Abstract: Various approaches for assessing a part for a defect are disclosed and that are based upon SAW modes. In one embodiment, a part-under-test (120) is excited. One or more SAW modes (206) are identified in the frequency response (240/260) of the part-under-test (120). A SAW mode area (248/266) in the frequency response of the part-under-test (120) is compared with a baseline SAW mode area (238/258) of a baseline frequency response (230/250) (and which may be associated with an acceptable part). This comparison may be used to determine if the part-under-test (120) may be characterized defective in at least some respect.

Abstract: A resonant device with piezoresistive detection and with a resonator connected elastically to the support of the device, and method for manufacturing the device. The device includes: a support; a suspended resonator, which moves parallel to the plane of the support; an actuator for actuating the resonator; and a detector for detecting the movement, including at least one piezoresistive gauge. According to the invention, the resonator is anchored to the support through at least one flexurally elastic element, to enable the threshold where a non-linear displacement regime appears to be raised. The device can be manufactured by a surface technology, and applies notably to resonant mass sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural damage detection method for detecting damage of a structure. The method comprises scanning the surface of the structure with a tapper tapping with a tapping force at a predetermined frequency band while scanning; measuring the response signals transmitted from the surface of the structure; transforming the measured signals to acquire the signal spectrum at each position of the structure surface; intercepting from the signal spectrum a spectrum envelope; calculating a damage indicator at each position of the structure surface; and determining a position where the damage indicator changes abruptly as a position of structural damage. The present invention further relates to a structural damage detection system utilizing the structural damage detection method and a structural damage detection device for use therein.

Abstract: The density of gold and tungsten are almost identical, allowing for substitution by unscrupulous entities. The detection of the replacement is difficult to detect by common nondestructive testing methods, and repositories have resorted to drilling, cutting and melting samples of gold bars to certify their integrity. Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy allows a digital fingerprint to be produced, which has been shown to be effective in the detection of tampering. These spectra are representative of the dimensions, density and elastic constants of any solid object. Since the dimensions and density are essentially identical for pure and adulterated gold samples, only the elastic constant variance changes the spectral fingerprint. The method described in this application provides a reliable and accurate process to certify the integrity of gold samples.

Abstract: A vibration detector (100) is disclosed herein. In a first embodiment, the vibration detector (100) includes a support member (300, 302) arranged to vibrate, and a sensor (207) arranged to detect a vibration frequency of the support member (300, 302). The vibration frequency to be detected is dependent on the support member's mechanical structure, in which the support member's mechanical structure is mechanically reconfigurable to vary the vibration frequency to be detected by the sensor (207).

Abstract: According to a method by a frequency analysis of tap tones at the time when a tightness of a ripple member fixed by an elastic force has been tapped by a hammer or a method of detecting a response at the time when the ripple member has been vibrated, an enough precision cannot be obtained for a tightness estimation. A tapping force is applied to a plurality of positions on the member surface, thereby allowing a plurality of tap tones to be generated. Feature amounts are obtained from the plurality of tap tones. An average feature amount is obtained by averaging the feature amounts. The tightness of the ripple member is estimated from the average feature amount by using a correlation between the tightness of the ripple member and the average feature amount.

Abstract: A monofrequency signal is used to record signature properties of subsurface reservoir formations. While recording conventional Vibroseis data after certain prescribed distances, the monofrequency signal is transmitted to evaluate the presence of reservoir rocks underneath that source location. When a compressional wave travels through a permeable and fluid-saturated reservoir formation, the Drag Wave travels through reservoir fluid interconnections at a slower velocity than the compressional wave in the rock matrix. Due to the Doppler Effect, a unique lower frequency is generated. This lower frequency becomes an indicator of the presence of reservoir formations. Its character depends on the tortuosity of pore interconnections, presence of pore fluids, and permeability. A transfer function is calculated to convert the swept frequency signal used for conventional seismic recording. This converted swept frequency signal is cross-correlated with the normally recorded signal.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments generally relate to non-destructive evaluation methods. In an embodiment, a method for non-destructive evaluation of a aerospace component includes positioning a first plurality of sensors in the region of interest, positioning a second plurality of sensors in the region of interest, inducing a vibration in the region of interest using the first plurality of sensors and receiving a resonance frequency spectra using the second plurality of sensors, and comparing the received resonance frequency spectra against a reference spectra to determine the presence of an anomaly in the region of interest.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating a part-under-test (120) is disclosed. The part-under-test (120) is excited using at least one drive frequency. A first surface acoustical wave (SAW) mode (206) is identified in the frequency response (200). A separate reference peak (204) for the identified SAW mode (206) is also identified in the frequency response (200). At least one degeneracy assessment zone (208) is evaluated for existence of a surface defect trigger condition. If a surface defect trigger condition exists, the part-under-test (120) may be rejected. Otherwise, the part-under-test (120) may be accepted.

Abstract: In a method for producing welded pipes from steel, in which strips or metal sheets are formed into a pipe provided with a longitudinal or helical slot and the abutting edges of the slotted pipe are welded together, the process parameters for production of the pipes are specified on the basis of previously ascertained material properties and geometry of the strips or metal sheets.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for detecting defects in components of a fuel cell. Embodiment methods and systems include directing acoustic energy into the component, detecting acoustic energy from the component, analyzing a characteristic of the detected acoustic energy, and based on the analyzing, determining the presence or absence of a defect in the component.

Abstract: A part (120) may be subjected to both a resonance inspection and a surface vibration inspection. Various protocols (230; 240; 250; 280; 260) are disclosed as to how the results of one or more of these inspections may be used to evaluate the part (120).

Abstract: [Problem] A viscoelasticity measuring method and a viscoelasticity measuring apparatus are provided which can measure viscoelasticity of a sample substance even when the quantity of the sample substance is minute.

Abstract: The invention provides for generating a set of signature signals that correspond to a range of depths within a target. These signature signals can include multiple individual reference signals and be can modified to compensate for specific characteristics of the target. In the preferred embodiment the members of the set of signature signals are correlated with data sets by phase rotating individual reference signals to determine maximum and minimum correlation and thereby enabling determination of the scattering characteristic of the target at each depth. Also a pilot signal is monitored to dynamically determine the phase relationship between individual reference signals and thereby avail of phase sensitive detection techniques to enhance SNR at deeper regions where multiple individual reference signals exist.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating vibration resistance of a component of a fluid control valve are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes selecting a component of a fluid control valve and positioning a sensor relative to the selected component. The method also includes mechanically exciting the selected component, determining a resonant frequency of the selected component, and taking corrective action based on the resonant frequency of the selected component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for condition monitoring of and/or fault diagnostics in solid dosage compaction presses and, more particularly, to methods and systems for real-time vibroacoustic condition monitoring of and/or fault diagnostics in solid dosage compaction presses.

Abstract: A sensor device including a mechanical oscillator, an excitation unit which is configured to excite the mechanical oscillator to perform a mechanical oscillation within a non-linear range at a varying excitation frequency, and an evaluation unit configured to detect a jump, arising as a result of anharmonicity, in a resonance oscillation of the mechanical oscillation of the mechanical oscillator.

Abstract: A device is provided for checking a flow pressure measurement probe as well as a probe comprising the device. The probe includes an internal volume and at least one orifice for communication with the outside of the volume. The device includes: an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver that are intended to be connected to the internal volume so that the transmitter transmits an acoustic signal that propagates in the internal volume and so that the receiver picks up an observed acoustic signal; and, means for comparing the observed signal with a reference signal. The device may be a stand-alone device or may be integrated into the probe.

Abstract: A vehicle service or inspection system including a load roller for applying a radial load to a vehicle wheel assembly consisting of a tire mounted to a rim, with at least one sensor for acquiring measurements of acoustical energy generated by the wheel assembly during loaded rotational movement. The vehicle service or inspection system is configured with a programmed processor to evaluate the acquired measurements to provide a measure of tire road noise, identification of tire defects, and/or identification of sources of noise, vibrations, or acoustical energy on the tire surface such as tire flat spots, cupping, bubbles, embedded foreign objects, or other defects. The processor is further configured with software instructions to utilize the acquired measurements to provide a consumer with a figure of merit associated with the acoustics of the tire undergoing testing.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a structure analyzing device and a structure analyzing method which can analyze a state change of a structure, which is caused before the structure is destroyed, such as a state change of degradation of the structure or the like. A structure analyzing device (10) according to the present invention includes a vibration detecting means (11) which detects a vibration of a structure, and an analysis means (12) which analyzes an output signal of the vibration detecting means (11). The analysis means (12) analyzes a state change of the structure by comparing a value of at least one out of a vibration amplitude of the structure and a vibration continuation time of the structure, which is measured in a state existing when carrying out analysis, with a value of at least one out of a vibration amplitude of the water service pipe and a vibration continuation time of the water service pipe which is measured in a standard state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining properties of a pipeline, in particular the position of a branch of a sewage pipeline, in which a transmitted sound wave signal (S, S?) is fed at a predetermined feed point into the pipeline (1) and propagates in an axial direction of the pipeline (1), wherein the frequency spectrum of the transmitted sound wave signal (S, S?) has a frequency component or a spectral range with a maximum frequency that is smaller than the lower limit frequency (fc) for the first upper mode, in which, within the pipeline (1), reflected portions (Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, S?r1, S?r2, S?r3) of the transmitted sound wave signal (S, S?) are detected as received sound wave signal (E, E?), and in which the pipeline (1) is examined by an evaluation of the received sound wave signal (E, E?) with regard to the transmitted sound wave signal (S, S?) as to the presence of reflection sites causing sound wave reflections (Sr1, Sr2, Sr3, S?r1, S?r2, S?r3) along the pipeline (1), wherein, by means of the

Abstract: A nano electro-mechanical system (NEMS) formed on a substrate is provided including at least one fixed part associated with the substrate and at least one movable part in relation to the substrate, the system including a transduction component configured to excite the movable part to confer on it a movement and/or to detect a movement of the movable part, the transduction component including at least one electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material is made of an AlSi alloy based deposition, the deposition being supported at least in part by the movable part of the system.

Abstract: A technique for detecting external force applied to a piezoelectric plate is provided. A crystal plate is cantilever-supported in a container. Excitation electrodes are formed on an upper face and lower face, respectively, of the crystal plate. A movable electrode is formed on the lower face side. A fixed electrode is provided on a bottom portion of the container facing the movable electrode. The excitation electrode on the upper face side and the fixed electrode are connected to an oscillation circuit. When the crystal plate bends by external force applied, capacitance between. A direction of the movable electrode along a length direction of the crystal plate is set to 30° to 60°, relative to a face orthogonal to an intended direction of the external force. The movable electrode and fixed electrode changes, and this capacitance change and a deformation of the crystal circuit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to nanoresonator oscillators or NEMS (nanoelectromechanical system) oscillators. A circuit for measuring the oscillation frequency of a resonator is provided, comprising a first phase-locked feedback loop locking the frequency of a controlled oscillator at the resonant frequency of the resonator, this first loop comprising a first phase comparator. Furthermore, a second feedback loop is provided which searches for and stores the loop phase shift introduced by the resonator and its amplification circuit when they are locked at resonance by the first loop. The first and the second loops operate during a calibration phase. A third self-oscillation loop is set up during an operation phase. It directly links the output of the controllable phase shifter to the input of the resonator. The phase shifter receives the phase-shift control stored by the second loop.

Abstract: For a monitored corrosion sensor, such as a sensor based on one or more mechanical oscillators disposed in a fluid flow, one or more values are measured over time. The values can be measured at a desired frequency, such as a once per second, once per minute, or another convenient frequency. The measured data can then be analyzed as a time series. The goal of the analysis is to identify variations in the time series data that are sufficiently unexpected relative to the prior behavior of the time series within a given time window. The identified variations can then, for example, be excluded from consideration when determining a corrosion-related value for the sensor.

Abstract: Described herein are quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCMD) techniques that can be used for measuring characteristics of a creping adhesive film similar to the creping adhesive film that is formed on a Yankee dryer during the tissue and towel manufacturing process. In addition, exemplary embodiments described herein may use these techniques to predict performance of creping aids utilized to form a creping adhesive film.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic probe capable of forming an image without degradation even when the frequency band of a photoacoustic wave and the frequency band of an ultrasonic wave used in ultrasonography are separated from each other, and an inspection object imaging apparatus including the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe includes a first array device capable of transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave; and a second array device capable of receiving a photoacoustic wave. The first array device includes plural electromechanical transducers arranged in a direction perpendicular to a scanning direction, the second array device includes plural electromechanical transducers arranged in a two-dimensional manner, and the first array device and the second array device are provided on the same plane and in the scanning direction.

Abstract: A sensing sensor includes a wiring board, a piezoelectric resonator, a channel forming member, a channel, an effluent channel, a capillary member, and an absorbing member. The effluent channel is disposed at a downstream side of the channel. The effluent channel is configured to discharge the sample solution inside of the channel by capillarity. The capillary member is disposed at a downstream side of the effluent channel in contact with the sample solution flowing through an inside of the effluent channel. The capillary member is configured to cause the sample solution to flow through by the capillarity. The absorbing member is disposed at a downstream side of the capillary member. The absorbing member is configured to absorb the sample solution flowing through the capillary member.

Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect generates a drive cycle signal that includes a drive period and a monitoring period. The drive period includes a plurality of drive pulses that are based on the haptic effect. The system applies the drive pulses to a resonant actuator during the drive period and receives a signal from the resonant actuator that corresponds to the position of a mass in the actuator during the monitoring period.

Abstract: A microscope probe includes a substrate; an optical resonator disposed on the substrate and including an optical resonance property; a displacement member disposed on the substrate and separated from the optical resonator, the displacement member including: a first end disposed distal to the optical resonator; and a second end disposed proximate to the optical resonator; and a coupling member disposed on the substrate and connecting the displacement member to the substrate, wherein the first end is configured to probe a sample and to be displaced in response to a condition of the sample, the displacement member is configured to communicate displacement of the first end to the second end, and the second end is configured to change the optical resonance property in response to displacement of the second end.

Abstract: A jig includes a wafer including an accommodation groove configured to accommodate a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) when flip chip bonding is performed, and a separation groove formed in a bottom surface of the accommodation groove, the separation groove having a bottom surface that is spaced apart from thin films of the cMUT that face the bottom surface of the separation groove when the cMUT is seated on portions of the bottom surface of the accommodation groove.

Abstract: A method of measuring the thickness of any deposit of material (28) on an inner wall (12) of a structure (14). The method comprises: (a) causing vibrations in the structure; (b) detecting said vibrations in the structure; (c) determining a resonance frequency of the structure based on the detected vibrations; and (d) determining the thickness of any deposit of material on the inner wall of the structure based on the determined resonance frequency.

Abstract: A switched resonant power amplifier system for ultrasonic transducers is disclosed. The system includes an amplifier that receives and processes a driver output signal for generating a drive signal that is provided to an ultrasonic device for controlling output of the ultrasonic device. An output control circuit receives and processes a signal related to a feedback signal generated by the ultrasonic device and a divider reference signal, and generates a compensated clock signal that is adjusted for at least one of phase and frequency differences between the received feedback signal and the divider reference signal. A compensated drive circuit receives and processes the compensated clock signal for generating the divider reference signal, and for generating the driver output signal.

Abstract: A device is provided for a detecting external force applied to piezoelectric piece. A crystal piece is cantilever-supported in a container. Excitation electrodes are formed on an upper face and lower face, respectively. A movable electrode, connected via a lead-out electrode to the excitation electrode, is formed on the lower face side at a front end of the crystal piece. A fixed electrode is provided on a bottom portion of the container to face this movable electrode. The excitation electrode on the upper face side and the fixed electrode are connected to an oscillation circuit. When the crystal piece bends in response to an applied external force, capacitance between the movable electrode and fixed electrode, changes. This capacitance change results in a corresponding change in oscillation frequency of the crystal piece.

Abstract: A timepiece having at least one quartz oscillator and/or at least one transducer. A method for authenticating a timepiece includes measuring acoustic vibrations emitted by the timepiece to obtain an electrical signal, performing a transform of said electrical signal into at least one domain, extracting identification information from the transformed electrical signal, comparing the extracted information with at least one reference information, and determining an authenticity of said timepiece based on the comparing.

Abstract: Method for authenticating a timepiece comprising measuring acoustic vibrations emitted by said timepiece to obtain an electrical signal indicating magnitude information comprising a variation of a magnitude of the measured acoustic vibrations as a function of time. The electrical signal comprises at least one specific tone associated with the presence of a quartz resonator in the timepiece. Method further comprises performing transform of electrical signal into frequency domain to obtain frequency-domain power spectrum indicating variation of power of electrical signal as function of frequency, processing the frequency-domain power spectrum so as to reveal at least one narrow peak in frequency-domain power spectrum corresponding to the at least one specific tone, and extracting at least one resonance frequency corresponding to said at least one narrow peak.

Abstract: A digital densitometer for a fluid gauging system includes a frequency detection device configured to be disposed within a fluid tank, wherein a frequency detected by the frequency detection device is indicative of a density of a fluid within the fluid tank, frequency detection circuitry configured to obtain the frequency from the frequency detection device and output the frequency in a digital form, and an interface for digital communication with an electronic controller, the digital communication comprising transmission of the digital form of the frequency for the electronic controller.

Abstract: Ultrasonic measurement apparatus 10 includes a transmitter 14 to transmit an ultrasonic signal 16 into an item 12. A receiver 18 receives echoes 20 from the item 12. The apparatus 10 measures the frequency spectrum of the echo 20 and makes a comparison with another frequency spectrum to extract information relating to a change in the item 12. For example, the item 12 may wear during use. A comparison of the frequency spectrum, with previous frequency spectra, allows changes of dimension of the item 12 to be identified. Changes in amplitudes of the frequency spectrum allow changes in roughness to be detected.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave resonator including an input interdigital transducer (IDT), an output IDT, and a pair of gratings with each being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance and attached to a substrate. In at least one embodiment, the distance is equal to one-half of the wavelength of the acoustic wave produced by the input IDT. In a further embodiment, the surface acoustic wave further includes a polymer layer and a biomedical coating covering at least a part of the polymer layer. The surface acoustic wave resonator has uses in the mass sensor and communications fields.

Abstract: In order to determine the particular cut possessed by a tumbler of a mechanical lock, the tumbler is stimulated with mechanical energy. The vibrational response of the tumbler is detected, and the detected response is used in determining which cut of the plurality of possible cuts the tumbler possesses. The cut of a lock tumbler is defined by its shape and/or size. For example, in the case of a pin-tumbler lock, the cut of a pin is defined by its length. Different cuts of tumbler will therefore exhibit different vibrational responses to stimulation by mechanical energy, and these different vibrational responses can be used to determine which cut the tumbler possesses, for example by comparing with the vibrational responses of real or modeled tumblers with known cuts. The response may be detected while the tumbler is being stimulated, and the responses to different frequencies of stimulation may be detected and processed.

Abstract: A photoacoustic detector wherein control circuits compensate for long term variations of components therein including a light source and sensing microphones. The control circuits intermittently energize the source to evaluate changes in at least source resistance. The control circuits intermittently energize an acoustic generator to evaluate changes in one or more generator responsive microphones.

Abstract: A SAW mode sensor for sensing parameters such as temperature, pressure, and strain. The sensor is made of a piezoelectric crystal cut at selected angles, with an attached electrode layer with a signal receiver and signal transmitter. The signal receiver initiates a wave in the substrate which propagates in the substrate and the speed of the wave and amplitude of the wave is interpreted as the parameter being sensed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of monitoring the operation of a radiation source fuel droplet stream generator comprising a fuel-containing capillary and a piezo-electric actuator (500). The method comprises analysing the resonance frequency spectrum of a system comprising the fuel-containing capillary and the piezo-electric actuator in particular to look for changes in the resonance frequencies of the acoustic system which may be indicative of a change in the properties of the system requiring investigation.

Abstract: The mechanical movement includes a checking device which is a passive indicator element. The passive element is fixed to a fixed support portion of the mechanical movement. The passive element may be a strip or a plate fixed to the fixed support portion of a regulating member and configured to vibrate according to one or more clearly defined vibration frequency components following the vibration of the mechanical movement. The vibration frequency components of the strip or plate define an acoustic signature specific to the timepiece to allow the authenticity of the timepiece to be determined by a measurement of the acoustic signature using an acoustic measuring system.

Abstract: A method for detecting mechanical damage to a rotor blade of a wind turbine includes measuring vibrations of the rotor blade and generating a frequency-dependent vibration signal. A value of the signal energy over a predetermined frequency range of the vibration signal is determined at each of a number of measuring times and the respectively determined signal energy values are evaluated with respect to time in order to detect mechanical damage.

Abstract: In a method for alerting to the wear of a tire that includes a tread strip equipped with at least one circumferential groove, the running noise made by the tire running along a ground is measured, from the measured running noise, a noise emitted in a predetermined range of frequencies close to a predetermined resonant frequency of a portion of the circumferential groove during running is isolated, the amplitude of the isolated noise is measured, and the measured amplitude is compared against a predetermined alert threshold.

Abstract: A container handling system may include force sensors and acceleration sensors to be attached to a container handling device, an electronics unit of the system, an oscillation device and the software, user interfaces, encrypted and wireless data transmission traffic, ID cards/readers as well as identifier number keyboards of the system. Using the container handling system, in different container handling stages can be created a code based on oscillation that identifies and secures the container and the container contents. Using container handling devices coupled to the system and using the container security system, in the logistics chain, it is possible to secure and inspect containers to be moved in different container handling stages and the container contents as well as the condition of the container.

Abstract: A method provides detecting a contact state between at least one driver/operator of a vehicle and a control input device designed to control the vehicle, where a frequency spectrum is calculated from sensors detected movement signals based on which the contact state between the control input device and the driver/operator is determined.

Abstract: A method and device for estimating a density value ?m indicative of a true density ? or for estimating a viscosity value ?m indicative of a true viscosity ? of a fluid is disclosed. For this, a first resonance frequency fR of a first mechanical oscillator in a reference volume and a second resonance frequency fF of a second mechanical oscillator in contact with the fluid are measured. The estimated value ?m or ?m is then derived using these resonance frequencies fR and fF. During this derivation, at least one fluid-temperature- or fluid-pressure-dependent parameter of the fluid is used. Additionally or alternatively, the first (i.e. reference) mechanical oscillator is arranged in contact with a reference fluid. Thus, fundamental errors in the derivation of the estimated value ?m or ?m are reduced and the estimated value becomes more reliable.

Abstract: A laser based coordinate measuring device measures a position of a remote target. The laser based coordinate measuring device includes a stationary portion, a rotatable portion, and at least a first optical fiber. The stationary portion has at least a first laser radiation source and at least a first optical detector, and the rotatable portion is rotatable with respect to the stationary portion. The first optical fiber system, which optically interconnects the first laser radiation source and the first optical detector with an emission end of the first optical fiber system, has the emission end disposed on the rotatable portion. The emission end emits laser radiation to the remote target and receives laser radiation reflected from the remote target with the emission direction of the laser radiation being controlled according to the rotation of the rotatable portion.