Abstract: A device and method for performing ultrasound scanning of a substantially cylindrical object, the device comprising a cuff adapted to fit around a circumference of the object, a carrier mounted slidably on the cuff and adapted to traverse the circumference of the object, an ultrasound probe mounted on the carrier and positioned to scan the circumference of the object as the carrier traverses the circumference of the object, a carrier motor mounted on the cuff or the carrier and used to drive the movement of the carrier about the circumference of the object, and one or more data connections providing control information for the carrier motor and the ultrasound probe and receiving scanning data from the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: For ultrasonic measurement of pipe seam peaking, optionally with simultaneous ultrasonic wall thickness measurement using ultrasonic probes mounted on sensor holders on a sensor mount, it is proposed to use a sensor mount with sensor holders mounted on movable skids, which are pressed outward by spring elements and bear against the internal pipe surface, and skids having a large skid breadth greater than the seam peak breadth measured in the pipe's circumferential direction in the region of a measured seam peak, and sensor holders equipped with sensors only in a measuring region situated half way between two skid contact surfaces, wherein the measuring region breadth is less or equal to half of the skid breadth such that the stand off deviation of the sensors resulting in the seam peak region remains below a threshold value.

Abstract: An explosion-proof system for generating acoustic energy. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a main housing defining an open housing space and an opening. A cover structure is configured for removable attachment to the main housing structure to cover the opening and provide an explosion-proof housing structure. The cover structure includes an integral head mass. An acoustic energy emitting assembly includes the head mass, and an excitation assembly disposed within the explosion-proof housing structure. An electronic circuit is disposed within the explosion-proof housing structure to generate a drive signal for driving the excitation assembly to cause the acoustic energy emitting assembly to resonate and generate acoustic energy. In one embodiment the acoustic energy is a beam of ultrasonic energy useful for testing ultrasonic gas detectors. A method is also described for testing ultrasonic gas leak detectors using an ultrasonic source.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor assembly detects a characteristic of a pipe. The ultrasonic sensor assembly includes first and second transducer rings spaced apart along a length of the pipe. Each of the first and second transducer rings can transmit a first wave longitudinally along the pipe and receive a reflection of the transmitted first wave from the characteristic. The first transducer ring can use results related to the reflection of the transmitted first wave to guide a second wave along the pipe that is received by the second transducer ring. Methods of detecting a characteristic of the pipe are also provided.

Abstract: A real time method and dynamic logic-based system for enhancing the operation of a pipeline network is disclosed. The system and method perform monitoring of the operation of a pipeline network, generate alarms in response to differing levels of destabilized pipeline operations, manage the generation of alarms based upon known operating events and operating conditions, diagnose potential source of the detected destabilized events and manage the operation of the pipeline.

Abstract: A pipeline fault detection system, method and sensor head suitable for use in the system are disclosed. The system comprises a vibro-acoustic sensor connectable to a fluid path of a pipeline and a remote monitoring system, the sensor being operable to measure one or more predetermined vibro-acoustic properties of the fluid and/or fluid path and communicate data on said measurements to the remote monitoring system, the remote monitoring system being arranged to monitor said data over time and being further arranged to screen the monitored data for characteristics representing a fault type to identify occurrence of a fault type in the pipeline.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for monitoring the supply of substitution fluid upstream or downstream of a dialyser or filter arranged in an extracorporeal blood stream. One embodiment provides, for the detection of predilution or postdilution, for measuring the pressure in the blood stream downstream of the dialyser or filter, predilution or postdilution being recognized on the basis of the change in pressure following the shutting off and/or starting up of the substituate pump provided for conveying the substitution fluid. Another embodiment provides for recognizing predilution or postdilution on the basis of the comparison of the oscillating pressure signal attributable to the substituate pump to a characteristic reference signal. The characteristic reference signal to which the pressure signal of the substituate pump is compared is preferably the oscillating pressure signal of a blood pump arranged in the blood stream for conveying the blood upstream of the dialyser or filter.

Abstract: An in-medium monitoring system for monitoring material carried within a pipe. The system includes an acoustic device installed within the pipe that generates voltage signals indicative of changes in the material, such as flow rate or leaks, a hardware unit that includes a detector module and a communication module, a switch for switching the voltage signals to and communication signals from the hardware unit. The hardware unit and a power source are attached to the pipe. The acoustic device may be detector or a sensor. The communication module may communicate date through the sensor in the medium or outside of the pipe to a fixed network. The hardware unit may include a log detection amplifier for generating an amplified pulsed output signal without voltage gain and without significantly adding noise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device for a cover device of a pipe and/or for a pipe, that can be used for producing pipelines having a series of further pipes welded to each other, wherein the cover device comprises a sleeve covering an inner wall of the pipe, and the security device is designed for generating an alarm signal, wherein the security device comprises a structure-borne sound detection device comprising a structure-borne sound sensor for detecting manipulation of the pipe. The invention further relates to a system for monitoring pipes having a plurality of security devices having a receiving station for receiving the security device signals, preferably repeatable by means of a repeater, and an electronic data processor designed for analyzing the signals and for out-putting an alarm signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the controlled application of ultrasonic energy for conditioning of mixtures of gas and liquids by evolving and/or agglomerating gas bubbles existing with or in a liquid or for coalescing droplets of liquid dispersed in another liquid. The invention in preferred embodiments thereof comprises a coalescing apparatus for increasing the droplet size of a mixture formed as a liquid dispersed in another liquid, and a de-gassing apparatus arranged to evolve and/or agglomerate gaseous bubbles in a gas/liquid mixture. In the apparatuses, ultrasonic transducers are used to impart vibrational energy to the mixtures.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring of conduits, especially oil or gas pipelines, as an object such as pipeline pig moves within the conduit. The method comprises monitoring at least part of a conduit (206) using a fibre optic (202) distributed acoustic sensor (204) as the object (208) passes along the conduit. The acoustic signals detected from at least one sensing location (203) as the object moves along the conduit are analysed so as to discriminate acoustic signals received at said sensing location from different locations. The method allows the contributions to the acoustic signal at a given sensing portion from different locations to be separately identified, and can allow the detection of the location of acoustic sources along the conduit even if the source is outside the section of conduit which is monitored. The method provides a method of leak detection that can extend the monitoring of the pipeline beyond the location of the optical fibre.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a scanning device for performing ultrasonic nondestructive testing of a tube, comprising a housing; the housing having bottom surface that is concavely curved with cavities to accommodate a waveguide assembly and an encoder assembly; where the waveguide assembly comprises a waveguide and a probe that are in communication with one another; the waveguide having at least one surface that is contoured to match an outer surface of the tube; where the waveguide facilitates the transmission of ultrasonic signals into the tube generated by the probe; and where the encoder assembly comprises a spring loaded wheel that contacts the tube; and where the encoder assembly provides a signal indicative of a location of the probe relative to a position on the tube as the scanning device is moved in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the tube.

Abstract: A device for detecting elements in a fluid environment includes at least one acoustic resonator having a surface designed for fixing of elements. The resonator is configured for generating and measuring Lamb waves fostering generation of symmetrical Lamb waves. The device analyzes the resonance frequency of the resonator to determine the variation of the resonance frequency of the symmetrical Lamb waves representative of the presence of the elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of monitoring a fluid carrying conduit, comprising interrogating an optic fibre positioned along the path of said conduit to provide distributed acoustic sensing, measuring by distributed acoustic sensing the acoustic signal at each of a plurality of discrete longitudinal sensing portions along the length of the optic fibre, to monitor the optic fibre for the presence of a first characteristic signal, the first characteristic signal being indicative of ground heave the vicinity of the optic fibre, and determining that a failure has occurred in said conduit when a first characteristic signal is measured in the distributed acoustic sensing.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, system, and device for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. The novel method includes transmitting a non-beamformed or beamformed ultrasound wave into the medium, receiving more than one echoed ultrasound wave from the medium, and converting the received echoed ultrasound wave into digital data. The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless. The novel device may include transducer elements, an analog-to-digital converter in communication with the transducer elements, and a transmitter in communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. The first electrical energy may or may not be beamformed. The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy.

Abstract: A vibration sensor arrangement (1) includes a vibrating mass (5) in permanent mechanical contact with a first side (3) of a piezoelectric element (2). The vibrating mass (5) includes a water-proof capsule (6) in which the piezoelectric element (2) is fixed. A dead weight (7) is in permanent mechanical contact with a second side (4) of the piezoelectric element (2) and is arranged in the water-proof capsule (6). A spring (8) is arranged between the dead weight (7) and the vibrating mass (5) and ensures permanent mechanical contact of the two masses (5,7) with the two sides (3,4) of the piezoelectric element (2). The vibration sensor arrangement (1) further includes first and second electric contacts (9,10) for picking up electric signals which are generated by the piezoelectric element (2) and for forwarding the signals to a recording device (11).

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a mask body with a perimeter. The mask has a use position wherein the mask body covers at least the mouth and nose and the perimeter is in contact with the face surrounding at least the mouth and nose. At least one ultrasonic sensor is supported on the mask body in detecting proximity to the perimeter. The ultrasonic sensor is operable to detect ultrasound. The ultrasonic sensor allows leakage around the perimeter of the mask body to be detected.

Abstract: The water-leakage detection method according to the present invention is a method of detecting a water-leakage using a vibration sensor unit 1 including vibration sensors 12a and 12b and an antenna unit 2 including an antenna 21 and includes arranging the vibration sensor unit 1 under the ground; arranging the antenna unit 2 on the surface of the ground other than a part at which a manhole is placed; connecting the vibration sensor unit 1 and the antenna unit 2 via a cable; collecting data by measuring a vibration with the vibration sensors 12a and 12b of the vibration sensor unit 1; and sending the collected data to a controller unit 4 on the ground using short-range wireless communication 23 via the antenna unit 2 placed on the surface of the ground, thereby retrieving the data.

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

Abstract: A system for monitoring the leak-tightness of a tank, which is filled with a liquid with a lower density than water. The system has a liquid drain pipe, with a container that has a bottom, which is integrated horizontally in the liquid drain pipe with a damming element, which divides the container into a partial area on the supply flow side and partial area on the drain side. A first vibronic measuring device with a first vibrating unit protruding into the supply flow side partial area of the bottom determines whether the density of the medium undershoots a specified limit. A second vibronic measuring device with a second vibrating unit, at a position not exceeding the level of the first vibrating unit, which detects whether the vibrating unit are covered with medium, and with an evaluation unit uses the measured values of measuring devices to determine whether there is liquid from the tank in the container.

Abstract: Detecting a leak, or the like, with high accuracy on the basis of pressure and a flow volume acquired during use of fluid is made possible. A volume of gas flowing through a flow path 102 is measured by a flow volume measurement unit 106, and pressure is measured by a pressure measurement unit 108. Measured flow data and measured pressure data are input to an analysis unit 112, to thus analyze following of a pressure change by a flow volume change. A determination showing that a following flow volume change is present, that a following flow volume change is not present, or that a following flow volume change is uncertain is made according to a magnitude correlation between an amount of pressure change of a predetermined level or more and an amount of flow volume change.

Abstract: The acoustic leak detection system with environmental noise isolation provides for the acoustic detection of leaks in a pipe while minimizing interference from external or environmental noise. The acoustic leak detection system includes a hollow shell adapted for positioning about the pipe to be inspected. A pair of gaskets are circumferentially secured to the inner surface of the hollow shell so that the pair of gaskets bear against the outer surface of the pipe to form an acoustically isolated region defined between the pipe, the pair of gaskets and the inner surface of the hollow shell. An acoustic sensor, microphone or the like is mounted on the hollow shell within the acoustically isolated region for detecting any acoustic signals; i.e., the sound produced by a leak in the pipe within the acoustically isolated region. Upon detection of a leak, an alert signal is generated.

Abstract: A pipe processing device provided with a subject insertion body (1) includes an insertion end portion (2) that is provided on a front side of the subject insertion body inserted into the pipe and is formed on an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the pipe, an axial ultrasonic sensor (21) that transmits and receives a sonic wave in an insertion direction with respect to a front end of the insertion end portion, a radial ultrasonic sensor (22) that transmits and receives a sonic wave in a direction intersecting a center axis at a side portion of the insertion end portion, and a control unit that controls the movement mechanism according to detection results of the axial ultrasonic sensor and the radial ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: A device. The device includes a sensor portion and a chassis portion. The sensor portion includes a plurality of sensing devices. The chassis portion is connected to the sensor portion and includes a first track and a second track. The second track is positioned adjacent the first track. The first and second tracks cooperate to substantially cover an entire width of the chassis portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for conducting an ultrasonic, nondestructive evaluation and inspection of a pipe using Lamb-type wave transducers to detect the presence of defects, flaws, discontinuities and the like. The transducers are positioned within the interior space of the pipe. Two transducers are positioned facing each other such that the ultrasonic beam emitted from each of the transducers is directed toward the other transducer and the portion of pipe to be inspected. The coverage of the transducers is verified and the results are processed using a combination of a cross correlation filter and a signal processing tool.

Abstract: An electrical pulse fed into an electrical cable, e.g. a power transmission or distribution cable buried underground, produces an acoustic signal, e.g. an arc-over or discharge noise, at a fault in the cable. This acoustic signal is detected and used to locate the fault. But the acoustic signal has interference noise superimposed on it, which makes it difficult to identify the acoustic signal in the noise-burdened received signal, and thus also makes it difficult or impossible to accurately locate the fault. To minimize or avoid the influence of interference noises, the relevant acoustic signal is identified in the received signal by comparing the received signal with predetermined sample data, such as signal patterns, characteristics or characteristic sets.

Abstract: Method for testing a pipe for carrying hydrocarbons. The pipe has at least one internal sealing sheath made of polymer material, incorporating elements of reactive compound capable of reacting with corrosive gases contained in the hydrocarbons which diffuse radially through the sheath. The reaction forms a first layer, extending radially from the internal surface, in which the elements of reactive compound have reacted with the gases. A second layer, extends between the first layer and the external surface, in which the elements of reactive compound have not yet reacted with the gases. The method uses ultrasound to determine the position of an interface between the first and second layers to measure the progression of the diffusion of the gases through the sheath.

Abstract: A method for pipeline inspection is provided comprising carrying out an inspection run in which a pipeline inspection apparatus travels inside a pipeline, wherein sensors on the apparatus are configured to conduct an in-line inspection of wall material along a length of the pipeline. The method further comprises initiating a first inspection mode to produce a primary inspection data set, wherein the first inspection mode comprises an inspection of the pipeline wall material upstream and downstream of a location of a dented region in the pipeline, selectively initiating a second inspection mode to produce a secondary inspection data set, wherein the second inspection mode comprises an inspection of the pipeline wall material in the dented region in the length of the pipeline, and combining the primary and the secondary inspection data sets to provide a direct assessment for the presence of cracks and/or corrosion in wall material along the pipeline.

Abstract: A loose part monitoring method and system for preventing the generation of a false alarm as much as possible, including analyzing a group of detection signals that have been output from a plurality of sensors placed on a wall defining a fluid flow path, wherein the group of detection signals are analyzed for a rising gradient that is related to change in intensity of impulsive sound, a damping time that is related to change of intensity of the impulsive sound, and a frequency spectrum that is related to pitch of the impulsive sound in order to determine whether the group of detection signals are false or true.

Abstract: A leak detecting tray device featuring a base tray having a bottom surface and sides, wherein the sides and bottom surface together form an enclosure for collecting liquid, wherein the base tray is constructed from a material comprising silicone; a moisture sensor disposed in the base tray, the moisture sensor is configured to detect moisture; an alarm system with speaker; and a microprocessor operatively connected to the moisture sensor and the alarm system with speaker, wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive a first sensor input signal from the moisture sensor when the moisture sensor detects moisture whereupon the microprocessor sends a first alarm output command to the alarm system to activate the alarm system.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing apparatus 100 comprises an ultrasonic probe 1 including n (n?2) number of transducers arranged along a predetermined direction, disposed so as to face a test object P, and a transmission/reception control device 2 for selecting m (n>m?1) number of transducers from among the n number of transducers, transmitting ultrasonic waves from the selected m number of transducers toward the test object, receiving the ultrasonic waves therefrom, and switched m number of transducers to b selected successively. If an angle that the arrangement direction of the transducers makes with the surface of the test object which ultrasonic waves enter is ?, and the effective beam width of each selected m number of transducers with respect to a target flaw is W1, the transmission/reception control device switches m number of transducers to be selected successively by a switching pitch length P satisfying the formula: P?W1·cos ?.

Abstract: Device forming an operating tool, for the non-destructive testing of iron and steel products, intended to extract information on possible imperfections in the product, from feedback signals that are captured by transmitting ultrasound sensors, receiving ultrasound sensors forming an arrangement with a selected geometry, assembled to couple in an ultrasound way with the product via the intermediary of a liquid medium, with relative rotation/translation movement between the pipe and the arrangement of transducers, said operating tool being characterized in that it comprises: a converter (891; 892) capable of selectively isolating a digital representation of possible echoes in designated time windows, as a function of the relative rotation/translation movement, said representation comprising the amplitude and time of flight of at least one echo, and of generating a parallelepipedic 3D graph, a transformer unit (930) capable of generating a 3D image (901; 902) of possible imperfections in the pipe from the 3D gra

Abstract: An improved and non-destructive test method and system utilizes ultrasound wave energy to automatically judge the sealing effectiveness of a sealed compartment such as the cabin of a motor vehicle or aircraft. An ultrasonic transmitter generates ultrasound energy of a specified frequency within the compartment, and one or more ultrasound sensors outside the volume detect the presence and amplitude of ultrasound energy at the specified frequency. Alternatively, the transmitter can be configured to generate ultrasound energy outside the compartment, and the sensors can be arranged to detect ultrasound energy within the compartment. The detected energy level is compared to a calibrated threshold, and a leak indication is generated if the threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: An apparatus for pipeline inspection, the apparatus having a longitudinal axis, is provided. The apparatus comprises: a plurality of ultrasonic sensor units arranged for inspection of a pipe wall, each ultrasonic sensor unit comprising an array of ultrasonic sensors, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic sensor units defines two or more groups of ultrasonic sensor units, wherein the groups of ultrasonic sensor units are axially offset from one another with respect to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, the ultrasonic sensor units in each group being spaced circumferentially from one another, and wherein the ultrasonic sensor units are arranged out of phase, to provide inspection coverage for the circumferential spacing between the sensor units in the groups of ultrasonic sensor units so that the combined output from the groups of sensor units provides 360 degrees of inspection coverage.

Abstract: A pipe inspection system comprises an inspection head at the end of a flexible shaft, wherein the inspection head comprises a rigid distal end portion and a rigid intermediate portion spaced from the distal end portion by a flexible region. The flexible region comprises a series of sections with pivotal connections between adjacent sections which allow pivoting about two orthogonal axes, wherein the range of pivoting between adjacent sections is limited such that the complete series can be pivoted by a maximum angle of between 80 and 100 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel identification system and method normally applied to internal combustion engine vehicles of the flex-fuel type by means of which it is possible to identify the composition of the fuel used at each point in time, particularly the ratio used in a gasoline/ethanol blend or detect the presence of air or fuel in the vapor state in the fuel line, using the same device that heats the fuel.

Abstract: A system for detecting and locating leaks includes a pipeline, strain sensors positioned on the external surface of the pipeline, acoustic pressure sensors positioned at intervals along the pipeline, local processors connected to the strain sensors and acoustic pressure sensors, and a central processor connected to the local processors. The strain sensors measure a strain on the external surface of the pipeline indicative of changes in the pressure of the fluid within the pipeline. The acoustic pressure sensors sense acoustic signals within the pipline. Sensed acoustic pressure signals and sensed strain measurements are compared to each other and to stored profiles to detect and locate leaks.

Abstract: A stationary apparatus connected to a pipeline can include an acoustic signal transmitter configured to transmit acoustic signals periodically into the pipeline. A mobile apparatus inserted into the pipeline can include at least one sensor unit configured to measure conditions surrounding the mobile apparatus as the mobile apparatus travels inside the pipeline, and an acoustic signal receiver unit. A controller can be configured to associate the acoustic signals received by the mobile apparatus with the conditions being measured, and store data in a memory device. Each of the acoustic signals can include an identifier code that is representative of transmission time at the stationary apparatus, and the controller can be configured to associate the identifier code with the conditions being measured by the mobile apparatus.

Abstract: A vibratory pipeline diagnostic system (100) is provided. The system (100) comprises at least one vibration generator (104) adapted to be affixed to a pipeline, at least one vibration sensor (107) adapted to be affixed to the pipeline, and a processing device (111) in communication with the at least one vibration generator (104) and the at least one vibration sensor (107). The processing device (111) is configured to vibrate a portion of the pipeline using the at least one vibration generator (104), receive a vibrational response to the vibration from the at least one vibration sensor (107), compare the vibrational response to one or more previous vibrational responses of the pipeline, and indicate a fault condition if the vibrational response differs from the one or more previous vibrational responses by more than a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: A method for inspecting the interior of a non-horizontal pipe includes (a) filling the pipe with a first fluid, (b) feeding a second fluid into a lower part of the pipe when the second fluid is more dense than the first fluid or into an upper part of the pipe when the second fluid is less dense than the second fluid the pipe, a meniscus forming between the first and the second fluid and moving along the pipe, (c) introducing an inspection device having an average density between the densities of the first and second fluids such that the device locates at and moves with the meniscus, (d) obtaining inspection data from the inspection device as the device moves along the pipe, (e) determining positions of the meniscus as it moves along the pipe, and (f) relating the meniscus positions to positions at which the inspection data is obtained.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detection is performed to a welded portion 2 of a pipe body 1, a defect detection threshold value is determined based on the signal intensity difference between the total area of the defects existing in the region of an ultrasonic beam on a welded surface and an artificial defect, and a quality control of the pipe body is performed based on the defect detection threshold value. An equivalent defect diameter is determined from the defect density on the welded surface of the welded portion of the pipe body in a pipe axis direction and the area of the ultrasonic beam on the welded surface based on the total area of the defects existing in the region of the ultrasonic beam, and the defect detection threshold value is determined based on the equivalent defect diameter and the signal intensity difference of the artificial defect.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing device for pipes is provided. The device extracts information on defects from signals captured by ultrasound receivers following the selective excitation of ultrasound transmitters according to a selected time rule. The receivers form an arrangement with a selected geometry, coupled in an ultrasound fashion, with relative rotation/translation movement, with the pipe. The device includes a converter that selectively isolates a digital representation of echoes in designated time windows, as a function of the movement, and by extracting an image of defects, a filter which determines presumed defect zones and properties of these, a combiner to prepare working digital inputs from an extract of images of a defect zone, a neural circuit receiving the working inputs, a digital decision and alarm stage working on the basis of the output of the neural circuit, and a sorting and marking robot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermally compensated optical sensing system for identifying various types of liquid fuels and/or the ratio in liquid fuel mixtures on real time. In this system, an optical fiber is used as a light guide and a sensor device for determining the refractive index of liquid fuels through the principle of reflectivity. Starting from a light source, light is transmitted interiorly of the optical fiber to the test probe which is in contact with the fuel. The optical signal resulting from the interaction between light and fuel is a function of refractive indexes of the optical fiber and the fuel, the wavelength of light used, and the fuel temperature. The system proposed herein relates to the use of this optical system in liquid fuels by using optical fibers having suitable refractive indexes as a function of the fuel type and/or fuel mixture being analyzed, allowing the sensitivity of the optical system to be optimized according to application requirements.

Abstract: Computers with proper programs generate signals in phased array sequence. In pulsers with delays, signals are fed through a multiplexor into multiple water wedges attached to a valve being tested. For a sequential operation of the valves from the open to the closed position, ultrasonic signals are transmitted through fluid contained in the valve and reflected back through piezo-electric crystals to the multiplexor. By summation and merger of the signals, an image can be developed of the operation of the valve to determine if the valve is operating properly. By using multiple water wedges and pass visualization software, the operator can see exactly how the valve is functioning, which information can be stored for inspections or maintenance.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate, provided with a differential pressure diaphragm, and a glass pedestal, which is provided on the bottom side of the semiconductor substrate, are provided, wherein: the bottom surface of the semiconductor substrate and the top surface of the glass pedestal are bonded together; a pressure introducing hole is formed in the glass pedestal so as to pass through the glass pedestal, connecting between the top and bottom surfaces of the glass pedestal; the pressure introducing hole is formed with a first diameter for the pressure introducing hole at the bottom surface of the glass pedestal from the bottom surface of the glass pedestal to a first position; and a second diameter for the pressure introducing hole at the top surface of the glass pedestal is larger than the first diameter; where a metal thin film layer is deposited on the bottom surface of the glass pedestal.

Abstract: A computer with a proper program generates a phased array sequence of signals. In a pulser with delays, the signals are fed through a multiplexor into a water wedge that is attached to a valve being tested. For a sequential operation of the valves from the open to the closed position, ultrasonic signals are transmitted through the fluid contained in the valve and reflected back through piezo-electric crystals to the multiplexor. By summation and merger of the signals, an image can be developed of the operation of the valve to determine if the valve is operating properly. By use of the water wedge, the top plate of the valve appears to disappear because the water wedge has the same refractive angle as the fluid contained in the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of liquid in a cavity of a structure, e.g. a sandwich-structure cell with honeycomb core and carbon fiber composite coating. The structure is subjected to a mechanical vibration, at a frequency fm in the audible range, by an excitation wave, the area being explored is subjected to an incident electromagnetic wave and the reflected electromagnetic wave is analyzed to deduce therefrom the presence or the absence of liquid in cavities. The Faraday wave induced on the surface of the liquid in the cavity comprises subharmonic frequencies of fm which modulate the reflected electromagnetic wave and make it possible to identify the presence of liquid. A detection apparatus comprises an excitation wave generation device for generating the vibration excitation wave, an electromagnetic wave generation device for generating the incident electromagnetic wave, a measuring device for detecting and measuring the reflected electromagnetic wave, and a signal processor.

Abstract: A method & apparatus for conveying an ultrasonic sensor about an outer peripheral surface of a tube to perform a non-destructive evaluation thereof is disclosed. The ultrasonic sensor is mounted on a flexible tension link and the method involves extending the flexible tension link while urging an extended portion of the flexible tension link towards the outer peripheral surface of the tube at a plurality of locations along it's length, thereby causing the ultrasonic sensor to move through an arc in a direction circumferentially around the tube while maintaining ultrasonic coupling between the ultrasonic sensor and the tube.

Abstract: A non-destructive inspection scanning apparatus and a non-destructive inspection apparatus which can cope with the size and shape of a structure, which is an inspection target, in which attachment to the structure is facilitated, and which can be reduced in size and cost are provided.

Abstract: An economical, flexible, magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) probe assembly for use on longitudinal cylindrical structures, for guided-wave, volumetric inspection of the structures is described. The paired flexible plate MsS probes each include a flexible strip of magnetostrictive material that is positioned and/or adhered to the base of a generally flat, flexible, conductor coil assembly, preferably with an elastomeric adhesive. The conductor coil assembly has a core composed of a thin flexible layer of metal and a thin bendable permanent magnet circuit. The flexible core is surrounded by a flat flexible cable (FFC) that is folded and looped over the layers of the core. The exposed conductors at the ends of the FFC are shifted from each other by one conductor spacing and joined together so that the parallel conductors in the FFC form a flat, flexible, continuous coil.