Abstract: An inspection system for integral seals includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to ultrasonically scan an integral seal having a rubber sealing member attached to a seal carrier, and a transducer positioning mechanism defining a plurality of translational degrees of freedom and a rotational degree of freedom. An electronic control unit is coupled with the ultrasonic transducer, and may be configured to store data indicative of a defect in the integral seal responsive to a reflection pattern defined by ultrasound reflected by the rubber sealing member and the seal carrier. Related methodology is also disclosed.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for removing matter from a filtering device of a work machine includes a gas pressurization assembly. An element of the gas pressurization assembly is removably attachable to a first orifice of the filtering device without removing the filtering device from a work machine to which the filtering device is connected. The system also includes a heat source fluidly connected to the gas pressurization assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring aeration of a liquid in a liquid channel operates by sending an ultrasonic wave into a liquid channel, receiving a signal corresponding to the echo from the liquid channel and calculating a level of aeration of the liquid in the liquid channel based on the reflected signal.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for removing matter from a filtering device of a work machine includes a gas pressurization assembly. An element of the gas pressurization assembly is removably attachable to a first orifice of the filtering device without removing the filtering device from a work machine to which the filtering device is connected. The system also includes a heat source fluidly connected to the gas pressurization assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring aeration of a liquid in a liquid channel operates by sending an ultrasonic wave into a liquid channel, receiving a signal corresponding to the echo from the liquid channel and calculating a level of aeration of the liquid in the liquid channel based on the reflected signal.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a diesel particulate filter includes a step of coupling an acoustic generator directly to the diesel particulate filter via a support fixture. Ash deposited within the diesel particulate filter is dislodged with acoustic energy deposited by the acoustic generator. The ash may fall clear of the diesel particulate filter under the action of gravity and/or via pressurized air flow.

Abstract: An on-machine inspection method for detecting whether a shaft of a transmission system has failed uses a test probe from flaw detection apparatus to discover echo signals with known peaks corresponding to defined weakened portions in the shaft. The test probe is then moved to prescribed angular distances about an end face of the shaft to obtain the echo signals.

Abstract: A system for determining acceptability of torsional dampers for service in a machine system includes a fixture, an ultrasonic scanner and an indicating device configured to indicate at least one of acceptability and unacceptability of a torsional damper based upon receipt of a signal from the scanner. A nondestructive testing method for a torsional vibration damper includes scanning a torsional vibration damper with ultrasonic energy, and determining a test value for the damper indicative of a viscosity of fluid sealed within a housing of the damper based on receiving transmitted ultrasonic energy. Receipt of ultrasonic energy may be used to determine the flow rate of fluid within the damper by indicating a time for fluid to flow to fill a void within the damper. The system and method may be implemented in a remanufacturing or salvaging process for torsional vibration dampers.

Abstract: A method of detecting an internal flaw in a particulate filter includes a step of coupling ultrasonic transducer with the particulate filter. The method also includes a step of moving at least one of the ultrasonic transducer and the particulate filter relative to the other. Consistent coupling of the ultrasonic transducer with the particulate filter is maintained during the moving step. Ultrasonic energy is transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer through a majority of a volume of the particulate filter. The method also includes a step of determining if the particulate filter includes an internal flaw using the ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sensor arrangement detects the amount of sulfur in a fuel of an internal combustion engine by emitting an ultraviolet light field in the presence of the fuel. A detector is disposed to detect a responsive amount of fluorescent light and provide a sensing signal indicative of the amount of sulfur in the fuel. A filter (or filters) receives the sensing signal and provides a filtered sensing signal to a sensing circuit.

Abstract: An on-machine inspection method for detecting whether a shaft of a transmission system has failed uses a test probe from flaw detection apparatus to discover echo signals with known peaks corresponding to defined weakened portions in the shaft. The test probe is then moved to prescribed angular distances about an end face of the shaft to obtain the echo signals.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing medical devices, comprising the steps: producing a plurality of hydrogen surface-mixed diffusion flame; exposing the plurality of hydrogen surface-mixed diffusion flame to the medical devices for a predetermined period of time; and exposing the medical devices to the plurality of hydrogen surface-mixed diffusion flame at a predetermined distance; wherein the hydrogen surface mixed diffusion flame further produces free radicals for further sterilizing of the medical devices.

Abstract: A method of detecting an internal flaw in a particulate filter includes a step of coupling ultrasonic transducer with the particulate filter. The method also includes a step of moving at least one of the ultrasonic transducer and the particulate filter relative to the other. Consistent coupling of the ultrasonic transducer with the particulate filter is maintained during the moving step. Ultrasonic energy is transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer through a majority of a volume of the particulate filter. The method also includes a step of determining if the particulate filter includes an internal flaw using the ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a diesel particulate filter includes a step of coupling an acoustic generator directly to the diesel particulate filter via a support fixture. Ash deposited within the diesel particulate filter is dislodged with acoustic energy deposited by the acoustic generator. The ash may fall clear of the diesel particulate filter under the action of gravity and/or via pressurized air flow.

Abstract: A system for determining acceptability of torsional dampers for service in a machine system includes a fixture, an ultrasonic scanner and an indicating device configured to indicate at least one of acceptability and unacceptability of a torsional damper based upon receipt of a signal from the scanner. A nondestructive testing method for a torsional vibration damper includes scanning a torsional vibration damper with ultrasonic energy, and determining a test value for the damper indicative of a viscosity of fluid sealed within a housing of the damper based on receiving transmitted ultrasonic energy. Receipt of ultrasonic energy may be used to determine the flow rate of fluid within the damper by indicating a time for fluid to flow to fill a void within the damper. The system and method may be implemented in a remanufacturing or salvaging process for torsional vibration dampers.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for removing matter from a filtering device includes a gas pressurization assembly. An element of the assembly is removably attachable to a first orifice of the filtering device. The system also includes a vacuum source fluidly connected to a second orifice of the filtering device.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of loading a filtering device includes measuring a metric indicative of an initial loading of the filtering device and desirably positioning a quantity of matter proximate the filtering device. The method also includes applying a negative pressure to the filtering device such that at least a portion of the quantity of matter is drawn into the filtering device. The method further includes measuring a metric indicative of a final loading of the filtering device.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for removing matter from a filtering device of a work machine includes a gas pressurization assembly. An element of the gas pressurization assembly is removably attachable to a first orifice of the filtering device without removing the filtering device from a work machine to which the filtering device is connected. The system also includes a heat source fluidly connected to the gas pressurization assembly.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of detecting matter within a filtering device includes measuring a metric indicative of a first quantity of matter within the filtering device and removing a portion of the matter from the filtering device. The method also includes measuring a metric indicative of a second quantity of matter remaining within the filtering device.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes a plurality of n-type thermoelectric elements and a plurality of p-type thermoelectric elements. These thermoelectric elements each have multiple end surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other, and include terminals attached to the end surfaces. The thermoelectric elements also include a support structure with an external surface covered by multiple layers of a thermoelectric material and a flexible substrate. The thermoelectric device also includes a plurality of conductive members which electrically interconnect the thermoelectric elements.