Abstract: Specially designed for the fully automated detection of residual oxide stains (residual scale) and classification thereof in metal sheet production lines, with no to stop the line, the invention consists of a framework or box (4) equipped with means for movement (8) over the surface of the metal sheet (2) to be examined, containing a high-resolution CCD camera (1), a high-power lighting unit (6-7) and a diffuse light generator; the video signal of the camera is sent to a PC (3) equipped with software for processing the images obtained, so that the residual oxide stains may be detected and classified. The movement of said box or framework (4) is controlled by a programmable automaton (14), also connected to said PC (3).

Abstract: A two-axis solar tracker that orientates and adjusts the angular position of associated solar collector panels. The tracker may be hydraulically operated all movements of the tracker may be produced by three hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beam former which performs coherent composition of signals originating from a given propagation direction, which are received by an array of <I>N </I> receiving transducers. The inventive methodology and devices are suitable for use in the following fields: radar, sonar, acoustic, seismology, ultrasound imaging (echography and non-destructive testing) and others. According to the invention, the beam former employs arrays having elements which can be distributed randomly. In particular, the invention can be used for dynamic focusing with deflection of the beam in azimuth and elevation, using two-dimensional arrays.

Abstract: An installation for the automatic evaluation of the condition of the rolling band on wheels of moving trains. It comprises a rail beam (1) for each railway line (8), a guard-rail to assure wheel guidance, feelers (P1, P2, P3, P4) intended to come into contact with the wheels passing over them, feeler holders fitted on the rail beam, to ensure wheel-feeler contact, ultrasonics equipment (12) to transmit ultrasonic pulses towards the wheels and to generate the corresponding ultrasonic plots, a local processor (13) to control the ultrasonics equipment and to receive the ultrasonic plot signals generated, a computer (14) connected to the local processor to manage the ultrasonics equipment, and an antenna (15) connected to the computer to identify the compositions of train measurements. The invention is useful to detect cracks in the rolling band of railway vehicle wheels.