Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonic inspection. The ultrasonic inspection apparatus comprises ultrasonic transducers, a body, a set of engagement members and a set of ports. The ultrasonic transducers are at a position generally adjacent to a surface of an object. The body has a contact surface capable of contacting the surface and is capable of holding the set of ultrasonic transducers. The engagement members are connected to the body for engagement with the surface. The engagement members are flexibly bendable and are conformed to contours across the surface to form a coupling region within the body. The set of ports deliver a coupling material to the coupling region. The engagement members, when in contact with the surface of the object, cause a seal to retain an amount of the coupling material within the coupling region sufficient to couple the ultrasonic transducers to the surface.

Abstract: A method for calculating material properties of a material includes determining a dilatational wavespeed and a shear wave speed. The dilatational wavespeed is determined by conducting vertical vibration tests of two specimens of the material, one specimen being twice as thick as the other. Transfer functions are obtained from these tests and used to calculate the dilatational wavespeed. The shear wavespeed is determined by conducting horizontal vibration tests of two specimens with one specimen being twice as thick as the other. The shear wavespeed can be calculated from transfer functions obtained from these tests and the dilatational wavespeed. Other material properties can be calculated from the dilatational and shear wavespeeds. Frequency dependence of the properties can be determined by conducting the tests at different frequencies.

Abstract: A method for calculating material properties of a material includes conducting two insertion loss tests of the material having a single thickness and a double thickness. These tests are conducted at a zero wavenumber. Utilizing these insertion loss tests, a dilatational wavespeed is computed. The method continues by calculating a shear wavespeed by performing three insertion loss tests of the material at single, double and triple thicknesses. These tests are conducted at a non-zero wavenumber. A shear wavespeed can be calculated from the dilatational wavespeed and these insertion loss tests. Lamé constants, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and the shear modulus for the material of interest can then be calculated using the dilatational and shear wavespeeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to the determination of the dynamic elastic modulus of a material, such as a material comprising a mineral binder like cement, or gypsum, or the like, or a polymer, or ceramic, preferably mortar or concrete, in particular shotcrete, using sound, preferably ultrasound waves which penetrate the material and are continuously measured and analyzed. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus, to a measuring device, and to a method for determining the dynamic elastic modulus of a material using the apparatus.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wave vibrating apparatus includes a passive element converting electric energy to ultrasonic vibration, electrodes, a horn body arranged in a forward side of the element and amplifying the vibration, a backing arranged in the base side of the element and backing the element, and a horn connecting portion having one end connected to the body and the other end connected to the backing to connect the body and the backing to each other with the element sandwiched between the body and the backing. At least one of the body, the connecting portion and the backing is formed of metallic glass. The body and the connecting portion can be formed of the metallic glass integrally with each other. A cover covering the element may be included, and the cover, the body and the connecting portion can be formed of the metallic glass integrally with each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for estimating the 3D orientation angles for remotely deployed devices with flexible arms such as dipole antennas of receivers used in marine controlled-source electromagnetic surveys to explore for hydrocarbons. Acoustic transponders or transducers, or other positioning sensors such as attitude sensors or strain-sensitive fiber optic cables are placed on each electrode arm of the receiver. Acoustic sensors (101) on the receiver frame (94) work in conjunction with the positioning sensor(s) (101) on the electrode arms (92) to provide accurate 3D spatial position of the receiver electrodes (93) relative to the receiver frame. Alternatively, sonar transducers mounted on the frame are used to image the electrode arms, which image can be enhanced by fixing reflectors to the arms. An attitude sensor is mounted on the receiver frame, enabling conversion of the relative electrode positions to an earth reference frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring wall thicknesses of objects, comprises: a coordinate measuring machine comprising a probe holder and an object support, the coordinate measuring machine being configured to provide relative movement between the probe holder and the object support in three dimensions; and an ultrasonic test probe which is held by the probe holder. The coordinate measuring machine brings the transducer of the ultrasonic test probe into contact with a position on a surface of an object at the object support so that the probe can measure an object wall thickness at the probe contact position.

Abstract: A system and method for checking electrical contact points of semiconductor devices. One embodiment includes a check system and a method in which, for the checking of electrical contact points of semiconductor devices, a system is provided by which a number of contact points are impacted with a mechanical load.

Abstract: Method and system (i) to determine when a selected target molecule is present or absent in a fluid, (2) to estimate concentration of the target molecule in the fluid and (3) estimate possible presence of a second (different) target molecule in the fluid, by analyzing differences in resonant frequencies of vibration of a thin beam suspended in the fluid, after the fluid has moved across the beam.

Abstract: A method of detecting an internal flaw in a particulate filter includes a step of coupling ultrasonic transducer with the particulate filter. The method also includes a step of moving at least one of the ultrasonic transducer and the particulate filter relative to the other. Consistent coupling of the ultrasonic transducer with the particulate filter is maintained during the moving step. Ultrasonic energy is transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer through a majority of a volume of the particulate filter. The method also includes a step of determining if the particulate filter includes an internal flaw using the ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for ultrasonic time of flight diffraction inspection of a plastics wall, such as a pipe wall. The method comprises providing an ultrasound transmitter and transmitting an ultrasound signal having a nominal frequency into the wall, providing an ultrasound receiver and receiving the ultrasound signal transmitted through the wall. The ultrasound signal provided by the transmitter has a bandwidth of more than 80%, preferably more than 100% of the nominal frequency of the ultrasound signal provided by the transmitter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-invasive method for easily locating an underground septic tank, distribution box, field line, conduit, or the like. In the preferred embodiment, prescribed acoustic signals are injected into an underground cavity via an accessable port and remotely detected by a time synchronized detector in contact with the ground which cross correlates the detected signal with a duplicate of the prescribed acoustic signal in order to reject background noise, and thus locate the underground cavity. A frequency sweep is conducted to exploit cavity resonance modes and thus further enhance the signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A SAW based pressure sensor comprises a base (2a) having an aperture (3) formed therein and a substrate (4) mounted on the base so as to completely overlie the aperture. The substrate (4) is adhered to the base (2a) so as to form a fluid tight seal around the periphery of the aperture (3). A first SAW resonator (5) is mounted on the substrate (4) wholly within the region overlying the aperture (3), whilst two further SAW resonators (6, 7) are mounted on the substrate wholly within a region which is stiffened by adhesion to the underlying base (2a), such that the two further SAW resonators (6, 7) are completely decoupled from the strain field arising in the substrate due to deflections thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing the quality of spot weld joints between pieces of metal includes an ultrasound transducer probing a spot weld joint. The ultrasound transducer transmits ultrasonic radiation into the spot weld joint, receives corresponding echoes, and transforms the echoes into electrical signals. An image reconstructor connected to the ultrasound transducer transforms the electrical signals into numerical data representing an ultrasound image. A neural network connected to the image reconstructor analyzes the numerical data and an output system presents information representing the quality of the spot weld joint. The system is trained to assess the quality of spot weld joints by scanning a spot weld joint with an ultrasound transducer to produce the data set representing the joint; then physically deconstructing the joint to assess the joint quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the contactless detection of flat objects, particularly in sheet form, such as paper, films, foils, plates, labels, splices, break points, tear-off threads and similar flat materials or packs. In the case of said methods and devices there is a need, e.g. in the printing industry, for a reliable, precise detection of single, missing or multiple sheets, especially double sheets of the flat objects, together with a label detection.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting and locating harmful impacts to pipelines using sensors placed along the pipeline. The exact spacing of sensors is site specific and is set with the goal of maximizing sensor spacing without reducing system performance and reliability. At each sensor location, preferably there are four basic components, i.e., a hydrophone, solar power components, and data processing and communications equipment. Each hydrophone directly measures the acoustic noise fluctuation in a pipe section, which propagates at long distances in the pipeline at the specific speed of sound for the particular type of pipe. If specific signal parameters exceed a programmed threshold, a detection message is generated and transmitted via a communications link to a central monitoring and diagnostic center.

Abstract: A method for calculating material properties of a material includes conducting two insertion loss tests of the material having a single thickness and a double thickness. These tests are conducted at a zero wavenumber. Utilizing these insertion loss tests, a dilatational wavespeed is computed. The method continues by calculating a shear wavespeed by performing three insertion loss tests of the material at single, double and triple thicknesses. These tests are conducted at a non-zero wavenumber. A shear wavespeed can be calculated from the dilatational wavespeed and these insertion loss tests. Lamé constants, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and the shear modulus for the material of interest can then be calculated using the dilatational and shear wavespeeds.

Abstract: A method for improving blood circulation of seated or lying persons, wherein vibrations are released locally into the areas of the body of the seated or lying person, which are susceptable to blood stasis, by at least one vibration device (5) disposed beneath the sitting or lying surface with a predetermined or determinable frequency, characterized in that the vibrations are released by means of at least one vibration plate (6), which is movably guided in a direction transverse to the plane of the vibration plate (6) towards and away from the sitting or lying surface linearly and is operated with a frequency in the range of 5 to 30 Hz, so that the body is alternately raised and lowered from the sitting or lying surface, a brief pressure release occurring during the lowering movement so that a blood circulation can take place.

Abstract: A centering apparatus for internal nondestructive testing of a tube to be inspected includes an elongated shaft member coupled to an inspection probe; a plurality of fingers, pivotally attached at a first end thereof to a mounting surface affixed to the shaft member, the plurality of fingers circumferentially surrounding the shaft member; and an expansion mechanism, disposed between the plurality of fingers and the shaft member, the expansion mechanism configured to selectively and outwardly extend a second end of the plurality of fingers with respect to a longitudinal axis of the shaft member, so as to bring the second end of the plurality of fingers into contact with an inner surface of the tube to be inspected, thereby centering the inspection probe within the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thin film aluminium nitride ultrasound transducer, a method of manufacture the transducer and a test component upon which a thin film aluminium nitride ultrasound transducer is deposited. The aluminium nitride film may be (002) orientated with its c-axis normal to the surface of a substrate made of glass or a composite material. The invention also includes a system for non-destructive testing wherein a pulse is emitted from an ultrasound transducer to propagate through the test component and a reflected pulse is detected by the aluminium nitride thin film ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer can be integrated into engine components such as bearings.

Abstract: A high spatial resolution phase-sensitive technique employs a scanning near field ultrasound holography (SNFUH) methodology for imaging elastic as well as viscoelastic variations across a sample surface. SNFUH uses a near-field approach to measure time-resolved variations in ultrasonic oscillations at a sample surface. As such, it overcomes the spatial resolution limitations of conventional phase-resolved acoustic microscopy (i.e. holography) by eliminating the need for far-field acoustic lenses.

Abstract: A device and method to nondestructively measure bulk stress in a member by employing an acoustic source, preferably an ultrasonic source, a processor, and a uniquely configured acoustic sensor package. The sensor package is configured to transmit both a longitudinal wave signal and a shear wave signal into the member. The processor is configured to capture reflections of the two impressed signals along a principal stress axis of the member and calculate the roundtrip time of the two signals. Knowing the length of the member along a principal stress axis, from the roundtrip times of the two signals, two velocities are calculated. By employing an equation that calculates bulk stress as a function of these shear and longitudinal wave velocities, a measure of bulk stress is calculated via the processor. The device measures bulk stress of a member that offers limited access in its permanent installation, such as dam reinforcements.

Abstract: The invention relates to pseudo porosity standards, and methods for their manufacture and use, which may substantially mimic the effect porosity has on ultrasonic sound as it passes through a composite laminate. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for composite materials having porosity may include a member having at least one thickness. The member may be defined by at least one hollow, non-spherical shaft. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. The non-spherical shaft may scatter and attenuate ultrasonic energy. The reference standard may replace more costly, porous, fiber-reinforced, composite reference standards in the aircraft industry and in other non-aircraft applications.

Abstract: A monitoring assembly for a filter includes an acoustic apparatus. The acoustic apparatus includes a first receiver, a second receiver, a resonator, and a transmitter. The transmitter is configured to emit sound waves receivable by at least one of the first receiver, the second receiver, and the resonator. The monitoring assembly also includes an electronic control module configured to receive signals from at least one of the first and second receivers.

Abstract: A monitoring assembly for a filter may include a transmitter, arranged on a first side of the filter, configured to emit sound waves. The monitoring assembly may also include a first receiver, arranged on the first side of the filter, configured to receive the sound waves. The monitoring assembly may further include a second receiver, arranged on a second side of the filter, configured to receive the sound waves.

Abstract: The invention relates to pseudo porosity standards, and methods for their manufacture and use, which substantially mimic the effect porosity has on ultrasonic sound as it passes through a cored composite laminate having porosity. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for cored composite laminates having porosity may include a member having at least one thickness, at least one core, and at least one mesh. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. Use of the mesh may produce a standard which transmits ultrasonic energy, with the mesh scattering and attenuating the energy. Use of the core may aide in modeling a cored composite laminate. The manufactured reference standard may replace more costly porous, cored, composite laminate reference standards in the aircraft industry and in other non-aircraft applications.

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: An ultrasonic probe comprises an acoustic backing layer made of a composite resin material including a resin and a plurality of bonded fibers contained the resin, each of the bonded fibers being formed of a plurality of zinc oxide fibers bonded to each other at one edge portions and extending in different directions in the other edge portions, the composite resin material exhibiting an acoustic impedance of 1.3 to 6 MRayls at 25° C., a plurality of channels arranged on the acoustic backing layer with space, each channel having a piezoelectric element and an acoustic matching layer formed on the piezoelectric element, and an acoustic lens formed to cover at least the surface of the acoustic matching layer of each channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beam former which performs coherent composition of signals originating from a given propagation direction, which are received by an array of <I>N </I> receiving transducers. The inventive methodology and devices are suitable for use in the following fields: radar, sonar, acoustic, seismology, ultrasound imaging (echography and non-destructive testing) and others. According to the invention, the beam former employs arrays having elements which can be distributed randomly. In particular, the invention can be used for dynamic focusing with deflection of the beam in azimuth and elevation, using two-dimensional arrays.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ultrasound system and method for forming an ultrasound image. A plurality of scan line groups each having the respective scan line density are set based on a predetermined reference scan line group. The predetermined reference scan line group includes a plurality of scan lines each having a predetermined reference scan line density. The ultrasound signals are received and transmitted along the scan lines of the respective scan line groups to form the frame data. The frames corresponding to the respective scan line groups are formed based on the frame data. The frames are then spatially compounded to form a compound image.

Abstract: Noncontaminating and nondestructive testing of a shaped polysilicon body for a material defect is accomplished by exposing the shaped polysilicon body to ultrasound waves, and the ultrasound waves are registered by an ultrasound receiver after they have passed through the shaped polysilicon body or reflected therein, so that material defects in the polysilicon are detected.

Abstract: A particle size distribution monitor, comprising: a transducer adapted to be a source of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with a suspension containing a percent by volume of particles in a liquid, the transducer transmitting ultrasonic energy through the suspension wherein the energy comprises a wideband pulse containing a range of frequency components; a transducer adapted to be a receiver of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with said suspension to receive said wideband range of ultrasonic energy which has passed through the suspension; a first means adapted to accept a signal from said receiver and make an instantaneous determination of the attenuation of the wideband ultrasonic energy in passing through the suspension.

Abstract: A fermention process is monitored by detecting ultrasound backscattered from the cells as a function of time. A transducer 46 is placed in a fermentor 30 and transmits ultrasound towards a reflecting surface 50. The transducer receives that portion of the ultrasound which reflects from the reflecting surface 50, as well as that portion of the ultrasound which backscatters from cells 34 between the transducer 46 and the reflecting surface 50. Signals from the transducer are conditioned and subsequently processed to provide output to a controller regarding the status of the fermentation process in real time. The backscattering measurements can be used to determine a growth phase transition, such as the transition between the logarithmic growth phase of the cells and their stationary phase.

Abstract: A particle size distribution monitor, comprising: a transducer adapted to be a source of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with a suspension containing a percent by volume of particles in a liquid, the transducer transmitting ultrasonic energy through the suspension wherein the energy comprises a wideband pulse containing a range of frequency components; a transducer adapted to be a receiver of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with said suspension to receive said wideband range of ultrasonic energy which has passed through the suspension; a first means adapted to accept a signal from said receiver and make an instantaneous determination of the attenuation of the wideband ultrasonic energy in passing through the suspension.

Abstract: An autoclave reactor allows for the ultrasonic analysis of slurry concentration and particle size distribution at elevated temperatures and pressures while maintaining the temperature- and pressure-sensitive ultrasonic transducers under ambient conditions. The reactor vessel is a hollow stainless steel cylinder containing the slurry which includes a stirrer and a N2 gas source for directing gas bubbles through the slurry. Input and output transducers are connected to opposed lateral portions of the hollow cylinder for respectively directing sound waves through the slurry and receiving these sound waves after transmission through the slurry, where changes in sound wave velocity and amplitude can be used to measure slurry parameters. Ultrasonic adapters connect the transducers to the reactor vessel in a sealed manner and isolate the transducers from the hostile conditions within the vessel without ultrasonic signal distortion or losses.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel-tank system with an ultrasonic fuel-gauging system for an aircraft. The fuel-tank system includes a fuel tank, a transducer carrier tape covered with a separation barrier, and coupled to a surface of the fuel tank, and at least one ultrasonic transducer attached to the transducer carrier tape. An ultrasonic signal from at least one ultrasonic transducer is reflected from a fuel-air surface and a reflected signal is received by at least one ultrasonic transducer to determine a fuel level in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A probabilistic method for optimizing the inspection of a heat exchanger that determines the maximum number of degraded tubes that can be permitted to remain in service for a contemplated interval of time without exceeding an allowable probability of a tube burst, based upon Extreme Value Probability Distribution theory. The method also determines the minimum number of tubes that need to be inspected to establish that no more than the determined maximum number of degraded tubes will be permitted to remain in service for the contemplated interval of time based upon Bayesian Acceptance Sampling Theory.

Abstract: The invention is based on the problem of providing an inspection device and an inspection method, which recognise the defective lenses, which are difficult to detect with conventional optical methods, with a high degree of reliability. According to the invention, the contact lenses are exposed to an ultrasonic field, which leads to destruction of defective lenses, while perfect lenses are as a rule not destroyed. In particular, the method is capable of detecting cracks which are often overlooked by optical methods, since this type of defect reacts especially sensitively to the soundwaves being received.

Abstract: The system provides a means for identifying the opposite ends of each particular conduit of an array of conduits laidout in a building. The system includes a sonic transmitter and a sonic receiver which are units that are separate from each other and portable. The transmitter is connected to a sonic output transducer mounted on a wand which semi-rigid allowing it to be placed at an open end of a conduit and emit a sonic signal thereinto and through the conduit. The receiver is connected to sonic input transducer mounted on another wand which is semi-rigid allowing it to be placed at the opposite open end of the conduit and receive the sonic signal transmitted through the conduit. The sonic transducers may be moved from one of the open ends to another in the array until the input transducer receives the transmitted signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system including a power on self test (POST) and an extended self test (EST). The POST includes (a) a verification test, (b) a register test (c) a controller test, (d) a receive digital signal path test and (e) a basic front end test. The POST is initiated, performed and completed within a short time, such as three seconds, from power ON. The EST is performed after the POST at the discretion of an operator, and includes a transmit test, a transducer element test, a front end voltage test and a receive test.

Abstract: A non-intrusive apparatus and method for measuring vibration of an object along three axes. A vibration measurement device is provided which has three orthogonal right triangular panels forming a pyramidal shape having three 90° angled corners which meet at an apex, wherein each triangular panel has an outer mirrored surface. The device is attached to an object which is subjected to vibration, such that the apex of the device points in a direction away from the object. A beam of light is directed onto the apex of the device such that a portion of the light is reflected off of each mirrored surface, sending reflected light in three directions to three different light sensors. The magnitude of vibration of the object can then be determined in each of three orthogonal directions, along three axes, by measuring the difference in movements of position between the reflected light and a reference beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for non-destructive testing of a weld joint of a bolt (8) welded onto a contact area (4) on a planar sheet metal (6), more specifically a stud bolt welded on using the lift ignition method, wherein during the welding operation a weld pool (10) having a modified material structure is formed beneath said contact area (4), said method using directed ultrasonic signals and comprising the following operational steps: transmitting of ultrasonic signals into said sheet metal (6) using a directing and obliquely transmitting ultrasonic transmitter (1) at a coupling-in point (A), coupling out of the ultrasonic signals transmitted through said sheet metal (6) at a coupling-out point (B) by means of an ultrasonic receiver (2), wherein said coupling-out point (B) is located on the acoustic path of undisturbed signal spreading of the ultrasonic signals transmitted into said sheet metal (6), wherein the acoustic path of undisturbed signal spreading of the ultrasonic signals transmitt

Abstract: Ultrasonic testing techniques may involve the measurement of ultrasonic waves from the tested part. These waves may reflect from surfaces of various layers within the part. Further, these waves may reflect from faults, defects, voids, fractures, and others. As such, the measured ultrasonic wave is a complex mix of these reflections. One method for detecting flaws, defects, and others may be to express the signal in terms of a set of basis functions. These functions may be summed to produce the measured signal. Further, basis functions may be chosen such that a select set of the basis functions characterize the fault and/or defect. In one exemplary embodiment, the coefficients associated with the basis function may be non-zero when a defect is present. As such, a defect may be detected quickly and automatically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and monitoring fractures in a structure by monitoring acoustic energy transmitted within the structure by receiving continuously over a period of time electrical signals from a plurality of acoustic tranducers carried by the structure in a pulse processor to form data bursts from pulses in the signals and deriving, for each of a plurality of the data bursts, delta-t values representing the differences between burst arrival times at each sensor, the delta-t values forming a delta-t pattern, and generating a damage indication signal when the delta-t pattern is repeated to a predetermined degree.

Abstract: A contaminant sensor is provided which has an ultrasonic guided wave transducer that is bonded to a wall in which the ultrasonic energy is transmitted. A detector reflector is provided at a selected distance from the transducer, which will reflect signals that are affected or changed by contaminants collecting on an exposed surface of the wall. A self test reflector is positioned closely adjacent to the transducer and provides a reflected signal that is substantially unaffected by contaminants on the exposed surface of the wall, but which reflects signals only when the transducer assembly is functioning properly, and is properly bonded to the wall. The signal that is reflected by the self test reflector changes when the bond loosens. The receiver is activated right after transmission ceases to determine if the transmitter is operating.

Abstract: A method for sizing crack is disclosed using a combination of depth crack sizing methods to improve crack sizing accuracy for thin walled tubing and tight crack surface opening less than 0.001 inches for cracks of any depth. The tube or plate wall can consist of a single material or multiple metallic electrodeposited or otherwise intimately bonded layers of materials with different magnetic properties and the sizing method comprises known depth sizing methods such as shear wave, time of flight and THE SELECTIVE USE OF two unique depth sizing methods designated as Mode Converted Signal (MCS) and Full Skip Normalization (FSN) which provide correction factors for the known sizing methods.

Abstract: An ultrasonic distance-measuring method and device using variable-length transmitted pulses. For this purpose, the length of each of the transmitted pulses is adjusted such that it is approximately proportional to the measured time interval of a transmitted pulse between the transmitter and an obstruction or object. The method can be used in particular for measuring the distance between the rear panel of a utility vehicle and a loading platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring the distribution of selected properties of materials, said device comprises an emitter of electromagnetic radiation and furthermore at least one sensor of a first type. The emitter emits electromagnetic radiation in a selected frequency range towards said materials and a sensor of the first type detects electromagnetic radiation in a selected frequency range coming from said materials. The detected electromagnetic radiation having been emitted by said emitter. The device also comprises means to generate a three dimensional image contour information regarding the said material's position in space, and an analyser which (a) receives information from said sensors and (b) processes this information and (c) generates signals containing information about the distribution of said properties as output. The invention also relates to a system and a method for measuring the distribution of selected properties of materials.

Abstract: A system includes a switching device, a sound device and an evaluation device. The switching device includes a housing and a contact system disposed in the housing, the contact system including a contact piece carrier and a contact piece disposed on the contact piece carrier. The sound device produces and captures structure-borne sound waves so as to determine an equivalent criterion for determining the remaining service life of the contact piece. The evaluation device evaluates the equivalent criterion.

Abstract: A system and method that allows for the immersion ultrasonic inspection of test samples that cannot be immersed in a fluid (e.g., water) bath. A test sample is encapsulated in a sealed evacuated bag made of nonporous flexible material. A portion of the nonporous flexible material is in contact with the surface area of the test sample where the ultrasound wave or beam will impinge. Then the sealed bag with test sample inside are immersed in an acoustic coupling medium, as is an ultrasonic transducer. The transducer is directed to transmit an interrogating ultrasound wave or beam through the vacuum bag into the component being inspected at the area of interest. The sealed bag prevents contact between the inspected component and the acoustic coupling medium.