Sound Energy (e.g., Ultrasonic) Patents (Class 702/39)
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Publication number: 20090204344Abstract: A method and apparatus for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of structures and materials using a highly nonlinear medium for the generation and detection of one or multiple highly nonlinear pulses (or highly nonlinear waves) impinging on a material or structure. The apparatus includes pulse exciters that induce the propagation of highly nonlinear, weakly nonlinear or linear stress waves in the material, system, or structure to be inspected and/or detectors for the observation and the detection of the output waves from the material/structure being tested. The NDE method includes the use of the tunable highly nonlinear apparatus as impulse exciter alone, or in combination with an accelerometer or a nonlinear sensor to detect the outgoing pulse.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: Chiara Daraio, Piervincenzo Rizzo
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Publication number: 20090177414Abstract: A diagnostic tool for an energy conversion appliance, which may be a heating, ventilating or air conditioning appliance, comprises a sound receiving transducer (1) coupled to output means (5) to identify, discriminate and log the acoustic signatures of a sequence of events within an operating sequence of an appliance. Individual event occurrences are identified by comparison of a received acoustic signature with stored data to determine whether an event occurrence has occurred in a proper manner and at a correct position in the sequence of a plurality of event occurrences.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: INVENSYS CONTROLS UK LTDInventor: Brian Cottrell
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Publication number: 20090150094Abstract: A method for the nondestructive testing of pipeline, and internal or external coatings, using guided ultrasonic waves excited from the inside or outside diameter, wherein at least two transducers are employed to send and receive ultrasound, wherein a data normalization scheme is employed to account for transducer variability, and wherein the hardware arrangement has a number of pulser channels and a number of receiver channels for the collection and storage of signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: FBS, INC.Inventors: Jason K. Van Velsor, Steven E. Owens, Joseph L. Rose
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Publication number: 20090150095Abstract: A method for non-destructively detecting the presence of banded regions in a metal is described. The method involves sending an ultrasonic wave into the metal and obtaining reflected signals. The reflected signals are compared with each other to determine variations in signal intensity. A banded region within the metal can be observed as a weaker reflected signal than a reflected backwall signal, thus accurately identifying a location of banding within the metal. Metal articles with a low percent of banding are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2009Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: Cabot CorporationInventor: Charles E. Wickersham, JR.
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Publication number: 20090132181Abstract: The system provides first and second sensor assemblies and processor that work in cooperation to detect flaws in welded tubulars. The first sensor detects and provides an indication of the weld line to the processor, which analyzes the indication and determines the approximate location of the weld line along the tubular. The processor then transmits a signal to the second sensor assembly, which is preferably mounted on an automatic positioning apparatus. In response to the signal, the automatic positioning apparatus adjusts and readjusts the position of the second sensor assembly into proximity with the weld line to search for flaws in the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventor: Richard J. Girndt
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Publication number: 20090105967Abstract: An object of the present invention is to quantitatively evaluate a distribution of defects which are generated within an inspection material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2006Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Hiroaki Hatanaka, Nobukazu Ido, Minoru Tagami
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Patent number: 7516022Abstract: A system and method for assessing the quality of spot weld joints between pieces of metal includes an ultrasound transducer probing a spot weld joint. The ultrasound transducer transmits ultrasonic radiation into the spot weld joint, receives corresponding echoes, and transforms the echoes into electrical signals. An image reconstructor connected to the ultrasound transducer transforms the electrical signals into numerical data representing an ultrasound image. A neural network connected to the image reconstructor analyzes the numerical data and an output system presents information representing the quality of the spot weld joint. The system is trained to assess the quality of spot weld joints by scanning a spot weld joint with an ultrasound transducer to produce the data set representing the joint; then physically deconstructing the joint to assess the joint quality.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Chrysler LLCInventors: Hsu-Tung Lee, Roman Gr. Maev, Elena Yu Maeva, Serguei A Titov
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Patent number: 7505853Abstract: Since ultrasonic velocities in anisotropic media can change by a factor of 3 or more depending on the direction of propagation, accounting for these changes is extremely important. Also many anisotropic materials are made up of multiple layers of varying orientation, hence the need to account for refraction at ply boundaries. In the present invention, an algorithm is used to calculate these velocities and travel times and properly account for refraction phenomena. Specifically a multilayer SAFT algorithm has been developed that will calculate the time shift, shift and sum A-scan waveforms in layered anisotropic media at any given depth, ply orientation, and number of plies. The algorithm showed an improvement in signal to noise ratio with synthetic data as was expected. This algorithm can be used as a replacement for homogenizing material properties in layered media and will calculate time shifts with increased accuracy since exact material properties are used.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: San Diego State University Research FoundationInventors: Cody Royce Engstrand, Ronald Alan Kline
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Publication number: 20090070048Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for detecting structural damage in a structure by detecting acoustic emissions from damage in a structure to obtain acoustic emission data, and processing the acoustic emission data in accordance with a model characterising acoustic paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: Ian McGregor Stothers, Andrew Dargle
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Patent number: 7502694Abstract: An apparatus for sonic excitation of a surface includes a transparent pane. A sidewall structure cooperates with the pane to define an open cavity facing the surface. At least one speaker is positioned to introduce sound to the cavity. Sound cancellation may be provided for at least partially canceling transmission of the sound outside the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Inventor: Galt B. Booth
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Publication number: 20090055106Abstract: The structural health monitoring method of the present invention utilizes a sensor system to determine information about deformation, stress and/or damage in structural elements. The sensor system and the method employ at least one sensor which comprises a material having fully-reversible nonlinear elasticity. The method comprises associating at least one sensor including a material having fully-reversible nonlinear elasticity with a structural element in a manner whereby stress is transferred from said structural element to said sensor, propagating ultrasound through a portion of the sensor, receiving the ultrasound which has been propagated through at least a portion of the sensor and determining information about the structural element from attenuation and/or time of flight of said received ultrasound.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: PETER FINKEL, MICHEL W. BARSOUM, SANDIP BASU, AIGUO ZHOU
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Patent number: 7496456Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection apparatus includes: a sensing device for ultrasonic inspection including an ultrasonic sensor as a transducer, in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are disposed in a matrix or an array; a drive element selecting unit for selecting and driving a piezoelectric vibrator for producing an ultrasonic wave among the ultrasonic transducer; a signal detecting circuit for detecting the electric signal of the reflected echo by receiving the reflected echo from the joined area; a signal processing unit for subjecting the electric signal to signal processing and generating three-dimensional imaging data by causing the electric signals to correspond to mesh elements in a three-dimensional imaging region of the object to be inspected; and a display processing device for displaying the detection results and three-dimensional image data from the signal processing unit, while detecting the size and the position of the molten-solidified portion, and the size and the positionType: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Kazuo Hiyama, Takahiro Ikeda, Motohisa Abe, Hirokazu Karasawa, Masahiro Katayama
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Publication number: 20090048789Abstract: The present subject matter is direct to apparatus and methodologies for performing omnidirectional (360°) damage detection in a thin-wall structure using a planar embedded piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) phased array. Virtual beamforming for the array is implemented through either a transmission process by selective energizing selected sensors or by a signal post-processing procedure. Sensors may be embedded in a thin-walled structure as planar or circular arrays to achieve omnidirectional damage detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: University of South CarolinaInventors: Lingyu Yu, Victor Giurgiutiu
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Patent number: 7487679Abstract: A diagnostic vibration analyzing system and method for measuring and characterizing both linear and torsional vibrations in a vehicle or a piece of industrial equipment (collectively a “vehicle”). An electronic control unit and a plurality of sensors cooperate to measure accelerations sensed by a vehicle operator. These measured accelerations, when combined with sensed rotational velocities, can be used to pinpoint likely sources of driveline vibrations. Once the sources of driveline vibrations are identified, they are graphically displayed to a user for remedial action.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Scott Anthony Sirrine, Kevin W. Marsh
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Patent number: 7490011Abstract: A diagnostic tool for an energy conversion appliance, which may be a heating, ventilating or air conditioning appliance, includes a sound receiving transducer (1) coupled to output elements (5) to identify, discriminate and log the acoustic signatures of a sequence of events within an operating sequence of an appliance. Individual event occurrences are identified by comparison of a received acoustic signature with stored data to determine whether an event occurrence has occurred in a proper manner and at a correct position in the sequence of a plurality of event occurrences.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Invensys Controls UK LimitedInventor: Brian Cottrell
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Patent number: 7480574Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for detecting defects in a manufactured object. These defects may include flaws, delaminations, voids, fractures, fissures, or cracks, among others. The system utilizes an ultrasound measurement system, a signal analyzer and an expected result. The signal analyzer compares the signal from the measurement system to the expected result. The analysis may detect a defect or measure an attribute of the manufactured object. Further, the analysis may be displayed or represented. In addition, the expected result may be generated from a model such as a wave propagation model. One embodiment of the invention is a laser ultrasound detection system in which a laser is used to generate an ultrasonic signal. The signal analyzer compares the measured ultrasonic signal to an expected result. This expected result is generated from a wave propagation model. The analysis is then displayed on a monitor.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Marc Dubois, Peter W. Lorraine, Robert J. Filkins
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Patent number: 7458266Abstract: A sensor network is attached to a structure and employed to detect and analyze load changes. The sensor network has transducers, capable of acting as both passive sensors and active actuators, integrated within it. In a passive mode, the transducers detect load changes upon the structure, such as impacts. Upon detection of a load change, the transducers are engaged in an active mode to actively scan the impact area to determine the location and size of any resulting damage region. In this manner, passive and active systems are integrated within a single, convenient layer that possesses the best features of both active systems and passive systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.Inventors: Shawn J. Beard, Xinlin Qing, Hian Leng Chan, Chang Zhang, Fuo-Kuo Chang
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Publication number: 20080289423Abstract: A system, method and computer program product is provided for automated defect detection of corrosion or cracks using synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) processed Lamb wave images. The method comprises processing the first image using a synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) to enhance a resolution and a signal to noise ratio of a first extracted ultrasonic image, applying a systemic background noise suppression algorithm to the first extracted ultrasonic image to render a second extracted ultrasonic image having reduced noise, and applying a deconvolution linear filtering process to the second extracted ultrasonic image to render a third extracted ultrasonic image.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Grant A. Gordon, Radek Hedl
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Publication number: 20080294354Abstract: A system and method for detecting structural damage is provided that utilizes a general order perturbation methodology involving multiple perturbation parameters. The perturbation methodology is used iteratively in conjunction with an optimization method to identify the stiffness parameters of structures using natural frequencies and/or mode shape information. The stiffness parameters are then used to determine the location and extent of damage in a structure. A novel stochastic model is developed to model the random impact series produced manually or to generate a random impact series in a random impact device. The random impact series method or the random impact device can be used to excite a structure and generate vibration information used to obtain the stiffness parameters of the structure. The method or the device can also just be used for modal testing purposes. The random impact device is a high energy, random, and high signal-to-noise ratio system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Weidong Zhu, Guangyao Xu, Nengan Zheng, Benjamin Haynes Emory, Chun Nam Wong
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Publication number: 20080289724Abstract: The use of a harvester head, processor head or merchandiser to deploy or place probes into a standing tree, felled stem or trunk, log, cant or the like whereby a time of flight of a stress or acoustic wave can be measured for the purpose of comparing a relationship to a threshold for the purpose of attributing a characteristic to be harvested, processed or broken down tree, stem or trunk, log, cant or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2005Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: FIBRE-GEN INSTRUMENTS LIMITEDInventors: Nigel James Sharplin, Peter Charles Stratton Carter
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Publication number: 20080288184Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for monitoring the health of a structure. Apparatus and methodologies are disclosed for applying a controlled signal sequence to an array of piezoelectric wafer active sensors and for analyzing echo returns from the applied signals to determine the health of the monitored structure. The applied signal may take on certain characteristics including being provided as a specially tailored chirp signal to compensate for non-linear characteristics of the monitored structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2005Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINAInventors: Victor Giurgiutiu, Buli Xu, Weiping Liu
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Publication number: 20080196506Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by which IMT examination can be efficiently performed by simple processing in a health check. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a signal processing unit for performing at least envelope detection processing on reception signals outputted from an ultrasonic probe to generate envelope data; an image data generating unit for generating image data representing an ultrasonic image on an object to be inspected based on the envelope data; a pre-measurement processing part for performing structural image generating processing on the envelope data; and a measurement part for performing measurement based on the envelope data processed by the pre-measurement processing part.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicants: FUJIFILM Corporation, The University of TsukubaInventors: Yoshiaki Satoh, Tsuyoshi Shiina
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Patent number: 7360435Abstract: Tightening of a bolt is controlled by monitoring the change in round trip time of propagating longitudinal ultrasonic waves through the bolt and the reflection of these waves at the end of the bolt. The round trip time of the longitudinal waves through bolt is continuously measured and monitored in real-time. Elongation of the bolt as it is being tightened is determined based on the change in the round trip time of the longitudinal waves, which provides the level of bolt tension and joint clamp load. In determining the bolt elongation, an elongation-dependent wave speed has been formulated and used in-real time. When the elongation of the bolt reaches a predetermined level, tightening is automatically stopped.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Chrysler LLCInventors: Sayed Nassar, Gerald Grzadzinski
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Publication number: 20080006089Abstract: A method of monitoring integrity of a pump. The method may include recording timing information of the pump during operation while simultaneously sampling acoustic data with a high speed equidistant acquisition mechanism or at a rate based on the speed of the pump in operation. The acquisition of acoustic data is followed by evaluation thereof. Such techniques may improve resolution of acquired data while substantially increasing processor capacity for evaluation. A pump integrity monitor for carrying out such techniques is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventors: Sarmad Adnan, Evgeny Khvoshchev, Nikolai Baklanov
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Patent number: 7289914Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter casts an ultrasonic pulse toward a measurement line ML, processes ultrasonic echo signals, and calculates the position and speed of each ultrasonic reflector positioned along the measurement line ML by analyzing the ultrasonic echo signals subjected to signal processing. The flowmeter filters the ultrasonic echo signals. A trigger oscillator of the flowmeter controls signal transmission/reception timing according to an adjustable sequence wherein one cycle is formed of three consecutive sets of emissions of an ultrasonic pulse and reception of ultrasonic echo signals, and a waiting period of time.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2003Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignees: Keio University, The Tokyo Electric Power Company, IncorporatedInventors: Koichi Hishida, Yasushi Takeda, Michitsugu Mori
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Patent number: 7250087Abstract: Sound detection techniques and sound discrimination techniques are used to analyze the real time sounds generated during the operation of cleaning heads operating within a vessel to determine if the cleaning heads are operating properly. During a typical cleaning operation pressurized cleaning solution is dispensed through a plurality of rotating nozzles inside the vessel. As the nozzles rotate the spray moves about the interior of the vessel creating a unique sound pattern. By placing one or more pickups on the exterior of the vessel the sound is captured and fed to an analyzing device for analysis. The peaks in the captured sound pattern are divided into the number of nozzles and stored in an equal number of buffers. After averaging, the buffers a compared to each other. One buffer that significantly differs froms the others indicates that the nozzle associated with that buffer is defective.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Inventors: James Tyson, Janez Makovsek
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Patent number: 7191090Abstract: A method for determining a physical location of a source is provided. The method includes receiving an acoustic signal from a source placed within an acoustic monitoring area. The method also includes processing a received acoustic signal. The processing is configured to use data from at least two sensors. Also included is identifying an approximate localized point in the acoustic monitoring area. The approximate localized point defines a physical location of the source. The method further includes reporting the physical location of the source over a network.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventor: Helen A. Cunningham
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Patent number: 7158894Abstract: A data collection and management system is provided for monitoring the condition of fuel tanks and for determining for each tank a degradation profile which provides an estimate of useful tank life and a prediction of when the tank is likely to need replacement before failure. The system is especially useful for monitoring residential fuel tanks and is also applicable for commercial and other tanks which are in a location where a tank failure would be harmful and potentially hazardous. A primary benefit of the system is to allow fuel dealers to identify tanks that should be replaced before they actually fail. The system provides the dealer with information which is useful in monitoring and servicing the fuel tanks of the dealers' customers.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Boston Environmental, LLCInventor: Michael R. Hatch
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Patent number: 7131345Abstract: A device for inspecting submersed plant parts is particularly suited for ultrasonic inspection of screws in the core baffle of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel. The device includes a remote-controlled underwater vehicle that is provided at its end face with a carrier that can be pivoted about a pivot axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the underwater vehicle, and is provided with a holding device for an inspection head that is arranged on the carrier spaced apart from the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: IntelligeNDT Systems & Services GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hans-Jürgen Achtzehn, Robert Staudigel
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Patent number: 7072931Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely monitoring an imaging facility's compliance with accreditation requirements. In a particular embodiment, the present invention remotely monitors the status of an MRI facility. In some configurations, the MRI unit is coupled to a server station. Information from the MRI unit is transmitted and stored on the server station. The information can be transmitted over a network, such as the internet, to a remote server. The remote server can collect and evaluate the accreditation data.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Inventors: David Goldhaber, Mikhail Mineyev, Leon Kaufman
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Patent number: 7062386Abstract: A method for measuring the complex frequency-dependent dilatational and shear wavespeeds of a slab of material subjected to insonification. Transfer functions that are obtained by insonifying the material at different angles. Once this is accomplished, the transfer functions are manipulated with an inverse method to yield closed form values of dilatational and shear wavespeeds at any test frequency. The wavespeeds can be combined to determine complex Lamé constants, complex Young's modulus, complex shear modulus, and complex Poisson's ratio.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Andrew J. Hull
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Patent number: 7054762Abstract: An ultrasonic real-time inspection method which is user-friendly in an interactive environment to provide ease of operation, as well as a combination of consistency, thoroughness, and speed of operation in flaw detection not achievable by other methods. The method offers significantly increased pattern recognition capability, which provides greater automation potential and reduced missed detection and false alarm rates.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Dapco Industries Inc.Inventors: Dominick A. Pagano, John Winkelman, John Rojas, James Norris
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Patent number: 7010981Abstract: A method is provided to distinguish two blended but different waves in a structure, such as compressional and shear waves, by measuring their corresponding wavenumbers and wave speeds. Other characteristics of the two waves may also be measured such as the propagation coefficients of both waves. All measurements can be calculated at every frequency for which a transfer function measurement is made. The measurements do not depend on the resonance frequencies of the structure and do not require curve fitting to the transfer functions.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Andrew J. Hull
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Patent number: 7006930Abstract: A method of comparing tire noise pitch sequences based on the tire noise generated by tire tread lug stiffness variations provides a secondary examination technique used to evaluate tire noise pitch sequences that have been selected by traditional evaluation techniques. The method includes the steps of defining the tire noise pitch sequence and the pitch lengths, calculating the differential between the arc length from an arbitrary fixed reference point to the end of each pitch length in the pitch sequence and the arc length of the mean pitch length of the number of pitches from that arbitrary reference point, and analyzing the differential to identify desirable and undesirable tire noise characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLCInventor: Jon Irvin Stuckey
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Patent number: 6996481Abstract: General algorithms are developed for reconstructing the acoustic field generated by an arbitrary object subject to an arbitrarily time-dependent excitation. These algorithms enable one to visualize a time-domain acoustic pressure wave as it travels through three-dimensional space. Such a tool can be used to diagnose general noise sources and transmission since in engineering applications most structures are subject to arbitrarily time-dependent excitations. To facilitate the derivations of the temporal solutions, we make use of Laplace transform and expand the acoustic pressure in terms of the spherical Hankel functions and the spherical harmonics. The expansion coefficients are settled by solving an over-determined system of equations obtained by matching the assumed-form solutions to the measured acoustic pressures.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Wayne State UniversityInventor: Sean F. Wu
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Structural health monitoring system utilizing guided lamb waves embedded ultrasonic structural radar
Patent number: 6996480Abstract: A method and device for performing ultrasonic damage detection in a thin-wall structure using an array of embedded Piezoelectric Wafer Active Sensors (PWAS) for the transmission and reception of guided waves and a signal processing methodology based on the beamforming process. The beamforming signal processing has been adapted to the specifics of guided elastic waves traveling in thin-wall structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: University of South CarolinaInventors: Victor Giurgiutiu, Jingjing Bao, Andrei N. Zagrai -
Patent number: 6963818Abstract: The invention detects loft time and/or speed of a vehicle and/or person during activities of moving and jumping. A loft sensor detects leaving the ground and returning to the ground. A microprocessor subsystem converts the sensed information to determine a loft time. A display shows the recorded loft time to a user of the system. A speed sensor can detect speed for selective display to the user, and height may also be determined during airtime.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: PhatRat Technology, Inc.Inventors: Peter Flentov, Dennis M. Darcy, Curtis A. Vock
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Patent number: 6961670Abstract: A probe testing apparatus reads the surface shape of a contact pad in pressure contact with a contact probe, and differentiates the read surface shape to extract a multiplicity of flat parts. Next, the probe testing apparatus complements the multiplicity of flat parts to generate a reference shape, and subtracts the reference shape from an averaged surface shape to detect a plurality of recesses having a predetermined depth or more. Next, the probe testing apparatus selects one from the plurality of recesses corresponding to reference information, enlarges the selected recess outward by predetermined dimensions, and subtracts the reference shape from the initial surface shape at the position of the enlarged recess to detect an impression of the contact probe. Finally, the probe testing apparatus determines from the position and depth of the detected impression whether the contact probe is acceptable or defective.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: NEC Electronics CorporationInventors: Yoshihiro Sasaki, Takashi Nishikawa
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Patent number: 6941231Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the time varying mechanical properties of a cement including propagating acoustic waves through a cement sample, measuring signals corresponding to the acoustic waves after they propagate in the sample, comparing attributes from the measured signals with corresponding attributes provided by a model accounting for at least initially estimated acoustic properties of the cement, using the differences between the measured and calculated signals to update the initially estimated acoustic properties of the material in the calculating model, using the differences between the measured and calculated signals, updating the initial acoustic properties in the model, processing N iterations of the comparison and updating either until the differences between measured and calculated signals are within a given tolerance factor or when the number i reaches a prescribed maximum and calculating the time varying mechanical properties of the cement from the final iterated acoustic properties.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Smaine Zeroug, Matteo Loizzo, Mickael Allouche, Tarek Habashy
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Patent number: 6934017Abstract: A method for detection of information on at least one optical element for monitoring an equipment, in which an electromagnetic radiation is shaped or guided by the at least one optical element, particularly for monitoring a laser arrangement. A change of at least one physical quantity in or on at least one optical element is detected with a measuring device by means of the absorbed electromagnetic radiation. At least one actual value detected by means of the measuring device is forwarded to an evaluation unit. At least one actual value is compared with a reference value deposited in the evaluation unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Steffen Kircher
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Patent number: 6915217Abstract: A method and system for remotely inspecting the integrity of a structure. This can be performed by a method creating a vibratory response in the structure from a remote location and then measuring the vibratory response of the structure remotely. Alternatively, this can be performed by a system for remotely measuring the integrity of a structure using a vehicle and an artificial neural network, where the vehicle is equipped with a vibratory response device. The vibratory response can be produced by infrasonic and audio frequencies that can be produced by at least a vehicle, motor, or sound recording. The vibratory response can be measured with a laser vibrometer or an audio recording device.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corp.Inventors: Paul LeBaron Springer, III, James E. Mahaffey, Ronald Gordon Harley
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Patent number: 6880379Abstract: In a method of detecting damage in materials or objects (4) the material or object is physically influenced to produce a physical change of the material or object inducing transient slow dynamics in case of damages in the material or object. Slow dynamics induced material elastic modulus changes are detected as indication of damages of the material or object. In a device for non-destructive detection of damage in materials or objects (4), an impact source (16) is provided to impact the material or object to physically influence the material or object to produce a physical change of the material or object inducing transient slow dynamics in case of damages in the material or object. A detector (2,8,10,12,14,6) is provided to detect by said slow dynamics induced material elastic modulus changes as indications of damages of the material or object.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Impressonic ABInventors: Claes Hedberg, Alexander Sutin, Paul A. Johnson
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Patent number: 6856918Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for detecting defects in a manufactured object. These defects may include flaws, delaminations, voids, fractures, fissures, or cracks, among others. The system utilizes an ultrasound measurement system, a signal analyzer and an expected result. The signal analyzer compares the signal from the measurement system to the expected result. The analysis may detect a defect or measure an attribute of the manufactured object. Further, the analysis may be displayed or represented. In addition, the expected result may be generated from a model such as a wave propagation model. One embodiment of the invention is a laser ultrasound detection system in which a laser is used to generate an ultrasonic signal. The signal analyzer compares the measured ultrasonic signal to an expected result. This expected result is generated from a wave propagation model. The analysis is then displayed on a monitor.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Marc Dubois, Peter W. Lorraine, Robert J. Filkins, Thomas E. Drake
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Patent number: 6826982Abstract: The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. A method and apparatus for detecting and monitoring fractures in a structure by monitoring acoustic energy transmitted within the structure by receiving continuously over a period of time electrical signals from a plurality of acoustic tranducers carried by the structure in a pulse processor to form data bursts from pulses in the signals and deriving, for each of a plurality of the data bursts, delta-t values representing the differences between burst arrival times at each sensor, the delta-t values forming a delta-t pattern, and generating a damage indication signal when the delta-t pattern is repeated to a predetermined degree.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: BAE Systems plcInventors: Edwin W O'Brien, Andrew R Ibbotson
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Patent number: 6826490Abstract: A transducer calibration apparatus and method for transforming both previously established transducer parameters for a transducer calibrated to a first target object material and measured transducer parameters for the transducer monitoring a second different target object material into a calibration parameter and transforming the output of the transducer and thus, the use of the transducer, from the first target object material used to calibrate the transducer to the second different target object material being subsequently monitored by the transducer by linearizing the output of the transducer into gap values as a function of the calculated calibration parameter and then, generating alarms based on the linearized output of the transducer exceeding established limits and using the alarms to automatically shut down a machine being monitored by the transducer and/or automatically annunciate machine problems to personnel.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Bentley Nevada, LLCInventors: Roger A. Hala, Ingrid M. Foster
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Patent number: 6799124Abstract: A probabilistic method for optimizing the inspection of a heat exchanger that determines the maximum number of degraded tubes that can be permitted to remain in service for a contemplated interval of time without exceeding an allowable probability of a tube burst, based upon Extreme Value Probability Distribution theory. The method also determines the minimum number of tubes that need to be inspected to establish that no more than the determined maximum number of degraded tubes will be permitted to remain in service for the contemplated interval of time based upon Bayesian Acceptance Sampling Theory.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: Robert K. Perdue, Kenneth R. Balkey, Philip J. Kotwicki, Robert F. Keating
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Patent number: 6785637Abstract: There are many inventions described herein. In one aspect, the present invention is a method of acoustically monitoring a wind power installation that generates electrical power. The wind power installation includes a plurality of components, including at least rotor blades. The method comprises detecting an operating acoustic spectrum generated by at least one of the components during operation of the wind power installation and comparing the operating acoustic spectrum to a reference acoustic spectrum. The method of this aspect of the invention further comprises detecting a deviation between the operating acoustic spectrum and the reference acoustic spectrum and detecting whether the deviation exceeds a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Inventor: Aloys Wobben
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Patent number: 6785618Abstract: A method for monitoring sound in an in-ground pipeline via at least first and second in-ground acoustic sensors wherein the first in-ground acoustic sensor is in contact with the in-ground pipeline and the second in-ground acoustic sensor is spaced from both the first in-ground acoustic sensor and the in-ground pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2001Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventors: George E. Kechter, Vangal K. Narendran, Robert B. Francini, Brian N. Leis
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Patent number: 6782332Abstract: Method, apparatus and computer programs are described for compensating for the effect of temperature on the sensitivity of electrostatic ultrasound (US) transducers, particularly as used in an automotive occupancy sensing (AOS) systems for sensing the nature or type of occupant and the location of the occupant with respect to the vehicle interior. The invention permits the AOS to classify the occupancy state of the vehicle from a US echo signal substantially free of the effects of temperature on signal amplitude. A capacitive divider or voltage monitor is employed to measure the capacitance of the transducer. The voltage monitor output is used by the scaling algorithm of a compensator to determine the scaling factor to be applied to the US transducer signal to compensate for the effect of temperature on the transducer sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch CorporationInventors: Ralf Seip, Russell C. Watts
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Patent number: 6772094Abstract: Sound detection techniques and sound discrimination techniques are used to analyze the real time sounds generated during the operation of cleaning heads operating within a vessel to determine if the cleaning heads are operating properly. During a typical cleaning operation pressurized cleaning solution is dispensed through a rotating nozzle assembly inside the vessel. As the nozzles rotate the spray moves about the interior of the vessel creating a unique sound pattern. By placing one or more pickups on the interior of the vessel the sound is captured and fed to an analyzing device for analysis. Key properties such as, but not limited to, sound pressure levels, amplitude variations, spectral content, and rotational information are extracted and analyzed against the reference parameters.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Inventor: James Tyson