Abstract: Ultrasonic measurement apparatus 10 includes a transmitter 14 to transmit an ultrasonic signal 16 into an item 12. A receiver 18 receives echoes 20 from the item 12. The apparatus 10 measures the echo 20 and makes a comparison with another echo to extract information relating to a deposit of additional material at a surface of the item 12. For example, tribofilms or deposits may grow on the surface of the item 12 during use. A comparison of the echo, with previous echoes, allows the additional material to be detected and/or characterised.

Abstract: Ultrasound generating apparatus (10) comprises an arbitrary waveform generator (12) to provide a waveform output at (14), representing a waveform. A power amplifier (16), which may be an operational amplifier, is operable to amplify the waveform output (14) in power and amplitude to provide a power output (18) for applying to an ultrasonic transducer (20).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to ultrasound measurement of a dimension such as the thickness (11) of an item (12) which may be worn over time by contact with an item (14). An ultrasonic transceiver (18) couples ultrasound into the item (12). Outgoing ultrasound i results in echos r returning to the transceiver (18). This allows calculation of time of flight to yield a value for the thickness (11). In the examples prescribed, the measurement is repeated a plurality of times in a specified period to extract a dimension from each received signal. Information extracted from the plurality of received signal is used to produce a single value indicative of the dimension of the item (12) over the specified period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting cooling tower fill pack to detect the presence of fouling, wherein the method comprises using ground penetrating radar (GPR). The method comprises transmitting GPR to the fill pack and detecting reflected radar signals from the fill pack. A method of cleaning fouling from a cooling tower, comprising the steps of: inspecting the cooling tower fill pack with ground penetrating radar (GPR); identifying those parts of the fill pack in which unacceptable levels of fouling are present; and cleaning the parts so identified is also presented.

Abstract: A fluid 10 is contained within a chamber 12. The chamber wall 14 has an inner surface 16 exposed to the fluid 10 and an outer surface 18 separated from the inner surface 18 by the material 20 of the wall 14. Ultrasound 22 is introduced into the material 20. Measurement of the time of flight of the ultrasound 22 through the body 20 allows a measurement to be made of the pressure of the fluid 10.

Abstract: Ultrasonic measurement apparatus 10 includes a transmitter 14 to transmit an ultrasonic signal 16 into an item 12. A receiver 18 receives echoes 20 from the item 12. The apparatus 10 measures the frequency spectrum of the echo 20 and makes a comparison with another frequency spectrum to extract information relating to a change in the item 12. For example, the item 12 may wear during use. A comparison of the frequency spectrum, with previous frequency spectra, allows changes of dimension of the item 12 to be identified. Changes in amplitudes of the frequency spectrum allow changes in roughness to be detected.

Abstract: Ultrasound generating apparatus (10) comprises an arbitrary waveform generator (12) to provide a waveform output at (14), representing a waveform. A power amplifier (16), which may be an operational amplifier, is operable to amplify the waveform output (14) in power and amplitude to provide a power output (18) for applying to an ultrasonic transducer (20).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to ultrasound measurement of a dimension such as the thickness (11) of an item (12) which may be worn over time by contact with an item (14). An ultrasonic transceiver (18) couples ultrasound into the item (12). Outgoing ultrasound i results in echos r returning to the transceiver (18). This allows calculation of time of flight to yield a value for the thickness (11). In the examples prescribed, the measurement is repeated a plurality of times in a specified period to extract a dimension from each received signal. Information extracted from the plurality of received signal is used to produce a single value indicative of the dimension of the item (12) over the specified period.

Abstract: A leg stretching apparatus includes an elevation mechanism resting; an elevation structure mounted to the elevation mechanism for lifting and lowering the elevation structure; a first leg support member pivotally connected to the elevation structure and extending from the elevation structure to a support structure in a first direction; and a second leg support member pivotally connected to the elevation structure and extending from the elevation structure to a support means in a second direction; so that operation of the elevation mechanism in one direction lifts the elevation structure so that the first leg support member and the second leg support member pivot progressively downwardly from the elevation structure, and operation of the elevation mechanism in another direction lowers the elevation structure so that the first leg support member and the second leg support member pivot progressively upwardly from the elevation structure.

Abstract: A multi-axis athletic training device used to simulate crucial movements in sports to better train and improve the skill set of participating players is provided. This device utilizes at least two devices for rotating to create two independently controlled rotations, each simulating a different motion involved in a movement or swing of a selected sport.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a composition prepared from a Class 1 member, a Class 2 member, and a Class 3 member, said Class 1 member contributing approximately 0.1 percent to approximately 10 percent by dry weight of said composition, said Class 2 member contributing approximately 1 percent to approximately 10 percent by dry weight of said composition, and said Class 3 member contributing an amount up to a balance by dry weight of said composition.

Abstract: A method for removal of pollutants from a pulping process byproduct liquor, the method comprising injecting an oxygen-containing gas into said liquor and condensing the water vapor from the stripping gas so as to produce a condensate comprising pollutants.

Abstract: An ethylenically unsaturated vegetable oil is modified by the addition of an enophile or dienophile having an acid, ester or anhydride functionality. The modified vegetable oil is then reacted with a functional vinyl monomer to form a vegetable oil derivative. The vegetable oil derivative is useful in forming latexes and coatings.