Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic surgical device in which a cartridge comprises: a cartridge housing having an empty inner space filled with a medium; an ultrasonic therapy part which is movably provided inside the cartridge housing and includes a transducer for generating focused ultrasonic waves; a window through which the ultrasonic waves generated from the transducer pass; and a driving part which moves the ultrasonic therapy part inside the cartridge housing, wherein, as the transducer moves in one direction, the distance between the window and the transducer repeatedly increases and decreases.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a structure evaluation system according to an embodiment includes a plurality of sensors, a position locator, and an evaluator. The plurality of sensors detect elastic waves. The position locator locates positions of elastic wave sources by using the elastic waves among the plurality of elastic waves respectively detected by the plurality of sensors having an amplitude exceeding a threshold value determined according to positions of the sources of the plurality of elastic waves and the positions of the plurality of disposed sensors. The evaluator evaluates a deteriorated state of the structure on the basis of results of the position locating of the elastic wave sources which is performed by the position locator.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for acquiring surface profile information (e.g., depths at multiple points) from limited-access structures and objects using an autonomous or remotely operated flying platform (such as an unmanned aerial vehicle). The systems proposed herein use a profilometer to measure the profile of an area on a surface where visual inspection has indicated that the surface has a potential anomaly. After the system has gathered data representing the surface profile in the area containing the potential anomaly, a determination may be made whether the collected image data indicates that the structure or object should be repaired or may be used as is.

Abstract: An optical system has a LIDAR chip that includes a switch configured to direct an outgoing LIDAR signal to one of multiple different alternate waveguides. The system also includes a redirection component configured to receive the outgoing LIDAR signal from any one of the alternate waveguides. The redirection component is also configured to redirect the received outgoing LIDAR signal such that a direction that the outgoing LIDAR signal travels away from the redirection component changes in response to changes in the alternate waveguide to which the optical switch directs the outgoing LIDAR signal.

Abstract: Multi-centric radius focusing is used to inspect a radiused surface of a radiused part having a varying radius without mechanically adjusting the array sensor. A plurality of focal laws are designed to electronically steer and focus ultrasound at respective focal points corresponding to centers of curvature of a simulated radiused surface having a varying radius. The mechanical probe that carries the array sensor is located to two physical places that are outside of the radiused area and have a spatial relationship that varies less than the radius of the radiused surface varies. As the probe is moved along the radiused part, the probe maintains the array sensor at a constant location relative to the radiused part. As the array sensor scans the radiused part, the array sensor is electronically adjusted to focus at the respective focal points in sequence.

Abstract: A display apparatus, display device and control method thereof, and non-transient computer-readable storage medium are provided. The display apparatus includes a display substrate and an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer includes a receiving electrode layer, which is disposed between two opposite bottom surfaces of the display substrate, and other parts of the ultrasonic transducer are disposed outside the display substrate. The display substrate includes a first pixel circuit and a first light emitting device, and the first light emitting device and the receiving electrode layer are respectively connected with the corresponding output terminals of the first pixel circuit.

Abstract: A method for performing metrology qualification of a non-destructive inspection (NDI) ultrasonic system includes performing, by the NDI ultrasonic system, an ultrasonic scanning operation on a calibration coupon. The ultrasonic scanning operation generates a scan signal. The method also includes superimposing a time-domain qualification mask on the scan signal and determining whether the scan signal is within the time-domain qualification mask. The method also includes validating a porosity sensitivity of the NDI ultrasonic system using a frequency-domain qualification mask. The method additionally includes qualifying the NDI ultrasonic system in response to the scan signal being within the time-domain qualification mask for a portion of the calibration coupon without a defect and the scan signal being above the time-domain qualification mask for another portion of the calibration coupon including the defect, and the porosity sensitivity of the NDI ultrasonic system being validated.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a measurement of the wall thickness of samples such as pipes, containers or panels in which the interior or underside is inaccessible and to a measurement of the layer thickness of coatings or linings of the samples. Disclosed are special measuring arrangements using ultrasonic transmitters and ultrasonic receivers with pitch-catch and pulse-echo configurations, and the associated method for determining the wall thickness without prior knowledge of the sound velocity in the sample. Measuring individual layer thicknesses of a multilayered system without prior knowledge of their sound velocities is also disclosed. The method and the measuring arrangement allow the wall thickness to be measured independently of the knowledge of the sound velocity of the sample. This reduces the measurement uncertainty for the wall thickness and inner diameter of the pipe and thus reduces the measurement uncertainty for a clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for ultrasonic inspection of a multi-layered, ML, plate with a stiffener attached on a first surface of the ML plate. The apparatus includes a transmitter directing a first ultrasonic beam along a first guiding medium to the ML plate, along a first axis at an angle to the first surface, the first axis being within a transmission angle with respect to a first normal perpendicular to the first surface, and a receiver for receiving a transmitted ultrasonic beam originating from the first beam after passing through the ML plate along a second axis of a second guiding medium for directing the transmitted beam. The apparatus is configured for setting the transmission angle of the first axis of the first beam to let the second axis pass through a location beneath the stiffener beneath the first surface to which the stiffener is attached.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for ultrasonic inspection that comprises a base and a contact shoe that is located within the base and movably coupled to the base. The apparatus additionally comprises a sensor carriage located within the contact shoe and movably coupled to the contact shoe such that the sensor carriage is translationally movable relative to the contact shoe. The apparatus further comprises a linkage pivotably coupled to the base at a base pivot point, pivotably coupled to the contact shoe at a shoe pivot point, and pivotably coupled to the sensor carriage at a carriage pivot point. Translational movement of the contact shoe relative to the base causes the linkage to pivot about the base pivot point, the shoe pivot point, and the carriage pivot point and move the sensor carriage relative to the base and the contact shoe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe (1) sends out ultrasound waves to a steel sheet (100) obliquely at a plurality of angles, using transmission signals provided from a transmission signal processing unit (3a). In addition, the ultrasonic probe (1) receives echoes corresponding to the plurality of angles from the steel sheet (100). A reception signal processing unit (3b) determines amplitudes of the echoes received by the ultrasonic probe (1) and corresponding to the plurality of angles, and periods of time from when the ultrasound waves are sent out until the echoes are received, as reception times, and identifies a location of a flaw (101) in the steel sheet (100) from the reception times and a ratio between the amplitudes.

Abstract: A system and method directed to displaying images and presenting the data from the phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) inspection of a plurality of welded joints within a welded object. The system includes an engine comprising memory, a graphical user interface (GUI), an export module, a transformation module, and a merger module each operably coupled to one another. The export module is used to extract images and data from the PAUT inspection of the welded joints. The exported information is used by the transformation module to create a multi-dimensional representation of the PAUT inspected welded joint for each joint. The merger module combines the information from the export module and the transformation module into an evaluation report for each PAUT inspected welded joint and assembles the evaluation report into a master report for analysis. The system may be communicatively coupled over a network using a network interface.

Abstract: A 3D ultrasound imaging device including an ultrasound probe assembly and echo analyzer. The ultrasound probe assembly includes a housing and an acoustic window abutted against the housing to form a sealed chamber, wherein the surface of the acoustic window contacts with the breast of the human body to be examined; an ultrasound transducer moves at a first speed back and forth within the sealed chamber and performs high-speed pre-scanning through the acoustic window to obtain initial ultrasound signals; the echo analyzer analyzes the initial ultrasound signals to determine a quality of a ultrasound image acquired by the high speed pre-scanning; and the ultrasound transducer then moves at a second speed to perform another scan to acquire new ultrasound signals. A 3D ultrasound imaging method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for predictive shimming includes a scanning platform. The scanning apparatus also include a first scanner, coupled to the scanning platform, and a second scanner, coupled to the scanning platform. The scanning platform is configured to move the first scanner and the second scanner together along an X-axis and a Z-axis. The scanning platform is also configured to move the first scanner and the second scanner independent of and relative to each other along a Y-axis and a Z-axis. A first field of view of the first scanner and a second field of view of the second scanner at least partially overlap when the first scanner and the second scanner move in opposite directions along the Y-axis.

Abstract: A trigger arrangement for a scanning system can include a sealed housing configured to support a scanning device, a trigger, and an actuation device configured to control functionality of the scanning device. A first magnet can be positioned outside of the sealed housing and can be configured to be selectively moved by the trigger. A second magnet configured to be repelled by the first magnet can be positioned inside of the sealed housing. A connecting member that supports the second magnet can be configured to transfer force from the second magnet to the actuation device. Some configurations can provide tactile feedback to a user when the trigger is used.

Abstract: A method for nondestructive inspection of a component, the method includes determining a first pulse-echo scan from a first side of a component; determining a second pulse-echo scan from a second side of the component; determining a through-transmission scan based on the first pulse-echo scan, the second pulse-echo scan, and a model of the component, the model comprises a rigid internal structure of the component; and classifying the component based on comparing the through-transmission scan to a “gold” model.

Abstract: A device and method for performing ultra-sound scanning of a substantially cylindrical object. The device comprises a cuff adapted to fit around a circumference of the object, an ultrasound probe mounted about the inner circumference of the cuff and positioned to scan the circumference of the object, and one or more data connections providing control information for the ultrasound probe and receiving scanning data from the ultrasound probe. The probe includes one or more sensors to determine its orientation or location, and this data is used to control the operation of the device and to process data from the array.

Abstract: A system and method directed to displaying images and presenting the data from the phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) inspection of a plurality of welded joints within a welded object. The system includes an engine comprising memory, a graphical user interface (GUI), an export module, a transformation module, and a merger module each operably coupled to one another. The export module is used to extract images and data from the PAUT inspection of the welded joints. The exported information is used by the transformation module to create a multi-dimensional representation of the PAUT inspected welded joint for each joint. The merger module combines the information from the export module and the transformation module into an evaluation report for each PAUT inspected welded joint and assembles the evaluation report into a master report for analysis. The system may be communicatively coupled over a network using a network interface.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure describes structural inspection devices, methods, and systems. One inspection device includes a pole, a sensor coupled to an end of the pole and configured to capture a multispectral image of a roof, and a number of attachments coupled to the pole and configured to stabilize the pole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying collagen containing dermal tissue. The apparatus includes a source of ultrasound energy comprised of a plurality of curvilinear ultrasound transducers shaped to direct ultrasound energy to selected skin depths. The transducers have variable curvature, drive frequency, power level and geometries to effect precise control of collagen modification.

Abstract: An inspection system includes a magnetostrictive scanner probe, a ferromagnetic strip, at least one magnet, and a processor. The magnetostrictive scanner probe includes a probe body for supporting at least one flexible sensor coil and a position encoder. The ferromagnetic strip is configured to be coupled to a structure, and the at least one magnet is configured to apply a biasing magnetization to the ferromagnetic strip. The processor is configured to cause a time-varying current to be generated in the at least one flexible sensor coil to induce a time-varying magnetization in said ferromagnetic strip perpendicular to said biasing magnetization to generate shear horizontal-type guided wave energy into said structure, and process reflected shear horizontal-type guided wave energy received by the at least one flexible sensor coil as the probe is moved relative to said structure to generate at least one two-dimensional image of a region of said structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a calibration method and system for non-destructive testing and inspection (NDT/NDI). The method and system involve establishment of a reference database by conducting FMC acquisition on a first calibration block having standardly known indications with a first series of depths and under a laboratory standard calibration condition. Then phased-array operation is conducted on a second calibration block, which is substantially the same as the first block, having indications with a series of corresponding user measured depths and under a second calibration condition as close to the laboratory condition as possible. The calibration is then made with the gain compensation calculated based on the response signals from the indications of the second block, the first series of gain data from the reference database, and the user measured depths for the corresponding indications under the second calibration condition.

Abstract: A portable ultrasonic testing device which with respect to a plate material having a chamfered surface formed between an outer plate surface and an inner peripheral surface, irradiates the chamfered surface with ultrasonic waves while moving along the chambered surface to thereby detect flaws in the plate material is provided with: a device frame; a probe which irradiates the chambered surface with the ultrasonic waves, and receives reflected ultrasonic waves; a wedge to which the probe is fixed and which is able to come into contact with the chamfered surface; a slide mechanism which moves the wedge in a sliding direction with respect to the device frame; a spring member which is urged in a direction in which the wedge and the chamfered surface approach each other in the sliding direction; and a movable roller and a pair of fixed rollers which are provided in the device frame and each have a rolling contract surface that is in contact with the inner peripheral surface.

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

Abstract: A device for testing a stiffener of an aircraft structure made from composite materials. At least one ultrasound sensor is configured to provide measurements relative to a material health state of the stiffener. The device includes a protective enclosure for housing the ultrasound sensor and a mobile gantry configured to move along the stiffener. The protective enclosure with the ultrasound sensor is mounted inside the mobile gantry. A driver is configured to drive the mobile gantry along the stiffener. A clamper is rigidly connected to the protective enclosure and configured to hold the ultrasound sensor pressed against the surface of the stiffener to be controlled. A locator to synchronize each area of the surface of the stiffener with the measurement of the ultrasound sensor.

Abstract: A method is provided for assessment of quality of an adhesively-bonded lap joint, wherein the joint includes a first metal plate, a second metal plate and an adhesive therebetween. The method includes sending ultrasonic waves normally to the surface of a sample outside of the joint where the sample has a first sample metal plate with the same properties as does the first metal plate at an assessment point of the joint. Reflected waves from the sample joint as a reference waveform are recorded. Wideband ultrasonic waves are sent normally to the surface of the joint at the assessment point. Reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves from the joint are recorded. A waveform of the reflected waves from the joint and reference waveform are analyzed to determine an informative parameter. The informative parameter is compared with a threshold value to assess quality of the joint.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing system for testing a work piece. The non-destructive testing system includes an ultrasonic probe, including a matrix of transducers, and a control unit including a display. The control unit is configured to control the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe and the control unit are configured to obtain multiple S-scan images. The ultrasonic probe and the control unit are configured to obtain a first S-scan image at a first direction orientation, and the ultrasonic probe and the control unit are configured to obtain a second S-scan image at a second direction orientation different from the first direction orientation. The control unit is configured to process the first and second S-scan images to provide at least an image upon the display.

Abstract: There is provided an alignment aid method of an ultrasonic transmitter implemented by means of an alignment aid system. The alignment aid system includes a receiver including a plurality of transducers each configured to receive an ultrasonic wave and convert it into a respective signal, and a processing unit configured to digitally process all the signals coming from the transducers, at least part of the transducers being arranged so as to form a first continuous row of transducers. The system also includes an alignment control device communicating with the processing unit, the alignment control device being configured to supply an indication about the transducer(s) receiving a single ultrasonic wave transmitted by said transmitter along the first row of transducers so as to enable the transmitter to be aligned in relation to the receiver.

Abstract: A phased array ultrasonic inspection system configured for weld inspection includes a data analysis process with automated and optimized gating to take into account the actual distance between a phased array probe and a weld line. The system embodies a weld tracking module and a dynamic gating module. The tracking module produces dynamically corrected overlays of the weld line based on the echo signals, the dynamically corrected overlays having a series of offsets from the corresponding initial overlays. The dynamic gating module purposefully positions a plurality of data analysis gates to filter out noise signals caused by sources unrelated to the weld, and to provide dynamic target gating adjusted by at least part of the offset.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes roof inspection devices, methods, and systems. One roof inspection device includes a pole, a camera coupled to an end of the pole and configured to capture an image of a roof, and a number of attachments coupled to the pole and configured to stabilize the pole on the roof or other elevated surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for electrically addressing multiple ultrasonic transducers that are connected to a common electrical channel and housed within an imaging probe. An imaging probe may comprise an imaging ultrasonic transducer and a moveable element for controlling the direction of an emitted imaging beam, and an angle sensing ultrasonic transducer, where the angle sensing ultrasonic transducer is configured for determining the direction of an ultrasonic imaging beam. The angle-sensing transducer may be configured to direct an angle sensing ultrasonic beam towards an acoustically reflective substrate and provide a signal by detecting a reflected ultrasonic beam reflected from the acoustically reflective substrate, where the acoustically reflective substrate is positioned relative to the movable element such that motion of the movable element produces a change in the signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes roof inspection devices, methods, and systems. One roof inspection device includes a pole, a camera coupled to an end of the pole and configured to capture an image of a roof, and a number of attachments coupled to the pole and configured to stabilize the pole on the roof or other elevated surface.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement method includes: a measuring point setting step of setting an arbitrary measuring point near a weld portion inside of steel material and assuming a virtual reflecting surface that includes the measuring point and is parallel to a weld line direction; a focused beam setting step of transmitting ultrasonic waves of a shear wave mode and focusing onto the measuring point via a coupling medium at a predetermined incident angle with respect to the virtual reflecting surface; a detecting step of detecting reflected waves of the transmitted ultrasonic waves at a boundary between a base metal portion and the weld portion; and an evaluating step of evaluating a shape of the weld portion based on the reflected waves.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing system includes directing guided wave energy to regions of interest in waveguides. Knowing the propagation paths taken by guided wave energy in complex waveguides can be used to intentionally insonify regions of interest. Additionally, knowledge of the propagation direction and location of an energy mode in a waveguide allows the calculation of the path previously taken by the energy mode. This information can be used for signal processing of guided wave inspection systems. The test system can have various sensor configurations including: a single transducer configured to direct or receive guided wave energy along a particular direction, a one-dimensional array or a two dimensional array of transducers. The transducers can operate independently to provide mutual phasing and amplitude adjusting to steer guided wave energy in a waveguide or determine the directionality of guided wave energy received by the sensors.

Abstract: A method comprises a calibration curve creation step in which a calibration curve is created on the basis of hardened surface layer depth. A destructive test is performed on one of two samples in pairs, and propagation time of a first peak of a first wave of waveform of a signal outputted with the other in pairs in a non-destructive test is determined, the samples in pairs being prepared such that carburization depth varies gradually from pair to pair. A waveform of a signal outputted with a to-be-inspected piece is obtained. The propagation time of a first peak of a first wave of the waveform of the signal output with the to-be-inspected piece is obtained, and the hardened surface layer depth of the to-be-inspected piece is obtained using the calibration curve, on the basis of the propagation time obtained with the to-be-inspected sample.

Abstract: A multi-sensor NDI probe having means for self-alignment of the NDI sensors in conjunction with the movement of the sensor suite along the length of a hollow elongated stiffener having a rounded cap. The apparatus comprises a large-radius curved ultrasonic transducer array with cylindrical focus, which provides complete coverage for the rounded cap, two small-radius convex curved transducer arrays for NDI of the lower outside radii, and two linear transducer arrays for NDI of the sides of the stiffener. The five transducer arrays are supported by respective compliant assemblies which facilitate proper adjustment of the location (i.e., position and orientation) of the transducer arrays during scanning. The positions of the transducer arrays are adjusted to account for geometric variations in the stiffener.

Abstract: Increasing the effective aperture of an ultrasound imaging probe by including more than one probe head and using the elements of all of the probes to render an image can greatly improve the lateral resolution of the generated image. In order to render an image, the relative positions of all of the elements must be known precisely. A calibration fixture is described in which the probe assembly to be calibrated is placed above a test block and transmits ultrasonic pulses through the test block to an ultrasonic sensor. As the ultrasonic pulses are transmitted though some or all of the elements in the probe to be tested, the differential transit times of arrival of the waveform are measured precisely. From these measurements the relative positions of the probe elements can be computed and the probe can be aligned.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus including a processing unit configured to produce an ultrasound image of the target region by applying position/orientation data representative of the position and/or orientation of an ultrasound transducer on the first side of a surface during each collection cycle to echo data representative of reflected ultrasound energy received by the ultrasound transducer during each collection cycle so as to coherently focus the echo data at a plurality of points distributed within the target region.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic treatment device that is minimally-invasive and that achieves embolization treatment having a high blood flow blocking effect. To this end, the ultrasonic treatment device is provided with a function to transmit to a target area of a subject both a bubble generation pulse that vaporizes a contrast agent, and a bubble generation pulse that causes the diameter of the formed bubble to increase.

Abstract: The transmission sensor 1T and the reception sensor 1R are disposed so as to sandwich a testing target 301 therebetween. The reception sensor 1R receives a false signal arising from a GL generated upon ML scanning by a scanning angle equal to or greater than a minimum scanning angle ?min but equal to or smaller than a maximum scanning angle ?max.

Abstract: In order to simplify a manufacturing process and reduce cost and power consumption by providing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a carrier signal generating circuit excellent in IC implementation, a carrier signal generating circuit for generating an output voltage Vo applied to an ultrasonic probe 41 includes cascaded source follower type NMOSFETs 11 to 14, a variable current source 31, and a constant current source for biasing 32. The probe 41 can be made to generate the output voltage Vo with arbitrary amplitude by controlling a gate voltage V4 by controlling the output current value of the variable current source 31. In addition, a voltage applied to each NMOSFET can be divided by connecting the NMOSFETs 11 to 14 in a multi-stage manner. Accordingly, the withstand voltage of the NMOSFET may be low.

Abstract: A computer with a proper program generates a phased array sequence of signals. In a pulser with delays, the signals are fed through a multiplexor into multiple water wedges that are attached to a valve being tested. For a sequential operation of the valves from the open to the closed position, ultrasonic signals are transmitted through the fluid contained in the valve and reflected back through piezo-electric crystals to the multiplexor. By summation and merger of the signals, an image can be developed of the operation of the valve to determine if the valve is operating properly. By comparing the signals received with a known standard for that type valve, proper operation, or lack thereof, of the valve under test can be determined.

Abstract: A device for conducting an ultrasonic inspection of an object of interest comprises a base member. In addition, the device comprises a track coupled to the base member. Further, the device comprises a carriage moveably coupled to the track. Still further, the device comprises a drive system coupled to the carriage and configured to move the carriage linearly along the track. Moreover, the device comprises an ultrasonic probe coupled to the carriage.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus comprising a receiver circuit and a transmitter circuit, both circuits being flexible such that they are capable of conforming to the surface contours of an object as a surface of the apparatus is pressed against it and an adaptive backing positioned behind the transmitter and receiver circuits in the scanning apparatus and configured to, as the scanning apparatus is pressed against the object, conform to the flexible circuits.

Abstract: A computer-controlled robotic platform with a collapsible lifting arm that positions a non-destructive inspection (NDI) sensor for scanning inside tunnel regions of a composite structure such as an integrally stiffened wing box. The lifting arm of a modified scissor lift mechanism can be collapsed to a very low height to pass through narrow sections of the integrally stiffened wing box, and also extended by more than a factor of three to reach the maximum height of the wing box tunnels. The system performs a vertical position sensing and control process that uses inverse kinematics to enable position control using data from a standard rotational encoder on the motor to determine vertical position. The system produces simulated encoder pulses that represent unit vertical displacements of a distal portion of a modified scissor lift mechanism using a forward kinematics equation in which the rotation angle of a lead screw is an input variable.

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

Abstract: A method of detecting a state of a coated gel coated on an ultrasound probe includes coating a gel on the ultrasound probe, scanning and generating a scanned image, dividing the scanned image into a strong echo area and a weak echo area, and detecting signal variation in the strong echo area of the scanned image to determine the state of the coated gel coated on the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A method for checking a mechanical integrity of at least two stabilizing elements includes providing the at least two stabilizing elements that mechanically interconnect blade airfoils of rotor blades of a turbine in a circumferential direction of the turbine in an installed state of the turbine. The at least two stabilizing elements are adjacent to one another and inter-engage to form an engagement section having a material volume of the at least two stabilizing elements in the engagement section. The material volume of the at least two stabilizing elements is scanned, in an automated manner using ultrasound, so as to determine whether cracks are present. The scanning is performed from an outside of the at least two stabilizing elements.

Abstract: Methods of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging are provided. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the location or positioning of a metal object in a sample. In other embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the composition of a sample surrounding a metal object. Other methods are also provided.