Abstract: A z-axis gyroscope design is presented with a 2-degree of freedom (DOF) sense mode allowing interchangeable operation in either precision (mode-matched) or robust (wide-bandwidth) modes. This is accomplished using a complete 2-DOF coupled system which allows for the specification of the sense mode resonant frequencies and coupling independent of frequency. By decoupling the frame connecting the sense system to a central anchor, x-y symmetry is preserved while enabling a fully coupled 2-DOF sense mode providing control over both the bandwidth and the amount of coupling independent of operational frequency. The robust mode corresponds to operation between the 2-DOF sense mode resonant frequencies providing a response gain and bandwidth controlled by frequency spacing. Precision mode of operation, however, relies on mode-matching the drive to the second, anti-phase sense mode resonant frequency which can be designed to provide a gain advantage over a similar 1-DOF system.

Abstract: A balance test indexing tool for use in a balance testing machine to assist a user in testing unbalance in a rotor. The tool includes a rotor mount face disposed on the rotor being tested. The rotor mount face may be machined in a surface of the rotor or provided in a separate rotor mount temporarily fixed to the rotor. The tool also includes a rotor mount receiver configured to receive the rotor mount face in the balance testing machine. The rotor mount face and rotor mount receiver are configured to provide an indexing coupling that allows the rotor to be readily indexed to any of a plurality of index positions for unbalance testing in the testing machine. The tool allows multiple balancing runs to be made with relatively little effort needed to re-index the rotor. In some embodiments the tool includes a kinematic coupling that provides highly accurate and repeatable indexing.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to detect phase separation in downhole fluid sampling operations are disclosed. An example method to detect a phase separation condition of a fluid from a subterranean involves obtaining a sample of the fluid, measuring a first characteristic value of the sample, measuring a second characteristic value of the sample and comparing the first characteristic value to a first reference value associated with a single-phase condition of the fluid to generate a corresponding first comparison result. The example method then compares the second characteristic value to a second reference value associated with the single-phase condition of the fluid to generate a corresponding second comparison result and detects the phase separation condition of the fluid based on the first and second comparison results.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an angular velocity sensor capable of measuring an exact angular velocity, an ink jet head capable of producing an exact amount of ink, and a piezoelectric generating element capable of generating electric power due to positive piezoelectric effect. In the present invention, a piezoelectric film comprising a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode is used. The first electrode comprises an electrode layer having a (001) orientation. The piezoelectric layer comprises a (NaxBiy)TiO0.5x+1.5y+2—BaTiO3 layer (0.30?x?0.46 and 0.51?y?0.62) having a (001) orientation.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing aluminum oxide defects are described. The oxide defect type, as well as the time when the oxide defects are formed during the aluminum melting and casting processes can be identified quickly.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscopy (SPM) inspection and/or modification system which uses SPM technology and techniques. The system includes various types of microstructured SPM probes for inspection and/or modification of the object. The components of the SPM system include microstructured calibration structures. A probe may be defective because of wear or because of fabrication errors. Various types of reference measurements of the calibration structure are made with the probe or vice versa to calibrate it. The components of the SPM system further include one or more tip machining structures. At these structures, material of the tips of the SPM probes may be machined by abrasively lapping and chemically lapping the material of the tip with the tip machining structures.

Abstract: An airplane model is provided with a human-sensible interactive signal source; and the moving status of the air plane model such velocity is detected to generate a movement parameter. The movement parameter is operated with a frequency-dependent conversion function to obtain a first interactive data. A second interactive data is generated when a trace of the moving article is matched with a default pattern. A third interactive data is generated when the velocity along at least one dimension exceeds a threshold value. The interactive signal source, such as loudspeaker or lamps, is selectively driven by one of the interactive data to generate a movement-dependent audiovisual effect. Therefore, the airplane model can provide enhanced amusement effect for a user.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for non-destructive in-line pipeline inspection utilizing electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) technology wherein the EMATs are arrayed circumferentially in a belt around the body of the tool and wherein the EMAT belt includes a plurality of EMAT clusters, each cluster including a transmitting EMAT essentially sandwiched between a pair of receiving EMATs. The EMAT arrangement enables a single receiving EMAT to monitor both the test signal and the returning reflection from the pipewall defect thus providing each signal with its own internal reference. The number of transducers and their positional relationship limits the generation of interference signals, is conservative in power consumption, and provides a tool having enhanced negotiability through the pipeline.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to identify stationary and moveable high explosives and chemical warfare on-field with a unique structure of a portable neutrons generator used in strategic and public places, vehicles and airplanes. The present invention includes also a unique operation of fusion fuel below breakdown which is characterized with high production efficiency. The analysis of identifying the elements and their concentrations is also introduced in the present invention.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor having a support frame, a weight supported within the support frame via flexible beams, semiconductor piezoresistance elements provided on the beams, and wiring interconnecting the piezoresistance elements. The acceleration sensor detects acceleration from changes in resistance of the piezoresistance elements. Stress damping sections are provided on those portions of the beams which exclude the portions where the piezoresistance elements are provided. Each stress damping section is symmetrical with respect to the point of intersection between the length center line of the beam and the width center line of the beam.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic inspection device, an ultrasonic inspection method, and an atomic power plant nondestructive inspection method that are capable of efficiently generating ultrasonic waves having a sufficient intensity and that are capable of carrying out preferable inspection in a wide range. Provided is an ultrasonic inspection device including a laser device that emits output-adjusted laser light and a volumetric inspection ultrasonic-wave transmitting unit having a transmitting diaphragm that generates ultrasonic waves upon being irradiated with the laser light emitted by the laser device, inspection being carried out by radiating the ultrasonic waves generated by the transmitting diaphragm of the volumetric inspection ultrasonic-wave transmitting unit on a structural member, wherein the transmitting diaphragm is formed of titanium.

Abstract: An angular rate sensor having two generally planar proof masses, a sense axis in the plane of the masses, and an input axis perpendicular to the sense axis. The masses are suspended from a driving frame, which is mounted for torsional movement about the input axis in drive-mode. And the masses are constrained for anti-phase movement along the sense axis in sense-mode in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation of the masses about the input axis, with sensors responsive to the anti-phase movement of the masses along the sense axis for monitoring rate of rotation.

Abstract: A process to monitor unwanted formation of a polymer having internal mechanical strain is disclosed. The acoustic emission generated by polymer formation is detected by one or more acoustic sensors attached to a piece of equipment.

Abstract: A phantom for a quantitative ultrasound device is provided. The phantom includes a hollow casing, a first acoustic element disposed within the hollow casing, the first acoustic element simulating a broadband ultrasonic attenuation (BUA) of an exemplary bone; and a second acoustic element disposed within the hollow casing, the second acoustic element altering a speed of an ultrasonic signal transmitted through the phantom, the second acoustic element being disposed in-line with the first acoustic element. The phantom also includes a third acoustic element disposed within the hollow casing, the third acoustic element forming an acoustic coupling agent between the first acoustic element and the second acoustic element. A method of fabricating a phantom is also described herein.

Abstract: An angular rate sensor having two generally planar proof masses, a drive axis in the plane of the masses, and an input axis perpendicular to the drive axis. The masses are suspended from a sensing frame and constrained for anti-phase movement along the drive axis in drive-mode. The sensing frame is mounted for torsional movement in sense-mode about the input axis in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation of the masses about the input axis, with sensors responsive to the torsional movement of the sensing frame and the masses about the input axis for monitoring rate of rotation.

Abstract: An electronic phantom and method for electronically controlling a phantom for a quantitative ultrasound device are provided. The electronic phantom includes a housing, a first transducer element within the housing configured to receive an ultrasonic signal from a quantitative ultrasound device and a second transducer element within the housing connected to the first transducer element. The second transducer element is configured to transmit a modified ultrasonic sound wave to the quantitative ultrasound device based on the received ultrasonic signal. The first and second transducer elements are positioned in a back to back configuration within the housing.

Abstract: This invention describes an apparatus and a method for integrity monitoring of a borehole and the seal integrity of a caprock suitable for sequestration of greenhouse gases. The apparatus includes plural neutrally buoyant sensors for placement outside of a casing, placement including distribution within at least mud filter cake, cement, and proppant. This invention also includes a method for monitoring integrity of a borehole suitable for sequestration of greenhouse gases or other types of well using the described apparatus.

Abstract: A balance test indexing tool for use in a balance testing machine to assist a user in testing unbalance in a rotor. The tool includes a rotor mount that is temporarily affixed to the rotor being tested. The tool also includes a rotor mount receiver configured to receive the rotor mount and the rotor in the balance testing machine. The rotor mount and rotor mount receiver are configured to provide an indexing coupling that allows the rotor to be readily indexed to any of a plurality of index positions for unbalance testing in the testing machine. The tool allows multiple balancing runs to be made with relatively little effort needed to re-index the rotor. In some embodiments the tool includes a kinematic coupling that provides highly accurate and repeatable indexing.

Abstract: A device for conveying a substance that comprises: a first duct for containing the substance; an optical fiber connected to the first duct and extending along the duct, the optical fiber including several detection members spaced along its length, each detection member having a separate reflection spectrum that varies with the presence of the substance to be detected; a control device including a light source capable of emitting a light in the reflection spectrum of each detection member, a light receiver capable of detecting the light amplitude in the detection spectrum of each detection member, and an analysis module capable of determining the presence of a leak of the substance based on the light amplitude provided by the light receiver.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic inspection device, an ultrasonic inspection method, and an atomic power plant nondestructive inspection method that are capable of efficiently generating ultrasonic waves having a sufficient intensity and that are capable of carrying out preferable inspection in a wide range. Provided is an ultrasonic inspection device including a laser device that emits output-adjusted laser light and a volumetric inspection ultrasonic-wave transmitting unit having a transmitting diaphragm that generates ultrasonic waves upon being irradiated with the laser light emitted by the laser device, inspection being carried out by radiating the ultrasonic waves generated by the transmitting diaphragm of the volumetric inspection ultrasonic-wave transmitting unit on a structural member, wherein the transmitting diaphragm is formed of titanium.