Abstract: A fluid level measurement system includes a first pressure sensor disposed inside a fluid tank at a first elevation relative to a height axis of the fluid tank, and a second pressure sensor disposed inside the fluid tank at a second elevation relative to the height axis of the fluid tank, the second elevation different from the first elevation. The first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor are configured to provide a signal indicative of a sensed pressure, and fluid height is calculated from the difference in sensed pressure between the first and second pressure sensors relative to the sensed pressure of either the first or the second pressure sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes a controller configured to receive sensor signals from a machine system and to control operation of the machine system via actuators. The embodiment also includes function blocks stored and operational in the controller and configured to receive machine condition monitoring information and to calculate vibration parameters based upon the machine condition monitoring information. In another embodiment, the system includes a controller that includes computer code configured to control operation of a machine system via actuators based upon sensor signals. Moreover, the embodiment includes computer code configured to perform vibration monitoring of the machine system, including function blocks configured to receive vibration data and to calculate vibration parameters based upon the vibration data.

Abstract: A level measurement device parameterisation system for configuring and/or parameterising a level measurement device includes a user computer and a central computer. The user computer creates configuration instructions and parameterisation instructions on the basis of user inputs and the central computer creates, on the basis thereof, at least part of the configuration information and/or parameterisation information for a level measurement device. The central computer is further configured to transmit control information to the user computer to provide the user interface.

Abstract: A submersion detection circuit includes a power source unit, a reference resistor connected between the power source unit and a voltage measurement node, a submersion unit configured to include a plurality of submersion measurement resistors connected in parallel to the voltage measurement node. Submersion contact terminals are formed at respective ends of the submersion measurement resistors, and a voltage measurement unit connected to the voltage measurement node and configured to measure voltage divided by the reference resistor and the submersion unit when the submersion contact terminals submerge.

Abstract: A control apparatus for detecting a variation of a fluid level in a tank is disclosed. The control apparatus includes an Electronic Control Unit connected to the fluid level sensor. The ECU is configured to monitor a signal value representative of a fluid level in the tank; filter the fluid level signal value using a first filter to obtain a first filtered signal and using a second filter to obtain a second filtered signal, the first filter having a time constant (?1) lower than a time constant (?2) of the second filter; calculate an integral value of a difference between the first filtered signal and the second filtered signal; and generate a signal representative of the detection of an increase in the fluid level in the tank when the integral value is greater than a predefined threshold.

Abstract: A method for assisting in maintenance of a motor vehicle having a drive motor, an drive energy storage device, and a filling level measuring device. A request for a maintenance process is identified by a self-monitoring device with the maintenance request being transmitted as a maintenance indication to a driver by an information device. The maintenance indication is transmitted to the driver as a function of a switch-off filling level present when the vehicle drive motor is switched off and detected by the filling level measuring device. The maintenance indication is transmitted when the switch-off filling level is lower than a preset filling level threshold value or when a filling level difference between a switch-on filling level, present when the vehicle drive motor is subsequently switched on again and detected by the filling level measuring device, and the preceding switch-off filling level indicates a positive filling level value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of determining if a fluid level in a transmission is satisfactory. The transmission includes a controller and is coupled to a powered vehicle. The method includes measuring a grade of the surface upon which the vehicle is positioned with an inclinometer and measuring the fluid level in the transmission with a fluid sensor. The method also includes communicating the measured grade and measured fluid level to the controller and determining a fluid level threshold based on the measured grade. The measured fluid level and fluid level threshold are compared and a determination is made if the measured fluid level is satisfactory based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring the performance of combined sewer overflow structures is described. The inventive system includes sensors for monitoring the level of sewage in the structure and the operation of valves. A data processing unit collects data and calculates the flow of an overflow event and/or the performance of gate valves. The system may be battery operated and may adaptively change the sensor sampling time to prolong battery lifetime.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for preventing and detecting fuel theft from a fuel tank, the system comprising: a perforated casing (18), to be installed into the fuel inlet (28) of the fuel tank, the casing adapted to prevent a pipe from passing therethrough into the tank; a door (14), disposed at the opening (30) of the perforated casing, for blocking in the closed state thereof the inlet (30) to the fuel tank; a safety-catch mechanism, for retaining the door closed when the tank comprises more than a predefined quantity of fuel or to allow opening of the door just when the net is uplifted to the height of the top of the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus as provided for measuring acceleration of a person's head or other object. The apparatus comprises a sensor for sensing acceleration and a controller for controlling recording of data resulting from the sensed acceleration due to an explosive force. The controller is adapted to determine whether or not to enable recording of the data based on the sensed acceleration. A data receiver is provided to receive the sensed acceleration data from the sensing means, and requires electrical power to enable data to be received thereby. The controller controls electrical power to the receiver so that if the sensed acceleration reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, electrical power to the data receiver is enabled. The recorded acceleration data may be used for injury analysis.

Abstract: A dual sensor sediment monitoring system for stormwater management facilities includes a capacitive sensor and an ultrasonic sensor. The former periodically determines if a liquid layer exists above the sediment and activates the ultrasonic sensor when it does not. The echo delay measured by the ultrasonic sensor is used to calculate the sediment level, which is wirelessly transmitted to a remote computer for database compilation and use in scheduling maintenance involving sediment removal.

Abstract: An amount of propellant remaining in an orbiting satellite can be estimated in a more accurate manner than is possible with conventional approached. Pressure and temperature telemetry data received from the satellite can be analyzed using a maximum likelihood estimation approach that reconstructs a predicted tank pressure signal using the temperature data and determines a pressurant volume necessary to make the reconstructed pressure signal match the received pressure signal. Drift of the pressure data received from pressure transducers in the satellite can also be addressed using the current subject matter, as can issues including but not limited to inaccessible propellant due to satellite spin, tank expansion under pressure, and the like. Independent determinations of the amounts of propellant remaining can be made using moment of inertia calculations in situations in which an axis of spin of the satellite is known a priori.

Abstract: One method for counting surgical samples comprises: identifying a physical sample in a field of view of an optical sensor; indexing a sample counter for the identified physical sample; extracting a feature from a portion of the field of the view of the optical sensor; and estimating the extracorporeal blood volume in a portion of the physical sample based upon the extracted feature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a pumping system includes the following: determining a motor operating parameter of a motor configured to drive a pump in a well; determining a pump operating parameter of the pump based on the motor operating parameter; operating the pump in a first mode to determine pump characteristics at a desired fluid level; generating first mode output data based on operation of the pump in the first mode; operating the pump in a second mode based on the first mode output data; determining an estimated fluid level in the well based on the motor operating parameter, the pump operating parameter and the first mode output data; and adjusting the pump speed based on the estimated fluid level in order to maintain a desired fluid level.

Abstract: A method for determining the starting instant (t0) of a periodically oscillating signal response (E2; E2?), wherein the signal response comprises a first set of half periods (E2a-d; E2?a-d) having a polarity equal to a polarity of the first half period (E2a; E2?a) in the signal response, and a second set of half periods (E2e-h; E2?e-h) having a polarity opposite to the polarity of the first half period (E2a; E2?a) in the signal response. The method comprises the steps of: determining a peak half period (E2e; E2?f) as the half period with the highest amplitude in a selected one of the first and second sets; determining a zero-crossing instant (ZC1; ZC?1) of the signal response occurring a known time distance from the peak half period (E2e; E2?f); determining the starting instant (t0) of the signal response (E2; E2?) based on the zero-crossing instant (ZC1; ZC?1) and a relationship between the peak half period (E2e; E2?f) and the starting instant (t0).

Abstract: A system and method for determining a rate of flow of an output from a vessel. The system includes a vessel having an inlet for receiving an output produced by an output generation device, and a measuring device for measuring a first pressure and a second pressure in the vessel. The first pressure is measured when the output generation device is in a standby mode and the second pressure is measured when the output generation device is in an operational mode. The system includes a programmable logic controller configured to calculate a rate of flow of the output utilizing the first pressure and the second pressure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a system for monitoring a fluid dispensing system having a storage tank and a piping system having a maximum output flow rate threshold. The system includes a dispenser configured to dispense fluid from the fluid dispensing system during a dispensing time interval, a metering device in fluid communication with piping system, the metering device configured to measure a plurality of sample flow rates over time in response to fluid passing through the metering device, a gauge for measuring a volume of fluid dispensed from the storage tank during the dispensing time interval and a processor for executing a monitoring application which generates an alert within a substantially real-time period in response to an event of interest, the monitoring application comparing the maximum output flow rate threshold to the plurality of sample flow rates over time to generate the alert when one of the sample flow rates exceeds the maximum output flow rate threshold.

Abstract: A fill level measuring device includes: a transmitting and receiving system for producing a higher frequency microwave signal and a lower frequency microwave signal. The transmitting and receiving system includes a single antenna, which has an internally funnel shaped horn and two hollow conductor segments connected with one another and connected to the horn. The antenna additionally includes, a coaxial conductor connection, via which the antenna is fed with the lower frequency microwave signal and the associated lower frequency echo signal is received. The antenna additionally includes, connected to a horn-remote end of that one of the two hollow conductor segments arranged on an end of the hollow conductor segment adjoining the horn, a hollow conductor connection, via which the antenna is fed with the higher frequency microwave signal and the associated higher frequency echo signal is received.

Abstract: A liquid-level gauge testing device includes a table, a height control unit, an indicator unit, and a liquid container. The height control unit includes a displacement mechanism mounted on the table and a carrier coupled with the displacement mechanism to move upward and downward. The indicator unit is mounted on the table and coupled with the carrier. The liquid container is arranged below the carrier. By providing the table, the height control unit, the indicator unit, the container and other relevant components, the liquid-level gauge testing device is able to provide increased testing accuracy with simplified testing procedures and reduced testing time. A liquid-level gauge testing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the size of particles within a fluidized bed reactor for use with thermally decomposable silicon-containing gas. The pressure of gas adjacent a gas inlet and adjacent a gas outlet of the reactor are measured with pressure sensors. An algorithm is applied to at least one of the pressure measurements to determine the size of particles within the reactor. The determined size of the particles can be used to control the operation of the reactor.

Abstract: A system and a method for estimating pneumatic pressure state of vehicle's tires where the system includes one or more sensor units, each including an optical sensor such as camera for acquiring at least one image of at least one wheel of the respective vehicle and a controller including a processor for receiving image data of a respective wheel of the vehicle from the sensor units and analyzing thereof for estimating a pneumatic pressure state of one or more of the vehicle's tires using special image analysis processes. The processor is also configured to allow presenting the estimated pneumatic pressure state of each respective tire.

Abstract: A method for filling level measuring includes generating an echo curve. The echo curve is analyzed by at least one analysis method selected from analysis methods including analyzing the echo curve by at least two parallel tasks or is analyzed by comparing the echo curve with a spurious-echo curve at the IF-level.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) fluid monitoring system and method are provided to facilitate notification that a replacement IV fluid bag should be prepared. In this regard, an IV fluid monitoring system includes a bag sensing element carried by an IV fluid bag. The IV fluid monitoring system further includes first and second sensing elements positioned on opposite sides of the IV fluid bag and configured to interact with the bag sensing element. The first and second sensing elements are physically separate from the IV fluid bag. The bag sensing element and the first and second elements are positioned such that a line of sight between at least the first sensing element and the bag sensing element extends through the IV fluid within the IV fluid bag while the IV fluid bag is in a filled state. A method and apparatus are also provided to facilitate preparation of an IV fluid bag.

Abstract: A dispensary management system includes a medicine compounding management unit for managing medicine compounding information and for automatically compounding medicines according to the medicine compounding information and a medicine storage management unit connected to the medicine compounding management for storing residual medicines and, when medicines in the medicine compounding management unit are insufficient, for informing the medicine compounding management unit of a position where medicines corresponding to insufficient medicines are stored. A dispensary management method includes inputting medicine compounding information, determining whether medicines are insufficient based on the medicine compounding information, retrieving a cabinet storing medicines corresponding to the insufficient medicines, filling the insufficient medicines, and compounding medicines according to the medicine compounding information.

Abstract: Systems and method for simulating liquid containment behavior. The system comprises a solid modeler and a nonlinear equation solver. The nonlinear equation solver takes as input the solid model representation of the containment vessel from the solid modeler, a desired orientation in space, dynamic conditions (e.g., lateral acceleration) and an amount of liquid. To find the level of liquid in the vessel, the system solver iteratively performs successive Boolean subtractions using an infinite horizontal half-space that represents the liquid level of the vessel. The resulting sliced solid model is used to compute the volume of the liquid at that level. The iterative system solver terminates when the computed volume of the sliced containment vessel matches the specified volume of liquid (e.g., fuel) within a given tolerance.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for monitoring the levels of propane or other consumable liquid in remotely located storage tanks and coordinating delivery of liquid to those tanks, including an improved method of using the remote monitoring data to identify out-of-ordinary conditions at remote tanks, optimally schedule purchases or deliveries, improve safety, and more efficiently operate a propane dealership. More accurate and timely information concerning the status of customer tanks serves to improve operational efficiencies and increase safety. Data received from remote sensors can be collected and organized so that it is easily understood and utilized through the implementation of a user interface accessible via the Internet that allows the information to be presented in an efficient graphical and contextual fashion.

Abstract: One method for estimating the extracorporeal blood volume in a portion of a physical sample includes: comparing a portion of an image of the sample with a template image of known extracorporeal blood volume indicator; tagging the portion of the image of the sample with a blood volume indicator according to the template image that is matched to the portion of the image of the sample; and estimating the extracorporeal blood volume in at least a portion of the physical sample, associated with the portion of the image of the sample, according to the blood volume indicator.

Abstract: A device (20) for processing tissue samples has a processing room (22) for introducing and processing the tissue samples (20). A chamber (34) communicates with the processing room (22). At least one filling level sensor (28, 30, 32) detects a measurement value which is representative of a filling level of a liquid in the chamber (34). A calculating unit determines a filling level of the liquid in the processing room (22) depending on the filling level of the liquid in the chamber (34).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an alternate technique of water detection for fuel storage tanks. Embodiments show various methods of altering the density of a sub-assembly floatation device while maintaining its efficient ability to detect water presence in conjunction with a Magnetostrictive probe. In the float's upward motion due to water or high density fuel in the tank, at some predetermined locations, its specific gravity is altered by means of strategically located free weights along its travel path.

Abstract: A fluid level measurement apparatus supports multiple fluid level sensors of different types, each of which detects a level of fluid and produces an output indicative of the detected fluid level in a different way. The fluid level measurement apparatus is connected to any one of the supported fluid level sensors to measure the fluid level. The fluid level measurement apparatus includes a calculation circuit, multiple output circuits, a determination circuit, and a selection circuit. The calculation circuit calculates the fluid level from a detection voltage. Each output circuit generates the detection voltage based on the output of a corresponding fluid level sensor. The determination circuit determines the connected fluid level sensor. The selection circuit selects the output circuit corresponding to the determined fluid level sensor and allows the calculation circuit to obtain the detection voltage generated by the selected output circuit.

Abstract: A flight display for an aircraft includes a virtual ice accretion meter having a liquid water content portion and an ice thickness portion. A method for determining ice accretion includes integrating over a time period a constant K multiplied by a liquid water content (LWC) and true airspeed (TAS).

Abstract: An amount of propellant remaining in an orbiting satellite can be estimated in a more accurate manner than is possible with conventional approached. Pressure and temperature telemetry data received from the satellite can be analyzed using a maximum likelihood estimation approach that reconstructs a predicted tank pressure signal using the temperature data and determines a pressurant volume necessary to make the reconstructed pressure signal match the received pressure signal. Drift of the pressure data received from pressure transducers in the satellite can also be addressed using the current subject matter, as can issues including but not limited to inaccessible propellant due to satellite spin, tank expansion under pressure, and the like. Independent determinations of the amounts of propellant remaining can be made using moment of inertia calculations in situations in which an axis of spin of the satellite is known a priori.

Abstract: Understanding the well water depth and aquifer quality is a challenging problem. With water demands increasing, a system that can both provide the local well user with critical information to protect their well and use this data to give a broader understanding of the water system is disclosed. The system provides four (4) basic functions: 1) to measure the level of water in one or more wells; 2) process the high resolution raw data to obtain a derived measure of well depth, draw down and refill times (transmissivity and storage coefficients); 3) transmit data to a local processing unit using existing wiring or wirelessly; and 4) transmit data to a shared processing unit or a network for local water reserves and broader data analysis on overall regional aquifer quality and trends for environmental impacts.

Abstract: (EN) The invention relates to a method for estimating the characteristic parameters of a cryogenic tank (1), in particular geometric parameters, including: a step comprising the measurement of the pressure differential between the upper and lower parts of the tank prior to filling DPmes—before; a step comprising the measurement of the pressure differential between the upper and lower parts of the tank after filling DPmes—after; a step comprising the determination of the mass of liquid delivered (mdelivered) during filling; and a step comprising the calculation of a first geometric parameter (R) of the tank, namely the radius (R) which is calculated from equation (I), wherein g is the Earth's gravitational acceleration and MAVO is a density coefficient that is a function of the density of the liquid and the gas in the tank and optionally in the pressure measuring pipes (11) when the pressure differential is measured by at least one remote pressure sensor connected to the upper and lower parts of the tank via r

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the location of a phase boundary such as a fill level, in a vessel. The method includes: providing at least one source of radiation capable of emitting radiation through a portion of the interior of the vessel; providing a plurality of radiation detectors, each detector being capable of detecting, within a part of the measurement range, radiation emitted by the source; and providing a data processing unit for calculation of the position of the phase boundary from the amount of radiation detected by the detectors, wherein the data processing unit calculates the position of the phase boundary from the amount of radiation detected by the detectors by: (i) in a first step, determining within which detector stage the phase boundary is located; and then (ii) in a second step, determining the position of the phase boundary within the detector stage determined in (i).

Abstract: A method of controlling an ebb and flow watering system utilizing existing hardware commonly used in ebb and flow systems including float switches, water pumps, electromechanical timers, reservoir, control bucket, flood lines, indicator LEDs and plant containers such that the filling and draining of the control bucket is improved by accommodating for hydraulic delays, flood line restrictions, and pump limitations, while further providing constant monitoring for leaks or float switch failure, and shutting off the pumps if the same are determined.

Abstract: A method to model a complex system of pipes. The model takes into account the physical processes in a tree-type piping system and provides for an accurate modeling of a real world tree-type piping system. In a preferred embodiment, a computer program is provided for analyzing models of dry pipe systems. The computer program includes a user interface and a computational engine. The user interface allows a model of a dry pipe system to be defined and the computational engine determines a liquid flow time through the model of the dry pipe system. The computational engine provides a verification of the liquid flow time in a model of a referential dry pipe system within 20% of an actual liquid flow time in the referential dry pipe system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining different fill levels of objects in the containers for disposable and consumable objects are disclosed. A sensor unit can detect presence of an object passing into a waste container and different levels of the objects in the waste container as the objects fill the waste container. When the waste container is full, a notification message may be generated to empty or replace the waste container. The sensor unit can also detect different levels of objects in a consumable container as the objects are removed from the consumable container. When the consumable container is empty, a notification message may be generated to refill or replace the consumable container. In embodiments of the invention, a notification message may also be generated for a predetermined level of objects in the container.

Abstract: A transit-time fill-level measuring device for measuring the fill level of a filling material in a container is stated, in which transit-time fill-level measuring device information about the topography of the filling material surface is determined on the basis of the shape of a single echo curve of the receiving signal. From this the fill volume can then be derived.

Abstract: A method for determining an amount of a liquid energy commodity in storage in an underground cavern generally comprises the steps of: establishing a volume function for a brine pond associated with the underground cavern; acquiring an image of the brine pond; transmitting the acquired image to a central processing facility; analyzing the acquired image to calculate a depth of the brine in the brine pond; estimating the volume of the brine in the brine pond based on the calculated depth and using the volume function; determining the amount of the liquid energy commodity in storage in the underground cavern associated with the brine pond based on the estimated volume of the brine in the brine pond; and communicating information about the amount of the liquid energy commodity in storage to a third-party market participant.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining information identifying a predicted trajectory of material-based measurements associated with a transfer of material. The method also includes obtaining actual material-based measurements during the transfer of the material and determining whether the actual material-based measurements fall outside of the predicted trajectory. The method further includes identifying a problem with the transfer of the material if at least one of the actual material-based measurements falls outside of the predicted trajectory. The method may also include generating the predicted trajectory of the material-based measurements using historical data associated with one or more prior transfers, such as historical data associated with at least one pump to be used during the transfer of the material. The actual material-based measurements could include measurements of a level and/or a volume of the material in a tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to false echo storage in the area of level measurement. The decision as to whether or not to initialize and/or update the false echo memory is made using at least one value for the sensor-inherent noise, container noise and/or EMC noise for this purpose. This may make it possible to avoid identifying a false echo as the level echo.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a system for monitoring a fluid dispensing system having a storage tank and a piping system having a maximum output flow rate threshold. The system includes a dispenser configured to dispense fluid from the fluid dispensing system during a dispensing time interval, a metering device in fluid communication with piping system, the metering device configured to measure a plurality of sample flow rates over time in response to fluid passing through the metering device, a gauge for measuring a volume of fluid dispensed from the storage tank during the dispensing time interval and a processor for executing a monitoring application which generates an alert within a substantially real-time period in response to an event of interest, the monitoring application comparing the maximum output flow rate threshold to the plurality of sample flow rates over time to generate the alert when one of the sample flow rates exceeds the maximum output flow rate threshold.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a plurality of indoor units and one or more outdoor units to drive the indoor units. The one or more outdoor units are coupled to the indoor units through refrigerant pipes that include one or more branch points. A calculator calculates an amount of filling refrigerant based on capacities of the indoor units and the one or more outdoor units and lengths of the refrigerant pipes.

Abstract: For echo tracking, it is important to allocate an echo to an echo track. The relative sign of the amplitude of the echo in relation to a corresponding amplitude of the transmission signal or the relative phase of the echo in relation to a corresponding phase of the transmission signal are determined and echo allocation is based on the result of this determination.

Abstract: Detecting the mobility of a fill level echo according to the following steps. The echo characteristic of a first echo of the echo curve and an echo characteristic of a second echo of the echo curve are determined. This is followed by calculation of a mobility value of the second echo with the use of the first echo characteristic. In this way a situation can be achieved in which the differences in the mobility values of echoes relating to the fill level and those echoes that are due to container internals become greater.

Abstract: A method of storage tank monitoring including calculating liquid inventory within the storage tank. Real-time parameters associated with evaporative loss of a liquid stored within the storage tank are determined to produce input data. The real-time parameters include at least one condition within the storage tank and at least one environmental condition. Evaporative loss is automatically calculated with an inventory calculation algorithm using the input data and at least one known physical property of the liquid in the storage tank.

Abstract: Integrated, stand-alone, multiple-purpose pump stands are provided for controlled pumping of different liquids from a stand-mounted tank to a downstream use location, e.g., a seed treating device. The pump stands are equipped with an operating assembly including a liquid tank, a powered pump, a liquid flow line equipped with a flow meter from the tank and pump to the use location, and a programmable digital control device. During operation, the control device serves to approach and maintain the flow rate from the pump stand at or about a desired setpoint flow rate.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining and monitoring the fill level of a medium in a container via a field device, wherein transmission signals are transmitted toward the medium and are received as reflection signals. The transmission signals and the reflection signals are registered by means of data points in an envelope curve dependent on travel time or travel distance. Disturbance echo signals are registered by means of data points in a masking curve, the data points are connected with one another via connecting functions An evaluation curve is ascertained from the envelope curve; wherein, by means of a reduction algorithm, the number of data points in the masking curve and/or in the evaluation curve is reduced; and wherein, by an echo search algorithm, by means of the reduced masking curve and/or reduced evaluation curve, at least one wanted echo signal in the current envelope curve is ascertained.