Abstract: Some disclosed implementations include an ultrasonic sensor stack and an acoustic resonator. The acoustic resonator may be configured to enhance ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic sensor stack in an ultrasonic frequency range that is suitable for ultrasonic fingerprint sensors. In some examples, the acoustic resonator may include one or more low-impedance layers residing between a first higher-impedance layer and a second higher-impedance layer. Each of the one or more low-impedance layers may have a lower acoustic impedance than an acoustic impedance of the first higher-impedance layer or an acoustic impedance of the second higher-impedance layer. At least one low-impedance layer may have a thickness corresponding to a multiple of a half wavelength at a peak frequency of the acoustic resonator. The peak frequency may be within a frequency range from 1 MHz. to 20 MHz.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for tagging and acoustically characterizing containers.

Abstract: The present invention is a display device, comprising a display module, a fingerprint recognition module and a speaker module. The back of the display module is provided with a fingerprint recognition module and a speaker module. A common electrode layer is arranged between the fingerprint recognition module and the speaker module, so that the thickness of the display can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: An assembly for determining a type of a fluid, the assembly configured to be mounted to a tank containing the fluid, comprises an ultrasound sending/receiving subassembly and a processor module. The ultrasound sending/receiving subassembly is configured to send a plurality of ultrasound signals into the fluid and receive the ultrasound signals reflected from the fluid. An ultrasound signal of the plurality of ultrasound signals has at least a first frequency and a second frequency different from the first frequency. The processor module is adapted to determine an attenuation of the ultrasound signal at the first frequency and at the second frequency.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for tagging and acoustically characterizing containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to control of a flotation separation process, including parameters of the flotation process and reagent addition to optimize mineral recovery. The apparatus includes a signal processor or processing module configured at least to receive signalling containing information about at least one acoustic characteristic of a froth layer in a flotation cell or tank of a flotation separation process; and determine a control characteristic related to the flotation separation process based at least partly on the signalling received. The signal processor or processing module may also be configured at least to: provide corresponding signalling containing information to control the flotation separation process based at least partly on the control characteristic determined.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for determining a chance of success for a prospect including two or more segments. The method may include receiving seismic data indicative of a plurality of anomalies in a prospect. The prospect may include a plurality of segments. Prior probabilities of success and failure scenarios may be computed for at least one of the segments of the prospect. Likelihoods of the anomalies may be determined given the success and failure scenarios for the at least one of the segments. At least two of the segments may be classified into a direct fluid indicator dependency group. A degree of correlation may be determined between the anomalies for the direct fluid indicator dependency group. A posterior chance of success may be determined for the prospect based at least in part on the degree of correlation between the anomalies.

Abstract: There is provided a bonded substrate including: a quartz substrate; and a piezoelectric substrate which is bonded on the quartz substrate and on which a surface acoustic wave propagates, wherein the quartz substrate and the piezoelectric substrate are bonded at a bonding interface through covalent bonding, and a surface acoustic wave element having a higher phase velocity and a higher electromechanical coupling factor than conventional one is obtained by disposing an interdigital electrode on a principal surface of the piezoelectric substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a method for testing impedance characteristic and expansion performance of a sound absorption material. The device includes a first cavity and a second cavity which are both sealed. The first cavity is communicated with the second cavity through a slit channel. The second cavity is used for placing a sound absorption material therein. The device further includes a sound excitation source whose sounding face is located in the first cavity and used to provide a testing sound pressure. The device further includes two sound pickup sensors whose sound pickup surfaces are respectively arranged in the first cavity and the second cavity and respectively used to detect sound pressure in the first cavity and the second cavity. The device further includes a material for enclosing the first cavity and the second cavity is a hard sound insulation material.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or signal processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about a radiation impedance of a piston vibrating a process medium, including a fluid or slurry; and determine a speed of sound or density measurement related to the process medium, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor or signal processing module may determine a speed of sound measurement related to the process medium, based on at least partly on the density of the process medium, including where the density of the process medium is known, assumed or determined by the signal processor or signal processing module, or determine a density measurement related to the process medium, based on at least partly on the speed at which sound travels in the process medium, including where the speed of sound of the process medium is known, assumed or determined by the signal processor or signal processing module.

Abstract: A system for enhancing the separation of particles or fluids from water is disclosed. A settling tank or skim tank is provided with an open submersible acoustophoretic separator. In a skim tank, the separator captures and holds oil droplets or particles, permitting them to coalesce until they are large enough and have sufficient buoyant force to float to the top of the tank. In a settling or sediment tank, separator captures and holds particles until they are large enough that the force of gravity causes them to settle out of the water. The acoustophoretic device thus speeds up separation of the particles or droplets from the water.

Abstract: A sensor device described having a sensor, in particular an ultrasound sensor, having a generating and detecting arrangement to generate and detect waves, in particular sound waves, the detection arrangement converting received waves into electric signals, and the electric signals being evaluable by an evaluation unit. A function-monitoring device is configured to determine an impedance characteristic curve of the sensor as a function of an excitation frequency is provided. Also described is a method for operating the sensor device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor of the present invention is attached to the back face of a bumper 4, and provided with a matching member 3 that is in intimate contact with the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic sensor and the opposing face of the bumper 4 and that has an acoustic impedance smaller than each of the impedances of the sensor and the bumper.

Abstract: A method for in situ monitoring of a membrane of a membrane separation system comprises measuring a complex impedance of the membrane at a plurality of frequencies to provide an indication of the electrical conduction and electrical polarization properties of the membrane. The membrane based separation system for removing or reducing the concentration of materials carried in a fluid including a separation membrane has a first pair of electrodes separated by the membrane and arranged for measurement of the complex impedance of the membrane at a plurality of frequencies to provide the indication of the membrane properties. There may also be a second pair of electrodes separated by the membrane for injecting the stimulus current such that the injecting and monitoring functions are separated.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a capacity detector, a waveguide and a manifold for use with a coin sensor as well as methods for sensing a capacity of a coin receptacle. In one aspect, the waveguide for use with a coin sensor comprises an excitation end for receiving an acoustic signal, a horn end for disposition adjacent to a coin receptacle, and a conduit interconnecting the horn end and the excitation end. In embodiments, the horn end of the waveguide may define a horn selected from a tapered horn, an exponential horn, a tractrix horn, or a modified tractrix horn.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an acoustic impedance sensor designed to measure the input acoustic impedance of a waveguide. This sensor is characterized in that the source is a piezoelectric pellet that makes it possible for the determination of the acoustic impedance of a passive acoustic element to remain coherent for low frequencies while preserving an inexpensive implementation of the sensor.

Abstract: There are provided a fingerprint detection sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The fingerprint detection sensor includes a plurality of piezoelectric sensors arranged in an array on a two-dimensional plane and having a predetermined height; a filler provided to surround the plurality of piezoelectric sensors and isolating vibrations between the plurality of piezoelectric sensors; and a control unit discharging predetermined output signals through the piezoelectric sensors to detect information of an object in contact with, or close to, the plurality of piezoelectric sensors, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric sensors include first surfaces and second surfaces disposed on both ends thereof in a height direction and areas of the first surfaces and the second surfaces are different from each other.

Abstract: A method for accurately calculating the thickness of deposited thin film layers onto a piezoelectric crystal blank in which dissimilar materials can be utilized, enabling determinations for various applications employing exotic materials. Additionally, the specific acoustic impedance (or equivalent z-ratio) of an unknown deposited material can be determined. The exact analytical solution nearly eliminates thickness errors when several layers of different materials are sequentially deposited on the same monitor quartz crystal.

Abstract: In order to provide an ultrasonic probe capable of suppressing the influence of multiple reflections occurring on the interface of a transducer with a CMUT chip and a backing layer, an ultrasonic probe of the present invention has a structure where an acoustic lens 14, transducers 11-1 to 11-m, and a backing layer 12 are laminated. Each of the transducers 11-1 to 11-m has a CMUT chip, and the backing layer 12 is formed of a material with a value of substantially the same acoustic impedance as the acoustic lens 14.

Abstract: Provided is a fingerprint sensor including one or more mechanical devices for capturing the fingerprint. The mechanical devices include a matrix of pillars and are configured to be mechanically damped based upon an applied load. A q factor of the pillars is optimized by adjusting a distance between pillars within the matrix in accordance with a quarter shear wavelength at an operating wavelength.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a pipe length in an air conditioning system includes a detector to detect a signal traveled through a pipe and a first impedance coupler that couples to one end of the pipe, where the detector detects the signal traveled through the pipe at the first impedance coupler. A processor determines a pipe length based on the detected signal and a signal generator generates the signal to be sent through the pipe. A second impedance coupler couples to another end of the pipe, where the signal generator sends the signal to the pipe through the second impedance coupler.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor of the present invention is attached to the back face of a bumper 4, and provided with a matching member 3 that is in intimate contact with the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic sensor and the opposing face of the bumper 4 and that has an acoustic impedance smaller than each of the impedances of the sensor and the bumper.

Abstract: A system for laser shock peening includes a laser positioned to direct a laser pulse at a first side of a work piece and a coupler on a second side of the work piece. The system further includes a Doppler shift detector positioned to measure a velocity of the coupler. A method for laser shock peening includes depositing an amount of energy from a laser pulse into a first side of a work piece and transmitting a pulse having a first frequency at a second side of the work piece. The method further includes receiving a reflected pulse having a second frequency from the second side of the work piece and determining the velocity of the work piece based on the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus for dispensing droplets of a liquid, and methods for measuring various fluid parameters of the liquid are described. The liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a container having a chamber for holding a liquid. An orifice is positioned at an end of the chamber for dispensing droplets of the liquid, the orifice being configured to retain the liquid in the container if the container is positioned with the orifice facing in a downward direction. An acoustic transducer means is at least partially positioned in the chamber for periodically propagating a focused acoustic beam toward the orifice and through at least some of the liquid while the liquid is contained in the chamber, with the focused acoustic beam being capable of causing a droplet of the liquid to be ejected from the orifice when a free surface of the liquid is within the depth of field of the acoustic transducer means.

Abstract: A sensor device described having a sensor, in particular an ultrasound sensor, having a generating and detecting arrangement to generate and detect waves, in particular sound waves, the detection arrangement converting received waves into electric signals, and the electric signals being evaluable by an evaluation unit. A function-monitoring device is configured to determine an impedance characteristic curve of the sensor as a function of an excitation frequency is provided. Also described is a method for operating the sensor device.

Abstract: A method of monitoring laser shock peening of a material includes forming an ablative layer on the material, directing the laser beam at the ablative layer to produce an acoustic wave in the material, converting the acoustic wave in the material to thermal energy external to the material and measuring the thermal energy.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided with sheet processing device including an ultrasonic wave generator, a detecting array and a judging unit. The ultrasonic wave generator irradiates ultrasonic waves to a sheet being conveyed, from one side of the sheet. The detecting array is arranged in the other side of the sheet and detects sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves passing through the sheet. The judging unit judges a state of the sheet by comparing a predetermined standard value with the sound pressure.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an acoustic impedance sensor designed to measure the input acoustic impedance of a waveguide. This sensor is characterised in that the source is a piezoelectric pellet that makes it possible for the determination of the acoustic impedance of a passive acoustic element to remain coherent for low frequencies while preserving an inexpensive implementation of the sensor.

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 of inspecting a component, the component comprising a hole with an entrance. The method comprises: directing ultrasound into the component via a liquid coupling medium; receiving ultrasound from the component via the liquid coupling medium; and processing the received ultrasound to determine a property of the component. The entrance of the hole is sealed with tape to prevent the liquid coupling medium from flowing into the entrance of the hole. The tape has an acoustic impedance within 40% of the acoustic impedance of the liquid coupling medium. By selecting a tape with an acoustic impedance relatively close to that of the liquid coupling medium (which in most cases will be water) the tape is relatively transparent to ultrasound and thus enables at least the presence or absence of a defect in a wall of the hole to be determined.

Abstract: A system comprising a viscoelastic interface sheet to engage a sound vibrations sensors array to a sound generating objects. The structure of the interface sheet includes elements for easy handling, positioning and mounting. A device for storage and mounting support of such interface sheets is disclosed.

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

Abstract: An acoustic device is disclosed having a variably refracting acoustic fluid interface including the boundary between two separate fluid media, means for directing acoustic waves onto the interface, and an acoustic generator or transducer located in one of the fluid media with the acoustic generator having an impedance that is substantially equal to the one said fluid media to minimize signal loss and reflection.

Abstract: Automatic devices that determine when pollutant deposits have accumulated in ductwork may be employed to notify maintenance personnel or automated cleaning equipment of the need for ducts to cleaned or replaced. Various detection devices may be employed to detect a property of accumulated grease and generate an indication of an accumulation. The detection device may present a surface to the fume stream inside a duct. The surface may be cooled to a temperature that represents a worst case temperature so that the accumulation due to condensation on the detector surface is at least as high as the coolest surface in the ductwork which is being monitored. Alternatively, the detection device may be located external to the duct. The detection device may interrogate the surface of the duct through contact or noncontact measurements to determine the thickness of an accumulated grease layer on the interior of the duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, systems, and instruments (10) for monitoring, detecting or measuring one or more acoustic emissions of a foam. The detected emission(s) may then be used to generate a response, such as one to control an associated process.

Abstract: A non-contact thermo-elastic property measurement and imaging system and method thereof are described. Acoustic energy is incident on a first surface of a specimen under test. The acoustic energy is converted partially into heat by the specimen, causing a slight increase in the temperature in a region of interaction. The temperature increase is imaged using a high sensitivity infrared camera. Presence of defects (surface and subsurface) in the material modifies the distribution of temperature. An image of temperature distribution can be used for nondestructive testing and evaluation of materials. The temperature change in the specimen caused by acoustic excitation is related to thermal and elastic properties of the material. A measurement of the change in the temperature as a function of the amplitude of incident excitation can be used for direct measurement of thermo-elastic property of the specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of ice includes a sensor including a radio-frequency transmission line providing a characteristic impedance, a source coupled to the transmission line and operable to inject a wave into the transmission line, a summer operable to create standing wave, the standing wave including the sum of the injected wave and a reflected wave reflected by the end of the transmission line, the summer being connected between the source and the transmission line, and a detector for detecting the voltage of the standing wave. An embodiment may further include a comparator operable to compare the detected voltage with reference data for determining the presence of ice contacting the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a first mechanical structure having a first rigid surface, an area of the first rigid surface having a nanostructured surface. The apparatus also includes a second mechanical structure having a second rigid surface and opposing the first mechanical structure. The second rigid surface is cooperable with the nanostructured surface such that a microscopic particle is locatable between the nanostructured surface and the second rigid surface.

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: Embodiments include an acoustic source for use in a hemi-anechoic chamber comprising a source assembly and a waveguide assembly for producing sound outside of a measurement hemisphere and channeling the sound into the measurement hemisphere. A waveguide end from which sound emanates is positioned close to the reflecting plane of the chamber and can approximate a point source.

Abstract: Complex response of tissue is calculated as function of a convolution relationship associated with measured strain with applied stress. In the Fourier or frequency domain, the convolution is a simple algebraic computation, such as multiplication. The complex response provides elasticity and viscosity information, assisting diagnosis. Complex compliance may be directly calculated from the strain and stress. Complex fluidity may be directly calculated from strain rate and stress.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the inspection of rotary machine components is provided. A positioning fixture is clamped to the component to be inspected, and supports a transceiver that is used during the inspection. The positioning fixture can be navigated through and between rotary machine components to the desired location to be inspected. In one example, an ultrasonic transceiver can be used to perform the inspection. The apparatus can be used to perform in-situ inspections.

Abstract: The design and deposition of a sensing layer for room temperature SAW/BAW chemical sensors utilizing macrocyclic compounds in accordance with supra-molecular chemistry principles. The gas to be sensed is attached to the organic sensing film thus changing its visco-elastic properties and creating a mass increase of the film deposited on the surface of SAW/BAW devices. A direct printing method can be used as an additive, mask-less procedure to deposit metallic interdigital transducers and electrodes required for SAW/BAW devices, along with the deposition of a guiding layer and the organic films only on the location required by the sensing SAW/BAW principle of the sensor. Different thermal treatment solutions can be used for the consolidation of the gelly organic films deposited by the direct printing methods.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus for dispensing droplets of a liquid, and methods for measuring various fluid parameters of the liquid are described. The liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a container having a chamber for holding a liquid. An orifice is positioned at an end of the chamber for dispensing droplets of the liquid, the orifice being configured to retain the liquid in the container if the container is positioned with the orifice facing in a downward direction. An acoustic transducer means is at least partially positioned in the chamber for periodically propagating a focused acoustic beam toward the orifice and through at least some of the liquid while the liquid is contained in the chamber, with the focused acoustic beam being capable of causing a droplet of the liquid to be ejected from the orifice when a free surface of the liquid is within the depth of field of the acoustic transducer means.

Abstract: A method for measuring operational density and/or operational sound velocity in a gaseous medium uses a sound transducer that is capable of vibrating, which is disposed in a housing in such a manner that chambers having the same volume are formed on both sides of the sound transducer, which are filled by the gaseous medium. The chambers are connected with one another by way of an open channel having defined dimensions. Using an exciter vibration applied to the sound transducer, the impedance of the sound transducer, which is influenced by the density of the gaseous medium, is determined within a frequency range that can be established, as a function of the exciter frequency. From this, the operational density and/or the operational sound velocity of the gaseous medium are determined using a plurality of characteristic frequencies of the sound transducer vibrating in the gaseous medium.

Abstract: Method for conducting an on-site measurement of a density value of an insulation material is provided, comprising: (a) providing an acoustic source for emitting a sound wave; (b) directing the sound wave emitted from the acoustic source through a waveguide and at an insulation material present in a wall, floor or ceiling cavity; (c) measuring a sound pressure in the waveguide to obtain at least one sound pressure measurement; and (d) calculating a density value of the insulation material based on the at least one sound pressure measurement.

Abstract: Apparatus for non-destructively testing material to enable detection of any damage sites, comprising means for generating localized heating at any damage site in the material, and means for imaging the material to enable detection of any localized heating at the damage site.

Abstract: An acoustic wave sensor utilizes one or more acoustic waves trapped in an acoustic wave cavity to detect the presence of one or more substances on a surface of the acoustic wave cavity. To detect the presence of ice, a trapped torsional acoustic wave is used. To detect water, an acoustic wave with flexural or compressional components is used. The sensor includes a number of transducers adjacent the acoustic wave cavity where a controller drives different sets of the transducers to generate different acoustic waves.

Abstract: Method of producing a bonded wire connection between an electronic component or a subassembly and a carrier by introducing energy from an ultrasound transducer into a wire that is to be bonded. According to this method, during the introduction of energy the impedance of the ultrasound transducer is measured as a function of time. The shape of the curve representing this time dependence is evaluated on the basis of a pre-specified comparison criteria, and the power input to the ultrasound transducer and/or a bond weight exerted on the wire is/are controlled in dependence on the result of this evaluation. A device usable for carrying out this method is also described.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which utilize robotic analysis of acoustic data captured during operation of a device to evaluate the operation of such device. An acoustic capture sensor is implemented within a device, such as a paper handling device, automobile, or any other device that generates detectable sound as a by-product of its operation. The acoustic capture sensor captures sound produced by the operation of the device and converts the captured sound from analog to digital. The captured sound is communicated to a processor-based device that is operable to process the sound to evaluate the operation of the device. The processor-based device may be communicatively coupled to a data storage device that has empirical sound data stored therein. In this manner, the processor-based device may compare sound captured by acoustic capture sensor(s) within a device with the stored empirical sound data to analyze the device's operation.