Abstract: The invention concerns a method for inspection of rolling elements (W) by means of ultrasound, wherein the rolling elements (W) are taken individually to an ultrasound measuring device (4), wherein the rolling elements (W) are moved in the ultrasound measuring device (4) and subjected to an ultrasound measurement and wherein depending on a result of the ultrasound measurement the individual rolling elements (W) are classified as defective or nondefective. The subject matter of the invention is also a rolling element inspection layout for performance of the method, having at least one ultrasound measuring device (4) with a holder for the individual rolling elements (W), at least one ultrasound head (10) and a drive unit for the movement of the individual rolling elements (W).

Abstract: Provided is a dynamometer-system dynamo control device that can appropriately suppress the occurrence of resonance phenomena and can realize a no-load state, even in a case where an engine the inertia of which is unknown is connected. The dynamometer system comprises a dynamometer and a shaft torque meter. A dynamo control device 6 in the dynamometer system generates a torque current command signal on the basis of a torque detection signal and a torque command signal.

Abstract: An emissions measurement system capable of providing an accurate, real-time estimate of particle number (PN)/particulate matter (PM) within exhaust is disclosed. The system is capable of accurately differentiating the size and composition of PM/PN by synchronizing dissimilarly configured sensors. The exhaust may be generated by an internal combustion engine, in which case the system may be sequentially connected to the exhaust from the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A measuring comb for temperature and/or pressure and/or chemical composition of the gases flowing at the outlet of a turbine engine flow path, in which the flow path extends around an axis of revolution of the flow path, is provided. The measuring comb includes: a comb body with an elongated shape, intended to face the outlet of the flow path, the comb body including at least one measuring opening arranged along an axis, the measuring opening being configured to tap gases flowing at the outlet of the flow path; and an adjusting system configured to adjust an angle between the axis of the at least one measuring opening and the axis of revolution, so as to allow orientation of the at least one measuring opening in the flow direction of the gases at the outlet of the flow path.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, components, and methods for visual creep inspection of rotating components, such as those in a gas turbine. A component is provided with an external surface and an axis of rotation. The external surface has a circumference and a plurality of three dimensional reference marks forming a reference pattern along the circumference. An optical data capture device generates a data signal based on the plurality of three dimensional reference marks. A data analysis system processes the data signal to calculate a deviation in spacing of the reference pattern along the circumference and determines a strain or creep measurement.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle combined atomizing dust suppression experimental equipment under the effect of airflow disturbance includes a simulated roadway device, water spray based dust suppression device and nozzle position adjustor. The simulated roadway device includes an inlet portion, front divergent portion, simulated roadway body, rear convergent portion and outlet portion. The water spray based dust suppression device includes a dust generation and extraction system and spraying system. The dust generation and extraction system includes a dust generation device, exhaust air duct, exhaust fan and outlet air duct while the spraying system includes a water tank, high pressure water pump, confined water pipe, pressure water flow converter and multiple nozzles. The nozzle position adjustor includes a nozzle slide, slide fixing rod, nozzle sliding rack and electrically-controlled drive system which controls the change of horizontal position and vertical position of the nozzles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for geotechnical soil sampling in conjunction with the Cone Penetration Test (CPT) is provided. The apparatus involves a tubular whipstock cell affixed between push rods and the lower elements of a cone penetrometer. The whipstock cell includes a whipstock having a beveled face. The whipstock face is oriented towards a sampling window pre-formed in the whipstock cell. The apparatus also includes at least one push rod connected to the proximal end of the whipstock cell, and an elongated sampling rod dimensioned to be slidably moved through the at least one push rod en route to the whipstock cell. The apparatus additionally comprises a soil sampler residing at a distal end of the push rod. A method of taking soil samples is also provided herein.

Abstract: A semi-automated sampling assembly configured for aseptic sampling at one or more instances from a sample source having a biological inoculum is provided. The semi-automated sampling assembly includes a sampling conduit, a recovery conduit, one or more sampling kits, and a pumping device. The sampling conduit includes a first port and a second port, where the first port of the sampling conduit is configured to be operatively coupled to the sample source. Further, the recovery conduit includes a first port and a second port, where the first port of the recovery conduit is configured to be operatively coupled to the sample source. Also, the second port of the recovery conduit is operatively coupled to at least a portion of the sampling conduit. Moreover, the one or more sampling kits are operatively coupled to the sampling conduit, and the pumping device is operatively coupled to the sampling conduit.

Abstract: An assembly for picking and transporting nano-objects, comprises a cassette having first and second components, which are provided with means of mutual assembly and with means for holding the filter. The first and second components define, when the components are in an assembled configuration, a cavity in which the filter is housed and held therein. The means of mutual assembly comprise first clipping means secured to the first component, second clipping means secured to the second component and able to collaborate with the first clipping means so as to clip the two components together. A picking device comprises suction means to which the cassette is able to be removably attached. The first and second clipping means are configured such that they are not accessible from the outside when the components are in the assembled configuration with the cassette fixed to the device.

Abstract: The present invention is: a guest-compound-enveloping polymer-metal-complex crystal characterized by at least one selected from an aliphatic hydrocarbon, an alicyclic hydrocarbon, an ether, an ester, an aromatic hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, and a nitrile being enveloped as a guest compound (A) in the minute pores or the like of a polymer-metal complex that contains a metal ion as a central metal and a ligand having at least two ligating sites, has a 3D network structure formed by the ligand being ligated to the metal ion, and has the minute pores or the like regularly arranged three-dimensionally within the 3D network structure, the amount of the guest compound (A) present within the minute pores or the like being at least 60 mol % of all the guest compounds enveloped in the minute pores or the like; a method for producing the guest-compound-enveloping polymer-metal-complex crystal; a method for preparing a crystal structure analysis sample using the crystal; and a method for determining the molecu

Abstract: Sample pillars for x-ray tomography or other tomography scanning are created using an innovative milling strategy on a Plasma-FIB. The strategies are provided in methods, systems, and program products executable to perform the strategies herein. The milling strategy creates an asymmetrical crater around a sample pillar, and provides a single cut cut-free process. Various embodiments may include tuning the ion dose as a function of pixel coordinates along with optimization of the beam scan and crater geometries, drastically reducing the preparation time and significantly improving the overall workflow efficiency. A novel cut-free milling pattern is provided with a crescent shape and optimized dwell-time values.

Abstract: A composite test coupon includes a plurality of plies. The plurality of plies include first ply layers and second ply layers. The first ply layers have first fibers and a substantially uniform matrix material associated with the first fibers. The second ply layers have second fibers and a pre-stressed matrix material associated with the second fibers. The first fibers are oriented in a first direction, and the second fibers are oriented in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The pre-stressed matrix material includes stress induced cracks between the second fibers of each of the second ply layers.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention determine the effective toughness of a given material, and also implement materials possessing improved effective toughness values. In one embodiment, a method of determining the effective toughness of a material includes: causing a crack to propagate through the material; where the relative constant velocity and the relative overall direction are prescribed and maintained for the duration of the propagation of the crack through the material; measuring the energy release rate of the crack as it propagates through the material; and defining the effective toughness of the material as the maximum value of the measured energy release rate.

Abstract: This true density measurement device is a device that is used to measure the true density of a sample by a gas phase substitution method, and is provided with: a sample chamber for accommodating the sample, the sample chamber being pressurized through the introduction of an inert gas; and an expansion chamber into which is released the inert gas filling the sample chamber. The expansion chamber under conditions of normal use, is opened and closed by a detachable cover, and the volume thereof is modified by insertion or withdrawal of a volume modification member.

Abstract: A method for determining a vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) passenger cabin air filter filtration performance includes determining a vehicle-exterior atmospheric particulate contaminant concentration, a passenger cabin air filter efficiency, and an HVAC airflow rate. The passenger cabin particulate contaminant concentration is calculated from the determined atmospheric particulate contaminant concentration, passenger cabin air filter efficiency, and HVAC airflow rate.

Abstract: A method for measuring permeability of a formation using a probe permeameter includes confining a sample of the formation in a container. The sample is covered with a screen having at least one perforation therein. The probe permeameter is applied to the at least one perforation in the screen. Permeability of the formation is measured at the at least one perforation.

Abstract: A sorting flow cytometer identifies an undesirable drop charge sequence that is preassigned to adjacent drops before the drops have separated from a fluid stream. An example of an undesirable drop charge sequence is a sequence of adjacent drops that are charged with sufficiently high opposing charges that, after the drops are formed, would result in merging of the adjacent drops. The sorting flow cytometer adjusts the assignment of drop charges to avoid the undesired drop charge sequence.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved optical systems for particle processing (e.g., cytometry including microfluidic based sorters, drop sorters, and/or cell purification) systems and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous micro-lens array optical detection assemblies for particle (e.g., cells, microscopic particles, etc.) processing systems and methods (e.g., for analyzing, sorting, processing, purifying, measuring, isolating, detecting, monitoring and/or enriching particles.

Abstract: A sample analyzer with an optical detection device and a sample analysis method of the sample analyzer are disclosed. The optical detection device includes a fluid chamber, a light source and a light detector. The fluid chamber includes an illumination zone. An analyte flows through the illumination zone so as to form a sample stream. The light source illuminates the illumination zone to excite cell articles, reacted with a reagent, of the sample stream to emit a light signal. The light detector detects the fluorescent lights and transforms it into an electric signal. The light detector can include a silicon photomultiplier.

Abstract: Flow cytometer systems are provided having intermediate angle scatter detection capability. In some aspects, systems are provided that include an intermediate angle scatter (IAS) light detector positioned to measure intermediate angle scatter emitted from a flow cytometer. The system further includes a mask disposed across a portion of the IAS light detector and positioned between the flow cell and the IAS light detector to cover at least a central portion of the IAS light detector so as to block a diffraction pattern observed at the detector. In some instances, the diffraction pattern is created by a flat beam profile irradiating the sample. Methods are also provided for configuring a flow cytometer to block a diffraction pattern created by (1) a flat laser beam profile irradiating a flow cytometer liquid sample, or (2) a mismatched index of refraction between a sheath fluid and a liquid sample in a flow cytometer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for generating an entrainment factor in a flow cytometry sample. The methods comprise flowing a sample with a series of particles through the flow cytometer, detecting events and calculating an expected frequency of those events based on a distribution, such as a Poisson distribution, and measuring an observed frequency of particle events. An entrainment factor may be generated from a ratio of observed event frequency to expected event frequency. Further adjustment to the flow cytometer maybe performed based on the indicated entrainment factor such as adjusted sorting bias.

Abstract: A fluid handling and delivery system useful in generating a fluid stream in the flow path of microfluidic device.

Abstract: A cell capture system including an array, an inlet manifold, and an outlet manifold. The array includes a plurality of parallel pores, each pore including a chamber and a pore channel, an inlet channel fluidly connected to the chambers of the pores; an outlet channel fluidly connected to the pore channels of the pores. The inlet manifold is fluidly connected to the inlet channel, and the outlet channel is fluidly connected to the outlet channel. A cell removal tool is also disclosed, wherein the cell removal tool is configured to remove a captured cell from a pore chamber.

Abstract: A metal-pipe use support system (10a) includes: a metal pipe information reception unit (11a) for receiving identification data for each of a plurality of metal pipes; a use condition reception unit (12a) for receiving use condition data about a condition under which a metal pipe is to be used; a pipe-specific data acquisition unit (13a) for accessing a data recording unit (2) storing pipe-specific data indicative of a property of each metal pipe and corresponding identification data in an associated manner and acquiring the pipe-specific data associated with the received identification data; a pipe determination unit (14a) for determining a metal pipe to be used from among the plurality of metal pipes based on the pipe-specific data and the use condition data; and an output unit (15a) for outputting information relating to the determined metal pipe.

Abstract: The fatigue cracking machine for circumferential notched tensile (CNT) specimens is a device for pre-cracking a CNT specimen prior to SCC testing. The machine uses a specimen holding cylinder attached to the shaft of a motor by a coupling, the holding cylinder being rotatably mounted in a bearing mounted in a bearing support fixed to a platform. The machine also uses a load cylinder rotatably mounted in a load bearing supported in a load fork, the load fork having a shaft adjustably mounted in a bearing support block. A dial indicator is fixed to a post rigidly mounted on the platform with the indicator's plunger bearing against the load bearing. An adjustment bolt bears against the end of the load fork shaft to displace the load bearing, applying a bending force to the specimen while it rotates, the displacement being measured by the dial indicator.

Abstract: A corrosion measurement system includes a corrosion sensor having a corrosion sensor output related to corrosion due to exposure to a process fluid. A process variable sensor provides a process variable output related to a process variable of the process fluid. Measurement circuitry coupled to the corrosion sensor and the process variable sensor provides an output related to corrosion based upon the corrosion sensor output and the process variable output.

Abstract: A fluid analyzer includes an optical source and an optical detector defining an optical beam path through an interrogation region of a fluid flow cell. Flow-control devices conduct analyte and reference fluids through a channel and the interrogation region, and manipulate fluid flow in response to control signals to move a fluid boundary separating the analyte and reference fluids across the interrogation region. A controller generates control signals to (1) cause the fluid boundary to be moved across the interrogation region accordingly, (2) sample an output signal from the optical detector at a first interval during which the interrogation region contains more analyte fluid than reference fluid and at a second interval during which the interrogation region contains more reference fluid than analyte fluid, and (3) determine from samples of the output signal a measurement value indicative of an optically measured characteristic of the analyte fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor using a tilted fiber grating to detect physical manifestations occurring in a medium. Such physical manifestations induce measurable changes in the optical property of the tilted fiber grating. The sensor comprises a sensing surface which is to be exposed to the medium, an optical pathway and a tilted grating in the optical pathway. The grating is responsive to electromagnetic radiation propagating in the optical pathway to generate a response conveying information on the physical manifestation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for analyzing the color of a color alloy and, more particularly, to a method for analyzing the color of a color alloy wherein, on the basis of the fact that a different color appears according to the composition of an alloy, the wavelength-wise reflectance related to a color, which is held according to each alloy composition, and that related to a color, which is held by a measurement object that is to be measured, are compared, thereby determining the color held by the measurement object.

Abstract: A device for managing light pulses for measuring the reaction of a sample exposed to a first light pulse, the measurement being performed by analysis of a signal emitted by the sample subjected to a second light pulse, shifted with respect to the first pulse by a determined interval of time, the device including two optical detectors for detecting the pulses of two light beams emitted by two pulsed laser sources, respectively, each beam emitting pulses with respective repetition frequencies that are different, arbitrary and stable over a determined period in the direction of the sample; the detectors being connected to a computer for determining the interval of time between two pulses coming from the first and the second beam, respectively, and constituting the first and second pulses; the computer being connected to an analyzer for measuring the reaction of the sample having as input parameter the interval of time between the two pulses, where the computer uses an algorithm making use of the stability of

Abstract: An integrated ultraviolet analyzer is described. The integrated ultraviolet analyzer can include one or more ultraviolet analyzer cells, each of which includes one or more ultraviolet photodetectors and one or more solid state light sources, which are monolithically integrated. The solid state light source can be operated to emit ultraviolet light, at least some of which passes through an analyzer active gap and irradiates a light sensing surface of the ultraviolet photodetector. A medium to be evaluated can be present in the analyzer active gap and affect the ultraviolet light as it passes there through, thereby altering an effect of the ultraviolet light on a ultraviolet photodetector.

Abstract: An optical gas sensor (1), for quantitatively measuring a concentration of one or more gases, includes a radiation source (2) for emitting light waves (L), a cuvette (3) for holding a gas (G) to be measured, and a detector (4) for measuring light intensities. The light source (2) includes at least one emitter (5) of light waves (L) and is configured to emit light waves (L) of at least one first wavelength and of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength simultaneously or separately from each other. The emitter (5) is further configured to emit a spectrum the full half-life width of which is a maximum 50% of the effective wavelength, and to emit light waves (L) having a controlled beam path. The detector (4) is configured to quantitatively detect an intensity of emitted light waves (L) of the first wavelength and of the second wavelength.

Abstract: In a leaked gas detection device and a leaked gas detection method according to the present invention, a gas cloud image area of a gas cloud formed with a leaked gas is extracted on the basis of an infrared image of a target area, a gas temperature of the gas cloud is acquired, a concentration-thickness product of the gas cloud is obtained, and a reliability degree that is an index representing the degree of reliability with respect to the obtained concentration-thickness product of the gas cloud is obtained on the basis of a background temperature in the gas cloud image area and the gas temperature of the gas cloud.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for rapidly detecting, localizing, imaging, and quantifying leaks of natural gas and other hydrocarbon and greenhouse gases. Scanning sensors, scan patterns, and data processing algorithms enable monitoring a site to rapidly detect, localize, image, and quantify amounts and rates of hydrocarbon leaks. Multispectral short-wave infrared detectors sense non-thermal infrared radiation from natural solar or artificial illumination sources by differential absorption spectroscopy. A multispectral sensor is scanned to envelop an area of interest, detect the presence and location of a leak, and raster scan the area around the leak to create an image of the leak. The resulting absorption image related to differential spectral optical depth is color mapped to render the degree of gas absorption across the scene. Analysis of this optical depth image, with factors including known inline pressures and/or surface wind speed measurements, enable estimation of the leak rate, i.e.

Abstract: A method of identifying the material and determining the physical thickness of each layer in a multilayer structure is disclosed. The method includes measuring the optical thickness of each of the layers of the multilayer object as a function of wavelength of a light source and calculating a normalized group index of refraction dispersion curve for each layer in the multilayer structure. The measured normalized group index of refraction dispersion curves for each of the layers is then compared to a reference data base of known materials and the material of each layer is identified. The physical thickness of each layer is then determined from the group index of refraction dispersion curve for the material in each layer and the measured optical thickness data. A method for determining the group index of refraction dispersion curve of a known material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor having a substrate is provided in which structures are disposed on a surface of the substrate. The structures can be, e.g., nanostructures. Polarized light is directed toward the sensor, and birefringence of the structures with respect to the light is measured. Target particles that interact with the structures are detected based on changes in the measured birefringence.

Abstract: Metrology targets, design files, and design and production methods thereof are provided. Metrology targets comprising at least one reflection-symmetric pair of reflection-asymmetric structures are disclosed. The structures may or may not be periodic, may comprise a plurality of unevenly-spaced target elements, which may or may not be segmented. The asymmetry may be with respect to target element segmentation or structural dimensions. Also, target design files and metrology measurements of the various metrology targets are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for measuring turbidity, chlorine content and color of a liquid, the method including retaining, from a continuous flow of the liquid, a sample volume of the liquid, and at least nearly simultaneously executing at least two of detecting illumination from the sample volume of liquid by at least a first detector operable for detecting illumination from the sample volume of liquid at a 90-degree angle with respect to an illumination beam generated by an illuminator and impinging on the sample volume of liquid, thereby measuring a turbidity of the sample volume of liquid.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for spectroscopy using multiple resonance modes are provided. Multiple resonance modes may be used for bulk sensing and/or surface sensing applications. A plasmon waveguide resonance sensor is provided for multimode spectroscopy. The sensor includes a dielectric layer; and a metallic layer coupled to the dielectric layer. The sensor is configured to provide: a first resonance mode for bulk sensing, in response to light of a given wavelength; and a second resonance mode for surface sensing, in response to light of the given wavelength. The first and second resonance modes have different polarizations. Surface plasmon resonance assemblies are provided having a grating coupled to a surface plasmon resonance sensor, the grating being a dielectric grating or a metallic grating. The grating, in response to light, provides various resonance modes having at least two different polarizations for bulk and surface sensing.

Abstract: [Object] To propose an information processing device, an image acquisition system, an information processing method, an image information acquisition method, and a program which enable a position of a surface of a measurement subject to be more simply specified.

Abstract: A light source may illuminate a scene with pulsed light that is pulsed non-periodically. The scene may include fluorescent material that fluoresces in response to the pulsed light. The pulsed light signal may comprise a maximum length sequence or Gold sequence. A lock-in time-of-flight sensor may take measurements of light returning from the scene. A computer may, for each pixel in the sensor, perform a Discrete Fourier Transform on measurements taken by the pixel, in order to calculate a vector of complex numbers for the pixel. Each complex number in the vector may encode phase and amplitude of incident light at the pixel and may correspond to measurements taken at a given time interval during the pulsed light signal. A computer may, based on phase of the complex numbers for a pixel, calculate fluorescence lifetime and scene depth of a scene point that corresponds to the pixel.

Abstract: A system for measuring optical signal detector performance includes an optical signal detector comprising a first detection channel having a first light source and a first sensor. The first detection channel is configured to emit and focus light generated by the first light source at a first detection zone, and to receive and focus light on the first sensor. The system also includes a controller operatively coupled to the optical signal detector and configured to determine an operational performance status of the optical signal detector based on at least one of (i) a first measured characteristic of light focused on the sensor while a first non-fluorescent surface portion is in the first detection zone and (ii) a second measured characteristic of light focused on the sensor while a void is in the first detection zone. The optical signal detector can be a fluorometer.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the results of a ligand-receptor binding assay comprising the steps of: (a) providing the results of a ligand-receptor binding assay; and (b) qualifying the results of a ligand-receptor binding assay. More particularly, the ligand-receptor binding assay involves the steps of combining appropriate reagents in which receptors attached to a solid support, a sample suspected of containing a ligand, and a conjugate comprising a label form a complex in which the label is present at a concentration that is directly proportional to the amount of ligand present in the sample. Alternatively, the ligand-receptor binding assay involves the steps of combining appropriate reagents to perform a ligand-receptor binding assay in which receptors attached to a solid support, a sample suspected of containing a ligand, and a conjugate comprising a label form a complex in which the label is present at a concentration that is inversely proportional to the amount of analyte present in the sample.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentrations of species present at at least one point of a separation unit operating in simulated moving bed (SMB) mode, or a hybrid separation unit employing a step for simulated moving bed (SMB) separation and a step for crystallization, by calibration by inline acquisition of Raman spectra for different mixtures; analysis by inline signal processing of the Raman spectrum.

Abstract: Methods are provided for manufacturing disposable diagnostic test elements via laser welding, where the methods include providing, in a stacked or layered arrangement, a base layer, a cover layer, and optionally an intermediate layer, where one of the layers is an absorbing layer and at least one other of the layers is a transparent layer, and where one of the layers includes a coating adapted to interact with a body fluid sample when conducting a test on the resulting test element; directing a laser beam in a weld area through the at least one transparent layer and against the absorbing layer; and fusing the transparent and the absorbing layers together to form the test element, where the coating covers the weld area at least in part and absorbs and/or scatters radiation from the laser beam at least in part. Disposable diagnostic test elements also are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting an object is provided. By way of example, first and second images of the object obtained by using a camera and a lighting unit. The lighting unit and the camera is controlled so as to provide the first image picked up by the camera with a first quantity of light radiated from the lighting unit and the second image picked up by the camera with the second quantity of light radiated from the lighting unit. The first quantity of light is different from the second quantity of light. Differences between pixel values of the first image and pixel values of the second image are calculated. Then, it is determined whether the object has a non-defective appearance or a detective appearance, based on comparison between the differences and reference pixel values corresponding to the differences.

Abstract: The apparatus is for measuring at least one of color and trash in a fiber sample. A light emitting diode light source generates an incident light that is directed toward the fiber sample, and reflected by the fiber sample, thereby producing a reflected light. A sensor receives the reflected light and produces a signal. A controller controls the light source and the sensor, and at least one of receives and adjusts the signal. At least one of the incident light, the reflected light and the signal is conditioned to compensate for differences between the light emitting diode light source and a xenon light source. Thus, drawbacks of the xenon light source used to date can be avoided.

Abstract: Examining an object, comprising: receiving potential defects, each associated with a location; performing first clustering of the potential defects to obtain first and second subsets, the clustering performed such that potential defects in the first subset are denser in a physical area than potential defects in the second subset; automatically assigning first validity probabilities to potential defects in the first and second subsets; selecting for review potential defects from the first and second subsets, according to a third policy, and in accordance with a strategy for combining top elements and randomly selected elements from the merged list; receiving indications for potential defects in part of the potential defect lists, subsequent to potential defects being reviewed; updating the policies in accordance with validation or classification of items in the first and second subsets; and repeating said assigning, selecting, receiving and updating with the updated policies, until a stopping criteria is obser

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to accurately detect structures from a remote location without contact while distinguishing between defects such as cracking, separation, and internal cavities.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to systems and techniques for inspecting seals for high altitude balloons. In one example, a system may include a reflective surface, a translucent material on the reflective surface, and a movable light source configured to move along the reflective surface and provide light to the reflective surface. The light is provided such that it is reflected from the reflective surface and through the translucent material in order to backlight a balloon envelope seal for inspection. A method for inspecting a balloon envelope seal may include placing balloon envelope material on a table, forming a seal between portions of the material, moving a light over the seal, shining light onto a reflective portion of the table below the seal to backlight the seal, and inspecting the seal using the backlighting of the seal.