Abstract: A double-loop towel may be knitted in either a pile loop or non-pile pattern by a circular knitting machine having an inner pile jacquard mechanism which includes a selector and a selection jack for controlling the knitting operation.

Abstract: A yarn feeder, particularly for elastic yarns having a high elongation coefficient, in circular knitting machines. The feeder comprises a series of passages and/or contact regions forming a path for the yarn that unwinds from the spool or reel up to the needle work area of the machine. The feeder comprises, along the path, an element which can engage the yarn and can move on command in order to lengthen the yarn path so as to produce an excess length of yarn unwound from the spool with respect to the length of yarn required by the machine and so as to supply at least part of the excess yarn directly before yarn cutting, which is performed proximate to the needle work area of the machine.

Abstract: A knitting machine including a first knitting station (51) for knitting a welt, a second knitting station (52) comprising a fully fashioned knitting head (54), and a transfer system including a welt transfer bar (60) and a transfer bar transport system (72, 73), the transfer bar being movable by the transport system from a loading station, whereat a welt knitted at the first knitting station (51) can be loaded onto the transfer bar (60), to an unloading station whereat the knitted welt loaded on the transfer bar can be transferred to the knitting head at the second knitting station (52).

Abstract: The antitwist device for circular knitting machines comprises a perforated tube (15E) rotating with the needle cylinder (1) of the knitting machine and a fixed outer tube (15A) essentially coaxial with the perforated tube (15E), inside which is generated a vacuum through a side air connection (15D), a space being defined between said perforated tube (15E) and the outer tube (15A). Inside this space, there is at least one cleaning element (45) attached to an actuator device (43) that moves the cleaning element into contact with the outer surface of the perforated tube (15E).

Abstract: Fine-mesh warp-knit fabrics of noble metal-containing wires with high specific surface areas, having good mechanical stability, are produced by warp-knitting noble metal-containing wires to form closed stitches, such that the warp-knit fabric has at least 14 stitches per inch, and such that in at least one of the knit weaves forming the warp-knit fabric, the noble metal-containing wires are laid down over at least three stitch spacings.

Abstract: A fabric including three layers. The three layers include an inner knitted layer having predetermined characteristics, an outer knitted layer having predetermined characteristics and a middle layer binding the inner layer to the outer layer. The middle layer binds the inner and outer layers such that the inner layer and outer layer remain independent of each other and retain their respective individual predetermined characteristics and without compromising the integrity of the materials forming each individual layer. The inner, outer and middle layers may be made of the same or different materials in any combination desired. A pattern may be applied to either or both the inner and outer layer by tucking the middle layer between the inner and outer layers. The middle layer is not formed by knitting.

Abstract: A household-type washing machine or similar appliance in which the washing assembly (3) is anchored to the stationary structure (1) by one or more anchoring devices (2). Each anchoring device includes at least two elastic elements (10, 20) arranged in series. Firmly secured to each elastic element is a rigid element (15, 25) whose free end portion (15) protrudes beyond the other elastic element (20). The elastic elements (10, 20) work in this manner as compression elastic means and the elastic constant of the anchoring devices (2) readily and automatically adapts to the different conditions that happen to prevail during a washing cycle.

Abstract: A locking assembly for personal property, which contains a body with a base, the body being connected to a combination lock with a retractable cable, a first bracket removably attached to said body, and a second bracket removably attached to the body. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket forms an orifice with a centerline. A line drawn through the centerlines of the brackets forms an angle with respect to the base of from about 8 to about 15 degrees.

Abstract: A device for locking the brake or clutch of a vehicle and preventing its theft comprises a base member for placement on the floorboard of a vehicle beneath a brake pedal, a U-shaped housing extending downward further comprises a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining a gap for receipt of a brake pedal shaft, said space between the first and second arms defining a slot for receiving the brake pedal shaft and permitting its fully extension upward through said shaft, and locking means associated with the second leg for locking the underside of the pedal within the slot such that the brake pedal cannot be depressed.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus comprises a resin part, an attaching hole formed in the resin part, a metallic pin having an anchor inserted into the attaching hole and an exposure portion. Both sides of the attaching hole are opened to an outside of the resin part. The anchor penetrates the resin part through the attaching hole, and a tip end of the anchor is in the outside of the resin part. The exposure portion has a first supporting portion continued with the anchor, a second supporting portion, a flange located between the first and second supporting portions, and a projection continued with the second supporting portion. First and second levers are rotatably fitted on the first and second supporting portions, respectively. A base seat makes a contact with the tip end of the anchor when the anchor is inserted into the attaching hole.

Abstract: A power actuator for a vehicle door locking mechanism includes a power operable actuator lever, a manual locking lever operated by a sill button or the like, and a transmission connector selectively coupling the power operable and manual levers so that they are reciprocated by a drive from the manual lever between locked and unlocked conditions. A superlocking motor is operable to rotate the transmission connector angularly about a longitudinal axis and disengage the connector from at least one of the levers to disable the manual lever and effect superlocking for maximum security.

Abstract: A method is provided for retrofitting an existing dead-bolt assembly with an electrically operated actuator (12, 112, 212, 312, 800). The electrically operated actuator automatically operates the dead-bolt assembly while preserving manual operation of the lock. The actuator assembly has rotating means for rotation of the drive bar (18), which in turn extends or retracts the bolt (14) of the lock. The rotating means may be a lever (28,128, 238, 328, 438, 818) attached to the drive bar (18) that is pivotable about the axis of rotation of the drive bar (18). The actuator assembly has driving means that forces the rotating means to rotate. The driving means is responsive to an electrical signal, which, for example, may be initiated from a remote-controlled transmitter (502, 602). The driving means may include a motor (20, 120, 220) for rotating a rod (22, 122, 222, 322) that in turn operates an assembly that rotates or drives the rotating means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detachable cylinder lock, which includes a case shell having an axial row of conic pin-holes for avoiding the pins falling out; a cylinder having a row of pinholes, in which a lower pin is located, corresponding to the pinholes of the case shell; the cylinder has an axial keyhole for a key inserting in, and a slant face (or a conic face) for the convenience of the cylinder inserting into the cylinder hole of the case shell; a follow block has a hole for the rear lug of the cylinder inserting in, and a cross hole penetrating through them for a fastening component screwing in or out.

Abstract: An identification system utilizes a plastic housing which is appropriately sized to hold either a key or a coin as well as an information sheet on which the user may place selected indicia referring to the key or to himself. Each embodiment utilizes a living hinge closure attachment to secure the key or coin and information sheet within the housing. Utilizing the housing and indicia for identifying the key minimizes the excess material and connections thereby simplifying the identification and storage problem, yet because the use of the housing with the key slightly increases the size of the key head, it provides a slightly greater moment arm for turning the key in a lock and gives a slightly larger gripping surface to be employed when so turning the key. These factors are significant when dealing with children and with elderly people who may not have the physical strength and dexterity required for some small headed keys.

Abstract: Tooling apparatus comprises opposing first and second dies adapted to receive a three-dimensional honeycomb core article therebetween and including opposedly aligned arrays of elongated mutually parallel translating pins, each terminating at a tip end and arranged in a matrix for longitudinal movement between a retracted position and an extended position engageable with the article. A controller individually moves each of the translating pins in a coordinated manner between the retracted and extended positions and into engagement with the article to form it to a predetermined contour.

Abstract: In a method for controlling, monitoring and checking a shaping procedure of a shaping machine, in particular riveting machine (R) on a workpiece (27) by means of a plunger (4) which is moved into contact with the workpiece (27), an upper plunger face (9) and/or a lower plunger face (10) for moving the plunger (4) being subjected to pressure, a change in pressure and/or change in force is measured when the plunger (4) strikes against the workpiece (27), in order to determine the start of a shaping operation, in particular the start of a riveting operation.

Abstract: A method of descaling rolled or cast metal strip, especially stainless steel or titanium-alloy steel strip in which the initial descaling is effected in a stretch-bend leveler and the annealing furnace directly follows the stretch-bend leveler and is directly followed by a pickling station so that any shot blast or brush descaler upstream of the annealing furnace is not required.

Abstract: Sliding plugs use o-ring seals against the internal walls of an isostatic bulge forming die to apply end load to tube stock blanks during isostatic bulge forming. The die is made from two or more mating segments that assemble together to define a central channel for holding the tube stock blank. The plugs move inwardly into the die when the blank elongates or expands into the die, because such expansion reduces the internal pressure within the blank. The plugs are drawn inwardly because of the pressure decline in the blank. The plugs compress the ends of the blank and force the ends inwardly closer together. Such motion effectively feeds more material to the die and permits greater elongation in the completed part with tighter corner radii. Motion limiting shoulders on the plugs assure that the feeding of material is even from both ends. Typical range of motion for a plug is about 0.5 inches.

Abstract: A process and device for manufacturing cylindrical hollow bodies out of a blank through cold forming using roll cylinders is provided. The axes of the roll cylinders in this process are essentially adjusted parallel to the axis of the workpiece and execute, essentially radial to the workpiece, an oscillating, reciprocating movement. This reciprocating movement is executed in such a manner that in the upper oscillation stop the roll cylinders and the workpiece preferably just barely touch each other without the application of force, and in the lower oscillation stop preferably dip into the surface of the workpiece up to the desired infeed depth in order to achieve the demanded external diameter of the workpiece. With this process the very high static pressures required for press roll machines can be avoided, which results in small and light engine frames, and simultaneously makes it possible to machine workpieces with flanges directly up to the flanges.

Abstract: A process for producing a hollow billet for producing tubing for antifriction bearings includes massively reducing a bloom in a three-roll rotary piercing mill and subsequently piercing the reduced bloom in a three-roll rotary piercing mill. The reducing and piercing may be performed in one-pass through the three-roll rotary piercing mill. The reducing and piercing steps may also be performed in separate passes through the same mill or through two separate mills.

Abstract: A furnace coiler capable of facilitating maintenance work and improving the yield and the productivity of the associated rolling system has a housing having an upper housing portion), a lower housing portion and a bottom housing portion. The bottom housing portion can be moved together with movable table rollers relative to the lower housing portion to opening the housing for maintenance work.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shaft having below a surface thereof a flow passage, through which a fluid can flow, includes a preliminary step of forming in a surface of a columnar-shaped base material grooves having a substantially U-shaped cross section, and a finishing step of compressing crests of thread ridges between the adjacent thread grooves in a direction, in which the base material is reduced in diameter, to perform plastic deformation and join the deformed crests to one another to form a spiral-shaped, closed space which communicates the spaces in the thread grooves.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for influencing the frictional conditions between an upper roll and a lower roll of a roll stand of a hot-rolling train for wide strip or a cold-rolling train for strip. The apparatus includes a spraying device arranged at the entry side of the roll stand for spraying a defined quantity of liquid in the direction of the roll gap and a control device for determining the quantity and discharge of this liquid, wherein used as a control variable is a predetermined or also computed variable in connection with the actual roll torque of the lower roll or/and the upper roll.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved golf club head and an improved method of manufacturing of a golf club head. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved metal wood golf club head and improved method of manufacturing a metal wood golf club head. The invention provides a metal wood golf club head including a one piece precision hot forged body portion comprising a hosel, a sole and a hitting face. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a metal wood golf club head including the step of integrally forming a body portion of the club head comprising a hosel, a sole and a hitting face. The body portion of the club head is made by precision hot forging a billet of material, particularly titanium or alloys thereof, or alternatively, aluminium or alloys thereof.

Abstract: A method for controlling press working by means of working wheels is disclosed which is capable of solving problems in conventional punch press working by means of working wheels. The method comprises: in punch press working by means of working wheels, moving at least an upper working wheel relative to a work in Z axis direction in an arbitrarily set amount assigned to the movement at the beginning or end of the working along an intended working line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a narrow, tightly radiused annular anti-peaking bead in a can end in a multi-station conversion press. In a first forming station, a metal blank is first drawn into a cup shaped blank having a side panel and then reformed by reversing the action of the drawing tooling so as to fold the side panel into an initial, relatively broad annular bead. The initially beaded can end is then transferred to a second forming station where its periphery is pre-curled and the annular bead is reworked so as to reduce its width and radii of curvature. The reworking of the bead is performed by free drawing a tool over the inner wall of the bead without drawing or bending the interior surface of the bead around a tool so as to avoid cracking or excessive thinning of the metal. The seaming panel of the can end is firmly clamped during the reworking to maintain control over the location of the bead.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus in a press or similar forming system has a blank holder which can be acted upon by one or optionally several pressure cylinders. Blocking devices are provided which act, in one case, directly upon a pressure cheek supporting the blank holder and, in another case, indirectly upon the pressure cheek by way of an articulated train or transmission train. Thereby, an unintentional lifting or lowering of the blank holder is prevented when the press is inoperative.

Abstract: The press comprises a first generally-horizontal link (L1) below a second generally-horizontal link (L2). A third link (L3) extends down from the second link to the first link and carried a press tool (70) with a generally downwardly facing working surface. A fourth link (L4) is arranged to be driven by a first mechanism (DS, M2) to push the second link and thus the press tool generally forwards from a horizontally retracted start position to a horizontally advanced initial pressing position, after which the first mechanism is arranged to hold the position of the fourth link. A second mechanism (DS, C, L5) is arranged, when the position of the fourth link is being held, to pivot the first link to drag downwards the third link and thus drag the press tool generally downwards from the initial pressing position to a vertically lower final pressing position.

Abstract: A manually usable bumper repair tool formed of a steel shank with a first hook end and a second hook end, each of which hook ends curves to a thin edge adapted for prying underneath and clasping a portion of a bumper or other sheet metal structure. The steel shank is provided with one or more apertures for engaging a lever bar of suitable length. One of the thin edges is placed under a portion of a bumper surface and the lever bar is positioned through one of the apertures. For exerting maximum force, apertures distally disposed from the engaged hook end may be used. Using a wall of the aperture as the fulcrum, by rotatably and pivotally applying a force on the lever bar, a linear or angular force may be applied at the work surface so that the structure is straightened, or pulled or pushed into its original design shape.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for controlling the power level of a beam exiting an acousto-optic cell and/or a beam delivery device. A beam detector senses the power level of the beam and produces a power signal indicative thereof. An error detector compares the power signal to a predetermined power level. If the power signal and predetermined power level differ, the error amplifier emits a correction signal to a variable amplitude source, which adjusts the amplitude of the acoustic drive frequency such that the power level of the beam exiting the acousto-optic cell and/or the beam delivery device is substantially equal to the predetermined power level.

Abstract: Mass fraction burned in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine is determined by measuring an ion signal across a gap of a spark plug and identifying an inflection point of the ion signal. The mass fraction burned is determined using an expression that includes a constant. A value for the constant is determined using the inflection point of the ion signal, and the mass fraction burned is determined using the expression and the constant.

Abstract: A process provides for measuring particles in suspension in a liquid in an particle response analyzing instrument comprising a cytometric flow cell head, wherein the suspension is injected into the head at an injection rate, the head comprises one or several sensors which deliver responses when measuring particles injected therein and which yield a significant response for a set measurement frequency range. The response is processed and used to generate results in the instrument. When a first response is significant, measurements continue at the same injection rate in order to obtain a result thats likely to continue being a significant response during subsequent measurements and, conversely, when the first response is not significant, the injection rate is modified in order to bring the response within a significant response range and to continue with measurements in order to obtain a result.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a moisture sensor for measuring the moisture content of particulate material like ore concentrates. The sensor comprises a body having one end to be buried within the bulk of the particulate material and the other end coupled to a force transducer. The force transducer itself is coupled to display means, so that when a conveyor containing the ore concentrate is in operation, a signal is generated from the force transducer and displayed as a result of the drag force exerted by the particulate material on the body. The moisture content may therefore be determined either by means of a calibration chart, or by the output of a calibration computer.

Abstract: A diagnosis apparatus for an evaporation system, and particularly, in an evaporation system having a gauge valve in the evaporation system without being affected by a change in internal pressure of the evaporation system, a residual amount of fuel in a fuel tank and an atmospheric density. The diagnosis apparatus is capable of precisely diagnosing the evaporation system even in the case where dirt or stain or the like adheres to the gauge valve and an air cleaner. A gauge pipe is branched between a fuel tank and a purge valve and opened to an intake pipe or atmosphere, and a gauge valve is arranged in the gauge pipe. A state detector is provided for detecting the state of a gauge system comprising the gauge valve and the gauge pipe, and a correcting feature corrects the results of diagnosis by abnormality determination apparatus on the basis of the results of detection by the state detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting leakage from an evaporative emission space (14, 18) of a vehicle fuel system by utilizing naturally occurring vacuum that can occur under certain favorable conditions after a fuel-consuming engine (12) that powers an automotive vehicle has been turned off. If there is no leakage, vapor pressure in the fuel system will begin to decrease. If it is assumed that the vapor pressure was approximately atmospheric when the engine was turned off, and that no leakage existed, ensuing cooling will create increasing vacuum in headspace of the fuel tank as the temperature drops. In the absence of leakage, a well-defined relationship exists. Measurements of physical parameters (24, 26) characterizing fluid conditions in the fuel tank are taken as cooling proceeds and processed. Results are evaluated to obtain leakage information.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating air entering a cylinder of an internal combustion engine uses a discrete algorithm based on a measurement of air entering a manifold. The filter parameter of the algorithm is independent of ambient operating conditions when the algorithm is executed at constant intervals of engine rotation.

Abstract: A tire inspection and preparation device for automobile racing tires is a self contained unit which can be conveniently transported and used at a race track or other location for measuring the circumference, run out, and wear of an automobile tire or for preparing the surface of the tire. The tire inspection and preparation device includes a mount having a rotatable member for rotating the tire while supported by the mount. The mount further includes an elongated member for elevating the tire above the ground. Leveling pads can be used to adjust the position of the tire for substantially balancing the tire for providing accurate measurements. Several tools may be interchangeably attached to the mount and used for performing several tasks, such as a contact wheel and encoder for accurately measuring circumference, a dial indicator for measuring run out, or a preparation tool for cleaning debris from the tire or scuffing the surface of the tire.

Abstract: In a tire uniformity machine in which a tire is mounted between upper and lower spindles via upper and lower rims, a rim holding apparatus 10 is composed of a parallel spindle 1 which is in parallel with the axis of tire uniformity machine, a taper collet 2 formed with an inner hole engaging concentrically with the parallel spindle 1 at the center portion thereof and a taper surface at the outer peripheral portion thereof, a rim formed with a taper surface engaging with the taper surface of the taper collet 2 at the inner peripheral portion thereof, a rim clamping device 4 which holds the rim 3 and is mounted so that the parallel spindle 1 is capable of being moved in the axial direction, and a fixing device 5 for determining the axial position of the rim clamping device 4. Thereby, there is provided a highly accurate tire uniformity machine in which (1) the change of rim width and the fitting/removal of rim can be performed easily, and (2) the runout of rim can be decreased to 0.025 mm (standard) or less.

Abstract: A deformable structure is subjected to a plurality of reduced pressures, causing a bulge in the surface of the deformable structure above a separation in the deformable structure. The cross sectional area of the bulge is measured for each reduced pressure in a plane parallel to the surface of the deformable structure. When the cross sectional area of the bulge does not increase with a reduction in the pressure, the cross sectional area of the bulge approximates the area of the separation. The depth of the separation is calculated using the change in cross sectional area of the bulge per change in pressure.

Abstract: A float-type liquid level gauge is provided for measuring the level of a liquid such as LPG within a horizontally oriented cylindrical tank (228). The gauge includes a movable pivot arm (212) supporting a float arm assembly (225) and coupled by gears (207, 214) to a magnet shaft (206, 208) and magnet (210) mounted in a rigid support arm (204) through a sideways-securing shaft channel(209). The support arm is connected to the lower side of a gauge head (202) and the magnet extends into a passage (52) in the gauge head so as to be magnetically coupled to a level indicating dial (226) provided on the upper side of the gauge head. The lower portion (302) of the support arm is angled and offset with respect to a longitudinal axis (265) such that a high ratio can be obtained between the gears while still permitting the components of the gauge to pass through the opening of a standard pressure fitting (234).

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope includes a vibration member in which first and second piezoelectric substrates are joined together. On the outside main surface of the first piezoelectric substrate, a first external electrode divided into six electrode sections is formed. On the outside main surface of the second piezoelectric substrate, a second external electrode is formed. By removing a part of the electrode sections disposed at the center, a capacitance difference C(L)-C(R) between the capacitance C(L) formed between one of the electrode sections disposed at the center and the second external electrode, and the capacitance C(R) formed between another electrode section disposed at the center and the second external electrode is adjusted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibrating microgyrometer incorporating a seismic mass (16) placed above a surface of a substrate (15) and attached to the surface by elastic supports arranged so as to enable the seismic mass (16) to move with respect to the substrate (15) in two directions x, y orthogonal to one another and orthogonal to the measurement axis of the microgyrometer. The microgyrometer also comprises excitation electrodes (40) making it possible to excite the seismic mass in the two mutually orthogonal directions and detection electrodes (41) making it possible to detect components of the Coriolis force, once again in the two mutually orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A micro-gyro device is disclosed combining a first element which oscillates linearly in a plane along a first direction, ad a second element which receives Coriolis force acting in the same plane along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so arranged that said Coriolis force is transmitted from one element to the other without any substantial transfer of motion of either element to the other in its own direction of motion. In other words, the masses of the two elements operate independently of one another, providing improved performance, and individual adjustability to compensate for any manufacturing imprecision. The rate axis, around which is measured angular speed of the micro-gyro device due to exterior forces, is perpendicular to the plane of the first and second elements.

Abstract: A vibration gyro sensor including a support having an approximately square planar contour with a central opening having an approximately circular planar configuration, an annular section arranged in the opening of the support and having an approximately circular planar contour for constructing a vibrator, and a plurality of resilient sections which span the inner circumference of the support and the outer circumfererence of the annular section. The support, the annular section, and the plurality of resilient sections constitute an integrated fired ceramic product. The vibration gyro sensor further includes piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements (driving piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements and detecting piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements) formed on upper surfaces of the respective resilient sections and/or thin-walled portions of the annular section.

Abstract: The present invention aims to present an angular velocity sensor having a self diagnosis function.An angular velocity sensor of the present invention includes a driving part for stably vibrating a driving part of a sensor element having a driver part and a detector part for detecting an angular velocity and detection means for detecting the angular velocity of the sensor element and obtains a self diagnosis signal for a malfunction by detecting a mechanical coupling signal obtained at the detection means.

Abstract: A single vibration sensor producing multistage outputs corresponding to various vibrational acceleration values is disclosed. This vibration sensor is the type in which vibrational acceleration causes a movable gravitation element to move, and the movement of the element exerts pressure on a plunger which actuates a switch mechanism and outputs a signal. A feature of this vibration sensor is the switch mechanism includes a number of discrete switch units each having a different operating sensitivity. The switch units have a number of movable members which are displaced by the plunger when the vibrational acceleration causes the movable gravitation element to move, and a number of fixed contacts corresponding to these movable members with which the movable contacts come in contact. The spatial relationship of the fixed contacts with respect to the movable members is a feature which determines the operational sensitivity.

Abstract: An accelerometer based on monocrystalline silicon. A moving mass is connected to a fixed frame by suspension arms. The sensor is produced in the stack of two silicon wafers in which stop and counter-stop functions are produced so as to limit the amplitude of the movements of the moving mass.

Abstract: The invention relates a method and a system for membrane thickness and the correspondent area distribution measurement based on the dependency of the acoustic intensity transmission coefficient upon the thickness of the insertion membrane and the proportion of the power of the transmitted acoustic plane waves to the area of the insertion membrane. The principle of the invention is that, when the acoustic wave travels in the acoustic medium and encounters an insertion membrane with different acoustic impedance, the intensity transmission coefficient T is related to the thickness d of the insertion membrane and the frequency f of the transmitting acoustic wave. As f sweeps, maximum T occurs at a set of frequency points corresponding to a certain thickness of the insertion membrane. By confining the sweeping frequency within a certain range, T.sub.max can only occur at one frequency point corresponding to a certain thickness of the insertion membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nondestructive inspection of packaged integrated circuits and defect detection in the integrated circuits. In a scanning acoustic microscopy system, a packaged integrated circuit under test 31 is placed in a tank containing an acoustic transmission medium such as de-ionized water. An acoustic reflector 29 is placed beneath the integrated circuit 31. A pulse-echo mode transducer 17 is used to scan the area containing the integrated circuit 31 with ultrasonic energy. The reflective signal energy is captured by the transducer 17 and the signals are digitized and stored. A computer system analyzes the reflective signal amplitude, and presents a visual image based on where the reflective signal was strong and where it was weak. In a preferred embodiment the image is presented so that the signal from the reflective plate is shown as a dark region where the reflection was weak or zero.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system provides for depth-variable elevational and azimuthal focusing by combining electronic beamforming and fixed mechanical lens (or element shaping). The imaging system includes a plurality of beamformer channels that are selectively allocated to the imaging elements of an array. For phased arrays, a switching circuit controls the allocation of the beamformers, while a linear/convex array also requires an aperture shifting circuit for shifting the aperture along the array. The elevational focusing is achieved using a small number of beamformer channels by sharing the beamformer channels assigned to azimuthal elements for far field imaging and to elevational elements for near field imaging. A portion of the beamformer channels are connected to elevational elements (elements in the off-center rows) during near-field imaging.