Acoustic Emission Patents (Class 73/587)
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Patent number: 11559006Abstract: A method of disrupting the normal behavior and natural development cycle of wood-boring insects by applying mechanical vibrations and detecting wood-boring insects by monitoring their vibration patterns.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Inventor: John Richard Lachenmayer
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Patent number: 11526982Abstract: An image processing device disclosed in the present specification includes a display control unit configured to display, on a display unit, an image obtained by visualizing functional information related to optical characteristics of a subject based on a photoacoustic signal obtained by receiving a photoacoustic wave generated in the subject by irradiating the subject with light, and a correction unit configured to correct the functional information of the image displayed on the display unit based on a first image value of the functional information of the image displayed on the display unit and a second image value of the functional information.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shoya Sasaki
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Patent number: 11506584Abstract: A method for real time crush testing of proppants including loading proppant into an apparatus comprising: a body with a chamber to accept a piston and proppant; a pressure piston; a pressure transducer located in the bottom of the chamber; and a displacement sensor; compressing the proppant with the pressure; calculating the amount of proppant material in the proppant pack; increasing pressure on the proppant pack until the sample is crushed; calculating proppant strength from at least the displacement sensor data. An apparatus includes a body with a chamber to accept a piston and proppant; a pressure piston; a pressure transducer located in the bottom of the chamber; and a displacement sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Nikolayevich Martysevich, Harold Grayson Walters
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Patent number: 11499944Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are disclosed. An example pre-amplifier includes a demodulator to generate an oscillating signal having a measurement center frequency, combine an acoustic emission signal and the oscillating signal to generate a sideband acoustic emission signal, sample spectral data of the sideband acoustic emission signal at an intermediate center frequency in an intermediate frequency bandwidth, and generate demodulated acoustic emission data based on a mapping of the sampled spectral data to the measurement center frequency, the measurement center frequency different from the intermediate center frequency, and a transmitter to transmit the demodulated acoustic emission data to a computing device.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2021Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Inventor: Bret Anthony Dahme
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Patent number: 11493482Abstract: A system for monitoring and identifying states of a semiconductor device, the system including at least one acoustic sensor for sensing acoustic emission emitted by at least one semiconductor device operating at a voltage of less than or equal to 220 V, the at least one acoustic sensor outputting at least one acoustic emission signal and a signal processing unit for receiving the at least one acoustic emission signal from the at least one acoustic sensor and for analyzing the at least one acoustic emission signal, the signal processing unit providing an output based on the analyzing, the output being indicative at least of whether the at least one semiconductor device is in an abnormal operating state with respect to a normal operating state of the semiconductor device.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2017Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: AUGURY SYSTEMS LTD.Inventors: Eduard Rudyk, Ori Negri, Gal Shaul, Saar Yoskovitz
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Patent number: 11415561Abstract: A method for detecting a malfunction of an acoustic sensor coupled to an electrochemical generator includes applying an electrical signal at a given frequency and a given amplitude, termed the signal frequency and signal amplitude; measuring, by the acoustic sensor, an acoustic signal emitted by the electrochemical generator in response to the application of the electrical signal; and, when the amplitude of the acoustic signal is below a predetermined threshold value, and detecting a malfunction of the acoustic sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignees: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES, INSTITUT POLYTECHNIQUE DE GRENOBLEInventors: Nicolas Guillet, Mélanie Alias, Florence Degret
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Patent number: 11415562Abstract: A method of detecting at least a blockage status in a porous member separating a measurement chamber of a device including a gas sensor positioned within the measurement chamber which is responsive to an analyte in an ambient environment to be sampled, includes emitting pressure waves from a pressure wave source which travel within the measurement chamber, measuring a first response via a first sensor responsive to pressure waves positioned at a first position within the measurement chamber, measuring a second response via a second sensor at a second position, different from the first position, and in fluid connection with the pressure wave source, determining the blockage status of the porous member based upon a functional relation of the first response and the second response.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: MSA Technology, LLCInventors: Robert Kevin Sexton, Nicholas Emidio Ciccone, Jerin Miller
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Patent number: 11371962Abstract: A multi-frequency acoustic velocity measurement device for a core includes: a fixing device, for fixing a core and heating and pressurizing the core according to a preset condition; a transmitting end acoustic wave probe, connected to a first end of a control unit and one end of the fixing device, and configured to transmit an acoustic wave signal to the core; a receiving end acoustic wave probe, connected to a second end of the control unit and the other end of the fixing device, and configured to receive the acoustic wave signal transmitted by the transmitting end acoustic wave probe; and the control unit, for controlling the transmitting end acoustic wave probe to transmit acoustic wave signals of different frequencies, receiving the acoustic wave signal received by the receiving end acoustic wave probe, and determining an acoustic velocity of the core according to the acoustic wave signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2021Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignees: SOUTHWEST PETROLEUM UNIVERSITY, HAOHAN WELL COMPLETIONGLOGGING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LIMITED COMPANYInventors: Yijian Chen, Xingyu Chen, Gao Li, Lunping Zhang, Chaofan Tu, Yunsheng Chen, Kejing Wang
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Patent number: 11340140Abstract: A data storage unit 212 stores a plurality of pieces of abnormality data corresponding to operation state data of at least a robot in which an abnormality occurred in the past in association with environmental information and usage mode information. An abnormality data selection unit 218 narrows down the plurality of pieces of abnormality data stored in the data storage unit 212 to one or more pieces of the abnormality data based on the environmental information of a target robot and usage mode information of the target robot to select the abnormality data. A timing setting unit 220 sets a timing for notifying the abnormality sign based on the selected abnormality data and the operation state data corresponding to the selected abnormality data of the target robot. A notifying unit 126 notifies the abnormality sign related to the target robot at the timing set by the timing setting unit 220.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2018Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shun Sato
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Patent number: 11285766Abstract: A systematized multi-point sensors unit for a tire and a tire having the same are provided. More specifically, the systematized multi-point sensors unit includes: a sensor module composed of a plurality of sensors and attached onto an inner surface of a tire to monitor conditions of a tire and a road surface, and a connection member for connecting the plurality of sensors by wire, wherein the plurality of sensors are connected to each other by wire and arranged in a line in a manner of being perpendicular to a traveling direction of the tire.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: HANKOOK TIRE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Jeong Heon Kim
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Patent number: 11079502Abstract: A method and apparatus for resolving individual signals in detector output data are disclosed. One inventive aspect includes a processing circuit configured to receive detector output data wherein the detector output data may be stepped data or non-stepped data; transform the detector output data to produce stepped data wherein the detector output data is received as non-stepped data; detect at least one signal at least partially based on the stepped data; and estimate a parameter associated with the signal, wherein estimating the parameter may preferably comprise estimating a signal energy or signal time of arrival associated with the signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Southern Innovation International Pty LtdInventors: Paul Andrew Basil Scoullar, Christopher Charles McLean, Shane Michael Tonissen
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Patent number: 11054339Abstract: A machine bearing disposed on a rotatable member, such as may be present on a vehicle, is described. A method for monitoring a state of health of the machine bearing includes monitoring, via a microphone, an acoustic signal, and coincidently determining a rotational speed of the rotatable member associated with the machine bearing. The sound spectrum is correlated to the rotational speed of the rotating member, and a time-frequency analysis is executed to determine a sound spectrum. The sound spectrum is transformed to a residual spectrum. A first feature associated with a first frequency band and a second feature associated with a second frequency band are extracted from the residual spectrum. The state of health associated with the machine bearing is detected based upon the first and second features, and is communicated to a second controller.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jianshe Feng, Xinyu Du, Mutasim Salman, Kevin A. Cansiani
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Patent number: 11041493Abstract: According to an embodiment, an apparatus for detecting a characteristic of a pump includes: a housing having a first planar surface and a second planar surface opposite the first planar surface, a mount structure located on the second planar surface, wherein the mount structure is configured to facilitate attachment of the apparatus on an external surface of the triplex pump, and wherein the mount structure avoids penetrating an inside surface of the triplex pump. Advantageously, apparatus is a non-invasive device and does not involve modifications to the pump nor opening the lid of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: ADVANCED SENSOR DESIGN TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Keith Jenkins
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Patent number: 11041829Abstract: A method for measuring fracture characteristics of adhesive polymeric material comprises: (i) bonding a sample to a rigid substrate; (ii) cooling the sample from a first temperature to a second temperature such that thermally-induced stresses are generated within the sample, wherein the thermally-induced stresses generate an inward-growing three-dimensional spiral crack within the sample; (iii) detecting, by three or more AE piezoelectric sensors, mechanical transient waves generated during development of the inward-growing three-dimensional spiral crack within the sample and determining the accurate 3D geometry of the spiral using source location technique; (iv) visualizing the two-dimensional spiral cracking pattern deposited on a surface of the rigid substrate and measuring the precise width of the crack; (v) determining, using the detected mechanical waves and the visualized deposited sample, AE-based fracture characteristics of the sample; and (vi) reporting the determined one or more fracture characteriType: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Clarkson UniversityInventor: Behzad Behnia
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Patent number: 11003172Abstract: A machine tool includes: a main spindle that holds a work piece; a tool holding unit that holds a tool for processing the work piece; a detection unit that detects vibration generated during processing of the work piece; and a processor that controls machining of the work piece performed by the tool, in which the processor compares a detected value detected by the detection unit with a predefined threshold value, interrupts the machining by releasing contact between the work piece and the tool at time of generation of chatter vibration or when there is a sign of the generation of the chatter vibration in which the detected value exceeds the threshold value, and analyzes the chatter vibration while the machining is being interrupted on basis of the detected value detected by the detection unit before the interruption.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: NAKAMURA-TOME PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: Yoshikatsu Nakamura
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Patent number: 10976288Abstract: Bandwidth-selectable acoustic emission apparatus and methods for transmitting time-averaged signal data are described. An example apparatus includes an integrated external preamplifier device having a bandwidth-selectable analog filter and a data extractor. The integrated external preamplifier device is to receive an analog acoustic emission signal generated via an acoustic emission sensor operatively coupled to the integrated external preamplifier device. The bandwidth-selectable analog filter is to filter the analog acoustic emission signal based on a software-programmed bandwidth to generate a filtered analog acoustic emission signal. The data extractor is to extract a time-averaged analog signal from the filtered analog acoustic emission signal, and to transmit the time-averaged analog signal from the integrated external preamplifier device to an external data acquisition system.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: Bret Anthony Dahme
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Patent number: 10978035Abstract: Integrated acoustic emission transducer apparatus and methods are described. An example integrated external preamplifier device includes a data extractor, a process variable determiner, a status indication determiner, and a presentation device. The integrated external preamplifier device receives an acoustic emission signal generated via an acoustic emission sensor operatively coupled to the integrated external preamplifier device. The data extractor extracts signal data from the acoustic emission signal. The process variable determiner determines process variable data based on the extracted signal data. The process variable data includes at least one of flow rate data, flow capacity data, flow area data, flow velocity data, mass accumulation data, or volume accumulation data. The status indication determiner determines status indication data based on the process variable data.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Bret Anthony Dahme, Shawn Anderson
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Patent number: 10890061Abstract: A rig management system is disclosed. The rig management system may gather, from a set of sensors, data that includes: vibration data related to vibration of a valve associated with a pump of a hydraulic fracturing rig during operation of the pump, and pump speed data related to a speed of the pump during operation of the pump. The rig management system may process the data to identify a trend related to the vibration data, wherein the vibration data has been normalized based on the pump speed data. The rig management system may determine a remaining useful life of the valve based on the trend and threshold data that identifies a set of thresholds related to the vibration of the valve. The rig management system may determine that the remaining useful life satisfies a threshold. The rig management system may schedule an operation to be performed on the valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Zhijun Cai, Yanchai Zhang, Zhaoxu Dong
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Patent number: 10883896Abstract: A state monitoring system for monitoring state of a gear device having a plurality of gear pairs has a meshing frequency determination device. The meshing frequency determination device includes a maximum-peak-amplitude calculation unit that calculates a maximum peak amplitude from a detected meshing vibration, in estimated frequency ranges and a set harmonic region, and selects such estimated frequencies that a difference in maximum peak amplitude between a plurality of estimated frequency ranges, is less than or equal to a predetermined multiple, and a meshing frequency determination unit that determines an estimated frequency having a total value of maximum peak amplitudes calculated in the plurality of estimated frequency ranges, within a predetermined time, being the k-th (k is a natural number) greatest among the selected estimated frequencies, as a meshing frequency of a gear pair having the k-th highest tooth surface speed.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Kohei Kamiya, Hideyuki Tsutsui
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Patent number: 10859535Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a detecting device and method for acoustic emission on high-frequency motion rubbing pair surface. A linear reciprocating slide system with high efficiency and high conductivity is designed based on the method. Reciprocating linear slide system is the main structure of the detection device which is is composed of probe plate, tight clips, vacuum cover, slip wire and insulation box. The reciprocating slide solves the problem of data distortion caused by high frequency jitter when connecting ordinary data lines, and can realize stable and reliable connection between high frequency reciprocating rubbing experiment and acoustic emission detection equipment. The acoustic emission probe on the surface of rubbing pair connects with the preamplifier by linear reciprocating slide.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: BEIJING UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Caixia Zhang, Junmin Chen, Zhifeng Liu, Mengmeng Liu, Congbin Yang
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Patent number: 10837945Abstract: A method for determining a quality of a friction stir welded seam is described. The method involves applying an impact to a welded plate and comparing its damping capacity with the damping capacity of a geometrically equivalent defect-free plate. Damping capacities that differ by a small percent difference indicate that the welded plate is also defect-free. This method is particularly advantageous when dealing with small defects, which produce miniscule changes in natural frequency which may not be measureable.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2020Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: King Abdulaziz UniversityInventors: Waheed Sami Abushanab, Essam B. Moustafa
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Patent number: 10837845Abstract: Circuitry for determining the direction of incidence of an acoustic signal in an integrated circuit. An electronic circuit includes a packaged integrated circuit. The packaged integrated circuit includes a die. The die includes a plurality of acoustic transducers spaced apart on the die, and a measurement circuit. The plurality of acoustic transducers includes at least a first acoustic transducer and a second acoustic transducer. The measurement circuit is coupled to at least the first acoustic transducer and the second acoustic transducer. The measurement circuit is configured to determine for the first acoustic transducer, a first time at which the first acoustic transducer detects an acoustic signal propagating in the die; and determine for the second acoustic transducer, a second time at which the second acoustic transducer detects the acoustic signal propagating in the die.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Ralf Peter Brederlow, Steven Bartling
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Patent number: 10830754Abstract: A device for evaluating the condition of a wooden structure, including: a shaft; a distance sensor coupled to the shaft; and an image capture device coupled to the shaft, the distance sensor being configured to measure a location of the image capture device in the wooden structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Osmose Utilities Services, Inc.Inventor: Randal K. More
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Patent number: 10788395Abstract: A method and apparatus of condition monitoring and detection of vibration generated from at least two different sources using a single sensor/transducer is provided. The method and apparatus provides switchably adapting signal processing, such as amplification and frequency filtering, to one at a time of the at least two different signal sources. An example of which is vibration sources. This adapts the analogue signal from the sensor/transducer to the analogue to digital converter and any further optional analogue signal processing, so that it is possible to maximize use of available dynamic range of these and without any saturation of these. Suitably, the signal processing to analyze the vibration signals is also appropriately adapted to the vibration source in question.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventors: Julian Franchitti, Allan Thomson
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Patent number: 10765109Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting pests, such as termites, in living organisms, such as trees. Certain embodiments of the current invention utilize time domain reflectometry to detect the pests. Other embodiments of the current invention utilize microwave-coupled transmission spectrometry antenna array transmitters, and receivers to detect the pests.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Florida A&M UniversityInventors: Satyanarayan Dev, Benjamin Hottel, Aavudai Anandhi Swamy
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Patent number: 10765964Abstract: Process to monitor unwanted formation of a polymer, having internal mechanical strain, wherein said formation of polymer generates acoustic emissions due to the sudden break of the polymer, wherein the number of said acoustic emissions increases over time when there is formation of said unwanted polymer formation, wherein said acoustic emissions is detected by a resonant piezo electric transducer having a resonant frequency centred on the second harmonic of said acoustic emission.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2017Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Total Research & Technology FeluyInventor: Jean-Pierre Thoret Bauchet
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Patent number: 10755814Abstract: A method and an apparatus for verifying compliance with a dental appliance therapy for a human patient is described. At least one parameter of a dental appliance worn by the human patient is periodically measured and compliance with the dental appliance therapy is determined by performing a spectral analysis of the measured parameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Inventor: Donald Carmon Bradley
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Patent number: 10712236Abstract: Provided is a state diagnosis system, which is applied to a rolling guide device in which a moving member including an endless circulation path for rolling elements is freely movable along a track member, and which is configured to appropriately recognize a state of a rolling surface of the track member. The state diagnosis system includes: a sensor configured to detect a physical quantity exhibited when the moving member is moving along the track member; a signal processing unit configured to process an output signal from the sensor to output analysis data; and a determination processing unit configured to compare the analysis data with threshold value data to determine whether or not the rolling guide device has an abnormality.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: THK CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Honjo, Shuhei Yamanaka
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Patent number: 10590760Abstract: Methods and systems for conducting downhole operations including collecting downhole dynamic event data using a downhole tool, wherein the downhole dynamic event data is time-domain data, processing the collected downhole dynamic event data using a computing system located downhole to convert the time-domain data into frequency-domain data, and extracting digital filter coefficients from the frequency-domain data.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignees: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC, WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITYInventors: Timothy Michael Popp, Holger Stibbe, Polichronis-Thomas D. Spanos
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Patent number: 10462591Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for providing sound level information for a particular location are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises: receiving, from a user device, a request for sound level indications associated with a geographic region; in response to receiving the request, identifying a plurality of locations associated with the geographic region; identifying, for each location in the plurality of locations, at least one sound level reading corresponding to the location; generating, for each location in the plurality of locations, sound level indications based on the at least one sound level reading corresponding to the location; and transmitting at least one of the sound level indications and an identifier of at least one location in the plurality of locations corresponding to the at least one of the sound level indications to the user device.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2016Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: SoundPrint LLCInventor: Gregory Farber
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Patent number: 10444197Abstract: According to an embodiment, a detection system includes a plurality of first sensors, a second sensor, a first calculator, and a second calculator. Each of the first sensors is configured to detect an elastic wave generated from a structure, and convert the elastic wave into a detection signal. The second sensor is configured to detect a noise propagating from surroundings, and convert the noise into a reference signal. The first calculator is configured to calculate a plurality of difference detection signals based on the respective detection signals and the reference signal. The second calculator is configured to calculate a position of a generation source of the elastic wave from the plurality of difference detection signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takashi Usui, Kazuo Watabe
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Patent number: 10401513Abstract: Methods or systems for identifying seismic or acoustic signals of interest originating with moving motorized vehicles or footstep movement or stationary or moving machinery. A related system for monitoring an area includes a plurality of sensing devices each comprising a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. A monitoring device is coupled to receive information from each of the sensing devices. One method includes providing a processing chain coupled to receive signal data from a sensor device which receives the signals, including a detection stage, a Joint Time Frequency (JTF) domain stage, and a classification stage. The detection stage identifies presence of signals that emerge from the background. The JTF domain stage estimates the state of the signals of interest over time. The classification stage assesses the previously derived information to form a decision about source identity. In one embodiment, the detector stage performs detections on a single cycle basis.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Quantum Technology Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Mark Andrew Tinker, Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Paul Thurston Richards
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Patent number: 10399821Abstract: An elevator system (100) includes an elevator drive system (101) including a tension member (103) supporting an elevator car (106) under tension and a monitoring system (102). The monitoring system includes a vibration sensor (111) for detecting vibration of at least one of the tension member and the elevator car and an analysis unit (112) for determining a level of wear and life of the tension member based on the vibration of the tension member detected by the vibration sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANYInventor: Randall Keith Roberts
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Patent number: 10371666Abstract: According to an embodiment, a structure evaluation system includes a plurality of sensors, a position locator, a velocity calculator, and an evaluator. The sensors detect an elastic wave generated from a structure. The position locator derives a wave source distribution of the elastic waves generated from the structure, on the basis of the elastic waves. The velocity calculator derives a propagation velocity of the elastic wave generated from the structure, on the basis of the elastic waves. The evaluator evaluates the soundness of the structure on the basis of the wave source distribution and the propagation velocity of the elastic waves.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Kyoto UniversityInventors: Kazuo Watabe, Hidefumi Takamine, Tomoki Shiotani
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Patent number: 10352916Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for accurate, field-ready, non-destructive, and three-dimensional plant root characterization using acoustic signals. The system is portable, fast, precise, and can be used in field conditions, including moist soil, to visualize root structure or mass distribution, without damaging growing crops. The system may also be applied to characterize other underground objects, such as pipes, building foundations, archaeological artifacts, or mineral ores. During operation, the system generates a source acoustic signal. The system sends the source acoustic signal to an actuator acoustically coupled directly to a plant. The system obtains a response acoustic signal from an underground transducer monitoring a root of the plant. The system analyzes the response acoustic signal according to a model and based on the source acoustic signal. The system then determines, based on the analyzed response acoustic signal, a physical configuration of the plant root.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATEDInventors: Eric D. Cocker, Scott A. Elrod, Uriel A. Rosa, Jessica L. B. Rivest, George W. Daniel, David E. Schwartz
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Patent number: 10330645Abstract: Methods and systems for determining crack propagation length using a technique based on acoustic signature are disclosed. An acoustic signature is measured and recorded at a first location via acoustic wave generated by structural vibrations caused by a harmonic loading with predefined magnitude acted at a second location on the structure. Structure contains an unknown length of crack propagation inside. Unknown length is determined by comparing the measured and recorded acoustic signature with numerically-computed acoustic signatures stored in a database, which contains at least one relationship of the numerically-computed acoustic signatures versus respective crack propagation lengths at various stages of numerically-simulated crack propagation trajectory.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Livermore Software Tecchnology Corp.Inventor: Yun Huang
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Patent number: 10295502Abstract: A system for quality monitoring of additive manufacturing includes an acoustic emission (AE) sensor configured to be attached to an additive manufacturing substrate and to output a sensor signal indicative of acoustic vibrations received at the AE sensor and an AE module. The AE module is configured to receive the sensor signal from the AE sensor and process the sensor signal to determine at least one characteristic of an additive manufacturing process and/or an additively manufactured article.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Delavan Inc.Inventors: Patrick L. Clavette, Michael A. Klecka, Aaron T. Nardi, Greg C. Ojard
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Patent number: 10222610Abstract: An optical scanner includes: a movable part including a light reflection portion that reflects light; a first shaft part that swingably supports the movable part about a first axis; a support part that supports the first shaft part; a recessed portion provided in the support part, and having an opening portion in one surface of the support part and having a side surface opening portion in a side surface of the support part connected to the one surface of the support part; and a regulating member provided in the recessed portion and partially projecting from the side surface opening portion with the projecting portion located between the support part and the movable part.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Yasushi Mizoguchi
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Patent number: 10203318Abstract: Embodiments of a sample testing system of the present invention generally include two internally threaded caps; an externally threaded outer tube having a tapered internal bore and external circumferential grooves proximate each end thereof; an O-ring seated in each groove; and a plurality of inner tube sections cooperatively arranged to form an externally tapered inner tube structure that is disposed within the outer tube; wherein each cap is sealingly attached to an end of the outer tube via threading engagement therewith. Various embodiments utilize at least one closed-ended cap and/or at least one cap having a port extending through an end thereof, which may also incorporate a piston cavity and a piston having two circumferentially disposed O-rings. Embodiments allow for inner tube structure removal and separation of the inner tube sections for cured sample recovery. Embodiments of a method of using the system to cure a sample are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Virgilio Go Boncan, Kevin C. Madsen, Richard F. Lukay
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Patent number: 10175204Abstract: A method of sorting chips divided from a plate-shaped workpiece into acceptable chips and defective chips includes an ultrasonic vibration applying step of applying ultrasonic vibrations to chips, a fracture confirming step of confirming whether the chips have been fractured in the ultrasonic vibration applying step or not, and a sorting step of sorting those chips which have been confirmed as not fractured in the fracture confirming step as acceptable chips. The ultrasonic vibrations applied to the chips in the ultrasonic vibration applying step are set to values that do not cause chips to be fractured if the chips are free of minute fractures and cause chips to be fractured if the chips contain minute fractures.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2017Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: Disco CorporationInventors: Kazuma Sekiya, Hiroshi Morikazu
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Patent number: 10134127Abstract: A method for generating fluid flow images of a region of interest is disclosed. The method includes: scanning the region of interest to acquire a set of 4D-Flow magnetic resonance images, wherein the set comprises an anatomical magnitude image, a first velocity component image, a second velocity component image, and a third velocity component image; isolating the anatomical magnitude image, the first velocity component image, the second velocity component image, and the third velocity component image from the set of 4D-Flow magnetic resonance images; converting the first, second, and third velocity component images into a velocity vector field; modeling a location of an anatomical wall within the region of interest; calculating at least one flow dynamics parameter for the region of interest; and generating a visual representation of the anatomical wall and the at least one flow dynamics parameter.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Ahmad Falahatpisheh, Arash Kheradvar
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Patent number: 10119984Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and recording accelerations experienced by a structure and a method for operating the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes an accelerometer, processor, and non-volatile computer memory device. The method includes operating the apparatus in a reduced power state, detecting an acceleration having a magnitude that is greater than a first preselected threshold magnitude, switching each of the accelerometer, processor, and non-volatile computer memory device to a fully operational state, storing accelerometer data in a buffer, switching the processor and computer memory device to a reduced power state until the accelerometer signals that further data is available, storing any further accelerometer data in the buffer, and repeating the steps until a predetermined time has elapsed since the accelerometer last detected an acceleration having a magnitude which is greater than a second preselected threshold magnitude.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: SEISMO HOLDINGS LIMITEDInventors: Clark William Keith Hyland, Benjamin Andrew Hyland
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Patent number: 10067095Abstract: A device for detecting a structure-borne sound signal, in particular for detecting a structure-borne sound signal caused by an event of damage on a component to be monitored, having at least one structure-borne sound sensor, at least one signal-conducting connection of the structure-borne sound sensor to an evaluation device, and a protective body. The structure-borne sound sensor has a structure-borne sound-conducting connection to the protective body and the protective body has a structure-borne sound-conducting connection to the component to be monitored.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Hella KGAA Hueck & Co.Inventors: Hauke Baumgaertel, Thomas Niemann, Bastian Kanning, Volker Skwarek
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Patent number: 10018596Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for using a health monitoring system with acoustic emissions (AE) signals and the resonance frequency of the damage state of a component in a machine to monitor component health. AE signals collected from sensors on an operating machine are analyzed to identify signal features or events that correspond to component resonance frequencies. The AE signal features proximate to the component resonance frequencies and how those features and the component resonance frequency changes over time enable the identification and monitoring of damage states, such as cracks in the stator vanes of a compressor, gas turbine, steam turbine, or generator.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Nilesh Tralshawala, Prashanth D'Souza, Ravi Yoganatha Babu
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Patent number: 10012553Abstract: A method for forming a structural-strain sensor network on a structure is provided. The sensor network has plural nanocomposite sensing elements having high sensitivity, and can be quickly fabricated. The method comprises attaching a molding layer having openings onto the surface, and filling the openings with a coating material made of nanocomposite hybrid material. After immobilizing the coating material in the openings, the sensing elements are formed and the molding layer is removed. Electrical wires are formed on the surface such that two opposite electrodes are formed on each sensing element. The resistance between the two electrodes indicates a strain experienced. The sensor network finds applications in identifying a damaged location or an impact location on the structure for structural health monitoring. Voltage waveforms measured at the sensing elements are analyzed to estimate the damaged location or the impact location according to a guided-wave propagation model.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITYInventors: Zhongqing Su, Limin Zhou, Zhihui Zeng, Menglong Liu, Hao Xu
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Patent number: 9939420Abstract: A device and method for determining characteristics of a concrete sample includes the use of multiple transducers at pre-determined positions with respect to each other. The transducers are coupled to the concrete surface so that they can impart and/or receive mechanical waves from the sample. Mechanical waves may be imparted to the sample by one or more transducers or by an impact hammer. A control device receives the output from receiving transducers and analyzes data there from to determine a desired characteristic of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: NLA DIAGNOSTICS LLCInventors: Aldo Bellotti, Ralph N. Strayhorn, IV
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Patent number: 9791416Abstract: Various systems and method for acoustic monitoring of smelting furnaces and similar devices are disclosed. Acoustic sensors (and optionally other sensors) are mounted to the furnace. Acoustic emission events generated in the furnace are analyzed to identify conditions that exceed one or more thresholds. The location of acoustic emissions may be identified and reported. Output signals may be generated in response to acoustic emissions. The location of acoustic emissions may be used to identify the location of potential failures in the furnace.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Hatch Ltd.Inventors: Pawel Boleslaw Gebski, Afshin Sadri, Wai-Lai Ying
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Patent number: 9761324Abstract: Delay line memory device, systems and methods are disclosed. In one aspect, a delay line memory device includes a substrate; an electronic unit disposed on the substrate and operable to receive, amplify, and/or synchronize data signals into a bit stream to be transmitted as acoustic pulses carrying data stored in the delay line memory device; a first and a second piezoelectric transducer disposed on the substrate and in communication with the electronic unit, in which the first piezoelectric transducer is operable to transmit the data signals to the acoustic pulses that carry the data through the bulk of the substrate, and the second piezoelectric transducer is operable to transduce the received acoustic pulses to intermediate electrical signals containing the data, which are transferred to the electronic unit via an electrical interconnect to cause refresh of the data in the delay line memory device.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Cornell UniversityInventors: Amit Lal, Justin C. Kuo
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Patent number: 9712686Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a printing device, a system, and a method. The printing device according to one embodiment includes a chassis substantially housing a sheet feeder, a sheet conveyor, and a print applicator; a microphone externally mounted to the chassis for converting audio signals sensed by the microphone external to the printing device to a raw analog electrical signal; an analog low-pass filter for filtering out high frequency harmonics from the raw analog electrical signal to result in a filtered electrical signal; a controller comprising an analog-to-digital port, a processor, and a memory. The controller receives the filtered electrical signal at the analog-to-digital port and samples the filtered electrical signal at a sample rate of at least twice a bandwidth of the filtered analog electrical signal to result in a sampled signal clip. The controller determines a time duration of a portion of the sampled signal clip associated with a print cycle event.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Oleg Y. Zakharov
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Patent number: 9594001Abstract: An ultrasonic testing device includes: a liquid tank that stores the liquid into which the differential casing is to be immersed; a workpiece holder that holds the differential casing and immerses the differential casing into the liquid in the liquid tank; an ultrasonic probe that conducts an ultrasonic testing of the welded part of the differential casing by irradiating the ultrasonic wave to the welded part and receiving a reflected wave; an image processing module that generates an ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave received by the ultrasonic probe; and a replacer that replaces gas inside an air gap formed at a weld toe of the welded part with test liquid. The replacer replaces the gas inside the air gap by the test liquid before the ultrasonic probe irradiates the ultrasonic wave.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroshi Wakayama