Abstract: The invention relates to a combined force, strain and sound emission transducer and a coupling method. The sound emission sensor (1) forms an assembly unit and is intended specially for measuring high-frequency sound emissions (up to around 2 MHz). It consists of a piezoelectric measuring element (9), an assembly base (8) with circumferential coupling diaphragm (7), and an encapsulant (10) partly surrounding the measuring element (9) and partially the assembly base. The assembly unit could contain also a resistor (11) paralleling the measuring element (9) and forming a high-pass filter with the capacitance of the sensor (1). The coupling diaphragm (7) lies in a recess (14) of the housing bottom (4), whose bottom surface (5) is at a distance from the measuring object (15) corresponding to the prestressing distance s when the diaphragm (7) is unloaded.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting contact between a contact detection member and a rotating body such as a grinding wheel rotably carried on a wheel head which is movable toward the contact detection member in a grinding machine for example. The apparatus comprises an AE sensor, a rectangular pulse generator, a sampling circuit and a processing device such as a microcomputer. The AE sensor generates an electric signal in response to vibration of the contact detection member. The rectangular pulse generator outputs a rectangular pulse whose duration corresponds to that of vibration. The sampling circuit delivers to the processing device an output indicating the duration of the rectangular pulse. The processing device processes the output delivered thereto so as to decide the occurrence of an actual contact between the rotating body and the contact detection member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acoustic emission transducer and a coupling method. The acoustic emission transducer (1) forms an assembly unit and is intended specially for measuring high-frequency acoustic emissions (up to about 2 MHz). It consists of a piezoelectric measuring element (9), an acoustic transmission base (8) with a circumferential coupling diaphragm (7), and an encapsulant (10) which partially encloses the measuring element (9). A mounting screw (3) serves to fix the transducer to a measuring object. The coupling diaphragm (7) lies in a recess (14) of the housing (2), whose bottom surface (5) is at a distance from the measuring object (15) corresponding to the prestressing distance s when the diaphragm (7) is unstressed.

Abstract: A chemical sensor includes a piezoelectric support (1) capable of supporting a shear horizontal wave provided on its surface with an electrode (2,3). The sensor is characterized in that the surface of the piezoelectric support (1) including the region bearing the electrode (2,3) is covered by a layer of dielectric material (9) of thickness 0.5 to 20 microns. The piezoelectric support (1) is preferably a single crystal. The dielectric layer (1) may be of, for example, silicon dioxide or a suitable polymer, and preferably has a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 .mu.m.

Abstract: A device and a method for locating and counting insects in agricultural commodities has been developed. Acoustic sensors pick up sounds emanating from adult and or larval insects. The electrical outputs of the sensors are amplified and analyzed to determine (1) the first sensor to detect the sound, (2) the second sensor to detect the sound and (3) the time difference between the first and second detection. These determinations are used to calculate the locations and numbers of insects in the agricultural commodity samples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the nondestructive evaluation of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic materials, particularly wire ropes, cables, and strands, and pipes utilizing the magnetostrictive effect for measuring minute variations in magnetic fields and characterizing these minute variations as indicative of the acoustic/ultrasonic behavior of fractures, cracks, and other anomalies within a substance under evaluation. The apparatus and method contemplate both an active testing application, wherein a transmitting sensor generates an acoustic/ultrasonic pulse within a material through the magnetostrictive effect and a second receiving sensor detects reflected acoustic/ultrasonic waves within the material, again by the inverse magnetostrictive effect. The advantages of utilizing magnetostrictive sensors as opposed to well known piezoelectric sensors lies in the ability to generate and detect acoustic/ultrasonic waves without a direct physical or acoustical contact to the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the nondestructive evaluation of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic materials, particularly wire ropes, cables, and strands, and pipes utilizing the magnetostrictive effect for measuring minute variations in magnetic fields and characterizing these minute variations as indicative of the acoustic/ultrasonic behavior of fractures, cracks, and other anomalies within a substance under evaluation. The apparatus and method contemplate both an active testing application, wherein a transmitting sensor generates an acoustic/ultrasonic pulse within a material through the magnetostrictive effect and a second receiving sensor detects reflected acoustic/ultrasonic waves within the material, again by the inverse magnetostrictive effect. The advantages of utilizing magnetostrictive sensors as opposed to well known piezoelectric sensors lies in the ability to generate and detect acoustic/ultrasonic waves without a direct physical or acoustical contact to the material.

Abstract: An acoustic emission transducer consists of a resonant detection element (10) which is attached to the base-plate (16) by a small area in comparison to the overall surface area of the resonant detection element (10) where this area of attachment is positioned with respect to the wave motion during the resonance of the resonant detection element (10) so as not to have a significant effect on the resonant detection element (10) other than to physically couple the resonant detection element (10) to the baseplate (16) and introduce elastic waves from the baseplate (16) to the resonant detection element (10) at the desired frequency, while allowing damping materials (24) to be acoustically coupled to the larger part of the resonant detection element surface area to produce a resonant acoustic emission transducer having reproducible characteristics of resonant frequency and rate of damping.

Abstract: This invention relates to analyte-responsive compositions and analyte detection methods using these compositions, and, more particularly, to such compositions based on potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) and analogs thereof and to analyte detection methods based on piezoelectric and optical properties of materials.

Abstract: An acoustic signal and sound diagnostic instrument, for use by a professional automotive engine or industrial machinery maintenance operator, which is capable of locating and discriminating automotive engine and industrial machinery abnormalities. The instrument includes an acoustic transducer microphone, located at the forward end of an elongated deformable, semi-rigid probe arm, for detecting and converting acoustic signals and sounds into electromagnetic signals and an electronics housing conformed to be held in the hand of the maintenance operator with the housing mechanically supporting the probe arm at its rearward end. Pre-amplifier circuitry within the housing is electrically coupled to the transducer microphone and to range selector circuitry for selecting sound level ranges respecting the electromagnetic signals.

Abstract: A vibration and acoustic sound diagnostic instrument for use by a professional automotive maintenance mechanic which is capable of discriminating audible vibration sound and noise generated by under-chassis and under-hood parts and devices having mechanical faults. The instrument includes at least one acoustic vibration pick-up device adapted for mounting in contact with an automotive part or device for detecting and converting vibratory acoustic signals and sounds into electromagnetic signals and an electronics housing conformed to be held in the hand of the maintenance mechanic. Pre-amplifier circuitry within the housing is electrically coupled to the acoustic vibration pick-up device and to range selector circuitry for selecting sound level ranges respecting the electromagnetic signals. A decibel meter, mounted to the exterior of the housing, is electrically interconnected to the pre-amplifier for visually indicating changes and peaks in the sound levels detected by the transducer microphone.

Abstract: Two geophones located above an underground pipeline are spaced from each other and adjacent to both sides of a benchmark location. As a pig travels through the pipeline sound waves are generated. As a pig approaches a benchmark location, sound waves are received first by the geophone which is closest to the source of the sound waves, that is, the upstream geophone and then by the downstream geophone. The geophones generate electrical signals that are fed to a comparator circuit which is connected to upstream and downstream indicators, one of which is activated when a pig passes the benchmark depending on whether the sound was first received by the upstream or downstream geophone. An alternate embodiment adds a magnetometer at the benchmark location capable of sensing changes in the ambient magnetic field caused by the passage of a pig.

Abstract: A detection method and system utilizing silicon models of the traveling wave structure of the human cochlea to spatially and temporally locate a specific sound source in the presence of high noise pandemonium. The detection system combines two-dimensional stereausis representations, which are output by at least three VLSI binaural hearing chips, to generate a three-dimensional stereausis representation including both binaural and spectral information which is then used to locate the sound source.

Abstract: A passive process for selectively sensing analyte molecules in a fluid by reflection of acoustic waves from a sensing surface of a bulk accoustive wave quartz sensing device to which analyte molecules bind is provided. The sensing surface has a plurality of receptors for which analyte molecules have an affinity. The process has the following steps:i) contacting a fluid in which analyte molecules are suspected with the sensing surface so that acoustic waves are reflected from the sensing surface;ii) directing acoustic waves at the sensing surface; andiii) detecting a change in a characteristic of acoustic waves reflected from the sensing surface due to analyte molecules binding the receptors. The change in a reflected acoustic wave characteristic being measured by electrical means detecting values which are related to the amplitude and phase of the reflected acoustic waves.

Abstract: A system for locating a fatigue point on a structure (10) employing a smart sensor patch (12) having three triangularly adjacent acoustic sensors (40 a,b,c). The smart sensor patch (12) has a local processor (34) associated therewith, which triangulates the location of the fatigue point.

Abstract: A system for detecting wood-destroying insects by sensing acoustic emissions generated by the insects as they feed. The system comprises two acoustic emission sensors, an amplification section, a signal processing section and an indicator section. The system comes into mechanical contact with the wood to be inspected through the use of a bolt which is inserted into the wood and attaches to an acoustic emission sensor or through the use of an adhesive layer which directly attaches an acoustic emission sensor to the wood. The acoustic emission sensors are electrically connected to the amplification section which is electrically connected to the signal processing section. The signal processing section is capable of distinguishing between insect-caused acoustic emissions and noise-caused acoustic emissions detected by the acoustic emission sensors. The results of the signal processing section are sent to the indicator section.

Abstract: A flexible mounting (2) having a ring made of elastomeric material (3) fixedly engaged between an inner metal collar (4) and an outer metal collar (5) is mechanically stressed so that it undergoes a gradual elastic deformation corresponding to a relative displacement of 15 mm between the collars in a period of 20 seconds. Acoustic transducers (7) carry out the detection of the acoustic emissions occurring within the mounting itself and caused by structural instabilities arising in the flexible mounting while it is deformed. The acoustic transducers convert the acoustic emissions to electric signals that, after suitable amplification and discrimination, provide a reliable quality evaluation of the mounting being tested.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a source of acoustic emission in a material comprises four spaced transducers coupled to the material. Each transducer produces an output signal corresponding to a detected acoustic emission activity, and each output signal is amplified, rectified and enveloped before being supplied to a processor. Artificially induced acoustic emission events, of known location, are generated in the material. The processor measures the times taken for each output signal corresponding to artificially induced acoustic emission events, to exceed two predetermined amplitudes from a datum time. A neural network analyzes the measured times to exceed the predetermined amplitudes for the output signals corresponding to the artificially induced acoustic emission events and infers the mathematical relationship between values of time and location of acoustic emission event.

Abstract: An electronic detection system for detecting vibration patterns from physical events, such as engine knocking or articulated speech, senses a vibration source with a wideband transducer to provide a sensed signal, then converts this signal to energy amplitude and spectral frequency form to extract detectable features of the vibration pattern. Events are detected when a controller determines that the sensed energy and spectral data exceed adaptively-predetermined energy and spectral thresholds, preferably for a duration exceeding predefined time windows.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing electrical signals corresponding to acoustic emissions produced in a machine or process comprises a transducer acoustically coupled to the machine or process, which detects the acoustic emissions and converts them into an output signal. The output signal is amplified by an amplifier, rectified and enveloped by an enveloper having a short time constant to produce an electrical signal. An enveloper having a long time constant, measures the mean level of the electrical signal. A DC component remover removes the DC component from the electrical signal and an enveloper, having a long time constant, measures the mean level of the rectified AC component of the electrical signal. A processor having a low sampling rate, measures a power of the ratio between the mean level of the rectified AC component of the electrical signal and the mean level of the electrical signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic adhesion/dehesion monitoring apparatus for monitoring the quality and/or adhesion/dehesion between first and second substrates comprising: (a) an ultrasonic source for transmitting ultrasonic energy to at least first and second substrates; (b) acoustic transducer means proximate to the ultrasonic source and/or the substrates; and (c) monitor means coupled to the acoustic transducer means for monitoring the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic source. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring the quality and/or adhesion/dehesion between first and second substrates in the ultrasonic adhesion/dehesion monitoring apparatus.

Abstract: A process and device for monitoring the chip-removing treatment of a workce by analyzing the sound emission detectable on the tool which is transformed into an electrical signal, filtered, and compared with respect to its amplitude determined over a predetermined period of time with a predetermined adaptable threshold value. The constituents contained in the sound emission signal of the continuous basic noise signal resulting from the cutting and friction noise, and of the pulse-type chip-break signals superposed with respect to this with a higher amplitude, are separated and separately analyzed and evaluated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a rupture initiation in an article. While a load is applied to the article repetitively, an elastic wave is monitored by an elastic wave sensor which converts it into an electric signal. The electric signal is fed to a signal transmission device having a capacity of transmitting low-frequency components of the electric signal. The transmitted electric signal is divided into successive signal segments. The successive signal segments are averaged to produce an averaged signal waveform informing the presence of a rupture initiation in the article.

Abstract: A method for predicting destruction of a bearing preliminarily finds frequency range of acoustic emission signals indicating fatigue of bearings. In order to find the fatigue-related frequency range, frequency components of electrical noise, mechanical noise, acoustic emissions (AE) due to slip of a bearing, and AE due to plastic-deformation of the bearing are respectively obtained under corresponding conditions, using a test equipment. Then, under a certain condition, combined AE signals of electrical noise, mechanical noise, slip-related AE, plastic-deformation-related AE and rolling-fatigue-related AE are generated. By subtracting the frequency components of electrical noise, mechanical noise, slip-related AE, plastic-deformation-related AE from frequency components of the combined AE signals, the fatigue-related frequency range is obtained. This frequency range is used to predict destruction of a bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for controlling a high pressure fluid leak, such as a combustible gas, by determining the leak rate of the fluid from the leak source utilizing sound sensors wherein the step of determining the leak rate includes the step of comparing the signals from the sound sensors with a known standard curve, and activating a controller for controlling the fluid to prevent the fluid from spreading in the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of applying a selected range of high frequency acoustic energy to the apical end of the eardrum of an ear canal at a predetermined, substantially absolute sound pressure level at any frequency in the range of interest. The selected range of frequencies is generated at a location remote from the ear canal and the sound pressure level of each frequency is varied at the time of generation in accordance with a calibration function to ensure the frequencies reaching the apical end of the eardrum are at the predetermined sound pressure level.The calibration function is calculated by transmitting an acoustic pulse of broad frequency spectrum into the ear canal, measuring the sound pressure of the transmitted acoustic pulse and reflection thereof adjacent the entrance of the ear canal, and removing from the spectrum of the measured sound pressure the destructive interference effects between the transmitted and reflected acoustic pulses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting defects in moving parts having a central rotating shaft, in particular shaft bearings, with the aid of an acoustic-electric transducer converting the mechanical acoustic vibrations received into electric signals to be processed in a signal processing circuit to signals indicative of the status of the parts, the improvement wherein the acoustic-electric transducer is centrally disposed on one end of the shaft so that it rotates therewith and receives vibrations therefrom, and wherein the acoustic-electric transducer comprises a piezoelectric element, and an amplifier having its control terminal coupled to the pass filter.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for separating hard objects, such as stones, from a stream of wood in an apparatus for conveying or manipulating logs or blocks of wood including a conveyor section. The device includes a transducer disposed in a location suited for the detection of vibration. The transducer registers acoustic vibrations and is connected to a control unit by means of which hard objects conveyed along with the wood stream can be detected on the basis of the vibration signals they generate. The control unit is also used to control an exit gear incorporated in the conveyor section, so that hard objects which are detected will fall down from the stream of wood passing through the apparatus. The invention eliminates the need to build water-operated stone catchers as conventionally used for the removal of stones.

Abstract: The tool monitor according to this invention comprises an acoustic emissions (AE) sensor to be mounted in the neighborhood of and without contact with a machine tool and a tool damage detection means adapted to detect any damage to a tool of the machine tool according to a level of an output AE signal within a predetermined frequency band generated from the AE sensor at the time of occurrence of damage. Since this AE sensor is not in contact with the machine tool spindle, work table or work piece, it is easy to set the sensitivity of the AE sensor and variations in the AE sensor output signal level are minimized. The AE sensor is also effectively protected against flying chips, and noise due to contact with the chips is reduced, thereby minimizing the possibility of erroneous operation.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a boiling detecting device for a stove. In particular, the boiling detecting device is directed to one utilizing vibration produced by the boiling water to trigger an electronic circuit to turn off the gas supply, or the stove's power supply, or the like. The device comprises a vibration detecting support, a vibration sensor, a frequency to voltage converter, a voltage detector, a driving stage, and safety device.

Abstract: A method for the determination of particle size and electric charge or zeta potential of particles dispersed in a fluid medium. The particle size and charge are determined from measurements of (1) the phase lag between an applied alternating electric field and the resulting particle velocity, and (2) the amplitude of the particle velocity. Also disclosed is the measurement of the interaction of sound waves and electric fields in the fluid medium over a range of frequencies to obtain the particle size and zeta potential.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for observing operating state of a mechanical seal are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sensor 1, amplifier 2,4, a root mean square value voltmeter 5 and a computer 7. Root mean square values of outputs of high frequency acoustic emission generated by a mechanical seal provided on a rotary machine are inputted in the computer 7 which performs operations to obtain a maximum value, a minimum value, a mean value and deviation of the continously measured root mean square values. The computer also computes the magnitude of each of the values, any tendency for variation thereof and their mutual relationships, whereby the operating state of the mechanical seal is judged in terms of damage of and the possibility of leakage of sealed fluid from the sliding surfaces of the mechanical seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting a void-related fault in a metal or metal alloy component. The method comprising filling the fault with a fluid, preferably liquid; treating the component and fluid so as to produce thermal-excitation in the component and fluid; and thereby cause a detectable acoustic signal. The detection of the signal detects the presence of a void-related fault. The invention also provides a method of locating and characterizing a void-related fault which comprises detection of the fault as described, measuring the parameters of the acoustic signal and the conditions for producing the signal, and correlating the parameters and conditions with the location and characteristics of the fault. The invention is particularly useful for the detection of microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC). The invention also concerns a method of evaluating a component for the severity of a void-related damage.

Abstract: A transducer acoustic emission testing of a structural part includes a commercially available accelerometer having at least one piezoelectric element and one seismic mass. The accelerometer is typically tuned to a resonant frequency substantially between 1 kHz and 100 kHz. The accelerometer is coupled to the structural part in a frequency range substantially from 0.1 MHz to 2 Mhz.

Abstract: The stress-wave activity produced by the interaction between a writing instrument and a surface during the generation of a given piece of handwriting on the surface is detected and stored. The stress-wave activity produced by a subsequent generation of the given piece of handwriting is then compared with that produced by the initial piece of handwriting in order to determine whether the initial and subsequent handwriting pieces have a common author.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the surface roughness of a material comprised of an acoustic element which is pivotally mounted to a support structure containing a polished end which is maneuvered into contact with the surface of a material to be tested by a spring element. The material is caused to move relative to the acoustic element by a driven roller. A transducer is acoustically coupled to the acoustic element and detects stress waves propagating in the acoustic element as a result of frictional and impact force generated by the rubbing of the acoustic element with the material. The relative stress wave activity is dependent upon the surface roughness of the material. A processor analyzes an electrical signal produced by the transducer to determine the surface roughness of the material which may analyze the electrical signal produced by the transducer to determine the presence of impurities on the surface of the material.

Abstract: The invention simulates acoustic emission signals produced by crack growth within a structure so that listening equipment may properly be calibrated to listen for acoustic emission signals from actual structural crack growth. The invention has several embodiments which generate acoustic emission signals from a crack growing in a specimen such that the acoustic emission signals have a broad bandwidth as the crack grows. The acoustic emission signals produced by the growing crack can be introduced into a structure being monitored through a cone-shaped portion which is bonded to the structure being monitored.

Abstract: The apparatus for acoustic-emission inspection of articles has channels e including a series connection of a transducer of acoustic emission signals, positionable on an article under inspection, and an amplifier of electric signals, having connected to its output a unit for measuring the parameters of acoustic emission signals and a shaper of single pulses, of which the output is connected to the first input of a unit for measuring time intervals. The other input of the unit for measuring time intervals of each channel is connected to the output of a clock pulse generator. The output of the clock pulse generator is also connected to the input of a frequency divider. The apparatus further comprises an OR gate of which the inputs, in a number equalling the number of the channels, are connected to the outputs of the shapers of single pulses of each channel, and the output is connected to the third inputs of the units for measuring time intervals in each channel.

Abstract: A non-invasive system and method is provided for the inspection of check valves which combines acoustic and magnetic techniques. The acoustic and magnetic techniques are used to measure check valve disk motion and internal impacts or vibrations resulting from the disk motion.

Abstract: Detection, and optionally quantification, of insect infestation in an agricultural commodity is provided by a pitfall probe trap which permits detection of the presence or absence of live insects in the trap and optionally estimation of the number of insects in the trap. The present invention may be utilized to detect infestation by a variety of different insects such as: red flour beetle, lesser grain borer, rice weevil, rusty grain beetle, and saw tooth grain beetle; in numerous types of agricultural commodities including corn, wheat, rice, seeds, nuts, oats, barley, cotton or any similar commodity which may be infested during storage. Various embodiments are disclosed including use of the traps in a device for telemetry, in various container means for containing an agricultural commodity including e.g. truck, ship, railroad car or storage bin such as a silo or grain elevator.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing acoustic emissions or stress waves in order to recognize features indicative of variations in the process producing the acoustic emissions. The apparatus comprises a transducer acoustically coupled to a machine or industrial process and arranged to detect the acoustic emissions and produce an electrical signal. The electrical signal is amplified by an amplifier and the mean level of the electrical signal is measured by a mean level detector and the minimum level of the electrical signal is measured by a minimum level detector. A ratio measurer measures the ratio of the mean level of the electrical signal to the minimum level of the electrical signal. This method is self compensating for variations in the operating conditions of the machine or industrial process, is not significantly affected by electromagnetic switching transients, and can cope with very high numbers of transient excursions.

Abstract: Method for predicting destruction of a rolling bearing using an apparatus which has a sensor for detecting acoustic emission signals from a rolling bearing, a plurality of band-pass filters which have different specific frequency pass bands within the range of 150-400 KHz, first comparators for comparing outputs from the band-pass filters with their respective reference values for the specific frequency bands, time-measuring devices for measuring time during which the outputs from the band-pass filters exceed the reference values, and second comparators for comparing the time measured with a further reference value. Of all signals detected by the sensor, only those that have frequencies of 150-400 KHz pass the corresponding band-pass filters, and then are compared with their respective reference values. The first comparators signal to the time-measuring devices when the outputs from the band-pass filters exceed the reference values.

Abstract: An acoustic emission waveguide (10) for holding a test sample (29) in a hostile environment and guiding ultrasonic waves to a transducer (34) disposed in a non-hostile environment. The waveguide (10) includes a flattened test sample attachment end (15) having a flat bar clamp (22) to hold test specimens (29) thereto. The transducer attachment end (17) includes a clamp (32) which holds the transducer (34) firmly against the waveguide end (17) and against a threaded nut (30) which increases the surface area of the end (17) of the waveguide, such that enhanced acoustic transmission to the transducer (34) is achieved. A couplant grease is utilized in the test sample clamp (20) and in the transducer attachment clamp (32) to enhance the transmission of acoustic energy from the test sample (29) to the waveguide rod (12) and from the rod (12) to the transducer (34).

Abstract: Acoustic leak detection systems for boilers use wave guide tubes to conduct sound waves through the boiler wall for an environmentally safe location of microphones or transducers. To protect such wave guides from soot plugging, the boiler wall penetrating end of a wave guide is reciprocationally mounted within a soot shield. Linear motors mounted between the wave guide and soot shield base stroke the wave guide axially within the shield to dislodge accumulated soot upon command signal. Compressed air released from within the wave guide, also upon command signal, ejects loose soot particles from interior wave guide surfaces.

Abstract: Grain-destroying insects, and those which may infect other types of particulate matter, when feeding and moving about, induce vibrations in the grain or particulate material affected which is modified and amplified to an audible level. The detection is performed using a crystal with piezoelectric properties directly and physically connected to a vibratory receiving structure such as an elongated probe, a thin, flat diaphragm or the like which mechanically amplifies the vibrations to the crystal. The vibratory sounds are then analyzed, such as by comparison with other records of known destructive insects to determine the probable species of insect and its location.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing emission signals emanating from a test medium for the purpose of determining characteristics of the test medium. The system and method utilize adaptive neural processing to prognosticate futurThis invention was made in part with government support under grant No. MSM 8405466, awarded by the National Institute of Health; and under grant No. N0014-85-K-0595, awarded by the Office of Naval Research. The government has certain rights in the invention.

Abstract: A sensor unit is disclosed for use in monitoring in situ changes in dynamic and static stress properties of any material to be monitored, such as monolithic concrete or underground rock structures. The sensor unit includes a hollow, waterproof tubular body to be inserted into a cylindrical borehole in the material to be monitored. A transducer is mounted within the body, which by means of strain gauges, provides an output signal responsive to deflection of the sidewall of the borehole. The transducer is coupled to the sidewall by means of pressure buttons. A monitor is also disclosed, which comprises the sensor unit, a data collection unit and a data analyzing unit. A method for sensing dynamic and static changes in material stresses is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for monitoring combustion efficiency of a burner with a burner fe has an acoustic sensor probe positioned within the burner, flame signature generating circuitry responsive to the acoustic probe, means for correlating flame signatures with known optimum efficiency characteristics to yield an indication of relative combustion efficiency, and output means for display of the relative combustion efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the structural acoustic signature of a structural member in response to a transient load, corresponding to detected vibration frequencies transmitted by the structural member including the fundamental and harmonic frequencies of the structural member, to determine changes in structural integrity and to determine the nature and type of transient loads. The structural acoustic signature of the structural member in a first condition in response to a first transient load is compared to a structural acoustic signature from a second transient load whereby differences in the signatures correspond to the occurrence of changes in the elastic qualities or condition of the structural member. The signatures are preferably evaluated in the frequency domain. The nature and type of transient load can be determined by evaluating the waveform shape of a structural member in response to the unknown load against a history of waveform shapes corresponding to known loads.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for separating hard objects, such as stones, from a stream of wood in an apparatus for conveying or manipulating logs or blocks of wood including a conveyor section. The device includes a transducer disposed in a location suited for the detection of vibration. The transducer registers acoustic vibrations and is connected to a control unit by means of which hard objects conveyed along with the wood stream can be detected on the basis of the vibration signals they generate. The control unit is also used to control an exit gear incorporated in the conveyor section, so that hard objects which are detected will fall down from the stream of wood passing through the apparatus. The invention eliminates the need to build water-operated stone catchers as conventionally used for the removal of stones.