Abstract: Technologies for non-contact displacement control are disclosed. An additive manufacturing system may include a dispenser having a tip configured to deposit an additive material onto a substrate, a transducer coupled to the dispenser and configured to transmit an emitted signal from the dispenser to the substrate, and a sensor coupled to the dispenser and configured to detect a return signal from the substrate to the dispenser, where the return signal is indicative of a distance between the tip of the dispenser and the substrate.

Abstract: A touch sensor includes a touch structure; a signal generator configured to generate an excitation signal; a transmitter configured to receive the excitation signal and transmit an ultrasonic transmit wave towards the touch structure based on the excitation signal; a receiver configured to receive an ultrasonic reflected wave produced by a reflection of the ultrasonic transmit wave at the touch structure, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are coupled by a capacitive path, the receiver is configured to be influenced by the excitation signal whereby the excitation signal induces a capacitive cross-talk on the capacitive path, and the receiver is configured to generate a measurement signal representative of the capacitive cross-talk; and a measurement circuit coupled to the receiver and configured to perform a comparison of the measurement signal with a threshold to determine whether a no-touch event or a touch event has occurred at the touch interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for monitoring a boss of a composite structure for a boss cracking event. The system includes a first sensor located on an outer surface of a neck of the boss and configured to detect first deformation data associated with the boss. The system also includes a second sensor located on the outer surface of the neck of the boss at a location diametrically opposite of the first sensor and configured to detect second deformation data associated with the boss. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and configured to determine, based on the first deformation data and the second deformation data, whether a boss cracking event has occurred.

Abstract: Method is provided for determining the extent of defects, in particular of crack depths, in a test specimen. At least one transmitting transducer excites sound waves in the ultrasonic range, and the sound waves propagate in the form of a sound beam. The acoustic axis of the sound beam preferably forms an angle the normal to a surface of the test specimen facing the transmitting transducer. The sound waves couple into the test specimen obliquely and are reflected in particular in a V-shaped manner at a preferably outer interface of the test specimen. At least one receiving transducer spaced apart from the transmitting transducer receives the sound waves reflected at the interface of the test specimen. By means of an evaluation unit, an extent of a defect arranged within a sound path is determined from a reduction of the amplitude of the sound waves received by the receiving transducer.

Abstract: The thickness of borehole casing can be determined by ultrasound logging in conjunction with simulations of ultrasonic plane-wave echo waveforms across a range of frequencies for a plurality of casing thicknesses and correlation of synthetic frequency spectra derived from the simulated plane-wave echo waveforms for the various casing thicknesses against the frequency spectrum of a measured pulse-echo waveform. In accordance with various embodiments, a portion of the measured pulse-echo waveform that corresponds to the first reflection off the interface between the borehole casing and the borehole fluid is used as a driving pulse to weight the simulated plane-wave echo waveforms in the synthetic frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A powder bed additive manufacturing apparatus includes a build sleeve, a build platform for supporting a powder bed and object during a build, the build platform lowerable in the build sleeve, and at least one acoustic sensing system. The acoustic sensing system includes an acoustic emission sensor and an acoustic waveguide. The acoustic waveguide extends through the build platform such that a receiving end of the acoustic waveguide distal from the acoustic emission sensor abuts a surface of a build substrate removable mounted to the build platform to transmit structure-borne acoustic waves from the build substrate to the acoustic emission sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a fusion joint is provided. The apparatus includes a processor, an ultrasound (“US”) probe in communication with the processor, and a database comprising classification rules. The processor is configured to generate an initial set of US scanning positions about the fusion joint based on information of at least one of the US probe and the fusion joint; measure, via the US probe, a US pulse-echo spectrum from at least two of the initial US scanning positions; compare each measured US pulse-echo spectrum with one or more known US pulse-echo spectrums; classify each measured US pulse-echo spectrum according to the classification rules; and evaluate an aggregate of measured US pulse-echo spectrums to determine if the fusion joint is defective.

Abstract: A method for estimating a pipe property for a plurality of nested tubulars. The method may comprise disposing an electromagnetic (EM) logging tool in a wellbore. The electromagnetic logging tool may comprise a transmitter disposed on the electromagnetic logging tool and a receiver disposed on the electromagnetic logging tool. The method may further comprise transmitting an electromagnetic field from the transmitter into one or more tubulars, measuring the eddy current in the pipe string with the receiver on at least one channel to obtain a plurality of measurements, forming an EM log from the plurality of measurements, extracting data and distinct features from the EM log, forming a relationship between the EM log data and a database, wherein the database is formed from one or more high-resolution measurements, and producing a mapping function between the EM log and the database.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a structure evaluation system includes a wave guide, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a calculation part. The wave guide is formed in a rod shape, is inserted into a hole that is formed at a predetermined depth from a surface of a measurement target, and has one end fixed to a deepest portion of the hole. The first sensor is provided at the other end of the wave guide at a position that is substantially the same as the surface. The second sensor is provided on the surface of the measurement target. The calculation part estimates a depth of damage occurring in the measurement target from the surface on the basis of a first detection value of an elastic wave transmitted to the measurement target which is detected by the first sensor through the wave guide and a second detection value obtained by an elastic wave which is detected by the second sensor.

Abstract: A method and system are described for determining a wall thickness of an object such as a pipeline using ultrasound. A pig is used that includes at least one first ultrasonic transducer that is attached to the pig for transmitting ultrasound in the object. Using at least one second ultrasonic transducer, a receiving signal is generated representing reflections of the ultrasound on the object received by the at least one second transducer. The received signals are processed by a processor provided at the pig to obtain a compressed receiving signal. In use, the processor determines a maximal N peaks having largest amplitudes and associated information on a moment on which each one of the maximal N peaks occurs within the receiving signal. Information about the maximal N peaks and associated information on the moment on which the maximal N peaks occurs is stored as the compressed receiving signal in a storing device of the pig.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a thermal-acoustic-vibration three-parameter integrated in-situ sensor and system with a high-temperature-resistant and high-pressure-resistant structure. The provided thermal-acoustic-vibration three-parameter integrated in-situ sensor with a high-temperature-resistant and high-pressure-resistant structure comprises a heat detection device, a sound detection device and a vibration detection device; and the sound detection device and the vibration detection device are distributed on two sides of the heat detection device.

Abstract: A pump monitoring system for use in wellbore operations can determine whether an indication of a failure is due to an actual pump issue or a failed sensor. The pump monitoring system includes a sensor on a fluid end of a pump to measure properties associated with the pump and a vibration detector. A computing device executes instructions to receive the sensor signal and the vibration signal and identify an irregularity in the sensor signal. The processor then determines whether an operational signal component is present in the vibration signal, and displays an indication that the sensor has failed when the operational signal component is not present in the vibration signal. If the operational signal component is present in the vibration signal, the irregularity is likely caused by a pump problem such as a failed valve.

Abstract: A method includes receiving data characterizing time-dependent lateral vibration of a shaft of a machine, the lateral vibration indicative of motion of at least a portion of the shaft perpendicular to a first direction. The lateral vibration is detected by a first sensor located at a first predetermined location on the shaft. The method further includes, receiving data characterizing time-dependent torsional vibration of the shaft, the torsional vibration indicative of rotation of the shaft around the first direction. The torsional vibration is detected by a second sensor located at a second predetermined location on the shaft. The method also includes calculating a coherence of the data characterizing time-dependent lateral vibration and the data characterizing time-dependent torsional vibration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for non-destructively estimating the thickness of buried concrete without excavation. An example method may include placing one or more first accelerometers at a plurality of vertical positions below the surface of the ground at an approximate first distance from a vertical edge of the buried concrete each time. The method may further include, for each position in the plurality of vertical positions, generating a dispersive wave in the buried concrete and determining a time of arrival of the dispersive wave at the one or more first accelerometers. The method may further include estimating the thickness of the buried concrete based on at least the times of arrival of the dispersive waves at the one or more first accelerometers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for non-destructively estimating the thickness of buried concrete without excavation. An example method may include placing one or more first accelerometers at a plurality of vertical positions below the surface of the ground at an approximate first distance from a vertical edge of the buried concrete each time. The method may further include, for each position in the plurality of vertical positions, generating a dispersive wave in the buried concrete and determining a time of arrival of the dispersive wave at the one or more first accelerometers. The method may further include estimating the thickness of the buried concrete based on at least the times of arrival of the dispersive waves at the one or more first accelerometers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for in-situ monitoring of gearbox are provided. An example system includes a mounting plate coupled to a component within the gearbox and a transducer array having a plurality of piezoelectric transducers disposed thereon to ultrasonically obtain diagnostic information about one or more components in the gearbox. The plurality of piezoelectric transducers are in contact with a surface of one or more mechanical components within the gearbox. The system includes circuitry, at least a portion of which is mounted inside the gearbox, electrically couplable to the transducer array, the circuitry configured to direct an excitation signal to a selected piezoelectric transducer of the plurality of piezoelectric transducers, and direct a response received from one or more of the plurality of piezoelectric transducers in proximity to the selected piezoelectric transducer toward a processor programmed or configured to determine gearbox diagnostic information therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed are a substrate inspection method and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device using the same. The inspection method may include measuring a target area of a substrate using a pulsed beam to obtain a first peak, measuring a near field ultrasound, which is produced by the pulsed beam in a near field region including the target area, using a first continuous wave beam different from the pulsed beam to obtain a second peak, and measuring a far field ultrasound, which is produced by the near field ultrasound in a far field region outside the near field region, using a second continuous wave beam to examine material characteristics of the substrate.

Abstract: A system includes a processor and, a computer-readable tangible storage device storing program instructions for execution by the processor. The program instructions include instructions for receiving ultrasonic derived data comprising an ultrasound image, representing a region of interest, and radio frequency “(RF”) data associated with the ultrasound image, and instructions for analyzing the RF data to identify at least one feature associated with a region of interest, including either or both of a feature representing a two-dimensional spectrum feature and a feature based on a cepstrum determined from the RF data. The program instructions further include instructions for classifying the region of interest as one of a plurality of anatomical classes from the identified at least one feature and causing a display to display the anatomical class.

Abstract: A plant monitoring apparatus 1 includes: an extraction unit 2 that extracts a feature amount in a frequency response of vibration of a target plant with use of the vibration; a calculation unit 3 that calculates a change that indicates growth of the plant, based on the extracted feature amount and a reference feature amount that corresponds to a reference state of the plant; and an estimation unit 4 that estimates a state of the plant by, with use of the calculated change, referencing state information in which changes of the feature amount from the reference feature amount corresponding to growth of the plant are associated with states of the plant.

Abstract: We provide a novel technique for coupling focused ultrasound into the brain. The ultrasound beam can be used for therapy or neuro-modulation. We excite a selected Lamb wave mode in the skull that mode converts into longitudinal waves in the brain. The benefits of our approach is in improved efficiency, reduction in heating of the skull, and the ability to address regions in the brain that are close or far from the skull.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detection method and device identifies echoes appearing in flaw detection images. By selecting and controlling combinations of transmitting elements and receiving elements, plural waveform signals c are recorded. For each position in an inspection object, intensities of plural waveform signals are extracted based on the propagation time of ultrasonic waves and are totalized. A flaw detection image showing distribution of totalized intensities is generated. By selectively using at least three sound velocities for calculating propagation time of ultrasonic waves, at least three flaw detection images are generated. The areas of at least three echoes respectively appearing in the flaw detection images are calculated and the echo area which is the smallest is identified according to whether or not the flaw detection image showing the echo is one generated using one of a longitudinal sound velocity, a transverse sound velocity and a medium sound velocity.

Abstract: A method includes generating correction data for a construction material that is used by an additive-manufacturing machine to manufacture an object. This correction data compensates for an interaction of the construction material with first radiation that has been used to illuminate the construction material.

Abstract: An assessing device capable of assessing presence or absence of local damage in a structure is provided. The assessing device includes a dominant frequency identifying unit that identifies a dominant frequency of a vibration at each of a plurality of spots in a structure, based on information indicating the vibration at each of the plurality of spots, a phase difference identifying unit that identifies a phase difference at the dominant frequency between the vibrations at the plurality of spots, based on the dominant frequency and information indicating the vibrations; and an assessing unit that assesses damage in the structure, based on the phase difference.

Abstract: An experimental device for studying the propagation characteristics of stress wave in jointed rock mass at high temperatures. The device includes a launch system, a loading system, a measuring system and a heating device. The heating device can be heated in sections to meet complicated test requirements. The measuring system includes two sets of measuring devices to ensure test accuracy. One measuring device uses a strain gauge to measure the local displacement of rock, thus obtaining the change of wave velocity; this method can be used when sample temperature is low. The other device adopts digital image processing technology. The experimental device can control the initial wave form and initial wave velocity, which can better meet the test requirements. The position of the sample can be fine-tuned to avoid the impact of errors left by rock processing on the test results.

Abstract: A supersonic inspection jig has an insertion section 22 inserted into a hole 10 of an inspection target 1, and a flange section 23 connected with the insertion section 22 and contacting the inspection target 1. The flange section 23 has a flange section first surface 231 which is a surface on the side contacting the inspection target 1 and a flange section second surface 232 which is a surface on the side contacting the probe 41. A position limiting section 26 is provided on the flange section second surface 232 to limit the position of the probe 41 so that the probe 41 is maintained in a position separate from a central axis C of the hole 10. Thus, the inspection around the hole becomes easily executable.

Abstract: A breakage point is detected as a change point from raw data and the data is divided before and after the breakage point to obtain divided data D1 and D2. When the low-pass filtering is performed on each of the divided data D1 and D2 (step S13) and the filtering for all divided data ends, time-series data whose natural frequency is removed is reconstructed before and after the breakage point. When the reconstruction data are connected at the breakage point, it is possible to restore the time-series data of the test force to the time-series data whose natural vibration of the test machine body is removed while taking advantage of a change in test force at the breakage point.

Abstract: A welding portion inspection device includes a device body, a probe, a sound propagation medium, an elastic support mechanism configured to allow the probe and the sound propagation medium to be elastically supported to the device body, and a guide member formed of a material higher in hardness than a metal plate. The guide member is disposed such that a first part is positioned on a side of the sound propagation medium and second parts protrude beyond a tip surface of the sound propagation medium. The probe is configured to oscillate a ultrasonic wave such that the ultrasonic wave is emitted to a welding portion of the metal plate through the sound propagation medium and perform inspection of the welding portion based on a detected reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave in a state where the tip surface of the sound propagation medium faces the welding portion.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a condition of an elongated load bearing member of a rope of a hoisting apparatus, such as an elevator includes ultrasound scanning one or more regions of the load bearing member with an ultrasonic scanner. A method for inspecting a condition of a rope of a hoisting apparatus, such as an elevator, which rope includes at least one load bearing member includes inspecting at least one load bearing member of the rope with an ultrasound scanner.

Abstract: A method for automatic defect inspection in wheel shaped casting products is provided, and the three major phases contain preprocessing samples, offline training and online inspection. Specific steps include: collecting and preprocessing training samples, dividing them into three kinds of spoke, rim and axle samples; offline training with the aforementioned three kinds of samples, then generating online detectors respectively for spokes, rims and axles; uploading the well-trained spoke, rim and axle CNN defect detector to the upper computer, placed it in automatic production inspection line. Inspect for defects online automatically. The defect inspection system outputs signals according to the user's requirements. The present invention has a high level of accuracy and reliability, and a strong robustness to variations in illumination, shooting angle and the position of the work piece. It delivers a high level of automation and has no need for an operator to adjust any significant parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting a phase correction of ultrasound waves transmitted from one or more transducer elements and traversing a patient's skull into a target region utilizing data of the patient's skull include predicting a first beam path of the ultrasound waves traversing the skull based at least in part on the target location; computationally determining structural characteristics of the skull along the first beam path based on the acquired imaging data; and predicting a second beam path of the ultrasound waves traversing the skull based at least in part on the determined structural characteristics, thereby accounting for refraction resulting from the skull.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing of a train wheel by ultrasound. The method is based on a pulsed ultrasonic field in the train wheel to be tested by an array of individually controllable ultrasonic transmitting transducers acoustically coupled to the train wheel each controlled with a specific analog transient excitation signal. Each analog transient excitation signal generated based on an ultrasonic transmitting transducer-specific stored digital transient excitation function. The resulting echo signals from the train wheel to be tested are recorded by an array of individually controllable ultrasonic receiving transducers. Each ultrasonic receiving transducer can provide an analog, time-resolved echo signal. The received echo signals can be digitized in a transducer-specific way and stored in a set. A plurality of different reception processing rules can then be applied to the latter. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method and system for inspecting a rail profile include using ultrasonic phased arrays. Determined anomalies, such as material flaws like volumetric defects and cracks, in a fluid-immersed rail profile are detected by employing one or more phased array probes located proximate the rail profile. Electronic delays and beam steering and focusing can be employed to tailor the inspection to the rail geometry.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for detecting a defect and a method for detecting a defect using the same, and more particularly, to an apparatus for detecting a defect and a method for detecting a defect using the same for detecting a defect inside an inspection object without destructing the inspection object. An apparatus for detecting a defect according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first probe unit configured to transmit a signal into an inspection object and receive a signal generated inside the inspection object, a second probe unit separately installed from the first probe unit and configured to receive the signal generated inside the inspection object, and a position determining unit configured to detect a defect position inside the inspection object using the signal received by the first probe unit and the signal received by the second probe unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-destructive inspection (NDI) of target objects having non-planar surfaces (such as aircraft components having internal stiffeners). A robotic NDI platform is equipped with an NDI sensor and a laser-based alignment system. The laser-based alignment system is operated in a manner to acquire surface profile information in an area of interest on a non-planar surface of the target object. Then the acquired surface profile data is processed by a computer to generate a motion plan for automatically guiding the robotic NDI platform and the NDI sensor to the correct locations, where images of the area of interest may be captured.

Abstract: A method for detecting a defect of a metal plate includes selecting N controllable emitting electromagnetic acoustic transducers EMATs as excitation transducers, and selecting M omnidirectionally receiving EMATs as receiving transducers, exciting an ultrasonic guided wave in a metal plate by a nth controllable emitting EMAT with a predetermined emission angle; determining whether each of M1 omnidirectionally receiving EMATs and the nth controllable emitting EMAT form a scattering group; for the scattering group, solving a position of a scattering point and a direction of a scattering side according to a distance between Tn and Rml, the emission angle and a travel time of the ultrasonic guided wave; performing a curve fitting on all the scattering points in directions of respective scattering sides to obtain a contour image of the defect.

Abstract: This application discloses integrated probes and probe systems, which can be attached to the robotic arms of a remotely operated vehicle to perform both cathodic protection (CP) voltage measurements and ultrasonic testing (UT) thickness measurements at an underwater surface. In some embodiments, the integrated probe system couples an inner and outer gimbal together such that one or more electrically conductive legs pass from the outer gimbal through the inner gimbal. These legs are arranged about an ultrasonic sensor which extends from the front surface of the inner gimbal. When the integrated probe contacts the underwater surface, both the ultrasonic sensor and at least one leg contact the surface, thereby providing substantially simultaneous CP and UT measurements.

Abstract: An inspection system includes a first ultrasonic probe positioned on and configured to move along a surface of a component. The first ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic energy. The inspection system also includes a second ultrasonic probe positioned on and configured to move along the surface of the component opposite the first probe. The second ultrasonic probe receives the ultrasonic energy transmitted by the first ultrasonic probe. Additionally, the inspection system includes a probe alignment system in communication with the first ultrasonic probe and the second ultrasonic probe. The probe alignment system is configured to analyze an energy characteristic for the ultrasonic energy received by the second ultrasonic probe to determine if a displacement characteristic for at least one of the first ultrasonic probe and the second ultrasonic probe requires adjustment.

Abstract: Disclosed are various systems and methods for remote surface sensing using guided surface wave modes on lossy media. One system, among others, includes a guided surface waveguide probe configured to launch a guided surface wave along a surface of a lossy conducting medium, and a receiver configured to receive backscatter reflected by a remotely located object illuminated by the guided surface wave. One method, among others, includes launching a guided surface wave along a surface of a lossy conducting medium by exciting a charge terminal of a guided surface waveguide probe, and receiving backscatter reflected by a remotely located object illuminated by the guided surface wave.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for guided-wave tomographic measurement or monitoring of wall thicknesses of the walls of pipes and similar structures are disclosed. The method is characterized in that use is made of transducers (205) preferably positioned in at least two groups of a plurality of transducers (305?-305?) arranged in a spaced apart pattern on the external surface of the structures, the transducers individually transmit ultrasound signal into the pipe wall 204, in that each ultrasound signal propagates within the pipe wall 204 from the transmitting transducer and is received at one or several receiving transducers, and the received ultrasound signal is converted to an electrical signal by the receiving transducers and recorded by the transceiver (20). Measurements are performed by using a further plurality of transducers (406, 506) that are placed apart from the two groups of a plurality of transducers (305?-305?).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety diagnosis method for a structure using a nonlinear ultrasonic wave modulation technique. The safety diagnosis method includes: making the structure vibrate by applying signals of different ultrasonic frequencies; converting the responses of the structure generated by the vibration into digital signals; extracting first modulation signals by subtracting the harmonic responses and the linear responses of the signals of different ultrasonic frequencies from the digital signals and synchronously demodulating the digital signals; constructing a first sideband spectrogram by combining the first modulation signals generated by continuously changing at least frequency among the signals of different ultrasonic frequencies; and deciding whether the structure is cracked based on the first sideband spectrogram.

Abstract: An ultrasonic pipe measurement apparatus includes: a plurality of ultrasonic transceivers discretely disposed on a pipe wall of a pipe; and a control unit configured to control the plurality of ultrasonic transceivers and detect a generation point of damage caused in the pipe based on an ultrasonic signal exchanged between the ultrasonic transceivers.

Abstract: The method is for inspecting an infrastructure having a corrugated pipe at least partially surrounded by soil. The corrugated pipe has a cylindrical wall which is corrugated along a length thereof and forming a longitudinally extending series of corrugations. The method generally has the steps of emitting, outwardly from the interior of the corrugated pipe, a beam of radiation particles directed towards a given voxel positioned beyond an inner face of the cylindrical wall and along a scanning plane parallel to an orientation of individual ones of the corrugations of the cylindrical wall; detecting backscattered photons scattered back from the given voxel and along the scanning plane; and generating inspection data based on the detected backscattered photons associated with the given voxel for use in inspecting the corrugated pipe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor assembly for testing a pipe includes a first and second transducer rings attached to the pipe and spaced apart along a length of the pipe. The first transducer ring includes a plurality of transmitters for transmitting a wave, such as a non-dispersive guided wave. The first transducer ring transmits the wave along the pipe. The second transducer ring includes a plurality of receivers for receiving the wave. A relative position of the first transducer ring with respect to a circumferential position of the second transducer ring is determined based on characteristics of the wave received by the second transducer ring. A method of positioning the ultrasonic sensor assembly on the pipe is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating an object having a wrinkle. Energy is sent into the object at a plurality of locations using an array of transmitting elements. Reflected energy is received at an array of receiving elements in response to a portion of the energy being reflected off a plurality of layers in the object. A three-dimensional model of the wrinkle in the object is created based on the reflected energy received at the array of receiving elements.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ultrasonic inspection method, an ultrasonic test method, and an ultrasonic inspection apparatus that enable sizing to be executed even for a minute defect using an ultrasonic wave. A holder holds a transmitting probe for executing an angle beam method and a receiving probe for executing a vertical beam method. A motor and a guide rail form a movement mechanism for the transmitting probe and the receiving probe. In an ultrasonic test mode, the transmitting probe executes the angle beam method and transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave. In a sizing mode, the transmitting probe transmits an ultrasonic wave and the receiving probe receives this wave. A tip echo of a wave diffracted from a tip of a defect on a sample and a corner echo reflected from a corner of the defect are measured from a waveform received by the receiving probe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprises a transducer and an array of transducers. The transducer is associated with an object. The transducer has an elongate shape. The array of transducers is associated with the object. The array of transducers is substantially parallel to the transducer.

Abstract: Superalloy components, such as service-degraded turbine blades and vanes, are clad by laser beam welding. The welding/cladding path, including cladding application profile, is determined by prior, preferably real time, non-contact 3D dimensional scanning of the component and comparison of the acquired dimensional scan data with specification dimensional data for the component. A welding path for cladding the scanned component to conform its dimensions to the specification dimensional data is determined. The laser welding apparatus, preferably in cooperation with a cladding filler material distribution apparatus, executes the welding path to apply the desired cladding profile. In some embodiments a post-weld non-contact 3D dimensional scan of the welded component is performed and the post-weld scan dimensional data are compared with the specification dimensional data.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus has: a holding unit which holds an object; a probe which receives an acoustic wave generated in the object via the holding unit and converts the acoustic wave to an electrical signal; a force measuring unit which measures a force applied to the object when the object is held by the holding unit; a sound speed acquiring unit which determines a sound speed in the object by using the force measured by the measuring unit and a contact area between the object and the holding unit; and a generating unit which generates object information data from the information about the sound speed determined by the sound speed acquiring unit and the electrical signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying an inconsistency. A number of waves that propagate through a structure are generated. A response signal is generated in response to detecting at least a portion of the number of waves that propagate through the structure. A determination is made as to whether the response signal includes a reflected component. A presence of the inconsistency in the structure is indicated when the response signal includes the reflected component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the contactless detection of laminated, flat objects, particularly sheet-like recording media. There is a galvanic separation and mechanical decoupling between the transmitter and receiver to improve detection. These measures can be further improved with correction characteristic methods.