Abstract: Example embodiments of this invention include a method and a device for assessing the internal structure of the tooth. In one example, the method is comprised of emitting a sequence of ultrasonic pulses from a given point on the tooth surface into the tooth at various directions of incidence (angles of incidence) with respect to the local tooth surface, recording the corresponding sequence of ultrasonic echoes from different internal dental formations, and processing the collected ultrasonic pulse-echo and pulse-direction data to present internal structure of the tooth in quantitative or graphical form.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic imaging a volume behind a barrier includes placing an array of elements of a probe adjacent the barrier. The local thickness and the sound speed in the barrier are estimated. A plurality of sub-apertures are defined in the array of elements, each sub-aperture defined by a different sub-set of adjacent ones of the array of elements. Ultrasonic waveforms are collected from each of the sub-apertures by focusing each sub-aperture approximately at the inner surface of the barrier. The ultrasonic waveforms through each of the sub-aperture elements are combined to generate a combined A-mode waveform. A profile of an inner surface of the barrier adjacent the probe is extracted based upon the combined A-mode waveforms. A correction is calculated based upon the profile of the inner surface. The volume behind the barrier is scanned using beamforming based upon the correction to generate an image of the volume.

Abstract: A method for imaging a flowing media within static regions includes obtaining a plurality of signals using the speckle properties of the flowing media. The plurality of signals are compared to one another such as by subtraction. The static regions are removed from the plurality of signals by the comparison. The remaining signals are combined (such as by summing) to produce an image of the flowing media.

Abstract: A method for imaging a flowing media within static regions includes obtaining a plurality of signals using the speckle properties of the flowing media. The plurality of signals are compared to one another such as by subtraction. The static regions are removed from the plurality of signals by the comparison. The remaining signals are combined (such as by summing) to produce an image of the flowing media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonic in-process monitoring and feedback of resistance spot weld quality uses at least one transducer located in the electrode assembly transmitting through a weld tip into an underway weld. Analysis of the spectrum of ultrasonic waves provides the operator with an indication of the size, thickness, location, dynamics of formation and quality of the spot weld. The method presents a fundamentally new physical approach to the characterization of the spot weld quality. Together with transmission mode it includes new modes of operation of ultrasonic probes such as a reflection mode and simultaneous use of transmission and reflection modes, and a new physical interpretation of the signal analysis results.

Abstract: An example electrode cap includes a bored portion of an electrode cap. The bored portion establishes a bore that extends longitudinally from one end of the electrode cap and terminates at a surface having a radius relative to the longitudinal axis. A tip portion of the electrode cap extends from the surface toward another end of the electrode cap. An example method of maintaining a focal point of an ultrasonic wave includes propagating an ultrasonic wave from a transducer through a bore and a tip portion of an electrode cap and receiving a reflection of the ultrasonic wave. The method further includes determining information about a welded area using the reflection and adjusting a radius of a surface of the electrode cap to position a focal point of the ultrasonic wave within the tip portion.

Abstract: A portable gas dynamic cold spray gun eliminates many of the inherent limitations of the prior art by minimizing a scatter of operating parameters and improving its efficiency. According to one feature of the present invention, the powder flow rate is continuously measured so that the powder flow rate and/or the flow rate of the pressurized gas can be adjusted accordingly in order to control the deposition efficiency of the spray gun.