Abstract: A method of calibration including placing an instrument on an arbitrary point and at an arbitrary rotational orientation on an ultrasonic probe, obtaining spatial coordinates of the instrument, obtaining spatial coordinates of three points on an external surface of the ultrasonic probe, and using the three points to define an ultrasonic image plane, obtaining spatial coordinates of a set of landmarks which have a known spatial relationship to the ultrasonic image plane, these landmarks defining a direction in which the ultrasonic probe is directed within the ultrasonic image plane, and obtaining spatial coordinates of a front point on a front facing surface of the ultrasonic probe, the front facing surface having a known relation with a reference axis of a scanning plane of the ultrasonic probe that defines where an ultrasonic image starts within the ultrasonic image plane.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting non-linear operation of a measuring device comprising an array of transducers and at least one receiver channel portion. The method comprises receiving measured signals through transducers of the array, processing the measured signals from the transducers through the receiver channel portion, combining the processed measured signals to produce a combined measurement signal, and detecting non-linearity of the combined measurement signal and non-linear operation of the measuring device by detecting saturation of the receiver channel portion. In one embodiment, the receiver channel portion comprises an analog-to-digital converter, a threshold is assigned to a digital output of the analog-to-digital converter, and saturation of the receiver channel portion is detected when the digital output of the analog-to-digital converter oversteps the assigned threshold. In one application of the invention, the measuring device is a non-destructive testing device.

Abstract: A micro-system, for example a micro-sensor, comprises a resonator 10 with vibrating element(s) 11 receiving an excitation signal E of a loop 20 for automatic gain control, as a function of an amplitude setpoint (C) and providing as output a signal y(t) defined by a peak amplitude having a nominal value A0 dependent on the said setpoint and a resonant frequency. The micro-sensor integrates a circuit for measuring a quality factor of the resonator based on a measurement of an attenuation of the output signal during a momentary phase of cutoff of the excitation signal E applied to the resonator. This circuit for measuring the quality factor is configured so as to activate the excitation signal cutoff phase, for a duration of cutoff Td such that at the end of the cutoff phase, the peak amplitude of the output signal is attenuated by factor to the nominal peak amplitude A0 at the start of the cutoff phase, by a factor k with 1<k?2.

Abstract: In one aspect, testing apparatus for ultrasound transducers comprising arrays of transducing elements are described herein. In some embodiments, a test apparatus for an ultrasound transducer having a curved transducing element array comprises a block of material permitting propagation of an acoustic signal generated by the transducer, the block of material comprising a transducer receiving surface and a second surface in facing opposition to the receiving surface and forming an acoustically reflective interface with a medium, the second surface comprising a curvature having a center similar to or substantially similar to the center of curvature of the transducer element array when the transducer is coupled to the receiving surface.

Abstract: An acoustic probe calibration system includes a waveguide and a moveable piston. The waveguide extends from a front end to an opposite back end along a longitudinal axis and defines a cavity extending from the front end to the back end. The piston is disposed within the cavity of the waveguide and is configured to move within the cavity of the waveguide along the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. An acoustic probe is inserted into the waveguide to define an interior chamber between the acoustic probe and the piston. The acoustic probe determines pressure responses to acoustic stimuli inside the interior chamber. The piston is moveable to a plurality of different positions within the waveguide to change a size of the interior chamber such that the acoustic probe can determine the pressure responses within the interior chambers.

Abstract: An inline inspection system and method for calibrating an acoustic monitoring structure installed along a pipe. The system includes a pipe inspection vehicle; a microprocessor configured to attach a time stamp to a measured distance traveled by the pipe inspection vehicle; an acoustic source attached to the pipe inspection vehicle and configured to generate sound waves inside the pipe, the sound waves having predetermined frequencies and predetermined amplitudes; plural sensors disposed along the pipe and configured to record time of arrivals and intensities of the sound waves generated by the acoustic source; and a processing unit configured to communicate with the plural sensors and receive the time of arrivals, intensities and frequencies of the sound waves from the plural sensors. The processing unit calibrates the acoustic monitoring structure by calculating a distance between the acoustic source and a first sensor of the plural sensors.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosed method includes controlling operation of a machine system via actuators and a first set of signals received from sensors, receiving a second signal from a vibration sensor, calculating vibration parameters based on the second signal. The method further includes the steps of normalizing each of the vibration parameters and presenting the normalized vibration parameters in an operator interface. In another embodiment, the system includes a controller configured to receive sensor signals from a machine system and to control operation of the machine system via actuators. The system also includes a condition monitoring user interface configured to display normalized vibration parameters for the machine system.

Abstract: A system for in-situ near-real-time detection and monitoring of corrosion in structures with the ability to directly track the presence and growth of corrosion on a structure by measurement of material loss in the structure attained by analysis of high frequency wave propagation dynamics. The Corrosion Inspection and Monitoring (CIM) system utilizes low-weight in-situ transducers and unique data reduction software for detection and monitoring of corrosion in structural systems in near real-time for corrosion related damage. The CIM system provides a corrosion monitoring and tracking tool that can be deployed in the field with the structural system, and no maintenance personnel are needed for corrosion analysis.

Abstract: A method for determining time a single transit of an acoustic wave through a test material using a calibration material having known acoustic velocity characteristics and an acoustic pitch-catch system with a signal recorder for recording a received signal as a function of time. The system includes a first configuration for transmission of acoustic shear waves and a second configuration for transmission of acoustic longitudinal waves. In the first configuration, a first acoustic zero is determined when the acoustic shear waves are applied to the calibration material. In its second configuration, a second acoustic zero is determined when the acoustic longitudinal waves are applied to the calibration material. Each configuration is coupled to a test material with the respective first and second acoustic zeroes identified on the recorder. The signal recorder determines a single transit time for the acoustic waves through the test material.

Abstract: Embodiments for testing an acoustic property of an ultrasound probe including a plurality of transducer elements are disclosed. A Schlieren image of an ultrasound probe and a visualized acoustic field of an ultrasound signal generated when one of the transducer elements is excited are acquired. A preprocessing including noise removal and position calibration upon the Schlieren image is then carried out. An acoustic property of the ultrasound probe is tested based on the preprocessed Schlieren image.

Abstract: A method for assessing the status of a piezoelectric sensor of interest is disclosed. The sensor of interest is located adjacent a surface of a mattress supporting a person. In some instances, the sensor of interest may be coupled to a mattress or coupled to a bed frame that supports the mattress. The method involves analyzing the complex impedance of the excited sensor relative to a complex impedance profile. A system for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a sensitivity of an acoustic detector. The acoustic detector receives a signal from a remote device. The signal embodies an operating instruction for the acoustic detector. The signal is decoded into an operating instruction for the acoustic detector. The sensitivity of the acoustic detector is adjusted according to the operating instruction. The acoustic detector can increase or decrease the sensitivity. After the sensitivity is adjusted, the acoustic detector sends a confirmation of the adjustment to the user.

Abstract: A method of compacting a roadway section includes entering initial input parameters into a compaction analyzer. A plurality of passes is made with a roller over a portion of the roadway section and vibratory energy is applied thereto. Responsive vibration signals are gathered and the compaction analyzer generates estimated density signals. Actual density measurements are taken and the estimated densities are compared thereto. Selected ones of the initial input parameters are adjusted so that an adjusted density output signal which represents the actual density of a roadway section is generated.

Abstract: A pinch detector for a movable panel is provided having a deformable and resilient channel; a sonic wave transmitter at one end of the channel having a predetermined output; a sonic wave receiver at a second end of the channel; and a controller connected to the transmitter and receiver; wherein the controller selectively activates the transmitter and generates a command in response to a predetermined attenuation of sonic wave input from the sonic wave receiver. The predetermined output of the sonic wave transmitter is in the range of about 30 to 50 kHz at a range of about 3 to 24 volts, but is preferably about 40 kHz at about 5 volts. The deformable and resilient channel can be disposed within a sealing element of a movable panel. Optionally, the sonic wave can be modulated. Compositions for the sonic tube can include latex, rubber, EPDM, foam, combinations thereof, and the like.

Abstract: Alerting a user of a material inspection device to a change in thickness of a material being inspected is disclosed. A thickness offset is determined from calibration information. The calibration information identifies a time of flight of a pulse through a reference sample similar in composition to a material to be inspected. The thickness offset indicates when a thickness of a material being inspected differs from a thickness of the reference sample. A calibration thickness alarm is set, the calibration thickness alarm corresponding to the thickness offset. A change in thickness of the material being inspected is detected. The calibration thickness alarm is engaged to alert the user of the inspection device of a detected change in thickness of the material being inspected.

Abstract: Calibration for a nondestructive ultrasonic material testing system is provided, the system having a multiplicity of ultrasound transducers which are linearly movable as a whole but are arranged fixed with respect to one another, for example mounted fixed in a single sensor holder. In order to achieve optimal alignment of the sensors with a specimen, the mechanical tolerance-induced offset between the beam direction of the ultrasound transducers and the ideal beam directions is found, for example with the aid of a mean straight line. It is then minimized by using the available degrees of freedom of the sensor holder, for example possible tilting of the sensor holder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for testing acoustic systems. According to one embodiment, a method for testing an acoustic system can comprise receiving a signal from the acoustic system at a testing device coupled with the acoustic system via one of a plurality of channels between the acoustic system and the testing device. The signal can include a pattern of pulses including Doppler pulses. At least one Doppler pulse from the pattern pulses of the signal can be detected with the testing device. A response to the signal from the acoustic system can be provided by generating an echo pulse with the testing device based on the detected at least one Doppler pulse wherein the echo pulse is frequency shifted from the detected at least one Doppler pulse and mimics a response to the detected at least one Doppler pulse for a selected acoustic probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a circuit device. The circuit device determines that the receiving device receives an ultrasonic wave reflected from an object, when an output voltage of the receiving device is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The circuit device includes a humidity detection section configured to detect an ambient humidity of the transmitting and receiving devices and a threshold adjustment section configured to calculate, based on the detected ambient humidity, a sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave that is received by the receiving device after propagating over a round-trip distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object. The threshold adjustment section reduces the first threshold, when the output voltage corresponding to the calculated sound pressure is less than a second threshold that is greater the first threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for testing acoustic systems. According to one embodiment, testing an acoustic system can comprise receiving a signal from the acoustic system at a testing device via one of a plurality of channels between the acoustic system and the testing device. At least one pulse from a pattern pulses of the signal can be detected with the testing device by matching the pattern of pulses to an expected pulse pattern for the acoustic system. For example, matching the pattern of pulses to an expected pulse pattern can comprise determining whether the pulse pattern includes a first pulse type. If the pulse pattern includes the first pulse type, a determination can be made whether the pulse pattern further includes a second pulse type. If the pulse pattern further includes the second pulse type, a subsequent pulse of the second pulse type can be identified and detected.

Abstract: A system and method for carrying out non-destructive testing and inspection of test objects to assess their structural integrity uses a calibration module configured to provide V-Path time of flight (TOF) correction data over a plurality of object thickness points, obtained from an object or objects having known thicknesses using the same physical probe as is used for the inspection measurements. When a probe launches acoustical waves into a test object and an instrument and a control system compute a time of flight value of the acoustical waves launched by the probe, the pre-obtained V-Path TOF correction data is used to correct the measured time of flight computed by the instrument.

Abstract: An interface adapted for use with an audiometer, including a digital wireless interface supported by a base unit and a remote unit wherein the base unit receives signals from the audiometer and provides the signals to the remote unit via the digital wireless interface.

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating ultrasonic signals passed through a crimp formed with respect to a deformable body via an ultrasonically-equipped crimp tool (UECT). The UECT verifies a crimp quality using the ultrasonic signals. The method includes forming the crimp, transmitting a first signal, e.g., a pulse, to a first transducer of the UECT, and converting the first signal, using the first transducer, into a second signal which defines an ultrasonic pulse. This pulse is transmitted through the UECT into the crimp. A second transducer converts the second signal into a third signal, which may be further conditioned, and the ultrasonic signals are calibrated using the third signal or its conditioned variant. An apparatus for calibrating the ultrasonic signals includes a pulse module (PM) electrically connected to the first and second transducers, and an oscilloscope or display electrically connected to the PM for analyzing an electrical output signal therefrom.

Abstract: Calibration for an ultrasonic nondestructive materials testing system is specified, the system having an array of ultrasonic transducers which can be linearly moved and pivoted. In order to compensate for the offset between the beam direction of the ultrasonic transducers and the rotation point of the pivoting system or another desired point of the transducers, this offset is determined using a calibrating body which is, for example, spherical.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sonic resonator system for use in testing the adhesive bond strength of composite materials. Also disclosed herein are a method of calibrating the sonic resonator system to work with a particular composite bond joint, and a method of non-destructive testing the “pass-fail” of the bonded composite bond strength, based on a required bond strength.

Abstract: An antenna in a radar sensor is vibrated at a known frequency and velocity in a direction generally normal to the antenna surface. A response received by the antenna is used to scale or calibrate sensor responses at frequencies of interest.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically adjusting a sensitivity of an acoustic detector. The method comprises receiving an acoustic signal from a remote device, detecting the unique pattern embedded therein, changing a mode of operation based upon the detection, measuring a voltage created by the reception of the acoustic signal and adjusting the sensitivity of the acoustic detector based upon a measured voltage. The acoustic signal contains a unique pattern indicative of the remote device.

Abstract: A calibration device for mass flow meters including a test piece measuring section into which the mass flow meter test piece to be calibrated can be inserted, a device for creating a flow of a medium through the test piece measuring section and a temperature-measuring device positioned in the test piece measuring section for detecting the temperature of the medium. The temperature-measuring device is position in the flow such that the flow is disturbed as little as possible, while at the same time being capable of highly-accurate detection of the temperature of the flowing medium. In particular, the temperature-measuring device is an ultrasonic temperature-measuring device that is configured to emit an ultrasonic signal into the medium and determine the temperature of the medium by measuring a speed of the emitted ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an NDT/NDI calibration process that automatically detects erroneous TOF readings by providing a predetermined time acceptance window. During the calibration process, TOF readings acquired by a UT device are validated to determine whether the TOF reading for the thin test block falls within the range of the predetermined time acceptance window. If the TOF reading for the thin block (T2) falls out of the predetermined time acceptance window, the operator is alerted of an error and to repeat the TOF test for the thin block.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a parameter of an object includes a probe, a first sensing member for detecting the parameter of an object to be sensed and a second sensing member for determining an orientation of the probe relative to the object to be sensed. The second sensing member communicates the orientation of the probe to a data acquisition device to minimize data analysis errors associated with inaccurate orientation information.

Abstract: A method for configuring an array of transducers in an ultrasonic test apparatus for detecting flaws in welds connecting the edges of metal bodies such as plates or pipelines. The method includes the steps of: providing geometrical data of the bevelled edges of the bodies before being welded; identifying different facets of the geometry of the edges; providing geometrical data of a reference plate including a reflector; selecting the angles; and the positions of the transducers in accordance with the geometry of the edges; mounting the transducers to a scanning mechanism in accordance with the selections made; connecting the transducers to at least one control unit for transmitting ultrasound and receiving echo signals by means of the transducers and subsequently calibrating by means of the reference plate the positions of the transducers relative to the scanning mechanism and calibrating gain and gate settings by means of the reference plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting non-linear operation of a measuring device comprising an array of transducers and at least one receiver channel portion. The method comprises receiving measured signals through transducers of the array, processing the measured signals from the transducers through the receiver channel portion, combining the processed measured signals to produce a combined measurement signal, and detecting non-linearity of the combined measurement signal and non-linear operation of the measuring device by detecting saturation of the receiver channel portion. In one embodiment, the receiver channel portion comprises an analog-to-digital converter, a threshold is assigned to a digital output of the analog-to-digital converter, and saturation of the receiver channel portion is detected when the digital output of the analog-to-digital converter oversteps the assigned threshold. In one application of the invention, the measuring device is a non-destructive testing device.

Abstract: A system and method for carrying out non-destructive testing and inspection of test objects to assess their structural integrity uses a calibration module configured to provide V-Path time of flight (TOF) correction data over a plurality of object thickness points, obtained from an object or objects having known thicknesses using the same physical probe as is used for the inspection measurements. When a probe launches acoustical waves into a test object and an instrument and a control system compute a time of flight value of the acoustical waves launched by the probe, the pre-obtained V-Path TOF correction data is used to correct the measured time of flight computed by the instrument.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detector (10) suitable for mounting in a position for surveying an area for a source of airborne ultrasound, which detector comprises a sensor (20) for detecting an ultrasonic sound signal, characterised by a transducer (64) configured to produce a broadband ultrasonic sound signal for reception by said sensor (20) enabling said ultrasonic detector to perform a self-test.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting non-linear operation of a measuring device comprising an array of transducers and at least one receiver channel portion. The method comprises receiving measured signals through transducers of the array, processing the measured signals from the transducers through the receiver channel portion, combining the processed measured signals to produce a combined measurement signal, and detecting non-linearity of the combined measurement signal and non-linear operation of the measuring device by detecting saturation of the receiver channel portion. In one embodiment, the receiver channel portion comprises an analog-to-digital converter, a threshold is assigned to a digital output of the analog-to-digital converter, and saturation of the receiver channel portion is detected when the digital output of the analog-to-digital converter oversteps the assigned threshold. In one application of the invention, the measuring device is a non-destructive testing device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a measuring device for determining and/or monitoring a process variable of a medium in a container. The measuring device includes: A mechanically oscillatable unit, which is securable via a securement to a sensor housing and/or to the container; and a driver/receiver unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to oscillate, or receives the oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit. The mechanically oscillatable unit is excited to oscillate, and the reaction forces and/or reaction moments are detected, which act on the securement due to the oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit, that a report is issued, when the reaction forces and/or reaction moments exceed predeterminable limit values, and that, in the case of a report, the mechanically oscillatable unit is adjusted as regards its oscillation properties.

Abstract: Ultrasound transducers may be mapped by varying a focus-affecting parameter and adjusting the parameter so as to improve focus quality. In some embodiments, mapping involves successively varying the phase of one transducer element, or group of elements, with respect to a constant phase of the other transducer elements, and determining the phase at which a tissue displacement in the ultrasound focus is maximized.

Abstract: A projector includes an ultrasonic speaker, a visual information generation unit that generates visual information relating to a sound reproduction range of the ultrasonic speaker, and an image projection unit that displays the visual information generated by the visual information generation unit on a screen.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a voltage for use with an ultrasonic transducer of a wire bonding machine in a constant voltage mode is provided. The method includes: (1) determining an impedance value associated with operation of the ultrasonic transducer; and (2) establishing an adjusted voltage level for use with the ultrasonic transducer in the constant voltage mode based on the determined impedance value.

Abstract: Methods are provided for verifying that water and other fluids cannot reach the internal components probes for ultrasound imaging systems.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that characterizes a response of a device in a computer system to vibration over a frequency range. During operation, the device is vibrated at each frequency in a set of frequencies in the frequency range, wherein the device is vibrated at each frequency, one frequency at a time, until a stabilized response of the device is determined. The response of the device to vibration over the frequency range is then characterized based on information related to the stabilized response at each frequency in the set of frequencies.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for testing acoustic systems. According to one embodiment, testing an acoustic system can comprise receiving a signal from the acoustic system at a testing device via one of a plurality of channels between the acoustic system and the testing device. At least one pulse from a pattern pulses of the signal can be detected with the testing device by matching the pattern of pulses to an expected pulse pattern for the acoustic system. For example, matching the pattern of pulses to an expected pulse pattern can comprise determining whether the pulse pattern includes a first pulse type. If the pulse pattern includes the first pulse type, a determination can be made whether the pulse pattern further includes a second pulse type. If the pulse pattern further includes the second pulse type, a subsequent pulse of the second pulse type can be identified and detected.

Abstract: A personal noise dosimeter having functionality for increasing the dynamic range of the device. A microphone provides a signal to an RMS detector, which provides a DC signal to a two-stage amplifier circuit. The outputs of the amplifiers are provided to a processor having multiple A/D channels. The processor calculates accumulated noise doses and drives a display, which in one embodiment includes a panel of light-emitting diodes. A current source injects current into the output of the RMS detector to reduce performance degradation. Functionality detects and accounts for voltage offsets in the dosimeter. The microphone is turned off during offset determination. In one embodiment, the dosimeter includes functionality for control of external devices such as sound boards.

Abstract: In a method for functional testing of a mechanical vibration sensor, a vibration signal is generated on the vibration component of the vibration sensor with the aid of a periodic excitation signal, the frequency of which excitation signal is varied, and a post-vibration process of the vibration component of the vibration sensor is analyzed once the excitation signal has been switched off.

Abstract: A performance inspection system for an array ultrasound transducer includes: a driver for selectively applying an electric signal to all or some parts of constituent channels of the array ultrasound transducer; an acoustic power measurement unit for measuring an ultrasound acoustic power emitted from individual channels receiving the same voltage from the driver; a radiation conductance conversion unit for measuring a voltage signal applied to each channel although the driver applies different voltages to the individual channels, and converting the measured voltage into an ultrasound acoustic power acquired when the same voltage is applied to the channels; and a channel uniformity estimation unit for estimating uniformity of the acoustic power value acquired by the radiation conductance conversion unit or uniformity of acoustic power values of the individual channels measured under the same voltage.

Abstract: A thermometer and extensometer for cables and conductors is described. The travel time of one or more acoustic signals along a conductor is used to determine the temperature along the conductor and the length of the conductor. The acoustic frequency is selected to minimize temporal dispersion of the propagating acoustic energy. The technique can be used to measure the temperature of the windings in a transformer or other electrical apparatus.

Abstract: A thermometer and extensometer for cables and conductors is described. The travel time of one or more acoustic signals along a conductor is used to determine the temperature along the conductor and the length of the conductor. The acoustic frequency is selected to minimize temporal dispersion of the propagating acoustic energy. The technique can be used to measure the temperature of the conductor in a buried, undersea or submerged electrical power cable.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an individual sensor of a particular sensor type whose output varies non-linearly with at least one measured quantity and at least one operating condition. The first step includes producing a set of calibration curves for each sample sensor of the particular sensor type. The resulting sets of calibration curves are then averaged and the results used to produce a generic calibration surface for the particular sensor type showing its variation. Individual calibration measurements are then taken for a number of different values of the measured quantity at a small number of discrete values. The individual calibration readings are then used to map the generic calibration surface to the individual calibration measurements of the individual sensor.

Abstract: Increasing the effective aperture of an ultrasound imaging probe by including more than one probe head and using the elements of all of the probes to render an image can greatly improve the lateral resolution of the generated image. In order to render an image, the relative positions of all of the elements must be known precisely. A calibration fixture is described in which the probe assembly to be calibrated is placed above a test block and transmits ultrasonic pulses through the test block to an ultrasonic sensor. As the ultrasonic pulses are transmitted though some or all of the elements in the probe to be tested, the differential transit times of arrival of the waveform are measured precisely. From these measurements the relative positions of the probe elements can be computed and the probe can be aligned.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that generates a simulated vibration pattern in a computer subsystem. During operation, a vibration pattern is monitored at a location in the computer subsystem, wherein the vibration pattern is monitored while the computer subsystem is incorporated into the computer system and the computer system is operating. Then, the vibrations of the computer subsystem are mimicked by generating the simulated vibration pattern at the same location in the computer subsystem based on the monitored vibration pattern.