Abstract: A portable flexible container integrity test device for conducting integrity testing of flexible containers is disclosed. The test device is particularly useful for testing aseptic flexible film bags in a manner that maintains the sterile nature of the container and removes crinkles by inflating the containers to remove crinkles and establish an inflation set point. The test device includes a programmable logic controller (PLC), a pressure transducer in electronic communication with the PLC, a power source configured to provide electrical power to the PLC, a blower in electronic communication with the PLC, a gas delivery pathway in selective fluid communication with the blower, and a human/machine interface in electronic communication with the PLC. The device is portable and configured to fluidly connect to a flexible container via the gas delivery pathway.

Abstract: A leak alarm system for a petroleum pipeline includes one or more detectors installed in the ground adjacent to a pipeline, each detector having a tubular enclosure with a diode light source and photosensor located at the opposed end of the tube. The tubular enclosure is fabricated of a microporous material that has microfiltration properties: it is hydrophobic, so that soil water will not enter the enclosure, but also oleophilic to enable petroleum and related substances migrate through the material of the tubular enclosure and accumulate therein. The petroleum-like materials scatter the beam and diminish the sensor signal, causing a leak alarm signal to be generated.

Abstract: An excitation system includes a pair of piezoelectric elements configured to apply respective excitation forces to a test structure, a clamp including an adjustable arm, the adjustable arm being configured to capture the test structure between the pair of piezoelectric elements, a controller coupled to the pair of piezoelectric elements and configured to generate a respective excitation control signal for each piezoelectric element, each excitation control signal being configured such that the respective excitation forces are matched to one another, and a pair of sensor film structures to generate respective output signals indicative of the excitation forces applied to the test structure, each sensor film structure being disposed between a respective one of the pair of piezoelectric elements and the test structure.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus and a method of testing one of aerodynamic and acoustic characteristics of a vehicle is described. The method includes measuring a vehicle center using a gauge. The gauge includes a carrier section from which a pair of arms extend in opposed directions. Each of the arms has an axle center locator. The carrier section has a vehicle center marker. Upon determination of the vehicle center, the vehicle can be located in a wind tunnel at a predetermined location and exposed to an enhanced air flow.

Abstract: A method of measuring optical properties of a multi-mode optical fiber during processing of the fiber is described. The method includes: transmitting a light signal through one of the draw end of the multi-mode fiber and a test fiber section toward the other of the draw end and the test fiber section; and receiving a portion of the light signal at one of the draw end and the test fiber section. The method also includes obtaining optical data related to the received portion of the light signal; and analyzing the optical data to determine a property of the multi-mode fiber.

Abstract: A system and method including a semiconductor laser source configured to output radiation over a range of wavelengths at a prescribed rate to a device under test. The prescribed rate is sufficiently above environmental frequency bands. A detector is configured to detect output radiation from the device under test to obtain a detected signal associated with at least one physical property associated with the incident radiation over the range of wavelengths at the prescribed rate. The detected signal includes environmental signal and target signal from the device under test. A processor isolates the environmental signal from the detected signal; and processes the target signal to obtain dispersion information of the device under test. A system output is configured to output the dispersion information of the device under test.

Abstract: An inspection method of the present invention performs a step of giving the electric motor an instructing for rotating a foot shaft in a reverse direction and checking whether the foot shaft is rotating in the reverse direction, and a step of checking whether hydraulic pressure acting on the hydraulic pump has reached a predetermined pressure level. By checking a rotating direction of the electric motor, it is possible to check electrical connections. By checking the hydraulic pressure, it is possible to check whether there is any trouble in a hydraulic system. Namely, the present invention can perform an electrical connection check and a hydraulic pressure check in a collective fashion.

Abstract: Any one of ECUs that are operating detects a present power supply voltage repeatedly. When the voltage detected at the present time is changed from the voltage detected at the previous time, a difference is calculated as a variation value and the repeatedly calculated variation values are integrated to provide a voltage variation integrated value. When the variation of the power supply voltage of an ECU becomes great relatively due to a loose connection in a power supply line, the calculated voltage variation integrated value becomes greater than those of the other ECUs. In addition, when a defect arises in a common power supply source, the voltage variation integrated value increases in all the ECUs. Therefore, each integrated value of the variation values of the power supply voltage in each of the ECUs enables an anomaly diagnosis of an occurrence point of the defect.

Abstract: A microtome has a blade holder on which a blade is mounted, an anti-roll device for supporting a section preparation that has been produced by means of the blade, and a suction device by means of which the section preparation can be picked up by suction and carried off. The suction device has a nozzle, with an adjustably mounted nozzle body, and a suction channel. Provision is made that the anti-roll device is mounted on the nozzle body and is adjustable, in particular pivotable, together therewith.

Abstract: Inline optical sensor which includes a modular flowcell block with a flow passageway of predetermined diameter, interchangeable adapters for connecting flow lines with different internal diameters to the block, and an optical pathlength that can be adjusted both in fixed increments with window spacers and continuously with vernier adjusters, and a light source and an optical detector in modular housings which can be aligned both radially and axially. Thermal isolation is provided between the housings and the flowcell body, and air circulation further reduces temperature and condensation within the housings.

Abstract: Swabs, and materials of the present disclosure, and methods of making same, include randomly arranged sea-island bicomponent fibers which have randomly splayed terminal ends.

Abstract: A disseminated vapor capture device for challenging a gas sampling apparatus with a vapor stream, includes an inlet being adapted for connection to a vapor generating apparatus producing a vapor stream containing target particles or analytes, an outer shell enclosing an inner chamber in communication with the inlet, the inner chamber being adapted for passing the vapor stream therethrough, an outlet being adapted for connection to a vacuum source, the outlet being in communication with the inner chamber for passing the vapor stream out of the inner chamber, and at least one sampling port in communication with the inner chamber, the at least one sampling port each being configured for coupling engagement with a gas sampling apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser microdissection are disclosed. In one variation, targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition to the location of an interior of a cut path. In another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then placed onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the biological material. In yet another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then inverted onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the polymer membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a staining methodology employing a particle contrast agent composition capable of rapidly staining cells in a single step. The particle contrast agent composition can be comprised of a combination of one or more particle contrast agents, one or more permeabilizing agents, and one or more fixing agents. The particle contrast agent composition can include Crystal Violet, New Methylene Blue, Saponin, and Gluteraldehyde.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device is described that may include alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing thin TEM samples in a manner that reduces or prevents bending and curtaining is realized. Embodiments of the present invention deposit material onto the face of a TEM sample during the process of preparing the sample. In some embodiments, the material can be deposited on a sample face that has already been thinned before the opposite face is thinned, which can serve to reinforce the structural integrity of the sample and refill areas that have been over-thinned due to a curtaining phenomena. In other embodiments, material can also be deposited onto the face being milled, which can serve to reduce or eliminate curtaining on the sample face.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical device for electromechanical testing a specimen having a nano-scale dimension is formed on a multi-layered semiconductor substrate (chip) and includes an electrothermal or electrostatic actuator for applying a displacement load (force) to the specimen, a load sensor for sensing the load (force) experienced by the specimen. The specimen is disposed between first and second movable shuttles of the actuator and load sensor, which shuttles comprise electrically insulating layers so as to electrically isolate the shuttles and specimen from the actuator and the load sensor on the substrate. A four-terminal Kelvin array is provided to provide specimen electrical characterization measurements and includes first and second outer terminals connected to a current source and to opposite end locations of the specimen and first and second inner terminals connected to a high input impedance voltage meter and to the specimen at other locations between the first and second outer terminals.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing a cable call for extending the cable along a route having at least one curved portion, applying tension in an axial direction to the sheath of the extended cable so as to elongate the sheath, perturbing the tensioned cable in an axial direction and determining whether the perturbations to the tensioned cable have caused any structural distortions in the cable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of evaluating a battery module includes: applying a tension load to a test coupon, the test coupon including a segment of a battery terminal connected to a segment of an interconnector busbar; and measuring electrical resistance across the segments of the test coupon. In certain instances, the method further includes applying a different, second tension load to the segments of the test coupon and repeating the measuring of electrical resistance. In certain other instances, the method further includes forming a plot between various values of electrical resistance as a function of various tension loads.

Abstract: A flush valve for a waste water system comprises a valve including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a main valve element adapted for movement to allow fluid flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet based on a pressure differential across a portion of the main valve element. The valve also includes a vent system comprising a control chamber in flow communication with the fluid inlet of the valve and a vent outlet in flow communication with the fluid outlet of the valve, and a solenoid for venting fluid venting fluid from the control chamber to the fluid outlet. A pressure sensor, such as an electronic pressure transducer, senses the fluid pressure of fluid within the vent system. When a predetermined pressure threshold is reached or exceeded, the solenoid can be energized to release fluid from the control chamber.

Abstract: A blood measuring apparatus includes: a first chamber which includes a first wall provided with an aperture and in which diluted blood is contained; a second chamber which includes the first wall, a second wall opposed to the first wall and a peripheral wall and in which diluting solution is contained, the first and second chambers communicating with each other through the aperture; first and second electrodes which are disposed in the first and second chambers, respectively; a measuring unit which performs a blood measurement by causing a current to flow between the first and second electrodes; a diluting solution supplying unit which supplies diluting solution along a part of the peripheral wall which is adjacent to a peripheral edge of the first wall; and a sucking unit which sucks the diluting solution from the second wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for diagnosing status of a consumable part of a plasma reaction chamber, the consumable part including at least one conductive element embedded therein. The method includes the steps of: coupling the conductive element to a power supply so that a bias potential relative to the ground is applied to the conductive element; exposing the consumable part to plasma erosion until the conductive element draws a current from the plasma upon exposure of the conductive element to the plasma; measuring the current; and evaluating a degree of erosion of the consumable part due to the plasma based on the measured current.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to self-assembled nanoparticle arrays, methods of making the nanoparticle arrays, and methods of using the nanoparticle arrays in spectroscopic methods for detecting targets of interest. The present invention is also directed to a fabrication method for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates that possess a unique combination of three highly desirable attributes: (a) the SERS substrates can be tuned to match the laser wavelength of operation and maximize the enhancement factor for the particular Raman instrument and analyte in use; (b) the SERS substrates have a highly reproducible enhancement factor over macroscopic sampling areas; and (c) the fabrication method is achieved without resorting to expensive, slow nano-lithography tools.

Abstract: An analyzer comprises a container supplying unit which supplies a container, an agitating unit which agitates liquid in the container, and a measurement unit which performs a measurement using the liquid agitated by the agitating unit. The agitating unit comprises a base which is configured to move relative to the container supplying unit, a driving source which is mounted on the base, a container catcher which is configured to catch the container at one side, a transmitting member which transmits the power of the driving source to the other end side of the container catcher, and a supporting member which supports the container catcher at a position between one end and the other end of the container catcher.

Abstract: A cuvette system may comprise a disposable cuvette element for holding a sample for analysis, with the cuvette element comprising an elongated strip having opposite faces and a well for receiving the sample to be analyzed. The well may be formed on the strip to hold a sample on the strip, and a hole may form at least a portion of the well and may extend through the strip. The well may be configured to hold a defined volume of the sample to be held therein. The system may comprise a reusable holder for removably receiving the cuvette element, with the holder having a substantially hollow interior for receiving at least a portion of the cuvette element. The holder may have a perimeter wall including a front wall and a rear wall of the holder, and a window may be formed in each of the front and rear walls and may be generally positioned in alignment with each other.

Abstract: In a semiconductor carrier lifetime measuring apparatus A1 of the present invention, at least two types of light having mutually different wavelengths are irradiated onto a semiconductor X to be measured, a predetermined measurement wave is irradiated onto the semiconductor X to be measured, a reflected wave of the measurement wave that has been reflected by the semiconductor X to be measured or a transmitted wave of the measurement wave that has transmitted through the semiconductor X to be measured is detected, and the carrier lifetime in the semiconductor X to be measured is obtained based on the detection results so as to minimize the error. Accordingly, the semiconductor carrier lifetime measuring apparatus A1 configured as described above can more accurately measure the carrier lifetime.

Abstract: An analyte measuring device (5) for monitoring, for example, levels of a tissue analyte (e.g., bilirubin), includes a number of narrow band light sources (10), each narrow band light source being structured to emit a spectrum of light covering a number of wavelengths, and a number of detector assemblies (15) configured to receive light reflected from the transcutaneous tissues of a subject. Each of the detector assemblies includes a filter (20) and a photodetector (25), each filter being structured to transmit a main transmission band and one or more transmission sidebands, wherein for each narrow band light source the spectrum thereof includes one or more wavelengths that fall within the transmission band of at least one of the filters, and wherein for each narrow band light source the spectrum thereof does not include any wavelengths that fall within the one or more transmission sidebands of any of the optical filters.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating surface near-field light resulting from light emitted from a light source that passes through a scattering layer is disclosed. Also, a method of finding a phase of incident light to cause constructive interference at a target spot using light scattering to manipulate the surface near-field.

Abstract: A fluid characterization measuring instrument comprises a sample vessel (14) for a bulk complex sample fluid having a capacity that is substantially larger than a domain size of the complex sample fluid and that is sufficiently large to cause bulk scattering effects to substantially exceed surface effects for the complex fluid sample, a coherent light source (12) positioned to illuminate the bulk complex sample fluid in the sample vessel and a first fibre (16) having a first end positioned to receive backscattered light from the sample after it has interacted with the sample. The first fibre is positioned close enough to an optical axis of the coherent light source and to the sample vessel to substantially decrease a contribution of multiply scattered light in the backscattered light.

Abstract: An information terminal device (100) comprises a light source (171) that directs light at a display face on which a display component (110) is disposed, an object detecting sensor (170) that receives light from the display face, and a controller (300) that determines whether or not a sheet (180) has been affixed to the display face on the basis of the output from the object detecting sensor (170).

Abstract: A chemical-analysis device integrated with a metallic-nanofinger device for chemical sensing. The chemical-analysis device includes a metallic-nanofinger device, and a platform. The metallic-nanofinger device includes a substrate, and a plurality of nanofingers coupled with the substrate. A nanofinger of the plurality includes a flexible column, and a metallic cap coupled to an apex of the flexible column. At least the nanofinger and a second nanofinger of the plurality of nanofingers are to self-arrange into a close-packed configuration with at least one analyte molecule. A morphology of the metallic cap is to generate a shifted plasmonic-resonance peak associated with amplified luminescence from the analyte molecule. A method for using, and a chemical-analysis apparatus including the chemical-analysis device are also provided.

Abstract: A fluorescence reader for an optical assay arrangement that includes a polymeric sample substrate having a reaction site-surface and a substrate surface. The fluorescence reader includes a light source arranged to illuminate the reaction site-surface through the substrate surface, and a detector device arranged to detect fluorescent light emitted from the reaction site-surface and transmitted through the substrate surface, the substrate surface being configured to increase transmission of emitted fluorescent light by suppression of total internal reflection.

Abstract: The present invention provides miniSOG proteins, polynucleotides, and methods of use. When expressed in a bacterial or mammalian cell, miniSOG proteins spontaneously incorporate flavin mononucleotide and produce fluorescence and singlet oxygen upon excitation. Uses include optical and electron microscope imaging, in vivo imaging, detection and localization of protein-protein interactions, and photoablation.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for mid-infrared imaging of nucleic acid microarrays by employing mid-infrared reflective labels combined with detection in the reflection mode. The methods described herein provide intrinsic image contrast, and permit detection of DNA microarray hybridization on infrared absorbing substrates such as glass slides.

Abstract: A three-dimensional porous photonic structure, whose internal pore surfaces can be provided with desired surface properties in a spatially selective manner with arbitrary patterns, and methods for making the same are described. When exposed to a fluid (e.g., via immersion or wicking), the fluid can selectively penetrate the regions of the structure with compatible surface properties. Broad applications, for example in security, encryption and document authentication, as well as in areas such as simple microfluidics and diagnostics, are anticipated.

Abstract: A method for checking the soiling of the windows of a measuring apparatus for checking sheet material, includes having at least two sensor rows oriented transversally to the transport direction of the sheet material. Each of the sensor rows detects the light emanating from the sheet material in a certain spectral channel. For checking the soiling of the window the sensor rows detect the light at several detection times at which no sheet material is present in the capture area of the sensor rows. At least two of the spectral channels are combined with each other and the temporal variation of the intensities of the combined spectral channel is evaluated for the purpose of the soiling check. A small temporal variation of the intensity of the combined spectral channel is employed as an indicator for the presence of a soiling of the window.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed to detect and measure cracks in the lining of a container. A typical apparatus includes a scanning device to acquire a cloud of data points by measuring distances from the scanning device to a plurality of points on the surface of lining material and a controller to fit a polygonal mesh and a minimum surface through the cloud of data points, a crack being detected by a portion of the polygonal mesh containing a connected group of polygons that extends past the minimum surface beyond a threshold distance.

Abstract: Systems configured to inspect a wafer are provided. One system includes an illumination subsystem configured to simultaneously form multiple illumination areas on the wafer with substantially no illumination flux between each of the areas. The system also includes a scanning subsystem configured to scan the multiple illumination areas across the wafer. In addition, the system includes a collection subsystem configured to simultaneously and separately image light scattered from each of the areas onto two or more sensors. Characteristics of the two or more sensors are selected such that the scattered light is not imaged into gaps between the two or more sensors. The two or more sensors generate output responsive to the scattered light. The system further includes a computer subsystem configured to detect defects on the wafer using the output of the two or more sensors.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source including a plurality of X-ray focuses, an X-ray detector which detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray focuses and transmitted through an object, and a control unit which controls the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. The X-ray imaging apparatus selects a pair of X-ray focuses, of X-ray focuses of the plurality of X-ray focuses which project images on the X-ray detector through a region of interest which is an imaging region of the object, from which emitted X-rays define an intersecting angle coinciding with a predetermined angle in the region of interest, and decides an X-ray focus to be used for imaging from X-ray focuses between the selected pair of X-ray focuses. An X-ray image is captured by emitting X-rays from the decided X-ray focus and causing the X-ray detector to detect the X-rays.

Abstract: An X-ray analysis apparatus has at least one X-ray aperture (4; 4a, 4b) which delimits an X-ray beam (RS) emitted by an X-ray source (2). The at least one X-ray aperture (4; 4a, 4b) is disposed at a separation from the sample (5) and has a single crystal aperture body (8) with a through pinhole (9). The single crystal aperture body (8) forms a peripheral continuous edge (10) which delimits the X-ray beam (RS) and starting from which the pinhole (9) widens like a funnel in a direction of an outlet opening (11) of the X-ray aperture (4; 4a, 4b) in a first area (B1). The X-ray analysis apparatus reduces impairment of X-ray measurements due to parasitic scattered radiation and at little expense.

Abstract: Analyzing a strain distribution in a semiconductor structure. One embodiment includes a method including: determining a crystallographic orientation of a portion of the semiconductor structure depicted in a diffraction pattern image, identifying a first and a second diffraction spot in the diffraction pattern image, and detecting an anticipated location of each of a plurality of diffraction spots, based on the first and second diffraction spot, and the determining of the crystallographic orientation. The method includes forming perimeter tiles around the first and the second diffraction spot, and the anticipated location of each of the plurality of diffraction spots, and storing each of the formed perimeter tiles of the diffraction pattern image. Finally the method includes determining the strain distribution in the semiconductor structure based on an actual location of the first and the second diffraction spot, and each of the plurality of diffraction spots within the perimeter tile.

Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments concern a method and an apparatus for determining molecular structure. One embodiment comprises producing sample ions from a sample, cooling molecules of the sample ions by either embedding sample ions in superfluid droplets, such as superfluidic helium droplets, or subjecting sample ions in a cooled ion trap, to a selected temperature approaching absolute zero. Plural cooled sample ions confined in a diffraction zone are oriented using a laser, and a diffraction image is produced from oriented sample ions using an electron beam. Molecular structure is determined using collected images from different orientations obtained under different polarization directions of the orientation laser. Embodiments of an apparatus for determining molecular structure also are disclosed. The apparatus operation, data accumulation and processing are controlled by software.

Abstract: According to the invention a method is provided for identifying a crystallographic candidate phase of a crystal in an EBSD diffraction pattern, which includes the following steps: Sorting and indexing of the bands of the diffraction pattern in order of decreasing intensity. Providing of indices of the diffraction bands of candidate phases, which are to be expected as a result of the EBSD pattern acquisition, in a database, wherein all the indices provided can, in each case, be assigned to a candidate phase. Identification of the expected bands with the bands measured in the diffraction pattern for each candidate phase. Comparison of the intensities of bands of the measured diffraction pattern with intensities which were predicted for the diffraction bands of the candidate phases, which are to be expected as a result of the EBSD pattern acquisition, the indices of said candidate phases being stored in the database.

Abstract: A filter assembly has a qualified filter element that filters fuel, a filter housing for the qualified filter element and a water-in-fuel sensor that senses presence of water in the filter housing. An electrical resistance of the water-in-fuel sensor changes based upon whether the qualified filter element is installed in the housing. A filter assembly can also have a plurality of magnetic elements disposed on at least one of the filter housing and the qualified filter element. A plurality of wires are disposed on at least the other of the filter housing and the qualified filter element. The control circuit determines that the qualified filter element is installed in the filter housing based on a change in the electrical current in the plurality of wires.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement for registering a measured variable representing concentration of an analyte in a measured medium, includes: a first electrode modified with a redox active substance, a second electrode, and a measuring circuit, which comprises a voltage source for applying at least one predetermined voltage between the first electrode and a reference, and an apparatus for registering electrical current flowing, in such case, between the first electrode and the second electrode or for registering a variable correlated with the electrical current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the second electrode is modified with the same redox active substance as the first electrode.

Abstract: A gas sensor comprises a layered structure with an ionic conductive film and a high gas-permeability interlayer film, a first catalyst electrode and a second catalyst electrode, a conductivity promotion structure, a high-k layer and a current detecting unit. The ionic conductive film includes a material with ionic conductivity ranging from 0.02 to 1000 S/cm. The first catalyst electrode and second catalyst electrode are located on the layered structure and spaced by a predetermined distance for ionizing a gas and reducing the ionized gas, respectively. The conductivity promotion structure includes a material with electronic conductivity ranging from 10?5 to 105 S/cm, and provides wanted electrons for a reduction reaction. The high-k layer is interposed between the conductivity promotion structure and layered structure. The current detecting unit is coupled to the first catalyst electrode and second catalyst electrode to sense a detecting current with respect to the ionized gas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a method for detecting a crack. The apparatus includes a power supply unit, a sensor module, and a signal reception module. The power supply unit supplies power. The sensor module receives the input power from the power supply unit, and outputs sensing power corresponding to the magnetic field of an object to be measured. The signal reception unit converts the sensing power output from the sensor module into a quantitative value, and computes the distribution of the magnetic field. The sensor module includes a first sensor array configured to detect magnetic field vectors in a direction vertical to a sensor surface, and a second sensor array placed on the first sensor array in an overlapping manner and configured to detect magnetic field vectors in a direction lateral with respect to the sensor surface.

Abstract: A substantially planar eddy-current sensor having durability enhancing pillars in an active region is provided. The pillars are distributed and sized so as to have limited effect on the sensor's performance. When the sensor is mounted on a component such that the sensor experiences forces on a top and bottom surface, the pillars bear the load reducing the load bore by the active elements (e.g., drive winding, sense elements). A sensor with redundant drive windings and/or redundant sense elements is disclosed. The redundant elements may be connected to separate electronics. Another aspect relates to providing a reference transformer for calibration of a sensor. The secondary windings of the reference transformer are connected in series with the sense elements of the sensor to be calibrated. Transimpedance measurements are made when the drive winding of the reference transformer is excited. The measurements are used to correct transimpedance measurements made when the drive winding of the sensor is excited.

Abstract: A coupling wedge for use with a ultrasonic phased array inspection system has a body with a bottom side configured to face the object to be tested and a front side generally oriented at an angle to the bottom side and a top side to be coupled with a phased array probe. The probe includes a plurality of apertures. The front side of the wedge has grooves formed with a plurality of reflectors that are positioned on the front side of the wedge, leaving a distance from the bottom side. The change in TOF values from the reflector to a specific aperture enable the determination of the temperature change in the wedge. An alarm to an operator or alternation of focal laws in the system for temperature compensation can be applied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method suitable for calibrating a phased array system configured to inspect square bars. A square bar is provided with an array of parallel linear notches across the full range of the testing surface of the square bar for this calibrating purpose. The square bar is passed through the probe in probe's passive direction during the calibration. The phased array system is adjusted and calibrated so that the echo amplitude for each inspection channel of the phased array probe received from each notch is substantially equal. Then a known flaw with a typically expected flaw's size and shape is created on the same testing surface so that the system's sensitivity is adjusted using the amplitude of the echo signal from the known flaw as a baseline.