Abstract: An apparatus for determining the position of a signal from a pipe, the apparatus comprising a first sensor capable of being coupled to the pipe for detecting a signal from the pipe, a second sensor being moveable with respect to the pipe for detecting a signal from the pipe and determining a variation between the signals detected by the first and second sensors, due to the differing position of the first and second sensors with respect to the pipe.

Abstract: Ultrasonic energy in the form of guided waves is launched into the wall of a fluid-filled container. The guided wave propagates around the circumference of the container from a transmitting transducer to a receiving transducer. Part of the guide wave energy leaks into the fluid in the form of bulk waves, reflects off the inner wall on the other side and enters back to the receiving transducer trailing the direct wave. Analysis of the received waves determines the presence of corrosion pitting and MIC nodules on the container inner wall, and fluid level. In addition, it determines whether foreign objects are inside the container. The guided waves are created with wideband transducers excited at certain frequencies that depend on the material and geometry of the part being measured. The leakage energy is maximized with a shaped tone burst pulse at the specified frequency.

Abstract: A bone mineral density meter comprises first input device which enters a sound of speed in a bone; second input device which enters a weight of the person to be measured; third input device which enters fat free mass of the person to be measured; arithmetic device which computes the bone mineral density based on data from said first input device and data from said second input device and said third input device; and display which displays a bone mineral density value computed by said arithmetic device. The present invention allows a bone mineral density to be safely estimated, at a low cost, and with proper accuracy and without having to worry about exposure to X-rays.

Abstract: A method and a device for directly digitizing microwave signals reflected on a filling product surface of a filling product present in a receptacle, wherein the microwave signals reflected on the filling product surface are scanned, and the analog values resulting from said scanning process are stored in an analog value storage means. The stored analog values are then read out from the analog value storage means at a lower rate as compared to the scanning rate, and are converted into digital values. The digital values may then be made available to an evaluation means for determining the filling level height.

Abstract: The invention relates to acoustic detection of leaks in a pipeline using locally-intelligent, data-adaptive monitors deployed for a period of time. Monitors are initialized by a base station. Following deployment, monitors receive vibration signals at programmed times, process the vibration signals to detect and characterize abnormal vibrations, and save the processed data in the monitor. Monitors may communicate digitally with a base station, sending processed data and receiving instructions. Alternatively, monitors may be removed from the pipeline and placed in a docking station prior to initialization and subsequent re-deployment on a pipeline. A procedural step of re-synchronization corrects for any mis-alignments in time that may occur among received vibration signals from different monitors. Received vibration signals from two or more monitors may then be analyzed using a correlative method to localize the position of any leaks present in the pipeline.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring the production of blow molded plastic containers. It has been discovered that by sonically monitoring the production of a plastic blow molded container, the occurrence of a hole in the wall of the container being formed by a blow molding operation will produce a detectable noise signal. The noise signal is caused by the flow of pressure fluid through the hole. The flow of pressure fluid is caused by the pressure differentiating between the inside and the outside of the container being produced. The noise signal is of an amplitude and frequency readily recognizable from the ambient background noise.

Abstract: The claimed method of in-tube inspection of a pipeline is effected by passing through the pipeline an inspection pig carrying monitoring transducers responsive to the diagnostic parameters of the pipeline, means for measuring, processing and storage of the measurements data by periodic interrogation of the monitoring transducers during the travel of the inspection pig and processing and storage of the measurement data. The method is characterized in that during the travel of the pig with a period not less than the cycle time of the monitoring transducers the velocity of the inspection pig is determined, and the cycle time of the monitoring transducers is set as a function of at least two values of the pig velocity determined during its travel. The period of determining the inspection pig velocity makes 200-2000 cycles of interrogation of the monitoring transducers. The cycle of interrogation of the monitoring transducers is given a value from a number of discrete values in a series of at least 3.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a valve (2) that can be actuated by a position controller via a drive. The diagnostic system includes a device (14) provided for recording, storing, and evaluating, body sound spectra on the valve. In order to enable a valve to be diagnosed in a particularly reliable manner, a body sound spectrum which is recorded when the intact valve (2) is slightly open is stored in the device (14) provided for recording, storing, and evaluating, whereby the valve can be closed for diagnostic purposes and the resemblance of the recorded body sound spectrum to the stored body sound spectrum is used as a criterion for evaluating a non-sealing condition of the valve.

Abstract: A system for localizing and correlating leaks in a pipeline includes a plurality of loggers for detecting and storing sound data, an interface unit removably connected to the plurality of loggers and a computer system removably connected to the interface unit. Each logger includes a housing and electronics disposed within the housing, the electronics comprising a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the logger, a battery source for powering the logger, a sound sensor for detecting sound data and data storage circuitry for storing sound data detected by the sound sensor. In use, the plurality of loggers are disposed along the pipeline and are programmed to record sound data. The sound data recorded by the plurality of loggers is downloaded onto the computer system which, in turn, localizes and correlates any leaks present in the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes includes a deflectable arm of a microcantilever formed over and contacting a sensing element. A gaseous or liquid medium which may include the analyte being detected, is introduced to the sensing element. The sensing element undergoes volumetric expansion or contraction in the presence of the analyte sought to be detected, typically by adsorbing the analyte. The volumetric change of the sensing element causes the deflectable arm to deflect. The deflectable arm includes at least one measurable physical property which changes when the arm deflects. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property to determine the presence and amount of analyte present. An array of microcantilevers in which each microcantilever is dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for permanently or semi-permanently fitting to an underground water pipe 15,16 for detecting leaks therein, comprises a hydrophone 26 mounted to acoustically monitor water flowing along the pipe 15,16 and means 29 for analysing a parameter of the output signal of the hydrophone 26 and for generating an alarm signal, in the event that the parameter is above a maximum value or below a minimum value. The apparatus further comprises a radio transmitter for transmitting the alarm signal to a remote receiver, so as to indicate the detection of a leak. The maximum and minimum values are preferably calculated using historical data obtained from the hydrophone 26, so that the values are automatically adjusted to suit location of the apparatus. In use, a plurality of leak detection apparatus can be installed to pipes at various locations around a geographical area of supply.

Abstract: A signal processing technique which correlates eddy current inspection data from a tube having a critical tubing defect with a range of predicted burst pressures for the tube is provided. The method can directly correlate the raw eddy current inspection data representing the critical tubing defect with the range of burst pressures using a regression technique, preferably an artificial neural network. Alternatively, the technique deconvolves the raw eddy current inspection data into a set of undistorted signals, each of which represents a separate defect of the tube. The undistorted defect signal which represents the critical tubing defect is related to a range of burst pressures utilizing a regression technique.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting stenoses in a tubular line system during an extracorporeal hemotherapy. The tubular line system has an arterial branch going out from the patient and leading to a hemotherapeutic unit, and a venous branch going out from the hemotherapeutic unit and leading to the patient, where an oscillating pressure signal is generated in the tubular line system, and the oscillating pressure signal is measured. To detect stenoses, the frequency spectrum of the oscillating pressure signal is analyzed, in response to a change in the frequency spectrum. This method is based on the principle that, in response to the existence of a stenosis, the dynamic performance of the tubular line system changes, the higher frequency components of the pressure signal generated by the rollers of the blood pump, which propagates across the tubular line system, being attenuated due to the compliance of the line system.

Abstract: The claimed method of in-tube ultrasonic flaw detection of pipelines is effected, in accordance with one embodiment, by placing inside a pipeline an inspection pig or flaw detector having ultrasonic transducers, devices for measurements, processing and storage of the measured data. During the pig travel, the transducers emit probing ultrasonic pulses and receive the reflected pulses corresponding to said probing pulse thus deriving data on the time intervals corresponding to the transit time of said pulses, the measured data being converted and stored.

Abstract: A device for checking the quantity of gasolines, Diesel fuels, fuels or liquids in general during introduction in a tank, comprising at least one ultrasound emission source and at least one ultrasound receiver, the ultrasound emission source being arranged so as to send a train of sound waves toward the free surface of the liquid that is present in the tank and to receive the sound beam reflected by the free surface of the liquid, the ratio of the speed of the sound waves with respect to the time between the emission of the sound waves by the ultrasound source and the reception of the sound waves providing a distance that constitutes a datum for calculating the quantity of liquid introduced in the tank.

Abstract: A rotating plug (4) is installed in a body (1) and can be in different positions in which two lateral drillings come in front of the orifices corresponding to the body (1) or a sampling orifice (18) in front of which a flask is placed. The fluid to be sampled is circulated so that it fills a chamber (12) delimited by the rotating plug (4), and the rotating plug is then turned until one of its drillings is facing the sampling orifice (18) and a piston (11) delimiting the chamber (12) is pushed in to extract the required quantity of the sample. This device is simple and has an excellent seal.

Abstract: Apparatus for deploying equipment in a fluid container or fluid conduit comprises a fluid housing having an outlet aperture, the fluid housing being adapted to be secured to the container or conduit such that the outlet aperture is in fluid communication with an aperture in the container or conduit. The apparatus further includes a piston in the fluid housing dividing the fluid housing into first and second fluid chambers, the second fluid chamber being in fluid communication with the interior of the container or conduit via the outlet aperture when the fluid housing is secured in fluid communication with the container or conduit. The piston is movable within the fluid housing toward the outlet aperture in response to increases of fluid pressure in the first fluid chamber. The apparatus further includes a guide means for guiding deployment of the equipment into the container or conduit.

Abstract: A non-intrusive pressure sensor and method for measuring pressures within a pipe includes a displacement based sensor disposed on a surface of the pipe. The displacement based sensor measures the radial displacement response of the surface of the pipe to the unsteady pressure. The displacement based sensor may comprise an accelerometer, an absolute velocity sensor, or an absolute displacement sensor. One or more of sensors may be axially distributed along the pipe or alternatively the sensors may be circumferentially distributed about the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for measuring granule impact strength and granule attrition rates by vibrating a small container of granules at a well-controlled amplitude in order to inflict reproducible damage to the granules. Damage to the granules is measured as a function of time and amplitude and attrition rates are measured in terms of dust generate per number of collisions versus mass of the granules. The measurements obtained yield a highly reproducible means for characterizing granule attrition, attrition rates, and fragmentation.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a time of occurrence of a pressure wave in a pipe provides a first sonic transducer and a second sonic transducer at each of a plurality of site locations along a pipe. Sonic waves are generated through a pipewall at a rate. At each of the plurality of site locations, the sonic waves travel from the first sonic transducer to the second sonic transducer through a liquid flow in the pipe. A measure of travel time is set for the sonic waves. The measure is compared to each of the successive travel times for the sonic waves as the sonic waves arrive at the respective second transducers. A string of counts is output at each second transducer. Each count includes a first count value if a present sonic wave has a travel time that is late as compared to the measure. A time of occurrence of the pressure wave is determined based on a reference clock when the string of counts includes a string of first count values longer than a threshold value.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the detection of leaks in plastic water distribution pipes by processing the sound or vibration induced in the pipe by water escaping under pressure. Acoustic leak signals are measured at two (or more) contact points with the pipe, e.g., fire hydrants or valves, using vibration sensors or hydrophones. The signals are digitally recorded using the computer's soundcard. The leak is located using the difference in arrival times of two leak signals as determined from the cross-correlation function traditionally used in leak detection applications or an enhanced impulse response function. The enhanced impulse response function eliminates the need to filter leak signals before processing and hence avoids the uncertainty involved in selecting filter cutoff frequencies for non-experts. Listening to leak sound in plastic pipes is made possible in software by shifting their low-frequency content to an audible higher range.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the viscosity of a fluid in a container (such as a pipe). The apparatus comprises a mechanism for transmitting a signal into a fluid in a container. The transmitting mechanism contacts the container and provides the signal to the fluid in the container. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for receiving the signal after the signal has passed through the fluid. The receiving mechanism contacts the container and receives the signal from the fluid in the container. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for determining the fluid in the container from the signal after the signal has passed through the fluid and determining the fluid viscosity from the amplitude and sound velocity. The determining mechanism is connected to the receiving mechanism. The method comprises the steps of transmitting a signal into fluid. Then there is the step of receiving the signal after it has passed through the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a time of occurrence of a pressure wave in a pipe provides a first sonic transducer and a second sonic transducer at each of a plurality of site locations along a pipe. Sonic waves are generated through a pipewall at a known desired rate. At each of the plurality of site locations, the sonic waves travel from the first sonic transducer to the second sonic transducer through a liquid flow in the pipe. A measure of travel time is set for the sonic waves. The measure is compared to each of the successive travel times for the sonic waves as the sonic waves arrive at the respective second transducers. A string of counts is output at each second transducer. Each count includes a first count value if a present sonic wave has a travel time that is late as compared to the measure. A time of occurrence of the pressure wave is determined based on a reference clock when the string of counts includes a string of first count values longer than a threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting faults in and/or measuring the wall thickness of continuously moving strips, sections or tubes of plastics, using ultrasonic signals. To this end a number of ultrasonic heads (A, B, C, D) with transmitters and receivers are disposed distributed over the width of the strip or section or the periphery of the tube. The signal, emitted by a transmitter of an ultrasonic measuring head (3) and reflected without scatter, is received by the receiver of said ultrasonic measuring head (3), while the scattered signals reflected on the tube, section or the like are received by the receivers of its adjacent ultrasonic measuring heads (A, B). The inclusion of the scattered and reflected signals in the measurement appreciably increases the measured area per measurement in comparison with using exclusively the signal directly reflected without scatter.

Abstract: An acoustic viscometer and method for determining both the kinematic viscosity and the intrinsic viscosity of a liquid which includes an acoustic wave generator, a transmitting piezoelectric transducer, a receiving piezoelectric transducer, and a phase-shift detector. The transmitting piezoelectric transducer is positioned so as to be in contact with the liquid and is operably connected to the acoustic wave generator. The transmitting piezoelectric transducer propagates a longitudinal wave of known frequency through the liquid. The receiving piezoelectric transducer is spaced apart from the transmitting piezoelectric transducer and detects the longitudinal wave and a corresponding shear wave propagated through the liquid.

Abstract: The geometry of a cavity in a cast, molded or machined part is compared to that of a reference part. Measuring the amplitude or phase shift of an acoustic wave traveling through the sealed cavity, at a multiplicity of predetermined frequencies, forms an acoustic spectrum, unique to the geometry of the cavity. The acoustic spectrum of the part under test is compared to the acoustic spectrum obtained from the corresponding cavity in a reference part.

Abstract: Leakage inspection of items, such as vessels and pipings, is performed using an ultrasonic wave under no pressure with a device of simple structure. The ultrasonic leakage inspection device according to the present invention comprises an ultrasonic wave emitting unit having at least one ultrasonic emitting element for emitting an ultrasonic wave of a predetermined frequency and an ultrasonic detector including an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an ultrasonic wave. For leakage inspection of the items, the ultrasonic emitting unit is put inside the item in a sealed condition so that the ultrasonic wave is emitted uniformly inside the item, and the ultrasonic sensor is moved around the item. Any leakage defects of the item can be detected by sensing any ultrasonic wave leaked therefrom by the ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: A non invasive method and apparatus is provided to measure the mass flow rate of a multi-phase fluid. An accelerometer is attached to a pipe carrying a multi-phase fluid. Flow related measurements in pipes are sensitive to random velocity fluctuations whose magnitude is proportional to the mean mass flow rate. An analysis of the signal produced by the accelerometer shows a relationship between the mass flow of a fluid and the noise component of the signal of an accelerometer. The noise signal, as defined by the standard deviation of the accelerometer signal allows the method and apparatus of the present invention to non-intrusively measure the mass flow rate of a multi-phase fluid.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for determining the presence of a leakage in a fluid system, for example, a domestic plumbing system. The method comprises measuring vibration spectra relating to fluid flow in the system and comparing the measured spectra with reference spectra to determine the presence of a leakage. A simple sensor (12) is attached to a pipe (10) for measuring the vibration and is connected to a processing unit (14) via wired connection (18). The sensor (12) may also be provided with an amplifier/buffer (16) and a battery pack (20). The sensor is used in a leakage detection system which is also described.

Abstract: A method for determining constituent fluids for a multiphase flow in a pipe is provided by mounting two transducers on a pipewall. The first and second transducers are longitudinally offset in a longitudinal direction parallel to the flow. A first sonic wave is generated through the pipewall and is split into a pipewall wave and a transverse wave. The pipewall wave travels in the pipewall directly between the transducers, and the transverse wave is reflected through the flow between the transducers. With knowledge of one of the fluids in the flow, attenuation is measured of the transverse wave relative to the pipewall wave to determine proportions of constituent liquids in the flow. Amplitude fluctuations are determined in the transverse wave relative to the pipewall wave, and based on the amplitude fluctuations, proportions of gas bubbles in the flow are determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting change in the foam forming characteristic of an input stream of an aqueous solution which continuously samples the input stream by taking a series of discrete, independent measurements. A sample of the input stream is collected, analyzed, then discarded. The collect-analyze-discard cycle is repeated. The apparatus relies on an acoustic sensor to measure foam height within a column. This allows the column containing the foam to be fabricated from any material, including durable plastics. A sample of the input stream is introduced into the apparatus. The sample is then aerated by a aeration stone to produce foam. The height of the column of foam produced is then measured using the acoustic sensor. The sample is then discarded and the process repeated. The height of the foam column is correlated with the concentration of foam forming chemical.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting change in the foam forming characteristic of an input stream of an aqueous solution which continuously samples the input stream by taking a series of discrete, independent measurements. A sample of the input stream is collected, analyzed, then discarded. The collect-analyze-discard cycle is repeated. The apparatus relies on an acoustic sensor to measure foam height within a column. This allows the column containing the foam to be fabricated from any material, including durable plastics. A sample of the input stream is introduced into the apparatus. The sample is then aerated by an aeration stone to produce foam. The height of the column of foam produced is then measured using the acoustic sensor. The sample is then discarded and the process repeated. The height of the foam column is correlated with the concentration of foam forming chemical.

Abstract: Ultrasonic energy in the form of guided waves is launched into the wall of a fluid-filled container. The guided wave propagates around the circumference of the container from a transmitting transducer to a receiving transducer. Part of the guide wave energy leaks into the fluid in the form of bulk waves, reflects off the inner wall on the other side and enters back to the receiving transducer trailing the direct wave. Analysis of the received waves determines the presence of corrosion pitting and MIC nodules on the container inner wall, and fluid level. In addition, it determines whether foreign objects are inside the container. The guided waves are created with wideband transducers excited at certain frequencies that depend on the material and geometry of the part being measured. The leakage energy is maximized with a shaped tone burst pulse at the specified frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detecting and locating leaks in a pipeline. Pattern match filtering is used to reduce false alarm rate, increase sensitivity and improve leak location accuracy, while quickly detecting leaks by the acoustic signal generated from a leak event in pipelines containing gas or liquid under pressure. The pattern match filter technique detects a pressure wave generated by a leak, but discriminates against background noise and pressure disturbance generated by other non-leak sources that might otherwise be detected as a leak. The pattern match filter derives a sharp peaked output from the signal of the expansion wave which allows for a distinctive point of reference for a time stamp. This provides for improved accuracy in leak location calculations. The pattern match filter is incorporated into site processors located at multiple points along a pipeline, and at a central node processor which receives data from all site processors.

Abstract: A liquid for producing a marker vapor includes a fluorescent substance in solution in a carrier liquid. The fluorescent substance has a first vaporization temperature range at which the fluorescent substance vaporizes. The carrier liquid has a second vaporization temperature range at which the carrier liquid vaporizes. The second vaporization temperature range overlaps the first vaporization range. The liquid is vaporized and directed into a body being inspected. Leaks then become visible when the body is inspected using radiation of a wavelength that causes the fluorescent substance to fluoresce.

Abstract: Ultrasonic energy in the form of guided waves is launched into the wall of a fluid-filled container. The guided wave propagates around the circumference of the container from a transmitting transducer to a receiving transducer. Part of the guide wave energy leaks into the fluid in the form of bulk waves, reflects off the inner wall on the other side and enters back to the receiving transducer trailing the direct wave. Analysis of the received waves determines the presence of corrosion pitting and MIC nodules on the container inner wall, and fluid level. In addition, it determines whether foreign objects are inside the container. The guided waves are created with wideband transducers excited at certain frequencies that depend on the material and geometry of the part being measured. The leakage energy is maximized with a shaped tone burst pulse at the specified frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the position of a signal from a pipe (1), the apparatus comprising a first sensor (9) capable of being coupled to said pipe for detecting a signal from said pipe (1), a second sensor (13) being moveable with respect to said pipe (1) for detecting a signal from said pipe (1) and determining means for determining a variation between the signals detected by the first and second sensors, due to the differing position of the first and second sensors with respect to the pipe (11).

Abstract: A device for detecting chemical substances includes a plurality of sensors arranged in an array. The sensors are connected to respective oscillator circuits which drive the sensors, and the oscillator circuits are coupled to a power multiplexer which provides the circuits with power according to a timing pattern such that not all of the oscillator circuits are activated at any one time. Preferably, only one oscillator circuit is activated at any given time. This multiplexing arrangement saves power and substantially eliminates cross talk between the oscillator circuits. The oscillator circuits are preferably application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and the sensors are preferably surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices. In use, the SAW sensors are exposed to a gas, such as air, containing the chemical substance to be detected. Signals from the SAW sensors are analyzed to identify the chemical substance.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for detecting a leak in a valve and the magnitude of the leak. The valve has an upstream seal, a downstream seal and an inner cavity isolated by the seals. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for generating random pressure pulses in the inner cavity, a first sensor for detecting the onset of each pressure pulse and generating a trigger signal, a second sensor for sensing pressure pulses within the inner cavity and generating a representative second signal for each sensed pressure pulse and a third sensor located either upstream of the upstream seal or downstream of the downstream seal. The third sensor senses pressure pulses and generates a representative third signal for each sensed pressure pulse. Analysis circuitry samples and synchronously averages the second and third signals to determine the existence and magnitude of a seal leak.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring properties of a liquid composition includes a mechanical resonator, such as a thickness shear mode resonator or a tuning fork resonator, connected to a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit provides a variable frequency input signal to the tuning fork, causing the mechanical resonator to oscillate. To test the properties of a liquid composition, the mechanical resonator is placed inside a sample well containing a small amount of the liquid. The input signal is then sent to the mechanical resonator and swept over a selected frequency range, preferably less than 1 MHz to prevent the liquid being tested from exhibiting gel-like characteristics and causing false readings. The mechanical resonator's response over the frequency range depends on various characteristics of the liquid being tested, such as the temperature, viscosity, and other physical properties.

Abstract: When an underground pipe carrying a fluid, such as a buried water-pipe, develops a leak the leak must first be located before it can be repaired. One common location method makes use of the fact that the leaking fluid often creates a noise, typically a hissing sound, which is transmitted through the ground, and although rapidly attenuated can be heard with suitable highly sensitive ground microphones and is therefore useful to field crews as a means of locating leaks. Unfortunately, the sound levels can be grossly distorted by underground heterogenities, and can easily be confused or even swamped by other sound sources above ground, and in general ground microphones used like this do not seem to be effective.

Abstract: A device detects an emission source of a vibration signal against a background of noise, where the vibration signal is produced by a mechanical system and has one or more frequency components. A sensor senses the vibration signal and produces a sensor signal corresponding to the vibration signal. The sensor has a mechanical frequency selection structure for mechanically resonating at desired frequencies and for mechanically attenuating a frequency component of the vibration signal having a frequency outside the desired frequencies. The mechanical frequency selection structure thus produces a mechanically-tuned sensor signal. Electrical frequency selection filters electrically attenuate a frequency component of the mechanically-tuned sensor signal having a frequency outside the desired frequencies. The electrical frequency selection filters thus produce an electrically-tuned sensor signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which uses ultrasonic techniques to inspect critical pipe joints and other critical industrial areas that are normally inaccessible. A waveguide including one or more flexible fibers is embedded in concrete or whatever else embeds the piping which includes the critical area. One end of the waveguide is accessible so that an ultrasonic transducer can be used to transmit ultrasonic signals along the waveguide and receive reflected echoes to provide an ultrasonic image of the critical area. In a case where the area to be inspected is submerged, the waveguide takes the form of a flexible fiber bundle which is manipulated until its end is adjacent to the critical area. Some of the fibers in the bundle can be used to illuminate the critical area, and other fibers can transmit optical images for display on a video monitor. In an alternative embodiment, a single optical fiber waveguide is used to transmit illumination, optical signals and ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the viscosity of a fluid in a container (such as a pipe). The apparatus comprises a mechanism for transmitting a signal into a fluid in a container. The transmitting mechanism contacts the container and provides the signal to the fluid in the container. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for receiving the signal after the signal has passed through the fluid. The receiving mechanism contacts the container and receives the signal from the fluid in the container. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for determining the fluid in the container from the signal after the signal has passed through the fluid and determining the fluid viscosity from the amplitude and sound velocity. The determining mechanism is connected to the receiving mechanism. The method comprises the steps of transmitting a signal into fluid. Then there is the step of receiving the signal after it has passed through the fluid.

Abstract: An ultrasonic monitoring apparatus is provided for use by an operator in detecting ultrasonic vibrations and sound waves. The ultrasonic monitoring apparatus consists of a hand held device with a sensor socket that allows a variety of different types of sensors to be interchangeably installed in the hand held device. These sensors include both contact and airborne ultrasonic sensors as well as a combination temperature and ultrasonic sensor that allows the operator to simultaneously monitor the surface temperature of an object and the ultrasonic vibrations produced by the object. Identification information corresponding to the type of sensor is encoded on the individual sensors. The identification information is read by an identification circuit located in the hand held device. This identification information allows the hand held device to configure itself to operate with the type of sensor installed in the socket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method determines ultrasonic measurement parameters of ultrasonic measurements to be performed on a mechanical system, where the ultrasonic measurements are performed using a portable ultrasonic measurement device. The ultrasonic measurement parameters consist of information used in configuring the portable ultrasonic measurement device to make the ultrasonic measurements. The measurement parameters are used to configure an ultrasonic measurement device that uses an ultrasonic sensor to measure ultrasonic characteristics of the mechanical system, where the ultrasonic characteristics are indicative of an operating condition of the mechanical system. The apparatus includes a processor for generating user instruction messages that query a user concerning specific characteristics of the mechanical system on which the ultrasonic measurements are to be performed. The user instruction messages also provide response options from which the user chooses in responding to the instruction messages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piezoelectric resonator, a process for the fabrication thereof and its use as a sensor element, which implemented in a through-flow cell, is integratable in a measurement system for the determination of the concentration of a substance contained in a liquid and/or for the determination of the physical properties of the liquid. The piezoelectric resonator is designed plane and is provided on its surface with electric contact areas for an electrode and a counter electrode, which is connectable to a signal source as well as to a measurement device. For measuring, the piezoelectric resonator is brought into contact with the to-be-examined liquid on one side, with the resonator responding to the accumulation of the mass of the to-be-detected substance or to a change in the physical properties of the liquid by changing its resonance frequency and/or oscillation amplitude.

Abstract: A route based ultrasonic monitoring method for use by an operator in detecting when the ultrasonic sound produced by a device indicates the presence of a leak or machinery defect. The route based ultrasonic monitoring method uses a central processing location to store testing information concerning which machines to test and how to configure a portable ultrasonic sensing device to test them. At the appropriate time, the testing information is loaded from the central processing location into the portable processing and storage unit. The operator is then prompted by the portable processing and storage unit to proceed to a test location. Once at the test location, the portable processing and storage unit provides the testing information to the portable ultrasonic sensing device. The test is then performed by the operator with the portable ultrasonic sensing device and the test results are downloaded from the portable sensing device to the portable processing and storage unit.

Abstract: An additive is introduced into a fluid system and dissolved in a carrier fluid which is immiscible or slightly miscible in the fluid system, wherein the carrier fluid is subsequently removed from the fluid system. This method can be used to detect leaks, wherein an on-off UV light source, such as xenon light, can be used to detect the leak visually.

Abstract: During a passive initial stage, acoustic signals received by a receiving transducer array are recorded, and the corresponding electric signals are stored. To search for the possible presence of a sound source whose contribution to the signal recorded in the passive initial stage may be faint, window of each electric signal stored in the initial stage is time reversed and amplified to produce excitation signals which are applied to emitting transducers of an array corresponding to that of the receiving transducers. The acoustic echo signals received by the receiving transducers are recorded, and the corresponding electric signals are stored, and can be exploited to detect the possible presence of a reflecting sound source.