Abstract: A defect detecting system and method thereof are disclosed. Wherein, the defect detecting system comprises: a laser device (10) for generating a pulse laser; an optical path adjusting device (20) for adjusting the optical path of the pulse laser generated by the laser device (10) and then projecting the pulse laser on a workpiece's surface to be detected to conduct a pulse laser scanning; a signal receiving device (30) for capturing a thermal excitation ultrasonic wave signal caused by the pulse laser scanning the workpiece; an imaging device (40) for generating a dynamic waveform image based on the thermal excitation ultrasonic wave signal received by the signal receiving device (30).

Abstract: A film crack detection apparatus for performing a film crack detection operation, which is mounted to a film forming apparatus having a processing vessel for receiving an object to be processed and forming a thin film on a surface of the object to be processed, includes an elastic wave detection unit mounted to the film forming apparatus to detect an elastic wave, and a determination unit to determine whether performing a cleaning process of the processing vessel is necessary based on a detection result of the elastic wave detection unit.

Abstract: A crystallinity evaluation method of evaluating crystallinity of a semiconductor film formed above a substrate includes following steps. First, a peak waveform of a Raman band in a Raman spectrum of the semiconductor film is obtained using Raman spectrometry. The Raman band corresponds to a phonon mode unique to the semiconductor film. The peak waveform is a wavelength range having a peak of the Raman band. Next, a first waveform is generated by fitting the obtained peak waveform by Gauss function. Then, a peak value of the first waveform is extracted. Then, a second waveform is generated by fitting the obtained peak waveform by Lorenz function based on the extracted peak value. Then, a peak value, a FWHM, and/or a wavelength indicating the peak value regarding the generated second waveform are obtained. Then, crystallinity of the semiconductor film is evaluated based on the obtained information.

Abstract: A portable handheld test fixture has an acoustic port, e.g. a speaker port, a microphone, and/or an earpiece/receiver port. Once the media device has been installed onto the test fixture, the port becomes acoustically coupled to a respective acoustic aperture of the media device that is associated with a speaker, a microphone, or an earpiece/receiver as the case may be. A sound test tool, e.g. a reference sound source and/or a sound pressure level, SPL, meter, has an input or output sound port that can be removably coupled to the acoustic port of the test fixture. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An input device comprises: a detection unit that detects as detection data a vibration that is generated by tapping on a body of a user and transmitted through the body of the user; and an input information identification unit that refers to the detection data and that identifies a tap position based on a fact that the detection data varies according to a length of a vibration transmission path from the tap position to the detection unit.

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: A method for determining a physical property of an object or fluid in a dynamic multi-path clutter environment comprises transmitting an RF interrogation signal to a wireless sensor physically coupled to the object or fluid (gas or liquid) in the dynamic multi-path clutter environment, wherein the wireless sensor is operable to receive the RF interrogation signal, produce a reference signal and a measurement signal, and retransmit the reference signal and the measurement signal in the dynamic multi-path clutter environment. The reference signal and measurement signal are delayed by the wireless sensor by an amount of time that may be a function of the unknown physical property. The method also comprises receiving the retransmitted reference signal and the retransmitted measurement signal and comparing them in the time domain in order to determine the unknown physical property of the object or fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamp (10) which is used mainly in a vibroacoustic diagnosis tool during an automobile maintenance or after-sales assistance operation, including two hinged arms (11, 12), each comprising a jaw (13, 14) at one end and a handle (15, 16) at the other end. A pad (20) is mounted on each jaw (13, 14) via a ball-and-socket joint (21), such that the pad (20) ensures effective contact between the clamp (10) and the part being tested, and separates the body of the clamp from the listening part. The invention is useful in the field of motor vehicles. The invention is also useful in the vibroacoustic diagnosis of motor vehicles or motor vehicle subunits.

Abstract: A method of using photoacoustic spectroscopy to determine chemical information about an analyte includes the steps of emitting a light ray for interaction with a sample of an analyte; transmitting the light ray through a fill fluid disposed in a detection cell, the fill fluid having molecules substantially similar to molecules of the analyte to absorb the light ray; producing a thermal wave and oscillation in the fill fluid proportional to an intensity of the light ray; including a pressure oscillation in the fill fluid by the thermal wave; and detecting the pressure oscillation by a microphone to determine information about the analyte sample.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the detection of anomalous or aberrant movement of a reciprocating element in a reciprocating device and, more particularly, to the analysis of one or more components of a vibration signal produced by such anomalous or aberrant movement of the reciprocating element. One embodiment of the invention provides a system for identifying an anomalous movement of a reciprocating element in a reciprocating device, the system comprising: at least one sensing device for sensing a vibration signal of the reciprocating element; a processing apparatus for separating the vibration signal into a first component having a first frequency range and a second component having a second frequency range different than the first frequency range; and an analysis device for analyzing, displaying, or both, at least one of the first and the second components of the vibration signal.

Abstract: Provided is a pressed workpiece inspection apparatus. A main body of a finger mounted on a palletizer robot that transports a finished workpiece W to a palette includes the following components: two vacuum cups configured to attract the finished workpiece W, a vibrating mechanism configured to vibrate the finished workpiece W, a vibration detection sensor configured to detect a vibrational state of the finished workpiece W caused by the vibrating mechanism, a data logger configured to store and retain a detected signal from the vibration detection sensor, a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the detected signal stored and retained in the data logger to an analyzer, and a rechargeable battery configured to drive the vibration detection sensor, the data logger, and the transmitter. The analyzer determines whether or not the finished workpiece W is non-defective, based on the detected signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: Vibration sources are applied to a body or other object to image a region of interest. The mechanical vibrations introduced by the sources interfere in the region of interest to produce a crawling wave, which is detected by an ultrasound probe A relationship between crawling wave phase derivatives and local shear wave velocity is derived with phase derivatives estimated using either one-dimensional (1D) or two-dimensional (2D) autocorrelation-based techniques to image the region of interest.

Abstract: There is a case in which a generated acoustic wave is decreased owing to the attenuation of light, whereby a desired output is not obtained from an electromechanical transducer device that receives the acoustic wave. The control apparatus for controlling an electromechanical transducer device of the present invention includes: a conversion unit that converts a current output from a first electrode of the electromechanical transducer device to a voltage; a DC voltage applying unit that applies a DC voltage to a second electrode arranged with a gap between itself and the first electrode; and a generation unit that generates a control signal which makes at least one of the DC voltage and a conversion ratio for converting the current to the voltage be changed, on the basis of information about an elapsed time from a point in time at which an inspection object was irradiated with light.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for characterizing an impact in a fabric. The system may include a sensing element woven in the fabric wherein a parameter of the sensing element depends on a strain in the sensing element; a transducer coupled to the sensing element wherein the transducer is configured to generate an output based on the parameter of the sensing element; and a controller coupled to the transducer, the controller configured to receive the output of the transducer, to determine a strain in the sensing element based, at least in part, on a change in the output of the transducer, and to characterize the impact in the fabric based on the strain in the sensing element.

Abstract: A self propelled scanning device is disclosed. The device includes a self propelled chassis that is locomotive across a surface to be scanned, a translator attached to the chassis, and a carriage attached to the translator and adapted to receive a scanner. The translator selectively moves the carriage in at least one dimension across the surface to be scanned.

Abstract: A body has a first portion whose exterior surface is similar to that of a corresponding, first portion of a portable media device. An acoustic aperture is formed at a location that is similar to that of a built-in earpiece, speaker, or microphone aperture in the media device. An acoustic port is formed in the exterior surface of the body, and is adapted to be coupled to a sound test tool. An internal cavity acoustically couples the acoustic port to the acoustic aperture. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A rail scanning system and certified method of use thereof are described. The rail scanning system comprises a control unit, a probe carriage, and an encoder. The probe carriage comprises two or more phased array probes. The control unit is communicatively coupled with the encoder and phased array probes of the probe carriage.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is provided that is capable of preventing the probe's position from being displaced due to wire slippage on a drive pulley and a swing pulley while swinging. The ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic transducer unit emitting ultrasonic waves while swinging. Furthermore, a wire is attachable to the ultrasonic probe, which allows for the adjustment of a position angle of an ultrasonic transducer unit in swing operation without the use of a position angle sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for sonicating a patient includes an ultrasound array having a plurality of transducers; a driving module for driving said transducers; and a control kernel for causing said driving module to drive said transducers concurrently at two different frequencies.

Abstract: Testing of components for fatigue under vibration conditions is important. Typically an isolation device is utilised in order to isolate a mode of vibration of interest. Isolation is through engaging a node line utilising isolation elements. By presenting the isolation elements in arms a component can be isolated by engaging the component to one side. The isolation elements are suspended upon springs and allowed to move axially in the direction of the springs as well as laterally through mountings in the arms. The isolation elements are less acceptable to wear and test set up time is reduced by the engaging of component to one side only of the component.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring of a pipe inspection tool in a pipeline, the apparatus comprising at least one sensor carrier apparatus being locatable along and in close proximity to a pipeline, a plurality of acoustic sensors being locatable on the sensor carrier apparatus, a pipeline inspection tool which is moveable through the pipeline being detectable by means of the acoustic sensors, and the location of the pipeline inspection tool being able to be determined by means of the acoustic sensors.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus may include an arm member, a vacuum pump, a contact member, and at least one probe. The contact member may be connected to the arm member and connected to the vacuum pump for contacting and applying vacuum pressure from the vacuum pump to a workpiece surface being inspected. The at least one probe may be connected to the arm member for emitting signals against the workpiece surface being inspected and for receiving signals from the workpiece surface being inspected.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target or targets in a medium. The method incorporates generating beams of ultrasonic wave energy each having a modulation envelope and causing each beam of wave energy to impact a target region having a multiplicity of targets and demodulating each signal generated by vibration of each target caused by the interaction of a respective ultrasound wave energy beam having a modulation envelope with each of the targets and receiving each demodulated signal from each target by a multiplicity of sensors. Thereafter, each time-of-flight of each demodulated signal from each of the targets to each of the multiplicity of sensors is computed to determine the location of a respective target.

Abstract: A stirring determination method uses an analyzer in which a liquid contained in a vessel is stirred by an acoustic wave generated by an acoustic wave generating unit attached to the vessel, optical characteristics of a reaction solution obtained by stirring the liquid are measured, and the reaction solution is analyzed based on the optical characteristics of the reaction solution. The method includes measuring a temperature of the liquid in a position where the temperature of the liquid is different before and after the liquid is stirred; and determining whether the liquid is properly stirred based on a rate of increase in the measured temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: A system and a retrofit kit for removing debris from a surface of a material. At least one vibration subunit is provided which is either embedded within or operatively connected to a back surface of the material. The vibration subunits are capable of converting a driving energy to a vibrating mechanical output energy which is coupled to the material. At least one external energy source is provided which is operatively connected to the vibration subunits. The external energy source is capable of providing the driving energy to the vibration subunits. The vibrating mechanical energy is capable of causing debris to be removed from the surface of the material.

Abstract: Provided is a method and device for low frequency vibration excitation, which may generate a low frequency using a plurality of ultrasonic generators for high frequency. The method generates ultrasonic waves using a plurality of ultrasonic generators attached to a target structure to induce a beat phenomenon, and extract a frequency lower than a frequency of each of the plurality of the ultrasonic generators to measure a property of the target structure, and thereby may be freely applied to a target structure, regardless of a shape of the target structure such as a plate, a curved pipe, and the like, using a relatively small-sized ultrasonic sensor for high frequency, and may excite a specific frequency of an acceleration range, so that the ultrasonic excitation method may be applicable in a relatively poor Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) range.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an MEMS sensor and a method for making the MEMS sensor. The MEMS sensor according to the present invention includes: a substrate including an opening; a suspended structure located above the opening; and an upper structure, a portion of which is at least partially separated from a portion of the suspended structure; wherein the suspended structure and the upper structure are separated from each other by a step including metal etch.

Abstract: Enhanced method and device for aquatic seismic prospecting of the type in which:—a submerged mobile seismic source is positioned, able to create one or more disturbances transmitted through the aquatic medium in the form of waves able to be reflected on the bottom of the water and the different deep underlying geological layers;—at least one cable, and preferably several, provided with a plurality of sensors is positioned, able to collect said reflected waves;—said seismic source is triggered with one or more repeats thus creating one or more disturbances;—said reflected waves are picked up using said sensors.

Abstract: A method may include and/or involve at least one mote of a mote network detecting a mechanical disturbance, and the at least one mote applying information about when the mechanical disturbance was detected in order to facilitate determination of a location of the at least one mote with respect to at least one other mote.

Abstract: A medical device system comprises a reservoir configured to store a therapeutic fluid and a medical pump configured to deliver the therapeutic fluid from the reservoir to a patient. The system also comprises a sensor that can detect a characteristic associated with the pump and a processor to determine if the characteristic detected indicates the reservoir is empty or near empty. The characteristic may comprise a property associated with the energization of an actuation mechanism configured to be energized to provide a pump stroke. The characteristic may also comprise a characteristic of a noise made by an actuator within the pump at the end of a pump stroke.

Abstract: An ultrasonic receiver according to the present invention includes: a wave propagating portion 6, which defines a first opening 63 and a waveguide 60 that makes an ultrasonic wave, coming through the first opening 63, propagate in a predetermined direction; and a propagation medium portion 3, which has a transmissive interface 61 and which is arranged with respect to the waveguide 60 such that the transmissive interface 61 defines one surface of the waveguide 60 in the direction in which the ultrasonic wave propagates. The interface 61 is designed and arranged with respect to the waveguide 60 such that as the ultrasonic wave propagates along the waveguide 60, each portion of the ultrasonic wave is transmitted into the propagation medium portion 3 through the interface 61 and then converged toward a predetermined convergence point. The receiver further includes a sensor portion 2, which is arranged at the convergence point 33 to detect the ultrasonic wave converged.

Abstract: A method for determining chemical characteristics of a sample, the method including directly applying a first acoustic wave at a first frequency to a probe and applying, independent of the directly applying the first acoustic wave, a second acoustic wave at a second frequency to the sample, wherein the first frequency is different than the second frequency and the first acoustic wave and the second acoustic wave are simultaneously applied to the probe and the sample, respectively, and form a coupling. The method further including applying electromagnetic energy to the sample, wherein the electromagnetic energy is absorbed by the sample causing a change in phase of the second acoustic wave. The method further including detecting an effect of the coupling and determining a spectrum of the sample based on the detecting.

Abstract: A method of matching sensors in a multi-probe blade vibration monitor for a turbine. The method includes providing at least two probes mounted in a casing of the turbine adjacent to a rotating blade structure of the turbine. Targets are provided on radially outer portions of the blade structure. Each of the probes includes a sensor generating signals corresponding to target passing events, and a set of synchronous harmonics of the rotational speed of the rotor are produced for each sensor. The position of the sensors is adjusted such that the sets of harmonics of the sensors are substantially matched, indicating that the positions of the sensors are matched.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the ultrasound testing of hot rolling material during the rolling procedure in one of a plurality of rolling stands in a rolling train which are arranged one behind the other, comprising at least two rolls which leave a roll gap between them, there being associated with the rolls ultrasound testing heads which are arranged such that parts of the roll body itself serve as the path along which the ultrasound waves pass on their way to the rolling material to be tested in the roll gap, which is characterised in that the rolls provided with the ultrasound testing heads are adjustable, have a straight transverse profile and a diameter which is a multiple of the width of the roll gap, with the result that a large rolling angle (?) is provided, and these rolls are arranged in one of the first rolling stands of the rolling train.

Abstract: A panel inspection apparatus includes a resonant frequency extracting unit for extracting a plurality of resonant frequencies of a panel, a resonant frequency selecting unit for selecting a combination of resonant frequencies consisting of two resonant frequencies A and B with different vibration propagation paths among the extracted plurality of resonant frequencies, a non-defective range generating unit for generating a non-defective range on a coordinate system in which resonant frequencies A and B are taken on coordinate axes by statistically processing a set of the resonant frequencies A and B selected for each of a plurality of non-defective panels determined as non-defective in advance, and a panel quality determining unit for determining whether the quality of the panel to be inspected is good based on comparison between resonant frequencies A and B selected for the panel to be inspected and the non-defective range generated by the non-defective range generating unit.

Abstract: An assembly design for an oscillating resonator-based sensor where an oscillating crystal resonator such as a quartz crystal resonator is rigidly affixed or ‘mounted’ onto a solid substrate in such a fashion that the resonator can either rest flush against the substrate surface or upon a rigid mounting adhesive. Once cured, the mounting adhesive forms a liquid tight seal between the mounted resonator and the substrate such that only the sensing electrode surface will be exposed to fluids applied to the front side of the substrate. The mounted resonator assembly is designed in such a way that it can be interfaced with a fluid delivery system to form a liquid tight chamber or flow cell around the mounted resonator without incurring additional physical impact upon the mounted resonator.

Abstract: Particle measuring instrument and method for the analysis of particles comprising a dosing device which dosing device can be set into vibrations by means of a vibration generator for conveying, while segregating, particles present in the dosing chute to at least one outlet of the dosing device. Other than a first vibration generator a second, different vibration generator is provided for segregating the particles present in the dosing device. The second vibration generator generates vibrations of a higher frequency compared to the first vibration generator.

Abstract: A vibration wave output instrument and its use method are provided. The vibration wave output instrument has a base, a vibration device, a pressure device, and a position mechanism. The position mechanism brings both the vibration device and the pressure device to a target region. The pressure device pushes the vibration device to touch against the target region. The vibration device outputs vibration waves beneath the target region.

Abstract: Photoacoustic measurements utilize emitted light to generate an acoustic response in tissue, with the acoustic response being proportional to the presence of an absorber of the light in the tissue. The present disclosure relates the use of focused light to acquire photoacoustic measurements. In one embodiment, the light is modulated, such as spatially modulated, such that the light may be focused within an otherwise scattering medium, such as tissue.

Abstract: A method of non-destructively testing a work piece is disclosed, wherein the work piece is placed within an active field of a positioning system; a frame of reference of the work piece is established based on the geometry of the work piece in the coordinates of the positioning system; the geometry of the work piece is detected by determining the position of specific transponders, which are fixed to the work piece, by the positioning system or the geometry of the work piece is detected by scanning at least parts of the contour of the work piece with a transponder of the positioning system; testing data is acquired for the work piece with a non-destructive testing probe, which comprises a transponder of the positioning system, while the position of the testing probe is recorded by the positioning system; the position of the testing probe is transformed into an intrinsic position defined with respect to the frame of reference of the work piece; and the intrinsic position of the testing probe is assigned to the t

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting contact between an underground electric wire conduit and an underground utility pipeline in which a detectable signal is applied to an electric line wire disposed within the underground electric wire conduit and the underground utility pipeline is monitored for a presence of the detectable signal. When there is a contact between the underground electric wire conduit and the underground utility pipeline, the signal applied to the electric line wire is detected by a suitable signal detector disposed on the surface of the utility pipeline and/or within the utility pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one physical or chemical, process variable of medium having at least one oscillatable unit, which produces, and/or receives, mechanical oscillations. Included is at least one tuning unit, whose stiffness is changeable and which is embodied in such a manner and connected in such a manner with the oscillatable unit, or is a part of the oscillatable unit in such a manner, that at least the resonance frequency of the oscillatable unit is changeable via the tuning unit. A corresponding method is also noted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the prevention of icing in a conduit, as can occur, for example, in an aircraft's air conditioning system. The system according to the invention comprises at least one sensor for acquiring mechanical oscillations of the conduits, an electronic evaluation unit and an electronic control unit, wherein the at least one sensor is connected to the electronic evaluation unit, the evaluation unit comprises characteristics relating to the oscillation behaviour of the conduit and is equipped to compare the measured conduit oscillations with the characteristics, and by means of correlation to interpret them as conduit icing, and in the case of conduit icing to emit a signal to the control unit. If the operation-associated oscillations of the conduit to be monitored are inadequate, oscillations can be generated or amplified by means of one or several actuators.

Abstract: A sensor system uses positive closed-loop feedback to provide energy waves into a medium. A sensor comprises a transducer (604), a propagating structure (602), and a reflecting surface (606). A parameter is applied to the propagating structure that affects the medium. The sensor is coupled to a propagation tuned oscillator (416) that forms the positive closed-loop feedback path with the sensor. The propagation tuned oscillator (416) includes an edge-detect receiver (200) that generates a pulse upon sensing a wave front of an energy wave in propagating structure (602). The edge-detect receiver (100) is in the feedback path that continues emitting energy waves into the propagating structure (602). The edge-detect receiver (200) comprises a preamplifier (212), a differentiator (214), a digital pulse circuit (216), and a deblank circuit (218). The transit time, phase, or frequency is measured of the propagating energy waves and correlated to the parameter being measured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for non-invasive monitoring of brain density variations. At least two ultrasonic pulses having different frequencies are provided into the brain for transmission therethrough. The reflected ultrasonic pulses are then sensed and the sensed signal data are then processed for determining at least two phase differences between the phases of the at least two reflected ultrasonic pulses and the phases of the at least two provided ultrasonic pulses. A phase of at least a beat frequency is determined in dependence upon the at least two phase differences. Data indicative of a brain density variation are determined based on the at least two phase differences and the at least a beat frequency.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing apparatus for a turbine fork of a turbine blade joined to a turbine disc, comprising: an ultrasonic testing sensor; a sensor mounting apparatus for mounting the ultrasonic testing sensor on a flat portion on a side surface of the turbine fork with the turbine blade joined to the turbine disc; and an ultrasonic testing apparatus for inspecting internal and external surfaces of the turbine fork by using reflected waves, which is received by the ultrasonic testing sensor, from the internal surface of the turbine fork.

Abstract: An electronic pressure-sensing device 100 comprising a transistor 105 located on a substrate 110. The device also comprises a linker arm 115 that has a tip 120 which is configured to touch a contact region 125 of the substrate that is near the transistor. The device also comprises a pressure converter 130 that is mechanically coupled to the linker arm. The pressure converter is configured to cause, in response to a pressure change, the tip to impart a force capable of changing an electrical conductivity of the transistor.

Abstract: A sensor device includes an ultrasonic sensor and a sensor cover in the form of a foil, the ultrasonic sensor having an oscillatory sensor element, which is affixed inside a housing, having an end face, of the ultrasonic sensor, the ultrasonic sensor being able to be accommodated in a recess or bore hole of an external vehicle component, and the sensor element and the housing being able to be covered by the sensor cover on the outside, the sensor cover being mountable directly on the ultrasonic sensor and forming an at least essentially planar surface whose outline is adapted to the outline of the end face of the housing and coincides in an essentially flush manner with the end face of the housing of the ultrasonic sensor, and the sensor cover reflecting light having a color spectrum in the range of chrome color and a reflection capacity in the range of polished chrome.

Abstract: An electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) relates to the field of nondestructive, in particular, ultrasonic inspection of materials and items and can be used for testing of rolled sheet and section steel, and also pipes. The EMAT comprises a case with a substrate, at least one inductor and a protector covering the inductor from the substrate backside in form of a ceramic plate, holes are formed in the substrate for air supply generating in course of operation an air cushion between the lower face of substrate and the object under test. According to the invention the ceramic plate is provided on the lower face of the substrate and has such size, that its exterior outline embraces the holes in the substrate, thus holes are formed in said plate, said holes are coaxial to holes in the case. Shape of the ceramic plate substantially coincides with the shape of the substrate lower face and its square is substantially equal to square of the lower face of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of inspecting canopy structures is provided to determine the structural integrity of the roof support system. The method includes steps designed to uncover hidden deficiencies in the roof support system through nondestructive testing and discovery. Timely use of the method of inspection not only minimizes the risk of canopy collapse but also produces information needed for making repair or replacement of the roof support system.