Abstract: A multi-row ultrasonic imaging apparatus and an ultrasonic imaging instrument are disclosed. The multi-row ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a housing, and a first ultrasonic transducer, a second ultrasonic transducer, and an adjustment mechanism that are installed in the housing. Ultrasonic waves emitted by the first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducer can intersect to form a confocal point. At least one of the first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducer is connected to the adjustment mechanism to move relative to the housing under the action of the adjustment mechanism, so as to adjust the position of the confocal point.

Abstract: Inspection robots with configurable interface plates are described. An example inspection robot may have a housing with at least three removable interface plates, each removable interface plate having a coupling interface for an electronic component on a first side, and coupled to at least one of a plurality of electronic boards on a second side. The example inspection robot may further include a drive module configured to couple to at least one of the removable interface plates, and a payload configured to couple to at least one of the removable interface plates. The example inspection robot may further include a means for operating the inspection robot in response to the drive module coupled to one of the removable interface plates, and the payload coupled to any other one of the removable interface plates.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a visual ultrasonic nondestructive testing device and method for a deep/long-hole pipe. The device is composed of an ultrasonic measurement module, a mechanical motion module, a control module, and a coupling injection and assistance module. The ultrasonic measurement module includes an ultrasonic pulse transmitter/receiver, and the ultrasonic transmitter/receiver includes a high-speed analog/digital (A/D) converter; the mechanical motion module includes a scanning device, a probe and a holding device thereof, and a magnetic drive device. A scanning device can move in two directions, that is, an X-axis on which a magnetic driving wheel steps and a Y-axis on which a module body tests. During the scanning process, on the X-axis, a stepping motor drives a synchronous wheel-belt transmission, so that the magnetic driving wheel is rotated to achieve the purpose of stepping; on the Y-axis, a stepping motor on the module body drives the probe to reciprocate.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for determining if a fluid is present in a body region. The systems and methods include using ultrasound systems having operational parameters that provide ultrasound echo maps having high resolution B-line artefacts.

Abstract: A device and method for performing ultrasound scanning of a substantially cylindrical object, the device comprising a cuff adapted to fit around a circumference of the object, a carrier mounted slidably on the cuff and adapted to traverse the circumference of the object, an ultrasound probe mounted on the carrier and positioned to scan the circumference of the object as the carrier traverses the circumference of the object, a carrier motor mounted on the cuff or the carrier and used to drive the movement of the carrier about the circumference of the object, and one or more data connections providing control information for the carrier motor and the ultrasound probe and receiving scanning data from the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection device for inspection of a structure. The device includes a body with a first side and a second side that are on opposing sides of a gap. The gap is sized to receive the structure. A probe is attached to the first side and transmits ultrasonic signals at the structure. A reflector plate is attached to the second side and is fixed relative to the probe and reflects the signals that pass through the structure. The probe is configured to detect the signals that reflect off the structure and to detect the signals that pass through the structure and reflect off the reflector plate. The received signals provide for pulse echo and through transmission inspection of the structure.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an inspection system includes a probe and a controller. The probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors arranged in a first direction. The probe contacts a weld portion by moving in a second direction crossing the first direction. Each of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors transmits an ultrasonic wave toward the weld portion and receives a reflected wave. The controller detects a joint and a non-joint at a plurality of points along the first direction of the weld portion based on the plurality of reflected waves. The controller adjusts an angle of the probe around a third direction based on a number of the joints or the non-joints detected for the plurality of points. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and crosses the second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic probe in which a supporting member is provided with a buffer unit to mitigate an outside impact. The ultrasonic probe includes a transducer rotatably provided, a shaft having the transducer mounted thereto, and a supporting member rotatably supporting the shaft, wherein the supporting member is provided with a buffer unit to mitigate an outside impact.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for performing rotorcraft based non-destructive physical inspection and/or testing. In one example, a system includes a rotorcraft and a rotating arm coupled to the rotorcraft. An inspection sensor is coupled to a first end of the rotating arm and configured to be placed in close proximity to and/or in physical contact with a surface of an object.

Abstract: In embodiments, methods and systems for implementing payment interface services using a payment platform are provided. Multiple payments types are integrated into the payment platform to support customer payments for merchants. The payment platform identifies payment types that are relevant to a customer based on receiving an indication to personalize payment types for the customer, and on customer data resources that are accessed. One or more relevant payment types are determined based on the information of the customer. The payment types for the customer are determined from a plurality of payment types supported via the payment platform that supports customer payment type personalization. A payment type from the one or more payment types relevant to the customer is automatically chosen or explicitly chosen by the customer, such that a corresponding payment type provider authenticates the customer in order to complete the transaction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for structural health monitoring are described. In one example, a method for use in designing a structural health monitoring (SHM) system for use in monitoring a host structure is described. The method includes one or more of a process for designing SHM systems for any given piece of structural hardware, a process for evaluating a given SHM system, a method to quantify the performance of a given SHM system in comparison to current inspection processes, a finite element modeling approach to determining excitation frequencies to detect damage and for selecting the best time window to use for sensed excitation signals, a Bayesian Network based data fusion technique that fuses in environmental information (load cycles induced on the structure) with a damage index (DI) to produce crack detection and estimation of crack length, and a damage location and sensor selection technique.

Abstract: There is provided a system for using eddy current edge effect to measure a gap between two conductive parts. The system includes the two conductive parts, each having predetermined properties. The system includes a probe having a housing with a coil, and includes a reference gap standard, based on one or more reference gap measurements taken between at least two reference conductive parts separated by a gap distance, as specified by predetermined engineering requirements. The system includes an inspection instrument assembly coupled to the probe and having an inspection apparatus calibrated to the probe and the reference gap standard. The probe with the coil uses the eddy current edge effect to take the gap measurement and measure the gap. The gap measurement is compared to the reference gap standard, to determine whether the gap measurement is an acceptable result or an unacceptable result, based on the predetermined engineering requirements.

Abstract: There are proposed a method for measuring hydrogen-induced cracking which can measure hydrogen-induced cracking initiated in an interior of a test specimen during HIC test and a measuring apparatus used in this method. When cracks initiated in an interior of a test specimen 1 immersed in a test solution 5 containing hydrogen sulfide is measured by an ultrasonic probe 2 placed in a vessel 3, the position and size of cracks initiated in the interior of the test specimen 1 are measured with the lapse of time at a state of immersing the test specimen 1 in the test solution by scanning the ultrasonic probe 2 or the test specimen 1.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for in situ gap inspection in a machine, such as a generator, an electric motor, or a turbomachine, with an end region. A robotic crawler is configured to navigate an annular gap of the machine. A visual inspection module is connected to the robotic crawler and includes an extension member for extending a camera into the end region to collect visual inspection data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a changing, insufficiently defined or unknown shape (e.g., a variable radius or a noncircular radius caused by the use of soft tooling) at a rate that meets production requirements. The apparatus comprises a linear ultrasonic array (i.e., sensor) incorporated in a toppler, which in turn is slidably supported by an oscillating sensor mechanism carried by a traveling trailer vehicle. As a result of this arrangement, the sensor can undergo a back-and-forth sweeping motion coupled with motion along the spar radius. The sensor is further able to displace radially relative to a sweep pivot axis and rotate (hereinafter “topple”) about a topple pivot axis. In this manner, the orientation of the sensor can adjust to the contour of the inspected surface as the sensor scans.

Abstract: A system and method for full-field pulse-echo laser ultrasonic propagation imaging is provided. The full-field ultrasonic propagation imaging system generates ultrasounds on a structure by scanning the structure and emitting laser beams, simultaneously senses ultrasounds propagated through thickness of the structure, and generates a through-the-thickness ultrasonic propagation image. Accordingly, the full-field pulse-echo laser ultrasonic propagation imaging can visualize information on through-the-thickness defects in a full field.

Abstract: In an aspect, the OIS camera module includes a first unit mounted with a lens, a second unit movably mounted with the first unit along a horizontal direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens, and an OIS actuator moving the first unit along the horizontal direction relative to the second unit, wherein the OIS actuator may be lopsidedly arranged at one side about a center of the lens to the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A method for measuring and/or acquiring layer thicknesses and voids of one or more layers of a temporary bonded wafer stack on a plurality of measuring points is provided. A sequence of the method includes an arrangement of a measurement means for measuring and/or acquiring the layer thicknesses and voids of the layers of the wafer stack at the measuring points relative to a flat side of the wafer stack. The sequence further includes an emission of signals in the form of electromagnetic waves by a transmitter of the measurement means, and a receiving the signals which have been reflected by the wafer stack by a receiver of the measurement means. The sequence also includes an evaluation of the signals which have been received by the receiver by an evaluation unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device evaluates the sound velocity of a nail to determine the overall health of a patient and to monitor cosmetological effects of certain products on the nail. The ultrasonic device includes a handhold probe having an piezoelectric transducer encased in cover that emits high-frequency ultrasonic impulses directed towards the nail. The nail reflects returning ultrasonic echoes back to the piezoelectric transducer. The returning ultrasonic echoes vibrate the piezoelectric transducer. A processor of a computer converts the vibrations into electrical pulses. The processor evaluates amplitude values of the electrical pulses to determine the parameters of the human nail, including the thickness, density and elasticity. The parameters are displayed on a display and analyzed by a technician to determine the nail condition. The health of the person or the effect of products on the nail can be determined based on the nail parameters.

Abstract: A wireless ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (30) including a wireless ultrasonic probe (300) and a diagnostic device (400). The wireless ultrasonic probe (300) includes: a wireless transmission unit (306) which wirelessly transmits echo data (352); and an ultrasound transmission unit (303) which transmits pairing ultrasound (351) including probe information for identifying the wireless ultrasonic probe (300). The diagnostic device (400) includes: an ultrasound reception unit (401) which receives the pairing ultrasound (351); a probe information detection unit (402) which detects the probe information (452) from the pairing ultrasound (351); and a wireless reception unit (406) which determines, using the probe information (452), whether or not received data is the echo data (352) wirelessly transmitted by the wireless ultrasonic probe (300).

Abstract: A method for measuring the degree of fusion involves: a step for creating a dividing pulse amplitude curve by using a probe that emits ultrasound beams; a step for scanning the probe that emits ultrasound beams at a predetermined angle on a surface that has weld beads of multiple welding specimens having different degrees of fusion and for obtaining beam path length information from the dividing pulse amplitude curve and the height of an F echo that returned to the probe after hitting the fused section of a welding site; and a step for obtaining a regression formula expressing the relationship between the beam path length information and the degree of fusion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a changing, insufficiently defined or unknown shape (e.g., a variable radius or a noncircular radius caused by the use of soft tooling) at a rate that meets production requirements. The apparatus comprises a linear ultrasonic array (i.e., sensor) incorporated in a toppler, which in turn is slidably supported by an oscillating sensor mechanism carried by a traveling trailer vehicle. As a result of this arrangement, the sensor can undergo a back-and-forth sweeping motion coupled with motion along the spar radius. The sensor is further able to displace radially relative to a sweep pivot axis and rotate (hereinafter “topple”) about a topple pivot axis. In this manner, the orientation of the sensor can adjust to the contour of the inspected surface as the sensor scans.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonically inspecting components with wavy or uneven surfaces. A multi-element array ultrasonic transducer is operated with a substantial fluid layer, such as water, between the array transducer and the component surface. This fluid layer may be maintained by immersing the component in liquid or by using a captive couplant column between the probe and the component surface. The component is scanned, measuring the two dimensional surface profile using either a mechanical stylus, laser, or ultrasonic technique. Once an accurate surface profile of the component's surface has been obtained, data processing parameters are calculated for processing the ultrasonic signals reflected from the interior of the component that eliminate beam distortion effects and reflector mis-location that would otherwise occur due to the uneven surfaces.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments generally relate to non-destructive evaluation methods. More particularly, the disclosed embodiments relate to ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation methods for the evaluation of friction welded bladed discs (“blisks”). In an embodiment, a method for non-destructive evaluation of a bladed disc structure includes identifying a region of interest on the bladed disc structure; positioning an ultrasonic transducer and receiver in the region of interest; scanning the region of interest using the ultrasonic transducer and receiver to produce a scan image; and comparing the scan image against a reference image to determine the presence of an anomaly in the region of interest.

Abstract: Methods and systems for connection to a transducer in ultrasound probes are provided. One connection arrangement includes a connector having a transducer connection portion configured to couple to a transducer of an ultrasound probe and a scan head connection portion configured to extend from a scan head of the ultrasound probe containing the transducer. The transducer connection portion and the scan head connection portion being a single element.

Abstract: A system and method that allow inspection of hollow structures made of composite material, such as an integrally stiffened wing box of an aircraft. A wing box comprises top and bottom skins connected by a plurality of spaced spars. The system employs a plurality of scanners for inspecting different portions of each spar. The system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to connect an external drive tractor to computer-controlled scanners that carry respective sensors, e.g., linear ultrasonic transducer arrays. A system operator can control the various components by means of a graphical user interface comprising multiple interaction regions that represent the individual scanner motion paths and are associated with respective motion script files.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a system having a flexible substrate, an ultrasonic transducer array coupled to the flexible substrate and a processor coupled to the ultrasonic transducer array. The processor may identify a fingerprint based on a signal from the ultrasonic transducer array. The system may also include an external component having a curved profile, wherein the ultrasonic transducer array is embedded in the external component and includes a read surface that conforms to the curved profile. In one example, the external component includes a button having a function that is separate from identification of the fingerprint.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing sensor and an ultrasonic testing method are provided which achieve a high sensitivity of three-dimensional ultrasonic testing and a high S/N ratio, do not require development of a sensor for each inspection object, and reduce the cost of developing a sensor. The ultrasonic testing method is performed with the use of the ultrasonic testing sensor while a total length d, extending in a direction parallel to an ultrasonic scanning direction, of ultrasonic elements to be simultaneously excited with a single exciter is controlled to be in a range ensuring that 2d·sin ?=n·?, where ? is a wavelength of an ultrasonic wave, n is an integer of 1 or 2, and ? is an angle at which the ultrasonic wave is incident.

Abstract: A computer-controlled robotic platform with a collapsible lifting arm that positions a non-destructive inspection (NDI) sensor for scanning inside tunnel regions of a composite structure such as an integrally stiffened wing box. The lifting arm of a modified scissor lift mechanism can be collapsed to a very low height to pass through narrow sections of the integrally stiffened wing box, and also extended by more than a factor of three to reach the maximum height of the wing box tunnels. The system performs a vertical position sensing and control process that uses inverse kinematics to enable position control using data from a standard rotational encoder on the motor to determine vertical position. The system produces simulated encoder pulses that represent unit vertical displacements of a distal portion of a modified scissor lift mechanism using a forward kinematics equation in which the rotation angle of a lead screw is an input variable.

Abstract: A device for inspecting an annular sealing wiper extending at the surface of a bladed-wheel drum of a rotor. The device includes a carriage including at least two guide wheels and carrying a probe situated in a location such that, when the carriage is in position, the probe is positioned facing an edge of the wiper for inspection and at a determined distance therefrom.

Abstract: Computers with proper programs generate signals in phased array sequence. In pulsers with delays, signals are fed through a multiplexor into multiple water wedges that are attached to a valve being tested. For a sequential operation of the valves from the open to the closed position, ultrasonic signals are transmitted through fluid contained in the valve and reflected back through piezo-electric crystals to the multiplexor. By summation and merger of the signals, an image can be developed of the operation of the valve to determine if the valve is operating properly. By using multiple water wedges and pass visualization software, the operator can see exactly how the valve is functioning, which information can be stored for inspections or maintenance.

Abstract: Appliances and methods are disclosed for testing operation of an acoustic device that generates beams of acoustic energy. An imaging array generates electrical signals in response to impinging receipt of acoustic energy. An acoustic-energy direction system is disposed to focus acoustic energy onto the imaging array. A controller is electrically coupled with the acoustic device and with the imaging array. The controller has instructions to generate an image on a display from electrical signals received by the controller from the imaging array. The electrical signals are received by the controller in response to generation of a beam of acoustic energy by the acoustic device. The beam of acoustic energy is directed towards the acoustic-energy direction system. The image provides a representation of the generated beam of acoustic energy.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the orientation of an end effector (e.g., a non-destructive inspection sensor) during movement over a contoured surface, comprising: (1) a pneumatic or spring-loaded plunger shaft that facilitates positioning of an end effector onto a highly contoured surface by allowing a wide range of vertical motion; (2) a rocker pivotably coupled to a distal end of the plunger shaft, the rocker being pivotable about a horizontal axis to allow a pair of follower wheels coupled to distal ends of the rocker arms to follow the contoured surface and keep the end effector oriented correctly relative to the surface without tipping over; and (3) a hozzle (i.e., an end effector holder) attached to the rocker for rotation therewith, the end effector being coupled to the hozzle by an elastomeric gasket or a plurality of springs which allow the orientation of the end effector relative to the hozzle to change in response to contact forces.

Abstract: An automated blade crawler capable of scanning a multiplicity of non-destructive inspection sensors over a surface of an airfoil-shaped body such as a blade component. The blade crawler is movable in a spanwise direction, thereby enabling a sensor array to inspect the surface area on one or both sides of the blade component in one pass. The sensors concurrently output scan imaging data which is multiplexed, the multiplexed being transmitted (via an electrical cable or wirelessly) to data collection and display hardware at an operations control center.

Abstract: A device and a method for ultrasonic testing by means of a local immersion technique of a stringer component section of a flat component are provided. The device includes a test head assembly mounted as moving floatingly by a holding device in the Y-direction longitudinally. The test head assembly includes: a test head that can be connected to an automatically actuated handling device and that can be moved by the handling device along the stringer; a test head holder; and a counter-holder coupled with the test head holder by an actuation element, wherein the actuation element is configured to steer the test head holder and the counter-holder from a closed position to an open position, the test head holder and the counter-holder being mounted floatingly along a guiding rail running in the X-direction transversely to the stringer, and fit, in a force-loaded manner, to each side surface of the stringer.

Abstract: A method for checking a mechanical integrity of at least two stabilizing elements includes providing the at least two stabilizing elements that mechanically interconnect blade airfoils of rotor blades of a turbine in a circumferential direction of the turbine in an installed state of the turbine. The at least two stabilizing elements are adjacent to one another and inter-engage to form an engagement section having a material volume of the at least two stabilizing elements in the engagement section. The material volume of the at least two stabilizing elements is scanned, in an automated manner using ultrasound, so as to determine whether cracks are present. The scanning is performed from an outside of the at least two stabilizing elements.

Abstract: A flaw detection system includes a CMM having a base and one or more transfer members, one or more articulation members connecting the one or more transfer members to the base, and a flaw detection sensor at a distal end, the CMM being configured to measure a location of the flaw detection sensor, and a processor configured to correlate the location of the flaw detection sensor as measured by the CMM with data detected by the flaw detection sensor.

Abstract: A radar wave sensing apparatus including a rotation element, a nanosecond pulse near-field sensor and a control unit is provided. The nanosecond pulse near-field sensor emits an incident radar wave and receives a reflection radar wave of the incident radar wave hitting on a surface of the rotation element to obtain a repetition frequency variation of the reflection radar wave corresponding to the incident radar wave. The control unit calculates a vibration of the rotation element according to the repetition frequency variation.

Abstract: An inspection scanner [1000] is described that has a low profile construction designed to fit into tight spaces and inspect structures [10] such as weld joints [13]. Wheel frame assemblies [1100, 1200] carry a probe holder assembly [1110] with an ultrasonic (US) array [1400] that emits US beams through the structure [10] and receives reflected sound waves. The probe holder assembly [1110] extends and US beam is angled away to inspect in tight locations. The wheel frame assemblies [1100, 1200] roll on wheels [1140, 1240] that drive an encoder [1250]. Encoder [1250] provides the specific locations for the received sound waves with respect to the weld. The locations and received sound waves are used to reconstruct a signal showing imperfections inside of structure [10]. The wheels [1140, 1240] may be magnetic to hold it to the structure [10] being inspected. A brake system [1600] may be employed to hold the inspection scanner [1000] at a given location.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sonic resonator system and a method of using the system which is useful in therapeutic, cosmetic or aesthetic, diagnostic, exploratory and other medical procedures, particularly where a relatively non-invasive procedure is needed. The sonic resonator system and its method of use provide a controllable high intensity sonic impulse, which may be in the form of a compression or rarefaction wave applied to a given target tissue or anatomical structure, to cause a significant therapeutic or other physiological effect.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic testing of an object, the method comprising ultrasonic scanning of a plurality of scan regions of the object; converting ultrasonic echoes of the ultrasonic scanning into a plurality of electrical signals; gating the electrical signals to provide gated signals; and wherein different gating times are used for the electrical signals.

Abstract: A single channel scanning acoustic microscope that increases the throughput of the acoustic imaging system by connecting a multi-transducer assembly in parallel to a single channel electronic circuit. The single channel scanning acoustic microscope includes multiple transducers configured to generate a time delay for individual ultrasonic waves generated by each transducer, wherein a pulse generator simultaneously sends a pulse signal to the multi-transducer assembly.

Abstract: The present application relates to a non-destructive testing system. The non-destructive testing system may include an ultrasonic probe and a hand-held display in communication with the ultrasonic probe. The hand-held display may be configured to display C-scan images or S-scan images.

Abstract: A system comprising a tractor vehicle, at least one trailer vehicle and a skin between and in contact with the tractor and trailer vehicles. One of the vehicles is disposed in a non-inverted position above the skin and the other is inverted and below the skin. The trailer vehicle comprises one or more magnets, while the tractor vehicle comprises one or more magnets magnetically coupled to each opposing magnet on the trailer vehicle. The vehicles may have mutually opposing permanent magnets in one-to-one relationship. Alternatively, each permanent magnet on the trailer vehicle could be opposed by one or more electro-permanent magnets on the tractor vehicle. The system further comprises means for maintaining the magnetic attraction force within a range as the vehicles move along a portion of the skin having a varying thickness.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor has two or more ultrasonic arrays disposed on a probe surface, and a delay control unit that controls a transmission angle of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic arrays. The ultrasonic arrays have a linear array structure in which a plurality of ultrasonic elements are arranged in a linear scanning direction, and the delay control unit controls the timing for transmitting ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic elements and controls the transmission angle of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic arrays. Two of the ultrasonic arrays have linear scanning directions that are different from each other and are arranged in positions that are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, system, and device for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. The novel method includes transmitting a non-beamformed or beamformed ultrasound wave into the medium, receiving more than one echoed ultrasound wave from the medium, and converting the received echoed ultrasound wave into digital data. The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless. The novel device may include transducer elements, an analog-to-digital converter in communication with the transducer elements, and a transmitter in communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. The first electrical energy may or may not be beamformed. The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy.

Abstract: Appliances and methods are disclosed for testing operation of an acoustic device that generates beams of acoustic energy. An imaging array generates electrical signals in response to impinging receipt of acoustic energy. An acoustic-energy direction system is disposed to focus acoustic energy onto the imaging array. A controller is electrically coupled with the acoustic device and with the imaging array. The controller has instructions to generate an image on a display from electrical signals received by the controller from the imaging array. The electrical signals are received by the controller in response to generation of a beam of acoustic energy by the acoustic device. The beam of acoustic energy is directed towards the acoustic-energy direction system. The image provides a representation of the generated beam of acoustic energy.

Abstract: A scanner comprises a scanning array mounted within a rotatable assembly having a first wheel on a first side, a second wheel on a second side and a membrane forming a drum around the array wherein a load path is provided between the wheels to divert load from the membrane such that it can be made thinner.

Abstract: A system and method that allow inspection of hollow structures made of composite material, such as an integrally stiffened wing box of an aircraft. A wing box comprises top and bottom skins connected by a plurality of spaced spars. The system employs a plurality of scanners for inspecting different portions of each spar. The system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to connect an external drive tractor to computer-controlled scanners that carry respective sensors, e.g., linear ultrasonic transducer arrays. A system operator can control the various components by means of a graphical user interface comprising multiple interaction regions that represent the individual scanner motion paths and are associated with respective motion script files.

Abstract: A transducer is used to send an ultrasound pulse toward a stone and to receive ultrasound reflections from the stone. The recorded time between a pulse that is reflected from the proximal surface and a pulse that is reflected either from the distal surface of the stone or from a surface supporting the stone is used to calculate the stone size. The size of the stone is a function of the time between the two pulses and the speed of sound through the stone (or through the surrounding fluid if the second pulse was reflected by the surface supporting the stone). This technique is equally applicable to measure the size of other in vivo objects, including soft tissue masses, cysts, uterine fibroids, tumors, and polyps.