Abstract: An arithmetic processing method and system in a wide velocity range flight velocity vector measurement system using a square truncated pyramid-shape five-hole Pitot probe. Approximation equations that determine attack angle &agr; and sideslip angle &bgr; in the form of third-order equations concerning attack angle pressure coefficient C&agr; and sideslip angle pressure coefficient C&bgr;, which are known numbers, are expressed in the form of a polynomial equation concerning Mach number M, where the coefficients are obtained from a lookup table.

Abstract: A method for calibrating ultrasound equipment and ultrasound contrast agents are provided that utilize polystyrene microspheres as a broad-band in vitro calibration tool. In accordance with the method a suspension of polystyrene microspheres is provided in a liquid environment in a container having an acoustic aperture. The suspension of microspheres is continuously agitated during measurement of the backscatter from the suspension of microspheres and the ultrasound equipment or contrast agent is then calibrated or adjusted to a selected backscatter setting.

Abstract: A system and a method for detecting the presence of air bubbles in an intravenous (IV) line supplying a medicinal liquid to a patient. An air bubble sensor includes an ultrasonic transmitter acoustically coupled to an ultrasonic receiver to detect the presence of a gas (e.g., air) in a portion of a tube comprising the IV line. The transmitter and receiver are mounted on pivoting transducers that are disposed on opposite sides of the tube. A spring biases the transducers inwardly toward each other so that the transmitter and receiver contact opposite sides of the tubing. This assembly automatically accommodates different sizes of tubing and tubing of a relatively wide range of stiffness. The tube is connected to a disposable pumping cassette that is engaged in a pump chassis on which the transducers are pivotally mounted.

Abstract: The present invention is an ultrasonic liquid densitometer that uses a material wedge having two sections, one with a liquid/wedge interface and another with a gas/wedge interface. It is preferred that the wedge have an acoustic impedance that is near the acoustic impedance of the liquid, specifically less than a factor of 11 greater than the acoustic impedance of the liquid. Ultrasonic signals are internally reflected within the material wedge. Density of a liquid is determined by immersing the wedge into the liquid and measuring reflections of ultrasound at the liquid/wedge interface and at the gas/wedge interface.

Abstract: A management system for a vehicle having a commodity storage region and traveling along a path having a plurality of geographically-distributed commodity replenishing stations, includes a sensor for measuring a level of the commodity in the storage region and providing commodity level data. A global positioning system (GPS) determines a location of the vehicle along the path. A controller stores a record of current geographical locations of the commodity replenishing stations and current commodity prices thereat, and calculates commodity replenishing schedules of the vehicle at the replenishing stations based on an output from each of the GPS and the sensor, and a commodity price at at least some of the replenishing stations.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic transmitter, an ultrasonic receiver and a support structure. First and second elongated tubes are mechanically coupled to and extend from the support structure. A first elongated waveguide is operably coupled to the ultrasonic transmitter and extends through the support structure and a bore in the first tube. The first waveguide is acoustically isolated from the support structure and first tube except at a distal portion of the first waveguide. A second elongated waveguide is operably coupled to the ultrasonic receiver and extends through the support structure and a bore in the second tube. The second waveguide is acoustically isolated from the support structure and the second tube except at a distal portion of the second waveguide. A measurement gap is located between the distal portions of the first and second waveguides.

Abstract: A method is presented to calibrate the transfer function for a fluid-filled compliant cylinder as a function of wavenumber and frequency. An air-filled compliant cylinder has a first linear array of force sensors coupled to the cylinder's exterior surface. A turbulent flow field is generated in a fluid environment about the first linear array which generates an output indicative of pressure incident thereupon. A fluid-filled compliant cylinder identical in diameter to the air-filled compliant cylinder houses a second linear array of force sensors. A similar turbulent flow field is generated in the fluid environment about the fluid-filled complaint cylinder to generate an output indicative of pressure incident upon the second linear array. The ratio of outputs is indicative of the transfer function of the fluid-filled compliant cylinder. Each output can be further adjusted by a calibrated sensitivity of the corresponding first and second linear arrays.

Abstract: An ultrasound phantom is disclosed which can be used in an imaging method that quantifies data in decibels based on the log of a ratio of the signal intensity between adjacent regions within the ultrasound phantom. A variety of flow phantoms are disclosed that can simulate the flow of blood within surrounding tissue. In the embodiment claimed in this divisional application, the phantom is comprised of an open-cell foam matrix for generating back-scatter from an ultrasonic wave, and has at least two hollow regions which do not generate back-scatter from the ultrasonic wave. The hollow regions are separated and are not aligned within the flow phantom structure. Other phantoms disclosed and claimed in related U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,242 include a movable member, such as a movable belt having a density different than that of the surrounding foam.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a hydrophone being tested is being prope responding to a pressure field is described. The method comprises the steps of providing a shell filled with a liquid and having impedance heads attached to a first end and a second end of the shell and a number of pressure sensors or hydrophones positioned between the first and second ends within the liquid filled shell; developing a model of the pressure field within the liquid-filled shell; and comparing the response of at least one of the pressure sensors to the pressure field described by the model. The model of developing the step involves modeling the extensional wave contribution and the breathing wave contribution in the pressure field.

Abstract: A system for measuring fluid parameters of one or more liquids by an ultrasonic method comprises a voltage controlled oscillator; an ultrasonic resonator comprising one or more resonator cells, each of the resonator cells comprising an electro-acoustical transmitting transducer, an electro-acoustical receiving transducer, and a sample cavity between the transducers, wherein the transmitting transducer is connected to the output terminal of the voltage controlled oscillator; and a phase locked loop circuit comprising one of the resonator cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the condition of the flow of liquid metal in or from a teeming vessel includes a sensor for detecting vibration caused by a flow of liquid metal in or from the teeming vessel and for outputting a sensor signal corresponding to an amount of vibration detected by the sensor. A signal processor receives the sensor signal and compares the sensor signal to a reference signal and outputs a comparison signal. A logic unit receives the comparison signal and outputs a status signal indicative of the condition of the flow of the liquid metal in or from the teeming vessel.

Abstract: A speed measuring device comprising an open ended venturi in a body having a streamlined support adapted for attachment to a boat hull or other large surface immersed in a fluid. Within the support is a cavity for transducers in fluid communication with the venturi to measure static fluid pressures therein. By means of a micro-controller and display the speed of the venturi and attached surface through the fluid can be continuously monitored and distance travelled calculated and displayed. Excessive angular displacement of the surface relative to the direction of movement can also be sensed and displayed in response to the static pressures sensed in the venturi.

Abstract: The electronic clinical thermometer in accordance with the present invention comprises a thermometric oscillator for converting a variation in the temperature sensitive resistance to a frequency corresponding to the temperature, a thermometric counter for counting the oscillation frequency of the thermometric oscillator to convert the frequency to a temperature value, a maximum value memory circuit for detecting the maximum value by comparing in succession the content of the thermometric counter, a display circuit for digitally displaying the content of the maximum value memory circuit, and a controlling circuit for controlling the thermometric oscillator so as to discontinue the oscillation of the thermometric oscillator at a prescribed time after the beginning of temperature detection or detection of a maximum value.

Abstract: A marine speed log for providing an indication of the relative velocity of a vessel through water and an indication of the forward or reverse direction of travel. An output indication of total distance travelled can also be provided. The speed log is operable in both salt and fresh water without any change in calibration and incorporates a transducer having an air core. The speed log provides high sensitivity and high rejection of noise.

Abstract: A device (10) for monitoring selected operating conditions of combustion within a solid fossil fuel burning furnace having a discharge flue includes a circuit (12) for monitoring the instantaneous temperature in the flue and providing a signal proportional thereto, and a visual status indicator (35) having a plurality of light emitting diodes (40-44). The number of light emitting diodes (40-44) emitting illumination at a given time is indicative of the selected operating conditions of combustion within the furnace.