Abstract: Optical detection techniques for the assessment of the physiological state, health and/or viability of biological materials are provided. Biological materials which may be examined using such techniques include cells, tissues, organs and subcellular components. The inventive techniques may be employed in high throughput screening of potential diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method of fault classification in a plasma process chamber powered by an RF source includes initially running a plurality of different baseline plasma processes on the chamber. For each baseline process, the magnitudes of a plurality of Fourier components of delivered RF power are determined and stored as an impedance fingerprint for that baseline process. In the case of a fault, one or more of the baseline processes is repeated according to a predetermined decision tree to determine the current fingerprints and classify the fault by comparing the current fingerprints with the original fingerprints.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing nondestructive examination data of a component including the steps of generating nondestructive examination data of the component in the field and separately generating nondestructive examination data of a specimen machined to simulate selected flaws in the component and combining portions of the specimen data with the field data in a combined data stream.

Abstract: A first resistance value of an electromagnetic transducer is calculated based on an examination current of a first current value. A second resistance value of the electromagnetic transducer is calculated based on the examination current of a second current value different from the first current value. A quantity of variation in temperature is derived based on the first and second resistance values. An expected lifetime of the electromagnetic transducer is calculated based on the derived quantity of variation in temperature. A current value for a sensing current to be supplied to the electromagnetic transducer is determined based on the calculated expected lifetime. It is possible to reliably set the maximum current value for the sensing current without suffering from deterioration or a shortened lifetime of the electromagnetic transducer resulting from a fracturing or destructive phenomenon such as a migration.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for interactively observing metal or other electrolyte contamination of a product against a reference datum or calibration signal for that product; and modifying the datum signal on line to reflect changes in tolerances between the calibration and observed signals. The method can be used to optimise the calibration signal for a given product; or can be used to identify specific contaminants based upon their effect on the calibration signal. The invention enables an operator to optimise the calibration signal inter actively and thus reduce inaccuracies in the detection of contaminated products due to incorrect tolerances between the calibration and observed signals.

Abstract: The present invention monitors an electrical generator (10) to provide an indication of a problem in the generator's bearing insulation (26), such as insulation damage or insulation bridging, and sets an alarm to warn an operator of the problem, thereby avoiding damage to the electrical generator (10). Methods and systems consistent with the present invention identify problems with bearing insulation (26) by monitoring the naturally occurring shaft voltage on the generator rotor (12) and by setting an alarm if the shaft voltage drops below a predetermined value.

Abstract: The position, orientation, velocity and acceleration of remote sensors is determined using magnetic fields. Multiple, arbitrarily oriented magnetic field transmitters are placed in one reference frame (source reference frame), and multiple, arbitrarily oriented magnetic field receivers are placed in a second reference frame (body reference frame). The spatially varying magnetic fields of the transmitters in the source reference frame are sensed by the magnetic field receivers in the body reference frame. The computer algorithm uses a physics-based extended Kalman filter to resolve the position; orientation, velocity and acceleration of the body relative to the source reference frame. The physics-based extended Kalman filter can accommodate the effects of metal in the source and body reference frames and thus allow the system to measure position, orientation, velocity and acceleration under conditions where eddy currents would normally hinder other magnetic position measuring systems.

Abstract: A specimen is mounted in a multiaxis machine. An eddy current probe is also mounted in the machine for multiaxis movement relative to the specimen. The probe is aligned in situ with a target in the specimen by direct contact therebetween at multiple alignment sites corresponding with a numerical model of the specimen. Eddy current inspection of the target may then be conducted by moving the probe along multiple inspection sites of the target corresponding with the specimen model.

Abstract: A feedback response signal in a motor drive system in response to injection of a high frequency carrier signal provides information for determining motor position and demagnetization detection. The high frequency carrier signal excitation can be voltage or current based. The feed back signal is processed with various filtering techniques and phase detection to obtain the desired information. Both uniform and localized demagnetization of the motor is detected by examining the saturation saliency of the stator iron for a lack of position dependent information or large DC offsets. The technique provides good position information for the motor while providing an indication of motor health.

Abstract: (Subject)

Abstract: A method of determining a surface profile of an electrically conductive object, using a probe having a transmitter adapted for inducing transient eddy currents in the object, and a receiver which is adapted for providing a signal indicative of a magnetic field property wherein the surface profile is determined by measuring a characteristic value at selected inspection positions at a selected set of inspection points to obtain a set of inspection values, and correcting for any offsets using a calibration function determined from a set of calibration values taken at a set of calibration positions at a calibration point.

Abstract: A digital synthesizer generates an electrical digital carrier that is converted to analog and driven a probe coil to generate an electromagnetic wave propagated into a test material proximate the probe coil. A return electromagnetic wave generated by eddy currents in the material includes signatures of material defects modulated on the return carrier electromagnetic wave. The return wave is detected by one or more probe coils and amplified. A second amplifier is applied selectively amplifying the signal in segments such that each segment exploits the input range of the analog to digital converter. The signal is then converted from an analog signal to a digital signal and then digitally mixed with digital sine and cosine functions also generated by the digital synthesizer to yield sum and difference values. A gain scaling stage then trims the signal to overcome circuit imprecision such that the amplification in each respective segment is a power of two.

Abstract: When a pipeline is used as a medium for data transmission using a VLP or ELF Electro-magnetic signal the presence of corrosion effects on the pipeline lead to noise signals appearing in the received data signal. The present invention relates to a method of separating out this noise signal and analyzing it to determine the corrosion status of the pipeline. Both the type and location of the corrosion effect can be determined in this way.

Abstract: The present invention monitors an electrical generator (10) to provide an indication of a problem in the generator's bearing insulation (26), such as insulation damage or insulation bridging, and sets an alarm to warn an operator of the problem, thereby avoiding damage to the electrical generator (10). Methods and systems consistent with the present invention identify problems with bearing insulation (26) by monitoring the naturally occurring shaft voltage on the generator rotor (12) and by setting an alarm if the shaft voltage drops below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A process for measuring the thickness of a layer of oxide on a rod cladding in a fuel assembly comprising a bundle of rods parallel to each other and held in a framework comprising spacer grids for transversely holding rods distributed in an axial direction of the bundle

Abstract: Method of detecting cracks in an object of an electrically conducting material that is covered by a non-conductive layer using a probe comprising a transmitter coil for inducing eddy currents in the object and a receiver coil comprising selecting a set of points of the object which are to be inspected; and which method further comprises for each point positioning the probe at the point, activating the transmitter coil to induce eddy currents in the object; creating a record of the signal provided by the receiver coil over a period of time; and examining the record and comparing it to reference records, wherein the presence or absence of a crack can be inferred from the comparison.

Abstract: A programmable voltage divider has normal and test modes of operation. The divider includes first and second supply nodes, a divider node that provides a data value, and a first divider element that is coupled between the first supply node and the divider node. The divider also includes a controlled node, a second divider element that has a selectable resistivity and that is coupled between the divider node and the controlled node, and a test circuit that is coupled between the controlled node and the second supply node. During the normal mode of operation, the first and second divider elements generate the data value having a first logic level when the second divider element has a first resistivity, and generate the data value having a second logic level when the second divider element has a second resistivity. The test circuit generates a first voltage at the controlled node during the normal mode of operation, and generates a second voltage at the controlled node during the test mode of operation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter includes a exciting coil, exciting section, and arithmetic processing section. The exciting coil applies a magnetic field to a fluid flowing in a pipe line. The exciting section supplies an exciting current to the coil. The arithmetic processing section calculates a measurement flow rate on the basis of the measurement signal detected from the excited fluid. The arithmetic processing section includes a measurement flow rate calculation section. In calculating a measurement flow rate from the measurement signal, the measurement flow rate calculation section corrects the flow rate calculated from the measurement signal on the basis of one of adjustment coefficients, set in advance in correspondence with current values of exciting currents, which corresponds to a current value of an exciting current by which the measurement signal is obtained.

Abstract: A method of measuring the concentration of water in an ion exchange membrane cmprising: (i) measuring the absorbance of electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the membrane, said electromagnetic radiation comprising at least one frequency of an intensity such that it is at least partially, but not entirely, absorbed by water molecules within the membrane; (ii) measuring the thickness of the membrane; and (iii) using the values obtained in (i) and (ii) above to calculate the concentration of water molecules in the membrane.

Abstract: A foreign-matter detector for detecting foreign matter contained in an article P transported between a transmitter (17) and a receiver (18). The detector (1) includes a signal extractor (2) for extracting a signal (e) having a predetermined phase difference relative to a transmitted signal (a) from the transmitter (17), based on a phase of the transmitted signal (a) from the transmitter (17) and the received signal (b) from the receiver (18), a specific value setting unit (25) for setting, through an external input operation, a specific value for the level of the extracted signal (e) which is outputted from the signal extractor (2) and which is attributable to the article (P) free from foreign matter to be detected, and a level adjusting circuit (24) for adjusting the signal extractor (2) or the receiver (18) to cause the level of the extracted signal (e) attributable to the article itself to assume the specific value inputted.

Abstract: This invention involves an apparatus for on-site testing and inspecting of metal structures and their deterioration. The NDT and hands free computer are both worn by the inspector to give him or her immediate results of the test.

Abstract: A metal detector employing static discrimination. Within the scope of the invention is a two-frequency method and apparatus for discriminating between metal objects and ground. Also within the scope of the invention is a three-frequency method and apparatus for discriminating between ferrous and non-ferrous metal objects. The methods and apparatus do not require movement of the search head of the metal detector.

Abstract: The device is a miniature, self-contained solid state orientation sensor. The unit utilizes three magnetometers and three accelerometers to calculate pitch, roll, and yaw (compass heading) angles relative to the earth's magnetic and gravitational fields. The three orientation angles are output in digital RS232 or optional multi-drop RS485. The device can also be programmed to provide raw accelerometer and magnetometer data in true physical units. The device is capable of measuring angles from 0 to 360 degrees on the yaw axis, 0 to 360 degrees on the pitch axis, and −70 to +70 degrees on the roll axis. The yaw output is compensated for errors due to pitch and roll using embedded algorithms. Applications include fast solid state compassing, robotics, virtual reality, down-hole well drilling, and body position tracking for biomedical and multimedia applications.

Abstract: Measuring the wall thickness of an electrically conductive object using a probe comprising a transmitter coil, a first receiver and a second receiver, which method comprises arranging the probe near the object; inducing transient eddy currents in the object and recording the signals of the receivers with time; measuring the wall thickness from a characteristic of one of the signals; calculating a characteristic value from a combination of the signals; and correcting the measured wall thickness for the distance between the probe and the object using a pre-determined relationship between the wall thickness and the characteristic value for different values of the distance between the probe and the object.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamic testing of loaded or unloaded electrical rotating electric motors, wherein a dynamic speed-time characteristic of the electric motor is determined during acceleration of the motor from standstill to steady-state speed or after the motor has reached steady-state speed, depending on the performance characteristic to be derived, and analyzed to derive a performance characteristic of the electric motor. Accurate measurement of the motor speed may be achieved by attaching to the shaft a digital rotary encoder which generates successive HIGH and LOW logic levels during respective successive time intervals. The shaft is rotated and the respective periods of each successive logic level are accumulated so as to allow derivation of the angular rotation or a function thereof of the shaft. Dynamic performance may be determined accurately as well as steady-state performance without slowing the electric motor's speed of rotation by use of a flywheel.

Abstract: Wiring in new and older aircraft use bundled insulated conductors that are subject to deterioration over time that can result in on-board fires, loss of in-flight control and eventual crashes of the aircraft. The present invention provides a diagnostic method which permits the on-line and non-destructive diagnosis of the insulation degradation in a portion of the wiring comprising: a) measuring the current flow at locations of the aircraft wiring utilizing an optical current sensor with a bandwidth of dc to 50 kHz; b) determining the current flow within a high frequency bandwidth; and c) analysing the results of the current flow differential determination and initiate the following: i) detect and locate the point of cable failure; ii) initiate an alarm annunciation; and iii) initiate an on-board sectionalized fire suppression system.

Abstract: In a non-destructive inspection device of the present invention which detects in a non-destructive manner a defect of a member to be inspected, based on a change in magnetic fluxes due to eddy currents that are generated by an inspection probe having a coil, a driving section which adjusts a position of the inspection probe, and measuring device for, based on a detection signal of the inspection probe, measuring a lift-off between the inspection probe and the member to be inspected are disposed. The driving section is controlled in accordance with a result of measurement of the measuring device, whereby a control of making the lift-off constant is performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for testing of a workpiece by means of eddy currents induced by a field coil in the workpiece and from which a measurement signal is obtained by means of a measurement sensor, a pattern signal representative of a workpiece fault being generated, a correlation function of the measurement signal acquired by the sensor with the pattern signal being determined, and the correlation function being evaluated in order to detect a fault in the workpiece. The invention furthermore relates to a device for executing the process.

Abstract: The position sensor has a sensor element and a transmitter part which can be displaced between a first end position and a second end position. The measurement signal passes through an extreme value between the first and the second end positions. The actual values of the measurement signal in the first and second end position are determined. The extreme value of the measurement signal between the first and second end position is also determined. The position is determined in dependence on the current actual value of the measurement signal, the extreme value, and the actual values in the first and second end positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructively measuring the depth of a crack with precision and accuracy in a workpiece using an eddy current process. The method involves empirically creating a response curve of the eddy current response produced from crack(s) in a sample workpiece(s), wherein the depth of the crack(s) in the sample workpiece(s) may be modified a plurality of times and an eddy current response reading is taken at each different crack depth. The response curve is then used to interpolate the depth of a crack in a workpiece composed of the same material non-destructively by measuring the eddy current response in the workpiece crack and then obtaining the predetermined crack depth value form the response curve.

Abstract: An evolutionary program is used to calibrate a ship degaussing system with respect to one or more parameters relating to the ship's magnetic signature. Pursuant to the computer program, a mathematical vector lists electrical current values which correlate with the degaussing coils. A genetic algorithm is executed through a certain number of generational iterations in order to find a solution vector which will optimize the parameter(s). Every generational population has the same number of vectors. An initial population is randomly engendered, and successive populations are engendered through a biasedly random process wherein each vector has associated therewith a parenthood selection probability which is commensurate with its fitness. The offspring vectors are given birth to via crossover hybridization of parent vectors, and a small fraction of offspring vectors are randomly modified via mutation. The present invention is suitable for accomplishing optimization (e.g.

Abstract: A method for detecting a phase difference between first and second input signals is provided. The method includes modulating a duty cycle of first and second intermediate signals from a first duty cycle based on the phase difference between the first and second input signals. The method further includes creating a differential output signal based on the modulated duty cycles of the first and second intermediate signals that is related to the phase difference between the first and second input signals.

Abstract: A signal processing technique which correlates eddy current inspection data from a tube having a critical tubing defect with a range of predicted burst pressures for the tube is provided. The method can directly correlate the raw eddy current inspection data representing the critical tubing defect with the range of burst pressures using a regression technique, preferably an artificial neural network. Alternatively, the technique deconvolves the raw eddy current inspection data into a set of undistorted signals, each of which represents a separate defect of the tube. The undistorted defect signal which represents the critical tubing defect is related to a range of burst pressures utilizing a regression technique.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the direct measurement and quantification of the material volume loss on and beneath a first surface of a substrate and thus provides an accurate depiction of the profile of the substrate. The method of the invention comprises inducing multiple eddy currents in a test substrate to determine volume loss.

Abstract: Meter electronics for a Coriolis flowmeter capable of being intrinsically safe. A signal conditioner receives power from a power supply in a host system remote from the signal conditioner. Drive circuitry in the signal conditioner generates a drive signal and applies the drive signal to a driver affixed to at least one conduit of the Coriolis flowmeter. Pick-off signal conditioning circuitry in the signal conditioner receives input signals from a first pick-off sensor and a second pick-off sensor affixed to the at least one conduit of the Coriolis flowmeter, generates information indicating properties of a material flowing through the conduit from the input signals, and transmits output signals containing the information to the host system.

Abstract: To provide accurate measurement of rotational velocity and an adequate bandwidth for servo control as a function of the measurement over a wide range of velocities, the present invention utilizes unique speed computation algorithms based on a combination of fine and coarse shaft velocity measurements from a tachometer. The preferred embodiments utilize control signals derived from the velocity measurements to control motor speed, for example, to provide servo control of a digital tape drive. The preferred embodiments utilize an optical encoder coupled to a reel-shaft to generate tachometer pulses as the shaft rotates. The coarse measurement may actually take two different forms for different speed ranges. In one range, this measurement involves counting the number of pulses in a sampling interval. In the other range, the coarse measurement entails counting the number of sampling intervals per detection of a tachometer pulse.

Abstract: In a process and a device for measuring a throttle point, a fluid under pressure is applied to the throttle point by a pump, at least one operating parameter of the pump is acquired and stored, at least two reference operating parameters of two reference throttles are acquired and stored, and the operating parameters are compared with a reference operating parameters in an evaluating unit and a throttle magnitude is outputted.

Abstract: A method of analyzing electromagnetic fields created in a rotary machine and an analyzer. The method and analyzer provide for an electromagnetic field in a total analysis space of a rotary machine including a stator space containing a stator and a rotor space containing a rotor to be analyzed to determined a boundary field between the stator space and the rotor space. The boundary field in a direction of rotation in modes is expanded and the modes obtained by expansion are converted into rotating magnetic field components. using the rotating magnetic field components as boundary conditions for a boundary between the stator space and the rotor space, an electromagnetic field in the stator space is analyzed and an electromagnetic field in the rotor space is analyzed.

Abstract: A multiple fan monitoring circuit for use with a plurality of fans, wherein each of the fans operates at a different frequency and generates a tach signal indicative of the fan operation. The multiple fan monitoring circuit includes a number of waveform shaping networks, wherein each of the waveform shaping networks is coupled to a corresponding one of the fans. Each of the waveform shaping circuit is utilized to waveshape a tach signal generated by its corresponding fan. The multiple fan monitoring circuit also includes a frequency processing circuit, coupled to the waveform shaping networks, that receives the waveshaped tach signals at a single sense node. In a related embodiment, the frequency processing circuit includes a summing circuit, coupled to the single sense node, that combines the waveshaped tach signals into a single combined signal.

Abstract: A method for evaluation of an eddy current testing signal is provided. The method includes the steps of generating a feature amount based on a sample eddy current testing signal obtained by measuring a standard specimen, the feature amount including a feature highly correlated to a secondary factor which is other than a depth of the flaw and which affects the waveform of the signal; generating an evaluation parameter by using the feature amount, the evaluation parameter being a parameter for outputting a value with a sufficiently small error relative to correct answer data on the sample eddy current testing signal; and estimating the depth of a flaw, expressed by an actual measurement eddy current testing signal, by use of the evaluation parameter.

Abstract: This invention involves an apparatus for on-site testing and inspecting of metal structures and their deterioration. The NDT and hands free computer are both worn by the inspector to give him or her immediate results of the test.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a weld head for use in bonding antennas to IC modules in a sheet of smart card modules includes an integrated test unit, e.g., a reader/writer (R/W) unit. The test unit tests the bonds between the antenna and the IC module in a selected card module by attempting to communicate with the IC module with low-wattage RF waves via the card module's antenna.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method is provided for analyzing RFT data from a data file. The method includes parsing the data file into pipe lengths, calculating a phase profile for the data points within each pipe length, locating potential defects in the pipe length using the phase profiles, determining for each defect a total equivalent phase shift as a combination of a circumferential equivalent phase shift and a non-circumferential equivalent phase shift, and using the total equivalent phase shift to analyze the defect.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and measuring axially extending defects in ferrous tube includes a magnetizing coil for inducing a longitudinal magnetic field in the ferrous tube. Linear magnetic transducers are used to detect parallel non-linking flux leakage that occurs from axially extending defects. An analog to digital converter digitizes the measured signals representing the amount of parallel non-linking flux leakage detected. A processor subtracts signals typical of ferrous tube with no axially extending defects from the measured signals. The processor further processes the resulting signals after subtraction, by separating the alternating AC components from the constant DC components to remove the effects of perpendicular flux leakage, which may exist in the measured signals. The processor then calculates the percentage of missing material due to the axially extending defects by applying a proportionality equation to the remaining DC components of the measured signals.

Abstract: This invention describes systems and methods for mixing two fluids. A first fluid, usually fuel, can be passed through a primary passage that typically leads to a carburetor or other inlet to a combustion engine. A second fluid, usually air, can be mixed with the first by introducing it to the primary passage through an inlet located upstream in the primary passage. The mixture of fluids can then be further emulsified by passing it over a plurality of obstructions, such as a threaded interior surface of the primary passage, located within the primary passage downstream of the inlet.

Abstract: A methodology for testing a floppy disk unit having a large storage capacity, the floppy disk unit being connected to a notebook computer, involves giving corresponding commands to a multi-purpose connector for the disk unit in order to confirm that the disk unit has been properly connected, testing the operation capabilities of the disk unit for various types of diskettes while having the disk head proceed to read-out, write-in, and seek on each track of the diskettes in various movement modes, and having the disk unit perform eject and format functions to ensure normal operation of each function by the disk unit.

Abstract: A method for determining crook potential of wood is described. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates (from a third party or by direct measurement) of wood and then determining crook potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber. The method typically comprises determining lengthwise shrinkage rates two or more measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using infrared radiation, microwave radiation, electricity, ultrasound energy, and combinations thereof Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates.

Abstract: A method for determining warp potential of wood. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles of wood—such as trees, logs, or lumber—then determining warp potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles. The method typically comprises measuring plural lengthwise shrinkage rates and plural grain angles to determine warp potential. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate and grain angle measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber at at least two measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using electromagnetic energy, acoustic energy, and combinations thereof. Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates and grain angles.

Abstract: A nondestructive method for inspecting steel pipelines for plastically deformed regions caused by mechanical damage to the pipeline. The invention is a method and system that uses nonlinear harmonic detection methods to detect mechanical damage in pipelines. The invention uses a time-varying magnetic field to sense magnetic properties of the pipeline. The odd-numbered harmonic frequencies are detected and their amplitudes are related to the magnetic condition of the material under test to determine areas of mechanical damage. This technique can be used for rapidly surveying stress states in pipelines where nonlinear harmonic sensing devices are attached to a pigging device moving through a pipeline at a relatively high rate of speed.

Abstract: A motor performance analyzer senses currents and voltages applied to the motor, converts the sensed signals to digital data signals, and stores the digital data signals. The analyzer includes a processor for evaluating and comparing the digital data signals to predetermined values for voltage and current of the motor to determine and check for the correct placement of the current and voltage probes along corresponding phases of the motor. The analyzer also includes [and] a display for alerting a user or technician to potential motor problems, or to developing problems, including winding faults and broken rotor bars. [Advanced signal processing techniques are used to further evaluate stored data and to provide trending information.