Having Significant Coupling Means Patents (Class 73/644)
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Patent number: 11971512Abstract: A device for identifying the location of pipe is disclosed. The device includes a motor shaft attached at one end to a motor and attached at the other end to a weight; a flexible push rod attached at one end to a tip assembly and attached at the other end to a reel; a power source for powering the motor; and a tip assembly. The tip assembly is threaded into one end of a pipe. As the motor turns the motor shaft, the motor shaft causes the weight to oscillate. As the weight oscillates it causes the tip assembly to vibrate. As the tip assembly vibrates it emits auditory sounds.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2022Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Inventor: Carl Israel Larkin
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Patent number: 11913908Abstract: Systems and methods for continuously monitoring mass loss through flow erosion of a well equipment component are provided. The disclosed system includes a wear transducer mounted to the equipment component proximate a portion of the equipment component exposed to erosive fluid flow. The wear transducer includes a metal coupon including an elongated end that extends into a flowpath of the equipment component such that the elongated end is exposed to the erosive fluid flow. The wear transducer also includes an ultrasonic sensor disposed within the metal coupon. The ultrasonic sensor transmits ultrasonic signals through the metal coupon toward the elongated end and receives ultrasonic signal reflections reflected back from the elongated end.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2019Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: Frank D. Kalb, Alexander Anthony Bradley
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Patent number: 11898893Abstract: A transducer for non-invasive measurement includes: at least one first piezoelectric element; a second piezoelectric element; and a base material mountable to a wall of a vessel that contains a liquid. The base material has a planar portion and an angular shaped portion. The angular shaped portion has a plurality of outer faces, a first face of the plurality of outer faces of the angular shaped portion being connected to (or part of) a first face of the planar portion, a second face of the planar portion opposite to the first face of the planar portion being mountable to the wall of the vessel, at least one second face of the plurality of outer faces of the angular shaped portion being angled to the first face of the angular shaped portion at an angle less than an angle of 90 degrees internal to the base material.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Miklos Lenner, Frank Kassubek, Christof Bernhard, Detlef Pape
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Patent number: 11885771Abstract: An ultrasound probe is described that comprises a transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasound. The probe also includes a coupling element, such as a spherical ball of self-lubricating or hydrogel material, for contacting and acoustically coupling to an object to be inspected. The ultrasound probe also includes an analyser that is arranged to analyse the ultrasound signal received by the transducer and thereby determine if there is contact between the coupling element, and the surface of an object. The probe can thus be used for internal (ultrasound) inspection of objects as well as measuring the position of points on the surface of the object. The probe may be mountable to a coordinate measuring machine or other moveable platforms.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: RENISHAW PLCInventor: Liam Hall
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Patent number: 11879868Abstract: Techniques are provided for detecting wafer defects. Example techniques include exciting a wafer using an acoustic signal to cause the wafer to exhibit vibrations, measuring one or more of linear frequency response metrics or nonlinear frequency responses metrics associated with the vibrations, and identifying any defects in the wafer based at least in part on one or more of the linear frequency response metrics or nonlinear frequency responses metrics. In embodiments, the wafer includes bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3).Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2021Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: TRIAD NATIONAL SECURITY, LLCInventors: Cristian Pantea, John James Greenhall, Alan Lyman Graham, Dipen N. Sinha
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Patent number: 11860131Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system with an ultrasonic transducer housing assembly that maintains an acoustic coupling path for spherically focused transducers while allowing the placement of the housing at angles relative to a vertical angle. This invention extends the use of spherically focused transducers into portable systems with significantly reduced system and operational costs for non-destructive testing. The transducer housing assembly features a lens housing with an opening that is sealed with a replaceable fluid-tight membrane defining an acoustic window with acoustic properties similar to those of fluid in the housing and therefore at least translucent to the transducer and causing minimal signal loss. The housing contains minimal fluid to be cleaned up in case of improper use or leakage. The transducer housing also includes an optional surface offset and an ability to adjust the focal point of the transducer relative to the component surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2020Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Kayla P. Garrett, Douglas E. Smith
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Patent number: 11835484Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a cylindrical part is provided. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer operable to emit ultrasonic waves into and receive ultrasonic waves from the part, with the ultrasonic transducer connected to a translation stage to move it up and down the part and around the circumference of the part. The apparatus does not mechanically contact the cylindrical or maintains contact only with soft elements, such that the apparatus does not damage sensitive parts. The apparatus also contains no magnetic parts, nor any elements that rely on magnetic detection, such that the apparatus is capable of being used in the vicinity of a part exhibiting a strong magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Pruthul Kokkada Ravindranath, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Daniel Pulipati, Ian Gravagne
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Patent number: 11835374Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a sensor that includes a first axial sensor housing portion having a first cross-sectional area, a second axial sensor housing portion arranged adjacent to the first axial sensor housing portion along the sensor axis and having a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area, and a face extending from the interior surface of the first axial sensor housing portion to the interior surface of the second axial sensor housing portion, a first buffer rod within the first axial sensor housing portion and having a first axial end and a second axial end, a second buffer rod within the second axial sensor housing portion and abutting the face, and having a third axial end and a fourth axial end, and an acoustic transceiver element acoustically mated to the second axial end and the third axial end.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Woodward, Inc.Inventors: Jordan Loren Loos, Gregory Warren Pulley, Brian Lynn Swope
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Patent number: 11828640Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a method for measuring a liquid level in a liquid container includes, emitting one or more guided waves from a guided wave sensor array through a liquid volume within a liquid container, the guided wave sensor array coupled to the liquid container, detecting the one or more guided waves with at least one of the guided wave sensor array or a second guided wave sensor array, and determining a liquid level of the liquid container using the one or more detected guided waves.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventors: Yeasin Bhuiyan, Peter J. Carini
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Patent number: 11802852Abstract: A method for testing solid acid hydrolysis in a formation. The method includes introducing a test sample into a test cell, where the test sample includes an upper structure, a lower structure, and a solid acid disposed between the upper and lower structures. The pressure and temperature of the test cell are increased to simulate downhole conditions. A velocity of an acoustic p-wave and/or acoustic s-wave is through the test sample is measured while the temperature is increasing from an initial temperature to a final temperature. A temperature of onset of solid acid hydrolysis based on the measured velocity is determined.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2020Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANYInventor: Mohammad H. Alqam
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Patent number: 11801536Abstract: A water wash system (200) for a gas turbine engine (100) having a fan (126) and a front hub (136), the front hub (136) can be rotated with the fan (126). The water wash system (200) generally includes a head unit (202) and a base assembly (204). The head unit (202) includes a mounting structure (206) and one or more wash fluid lines (208) for spraying a wash fluid into the gas turbine engine (100). The mounting structure (206) defines an inner friction surface (252) for contacting the front hub (136) of the gas turbine engine (100). Additionally, the base assembly (204) is operatively connected to the head unit (202) and is configured to press the head unit (202) towards the front hub (136) to fix the inner friction surface (252) against the front hub (136).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Peng Wang, Renwei Yuan
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Patent number: 11786934Abstract: An ultrasound transducer with at least one piezoelectric oscillator, a damping compound and at least one electrically conductive conducting element that is in contact with the piezoelectric oscillator. The damping compound in an ultrasound transducer encloses at least the at least one conducting element, and the composite structure of the at least one conducting element and of the damping compound is designed such that the composite structure is in contact over an area with the piezoelectric oscillator, and forms a support on the side of the ultrasound transducer that faces away from the piezoelectric oscillator on which the ultrasound transducer can be supported.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rolf Glitsch, Siegfried Reck
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Patent number: 11774410Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a small-diameter wire/rod/tube ultrasonic detector with an end blind area and an automatic ultrasonic nondestructive detecting system, wherein a sealing cover of the ultrasonic detector is located on a water storage device; an annular array unit mounting rack and a water pump are fixed in the water storage device, and an annular array detecting unit is connected to the annular array unit mounting rack; the water pump is connected to an input end of water circulation input and output; a sensor is mounted in one side of the sealing cover in which a detected material is allowed to enter; the annular array detecting unit comprises an outer ring part and an inner ring part, and the outer ring part and the inner ring part are connected into a whole by means of a wire inlet side end cover and a wire outlet side end cover; the outer ring part consists of an outer ring substrate and an outer ring arraying probe, and the inner ring part consists of an inner ring inner core and anType: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Inventors: Deliang Lian, Ying Li, Xusheng Zhang, Haoran Hua
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Patent number: 11703435Abstract: A system for detecting characteristics of a fluid includes a sonic sensor. The sonic sensor includes a transducer, a transduction surface, and an acoustically reflective pad member. The transducer may be contained within a probe body, and the transduction surface may be an element of the probe body. A stem may connect the pad member to the transduction surface. The transducer will generate pulses that are transmitted to the pad member via a fluid when the transduction surface and pad member are immersed in the fluid. The system will detect the pulses when reflected and use that data to determine a speed of sound within the fluid. The system may use the speed of sound to determine density, specific gravity and/or stiffness of the fluid. The system may use that determination to assess a level of processing activity of the fluid, such as fermentation activity.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Inventors: Stephen M. Wells, Nicholas A. Wells, Eli M. Hughes
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Patent number: 11678865Abstract: A high frequency ultrasound array having a number of transducer elements that are formed in sheet of piezoelectric material. A frame having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is similar to that of the piezoelectric material surrounds the piezoelectric material and is separated from the piezoelectric material by a filling material. Kerf cuts that define the individual elements in the sheet of piezoelectric material extend across a full width of the sheet. In some embodiments, sub-dice kerf cuts that divide a single transducer element into two or more sub-elements also extend all the way across the width of the sheet. A lens positioned in front of the transducer elements can have a radius machined therein to focus ultrasound signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Christopher Chaggares, Oleg Ivanytskyy, Guofeng Pang, Robert Kolaja, Hossein Amini
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Patent number: 11680857Abstract: An ultrasonic test device and test method for service stress of a moving mechanical component, where the device comprises an ultrasonic probe, a coupling fluid, a pressure-maintaining cover and universal wheels. The cover is vertically arranged above an inspected position of an inspected component, an interior of the pressure-maintaining cover is filled with coupling fluid, a bottom of the cover is provided with a structure permeable to the coupling fluid to form a coupling fluid film between the inspected position and the bottom of the cover, and a top of the cover is equipped with the ultrasonic probe. A detection part at a lower part of the ultrasonic probe extends into the coupling fluid of the cover and is vertical to the bottom of the cover without contact. The distance between the ultrasonic probe and the inspected component is kept unchanged through the universal wheels.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: BEIJING INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Chunguang Xu, Shuangyi Li, Yuren Lu, Peng Yin, Dezhi Li, Wenyuan Song
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Patent number: 11668679Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2020Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: FANUC CORPORATIONInventors: Takahide Mine, Yoshitake Furuya
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Patent number: 11656109Abstract: A measuring element for a water meter assembly is provided. The measuring element may be interchangeably installed within a main case that is permanently situated in-line with a monitored piping system. The measuring element includes a measuring channel, an electronics module, and an acoustic reflector plate. The measuring element has a top wall with multiple ports and a bottom wall with a recess. The electronics module is mounted above the top wall. The electronics module includes one or more pairs of ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit ultrasonic signals through the multiple ports into the measuring channel, and a processor to calculate a flow value based on the transmitted ultrasonic signals from the one or more pairs of ultrasonic transducers. The acoustic reflector plate is mounted in the recess and includes at least one concave reflector that reflects the transmitted ultrasonic signals between the one or more pairs of ultrasonic transducers.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2020Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: NEPTUNE TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC.Inventors: John R. Scarborough, III, J. Davis Garth, Mahesh K. Matam, Ross Peter Jones
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Patent number: 11635409Abstract: A multi-material inspection system and velocity measurement method of critically refracted longitudinal wave based on single-angle wedges belong to the field of nondestructive testing of high-end equipment. The method includes the following steps: designing a transmitting wedge and a receiving wedge with the same inclination angle, and building phased array ultrasonic-based inspection systems of critically refracted longitudinal wave; estimating a longitudinal wave velocity range of a material to be tested, calculating and optimizing a phased array ultrasonic delay law, and building a relation between a longitudinal wave velocity and an amplitude of critically refracted longitudinal wave; reading and interpolating the arrival time of a received signal, and calculating a longitudinal wave velocity of the material to be tested; determining an optimal delay law, and exciting and receiving a critically refracted longitudinal wave.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2022Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Zhongbing Luo, Li Lin, Song Zhang, Hong Wang, Shijie Jin, Zhiyuan Ma
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Patent number: 11604172Abstract: An ultrasonic monitoring probe for internal service stress of a marine structural component. The probe includes a detection wedge provided with two symmetrically arranged inclined surfaces at its top, two connecting channels vertical to the two inclined surfaces and penetrating through the detection wedge and provided with threaded holes close to the inclined surfaces and water storage cavities far away from the inclined surfaces, two ultrasonic transducers mounted in the threaded holes of the two connecting channels and configured for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves; two bottom rings located at a bottom of the detection wedge and arranged relative to the water storage cavities and configured for attachment to a surface of a detected component, a magnet disposed in a magnet placement hole arranged at a central position between the two connecting passages, and a monitoring device electrically connected with the two ultrasonic transducers.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2021Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: BEIJING INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Chunguang Xu, Shuangyi Li, Yuren Lu, Peng Yin, Dezhi Li, Wenyuan Song
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Patent number: 11585922Abstract: A transducer probe includes a transducer array with rows of transducer elements that each extend in an elevation direction and is transverse to an azimuth direction, a matching layer disposed adjacent to the transducer array, and a focusing layer disposed adjacent to the matching layer. The focusing layer includes a first material with a first refractive index and a second material with a second refractive index, and the first refractive index is less than the second refractive index. The first and second materials are distributed in an alternating pattern with the first material at edges of the rows. First widths of the first material decrease from the edges towards a center of the rows, and second widths of the second material increase from the edges towards the center.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: SOUND TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventor: Christopher Beers
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Patent number: 11577284Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface, the apparatus including a body defining a chamber, an inlet for liquid flow into the chamber, an outlet for liquid flow from the chamber, a nozzle connected to the outlet for generating an output flow of liquid for cleaning a surface, an acoustic transducer associated with the body to introduce acoustic energy into the liquid within the chamber whereby the acoustic energy is present in the liquid flowing out of the nozzle, and a gas bubble generator for generating gas bubbles within the liquid flowing out of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: SLOAN WATER TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventors: Timothy Grant Leighton, Christopher James Bradshaw Vian, Peter Robert Birkin
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Patent number: 11573074Abstract: A hybrid position sensor for determining the position of a hybrid target includes a main transducer for obtaining a first signal indicative for a position of the hybrid target within a first range and with a first resolution using a first or second technology; a support transducer for obtaining a second signal indicative for the position of the hybrid target within a second range and with a second resolution using the second technology if the main transducer is using the first technology and vice versa, wherein the first range is smaller than the second and the first resolution is higher than the second, and wherein the first technology is magnet based and the second technology is an inductive technology; a combiner for combining the obtained first signal and second signal to determine the position of the hybrid target.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: MELEXIS TECHNOLOGIES SAInventors: Gael Close, Lorenzo Lugani
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Patent number: 11573208Abstract: A scanning device is provided. The scanning device includes a frame having a first portion and a second portion pivotably coupled to the first frame portion. The scanning device also includes a couplant source disposed in the first frame portion along with a couplant assembly. The couplant assembly includes a first couplant line disposed completely within the first frame portion and the second frame portion. The couplant assembly also includes a second couplant line extending from the first couplant line and out of the second frame portion at a first end of the second couplant line. The couplant assembly has a couplant line branch extending from the second couplant line where a sensor assembly of the ultrasound scanning device couples with the couplant line branch at an end opposite the second end of the second couplant line.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2020Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Olympus NDT Canada Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Spay, Patrick Mimeault
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Patent number: 11529115Abstract: An ultrasound probe for a puncture needle and an ultrasound diagnostic device using the same are disclosed. The ultrasound probe for the puncture needle transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject from a transducer array which is arranged so as to be tilted at a predetermined array angle of inclination with respect to a subject contact surface, in a direction in which an angle of an ultrasonic wave transmission/reception surface with respect to a puncturing direction of the puncture needle punctured from a puncture position toward the front of the subject contact surface decreases, receives ultrasonic echoes, forms sound ray signals which are tilted to a side of the puncture needle, and generates a B mode image of a deep region of the subject from the sound ray signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Atsushi Osawa
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Patent number: 11506636Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement system includes abase apparatus, an ultrasonic transducer remote from the base apparatus, a temperature sensing system remote from the base apparatus, and an electrical cable. The base apparatus includes a power supply, a pulse transmitter/receiver; and a base apparatus controller operatively connected to the power supply and the pulse transmitter/receiver. The ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric element. The temperature sensing system includes a temperature measurement instrument operatively connected to a temperature sensor. The electrical cable includes first and second electrical conductors with the first and second conductors electrically connecting the base apparatus, the ultrasonic transducer, and the temperature sensing system. A method of measuring a thickness of an object and a further measurement system are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Molex, LLCInventors: Mariusz Kloza, Alexander S. Chernyshov
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Patent number: 11493416Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a measurement tube including a tubular main body, which has a wall and a lumen, and a sensor holder, which is arranged on and integrally bonded to an outer lateral surface of the wall of the main body, opposite the lumen, the sensor holder configured to be mechanically connected to at least one sensor component for sensing at least one measurement variable of a measurement material located in the lumen. The sensor holder is at least partly produced by an additive manufacturing method directly on the lateral surface of the wall of the main body. In a method for producing such a measurement tube, liquefied material is applied to the outer lateral surface of the wall of the main body and allowed to resolidify there to form a part of the sensor holder, which part is integrally bonded to the wall of the main body.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2017Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Endress+Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Torsten Undi, Andreas Strub, Andris Kade
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Patent number: 11474074Abstract: A detection apparatus according to an embodiment includes a convergence member and a sensor. The convergence member comes into contact with a test object and has an elastic-modulus distribution in which an elastic modulus decreases as a distance from a center of the convergence member increases. The sensor is placed in an area including the center of the convergence member. The sensor detects, through the convergence member, an elastic wave generated from the test object.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Takashi Usui, Hiroshi Ohno
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Patent number: 11476168Abstract: Disclosed herein are structures and techniques for exposing circuitry in die testing. For example, in some embodiments, an integrated circuit (IC) die may include: first conductive contacts at a first face of the die; second conductive contacts at a second face of the die; die stack emulation circuitry; other circuitry; and a switch coupled to the second conductive contacts, the die stack emulation circuitry, and the other circuitry, wherein the switch is to couple the second conductive contacts to the other circuitry when the switch is in a first state, and the switch is to couple the die stack emulation circuitry to the other circuitry when the switch is in a second state different from the first state.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2018Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Terrence Huat Hin Tan, Rehan Sheikh, Michael T. Klinglesmith, Sukhbinder Takhar, Shi Hou Chong, Kok Hin Oon, Wai Loon Yip, Yudhishthira Kundu, Deepak R. Tanna
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Patent number: 11460448Abstract: A wear sole, an ultrasonic inspection apparatus having a wear sole, and methods for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus can include a body, a wear sole, and a fluid channel. The body can define a first chamber configured to receive a first volume of ultrasonic couplant and a distal end of an ultrasonic probe. The wear sole can define a second chamber configured to receive a second volume of ultrasonic couplant and the wear sole can be removably coupled to a distal end of the body. The wear sole can also have a membrane extending thereacross for separating the first chamber from the second chamber. The fluid channel can extend through the body and the wear sole can be configured to deliver the second volume of ultrasonic couplant to the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: GE SENSING & INSPECTION TECHNOLOGIES GMBHInventors: René Pfortje, Benjamin Hoemske, Christof Breidenback, Alexander Fiseni, Stephan Falter
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Patent number: 11448538Abstract: A clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter includes a measuring tube, a pair of ultrasonic contact transducers, and an electronic measuring/operating circuit for operating the transducers. Each transducer includes a transducer element for generating and detecting ultrasonic signals and a coupling element. The transducer element is located on one side of the coupling element facing away from the measuring tube, and is designed to be acoustically coupled to the measuring tube via another side of the coupling element facing the measuring tube, and designed to transmit ultrasonic signals between the transducer element and measuring tube. The ultrasonic flowmeter comprises an adjusting device for at least one transducer for adjusting the transducer. The adjusting device is arranged and configured to modify at least one angle of the signal path with respect to the coupling face or a signal path length, wherein the adjusting device has at least two degrees of freedom.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2018Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER FLOWTEC AGInventors: Achim Wiest, Oliver Brumberg, Andreas Berger
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Patent number: 11435322Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an objective optical system and a photoacoustic imaging apparatus capable of obtaining a clearer image of a sample than before. The objective optical system (23) includes: a convex mirror (101) having a convex reflecting surface for reflecting pulsed light traveling toward a sample (SP); a concave mirror (102) having a concave reflecting surface for reflecting the light reflected by the convex mirror (101) and irradiating the sample (SP) with the light; and an ultrasonic detector (103) having at least one end portion provided on an object side of the convex mirror (101), and detecting an acoustic wave obtained by irradiating the sample (SP) with the light.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventor: Hiroyuki Sangu
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Patent number: 11417309Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer that includes a delay line, an active piezoelectric element, and interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. The delay line and active piezoelectric element are joined so that ultrasonic waves may be coupled from the active piezoelectric element into the delay line or from the delay line into the active piezoelectric element. A via is formed, using a milling operation, in the active piezoelectric element to expose the edge of the interposing metal conductive layer between the delay line and active piezoelectric element. A conductive layer makes electrical contact between the interposing metal conductive layer and the surface of the active piezoelectric element to allow an electrical connection to be made from the surface of the active piezoelectric element to the interposing metal conductive layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: ASCENT VENTURE, LLC.Inventors: James M Chwalek, Todd A Jackson
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Patent number: 11385650Abstract: Systems and methods for an inspection robot having replaceable sensor sled portions are disclosed. An example system may include: an inspection robot including a plurality of payloads; a plurality of arms, each of the plurality of arms pivotally mounted to one of the plurality of payloads; and a plurality of sleds, each sled mounted to one of the plurality of arms. At least one of the plurality of sleds includes an upper portion coupled to a replaceable lower portion, where the replaceable lower portion includes a portion of a delay line for a sensor of the inspection robot.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Gecko Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Mark Loosararian, Joshua Moore, Yizhu Gu, Kevin Low, Edward Bryner, Logan MacKenzie, Ian Miller, Alvin Chou, Todd Joslin
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Patent number: 11280763Abstract: A method for forming a wear sole includes forming a plurality of layers from a frame material, adjacent layers bonded to one another to define a frame. The frame can include a proximal surface configured to secure the frame to a probe holder, a distal surface configured to contact a portion of a target, a body extending between proximal and distal surfaces, an aperture extending through proximal and distal surfaces and the body, and a channel extending from the proximal surface to a chamber in fluid communication with the distal surface. The method can optionally include placing a membrane within the aperture. The membrane can be coupled to the body by a seal, inhibiting passage of a fluid through the proximal surface via the aperture. The chamber can extend within the body between a distal surface of the membrane and the distal surface of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: GE SENSING & INSPECTION TECHNOLOGIES GMBHInventors: Alexander Fiseni, Christof Breidenbach, Frank Kahmann
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Patent number: 11162829Abstract: A multilayer body includes a piezoelectric body and a first acoustic matching layer in direct or indirect contact with the piezoelectric body. The first acoustic matching layer includes a plastic foam containing a plurality of closed pores. An average pore size of the closed pores is not smaller than 1 ?m and not larger than 100 ?m. The first acoustic matching layer has a density of not less than 10 kg/m3 and not more than 100 kg/m3.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Hidetaka Sugaya, Tomoki Masuda, Hidetomo Nagahara
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Patent number: 11047831Abstract: A method for testing a body having a feature and an outer surface includes configuring a probe to emit a focused ultrasonic beam; configuring a control unit to control the probe, adjusting a focal distance of a focal point of the beam with reference to a test location; adjusting a position of the focal point along at least one axis with reference to the feature; emitting the beam into the outer surface; and determining a presence of a crack at the test location by evaluating % a signal response from the probe. A related apparatus includes the control unit, the transducer, and a shoe assembly having a shoe member and a shoe adapter. A coupling fluid in a variable volume chamber in the shoe adapter separates the transducer from the shoe member and allows changes in a focal distance of the focal point. The apparatus also includes one or more positioners for adjusting a position of the focal point.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT LLCInventors: Jeong-Kwan Na, Travis Kemp
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Patent number: 10996163Abstract: A thermoacoustic probe with an electromagnetic (EM) energy applicator, a thermoacoustic transducer, and a housing containing the applicator and thermoacoustic transducer and enabling an EM exit window and a transducer front face to be held flush with respect to each other. A first acoustic absorbing material is placed between the EM applicator and the transducer, between the EM applicator and the housing, and between the transducer and the housing as spacers; and a second acoustic absorbing material is injected between the EM applicator and the transducer, between the EM applicator and the housing, and between the transducer and the housing in the spaced gaps, wherein the first acoustic absorbing material and the second acoustic absorbing material are combined to form a sleeve covering the applicator sides and the transducer sides. The acoustic absorbing materials mitigate sound artifacts and noise resulting in cleaner signal data.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2021Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: ENDRA Life Sciences Inc.Inventors: Jeremy Gill, Michael M. Thornton
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Patent number: 10876871Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system according to which first and second transducers are connected to first and second waveguides, respectively, the first and second waveguides are connected to a pipe, and ultrasonic wave signals are exchanged between the first and second transducers, said ultrasonic wave signals passing through the first and second waveguides, the pipe, and a fluid in the pipe. A temperature of the fluid flowing in the pipe may exceed about 600° C. The first and second waveguides insulate the first and second transducers from the pipe and propagate the ultrasonic wave signals between the pipe and the first and second transducers, respectively, so that the ability of the first and second transducers to exchange the ultrasonic wave signals is not adversely affected by the temperature of the fluid in the pipe. The first and second waveguides may be made of a calcium silicate technical ceramic.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Timothy Lawrence Head, Rusty Towell
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Patent number: 10813553Abstract: An intraoperative probe and a system for optically imaging a surgically significant volume of tissue or other scattering medium. An illumination source generates an illuminating beam that is conveyed to the vicinity of the tissue and a beam splitter, that may be no more than an optical phase reference, splits the illuminating beam into a sample beam along a sample beam path and a reference beam along a reference beam path. A scanning mechanism scans a portion of the sample beam across a section of the scattering medium, while a detector detects return beams from both the reference beam path and the sample beam path and generates an interference signal. A processor computationally moves an effective focus of the sample beam without physical variation of focus of the sample beam. The probe may have a sterilizable fairing that may be detachable.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Diagnostic Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Stephen A. Boppart, Paul Scott Carney, Andrew Cittadine
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Patent number: 10809234Abstract: An ultrasonic fluid flow meter can include a casing structure including a hook portion configured to engage a conduit to secure the casing structure to the conduit. The ultrasonic fluid flow meter can include a transducer block disposed within the casing structure and seating ultrasonic transducers. A distance between the hook portion and the transducer block along a direction transverse to the transducer block can be adjustable. The ultrasonic transducers can face the conduit when the casing structure is secured to the conduit via the hook portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Reliance Worldwide CorporationInventors: Jeffrey L. Leaders, Francis Mess, Clayton C. Pumphrey, Jorge C. Almirall
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Patent number: 10801869Abstract: Provided are a flowrate measurement device and a flowrate measurement method. The flowrate measurement device includes an attachment portion configured to attach the flowrate measurement device to an object to be measured, and a measurement portion. The measurement portion includes a first ultrasonic transmitter, a second ultrasonic transmitter and a plurality of signal receivers between the first ultrasonic transmitter and the second ultrasonic transmitter. The plurality of signal receivers are spaced apart from each other. The first ultrasonic transmitter, the second ultrasonic transmitter and the plurality of the signal receivers are all disposed on the attachment portion, such that both the first ultrasonic transmitter and the second ultrasonic transmitter are capable of emitting an ultrasonic wave signal to the object to be measured. The signal receivers are capable of receiving an ultrasonic wave signal reflected from the object to be measured.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignees: ORDOS YUANSHENG OPTOELECTRONICS CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.Inventors: Dong Ji, Feng Luo, Nan Zhang, Guoliang Liu, Da Liu, Xiaodong Fang, Jialin Huang, Guoqiang Zhao, Jie Liu
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Patent number: 10782161Abstract: A transducer mounting apparatus can be used to remotely monitor the integrity of pipes or pipelines, which ordinarily are difficult to access due to environmental factors. The transducer mounting apparatus can include one or more transducer blocks, each adapted for receiving a transducer. A UT couplant and threaded transducer are positioned in an opening in the transducer block. A gear wheel adjusts the transducer up and down against the UT couplant to optimize the positioning relative to the pipe being monitored. A series of transducer blocks are connected by a tension block and or more wire ropes extending through the tension block and the transducer blocks. The length of the wire rope is adjusted with a set screw extending from the tension block to a transducer block, thereby allowing the transducer block assembly to accommodate different pipe diameters or mechanical structures of varying dimensions that are not necessarily round.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: BERKELEY SPRINGS INSTRUMENTS, LLCInventors: Eugene B. Silverman, Nischom K. Silverman
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Patent number: 10641740Abstract: A method of releasably adhering an ultrasonic sensor to a structure, the structure having an operating temperature range, the method comprising: applying a coupling agent between the structure and the sensor at an installation temperature, the coupling agent having a glass transition temperature (Tg) below the operating temperature range and below the installation temperature, the coupling agent being in a viscous/viscoelastic state over the operating temperature range; and urging the sensor against the structure with the coupling agent therebetween such that the sensor adheres to the structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2018Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: SENSOR NETWORKS, INC.Inventors: James Barshinger, Jeffrey Anderson
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Patent number: 10551238Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an aerated fluid includes a probe having a first solid portion and a second hollow portion. The probe has a closed end at the hollow portion. The solid portion and the hollow portion define an interface therebetween. A transducer element is mounted to the probe at about the solid portion. The transducer element is configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal through the solid portion into the hollow portion and to receive reflections of the ultrasonic signal to determine the presence or absence of a fluid and/or an aerated fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Terence J. Knowles, Brian J. Truesdale, Kenneth A. Albrecht, Charles F. Bremigan, III
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Patent number: 10466210Abstract: A pottery shard analyzer may determine one or more characteristics of an unidentified pottery shard. A vibration injector may cause the unidentified pottery shard to vibrate with a vibration signature that is dependent on the one or more characteristics of the unidentified pottery shard. A vibration detector may detect and extract a vibration signature from the vibration of the unidentified pottery shard caused by the vibration injector. A vibration signature comparator may: compare the detected vibration signature of the unidentified pottery shard with vibration signatures of multiple identified pottery shards having one or more known characteristics; and flag one or more of the identified pottery shards that have vibration signatures that are similar to the vibration signature of the unidentified pottery shard.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Inventor: Baxton Chen
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Patent number: 10416120Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: University of Louisiana at LafayetteInventor: Gabriela Petculescu
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Patent number: 10302600Abstract: Inspection devices include a nozzle portion having at least one opening and a transducer disposed in a rear chamber of the housing. The housing has at least one fluid channel defined in the housing and extending along at least a portion of the rear chamber. The at least one fluid channel is configured to supply a fluid into a forward chamber of the housing proximate the transducer. Related methods include operating an inspection device.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy D. Palmer, Ronald G. Mellus, Edwin Dean S. Oba
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Patent number: 10209228Abstract: The invention is applied to an ultrasound inspection apparatus including an array probe such that wetting is substantially limited to an inspection surface of the work. The ultrasound inspection apparatus includes: a work holder that holds a work with an inspection surface thereof facing downward; an array probe that probes the work with an ultrasonic wave; a water tank in which the array probe is immersed in water; an arm that holds the array probe such that the array probe faces an underside of the inspection surface of the work; X-axial direction scanning means that horizontally scans the work, with a liquid surface coming into contact with the inspection surface of the work due to surface tension of a liquid stored in the water tank; and Y-axial direction scanning means that horizontally scans the array probe.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Hitachi Power Solutions Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Oono, Kenta Sumikawa
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Patent number: 10149662Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) mechanical probe for ultrasonic imagining is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Shengli Tang, Leyun Bai, Zhenchang Wang, Zhenyu Chen