Abstract: A vibration distribution measurement system includes a frequency sweep light source that outputs frequency sweep light, an optical splitter that splits the frequency sweep light into probe light and local light, an optical mixer that mixes backscattered light from the sensing fiber as signal light with the local light, the backscattered light being obtained by causing the probe light to be incident on the sensing fiber, and an analysis unit that analyzes a beat signal obtained from output light of the optical mixer. The analysis unit estimates a distance offset from a measurement result obtained by measuring a distribution waveform of the signal light by measuring the beat signal at a measurement time sufficiently shorter than a cycle of the vibration of the sensing fiber, and measures a distribution of a vibration at any position by compensating for the distance offset.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for touch, force and/or thermal sensing by an ultrasonic transceiver chip. In some aspects, an ultrasonic transceiver sensor device includes a semiconductor substrate; a CMOS layer attached to the substrate; an array of piezoelectric transducers coupled to the CMOS layer to generate ultrasonic pulses; and a contact layer attached to the substrate on a side opposite the substrate for providing a surface for contact with an object, where an ultrasonic pulse generated by a piezoelectric transducer propagates through the substrate and the contact layer, such that when the object is in contact with the surface of the contact layer, a reflected ultrasonic pulse is produced and propagates through the contact layer and the substrate to be received at the array of piezoelectric transducers, and the CMOS layer receive and process outputs from the piezoelectric transducers produced in response to the received reflected ultrasonic pulses.

Abstract: A flow-rate measuring apparatus transmits a first measurement signal having at least one first frequency by a first transducer, and receives the first measurement signal by a second transducer through a fluid inside a pipe. The flow-rate measuring apparatus determines a second frequency based on the first measurement signal. The flow-rate measuring apparatus transmits a second measurement signal having the second frequency by a third transducer toward an interface between the pipe and the fluid, and receives the second measurement signal reflected at the interface by a fourth transducer. The flow-rate measuring apparatus calculates a flow rate of the fluid inside the pipe so as to reflect a viscosity of the fluid based on the first and second measurement signals.

Abstract: A device and a method for ultrasonic detecting a mechanical member based on magnetic fluid coupling. The device comprises a magnetic field generating apparatus, magnetic fluid and an ultrasonic probe. The magnetic field generating apparatus has a cylindrical structure, into which the magnetic fluid is injected, where an upper portion of the apparatus is provided with the ultrasonic probe a front end that vertically extends into a liquid level of the magnetic fluid, and a bottom portion of the apparatus covers a detected position of a member under detection. The magnetic fluid at least contains magnetic suspension particles and oil-based or water-based liquid. With the device and the method, the ultrasonic probe is coupled with the member under detection to realize ultrasonic detecting of the service stress of the member under detection.

Abstract: An ultrasonic phased array transducer assembly having a single housing in which a plurality of phased array transducer subassemblies are mounted at a skewed angle relative to a leading face of the housing and to each other, with each transducer mounted on composite wedge(s) at different orientations within the housing.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive testing of a mechanical part by a multi-element transducer having piezoelectric elements, where: for each element e(i) of the transducer, the emission of an ultrasonic wave at a given frequency and measurement, by each element e(j) distinct from the element e(i), of a time-varying signal kij(t) representing the back-scattered ultrasonic wave received by the element e(j); the determination of a first matrix of time-varying components based on measured signals kij(t), i, j=1, . . . , N; the determination of a second matrix of frequency components corresponding to a determined frequency based on the frequency of the ultrasonic wave by applying a Fourier transform to said first matrix; the filtering of said second matrix comprising a projection of it onto a single scattering sub-space determined by means of a numerical calculation using a ray tracing algorithm; and the verification of the integrity of the mechanical part by using said filtered second matrix.

Abstract: A system for non-destructive testing of a bond condition of concrete beams reinforced by steel rods is described. The system includes a transducing transmitter, a transducing receiver, and an ultrasonic pulse generator configured to generate drive signals for the transducing transmitter and receive a plurality vibrational waves at the transducing receiver. The system further includes a computing device including a measurement circuit configured to record a transit time for each vibrational wave and divide a distance between the transducing transmitter and the transducing receiver by the transit time to determine a pulse velocity of each vibrational wave, a comparison circuit configured to identify a highest pulse velocity of the vibrational waves and compare each highest pulse velocity to a first reference pulse velocity, and a decision circuit including an artificial neural network configured to identify a compromised bond condition around a steel rod.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.

Abstract: A method for controlling a sound box, includes: in response to the sound box being in a standby state, emitting an ultrasonic signal, and receiving a reflected ultrasonic signal reflected by an external object; acquiring a moving trajectory of the external object according to the reflected ultrasonic signal; and determining a target operation instruction to be executed according to the moving trajectory of the external object.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for performing high-resolution assessment of the condition of pipes of a fluid distribution system using in-bracket excitation. Acoustical impulses are generated in a pipe at two excitation locations along the pipe while signal data is recorded from two acoustic sensors, at least one of the excitation locations being located in-bracket of the two acoustic sensors. A first time delay between the arrival of the acoustical impulses at the two acoustic sensors is computed from the signal data recorded during generation of the impulses at the first excitation location, and a second time delay between the arrival of the impulses at the two sensors is computed from the signal data recorded during generation of the impulses at the second excitation location.

Abstract: A site monitoring system is provided including a base unit configured to be mounted to a structure of a monitored site; at least one sensor configured to monitor at least one monitored site condition; and a controller disposed within the base unit, the controller configured to receive sensor information regarding the at least one monitored site condition from the at least one sensor and to receive operation information from at least one monitored site management system. The controller is configured to process the sensor information and the operation information against predetermined monitored site parameters and to provide control instructions to the at least one monitored site management system to affect the at least one monitored site condition.

Abstract: A system for non-destructive testing of a bond condition of concrete beams reinforced by steel rods is described. The system includes a transducing transmitter, a transducing receiver, and an ultrasonic pulse generator configured to generate drive signals for the transducing transmitter and receive a plurality vibrational waves at the transducing receiver. The system further includes a computing device including a measurement circuit configured to record a transit time for each vibrational wave and divide a distance between the transducing transmitter and the transducing receiver by the transit time to determine a pulse velocity of each vibrational wave, a comparison circuit configured to identify a highest pulse velocity of the vibrational waves and compare each highest pulse velocity to a first reference pulse velocity, and a decision circuit including an artificial neural network configured to identify a compromised bond condition around a steel rod.

Abstract: An elastic matrix determination method and a vibration analysis method for a laminated iron core, with which it is possible to optimally determine an elastic modulus of a laminated iron core. When a vibration analysis of a laminated iron core obtained by laminating steel sheets is performed by using a configuration expression indicating a relationship between stress and strain in a matrix display by using an elastic matrix, a shear modulus in two surfaces including a laminating direction of the laminated iron core included in the elastic matrix in the configuration expression is determined in consideration of slip between laminated steel sheets.

Abstract: An object detection device includes: a transmission/reception unit that has a vibrator capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasound, that causes the vibrator to transmit transmission signals at different timings, and that receives the reception signals returning after being reflected on a circumferentially existing object; an acquisition unit that acquires a first distance to the object, based on a time difference between a transmission timing of a first transmission signal and a reception timing of a first reception signal, and that acquires a relative speed of the object, based on a frequency difference between the first transmission signal and the first reception signal; an estimation unit that estimates a second distance to the object at a transmission timing of a second transmission signal to be transmitted subsequently to the first transmission signal; and an adjustment unit that adjusts the number of waves or a transmission time of the second transmission signal.

Abstract: An infrared detection camera for the inspection of coated substrates. A corrosion sensing instrument is handheld, portable, battery powered, compact and lightweight. The camera performs nondestructive, real time imaging of corrosion and defects beneath painted metal or plastics or composite surfaces. The device includes a user-friendly computer interface for real time imaging and image storage capability and is typically used for detecting early stage corrosion beneath painted aircraft aluminum surfaces. The handheld device has a front “open air” imaging port which is designed to be placed in soft contact against the painted surface to be inspected by the instrument. The device includes an infrared camera and infrared lighting to capture an image of the surface. The captured image is transferred to a computer and analyzed to locate imperfections below a coating on a surface.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are disclosed for the measuring directly in units of force or mass huge load of form 10 to 1000 tons or more. The system includes a unique load carrying member to which the huge load is applied and based on readings of three types of ultrasonic waves and the change in the dimensions of the load carrying member it is able to directly calculate the force in units of newtons or units of mass in kilograms of the applied load.

Abstract: The present invention provides an eddy current flaw detection device that sufficiently removes noise from a detection signal. A magnetic field is applied to a test object by a magnetic-field forming magnet. The magnetic flux density of a magnetic field generated by the magnetic-field forming magnet is set at a value in a predetermined range according to a distance between the magnetic-field forming magnet and a detection surface and the thickness of the test object.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a non-destructive detecting method for weld residual stress and a probe using the same, in the above method, detecting is performed by an ultrasonic detecting probe in contact with a detected portion of a workpiece to be detected, wherein when the weld residual stress of an intersecting curve weld bead of surfaces of cylinders is detected, for the same position of the intersecting curve weld bead, one of the residual stress of an axial direction of the cylinders and the residual stress of a circumferential direction of the cylinders is detected as a principal stress. For the surface of the cylinder at one side of the intersecting curve weld bead, the detecting of the weld residual stress of the surface of the cylinder can be realized only by using an ultrasonic detecting probe having one type of curved surface.

Abstract: A method for calibrating ultrasonic transducers, the ultrasonic transducers being situated at known distances or at known ratios of the distances from one another, preferably in a bumper of a motor vehicle, and one of the ultrasonic transducers is operated in a transmission mode, and at least one other ultrasonic transducer is operated in a receiving mode.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect, a fluid flow tube can define a first cavity for receiving a first ultrasonic sensor. The first cavity can have a first longitudinal axis intersecting a longitudinal axis of the fluid flow tube. The fluid flow tube can define a second cavity for receiving a second ultrasonic sensor. The second cavity can have a second longitudinal axis aligned with the first longitudinal axis. The fluid flow tube can define a third cavity having a first transverse cross sectional area larger than a second transverse cross sectional area of the fluid flow tube and sized to receive a shut-off valve.

Abstract: A tester for evaluating pullout load capacity and bond quality of anchor bolts embedded in concrete includes a Schmidt hammer for measuring a rebound number and an ultrasonic pulse velocity tester for measuring the transit time of a pulse transmitted through concrete surrounding an anchor bolt. The rebound number and the transit time are combined and matched against a database record which identifies the pullout load capacity and the bond quality. The transit time is matched to thresholds of transit times associated with porosity, internal cracking, air voids, and water pockets located around the embedded anchor bolt. The Schmidt hammer is further modified by the incorporation of a digital level for measuring the vertical and horizontal angles of inclination of the plunger with the concrete surface, a guide tube for supporting the plunger, and by using a convex plunger tip for improved registration with anchor bolt head.

Abstract: Method for testing a fiber composite component, in particular a body component for a vehicle, wherein the fiber composite component comprises a sensor device which is integrated in the fiber composite component, wherein the sensor device comprises a flexible circuit carrier having a sensor module, in particular having a micromechanical sensor module, for ascertaining an acceleration value, said method comprising the steps: setting the fiber composite component into a test vibration, in particular by applying a test pulse to a test site of the fiber composite component; capturing a response signal using the sensor device; and comparing the response signal with a reference signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for measuring the amount of a liquid chemical in a plant protection unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). An ultrasonic sensor is adopted to measure a distance between a liquid chemical level in a liquid chemical measuring tube communicated with a liquid chemical tank and a top end of the liquid chemical measuring tube, and then a height of the liquid chemical in the liquid chemical tank is further determined according to an acquired attitude angle of the UAV and a distance between a central position of the liquid chemical measuring tube and a central position of the liquid chemical tank, thereby accurately measuring the amount of the liquid chemical in the liquid chemical tank of the UAV.

Abstract: A device comprises a processor coupled with an ultrasonic transducer coupled which is configured to emit an ultrasonic pulse and receive returned signals received after a ringdown period of the transducer and corresponding to the emitted ultrasonic pulse. The processor is configured to evaluate the returned signals to find a candidate echo, from an object located in a ringdown blind spot area, in a time window between one and two times the ringdown period; locate multiple echoes from the object of higher order than the candidate echo; validate the candidate echo as at least a secondary echo associated of the object; and determine, based on analysis of the returned signals, an estimated distance from the transducer to the object in the ringdown blind spot area, wherein the ringdown blind spot area is located between the transducer and a closest distance at which objects can be sensed by the transducer.

Abstract: A plunger head to measure fluid in a drug cartridge includes a transducer coupled to emit ultrasonic signals, and a power source. A controller is coupled to the transducer and the power source, and the controller includes logic that when executed by the controller causes the plunger head to perform operations. For example the plunger head may emit the ultrasonic signals along a length of the drug cartridge, when the plunger head is disposed in the drug cartridge, and receive the ultrasonic signals after the ultrasonic signals are reflected from a dispensing end of the drug cartridge. The plunger head may then determine when the ultrasonic signals received by the transducer have an absolute value of amplitude greater than a first threshold value, and associate a timestamp with the ultrasonic signals received that have the absolute value of amplitude greater than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A method for determining plane stresses on an in-service steel structure member based on phase spectrum of ultrasonic transverse wave, including: calibrating stress-spectrum parameters k and c of a replica of the in-service steel structure member; determining a first response frequency of a phase difference and a maximum value of a derivative function of the phase difference of an ultrasonic transverse wave echo of the in-service steel structure member, and obtaining a polarization angle of ultrasonic transverse wave components generated by a birefringence effect; solving a plane normal stress difference and a plane shear stress inside the in-service steel structure member; and separating normal stresses by a shear difference method to obtain three independent plane stress components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and a method for identifying sediment in an interior cavity of a hollow cylindrical body. The system may include one or more acoustic sensor coupled to the hollow cylindrical body configured to receive sound waves generated by an object travelling through the hollow cylindrical body and generate acoustic measurements; and one or more processor configured to: receive the acoustic measurements from the one or more acoustic sensor; compare the acoustic measurements with one or more prestored acoustic measurement associated with a type of sediment in the hollow cylindrical body; identify the sediment based on the comparison, and send the identification to a user device.

Abstract: Methods of oil and gas exploration that may include: obtaining wavefield data representing recordings from a propagating wavefield through a geophysical volume; obtaining at least one reference digital image of a portion or all of the geophysical volume generated from the recorded wavefield data, wherein the reference image may have a reference sampling ratio and a reference image quality value; selecting a holographic computational method of imaging the wavefield data; selecting a data subset from the wavefield data based on one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of field sampling, imaging sampling, and image quality; decimating the data subset, wherein the decimated data subset may represent a sampling ratio less than the reference sampling ratio; and generating a new digital image based on the selected holographic computational method of imaging, the data subset, and parameters corresponding to the data sub set.

Abstract: Composite materials having carbon reinforcement fibers impregnated with a matrix material are augmented with functionalized graphene nanoplatelets having amine groups formed on a surface of the graphene nanoplatelets and epoxide groups formed on at least one edge of the graphene nanoplatelets as a supplement to or a replacement for resin matrix material to increase strength of the composite materials. Related methods of increasing strength of composite materials include mixing the functionalized graphene nanoplatelets into the matrix material prior to impregnating the carbon reinforcement fibers, depositing the functionalized graphene nanoplatelets onto the matrix material to form an interlayer, and depositing the functionalized graphene nanoplatelets onto a bed of carbon reinforcement fibers with no resin matrix material. The composite materials and related methods for increasing strength of composite materials may include graphene nanoplatelets having holes formed through the graphene nanoplatelets.

Abstract: Methods for measuring mechanical properties of an object or subject under examination with an ultrasound system and using unfocused ultrasound energy are provided. Shear waves that propagate in the object or subject are produced by applying unfocused ultrasound energy to the object or subject, and measurement data is acquired by applying focused or unfocused ultrasound energy to at least one location in the object or subject at which shear waves are present Mechanical properties are then calculated from the acquired measurement data.

Abstract: A container for nuclear and/or hazardous material including a container body and lid made of metal in which the body and lid are welded together to form a sealed container. Scannable elements are spatially distributed on the lid and adapted to be scanned with an ultrasonic scanner. One or more of the scannable elements is an inclined surface element, each inclined surface element being inclined relative to the axis of the lid. Upon scanning the scannable elements, the ultrasonic scanner produces a first scan signal. The first scan signal is based upon which of the scannable elements are inclined surface elements, and includes an identification code. A second scan signal is obtained by scanning a signature surface element in a weld zone between the body and lid. The lid may be identified/authenticated using a third signal derived from the intersection of the first and second scan signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for battery testing including a holder system. The holder system is designed to couple one or more transducers to a battery under test, wherein the one or more transducers are configured for electrochemical-acoustic signal interrogation (EASI) of the battery. The holder system includes at least one arm to house at least one transducer to be coupled to the battery, and a pressure applying device to apply pressure to the at least one transducer, and to control pressure between the at least one transducer and the battery. The holder system is also configured to determine the pressure between the at least one transducer and the battery and adjust the pressure applied to the at least one transducer based on the determined pressure.

Abstract: Focused acoustic radiation, referred to as tonebursts, are applied to a volume of liquid to generate a set of droplets. The droplets generated are substantially smaller in scale than the focal spot size of the acoustic beam (e.g., the frequency at which the acoustic transducer operates). Further, the droplets have trajectories that are substantially in the direction of the acoustic beam propagation direction. In one embodiment, a first toneburst is applied to temporarily raise a protuberance on a free surface of the fluid. After the protuberance has reached a certain state, a second toneburst is applied to the protuberance to break it into very small droplets. In one embodiment, the state of the protuberance at which the second toneburst is supplied is the time period shortly after the protuberance reaches its maximum height but before the protuberance recedes back into the volume of fluid.

Abstract: A time-of-flight camera may be used to generate depth images of a scene, where the scene includes retroreflective materials. The time-of-flight camera may capture first sensor data by illuminating the scene at a first energy level, and by exposing a sensor for a first duration. If portions of the sensor are saturated by light reflected from retroreflective materials, corrupted pixels are detected within the first sensor data. A second set of sensor data may be captured by illuminating the scene at a second energy level, or by exposing the sensor for a second duration. The corrupted pixels may be identified and masked from the first sensor data, which may be blended with corresponding portions of the second sensor data to generate a depth image.

Abstract: Methods and systems of predicting the growth rate of hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) in a physical asset (e.g., a pipeline, storage tank, etc.) are provided. The methodology receives a plurality of inputs regarding physical characteristics of the asset and performs parametric simulations to generate a simulated database of observations of the asset. The database is then used to train, test, and validate one or more expert systems that can then predict the growth rate and other characteristics of the asset over time. The systems herein can also generate alerts as to predicted dangerous conditions and modify inspection schedules based on such growth rate predictions.

Abstract: A sensor device includes: a holder having an insertion hole; a probe having a proximal end to be inserted in the insertion hole and having a portion to be inserted in the insertion hole, a diameter of the portion of the probe to be inserted in the insertion hole being smaller than a hole diameter of the insertion hole; piezoelectric elements housed in the holder, configured to be brought into contact with the proximal end of the probe directly or indirectly, a vibration of the probe acting on the piezoelectric elements; an O-ring (prevention member) disposed in the insertion hole and holding the probe to prevent the probe from contacting the holder, the probe being configured such that a tip of the probe is pushed against a measurement object to detect a vibration of the measurement object.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for registration of preoperative images to ultrasound images. The preoperative images are segmented using a shape model. An ultrasound procedure is performed to acquire the ultrasound images. The path of an ultrasound transducer used in the ultrasound procedure is tracked. The path is used to deform the segmented preoperative images, providing an alignment. The ultrasound images are registered to the preoperative images using the alignment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for ultrasonic measurement of the average diameter and surface profile of a tube. A calibration block is used to calibrate the average tube diameter, and a correction is applied to account for any temperature difference of the couplant between calibration and test measurements. By using a linear probe, or a single probe with a finely pitched helicoidal scan, errors in diameter measurement due to presence of surface pits may be compensated.

Abstract: A method of measuring the transit time of an ultrasonic wave in a medium, by passing an ultrasonic wave pulse through a timing path in the medium, receiving the ultrasonic wave pulse at the exit of the timing path and comparing a first signal representative of the ultrasonic wave pulse on entry to the timing path with a second signal representative of the ultrasonic wave pulse received at the exit of the timing path. At least one cycle and associated zero-crossing point of the first signal is correlated with a corresponding cycle and zero-crossing point of the second signal, and the time interval is measured between the zero crossing points, in order to determine the transit time of the ultrasonic wave through the medium. The method is useful in a sensor for measuring gas composition, as well as bulk gas flow velocity. The sensor and method may be used in a dual channel apparatus for investigating vapour sorption by a substrate.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for characterizing materials in a wellbore having multiple casing strings uses well completion data and instantaneous frequency, instantaneous phase, and/or amplitude attributes, including waveform amplitude or instantaneous amplitude, of an acoustic waveform to determine material densities, acoustic velocities and acoustic travel distances for the materials between the various stages of casings.

Abstract: A method for examining a value document includes emitting ultrasonic pulses onto several locations on the value document. An echo pulse arises by reflection of at least a portion of a respective ultrasonic pulse at the value document. The echo pulses are received while forming echo values, and from the echo values at least a characteristic value is established as to the wrinkledness of the value document. As apparatus is provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Externally generated noise can be coupled into a fluid carrying structure such as a pipe, well, or borehole so as to artificially acoustically “illuminate” the pipe, well, or borehole, and allow fluid flow in the structure or structural integrity to be determined. In the disclosed system, externally generated noise is coupled into the structure being monitored at the same time as data logging required to undertake the monitoring is performed. This has three effects. First, the externally generated sound is coupled into the structure so as to “illuminate” acoustically the structure to allow data to be collected from which fluid flow may be determined, and secondly the amount of data that need be collected is reduced, as there is no need to log data when the structure is not being illuminated. Thirdly, there are signal processing advantages in having the data logging being undertaken only when the acoustic illumination occurs.

Abstract: For method of utilizing a nondestructive evaluation method to inspect a steel material comprising at least one hysteretic ferromagnetic material and/or at least one nonhysteretic material to identify one or more material conditions and/or one or more inhomogeneities in steel material, the method can comprise the steps of: interrogating the hysteretic ferromagnetic material and/or the nonhysteretic material with an input time varying magnetic field; scanning the steel material and detecting a magnetic response and/or acoustic response over time from the hysteretic ferromagnetic material and/or the nonhysteretic material; determining a time dependent nonlinear characteristic of the received magnetic response and/or acoustic response; and correlating the time dependent nonlinear characteristic of the received magnetic response and/or acoustic response to the one or more material conditions and/or one or more inhomogeneities in steel material.

Abstract: Systems, device and methods are provided for measuring parameters of a medium such as the dielectric properties of a medium including a plurality of layers, using an array of sensors. The array includes at least two transducers and at least one transceiver attached to the at least two transducers, the at least one transceiver being configured to transmit at least one signal toward the medium and receive a plurality of signals affected by the medium; a data acquisition unit and at least one processor unit, configured to: process the affected plurality of signals to yield a plurality of transfer functions wherein each of the plurality of transfer functions including the medium response between two transducers of the at least two transducers as function of frequency or time; process the plurality of transfer functions to yield a plurality of statistical measures, and process the statistical measures to calculate the medium parameters.

Abstract: A method for creating a pressure pulse in a fluid system with a noisemaker, the method includes opening a valve of the noisemaker to allow a fluid of the fluid system to flow through a valve cavity of the noisemaker, the valve disposed within the valve cavity, the noisemaker connected in fluid communication with the fluid system; closing the valve of the noisemaker to abruptly interrupt the flow of the fluid through the valve cavity; and repeatedly opening and closing the valve to generate a pulsating flow to the fluid system.

Abstract: A method for detecting at least one object between primary and secondary coils of a vehicle's inductive-charging-device. A first ultrasonic signal (FUS) is emitted with a first ultrasonic-transmitter (UT) situated at the primary-coil. A FUS-sequence is received with a first ultrasonic-receiver (FUR) at the vehicle. The FUS-sequence includes at least one first direct-receive signal. Alternatively/in addition, the FUS sequence includes additional receive signals, each of which corresponds to an indirect transmission of the ultrasonic-signal from the at least one UT to the FUR. The first direct receive signal is ascertained within the FUS-sequence and/or additional receive signals are ascertained within the FUS-sequence. The first received ultrasonic-signal-sequence, which includes the ascertained direct-receive-signal and/or ascertained additional receive signals is compared to a first reference-ultrasonic-signal-sequence.

Abstract: A handheld device for making 3D topography measurements of surface discontinuities in high performance structures, such as aerostructures (e.g., aluminum fuselages). Lights illuminate the discontinuity from multiple angles, and a camera captures images of the discontinuity. A thickness sensor generates thickness data regarding a thickness of the base material and the top protective coating. A position sensor generates position data regarding a location of the discontinuity on the structure. A processor generates geometry data regarding a geometry of the discontinuity based on the images, performs an analysis of the geometry, thickness, and position data, and communicates a result of the analysis on a display. A conforming membrane and/or a gel and an opaque lubricant may be applied over and conform to the discontinuity in order to make more uniform a reflectivity difference and a color difference between the discontinuity and an adjacent portion of the structure.

Abstract: A system and method for determining tissue changes. Shear waves are transmitted across the tissue in response to an ultrasonic signal input exterior to the tissue surface. Adaptive beam forming signal processing is applied to signal returns and arrivals to remove distortions by targeting velocity contrasts. Shear-wave dispersion, such as due to viscosity and mass changes in the tissue, are then estimated and compared to reference data to determine tissue health.

Abstract: A method for determining one or more material conditions of a hysteretic ferromagnetic material and/or a nonhysteretic material can include interrogating the hysteretic ferromagnetic material and/or the nonhysteretic material with an input time varying magnetic field and detecting a magnetic response and/or acoustic response over time from the hysteretic ferromagnetic material and/or the nonhysteretic material. The method can also include determining a time dependent nonlinear characteristic of the received magnetic response and/or acoustic response and correlating the time dependent nonlinear characteristic of the received magnetic response or acoustic response to one or more material conditions of the material.

Abstract: The high voltage drive for the transducer of an ultrasonic transducer probe is provided by an active supply that monitors the high voltage supplied to the transducer by means of feedback, and responds to a decline in voltage during high voltage transmission by coupling charge from a capacitor to the high voltage supply line of the probe, thereby preventing a precipitous decline in the high voltage. Preferably the active supply and the capacitor are located in the probe connector enclosure.