations of the object and a short sampling window for high frequency vibrations of the object.4. A meter as defined in claim 3 , wherein the ultrasonic transducer is to operate at a frequency of at least 40 kilohertz. ...

Analysis of a structure modeled with inconsistencies mapped thereon

A method for analyzing a structure includes processing nondestructive inspection (NDI) data for a multi-layer structure to define areas of inconsistency at an internal layer or an interface between adjacent layers. The method includes mapping the areas of inconsistency to finite elements of a finite element model of a nominal of the structure. These finite elements are thereby identified as affected finite elements and include finite elements for the affected internal layer or interface. The method includes producing a reconstructed finite element model of the affected structure from the nominal finite element model, and a modified property or state value assigned to respective element datasets of the affected finite elements. The method includes performing a finite element method (FEM) failure analysis of the reconstructed finite element model under a load, which indicates an extent of residual integrity of the affected structure.

Method and device for detecting defects within a test object

A device and a method for detecting at least one defect in a test object ( 2 ). At least one test head ( 1 ) radiates an ultrasonic signal at different measuring points (MP) into the test object ( 2 ) with each point at an insonation or radiation angle (α) in order to ascertain multiple measurement data sets (MDS). The angle is constant for each data set (MDS). An analyzing unit ( 4 ) carries out an SAFT (Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique) analysis for each ascertained measurement data set (MDS) using a common reconstruction grid (RG) inside the test object ( 2 ) in order to calculate an SAFT analysis result for each measurement data set (MDS). The analyzing unit ( 4 ) superimposes the calculated SAFT analysis results in order to calculate an orientation-independent defect display value (S RP ) for each reconstruction point (RP) of the common reconstruction grid (RG).

METHOD FOR DETECTING AN OPERATING ANOMALY OF A BATTERY AND SYSTEM IMPLEMENTING SAID METHOD

A method for detecting an anomaly in operating a battery using a battery management system, including an acoustic receiver attached to a battery wall, and a calculating system connected to the acoustic emitter and the acoustic receiver, a mapping defining a first operating region termed the normal operating region, a second operating region termed the at-risk operating region and a third operating region termed the dangerous operating region, the method including at least one first measurement cycle, each being separated from the preceding measurement cycle by a measurement period, each measurement cycle including receiving an acoustic signal by the acoustic receiver, the received signal being transmitted to the calculating system to obtain a measurement point in the mapping; determining the operating region in which the measurement point is located; and when the measurement point is located in the at-risk operating region or in the dangerous operating region, detecting an anomaly. 1. A method for detecting an anomaly in the operation of a battery using a battery management system , said system comprising an acoustic emitter configured to be attached to a wall of the battery , an acoustic receiver configured to be attached to a wall of the battery , said acoustic receiver being attached to a wall of the battery during the implementation of the method , and a calculating system connected to the acoustic emitter and to the acoustic receiver , a mapping defining a first operating region corresponding to a normal operating region , a second operating region corresponding to an at risk operating region and a third operating region corresponding to a dangerous operating region , said method comprising at least a first measurement cycle , each measurement cycle being separated from the preceding measurement cycle by a period termed the measurement period , each measurement cycle comprising:a step of emitting an acoustic signal by the acoustic emitter on instruction from ...

SHEET CONVEYANCE APPARATUS THAT DETECTS OVERLAPPING OF PLURALITY OF SHEETS, AND IMAGE READING APPARATUS

A transmitter transmits ultrasound to the conveyance path. A receiver receives the ultrasound. A double-feed detector detects whether or not double-feed of a plurality of sheets has occurred. A controller causes the transmitter to transmit ultrasound at a first burst interval when determining the threshold value, and causes the transmitter to transmit ultrasound at a second burst interval, which is shorter than the first burst interval, when detecting the double-feed of sheets. A double-feed detector determines a threshold value that enables distinction between double-feed and single-feed. 1. A sheet conveyance apparatus comprising:a conveyance unit configured to convey a sheet on a conveyance path;a transmitter configured to transmit ultrasound to the conveyance path;a receiver configured to receive the ultrasound transmitted from the transmitter, the receiver being mounted opposing the transmitter;a double-feed detector configured to detect whether or not double-feed of a plurality of sheets has occurred on the conveyance path by comparing, with a threshold value, an amplitude level of an output signal that is output from the receiver; anda ultrasound controller configured to cause the transmitter to transmit ultrasound at a first burst interval when determining the threshold value, and cause the transmitter to transmit ultrasound at a second burst interval, which is shorter than the first burst interval, when detecting the double-feed of sheets;wherein the double-feed detector determines the threshold value that enables distinction between double-feed and single-feed, based on an amplitude level of an output signal that has been output by the receiver receiving the ultrasound transmitted at the first burst interval by the transmitter in a state where no sheet exists on the conveyance path.2. The sheet conveyance apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the ultrasound controller causes the transmitter to transmit ultrasound in a state where no sheet exists on the ...

FLUID MEASURING DEVICE

A fluid measuring device in which an ultrasonic probe provided on an outer pipeline surface transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from fluid in a pipeline to measure characteristics of the fluid on the basis of propagation time of the ultrasonic waves, features a wedge included in the ultrasonic probe and having an ultrasonic vibrator provided on a wedge surface. The ultrasonic vibrator may be horizontal to a surface contacting the pipeline so that ultrasonic waves enter the fluid vertically. The ultrasonic vibrator may be provided on a wedge surface inclined with respect to an axial direction of the pipeline so that ultrasonic waves enter the fluid obliquely. The fluid measuring device embodiments are capable of measuring fluid characteristics, such as the type and velocity of various fluids, easily and accurately even when it is difficult to allow an ultrasonic signal to pass through the fluid in a pipeline. 1. A fluid measuring device in which an ultrasonic probe provided on an outer pipeline surface transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from fluid in a pipeline to thereby measure characteristics of the fluid on the basis of propagation time of the ultrasonic waves having propagated through the fluid , the fluid measuring device comprising:a wedge included in the ultrasonic probe and having an ultrasonic vibrator provided on a wedge surface horizontal to a surface contacting the pipeline so that ultrasonic waves enter the fluid vertically, and having a vibrator surface on which the ultrasonic vibrator is provided that has a length in the cross-section vertical to the axial direction, and having a pipeline contacting surface provided in contact with the outer pipeline surface horizontally to the vibrator surface, in a cross-section vertical to an axial direction of the pipeline, that has a length in the cross-section vertical to the axial direction that is smaller than the length of the vibrator surface in the cross-section vertical to the axial ...

ACTUATOR RING CHARACTERISTIC MEASUREMENT METHOD

Methods and systems are disclosed for determining at least one actuation characteristic of an imaging device. For example, one method includes determining a target distance to move a lens by an actuator to focus a scene on an image sensor, where moving the lens by the actuator causes an associated lens vibration having at least one actuation characteristic, determining a scan sequence having a plurality of successive measurements, each measurement having at least a first measurement parameter and subsequent measurement parameter, each measurement parameter including at least one step and at least one time delay, moving the lens the target distance for each successive measurement based on the measurement parameters of each successive measurement, measuring a performance indicator of each successive measurement, and determining at least one actuation characteristic based on the first measurement parameter of the measurement having the highest performance indicator. 1. A method for determining at least one actuation characteristic of an imaging device comprising:determining a target distance to move a lens by an actuator to focus a scene on an image sensor, wherein moving the lens by the actuator causes an associated lens vibration having at least one actuation characteristic;determining a scan sequence having a plurality of successive measurements, each measurement having at least a first measurement parameter and subsequent measurement parameter, each measurement parameter including at least one step and at least one time delay;moving the lens the target distance for each successive measurement based on the measurement parameters of each successive measurement;measuring a performance indicator of each successive measurement; anddetermining at least one actuation characteristic based on the first measurement parameter of the measurement having the highest performance indicator.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lens vibration is a sinusoidal ringing imparted to ...

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING SENSITIZATION OF ALLOY BY MEASURING AND CORRELATING ULTRASONIC PARAMETERS

The present invention relates generally to a system and methods for testing sensitization of alloy nondestructively. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and methods for determining the sensitization of an alloy by measuring ultrasonic parameters of the alloy using ultrasonic techniques, and correlating the measured ultrasonic parameters. In certain embodiments, the ultrasonic measuring techniques include pulse-echo and resonant ultrasound spectroscopy. Certain embodiments use ultrasonic measuring techniques to measure shear-wave velocity, compressional-wave velocity, and attenuation coefficient of compressional waves. One preferred embodiment correlates measured ultrasonic parameters including shear-wave velocity, compressional-wave velocity, and attenuation coefficient of compressional waves to determine the sensitization of alloy. Advantageously, certain embodiments of the invention make it easier to collect, store, and correlate measured ultrasonic parameters through use of a computer system. 1. A method for determining sensitization of an alloy , comprising the steps of:detecting an ultrasonic signal with at least one transducer;transforming the ultrasonic signal into an electrical signal with a transducer;converting the electrical signal into measured ultrasonic parameters with a computer system processor component; andcorrelating the measured ultrasonic parameters with said computer system processor component to determine sensitization of the alloy.2. The method as disclosed in claim 1 , wherein said detecting step is performed by a transducer in a PE ultrasonic measuring technique.3. The method as disclosed in claim 1 , wherein said detecting step is performed by two transducers in a RUS ultrasonic measuring technique.4. The method as disclosed in claim 1 , wherein said detecting step is performed by three transducers in PE and RUS ultrasonic measuring techniques.5. The method as disclosed in claim 1 , wherein the measured ultrasonic ...

SENSOR UNIT FOR ULTRA SONIC SOUND WAVE COMMUNICATION

A sensor unit for inducing and indicating ultra sonic sound waves in at least one threaded fastener by physical contact with an end surface thereof, wherein the sensor unit includes: a support casing, a sensor element with forward contact surface for engaging the fastener end surface and movable relative to the support casing between rest and active positions, and a bias spring between the support casing and the sensor element to urge the sensor element into the rest position as the sensor element is out of contact with the fastener end surface and to bias the contact surface of the sensor element into physical contact with the fastener end surface in the active position. The support casing includes a positioning socket, engaged by the sensor element in the rest position, having a non-cylindrical and non-circular cross sectional inner shape and congruent with an outer shape of the sensor element. 15-. (canceled)6. A sensor unit for inducing and indicating ultra sonic sound waves in at least one threaded fastener by being brought into physical contact with an end surface of the at least one threaded fastener , wherein the sensor unit comprises:a support casing and a sensor element, said sensor element having a forward contact surface for engaging the end surface of the at least one threaded fastener and being movable relative to the support casing between a rest position and an active position, anda bias spring acting between the support casing and the sensor element to urge the sensor element into said rest position as the sensor element is out of contact with the at least one threaded fastener end surface and to bias the contact surface of the sensor element into physical contact with the at least one threaded fastener end surface in said active position,wherein the support casing comprises a positioning socket to be engaged by the sensor element in said rest position, said positioning socket having a non-cylindrical and non-circular cross sectional inner shape, ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING QUALITY OF HYDRAULIC FLUID IN ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC (EH) VALVE

A method for monitoring quality of a hydraulic fluid in an electro-hydraulic (EH) valve is disclosed. The method includes applying predetermined signal to a solenoid coil, surrounding a pusher pin in EH valve, to facilitate oscillation of a pusher pin in EH valve to change static friction between the pusher pin and a cavity of EH valve, to dynamic friction. EH valve includes a housing defining the cavity having an end wall. Cavity slidably receiving the pusher pin having a first end and a second end. The hydraulic fluid is received between the first end of the pusher pin and the end wall. The oscillation of the pusher pin generates an acoustic wave that propagates through the hydraulic fluid. The method further includes determining the quality of the hydraulic fluid based on one or more characteristics of the acoustic wave detected by an acoustic sensor positioned on the end wall. 1. A method for monitoring a quality of a hydraulic fluid in an electro-hydraulic (EH) valve , the method comprising: the EH valve comprising a housing defining the cavity,', 'the cavity having an end wall,', 'the cavity slidably receiving the pusher pin,', 'the pusher pin having a first end and a second end,', 'the hydraulic fluid being received between the first end of the pusher pin and the end wall,, 'applying a predetermined signal to a solenoid coil, surrounding a pusher pin in the EH valve, to facilitate oscillation of the pusher pin to change static friction, between the pusher pin and a cavity of the EH valve, to dynamic friction,'}the oscillation of the pusher pin generating an acoustic wave that propagates through the hydraulic fluid; anddetermining the quality of the hydraulic fluid based on one or more characteristics of the acoustic wave detected by an acoustic sensor positioned on the end wall.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the housing of the EH valve defines one or more fluid paths claim 1 , wherein the quality of the hydraulic fluid is determined when the EH valve ...

METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR ULTRASONIC INSPECTION OF WELL BORES

A well bore is inspected to detect cement defects that can give rise to leakage. The well bore comprises an inner metal pipe. Outside the inner metal pipe its configuration may vary with distance from the top of the well bore in terms of concentric pipes outside the inner metal pipe and presence of cement between the pipes. A probe with is lowered through the inner metal pipe. An ultrasound signal is transmitted from the probe into the inner metal pipe and responses to the transmitted signal are received at a series of ultrasound receivers at different axial positions. A selection of a spatial frequency of waves arriving along the axial direction at the ultrasound receivers and/or the apparent velocity of said waves is retrieved dependent on the configuration. The received responses are band pass filtered accordingly. By selecting the band pass filter dependent on the configuration it becomes possible to detect cement defects well outside the innermost pipe from parameters of the earliest arriving pulse from the filtered reflection signal. 1. A method of monitoring cement defects in a well bore that comprises an inner metal pipe , the well bore having different well bore configurations outside the inner metal pipe at different distances from the top of the borehole , the method comprising using a probe that comprises a support structure that extends in an axial direction of the well bore , an ultrasound transmitter and a series of ultrasound receivers mounted at successive positions along the axial direction , wherein the method comprisesmoving the probe through the inner metal pipe along the axial direction of the well bore;transmitting an ultrasound signal from the transmitter into the inner metal pipe;receiving responses to the transmitted signal at the series of ultrasound receivers;band pass filtering the received responses to pass selectively a part of the response in a spatiotemporal frequency pass band corresponding to a predetermined apparent velocity ...

DUAL MODE SENSOR

A novel dual mode sensor may combine mass-sensing measurements of dynamic-mode cantilevers with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy employed for transduction in sensitive electrochemical biosensors. The integrated design of the sensor may provide simultaneous and continuous measurement of resonant frequency shift and charge transfer resistance of a target analyte bound to a surface of the sensor. Binding of a target analyte to the surface of the sensor may cause charge transfer resistance to increase and the resonant frequency of the sensor to decrease. These simultaneous dynamic modes of the sensor may be utilized to measure an amount of mass of the target analyte accumulated on the surface of the sensor and to reduce and/or eliminate false negative measurement results. 1. A method comprising:performing a mass-sensing measurements via a sensor;performing a impedance measurements via the sensor; anddetermining, based on the mass-sensing measurements and the impedance measurements, whether an analyte has accumulated on the sensor.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining, based on the mass-sensing measurements and the impedance measurements, an amount of target analyte accumulated on the sensor.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:performing a first mass-sensing measurement prior to exposing the sensor to a medium;performing a second mass-sensing measurement while the sensor is exposed to the medium; anddetermining, based on a difference between the first mass-sensing measurement and the second mass-sensing measurement, whether the analyte has accumulated on the sensor.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:performing a first impedance measurement prior to exposing the sensor to a medium; andperforming a second impedance measurement while the sensor is exposed to the medium; anddetermining, based on a difference between the first impedance measurement and the second impedance measurement, whether the analyte has accumulated on the ...

ULTRASONIC PIPE MEASUREMENT APPARATUS

An ultrasonic pipe measurement apparatus includes: a plurality of ultrasonic transceivers discretely disposed on a pipe wall of a pipe; and a control unit configured to control the plurality of ultrasonic transceivers and detect a generation point of damage caused in the pipe based on an ultrasonic signal exchanged between the ultrasonic transceivers. 1. An ultrasonic pipe measurement apparatus comprising:a plurality of ultrasonic transceivers discretely disposed on a pipe wall of a pipe; anda control unit configured to control the plurality of ultrasonic transceivers and detect a generation point of damage caused in the pipe based on an ultrasonic signal exchanged between the ultrasonic transceivers.2. The ultrasonic pipe measurement apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the number of ultrasonic transceivers is three or more.3. The ultrasonic pipe measurement apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to detect a generation point of the damage caused in the pipe based on time after the ultrasonic wave is output from one ultrasonic transceiver and before a reflection wave from the damage is received by each ultrasonic transceiver.4. The ultrasonic pipe measurement apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to measure a size of the damage caused in the pipe based on the ultrasonic signal exchanged between the ultrasonic transceivers.5. The ultrasonic pipe measurement apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit is configured to measure the size of the damage caused in the pipe based on an amplitude of the reflection wave from the damage received by the ultrasonic transceiver.6. The ultrasonic pipe measurement apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein:the control unit has operation modes including a search mode wherein an interval of transmitting an ultrasonic pulse is set relatively long, the search mode being adapted to detect a point of the damage and the approximate size of the damage, and a ...

Self-Calibrating Analyte Sensor

A sensor device comprises at least one transducer and a sensing material disposed on the transducer. The sensing material adsorbs or absorbs an amount of analyte (e.g., a target gas) that depends on a temperature of the sensing material and a concentration of the analyte. At least one detector is arranged to measure responses of the transducer to sorption or desorption of the analyte in the sensing material while the sensing material is heated and/or cooled according to at least one temperature profile. The device also comprises a humidity sensor that is arranged to detect a humidity level of the environment or sample containing the analyte. A processor or controller is programmed to determine the quantity (e.g., concentration) of the analyte by comparing values of the transducer measurement signals to reference data indicative of expected or pre-measured responses of the transducer to known concentrations of the analyte at the same humidity level as indicated by the humidity sensor while the sensing material is subjected to the same or similar temperature profile.

SWALLOWABLE, FOOD-BASED, DIGESTIBLE WIRELESS DEVICE FOR MEASURING GASTRIC pH

Systems and methods are presented for a swallowable pH sensor made entirely of edible and digestible materials. A substrate is provided and an electrical circuit pattern is printed on a top surface of the substrate. The electrical circuit pattern includes a plurality of interdigitated electrodes and an antenna portion. The substrate is rolled into a cylindrical form such that the interdigitated electrodes are positioned on an outermost layer of the rolled substrate. The rolling of the substrate also causes the antenna portion of the electrical circuit pattern to form into a coil shape. 19-. (canceled)10. A method of assembling a swallowable pH sensor , the method comprising:providing a substrate; a plurality of interdigitated electrodes, and', 'an antenna portion; and, 'printing an electrical circuit pattern on a top surface of the substrate, the electrical circuit pattern including'}rolling the substrate into a cylindrical form, wherein the plurality of interdigitated electrodes are positioned on an outermost layer of the rolled substrate and wherein the rolling of the substrate causes the antenna portion of the electrical circuit pattern to form a coil shape.11. The method of claim 10 , wherein providing a substrate includes providing a substrate formed of a gelatin-based material that includes a plasticizer to increase the flexibility of the substrate.12. The method of claim 10 , wherein printing the electrical circuit pattern on the top surface of the substrate includes using a gold material to print the electrical circuit pattern on the top surface of the substrate.13. The method of claim 10 , further comprising coating at least part of the top surface of the substrate with a coating layer after printing the electrical circuit pattern on the top surface of the substrate.14. The method of wherein the coating layer acts as an adhesive to couple the top surface of the substrate to the bottom surface of the substrate in layers as the substrate is rolled into the ...