Abstract: In the formation of sheet material from molten glass, molten glass is formed in a melting furnace and transported through a precious metal delivery system to the forming apparatus. Disclosed herein is a method to mitigate carbon contamination of individual components of the precious metal delivery system prior to and/or during their use. The method involves positioning an oxygen generating material within portions of a precious metal component, and may comprise one or more heat treating steps of the component in an oxygen-containing atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to glass tempering modules of a glass tempering apparatus capable of selectively directing a tempering medium at increased velocity in designated areas of a shaped glass sheet, by the selective arrangement and utilization of quench nozzles in the glass tempering modules, at varying distances from the surface of the shaped glass sheet. A method of tempering a glass sheet utilizing the foregoing apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A method of determining conditioning pulse parameters for an optical element includes directing a pump pulse to impinge on the optical element and directing a probe pulse to impinge on the optical element. The method also includes determining a first time associated with an onset of electronic excitation leading to formation of an absorbing region of the optical element and determining a second time associated with expansion of the absorbing region of the optical element. The method further includes defining a turn-off time for a conditioning pulse between the first time and the second time. According to embodiments of the present invention, pulse shaping of the conditioning pulse enables laser conditioning of optical elements to achieve improvements in their laser induced damage threshold.

Abstract: Techniques and systems suitable for performing low-loss fusion splicing of optical waveguide sections are provided. According to some embodiments, multiple laser beams (from one or more laser) may be utilized to uniformly heat a splice region including portions of the optical waveguide sections to be spliced, which may have different cross-sectional dimensions. According to some embodiments, the relative distance of the optical waveguide sections and/or the power of the multiple laser beams may be varied during splicing operations.

Abstract: An optical fiber end processing method includes the steps of: an optical fiber fixing step of fixing two parts of the optical fiber; a first heating step of heating a tip end side part of the optical fiber between two fixed parts fixed in the optical fiber fixing step, and melting the optical fiber of the tip end side heating part; a second heating step of heating a part on a base end side of the optical fiber between the fixed parts away from the tip end side heating part in a state that two parts of the optical fiber are fixed, and making the holes of the optical fiber disappear; and a removing step of removing the tip end side heating part after the second heating step.

Abstract: There is provide an optical fiber end processing method, for processing an end portion of an optical fiber having a core and a clad surrounding the core, comprising: fixing two places of the optical fiber; firstly heating a part at a tip end side of the optical fiber between fixed parts fixed at two places, thereby melting the optical fiber at the heated part at the tip end side; secondly heating a part at a base end side of the optical fiber between the fixed parts away from the heated part at the tip end side in a state that the optical fiber is fixed at two places, thereby forming an expanded core region which is formed by expanding a diameter of the core by diffusing the dopant included in the optical fiber; and removing at least the heated part at the tip end side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quartz glass burner that can enhance the heating power of flame working without unnecessarily increasing the flow of combustion gas and improve the deposition efficiency on depositing glass particles onto a porous glass preform. The quartz glass burner has a large diameter outer tube, and a plurality of small diameter inner tubes enclosed in the outer tube, and a tip of the outer tube has a port defining member defining the outer shape of a combustion gas ejecting port that ejects combustion gas, and the port defining member protrudes from the inner circumference of the outer tube towards the center axis so as to block the outermost area including areas between the outer circumferences of a plurality of inner tubes forming the inner tube row and the inner circumference of the outer tube of the combustion gas flow path.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for fabricating porous glass preforms, in which any damages of a reaction vessel due to the increase in thermal load to the reaction vessel can be controlled without enlarging the reaction vessel. A wall of the reaction vessel includes a plurality of rectangular inner wall metal plates that defines at least apart of inner side walls of the reaction vessel, adjacent inner wall metal plates of a plurality of inner wall metal plates of which being weld bonded at their edges, and a plurality of metal frame members having higher stiffness than that of the inner wall metal plates and being arranged along each edge region of the opposite surface of the inner side walls of each of the plurality of inner wall metal plates and fixed to the edge region by a tightening or welding means.

Abstract: A device for takedown of the article being formed, for circular knitting machines, comprising at least one takedown roller, which is supported, so that it can rotate about its own axis, by a supporting structure and can engage, by means of its lateral surface, the article to be taken down. There are reloading means, which operate on a motor element to cause its rotation about a main axis in a second direction of rotation that is opposite to the first direction of rotation. The reloading means comprise a fluid-operated reloading cylinder, which is supported by the supporting structure and operates with the stem of its piston on the motor element with a reloading force that is oriented along a direction spaced from the main axis for applying to the motor element a reloading torque that is oriented concordantly with the second direction of rotation.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for determining at least one characteristic of a physical resource for use in a physical resource consuming apparatus.

Abstract: An antitheft device designed to be attached to an off-the-shelf commodity item, preferably a piece of clothing, in particular in close proximity to the edge of the item, including a first so-called fastening part, provided with a nail-type pinning element, a second so-called attachment part, including a recess capable of receiving the said pinning element, a locking system designed to retain the pinning element in the said recess, the two parts being connected to one another so as to be movable relative to one another when the pinning element is outside the recess, and a spring providing the elastic mobility of the fastening part in relation to the attachment part.

Abstract: A padlock can be unlocked by an owner dialing an unlocking number or security personnel using a general key. The padlock includes a housing, a block, a shackle, a general locking device and a private locking device. The housing includes a first channel and a second channel therein. The block is inserted in the second channel. The block includes a receptacle therein. The shackle includes a long arm movably disposed in the first channel and a short arm for engagement with the receptacle of the block. The general locking device is disposed in the housing for locking and unlocking the long arm of the shackle. The private locking mechanism is disposed in the housing for controlling the block so that the block can be engaged with and disengaged from the short arm of the shackle.

Abstract: A deadbolt that automatically locks based on the location of a key fob that is in a user's possession. The deadbolt automatically unlocks whenever the key fob is within a designated distance from the deadbolt and automatically locks when the key fob is past a designated distance from the deadbolt. Additionally, a key can be used to manually unlock the deadbolt at anytime and the deadbolt can be switched to manual mode so it functions like a traditional deadbolt.

Abstract: The invention provides a control mechanism for opening/unlocking the garage door. In this manner, the Emergency Garage Door Arm Release allows consumers to open their garage door from the outside. A transmitter is a control device installed on the outside of the garage and features a keypad on which the user punches in their security code and then activates the emergency release button. Once activated the Emergency Garage Door Arm Release sends a current to the solenoid which then releases the pin thus allowing the garage door to pop open. Once released, the consumer manually opens or raises the garage door the rest of the way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock and key combination including a cylinder lock with a rotatable key plug having a key slot for receiving a flat key blade (100) on a key, and at least two side locking tumblers (201a,201b;301,302;401,402) which are guided in associated chambers in the key plug and have transverse fingers (211a,211b:311,312;411,412a,412b) projecting into the key slot. There is a code pattern (110) in a side recess (115,118) of the key blade comprising at least two separate code surfaces formed on at least one side surface (101) of the key, including a primary code surface (131-135;141?;151) located in an external portion of the side recess and adjoining said one side surface (101), and a secondary code surface (141-145;142?152) being defined in a groove forming a deeper portion of the side recess. The primary and secondary code surfaces engage with first and second fingers (211b,311,411 and 211a,312,412a) on associated side locking tumblers.

Abstract: The efficiency of applied phosphorus can be improved by applying phosphorus as a coating onto plant growth (roots and shoots) or by applying phosphorus as a coating on prills or granules of other forms of fertilizers. The composition comprises (a) monoammonium phosphate, (b) struvite and (c) magnesium sulphate. The first two ingredients ensure that there is a source of rapidly available phosphorus (MAP) and a source of more slowly available phosphorus (STRUV). The third ingredient is to provide a source of sulphate which will, in the area surrounding the coated product following application thereof to the soil, act to stop ambient calcium from reacting with the phosphate thereby rendering it inactive.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the temperature of a rolling material is capable of accurately measuring the temperature of a rolling material by putting a temperature-measuring unit in contact with a surface of the rolling material that is extracted from a heating furnace and conveyed on a roller table to the next process, and moving the temperature-measuring unit contacting the surface of the rolling material together with the rolling material in the conveyed direction thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing metallic sealing and stopper elements for flat gaskets by winding or rolling at least one metallic, sheet metal- or foil-like base body to obtain a tube as an intermediate product, bringing the mutually opposing end regions or parts, or the entire contact surface of the tube, into operative connection with each other by way of bonding, non-positive or positive joining techniques, or combinations thereof, contouring the tube or tube sections generated therefrom at least in some regions, and severing at least one annular or disk-shaped component in order to generate a sealing or stopper element in the contoured region of the tube or tube section.

Abstract: A cooler that is easily dis-assembled is disclosed here. The cooler has two halves which co-operate together to form a cooling passage way to cool a steel work product as it passes through the cooler. A pair of tubular half sections are fastened to each half section to expose the passage way when the two halves are separated. A steel work product normally passes through this passage way. If the steel work product should break during a rolling process then the cooler is removed and opened for inspection.

Abstract: In a rolling mill train (2; 30; 56) for processing rolling stock (4, 32), at least three rolling stands (10) are directly adjacent in the rolling direction and are driven by electric motors (20) having superconducting windings. It is thereby possible to keep the distances between the rolling stands smaller than with conventional electric drives, thus reducing energy losses during the rolling process. A combined casting and rolling station (40), which is equipped with such an electric motor (20) in the rolling stands, is configured and/or operated efficiently in terms of the required heating power.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a metal wire with improved productivity in which a conventional drawing machine is used while wear of a die or occurrence of a break due to the ductility loss thereof is effectively prevented. Provided is a method for producing a metal wire 1 including a process of drawing a metal wire by using a slip type drawing machine. For a cone 11 of the slip type drawing machine, a cone having an even surface without an inclination angle with respect to the axis of rotation is used, as well as, a die 12 of the slip type drawing machine is positioned such that the metal wire 1 passes a location nearest to a drive unit in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the cone 11.

Abstract: A system and a method of processing an F-temper aluminum alloy. An F-temper aluminum alloy blank may be heated and positioned in the die set such that the blank does not touch the die set. The blank may be formed into a part and quenched when the die set is closed.

Abstract: A method for producing annular metallic sealing elements by bringing at least two sheet metal strips or foil strips having predefinable thicknesses, lengths, and widths into operative connection with each other in the manner of a tailored blank or patchwork, subsequently winding this composite to obtain a tube, wherein the mutually facing end regions of the tubular multilayer composite are connected to each other non-positively or positively or by bonding, or combinations thereof, notably by thermal action such as by welding or soldering, and either dividing the tube into individual ring elements, which are subsequently formed using mechanical shape-forming to obtain the respective sealing element, or forming the entire tube and dividing the tube thus profiled into ring elements to obtain individual sealing elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a die apparatus which cools metals after hot pressing. More specifically, the present invention relates to an immersion cooling type die apparatus, in which dies are immersed in a coolant to enhance a cooling rate of the dies while guaranteeing uniform quality. The die apparatus includes an upper die having a pressing surface formed on a lower surface thereof, a lower die having a pressing surface formed on an upper surface thereof, a coolant bath storing a predetermined level of coolant, and a pressing unit driven to lower and compress the upper die onto the lower die, to lower both the upper and lower dies in a compressed state, and to lift the upper and lower dies in a reverse sequence.

Abstract: A bossed disc-like member manufacturing method and apparatus with which it is possible to simply form a boss portion with a desired height. The method includes a level difference formation step that moves a second portion, which is positioned on the inner peripheral side of a first portion in a radial direction of a disc-like blank, relative to the first portion in a first direction which is the thickness direction of the blank, thus forming a level difference between the first portion and the second portion. A conical portion formation step moves the second portion relative to the first portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction, eliminating the level difference. In this manner, a conical portion is formed in the second direction on the inner side of the second portion; and a burring step performs a burring process on the conical portion, thus forming the boss portion.

Abstract: In a plated steel sheet having an aluminum-plating layer comprising at least Al formed on one side or both sides of the steel sheet, there is provided a plated steel sheet which, owing to the presence of a surface coating layer containing a compound having wurtzite crystal structure on the aluminum-plating layer, has excellent lubricity, prevents the plating thickness from becoming uneven during heating, and can improve formability and productivity in hot stamping, and a method of hot-stamping the plated steel sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a blank, which is composed at least substantially of material that can be embossed, in particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for closing a container along the edge thereof, in particular by means of adhesive bonding or sealing, the blank having an embossed surface and being stamped from a continuous material. The invention is characterized in that markings are embossed on the continuous material when the surface of the blank is embossed, said markings being used for the position determination during the stamping process.

Abstract: A system for forming different types of clamshell components including a moveable base, a stationary base, and a squeezer assembly capable of accommodating different types of clamshell components having different lengths, shapes, locations of piercings. The squeezer assembly includes interchangeable squeezer elements. To switch between forming a first type of clamshell component and a second type of clamshell component, one of the two bases is moved relative to the other of the two bases and/or squeezer units for forming the first type of clamshell component are replaced with squeezer units for forming the second type of clamshell component. Reconfiguring the bases and interchanging the squeezers of a clamshell tool, instead of replacing an entire clamshell tool with a different clamshell tool, minimizes lost productivity time, reduces capital costs, and eliminates the problem of storing several different clamshell assembly tools.

Abstract: A method includes initiating a test of a servo gauge by causing the servo gauge to attempt to move a displacer of the servo gauge, where the servo gauge uses a drum to move the displacer in a tank. The method also includes measuring a torque associated with the drum during or after the attempt to move the displacer and identifying a mechanical problem with the servo gauge based on the measured torque. For example, a stuck displacer can be identified when the measured torque exceeds an upper expected value. A lost displacer or a stuck drum can be identified when the measured torque is below a lower expected value.

Abstract: Active compensation designs to offset the impact of gas diffusion sources and sinks in a photosynthesis and transpiration measurement system are disclosed. A sensor head for use in a gas exchange analysis system includes an active, piezoelectric flow splitting device for splitting a flow between a sample chamber and bypass pathway. The active flow splitting device is controlled by feedback from a downstream flow meter. A continuous measurement system for rapidly and accurately surveying large numbers of samples is described.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio sensor includes a solid electrolyte layer, a measuring electrode laminated on a first face of the solid electrolyte layer, a reference electrode laminated on a second face of the solid electrolyte layer which is different from the first face thereof, such that the reference electrode and the measuring electrode are opposed to each other with the solid electrolyte layer interposed therebetween, a porous diffusion resistance layer that permits gas to pass therethrough and covers the measuring electrode, and a catalyst layer including a catalyst metal and a base material on which the catalyst metal is supported. The catalyst layer permits gas to pass therethrough and covers the porous diffusion resistance layer. The catalyst metal is a platinum-palladium-rhodium alloy, and contains 2 to 9 mass % of rhodium when the overall amount of the catalyst layer is represented as 100 mass %.

Abstract: A method for the determination of gas concentrations xi in a gas mixture using a thermal conductivity detector with a Wheatstone bridge. It comprises the following method steps: measuring the bridge voltage Xa; correcting the measured values for the bridge voltage Xa, in particular with respect to drift; determination of the thermal conductivity of the gas mixture; and determination of at least one gas concentration xi. Preferably, an automatic zero-point correction and an automatic measuring range end value correction occur within the framework of the correction.

Abstract: A mercury vapour sensor in which the sensor surface is a gold substrate, and gold nanostructures with controlled crystallographic facets are strongly adhered to the substrate. A substantial increase in response magnitude and stability of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) based mercury vapour sensor is achieved using this sensor surface. The method of forming gold nanostructures on a gold substrate includes the steps of electrodepositing gold onto a gold working electrode from a solution of hydrogen or alkali metal tetrahaloaureate (III) and an additive such as lead acetate at an electro-deposition temperature between 20 and 40° C. and a deposition time of at least 15 seconds. The growth is controlled by the composition of the deposition solution, the temperature and the current density. The deposition rates may be varied as will the deposition times which are preferably about 150 seconds but may be as long as 15 minutes. The preferred deposition solution contains 2.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in testing a protective mask for leaks. The apparatus includes a test head assembly for supporting at least a portion of a protective mask to be tested for leaks. The test head assembly may be freestanding or it may be mounted directly on the mask tester. Preferably, the test head assembly includes a test head having a test space. The test space is operably associated with a mask tester such that a fluid from the test space is directed to the mask tester for analysis to determine if a leak exists in the mask. The test space is generally coextensive with the inner surface of the protective mask being tested. Although the test space is generally coextensive with the inner surface of the protective mask being tested, it is designed such that it has minimal volume to enhance the testing process by expediting test response time, reducing the time period it takes for a mask tester to reach one or more prerequisite test conditions (e.g.

Abstract: A method for providing superadsorption of polar organic compounds using a material system comprising the steps of enhancing adsorption by means of using high surface area and mass transfer rates and decreased reactivity at surface sites attractive to the polar compounds and employing consequence management by maintaining a high rate of adsorptivity combined with high fidelity and accuracy of the material system.

Abstract: A fuel injection feedback system comprises a light source disposed inside a fuel injector, an optical sensor disposed inside the fuel injector, and a computing device electronically connected to the optical sensor. The light source is a device configured to emit light capable of being reflected by cavitation. The light source could be disposed on or within the needle or nozzle of the fuel injector, or at a variety of other locations inside the fuel injector. The optical sensor is configured to detect an intensity of light caused by receiving light reflected from cavitation occurring inside the fuel injector.

Abstract: Provided is a failure diagnosis system which can diagnose whether or not a sensitivity adjustment part is in failure. The failure diagnosis system includes: a plurality of sensors; various sensors that detect operating conditions of a device; a plurality of sensitivity adjustment parts that adjust receiver sensitivities of sensor signals from the plurality of sensors based on the detected operating conditions; and a failure diagnosis part that diagnoses whether or not the plurality of sensitivity adjustment parts are in failure. The failure diagnosis part detects a failure condition of a sensitivity adjustment part when a difference between a comparison value calculated based on a maximum value of the adjusted sensor signals from the plurality of sensitivity adjustment parts at a given interval, and a maximum value of the adjusted sensor signal from the sensitivity adjustment part to be diagnosed at the given interval is larger than a given amount.

Abstract: Visual inspection of an interior bottom of a borehole by means of measuring the sediment thickness at the bottom. An inspection device to be lowered in the borehole and then to be retrieved. The bottom sediment thickness is marked on the piston by a collar attached to the piston.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assessing deterioration in a gearbox. Data is obtained from an operating gearbox regarding harmonic frequencies and their related sidebands generated as a consequence of the gearbox operation. In a first embodiment, a Sideband Energy Ratio (SER) is calculated by dividing the amplitude of the sum of sideband signals associated with a harmonic to the amplitude of the harmonic. In a second embodiment, a SER is calculated based on sideband amplitudes associated with adjacent harmonics. The ratio may be monitored over time or compared to one or more values to provide an indication of deterioration.

Abstract: A flow meter for use in dialysis is described, that uses a thermal wave to generate a signal in the fluid for which the flow rate is to be measured. The phase angle of the thermal wave signal changes when traversing downstream. The phase difference between the signals received downstream, compared with a reference excitation source signal is measured, and used to determine the flow rate of the fluid.

Abstract: A sensing device includes at least one electrode pair (2, 3, 4) and one sensing circuit (140) connected to the electrode pair (2, 3, 4). The sensing circuit (140) switches the value of its own output voltage when a substance establishes contact across the electrodes (2, 3, 4). The device further includes one output circuit (180) connected to the output of the sensing circuit (140) and adapted to provide an output signal (s7) representative of the presence of a substance across the electrode pair (2, 3, 4). The device also allows the output signal to take different voltage and/or current and/or frequency values, in particular such that values can be discerned which are representative of the presence or level of substances and/or representative of faults of the device.

Abstract: A floating storage tank roof having a roof cover level monitor apparatus uses a flexible rod having a first end in contact with the storage tank cover bottom surface and a second end in contact with a base mounted to the top of the storage tank roof. As the rod flexes the second end of the rod is pushed into a slot within the base and against a resilient member within the slot. Within the slot are disposed proximity switches. As the rod second end sinks into the slot the proximity switches are actuated by mechanical or magnetic means. The spacing of the switches within the slot is calibrated to represent the level of the storage tank roof. A force transducer may also be used in lieu of the switches.

Abstract: A method for the accurate measurement of the density of a sample using a densimeter equipped with a measurement cell, a sample-containing U-tube including a ferromagnetic member, an insulated conductive reading plate maintained at a different potential relative to the U-tube, and an electromagnetic excitation winding. The method includes the steps of transmitting a synchronised rectangular excitation signal continuously to the U-tube to cause the U-tube to vibrate at resonance frequency, the vibration being represented by a sinusoidal resonance signal; determining the resonance frequency from the variations in the voltage at the terminals of the capacitor and deducing an approximate value of the density of the sample; controlling the pulse width of the rectangular excitation signal to maintain a predefined constant amplitude of the resonance signal; and deducing a correction factor dependent on the viscosity of the sample.

Abstract: A protection cover structure of a slide detection apparatus for a vehicle seat is provided. The slide detection apparatus is configured to detect a slide state of the vehicle seat with a magnetic detector which is provided to one of a fixed rail and a movable rail configuring a slide rail mechanism of the vehicle seat, and a detectable member provided to the other of the rails. The protection cover structure includes a protection cover provided to the one rail and configured to cover and protect the magnetic detector. The protection cover integrally includes a side cover part which covers a side of the magnetic detector, and a cover part which covers a detection part of the magnetic detector. A tip end portion of the cover part is formed with a lip-shaped contact part which is configured to slidably contact a sidewall surface of the other rail.

Abstract: A micromechanical structure, in particular an acceleration sensor, is described, having a substrate, a seismic mass, which is movable relative to the substrate, and at least one anchoring element, which is fixedly connected to the substrate, the seismic mass being attached to the substrate by the anchoring element, and at least one spring element being situated between the seismic mass and the anchoring element, and furthermore, the anchoring element has at least one stop element for interaction with at least one counterstop element of the seismic mass.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a microelectromechanical system may include a mass element; a substrate; a signal generator; and a fixing structure configured to fix the mass element to the substrate; wherein the mass element is fixed in such a way that, upon an acceleration of the microelectromechanical system, the mass element can be moved relative to the substrate in at least two spatial directions, and wherein a signal is generated by the movement of the mass element by means of the signal generator.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a microelectromechanical system may include a chip, a substrate, a signal generator, and a fixing structure configured to fix the chip to the substrate. The chip may be fixed in such a way that, upon an acceleration of the microelectromechanical system, the chip is moved relative to the substrate. Furthermore, a signal may be generated by the movement of the chip by means of the signal generator.

Abstract: Testing of components for fatigue under vibration conditions is important. Typically an isolation device is utilised in order to isolate a mode of vibration of interest. Isolation is through engaging a node line utilising isolation elements. By presenting the isolation elements in arms a component can be isolated by engaging the component to one side. The isolation elements are suspended upon springs and allowed to move axially in the direction of the springs as well as laterally through mountings in the arms. The isolation elements are less acceptable to wear and test set up time is reduced by the engaging of component to one side only of the component.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus is disclosed that is capable of eliminating deterioration of the S/N of the ultrasonic image while suppressing enlargement of the circuit size. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe having a plurality of transducers arranged for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to/from an object to be examined. A transmission unit is provided for supplying a drive signal to each of the transducers, and a reception unit is provided for phasing/adding and receiving a reflected echo signal received by each transducer. The apparatus also includes an image processing unit for reconfiguring an ultrasonic image based on the reflected echo signal received. The transmission unit divides the plurality of transducers into a plurality of groups, supplies a common drive signal to the transducers belonging to the same group, and performs focus control by group units.

Abstract: A method for checking a mechanical integrity of at least two stabilizing elements includes providing the at least two stabilizing elements that mechanically interconnect blade airfoils of rotor blades of a turbine in a circumferential direction of the turbine in an installed state of the turbine. The at least two stabilizing elements are adjacent to one another and inter-engage to form an engagement section having a material volume of the at least two stabilizing elements in the engagement section. The material volume of the at least two stabilizing elements is scanned, in an automated manner using ultrasound, so as to determine whether cracks are present. The scanning is performed from an outside of the at least two stabilizing elements.