Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device including a sensor catheter, an evaluation unit, and means for receiving a magnetic field and converting the magnetic field to an electrical measurement signal which are situated in the sensor catheter and connected to the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is designed to evaluate the electrical measurement signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and corresponding method for ultrafast controlling of the magnetization of a magnetic element. A device (100) includes a surface acoustic wave generating means (102), a transport layer (104), which is typically functionally and partially structurally comprised in said SAW generating means (102), and at least one ferromagnetic element (106). A surface acoustic wave is generated and propagates in a transport layer (104) which typically consists of a piezo-electric material. Thus, strain is induced in the transport layer (104) and in the ferromagnetic element (106) in contact with this transport layer (104). Due to magneto elastic coupling this generates an effective magnetic field in the ferromagnetic element (106). If the surface acoustic wave has a frequency substantially close to the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) frequency ?FMR the ferromagnetic element (106) is absorbed well and the magnetization state of the element can be controlled with this FMR frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic sensor device (10) comprising (a) excitation wires (11, 13) for generating a magnetic excitation field (B) that magnetizes particles (2) in an investigation region (5), and (b) a magnetic sensor element, for example a GMR sensor (12), for detecting reaction fields (B?) generated by the magnetized particles (2). The excitation wires (11, 13) and the GMR element (12) are driven by current pulses such that the average power dissipation is kept constant while the signal-to-noise ratio is optimized. The sampling frequency of said pulses is preferably larger than the thermal time constant (?) of the magnetic sensor device (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus monitoring test media used in or applicable to magnetic testing, said apparatus comprising a test element fitted with an artificial defect and a test medium feed and a test return as well as a magnetic field generator, further a magnetic field adjustment unit to adjust the magnetic field strength acting on the test element and/or the artificial defect, being adjustable at different magnetic field intensities to check the test medium, and to a corresponding method.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an integrated magnetic particle measurement device for detecting a presence or absence of magnetic particles in a sample volume includes at least one sensor cell having a differential sensor pair. An active sensor oscillator frequency is responsive to one or more magnetic particles situated within a sample volume. The sensor cell is configured to be operative in the absence of an externally applied magnetic field. A frequency measurement circuit provides as a time-multiplexed output a first count representative of the active sensor oscillator frequency and a second count representative of the reference sensor oscillator frequency. A calculated difference between the first count and the second count is indicative of a presence or an absence of one or more magnetic particles within the sample volume. An integrated magnetic particle measurement system array and a method for detecting one or more magnetic particles are also described.

Abstract: A method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a region of action, magnetic particles and the use of magnetic particles is disclosed, which method comprises the steps of: —introducing magnetic particles into a region of action, —generating a magnetic selection field having a pattern in space of its magnetic field strength such that a first sub-zone having a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone having a higher magnetic field strength are formed in the region of action —changing the position in space of the two sub-zones in the region of action by means of a magnetic drive field so that the magnetization of the magnetic particles change locally, —acquiring signals, which signals depend on the magnetization in the region of action, which magnetization is influenced by the change in the position in space of the first and second sub-zone, wherein the magnetic particles comprise a core region and a shell region, the core region comprising a magnetic material, wherein the magnetic mater

Abstract: A microparticle analysis device is provided and includes: a micro-fluidic chip configured to have a region into which a sample liquid containing a magnetic microparticle and a non-magnetic microparticle is introduced, and a microfluidic channel communicating with the region on a downstream side in a liquid sending direction; a magnetic field generating section configured to form a magnetic field in an internal space of the region; and a detecting section configured to detect an optical, electrical, or magnetic characteristic of a microparticle passing through the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A sensor measures the interaction of an applied magnetic field to a sample surface that includes magnetic materials to determine whether the samples surface has been corroded. The sensor measures the magnetic force resulting from the interaction or the magnetic flux density to determine the content of magnetic material in localized regions of the sample surface. The sensor includes a cantilever beam with a strain gauge for measuring magnetic force. Alternatively, the sensor includes a magnetic flux density sensor to measure magnetic flux density.

Abstract: Methods and processes for determining the particle size distribution of metal catalysts are provides. Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) magnetometer is used to evaluate the magnetic catalyst particle sizes dispersed in the support material. Dependence on variation of the metal/support material ratio, which defines the metal particle sizes, the catalyst can show paramagnetic, superparamagnetic, and ferromagnetic behaviors.

Abstract: The present invention nondestructively analyzes the position or corrosion state of a magnetic material present in the interior of a non-magnetic material structure. The magnetic material is magnetized from the outside of the structure, and magnetic flux density of the thus-magnetized magnetic material is measured at the outside of the structure, to thereby specify the position of the magnetic material or to analyze the corrosion state of the magnetic material. The magnetic material is magnetized in two stages. After the position of the magnetic material magnetized through first-stage magnetization is specified through measurement of magnetic flux density of the magnetic material, the magnetic material is demagnetized through application of an alternating magnetic field.

Abstract: A device and method for disclosing position of a positionable input by positioning the input over a range of positions to cause the magnitude of the directional component of a vector representing a field or force produced by a source to change from a reference magnitude or reference direction as the input is being positioned while an electric circuit that contains a sensor for sensing the directional component is changing the value of an electric signal for restoring the magnitude of the directional component being sensed by the sensor to the reference magnitude or reference direction, and using the value of the electric signal to disclose the position of the input.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of a conveyor belt having magnetically permeable cords, has a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to magnetize the cords, in use, a magnetic field sensing unit for sensing the magnetic field provided, in use, by the cords, the sensing unit comprising an array of spaced magnetic field sensors, the spacing of the sensors being sufficiently close to discriminate between adjacent cords. The spacing of the sensors depends on the spacing of the cords, and may be less than half the spacing between cords of a conveyor belt. The sensors may be direction sensitive and the sensors may be oriented in more than one direction, to sense the perpendicular and other components of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a region of action is disclosed, which method comprises the steps of: —generating a magnetic selection field having a pattern in space of its magnetic field strength such that a first sub-zone having a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone having a higher magnetic field strength are formed in the region of action—changing the position in space of the two sub-zones in the region of action by means of a magnetic drive field so that the magnetization of the magnetic particles change locally, —acquiring signals, which signals depend on the magnetization in the region of action, which magnetization is influenced by the change in the position in space of the first and second sub-zone, wherein a magnetic drive vector of the magnetic drive field is rotated in at least one rotation plane.

Abstract: A system or method for monitoring a status of a member of a vehicle comprises a member of a vehicle. A set of one or more magnets is secured to the member. A magnetic field sensor is mounted on a vehicle, spaced apart from the member. The magnetic field sensor produces a data signal. A data processor receives the data signal from the magnetic field sensor and detects at least one of a deformation or movement of the member with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting surface defects of a metal tube solves a problem of a conventional eddy current probe in that it is difficult to detect a crack in the circumferential direction of a metal tube. The sensor includes a plurality of coils wound at a predetermined inclined angle. The plurality of coils is inserted into the inside of a metal tube. Alternating current is applied to the coils to measure a change in impedance of the coils due to a change in an eddy current generated in the metal tube, thus detecting a surface defect of the metal tube.

Abstract: A method of predicting at least one physical change in crack geometry of a crack in a pipeline based on in-line inspection operating pressure is presented. In one method, a first test on a pipeline is performed at a first pressure, which obtains a first set of test data. A second test is performed on the pipeline at a second pressure, obtaining a second set of test data. The first and second sets of test data are compared for any difference. A run comparison software processing device may be employed. In other methods, finite element analysis of crack-like dimensions is performed to predict Crack Mouth Opening Displacement (CMOD) for a given set of crack dimensions for a surface-breaking crack and inline pipe inspection operating run pressure. Another method predicts probability of detection of a crack associated with a given CMOD as a function of pressure in successive inspections.

Abstract: A nano-SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) method and system for detecting a magnetic field associated with a nano-sample. A magnetic field of a nano-sample (1130) is coupled through the nano-SQUID hole/loop (720), by placing the sample within the SQUID loop. A static field (Bp) is applied across the nano-SQUID, substantially perpendicular to a sensitivity axis of the nano-SQUID. A perturbation field (Bm) is applied across the nano-SQUID, substantially perpendicular to the sensitivity axis of the nano-SQUID and substantially perpendicular to the static field. A behaviour of the magnetic field of the nano-sample caused by the static field and perturbation field is monitored by monitoring an output of the nano-SQUID. The nano-SQUID can be operated in open loop mode without flux locked loop.

Abstract: A pulse-induction type metal detector that reliably identifies ferrous and non-ferrous targets in soils with varying mineral content. The influence of the background signals from the soil is removed continuously, without the need for manual adjustment of controls by the operator, when the soil mineralization changes. The background signals are removed without affecting the sensitivity of the detector to metallic targets and the background signal removal process does not make the detector insensitive to targets whose time constant coincides with that of the soil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting objects (12) that are enclosed in a medium (10). According to said method, a test signal (18) that makes it possible to obtain information about the position of the enclosed object (12) is generated via at least one transmission coil (14) and at least one receiving conductor loop system (16) which are inductively coupled to each other. The frequency (fM) of the test signal (UM) is modified in accordance with the signal intensity of the detected test signal (18). The invention further relates to a measuring apparatus, especially a hand-held locating device (24, 124), for carrying out the disclosed method.

Abstract: A measuring container is provided, which can be used for biomagnetic measurements, in particular for magnetocardiological measurements. The measuring container comprises an outer screen against electromagnetic high frequency fields and an inner screen against low frequency electromagnetic fields. The measuring container is constructed as a two-chamber system with an outer container comprising the outer screen. A measuring chamber with the inner screen is introduced into the outer container. An antechamber which can be walked into from outside is formed between the inner wall of the outer container and the measuring chamber.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for influencing and/or detecting and/or locating magnetic markers in a region of action is disclosed, which method comprises the steps of: generating a magnetic drive field so that the magnetization of the magnetic marker changes, generating a magnetic selection field having a pattern in space of its magnetic field strength providing a magnetic field gradient in the region of action, acquiring a first signal by means of a first receiving probe and acquiring a second signal by means of a second receiving probe, the first receiving probe and the second receiving probe being located at different locations relative to the region of action, the first signal and the second signal depending on the magnetization of the magnetic marker in the drive field and in the selection field and further depending on the location of the magnetic marker, the magnetic selection field having a first magnetic field strength configuration, repeating at least once the acquisition of the first signal and of t

Abstract: A magnetic resonance system has a basic field magnet that generates a static basic magnetic field that is essentially homogeneous within an examination volume, the basic magnetic field having a basic direction. At least one tool can be inserted into the examination volume and can be removed from it. The at least one tool has a number of Hall elements. Each Hall element of the at least one tool is fashioned such that a binary signal emitted by said Hall element characterizes whether the basic magnetic field has a component that, relative to a respective element direction of the respective Hall element, is greater than a threshold. The respective element directions of the respective Hall elements differ from one another in pairs. The Hall elements of the at least one tool communicate in terms of data with an evaluation device of the magnetic resonance system to transmit the binary signal that it emits.

Abstract: A process measuring device configured to identify malfunctions due to hardware and/or software errors is provided. The process measuring device includes a measuring unit for converting a non-electric variable to an electric variable with a modulation facility modulating the conversion, a signal processing device for processing the electric variable, or an electric raw signal obtained from the electric variable by signal preprocessing, by a signal processing software to produce a measured value, and means for obtaining a test signal corresponding to the modulation. Further, the device includes means in the form of the signal processing device for processing the test signal by the signal processing software to produce a diagnosis value and means for monitoring the signal processing device by comparing the diagnosis value with an expected value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor arrangement. In particular, a sensor for the measurement of magnetically active or ferrous debris, for example, as generated as a result of machine wear. There is provided a sensor (5) having a magnetic sensor head adapted to produce a magnetic field, —a magnetic field sensor (10) responsive to changes in the magnetic field; a temperature probe (15); and processing means (50) for determining the amount of debris accumulated on the magnetic sensor head based on both magnetic field and temperature data.

Abstract: The surface of a signal electrode is treated as substrate treatment. For example, an oxide film on the surface of the signal electrode is removed for roughing, and the roughened surface is used as a surface treated face. A coating of a fluororesin is provided on the surface treated face for lining or thermal welding to the lining material. A signal electrode is provided in the resin lining. Since the oxide film has been removed from the surface of the signal electrode for roughening, the adhesive force of the coating of the fluororesin is increased. The fluororesin coating and the resin lining melt each other, and, as a result, the fluororesin coating is strongly bonded to the resin lining, whereby the adhesion between the signal electrode and the resin lining can be increased without opening a hole in the signal electrode. A method may also be adopted in which a primer film is formed by substrate treatment on the surface of the signal electrode.

Abstract: Digital ferromagnetic part inspection system and method use a magnetizer for magnetizing a ferromagnetic part to be inspected, wherein a defect in or near a surface of the ferromagnetic part causes an external magnetic field. A magnetic field sensing element is positioned near the ferromagnetic part for sensing the external magnetic field. An inspection module identifies the defect in or near the surface of the ferromagnetic part by interpreting data collected by the magnetic field sensing element in response to the magnetic field sensing element being placed near the ferromagnetic part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic sensor device (100) comprising a magnetic field generator (1) driven with an excitation current of a first frequency (f1) and a magnetic sensor element (e.g. a GIVER sensor (2)) driven with a sensor current (I2) of a second frequency (f2) for measuring reaction fields (HB) generated by magnetized particles (3). In an associated evaluation unit (10), a reference component (uQ) of the measurement signal (uGMR) is separated that depends on the excitation current (I1) and the sensor current (I2) but not on the presence of magnetized particles (3). The reference component (uQ) may particularly be produced by a combination of the self-magnetization (H2) of the magnetic sensor element (2) and cross-talk related currents. The reference component (uQ) may be isolated based on its phase with respect to a particle-dependent component of the measurement signal (uGMR) or based on its scaling with one of the current frequencies.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor device (1000) for sensing magnetic particles (15), the magnetic sensor device (1000) comprising a first magnetic field generator unit (12) excitable for generating a first magnetic field, a sensing unit (11) adapted for sensing a signal indicative of the presence of the magnetic particles (15) in the first magnetic field, a second magnetic field generator unit (1001) adapted for generating a second magnetic field affecting the sensing unit (11), and a processing circuitry (1002) adapted for processing the signal to form a digitized signal and adapted for feeding back the processed signal to the second magnetic field generator unit (1001).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the mass of a magnetic material (6) present in an analysis medium, that comprises: a modulator (24) of the phase of a high-frequency and/or low-frequency component of a magnetic field for exciting the analysis medium with a modulation signal having a value that is modified by a frequency fmod; and a demodulator (36) capable of demodulating the amplitude of an amplitude signal, measured in response to the excitation field, from the modulation signal, wherein said demodulator is connected to the output of a filter (34) and to the input of an estimation unit (44).

Abstract: A detection system (100) is described for detecting analytes in a fluid sample. The detection system (100) comprises a transporting means (6) for transporting magnetic and/or electric labels (5) after interaction between the sample fluid and the reagents towards a detection receptacle (1). The detection receptacle (1) is initially substantially magnetic and/or electric label (5) free. By transporting the magnetic and/or electric labels (5) after reaction, interference between unreacted reagents and magnetic and/or electric label-assisted detection can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for detecting an anomaly in an assembly of a first and a second object of electrically conductive material forming an intermediate space between them, comprising providing a device (5) comprising a transmitter/receiver arrangement (7) for generating an electromagnetic field, and for measuring a signal indicative of an eddy current which is generated in the assembly by the electromagnetic field; arranging the device in a measurement position within the intermediate space; activating the device so as to receive a signal indicative of an eddy current in the assembly; and comparing the signal with a norm so as to detect if an anomaly is present at the measurement position, and a device for detecting an anomaly in an assembly of a first and a second object forming an intermediate space between them, the device comprising a transmitter/receiver arrangement a fixation means which. is arranged to fix the transmitter/receiver arrangement at a measurement position with respect to the inspection object.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a region of action is disclosed, which arrangement comprises: selection means for generating a magnetic selection field having a pattern in space of its magnetic field strength such that a first sub-zone having a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone having a higher magnetic field strength are formed in the region of action, drive means for changing the position in space of the two sub-zones in the region of action by means of a magnetic drive field so that the magnetization of the magnetic particles changes locally, receiving means for acquiring signals, which signals depend on the magnetization in the region of action, which magnetization is influenced by the change in the position in space of the first and second sub-zone, wherein the arrangement comprises a coil arrangement comprising a surrounding coil and a magnetic field generator such that the surrounding coil almost completely surrounds the magnetic field g

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a region of action is disclosed, which arrangement comprises:—selection means for generating a magnetic selection field having a pattern in space of its magnetic field strength such that a first sub-zone having a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone having a higher magnetic field strength are formed in the region of action,—drive means for changing the position in space of the two sub-zones in the region of action by means of a magnetic drive field so that the magnetization of the magnetic particles changes locally, wherein the selection means comprises at least one permanent magnet wherein the permanent magnet is at least partially shielded by an electrically high conductive shielding means.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for influencing and/or detecting and/or locating magnetic particles in a region of action is disclosed, which arrangement comprises: —drive means for generating a magnetic drive field so that the magnetization of the magnetic particles changes, wherein the magnetic particles comprise at least a first and a second magnetic particle, —the receiving means comprising at least a first receiving probe providing a first signal (231?) and a second receiving probe providing a second signal—detection means for determining signal features arising from the first particle in the first signal and in the second signal.

Abstract: An arrangement for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a region of action and a method of producing a disk shaped coil is disclosed, which arrangement comprises: selection means for generating a magnetic selection field having a pattern in space of its magnetic field strength such that a first sub-zone having a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone having a higher magnetic field strength are formed in the region of action, drive means for changing the position in space of the two sub-zones in the region of action by means of a magnetic drive field so that the magnetization of the magnetic particles changes locally, receiving means for acquiring signals, which signals depend on the magnetization in the region of action, which magnetization is influenced by the change in the position in space of the first and second sub-zone, wherein the selection means and/or the drive means and/or the receiving means comprises an at least partially disk shaped coil.

Abstract: An arrangement for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles, a method for calibrating such an arrangement and a method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a region of action is disclosed, which arrangement comprises selection means for generating a magnetic selection field having a pattern in space of its magnetic field strength such that a first sub-zone having a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone having a higher magnetic field strength are formed in the region of action, drive means for changing the position in space of the two sub-zones in the region of action by means of a magnetic drive field so that the magnetization of the magnetic particles changes locally, the arrangement comprising a drive signal chain, receiving means for acquiring detection signals, which detection signals depend on the magnetization in the region of action, which magnetization is influenced by the change in the position in space of the first and second sub-zone, the arrangement comprising

Abstract: A system for sorting fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire from a batch of mixed fine nonferrous metals and insulated wire includes an array of inductive proximity detectors, a processing computer and a sorting mechanism. The inductive proximity detectors identify the location of the fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire. The processing computer instructs the sorting mechanism to place the fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire into a separate container than the non-metallic pieces.

Abstract: Process measurement may be achieved by systems and techniques generating output signals based on the measured process. In certain implementations, process measurement systems and techniques may include the ability to generate a magnetic field and successively change the orientation of the magnetic field. The systems and techniques may also include the ability to sense the presence of at least a first orientation of the magnetic field with a magnetic field sensor including a conductor and at least two Wiegand-effect conductors as the magnetic field orientation is changed and to generate an electrical pulse in the conductor with each Wiegand-effect conductor when the first orientation of the magnetic field is sensed.

Abstract: Inspecting an open cavity by successive broaching movements of an eddy-current sensor. The inspection device includes a probe body including the sensor installed laterally in the vicinity of the end of a rod and in line with a ramp, together with a resilient bias device acting on the probe body.

Abstract: Eddy current sensors and sensor arrays are used for process quality and material condition assessment of conducting materials. In an embodiment, changes in spatially registered high resolution images taken before and after cold work processing reflect the quality of the process, such as intensity and coverage. These images also permit the suppression or removal of local outlier variations. Anisotropy in a material property, such as magnetic permeability or electrical conductivity, can be intentionally introduced and used to assess material condition resulting from an operation, such as a cold work or heat treatment. The anisotropy is determined by sensors that provide directional property measurements. The sensor directionality arises from constructs that use a linear conducting drive segment to impose the magnetic field in a test material. Maintaining the orientation of this drive segment, and associated sense elements, relative to a material edge provides enhanced sensitivity for crack detection at edges.

Abstract: A pulse-induction-type metal detector in which the receiver coil comprises bifilar windings that are connected in series, opposing during the coil pulse and in series, aiding, following the coil pulse. Pick-up of energy by the receiver coil during the coil pulse is thereby minimized and the duration of oscillations is curtailed. Owing to the rapid recovery of the system from the flux change that is used to charge the target, the signal sampling gate can be positioned very close to the trailing edge of the coil-current pulse, whereby detection of targets with very short time constants is made possible.

Abstract: A force measuring device is provided, which comprises a transducer device that has a plurality of magnets and generates a magnetic field, and a sensor device that is sensitive to a magnetic field and is arranged in a space in front of the transducer device, the transducer device and the sensor device being movable relative to each other under the action of a force, wherein the magnets of the transducer device are positioned in a quadrupole arrangement relative to the sensor device, and the sensor device comprises at least one first sensor element and one second sensor element, the first sensor element being associated with a first magnetic pole or a first pair of magnetic poles, and the second sensor element being associated with a second magnetic pole or a second pair of magnetic poles.

Abstract: A railcar presence detector including magnetic field sensors spaced along the length of a rail track for detecting magnetic field disturbances caused by ferromagnetic objects, such as railcars, passing along the rail track. Each of the magnetic field sensors generates an output signal that is received by a control unit. The control unit compares the output signal from each of the magnetic field sensors to a detection threshold and controls the position of a contact member dependent upon the comparison between the output signal and the detection threshold. Each of the magnetic field sensors includes a test device that is selectively operable to modify the magnetic field near the magnetic field sensor to test the operation of the magnetic field sensor. During operation of the system including the magnetic field sensor, the control unit can automatically activate the test device to assure that each of the magnetic field sensors are operating properly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic sensor device for the determination of magnetized particles (3) which comprises a magnetic field generator (1, 1?)(e.g. a conductor wire) that is driven with an excitation current (I1) of a first frequency (f1), and a magnetic sensor element (2) (e.g. a GMR resistance), that is driven with a sensor current (I2) of a second frequency (f2) for generating measurement signals (UGMR). A preprocessed signal (uf) is then generated from the measurement signal (UGMR) that comprises a predetermined frequency (?f), and an evaluation unit (10) separates from this preprocessed signal a spurious component that does not depend on the presence of magnetized particles (3) in the sample chamber. The spurious component (UQ) may particularly be caused by self-magnetization (H2) of the magnetic sensor element (2) in combination with parasitic (capacitive or inductive) cross-talk.

Abstract: A roof sensor for a vehicle is provided. A sensor is mounted in proximity to the roof of the vehicle for monitoring the deformation of the roof caused by impact during a crash, particularly when the vehicle rolls over. A vehicle safety system is also provided. A sensor, mounted in proximity to the roof of a vehicle, monitors the deformation of the roof. A controller is connected to the sensor, a safety device, and a vehicle communication device. Based on the severity of the deformation of the roof caused by an impact, the controller activates the safety device to prevent injury to vehicle passengers and communicates the status of the vehicle to a third party such as emergency services.

Abstract: In the application, the change in the magnetic state of the haemoglobin caused by the malarial infection is exploited by detecting suitable properties of haemozoin which are dependent on the application of a magnetic field. FIG. 1 shows apparatus, shown generally at (10), for performing magneto-optical detection using photo-acoustic techniques. The apparatus (10) comprises a light source (12), producing a beam of optical radiation (14) which passes through a polariser (16), a variable LC retarder (0 or 180° retardance) (18), and a (chopper 20), before impinging on a sample (22) held in a sample holder (24). The sample is in direct contact with an acoustic detector (26). The apparatus (10) further comprises an electromagnet (28), and a Gauss meter (30) can be utilised to measure the applied magnetic field strength.

Abstract: A method of surveying a pipeline is provided. The pipeline comprises a tubular member with a protective wrapping. The method comprises the steps of applying signal to the pipeline from a first location, which first location is remote from the pipeline, and measuring the signal from a second and third locations. The second and third locations are remote from the pipeline and the second location is spaced from the third location along the pipeline. The signals received at the second and third location are used to provide an indication of deterioration of the signal along the tubular member and/or wrapping between the second and third locations.

Abstract: A device for the detection of an unauthorised liquid or solid substance in a zone with protected access. The device includes a support base designed to receive a single foot, wearing a shoe of an individual to be checked, an electromagnetic field emitter/receptor operating at least at several frequencies in a specified range of frequencies, a position marker, on the support base, designed to impose a precise positioning of the foot wearing the shoe in relation to the emitter/receptor. The complex impedance is measured of the emitter/receptor influenced by a load which consists of the shoe and its contents, representing the complex dielectric characteristics of the shoe and of its contents. A mechanism is provided for supplying information associated with the measured complex impedance and therefore with the nature of the contents of the said shoe of the individual to be checked.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for automatically identifying non-labeled, manufactured parts. The system includes an electronic storage device to store templates of a plurality of known good, manufactured parts. Each of the templates includes a part profile and a set of features. Each of the features includes a range of acceptable values. Each of the templates has a part identification code associated therewith. A first subsystem optically measures a profile and features of a part to be purchased. The system further includes a processor operable to compare the profile and the features of the part to be purchased with the profile and corresponding features of each of the stored templates to identify a template which most closely matches the profile and features of the part to be purchased and to generate and transmit an identification signal representing the part identification code for the part associated with the most closely matched template.

Abstract: A linearly polarized eddy current sensor including a source antenna and a parasitic antenna coupled to the source antenna, serves as a high sensitivity tool for the measurement of the surface impedance of sheet goods without requiring contact with the sample. Sheet goods can have an anisotropic, frequency-dependent surface impedance that is sensitive to minor changes in configuration of the sample. Because the electric field induced by the sensor is linearly polarized, measurement of directionally dependent sheet impedance can be achieved. The measurement is performed with the resonant device operating in resonance mode whereby the immediate proximity of the material to be measured causes damping and shifting of the coupled loop resonance. The resonant frequency of the sensor can be tuned by making changes to its geometry.