Abstract: Pulsed detonation engines (PDEs) are adapted for use in reaction control systems (RCS), such as thrusters for orbital correction and control (e.g., for earth-orbiting satellites), divert thrust generation and control for space-based interceptor devices, and for missile trajectory correction and motion control. According to one aspect of the invention, PDEs are adapted for motion control of so-called “kill vehicles,” which are small devices, typically launched from satellites, for strategic missile defense.

Abstract: A turbofan jet engine includes an outer casing supported by arms, an inner casing facing the outer casing, ancillaries, and an ancillaries distribution support. The ancillaries distribution support is formed along the axis of an arm on the inner casing. The ancillaries distribution support includes a first sole plate for reception of ancillaries on the outer side of the inner casing and a second sole plate for reception of ancillaries on the inner side of the inner casing. Such a turbofan jet engine reduces the longitudinal dimension necessary for the ancillaries to pass through.

Abstract: Propulsion from combustion of solid propellant pellet-projectiles for providing a useful propulsion that has the advantages of both solid and liquid propulsion engines, and also can make use of either solid chemical propellants or fissionable nuclear material as the fuel. Preferred methods and systems can include a storage chamber for storing solid propellant pellets, a feeding system having a pellet feeding channel and a pellet feeding mechanism connected to the storage chamber and to a gun assembly, which is positioned along a longitudinal axis to eject the pellets at a certain velocity. A triggering system positioned between gun assembly and thrust chamber can initiate the propellant pellet-projectile, and a thrust chamber having a combustion chamber for combustion of propellant pellet-projectile with an exhaust nozzle.

Abstract: Compact exhaust mixer assemblies comprising a compact mixer and a trimmable open centerbody are provided. The trimmable center body allows for adjustments of the open centerbody after manufacturing and during production testing. The trimmable open centerbody may be used to compensate for production tolerances making it possible to obtain the desired core effective area for proper engine operation. The compact mixer may be either lobed or serrated. The compact exhaust mixer assemblies have a length of about half that of conventional exhaust mixer assemblies.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas purifying system including two NOx catalysts disposed in series with each other on an exhaust passage, oxides occluded in the NOx catalysts can be reduced appropriately. When the oxides occluded in an upstream or downstream NOx catalyst are reduced, the surrounding atmosphere of each NOx catalyst is changed between a reducing atmosphere and an oxidative atmosphere. The air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas upstream of the upstream NOx catalyst is made lower when the surrounding atmosphere of the downstream NOx catalyst is changed into a reducing atmosphere than when the surrounding atmosphere of the upstream NOx catalyst is changed into a reducing atmosphere, and the duration of the oxidative atmosphere is made longer when the surrounding atmosphere of the downstream NOx catalyst is changed into an oxidative atmosphere than when the surrounding atmosphere of the upstream NOx catalyst is changed into an oxidative atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for estimating ash accumulation. An interpolation module calculates a first particulate accumulation from an interpolation function. An ash feedback module calculates an ash accumulation as an ash feedback function of the first particulate accumulation and a stored first ash accumulation estimate. In one embodiment, an ash feedforward module calculates an added ash estimate. An ash accumulation module may calculate a second ash accumulation estimate as the sum of the ash accumulation and the added ash estimate. A regeneration module may deep clean the filter if the second ash accumulation estimate exceeds an ash threshold. In one embodiment, a soot calculation module calculates a soot accumulation as a second particulate accumulation minus the second ash accumulation estimate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an emission treatment system for the treatment and/or conversion of engine emissions and particulate matter from diesel engines. The emission treatment system of the present invention comprises an upstream oxidation catalyst, a particulate filter or soot filter section and optionally a downstream catalytic element or clean-up catalyst for the treatment and/or conversion of any remaining emission gas stream contaminants.

Abstract: In a hydraulic driving device for an operating machine, when an output value of an operating device is in a first predetermined range, a pump is stopped and each of an open and closed valve and a hydraulic control valve is closed. When the output value goes beyond the first predetermined range, the pump is started and the open and closed valve is opened. When the output value goes beyond a second range greater than the first predetermined range, the hydraulic control valve is opened to supply a hydraulic fluid to an actuator.

Abstract: A hydraulic system comprising: a first pump, in fluid communication with a first valve; a second pump, in fluid communication with a second valve; an auxiliary passage, in fluid communication with the first valve and the second valve; and a supplemental apparatus, in fluid communication via a supplemental passage with the second valve and the auxiliary passage, wherein the supplemental apparatus comprises a relief valve.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for controlling a work vehicle that includes a hydraulic system (22) having at least one pump (18,180) and at least one actuator (4,5,8,9,10) operatively driven by hydraulic fluid delivered from the pump and at least a first pump (18) is a variable displacement pump. The system (22) is of the load-sensing type in that pump displacement is controlled by a pilot pressure representing a load exerted on the system. The arrangement includes means (63) for reducing the pilot pressure delivered to the first pump (18) so that the first pump displacement is regulated down when there is a need for limiting hydraulic power consumption.

Abstract: In a compressor of an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine including a compressor wheel which is rotatably mounted in a compressor inlet duct and an auxiliary rotor wheel arranged so as to be movable axially between a coupled position in engagement with the compressor wheel and a decoupled position, disengaged from the compressor wheel, an adjustable guide vane structure is provided which is movable by an adjusting element together with the auxiliary rotor wheel and a contoured flow control ring for controlling the combustion air flow to the compressor wheel and to the auxiliary rotor wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for converting thermal to motive energy. Said system comprises at least one pressure vessel, having at least one upper injection orifice for a warm and/or cold fluid, and at least one liquid piston pump inside the pressure vessel which is coupled with a working cycle. The pressure vessel has a horizontal partition that is provided with a bore. Above said partition, a gas or gas mixture is present, and below the partition, the liquid piston pump is located.

Abstract: A staged fuel injector is disclosed that includes a main fuel circuit for delivering fuel to a main fuel atomizer and a pilot fuel circuit for delivering fuel to a pilot fuel atomizer located radially inward of the main fuel atomizer. The pilot fuel circuit is in close proximity to the main fuel circuit enroute to the pilot fuel atomizer so that the pilot fuel flow cools stagnant fuel located within the main fuel circuit during low engine power operation to prevent coking.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine combustor includes a plurality of main fuel injector assemblies, and a plurality of pilot fuel injector assemblies, that are arranged and configured to reduce exhaust gas emissions during engine operation. The plurality of main fuel injector assemblies are arranged in a substantially circular pattern of a first radius, and each includes an outlet port having a first divergence angle. The plurality of pilot fuel injector assemblies are arranged in a substantially circular pattern of a second radius. Each pilot fuel injector assembly is disposed between at least two main fuel injector assemblies, and each includes an outlet port having a second divergence angle.

Abstract: A cooling scheme for a dome comprises an effusion array drilled directly through a single walled dome. In one embodiment, the layout of the holes comprises two regions, a region close to the fuel injector where the holes follow a tangential path around the injector, and a second region where the direction of the holes is radially outward from the injector axis. A film of cooling air may be applied on the interior side of the combustor dome via an air swirler, which projects air radially outward from the injector axis. The first series of cooling holes supplement this air supply so that cooling efficacy is extended along the dome surface and is directed in a counter-rotating manner with respect to the main air swirler. The second series of dome cooling holes infuse further cooling flux that reduces the temperature in the corner regions between fuel injectors.

Abstract: A device for feeding air and fuel to a burner ring in an after-burner chamber, including a plurality of flame-holder arms extending radially about the axis of the chamber from an outer casing, and a burner ring made up of ring sectors mounted substantially end to end on the flame-holder arms, the ring sectors containing fuel feed rail and air manifold boxes.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine augmentor has a centerbody within a gas flowpath from upstream to downstream. A plurality of vanes are positioned in the gas flowpath outboard of the centerbody. An augmenter fuel conduit extends through a first of the vanes to deliver fuel to the centerbody. An electrographitic carbon bushing guides and supports the augmentor fuel conduit.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a fuel-control system and associated methods for regulating the administration of a fuel to a fuel consuming device are disclosed. In one aspect, the fuel consuming device is a gas turbine receiving fuel through a feeder conduit from first and second sources of gas. According to one method, natural gas fuel is delivered from said first and second sources into said surge tank via first and second conduits, each conduit having pressure-control valves and sensors. The natural gas is delivered to the turbine from the surge tank via a feeder conduit. Pressure measurements are taken by the sensors for the first and second conduits, which are sent to a controller. The controller is then used to manipulate the valves to supply the turbine with fuel.

Abstract: A catalytic combustor (28) includes a tubular pressure boundary element (90) having a longitudinal flow axis (e.g., 56) separating a first portion (94) of a first fluid flow (e.g., 24) from a second portion (95) of the first fluid flow. The pressure boundary element includes a wall (96) having a plurality of separate longitudinally oriented flow paths (98) annularly disposed within the wall and conducting respective portions (100, 101) of a second fluid flow (e.g., 26) therethrough. A catalytic material (32) is disposed on a surface (e.g., 102, 103) of the pressure boundary element exposed to at least one of the first and second portions of the first fluid flow.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for startup characterization in a turbine engine that provides the ability to accurately characterize engine startup. The startup characterization system and method uses engine temperature sensor data and engine speed sensor data to accurately characterize the startup of the turbine engine by determining when several key engine startup conditions are reached. By storing and analyzing engine sensor data taken during these key conditions of engine startup, the system and method is able to accurately characterize the performance of the engine during startup. This information can be used as part of a trending system to determine when faults in the start transient regime are occurring or likely to occur. Additionally, this information can be used in real time by control systems to better control the startup and operation of the turbine engine.

Abstract: In a refrigeration device including a refrigeration circuit having a compressor and a receiver, the present invention will improve the ability of a liquid level detection circuit to accurately determine whether or not liquid refrigerant is stored up to a predetermined position of the receiver. An air conditioner includes a main refrigerant circuit and a liquid level detection circuit. The main refrigerant circuit includes a compressor that compresses gas refrigerant, a heat source side heat exchanger, a receiver that stores liquid refrigerant, and user side heat exchangers.

Abstract: A staggered spray nozzle system for efficiently thermally managing one or more electronic devices. The staggered spray nozzle system includes a first portion and a second portion positioned with the first portion. The first portion includes at least one first orifice for dispensing a first fluid flow towards at least one electronic device. A second portion is positioned within the first portion, wherein the second portion may be slidably positioned or non-movably positioned within the first portion. The second portion includes at least one second orifice for dispensing a second fluid flow towards at least one electronic device.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a refrigerator to enable independent cooling of a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber. The method prevents temperature rising of the refrigerator by controlling a refrigerant passage switching valve after stopping operation of a compressor, thereby reducing electricity consumption and increasing humidification effects of the refrigerator by controlling an operating time point of a refrigerating chamber fan.

Abstract: Disclosed are high purity synthetic silica material having an internal transmission at 193 nm of at least 99.65%/cm and method of preparing such material. The material is also featured by a high compositional homogeneity in a plane transverse to the intended optical axis. The soot-to-glass process for making the material includes a step of consolidating the soot preform in the presence of H2O and/or O2.

Abstract: Disclosed are high purity synthetic silica glass material having a high OH concentration homogeneity in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and process of making the same. The glass has high refractive index homogeneity. The glass can have high internal transmission of at least 99.65%/cm at 193 nm. The process does not require a post-sintering homogenization step. The controlling factors for high compositional homogeneity, thus high refractive index homogeneity, include high initial local soot density uniformity in the soot preform and slow sintering, notably isothermal treatment during consolidation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low cost method of converting solid glass or ceramic microparticles into hollow microspheres by feeding them, along with pulverized coal, into coal-powered furnaces. Coal-powered furnaces generally produce microsized fused particles of the ash in the coal—called fly ash; and some of the fly ash particles may be hollow. By the present invention the yield of hollow microparticles is greatly increased by co-feeding, along with the pulverized coal, very small amounts of microparticles of inorganic materials known to have the ability to form hollow microspheres upon fusion.

Abstract: A loom includes a plurality of knitting pegs. The loom further includes a substantially non-circular base structure configured to hold the plurality of knitting pegs substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substantially non-circular base structure. The substantially non-circular base structure also includes an elongated orifice having a long axis and a short axis. The plurality of knitting pegs form two substantially parallel rows of knitting pegs separated by the short axis of the elongated orifice. The loom also includes at least one knitting peg near the apex of the long axis of the elongated orifice and between the two substantially parallel rows of knitting pegs.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine comprises a wash tub and a wash plate movably mounted within the wash tub for imparting mechanical energy to articles of fabric in the wash tub. The wash plate comprises a base and a blade that extends from the base and terminates in a tip. According to the invention, at least the tip of the blade is formed by an insert. The insert is made from a relatively hard and wear resistant material that is different than the material of the impeller body. As a result, the wear resistance and performance of the impeller is improved without significantly increasing the overall cost of the impeller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seamless tube piercing/rolling plug and a seamless tube producing method in which piercing/rolling is performed with an inclined rotary piercing mill while the seamless tube piercing/rolling plug is used as a piercing tool. The seamless tube piercing/rolling plug is used while a front part and a rear part of the split plug are held as an integral plug, at least the front part is made of low alloy steel, and oxide films are formed on surfaces of the front part and rear part. The present invention also provides a seamless tube piercing/rolling apparatus and a seamless tube producing method in which the front part and/or rear part is replaceable in a tube making process line using the seamless tube piercing/rolling apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically separating blanks from a copper strip (200) and coining heat spreader lids (400) from the blanks. A high speed blanking structure (208) severs single rectangular or square blanks (212) from the copper strip. The blanks are loaded into a cartridge (214), and placed in a blanks hopper (213). The blanks are transferred from the hopper to a rotatable turret (217). The turret rotates to move a blank to a coining die cavity of a coining press (305). The blank is coined to form a lid and returned to the turret to be delivered to an unload station where the lid is dropped onto a conveyor (310). The conveyor transports the lid to a deburr and clean station (610).

Abstract: A head tube for a bicycle frame that accommodates oversized frame tubing and the use of a standard sized head set. Preferably, the head tube includes a body defining a pair of lateral extensions that cooperate with the body to define an outer surface configured to receive at least a portion of a frame tube. In addition, preferably, the head tube defines a wall thickness that is thicker at the bottom of the head tube than the thickness at the top of the head tube. In addition, preferably, the wall thickness is greater at both of the top and the bottom of the head tube than the wall thickness of the middle of the head tube. Preferably, in at least a portion of the head tube, the wall thickness is thicker in a forward side than the thickness in a rearward side.

Abstract: A method for producing a cylindrical, seamless can body (20) made of metal with associated can top end. The can top end includes a top end ring, that can be connected to the opening edge (21) of the can body (20) and borders a removal opening (30) and a sealing diaphragm (31) arranged on the top end ring and covering the removal opening. A cylindrical, seamless can body blank (10) is produced. Following trimming of the opening edge (11) of the can body blank (10), a cylindrical ring (18) is separated therefrom. The height of the can body blank (10) is preset in such a way that the can body (20) is formed during separation of the cylindrical ring (18). The scrap portion can also be reduced by the method during production of can bodies and top end rings.

Abstract: A device for controlling a die cushion mechanism including a servo-motor as a drive source and producing a force adapted to be applied to a slide in a press machine. The device includes a section for commanding a force to be produced by the die cushion mechanism; a section for detecting a force produced by the die cushion mechanism and applied to the slide; a section for detecting a moving speed of the slide; and a section for executing a force control on the servo-motor. The force controlling section executes force controls in mutually different modes on the servo-motor, through mutually different control loops, one mode being provided for an initial stage defined from an instant when the die cushion mechanism starts producing the force to be applied to the slide until a predetermined subsequent instant, and another mode being provided for a succeeding stage defined after the predetermined subsequent instant, by using at least a slide-speed detected value detected by the slide-speed detecting section.

Abstract: A tool is provided for forming a dimple on the edge of a metal sheet to facilitate projection welding of the sheet to an adjacent metal sheet. A reversible drill motor has a housing and chuck. A mounting bracket clamps onto the housing and a base is attached to the mounting bracket. A frame is attached to the base and has spaced apart arms. A first dimple forming die is mounted on one of the arms and a second dimple forming die is slidably mounted on the other of the arms. A driveshaft has a threaded end engaged in a threaded aperture of the second dimple forming die and a drive end captured in the chuck. Rotation of the driveshaft in one direction advances the second dimple forming die toward the first dimple forming to form a dimple in a sheet edge interposed between the dies.

Abstract: A position difference is created by mutual translation of sound transducers and the associated time difference is measured. Radiating surfaces of both sound transducers are arranged acoustically opposing one another in planes that are parallel to one another. The sound transducers are positioned at a mutual distance x0+xd, and sound transit time t1 between the sound transducers is measured, wherein position x0 is the distance for optimum acoustic coupling of the two sound transducers and xd is the deviation from this position that is designated as the deviation. The sound transducers are repositioned at another mutual distance x0+xd+?x, and the sound transit time t2 between the sound transducers is measured. An acoustic calibration factor Ka is calculated from the distance difference ?x and the time difference ?t=t2?t1 using the formula Ka=?x/?t.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gas chromatograph (GC) module having a column assembly and a printed circuit board mounted to a valve assembly. A plurality of electronic devices are mounted to the circuit board. The electronic devices include non-volatile memory, pressure sensors and detector devices.

Abstract: An object is to provide a gas sensor which can suppress positional shift of a to-be-held member such as a gas detection element, as well as a method of manufacturing the gas sensor. A gas sensor (101) includes a gas detection element (111), a metallic shell (131), a plate packing (157), and a first packing (159). A proximal end surface (113t2) of a projection (113) of the gas sensor element (111) and a central inner circumferential surface (135n) of the metallic shell (131) form an acute-angle clearance (120). The first packing (159), which has a wedge-like cross section, is disposed in the clearance (120) such that the first packing (159) is pressed against the proximal end surface (113t2) of the projection (113) of the gas sensor element (111) and the central inner circumferential surface (135n) of the metallic shell (131).

Abstract: There is provided a method to determine a combustion parameter for an internal combustion engine. The method comprises monitoring cylinder pressure and crank angle during a combustion cycle, and determining a peak cylinder pressure, a crank angle location of the peak cylinder pressure, and a cylinder pressure at a closing of an intake valve. A combustion parameter is calculated based upon the peak cylinder pressure, the cylinder pressure at the closing of the intake valve for the combustion cycle, the crank angle location of the peak cylinder pressure, the cylinder volume at the location of the peak cylinder pressure, and the cylinder volume at the closing of the intake valve for the combustion cycle. The combustion parameter correlates to an instantaneous heat release of a cylinder charge for the combustion cycle.

Abstract: An in-cylinder pressure sensor obtains a high resolution pressure curve for each cylinder cycle allowing the various data to be derived for improved monitoring and control of operation of the engine. A more accurate measure of work done by the engine is obtained allowing more accurate estimation of the vehicle torque and hence real torque control. In addition engine losses can be more accurately calculated and the estimates corrected yet further by obtaining an accurate top dead centre position for the engine cylinders.

Abstract: During operation of a single-cylinder test engine, a computer or other processor runs a simulation of additional “virtual cylinders” operating alongside the single cylinder as if all cylinders, real and virtual, were present in a real multi-cylinder engine. Temperature data from the virtual cylinders is generated, and the real cylinder is jacketed with flow passages which are supplied with heat transfer fluid at temperatures such that the thermal presence of the virtual cylinders adjacent the real cylinder is simulated. As a result of this thermal simulation, the real cylinder is able to more accurately simulate the performance that it would have if it was indeed present in a multi-cylinder engine.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a suspension and weigh system for use with a vehicle having weight bearing members. The system has a support connectable to the weight bearing members of the vehicle. The support has a length and a neutral axis along at least a portion of the length. A weigh system is coupled to the support and configured to measure and/or determine weight carried by the weight bearing members. The weigh system has a load sensor attached to the support and positioned substantially adjacent to the neutral axis. A data processor is coupled to the load sensor and configured to receive the output signal from the load sensor for determining the weight carried by the axles. In one embodiment, a display is coupled to the data processor and configured to display data related to the weight carried by the axles.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the magnitude of a force acting on a tire are disclosed. Further, a sensor and a tire suitable for use in the system and method are also disclosed. The system comprises: a tire strain sensor mounted on the tire, for detecting a tire strain at the mounted position, and generating data representing tire strain; a sensor locator for locating the sensor on the tire; a memory in which data on the relationship between the tire strain and force acting on the tire at each of measuring points are stored; and a processor computing the magnitude of the force, using the data representing tire strain obtained from the tire strain sensor and the data on the relationship acquired from the memory based on the data on the sensor location obtained from the sensor locator.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for a vehicle, and related operating methods are provided. The TPMS includes a plurality of tire pressure sensors, each being configured to wirelessly transmit respective sensor signals, and a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly receive and process sensor signals transmitted by the tire pressure sensors. The location of the wireless receiver is biased toward the fore or aft of the vehicle. The wireless receiver has an adjustable sensitivity setting that accommodates wireless signal reception in a key fob mode and a TPMS mode. One operating method for the TPMS involves wirelessly receiving sensor signals transmitted by the tire pressure sensors, determining respective received signal strength (RSS) values for the received sensor signals, and processing the RSS values to resolve whether the received sensor signals were transmitted by a fore tire pressure sensor or an aft tire pressure sensor.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining the volume of a fluid in a container. Sensors are positioned at distinct locations in a container of a fluid. Each sensor is sensitive to an interface defined by the top surface of the fluid. Interfaces associated with at least three of the sensors are determined and used to find the volume of the fluid in the container in a geometric process.

Abstract: A device for measuring the tack of materials, comprising a first cylinder (1) included in a fixed frame (2) and a second cylinder (3) included in a movable yoke (4), whose outer surfaces contact each other via a layer of the material to be tested for tack (8). The yoke (4) is connected with the frame (2) via a connecting element (5) movable about a center. A force sensor (6) is included between the yoke and the movable connecting element or between the frame and the movable connecting element. The output of the force sensor (6) is connected with processing means (7) for processing the measuring signal delivered by the force sensor into a material-specific tack value. In a first calibration step, the first cylinder is coupled with a static mass (11) via coupling means (10). A first correction value, based on the measuring signal delivered by the force sensor, is stored in the processing means.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment of our invention, a monitoring device is placed above, within, or on the bottom of a cast, boot, shoe, or other lower extremity immobilization or protective device, and has one or more single or cluster of pressure sensitive chambers designed to burst at a predetermined force or weight. The pressure sensitive chambers may be filled with air, liquid, semi-liquid, or particulate material. Once properly positioned, the device serves to detect and alert one or more individuals to the fact that weight-bearing has occurred and/or that a certain amount of force has been transmitted across the bottom or other portion of the cast, boot, shoe, mat, sock, insole, or lower extremity immobilization or protective device in a setting where such pressure could be deleterious or harmful (including situations where patients are recovering from a bony fracture, tendon injury, and recent lower extremity surgery).

Abstract: A functional diagram for a muscle and muscle strength reflex test is provided to enable a chiropractic practitioner or the like to easily diagnose an unknown disease and the cause of the disease. The functional diagram comprises an image portion identifying a prescribed examination item and a scale portion arranged adjacent to the image portion and having a scale representing a degree of the examination item. Furthermore, an examination method for examining a patient with the use of a functional diagram for a muscle and muscle strength reflex test is provided. The examination method comprises the steps of having a patient touch a portion of the functional diagram representing a portion or symptom of his body with one of his fingers of one of his hands and having a patient undergo the muscle and muscle strength reflex test to examine the portion or symptom of his body represented by the portion of the functional diagram touched by the patient.

Abstract: A balancing device includes an active balancing mechanism. The active balancing mechanism maintains the balancing device in an actively balanced state within a range of the active balancing mechanism. An auxiliary balancing mechanism is configured to support the balancing device in an unbalanced state that is outside the range of the active balancing mechanism and aid a transition of the balancing device to the actively balanced state that is within the range of the active balancing mechanism. A processor is configured to actively control the transition from the unbalanced state to the actively balanced state.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultrasonic object inspection system for measuring the physical properties of a test object which includes a pulse generator for sending an electrical pulse signal to a transducer. The transducer then applies an ultrasonic signal to the test object and receives an ultrasonic echo signal from the test object which is then converted by the transducer to an electrical echo signal for sending to a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit includes a plurality of signal processing paths with each path scaling the electrical echo signal to a different degree and including a respective analog to digital converter for converting the electrical echo signal to a digital electrical echo signal. The signal processing circuit further includes a logic circuit for selecting the output of the respective analog to digital converter that provides the digital echo signal having the greatest amplitude without exceeding a predetermined saturation threshold.

Abstract: A system for mapping a condition of a structure that includes a plurality of support members covered by a wall is disclosed and includes a computer processor having a memory, a two-dimensional model of the structure stored in the memory and a three-dimensional model generator operatively associated with the computer. A density sensor that includes an ultrasonic transducer is operatively connected to the computer processor and provided with an ultra wideband transmitter. A position locating system is provided for determining the position of the ultra wideband transmitter, and hence the density sensor, in a frame of reference and communicating the position to the computer processor which displays indications of density on a three-dimensional model of the structure. A method for mapping a condition of a structure is also disclosed.