Abstract: A Stall Warning System (SWS) utilizing the detection and analysis of stress waves, (i.e., ultrasound) emitted by combustion and/or turbulent flow processes of an apparatus, such as a turbine engine, for example. Upon detection of an impending stall condition, the SWS can inform the operator, inform another electronic device (computer, etc.) and/or latch the event for review by maintenance personnel.

Abstract: An AE detector has an AE sensor and a destruction judging section. The destruction judging section judges it as a warning of destruction of a bearing when there are a predetermined number or more of points defined by parameters calculated based on signals from the AE sensor in a predetermined region of a parameter space defined by a plurality of parameters which can be created based on the signals from the AE sensor.

Abstract: In a first object the present invention provides a method for the inspection of the quality of the sealing of a packages and more specifically the method of the present invention allows the on-line inspection of the air-tightness of a package. Said method comprising the following steps of (i) acquiring the noise signal generated by the sealing equipment during the sealing of the package, (ii) analyzing the signal in order to determine the values of at least one physical parameter characterizing the noise signal and (iii) deciding on the quality of the sealing by comparing the determined value to a reference value for said physical parameter.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the operating state of a curable composition utilizes an acoustic wave or signal transmitted into a container holding the composition. In one embodiment, characteristics of a reflected component of the acoustic signal are measured and correlated to pre-determined values indicative of one or more operating states, or degrees of curing, of the composition. In another embodiment, characteristics of a transmitted component of the acoustic signal are measured and correlated. The characteristics include, for example, the speed of sound through the curable composition or the attenuation of the acoustic signal reflected by or transmitted through the composition.

Abstract: A photoacoustic imaging apparatus is equipped with: light generating means, for emitting measuring light; light irradiating means, for irradiating the measuring light onto a target; ultrasound detecting means, for detecting ultrasonic waves which are generated in the target portion by the irradiation of the measuring light; and tomographic image obtaining means, for obtaining a tomographic image of the target based on signals of the detected ultrasonic waves. The light generating means includes a pulse laser and light modulating means, which are employed to emit a pulse train having a plurality of pulse beams having pulse widths within a range from 1 nsec to 100 nsec as the measuring light. The tomographic image obtaining means generates processed signals by performing a correlating process between transmission signals of the pulse train and the signals of the ultrasonic waves, and obtains the tomographic image of the target based on the processed signals.

Abstract: A method for inspecting at least one rotor blade of a wind turbine for damage, such as subsurface blade cracks, includes the steps of: attaching at least one acoustic emission sensor to a surface of a rotor blade to be inspected, exciting oscillations in the rotor blade for a time period, measuring activity signals of the oscillations in the rotor blade with the at least one acoustic emission sensor, and detaching the at least one acoustic emission sensor from the surface of the rotor blade after the inspection. An inspection system for a rotor blade of a wind turbine is also contemplated.

Abstract: A spot welding inspecting apparatus is provided with: a gun chip; a signal transmitting part; an ultrasonic sensor; an inner cylinder; a through hole; a partitioning cylinder; a first flow path; a second flow path; and a third flow path. The inner cylinder is inserted to an outer cylinder of spot welding gun and holds the ultrasonic sensor. The through hole is provided on the inner cylinder. The partitioning cylinder surrounds the through hole and is inserted into a gap between the ultrasonic sensor and the outer cylinder. The first flow path is formed between the inner cylinder and the partitioning cylinder by passing the through hole from an inner portion of the inner cylinder. The second flow path is formed at the gun chip to be circulated around a front end of the partitioning cylinder. The third flow path is formed between the outer cylinder and the partitioning cylinder. A cooling agent flows in an order of the first flow path, the second flow path and the third flow path.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor configured to detect sound waves traveling through a substrate in which the acoustic sensor is embedded. The acoustic sensor includes a piezoelectric element and mass configured to receive and react to sound waves in three dimensions. Also, methods of using the acoustic sensor to receive sound waves traveling through a substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for range dependent weighting in ultrasound imaging. The system includes a transducer array, a data acquisition system, and an imaging processor. The transducer array receives a first ultrasound beam having a first focal depth. The data acquisition system receives a first ultrasound imaging signal from the array. The first signal includes first image data based on at least the first ultrasound beam. The imaging processor combines a first data contribution from the first image data with at least second image data from a second ultrasound imaging signal to create a spatially compounded image. The first data contribution is based on at least the focal depth of the first beam.

Abstract: A device for non-destructive testing of a structure likely to contain a defect, including means for measuring vibratory waves emitted by the structure at different points of a surface of the structure, the measuring means being integrated in a flexible housing capable of adhering on the surface of the structure to be tested. The disclosed embodiments are applicable to all industrial sectors where testing of the integrity of structures is important, in particular in areonautics.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the operating state of a curable composition utilizes an acoustic wave or signal transmitted into a container holding the composition. In one embodiment, characteristics of a reflected component of the acoustic signal are measured and correlated to pre-determined values indicative of one or more operating states, or degrees of curing, of the composition. In another embodiment, characteristics of a transmitted component of the acoustic signal are measured and correlated. The characteristics include, for example, the speed of sound through the curable composition or the attenuation of the acoustic signal reflected by or transmitted through the composition.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a sensor, a sensor so fabricated, and a method for sensing a stimulus are provided. The method includes providing an elongated open channel, such as, a V-groove, in a substrate, the open channel providing a first surface; removing at least some material from at least a portion of the open channel to provide a second surface displaced from the first surface; positioning a diaphragm on the second surface; and positioning an elongated wave-guide having a beveled end in the elongated open channel wherein the beveled end is positioned over the diaphragm to define an interferometric cavity between the diaphragm and the outer surface of the wave-guide. The sensor so fabricated can provide an effective sensor for detecting acoustic emission waves, among other pressure waves.

Abstract: An arrangement and method are provided for acoustographic diagnosis of abnormalities of a product, such as motor vehicle, that includes associating psychoacoustic vector beam data with a three-dimensional graphic surface model, and analyzing the three-dimensional graphic surface model to identify at least a portion thereof associated with unacceptable psychoacoustic levels.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic detector for detecting an ultrasonic wave, an acoustic matching member joined to the ultrasonic detector, a housing in which the ultrasonic detector and the acoustic matching member are accommodated, a vibration isolator located between the acoustic matching member and an inner side wall of the housing to damp an unwanted vibration from outside, and a cushion member located between the ultrasonic detector and an inner bottom wall of the housing to absorb external force applied to the ultrasonic sensor The cushion member is not in contact with the acoustic matching member.

Abstract: The acoustic chamber for the detection of insects provides for the acoustic detection of insects living within the trunk of a tree. The chamber includes an annular shell disposed around the trunk of the tree to define an annular acoustic or sound chamber. Acoustic sensors are mounted in the shell walls. The acoustic sensors may be microphones that extend from the shell to be in direct contact with the tree trunk, or microphones spaced apart from the tree trunk, or other suitable acoustic transducers. The acoustic sensors are connected to data processing equipment for analyzing sounds picked up by the sensors for acoustic signals indicative of insect infestation.

Abstract: An anomaly diagnosis apparatus for analyzing sound or vibration data produced by a machine installation and diagnosing the presence or absence of an anomaly in a sliding member in the machine installation which is made up of a diagnosis processing server (1) and a user information processing terminal (3) which are connected through a network (2). The diagnosis processing server (1) receives the sound or vibration data produced by the machine installation and information for identifying the sliding member used with the machine installation through the network (2) from the user information processing terminal 3, makes an anomaly diagnosis of the machine installation based on the received data, and transmits the diagnosis result through the network (2) to the user information processing terminal (3), thereby lightening the burden of the user and executing anomaly diagnosis processing promptly.

Abstract: A photoacoustic spectrometer apparatus adapted to enable an observation and characterisation of non-radiative sub bandgap defects in narrow and large bandgap materials using photoacoustic spectroscopy techniques, the apparatus providing for an irradiation of a sample material provided within a photoacoustic cell and the subsequent detection and processing of an acoustic signal emitted by the sample, the apparatus comprising a light source having a polychromatic output substantially in the photonic energy range 0.5 eV to 6.2 eV, focusing means adapted to couple the output from the light source onto the sample material, the focusing means providing for an alignment and focusing of the light emitted from the light source so as to provide a substantially parallel incident light onto the sample material, and means for detecting and acquiring the acoustic signal emitted by the sample in response to the irradiation.

Abstract: Sensors affixed to various such structures, where the sensors can withstand, remain affixed, and operate while undergoing both cryogenic temperatures and high vibrations. In particular, piezoelectric single crystal transducers are utilized, and these sensors are coupled to the structure via a low temperature, heat cured epoxy. This allows the transducers to monitor the structure while the engine is operating, even despite the harsh operating conditions. Aspects of the invention thus allow for real time monitoring and analysis of structures that operate in conditions that previously did not permit such analysis. A further aspect of the invention relates to use of piezoelectric single crystal transducers. In particular, use of such transducers allows the same elements to be used as both sensors and actuators.

Abstract: An automated crack detection system and method for determining a crack initiation potential of a vehicle closure includes a vehicle closure operatively mounted to a vehicle. One or more specific locations on the vehicle closure are identified for monitoring and one or more sensors are mounted on the vehicle closure at the one or more specific locations identified. A signal analyzer assembly is linked to the one or more sensors for receiving acoustic emission signals therefrom when the vehicle closure is repeatedly opened and closed. The signal analyzer assembly compares the signals received to a predetermined threshold to determine a crack initiation potential of said vehicle closure.

Abstract: System and method for automatically measuring the delay of tissue motion and deformation. For example, asynchrony may be measured between the left and right ventricles and within the left ventricle. A measurement feature may be defined by default or obtained using a user input. A reference time and a search interval are identified. The search interval may be based on the reference time, or input or modified by a user. A time delay of the measurement feature within the search interval is calculated for each sample. At least one color is assigned to the samples corresponding to the calculated time delay.

Abstract: An acoustic pick-up, particularly an ultrasonic pick-up for acoustically diagnosing machines, for example, for detecting leakage in valves or for diagnosing positions, comprising a piezoelectric measuring element and an electronic circuit that processes the measurement signal into a form that is suited for transmission to an evaluation device. In order that the acoustic pick-up can function without an external auxiliary power supply, means are provided by means of which auxiliary power required for operating the electronic circuit can be generated from the acoustic signal to be picked up.

Abstract: There is provided a condition detection apparatus for detecting a present operating condition of a linear rolling motion guide apparatus, and the condition detection apparatus includes an AE sensor 1 for detecting a waveform elastically generated at least due to rolling of balls included in the linear rolling motion guide apparatus and mutual collision of the balls and generating an electric detection signal corresponding the detected waveform, a waveform shaping unit 2, an A/D converter 3, and a signal processing unit 4 judging a content of the operation condition in response to the generated detected signal Sae.

Abstract: A condition detection apparatus comprising an AE sensor 1 that detects AE waves, which elastically-occur when a plurality of balls included in an LM system self-rotate and revolve within a circulation section at the same time, and generates detection signals Sae, and a signal processing unit 4 that generates a first parameter indicating an intensity of the AE waves based on the generated detection signals Sae, generates based on the detection signals Sae a second parameter by weighting only detection signals Sae temporally-continuously detected among the detection signals Sae, generates based on the detection signals Sae a third parameter by weighting only detection signals Sae temporally-discontinuously detected in correspondence with the movement of the balls among the detection signals Sae, and judges contents of an operational condition of the LM system using any one of the first, second or third parameter, is provided to enable prognosis of occurrences of failures in the LM system, to improve maintainabi

Abstract: Devices for monitoring structural health conditions of host structures. A device includes at least one optical fiber sensor and an electronic module. The optical fiber sensor includes a rolled optical fiber cable operative to generate a frequency shift of a light signal passing therethrough and a coating layer applied to the rolled optical cable. The frequency shift is commensurate with vibration of the host structure. The electronic module sends an input light signal to the optical fiber sensor, receives a sensor signal from the optical fiber sensor, and processes the sensor signal.

Abstract: A system and method for Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) device characterization. The system comprising a stimulator for stimulating the device to generate phonons in the device; a detector for detecting the generated phonons; a converter for converting the phonons into a signal representative of displacement of a MEMS component of the device.

Abstract: A method of detecting an event in a structure using a device having sensors and at least one actuator includes sending a signal from the at least one actuator encapsulated in the device, returning a reflected wave signal from the event to each of the sensors in the device, determining a respective duration of time for which the signal travels from the event to each of the sensors, and calculating a location of the event by using differences in the respective durations of time for which the signal travels from the event to each of the sensors to determine an angle and a distance at which the event is positioned.

Abstract: An acoustic emission measuring device in which a piezoelectric element (63) used as an AE sensor is secured to the inner ring (62) of a ball bearing (61) fixedly fitted onto a rotating shaft (60). The axial end face of a roughly tire-shaped case (65), which is capable of rotating in synchronism with the inner ring (62) and storing a first coil in which a current flows from the piezoelectric element (63), is secured to the inner ring (62). The axial end face of a roughly tire-shaped case (66) for storing a second coil is secured to an outer ring (64). The first coil and the second coil are oppositely disposed radially outside of the rotating shaft (60) so that the first coil and the second coil can face each other in the radial direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for enabling the testing and evaluation of industrial machine components and, in particular, gas turbine engine components, under simulated in-situ thermal operating conditions for effectively evaluating new component designs and repair techniques. A specimen machine component/part is placed in a test chamber and cyclically heated and cooled while being monitored to obtain information regarding the initiation and propagation of a crack within the structure of the component. Information regarding the number of heating and cooling cycles sustained by the component until crack initiation and information indicating the rate of crack propagation are acquired and compared over multiple heating-cooling cycles to evaluate components and repair techniques.

Abstract: A method for measuring variations of the surface of an object using acoustic energy in the audio range is provided. Imaging fine surface roughness on the order of few microns is achievable by using a vibroacoustography technique. This technique provides a method for imaging surface roughness on the basis of an ultrasound radiation force that stimulates acoustic emissions at an ultrasound standing wave field. The present invention may be employed as a tool for the nondestructive inspection and imaging of the surface variations of an object.

Abstract: Acoustic sensing devices, systems and methods are provided for monitoring emissions from machinery. Representative is an acoustic sensing device for transmitting to a measuring instrumentation detection signals indicative of sound wave levels from the machinery. A housing assembly is constructed for removable attachment between a surface mounting region of the machinery and the measuring instrument to define a coupled state. An acoustic emissions (AE) sensor is located in the housing assembly's interior and detects sound waves propagating through the surface mounting region to produce detection signals for processing. A mounting adapter may be employed to interface the housing assembly to the machinery's surface mounting region.

Abstract: A system for locating a failure event in a sample is disclosed. The system includes at least one sensor configured to detect acoustic energy corresponding to the failure event in the sample. The system also includes an infrared camera configured to detect a thermal release of energy corresponding to the failure event in the sample.

Abstract: There is described a diagnosis method and system comprising a sensor for structure-borne noise which emits a measuring signal in a bandwidth-filtered manner due to its mechanical resonant frequency, its capacity and an inductance. The system also comprises an evaluation device in which the measuring signal is subsampled measuring signal exceeds a defined threshold value. The system requires only a small number of electronic components and only little power supply capacity, thereby allowing diagnosis to be carried out without complication in existing devices, especially in field devices of process instrumentation for which only a limited amount of operating power is available. The method and system are especially advantageous for the recognition of valve leakage with an electropneumatic position controller.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to systems and methods for acoustic monitoring of metallurgical furnace cooling elements. Some metallurgical furnaces have a tapblock that is blocked during operation of the furnace. The tapblock may be opened by lancing, drilling, tapping or by other means to release metal from the furnace. By monitoring acoustic emissions during the opening process, feedback may be provided to improve the opening process and to avoid excessive damage to the tapblock, the cooling elements, a refractory lining of the tapblock or other elements of the metallurgical furnace.

Abstract: There is described a diagnosis method and a system comprising a structure-born noise sensor which transmits, in a bandpass filtered manner, a measuring signal based on the mechanical resonance frequency and capacity thereof and on an inductance and an evaluating device in which the frequency, at which the measuring signal level exceeds a predetermined threshold value, is defined and which is used for producing an error signal, when the frequency exceeds a second predetermined threshold value. As far as the diagnosis performance requires a small number of electronic components and a low power supply, the diagnostic can be integrated into existing devices, in particular into process instrumentation field devised for which a restricted quantity of operating power is available. The method and the system can be used for identifying a valve leakage with the aid of an electro-pneumatic positional regulator.

Abstract: A detection system for monitoring an engineered structure includes an array of sensors disposable in a predetermined pattern on the engineered structure and disposable between a surface of the engineered structure and a protective coating substantially covering the surface. The detection system also includes a controller in communication with the array of sensors for retrieving data from the sensors. The controller communicates with the sensor array via an optical fiber backbone. The array of sensors can remotely provide data corresponding to at least one of a degree of cure of the protective coating, a health of the cured protective coating, and a corrosion rate of the engineered structure at each of the sensors.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for detecting structural damage in a structure by detecting acoustic emissions from damage in a structure to obtain acoustic emission data, and processing the acoustic emission data in accordance with a model characterising acoustic paths.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subterranean termites, involving use of a thermal imaging camera to scan the structure before installation of an acoustic sensor in order to quickly locate potential areas of subterranean termite infestation, and an acoustic sensor in the form of an accelerometer or the disclosed innovative acoustic sensors having a bandwidth of at least 100 Hz to 15 kHz to detect noises made by the subterranean termites. Information collected by the acoustic sensor may be transmitted to a portable mini-computer (pocket PC) for confirmation and to a central operations center for inclusion in a comprehensive database of termite data and information.

Abstract: A device for use in detecting structural damage includes at least one piezoelectric wafer that has a sensor, and an actuator in-plane with the sensor. At least one of the sensor and the actuator at least partially surrounds the other of the sensor and the actuator such that the piezoelectric wafer provides radial detection of structural occurrences in a material.

Abstract: Voltage is applied to a chip TP by a voltage drive unit 30 through a probe needle P to move a movable part of a microstructure. A sound produced in response to motion of the movable part of the microstructure is detected by a microphone 3. Then, the sound detected by the microphone 3 is measured by a measurement unit 25. The control unit 20 evaluates the characteristics of the tested chip TP by comparing with a sound detected from an ideal chip TP.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating pressure containers made of a composite material by acoustic emission testing.

Abstract: A method for testing tubing having the following steps: plastically deforming the tubing with a tubing handling system, the tubing handling system having a reel, a gooseneck and an injector; sensing with at least one sensor acoustic emissions emitted by the tubing during the deforming; and processing acoustic emission signals sensed from the tubing during the deforming. A system for testing a coiled tubing, the system having: a tubing handling system, the tubing handling system having a reel, a gooseneck and an injector; at least one acoustic emission sensor mounted on the tubing handling system and in direct contact with the tubing; and an acoustic emission signal processor in signal transmission communication with the at least one acoustic emission sensor.

Abstract: A method, system and program storage device are provided for machine diagnostics, detection and profiling using pressure waves, the method including profiling known sources, acquiring pressure wave data, analyzing the acquired pressure wave data, and detecting if the analyzed pressure wave data matches a profiled known source; the system including a processor, a pressure wave transducer in signal communication with the processor, a pressure wave analysis unit in signal communication with the processor, and a source or threat detection unit in signal communication with the processor; and the program storage device including program steps for profiling known sources, acquiring pressure wave data, analyzing the acquired pressure wave data, and detecting if the analyzed pressure wave data matches a profiled known source.

Abstract: A method for both detecting and analyzing a change in the loading condition of a structure. A flexible substrate is employed, in which a distributed network of sensors is built. This substrate is either affixed to the surface of the structure, or built within it, so as to be able to detect propagating stress waves. After load change is detected, the resulting sensor signals are analyzed to determine the location, severity, and/or any characteristic frequencies of the load change. This information is then used to determine an appropriate response.

Abstract: There are provided an inspection device, an inspection method, and an inspection program for accurately inspecting a minute structure having a movable portion by using a simple method. A test sound wave is inputted and frequency characteristic of a sensor output voltage amplitude responding to the input of the test sound wave is analyzed. The maximum frequency and the minimum frequency of the device is calculated from estimated use conditions and it is judged whether it is possible to detect a desired characteristic in the frequency band. More specifically, the device is judged to be good or bad depending whether the response characteristic in a predetermined frequency band exceeds the minimum characteristic level as a threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for seismic data acquisition. One embodiment of the method includes accessing data acquired by at least two particle motion sensors. The data includes a seismic signal and a noise signal and the at least two particle motion sensors being separated by a length determined based on a noise coherence length. The method may also include processing the accessed data to remove a portion of the noise signal.

Abstract: A spiral wound module assembly comprising: a permeate collection tube, at least one membrane envelope wound about the permeate collection tube, an outer module housing, and at least one acoustic transducer located adjacent to the permeate collection tube. Several embodiments are disclosed including a stand-alone probe adapted for insertion into the permeate collection tube. In several other embodiments, one or more transducers are secured to the inner surface of the permeate collection tube.

Abstract: An embodiment of the disclosed method and apparatus relates to a system for detecting a rub in a turbomachine. The system includes a turbomachine; sensors monitoring turbomachine conditions; and an on site monitor in communication with the sensors, and loaded with instructions to implement a method for detecting a rub in the turbomachine.

Abstract: Acoustic emissions are detected by reflecting microwave radar signals off of an object, receiving reflected radar signals, generating an intermediate frequency, and filtering the intermediate frequency to remove low frequency signals associated with object movement and not acoustic emissions. A microwave Doppler radar detector provides the signals, a band-pass filter filters the intermediate frequency signal, and resulting signal is collected and analyzed to establish a relationship between the acoustic emission and the filtered signal. One application described is detecting tool wear using a microwave Doppler-based acoustic emission sensor and predicting tool wear based on the detected acoustic emission.

Abstract: A tank having a system for monitoring the structural conditions of the tank. The tank includes: an inner liner adapted to contain a gas thereinside and to prevent permeation of the gas therethrough; a shell surrounding the inner liner; and a plurality of diagnostic network patches (DNP) attached to the outside surface of the shell. Each DNP is able to operate as a transmitter patch or a sensor patch, where the transmitter patch is able to transmit a diagnostic signal and the sensor patch is able to receive the diagnostic signal. The diagnostic signal received by the DNP is analyzed to monitor the structural conditions of the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting behavior of one or more pieces of equipment of a system within a facility are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes an array of acoustic sensors respectively positioned at a variety of respective locations within the facility, where each of the respective acoustic sensors detects respective sounds arriving at the respective sensor from the system, including the piece of equipment. The apparatus further includes a processing device coupled to the acoustic sensors of the array, where the processing device monitors sonic information provided by the acoustic sensors in response to the sounds detected by the acoustic sensors, and detects inappropriate behavior of the piece of equipment based upon the monitored sonic information.