Abstract: An acoustic sensing system to measure a geometry parameter such as, for example, position, orientation and/or shape of an object. The system includes a transmitter for transmitting acoustic wave energy at a single frequency, which acoustic wave energy, in an operating system, interacts with the object in a sensing region to provide reflected or scattered wave energy. A sensor mechanism consisting of many acoustic transducers is positioned to receive the reflected or scattered wave energy, each transducer being operable to convert the received acoustic wave energy to an electrical signal. A processor is connected to receive the electrical signals from the plurality of acoustic transducers; the processor is operable to obtain amplitude and phase information with respect to the electrical signal from each of the transducers, the amplitude and phase information from each of the plurality of transducers being combined and analyzed to derive a geometric parameter of the object.

Abstract: An automated inspection system for identifying objects by their geometrical shapes includes an orientation device wherein objects are conveyed one-by-one at constant velocity to abut at least one stationary member which urges the objects to an orientation common to other conveyed objects. After objects reach a stable common orientation, an inspection device is operated to detect waves which interact with the conveyed objects against the stationary background.

Abstract: An acoustic inspection system includes acoustic transducers to transmit and receive continuous acoustic waves at a constant frequency. Changes in phase and/or amplitude of acoustic waves reflected at different times from a fixed reference target through an isothermal transmission medium are detected. The temperature of the acoustic transmission path is controlled in response to the detected phase changes to maintain the wavelength of acoustic waves constant independent of changes in humidity and barometric pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus (and method) for parts sorting and the like wherein parts and the like are transported into an interaction region and irradiated with wave energy which interacts with the parts and the like to provide wave energy that emits from the interaction region. The positions of the parts and the like as they move through the interaction region are detected at spaced locations along the path of travel therethrough. The wave energy that emits from the interaction region is sensed to derive a characteristic of the parts and the like at each of the spaced locations to provide signals from which the characteristic can be determined. The signals are analyzed for each spaced location to derive data representative of the characteristic which serves as the basis for sorting.

Abstract: A system for achieving inspecting and/or positioning of an object that includes: an array that is operable to generate acoustic or low-frequency electromagnetic wave energy of a single or narrow band of frequencies, to transmit the wave energy to an interaction region where it interacts with the object and to transmit the wave energy, after interaction, to sensing means, sensors of the array being disposed to receive the wave energy and being operable to convert the wave energy to electric signals representative of the received wave energy; a processor connected to receive the electric signal and adapted to process the signals into amplitude and/or phase information for each sensor; and an analyzer to interpret the amplitude and/or phase information to derive therefrom a characteristic of the object, e.g., a geometric characteristic or an electromagnetic characteristic.

Abstract: A system for sorting parts wherein a part to be sorted is irradiated with wave energy of a single frequency (or very narrow band of frequencies) which interacts with the part. Wave energy emanating from the part is sensed at many spatially separated places to generate an electric signal representative of a characteristic of the amplitude and phase of the detected wave energy at each place. The electric signal so generated is compared with a pre-established signal and any differences therebetween are determined to establish whether the part is within acceptable limits in terms of geometric characteristics, e.g., size, material characteristics and orientation. The part is then acted upon on the basis of the comparison.

Abstract: A system to measure geometric and electromagnetic characteristics of objects. Wave energy of a single frequency (or very narrow band of frequencies) is directed upon an object which reflects (or otherwise interacts with) the wave energy. The reflected wave energy is sensed by many spatially spaced sensors to provide electric signals whose amplitude and phase components are combined to give a quantity from which geometric and/or electromagnetic characteristics of the object can be ascertained.