Abstract: In a measurement system wherein time-varying physical signals containing frequency information related to a physical parameter of an object are measured to obtain corresponding time-varying measurement signals, a method and system are disclosed for processing the measurement signals to obtain a value for the physical parameter by first extracting the frequency information from the measurement signals. The frequency information includes at least one desired frequency. The physical signals are electromagnetic signals. The object is a film such as a layer formed on a substrate, the physical parameter may be thickness of the layer.

Abstract: In a measurement system wherein time-varying physical signals containing frequency information related to a physical parameter of an object are measured to obtain corresponding time-varying measurement signals, a method and system are disclosed for processing the measurement signals to obtain a value for the physical parameter by first extracting the frequency information from the measurement signals. The frequency information includes at least one desired frequency and its amplitude and decay rate. Then, the frequency information is converted to a value for the physical parameter. The measurement signals are discrete time ultrasonic signals. Extraction is performed by transforming the ultrasonic signals to a Z-domain and converting at least one zero or pole in the Z-domain to the at least one frequency and its decay rate.

Abstract: In a measurement system wherein time-varying physical signals containing frequency information related to a physical parameter of an object are measured to obtain corresponding time-varying measurement signals, a method and system are disclosed for processing the measurement signals to obtain a value for the physical parameter by first extracting the frequency information from the measurement signals. The frequency information includes at least one desired frequency and its amplitude and decay rate. Then, the frequency information is converted to a value for the physical parameter. The measurement signals are discrete time ultrasonic signals. Extraction is performed by transforming the ultrasonic signals to a Z-domain and converting at least one zero or pole in the Z-domain to the at least one frequency and its decay rate.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to measure a physical parameter of a film such as film thickness or build, in both the wet and dry states of the film, on an article in a production environment without any contact or damage to the film or the rest of the article. The system includes two laser light sources, one pulsed and the other substantially continuous (i.e. long pulses), an interferometer, fiber optic cables, and appropriate optics including multiplexers and demultiplexers to: 1) image and transmit light from both sources to the film on the article; and 2) transmit the light from the continuous source reflected off the film surface back to the interferometer, and a computer containing a data acquisition card to record the data after signal processing and appropriate software to process the data. Light from both light sources are imaged on and over the same spot on the surface of the film. The pulsed light source is used to generate ultrasound in the film.

Abstract: In a measurement system wherein time-varying physical signals containing frequency information related to a physical parameter of an object are measured to obtain corresponding time-varying measurement signals, a method and system are disclosed for processing the measurement signals to obtain a value for the physical parameter by first extracting the frequency information from the measurement signals. The frequency information includes at least one desired frequency and its amplitude and decay rate. Then, the frequency information is converted to a value for the physical parameter. The measurement signals are discrete time ultrasonic signals. Extraction is performed by transforming the ultrasonic signals to a Z-domain and converting at least one zero or pole in the Z-domain to the at least one frequency and its decay rate. The physical signals may be coherent light signals which are modulated based on the frequency information which is related to propagation of longitudinal ultrasonic waves in the object.

Abstract: A container structure for a dangerous material. An inner container defines a chamber for receiving the dangerous material, an outer container surrounds the inner container, and a fluid chamber is disposed between the inner and outer containers. A body of non flammable liquid is disposed in and completely fills the fluid chamber, and the body of liquid is substantially confined in the fluid chamber. A vent space is disposed between the inner and outer containers in the area above the fluid chamber. The outer container has a bottom wall that is adapted to slidably engage a support surface so that the container structure can slide on the support surface in response to an external impact overcoming its inertia.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an insulated inner compartment member, an outer compartment member completely enclosing and spaced from the inner compartment member, with both of the members being liquid tight and with non-inflammable liquid being positioned in the space between the members and completely covering the inner compartment member, the inner compartment member being supported only at its upper end by the outer compartment member. Filling and discharge means connect to the inner compartment member from outside of the apparatus to complete the storage device.