Abstract: Described herein is a system for determining structural characteristics of an object, the system including a first laser, a second laser, one or more processors, and a computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform functions. The functions include illuminating, by the first laser, a surface region of an object with an incident light pulse, thereby causing the object to exhibit vibrations; illuminating, by the second laser, the surface region with an incident light beam, thereby generating responsive light that is indicative of the vibrations; detecting the responsive light and determining a difference between a characteristic of the responsive light and a reference characteristic that corresponds to the surface region; determining a position of the surface region within a three-dimensional space; and displaying the surface region such that the difference is indicated at the position of the surface region.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection method in which a pulse signal is output to an ultrasonic sensor to generate and transmit ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic waves reflected or scattered by an object are received and converted into a waveform signal by the ultrasonic sensor, and the waveform signal is digitized to acquire waveform data, includes: executing modulation processing for modulating a plurality of waveform data acquired in multiple inspections and under the same inspection conditions by a phase modulation method to generate composite waveform data; and executing demodulation processing for demodulating the composite waveform data to generate compressed waveform data.

Abstract: A level measuring instrument is provided, including a microwave integrated circuit in a form of a radar system on chip with several transmission channels, each configured to generate a high-frequency transmission signal, and one or more receiving channels, each configured to receive reflected signals from a product surface; a noise level reduction device configured to increase a signal-to-noise ratio of a received signal, which relates to the reflected signals from the product surface, by averaging results of several measurements carried out in succession in time; and/or a signal level increasing device configured to combine two of the several transmission channels to produce a combined transmission signal with increased power and/or to combine two of the receiving channels to produce a combined reception signal with increased power. A method for measuring a level of a medium in a container or a surface topology of the medium is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for linear signal processing with signal decomposition. The system including: a decomposition module to receive an analog input signal and perform signal decomposition, the signal decomposition including slicing the analog input signal into a plurality of slices to produce one or more analog components and one or more digital components, the decomposition module directing each component to a separate signal path; and a processing module to perform one or more linear operations on at least one of the signal paths. In some cases, the signal decomposition includes slicing the analog input signal into the plurality of slices by amplitude. In some cases, the analog components include unsaturated slices of the analog input signal and the digital components include saturated slices of the analog input signal.

Abstract: A downhole tool for determining laterals in a borehole wall or a borehole casing, comprising a tool housing extending along a longitudinal axis and having a circumference perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a plurality of sonic transceivers. Each sonic transceiver transmitting sonic signals from the housing and receiving sonic signals reflected from the borehole wall or borehole casing in a predefined angular segment. The sonic transceivers are arranged along the circumference of the tool housing having a mutual distance and are capable of transmitting sonic signals radially away from the tool housing in an entire central angle of 360 degrees towards the borehole wall or borehole casing. During a pulse time, one sonic transceiver transmits a sonic signal in the predefined angular segment of that sonic transmitter, and one sonic transceiver, during a subsequent echo time, receives a reflected sonic signal from the borehole wall or borehole casing.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for determining an acoustic parameter of a downhole fluid using an acoustic assembly. Methods include transmitting a plurality of pulses; measuring values for at least one wave property measured for reflections of the plurality of pulses received at at least one acoustic receiver, including: a first value for a first reflection traveling a first known distance from a first acoustically reflective surface having a first known acoustic impedance, a second value for a second reflection traveling a second known distance substantially the same as the first known distance from a second acoustically reflective surface having a second known acoustic impedance, and a third value for a third reflection traveling a third known distance from a third acoustically reflective surface having a third known acoustic impedance substantially the same as the second acoustic impedance; and estimating the acoustic parameter using the values.

Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for estimation of nonlinear bulk elasticity parameters (NEP) of a material through measuring nonlinear propagation delays (NPDs) at a set of multiple range cells along at least one transmit beam axis, and adapting said NEPs to minimize a functional of the NEPs. The method calculates a distance between a model of the NPDs with the NEPs as input and the measured NPDs, and estimated NEPs are obtained at the minimum of the functional. The NPDs are measured by transmitting at least two pulse complexes comprising a low frequency (LF) and a high frequency (HF) pulse with differences in the LF pulse, along at least one common LF and HF transmit beam axes, and gating out HF receive signals from a multitude of depth ranges along said at least one HF transmit beam axis, and comparing the HF receive signals from two pulse complexes with difference in the LF pulse for each depth range.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a therapeutic ultrasound system configured to adaptively transmit ultrasound pulses toward microbubbles in a treatment region to remove an occlusion. In some examples, the system may include a treatment pulse unit configured to transmit an ultrasound pulse to a treatment region of a subject, the treatment region including a plurality of microbubbles. An echo detection unit may be configured to receive one or more echoes responsive to the ultra sound pulse. In some examples, the system may also include a data processor configured to identify, using data associated with the echoes, at least one echo signature indicative of a dynamic state of the microbubbles in response to the ultrasound pulse. A controller may be configured to adjust one or more parameters of an additional ultrasound pulse transmitted to the treatment region via the treatment pulse unit based on the at least one echo signature.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the ultrasound detection and characterisation of defects in a heterogeneous material, comprising the following steps: for each of a plurality of probe positions (z), for a plurality of configurations of the multi-element probe (1), emitting ultrasound by at least one emitting transducer (14) and acquiring a measurement signal by at least one receiving transducer (15), implementing a focusing algorithm and obtaining, for each probe position (z) an image in which each pixel of the image represents a probed point (w) of the material with which a focused amplitude is associated, for each probed point (w), determining a measurement of central tendency of the amplitude and a function representative of the variability of the amplitude, for each image, correcting the amplitude, detecting and characterising defects in the material based on the corrected images.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for extending the detection range of a structural health monitoring (SHM) system. A structure being monitored is scanned multiple times. A scan with no collection delay covers an original detection area of the SHM system. Scans with collection delays cover extended detection areas. The SHM system's detection range is extended when results of multiple scans with different collection delays are combined.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor comprises a support structure, a channel extending through the support structure, a sensing material stack coupled to the support structure and extending over the channel, and a filler material disposed within the channel and over the sensing material stack. The sensing material stack comprises an structural layer, a first electrode layer disposed on the structural layer, a piezoelectric material disposed in a piezoelectric layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the piezoelectric layer opposite the first electrode layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining rate of corrosion in pipes and other structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for measuring a rate of corrosion progress in a specimen includes: generating a first initial pulse into the specimen by an ultrasonic transducer, and acquiring a first reflected waveform from the specimen. The first reflected waveform includes a first reflection of the first waveform and a second reflection of the first waveform. The method also includes generating a second initial pulse into the specimen by the ultrasonic transducer. The first initial pulse and the second initial pulse are separated by a time period. The method also includes acquiring a second reflected waveform from the specimen. The second reflected waveform includes a first reflection of the second waveform and a second reflection of the second waveform.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and devices that assist in forming biosensors. Specifically, features that align solutions containing molecules to be immobilized on biosensors. A retaining structure may be disposed at least partially around a target surface of a substrate. A resonating structure may be disposed on the target surface. A droplet of functionalized material may be disposed on the resonating structure and the target surface, which may be auto-aligned and retained by the retaining structure on the target surface to consistently cover the resonating structure.

Abstract: Structural health monitoring (SHM)/nondestructive evaluation (NDE) exists as a tool in conjunction with manufactured pieces. Presently disclosed subject matter integrates automated video with a structural health monitoring system. In conjunction with bridge monitoring, integration of such two systems automates determination of the effect or correlation of vehicular loading on SHM data from a subject bridge. Such correlations help to understand the sources of structural health monitoring data, particularly acoustic emission data, in bridges and other structures, such as dams and nuclear plants. Automation of the evaluation of bridges and other structures increases accuracy and minimizes risk to workers and the public. Assessing the structural condition of bridges and other structures as presently disclosed also facilitates automated asset management of transportation systems, such as by state departments of transportation and other bridge/structural owners.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a living cell is disclosed. The method comprises, directing a pulsed optical field to at least one conductive nanoparticle present in the vicinity of the cell, so as to generate cavitations at or near the conductive nanoparticle at sufficient amount to effect at least one cell modification selected from the group consisting of cell-damage and cell-fusion.

Abstract: A method for nondestructive measurement of an underlying layer thickness includes irradiating, with a pump laser pulse, a sample to induce generation of an acoustic wave in the sample such that the acoustic wave propagates through the sample over time, where the sample includes a substrate, an underlying layer on the substrate, and an overlying layer on the underlying layer and the underlying layer is isolated from an exterior of the sample by at least the overlying layer, irradiating the sample with a probe laser pulse after irradiating the sample with the pump laser pulse, determining a reflectance variation of the sample over time, based on monitoring a variation of a reflection of the probe laser pulse from the sample over time, to generate a first graph showing a variation of reflectance of the sample over time, and determining a thickness of the underlying layer based on the first graph.

Abstract: An apparatus for guided wave testing of a test object comprises a linear array of receiver electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs), and at least one linear array of transmitter EMATs disposed substantially parallel to the linear array of receiver EMATs and configured to launch guided waves in said test object in a direction substantially perpendicular to the at least one linear array of transmitter EMATs. Either (i) transmitter coils of the at least one linear array of transmitter EMATs have a common winding direction, receiver coils of adjacent receiver EMATs have alternating winding directions, and receiver coils of at least two adjacent receiver EMATs are connected in series, or (ii) transmitter coils of the transmitter EMATs have alternating winding directions, receiver coils of adjacent receiver EMATs have a common winding direction, and receiver coils of at least two adjacent receiver EMATs are connected in series.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting failed electronics using acoustics. The method comprising directing an acoustic wave toward a circuit component to be tested such that the acoustic wave is reflected off the circuit component, receiving the reflected acoustic wave, amplifying the reflected acoustic wave, and comparing the reflected acoustic wave with known acoustic waves to determine if the circuit component is operating properly. The apparatus comprising a data acquisition system for acquiring data, an X-Y-Z positioner to position two transducers and to hold the circuit component, and software to post-process and analyze the data. The data acquisition system further includes an oscilloscope, a pulser-receiver, two air-coupled transducers, and an amplifier.

Abstract: An apparatus for guided wave testing of a test object comprises a linear array of receiver electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs), and at least one linear array of transmitter EMATs disposed substantially parallel to the linear array of receiver EMATs and configured to launch guided waves in said test object in a direction substantially perpendicular to the at least one linear array of transmitter EMATs. Either (i) transmitter coils of the at least one linear array of transmitter EMATs have a common winding direction, receiver coils of adjacent receiver EMATs have alternating winding directions, and receiver coils of at least two adjacent receiver EMATs are connected in series, or (ii) transmitter coils of the transmitter EMATs have alternating winding directions, receiver coils of adjacent receiver EMATs have a common winding direction, and receiver coils of at least two adjacent receiver EMATs are connected in series.

Abstract: A probe system configured to receive a radio-frequency (RF) signal from a radio-frequency (RF) antenna includes a heater and a control circuit. The heater includes a resistive heating element routed through the probe system. An operational voltage is provided to the resistive heating element to provide heating for the probe system and the resistive heating element has an element capacitance. The control circuit is configured to determine an antenna response of the resistive heating element and determine a remaining useful life of the probe system based on the antenna response over time.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a vehicle parking assistance system comprising: a memory storing measured thermal values associated with respective parking spots in a database; and a processor for receiving measured thermal values and availability and/or attractiveness data associated with the respective parking spots from the memory. The processor determines target parking spots for an arriving vehicle based at least in part on the availability and/or attractiveness data and thermal values.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of providing sound tracking information, a sound tracking apparatus for vehicles and a vehicle having the sound tracking apparatus. The method of providing sound tracking information includes generating sound tracking results based on sound data generated by sensing sound generated around a vehicle, calculating 3D coordinates of a target sound source according to angle values of the target sound source recognized from the sound tracking results, and generating a notification of the target sound source based on the 3D coordinates, and the sound tracking results include information on probabilities that an object corresponding to the target sound source is present at respective angles in each of continuous frames according to time.

Abstract: An inspection system for performing an inspection of an end region of a part is provided. The inspection system includes a robotic assembly positioned along a side of the part. The inspection system includes an ultrasonic probe coupled to the robotic assembly and positioned in proximity to the end region of the part. The ultrasonic probe is moved by the robotic assembly along a path to inspect the end region of the part. During the inspection, the ultrasonic probe transmits a signal towards the end region of the part and receives a reflected signal from the end region of the part. The inspection system provides, as a single system, for inspection of both a body of the part and the end region of the part.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device includes an ultrasound probe including ultrasound transducers that transmit ultrasound toward an imaging subject, receive ultrasound reflected from the imaging subject, and output ultrasound detection signals; an alteration unit that alters a transmission frequency of the transmitted ultrasound or a reception frequency of the received ultrasound, from a frequency for converting amplitudes, of the ultrasound detection signals outputted from the ultrasound probe, into an intensity distribution of brightnesses and displaying the distribution, to a frequency for carrying out diagnosis of tissue characteristics; and a calculation unit that calculates an index for diagnosing tissue characteristics, based on a relationship between received signals, at a time when the transmission frequency or the reception frequency is altered to a frequency at which diagnosis of tissue characteristics is carried out, at two or more different ultrasound transducers at the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A probe system configured to receive a radio-frequency (RF) signal from a radio-frequency (RF) antenna includes a heater and a control circuit. The heater includes a resistive heating element routed through the probe system. An operational voltage is provided to the resistive heating element to provide heating for the probe system and the resistive heating element has an element capacitance. The control circuit is configured to determine an antenna response of the resistive heating element and determine a remaining useful life of the probe system based on the antenna response over time.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device includes an ultrasound probe including plural ultrasound transducers that transmit ultrasound toward an imaging subject, receive ultrasound reflected from the imaging subject, and output ultrasound detection signals; an alteration unit that alters transmission frequencies of the ultrasound transmitted from the ultrasound probe or reception frequencies of the ultrasound received by the ultrasound probe; and a calculation unit that calculates an index for diagnosing a tissue characteristic based on a relationship between reception signals of at least two different ultrasound transducers for at least two different frequencies of the transmission frequencies or reception frequencies altered by the alteration unit.

Abstract: The invention describes a vibrating fork point level switch with multiple switching points.

Abstract: A signal is sent into a structure at an angle substantially parallel to a ramp of the structure using a transducer array positioned at a first surface of the structure. An ultrasound response signal is formed at a second surface of the structure. The ultrasound response signal is received at the transducer array.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a transducer array with a plurality of CMUT elements. Each of the plurality of CMUT elements includes a first end and a second end. The transducer array further includes a bias network that is electrically connected with the first and second ends of the plurality of CMUT elements. The bias network applies a first bias voltage to the first end of the plurality of CMUT elements and a second bias voltage to the second end of the plurality of CMUT elements. The first and second bias voltages bias the plurality of CMUT elements. A method includes biasing, with bias network, a CMUT element of an transducer array using a bipolar signal that includes a first bias voltage and a second bias voltage, transmitting, by a transmit circuit, a transmit signal to the CMUT element, receiving, by a receive circuit, a receive signal from the CMUT element.

Abstract: An electrowetting cell includes a substrate that includes a well filled with at least one fluid an external contact surface. The substrate is formed of ceramic or fiberglass mesh infused with resin. A control channel electrode connection pad and a common electrode connection pad are on the external contact surface. A first plate is coupled to the substrate to seal a first end of the well. A second plate is coupled to the substrate to seal a second end of the well. The electrowetting cell further includes a control channel electrode on the substrate configured to control a shape of the at least one fluid via an electric field, a common electrode, a control channel electrode interconnect connected to the control channel electrode and the control channel electrode connection pad, and a common electrode interconnect connected to the common electrode and the common electrode connection pad.

Abstract: An object is to provide a delamination inspection method and a delamination inspection apparatus capable of easily and distinctly detecting an inter-layer delamination of a laminated body even when an obstacle such as a reinforcing plate is present on a part to be inspected, and capable of inspecting a wide inspection area in a short time. The apparatus includes: a transmission probe 2a that causes an ultrasonic wave to enter a laminated body 10 at a predetermined refraction angle ?; a reception probe 2b that receives a propagation wave having propagated while having been repeatedly reflected by interfaces of a plurality of members; and a probe holding means that holds the transmission probe 2a and the reception probe 2b with a predetermined interval L therebetween.

Abstract: The provided apparatus for automated nondestructive inspection of a metal structure having a surface comprises an ultrasonic nondestructive inspection unit, a nondestructive inspection unit based on magnetic flux leakage method, an eddy-current nondestructive inspection unit, a control unit connected to the ultrasonic nondestructive inspection unit, the nondestructive inspection unit based on the magnetic flux leakage method and the eddy-current nondestructive inspection unit for sending control signals to carry out inspection of the metal structure, and a navigation unit connected to the control unit, wherein the navigation unit determines a position of said apparatus relative to the metal structure, determines a state of the surface of the metal structure and sends signals into the control unit. The nondestructive inspection unit based on magnetic flux leakage method changes a magnetic field induction generated by this unit from a minimum value close to zero value to a predetermined maximum value.

Abstract: A mobile communication device equipped for proximity detection may include a transmitter that emits a periodic ultrasound signal, a receiver that detects the periodic ultrasound signal, an intra-frame filter that filters the detected periodic ultrasound signal based on a frame length of the detected periodic ultrasound signal, and a detector that determines a power level of the filtered periodic ultrasound signal to detect if the receiver is located in an undesirable location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the flow rates of a multi-component fluid mixture is disclosed. The temperature and pressure of the multi-component mixture is determined. The fractions of the multi-component mixture are determined based on at least two measured physical properties of the mixture and knowledge of the same physical property of the individual components. The velocity of the multi component mixture is determined. The flow rate of the individual component of the fluid is determined. An electromagnetic measurement is performed. A statistical parameter related to the electromagnetic measurement is calculated and compared to an empirical derived threshold value corresponding to the value of the statistical parameter when only one of the components of the multi component mixture is present. The thickness of unwanted deposits on the pipe wall is determined and an improved flow rate determination of the individual components of the fluid is obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided comprising a signal processor that receives signaling containing information about an acoustic signal swept and sensed over a frequency range in relation to a pipe; and determines information about the structure of the pipe based at least partly on two or more sub-frequency ranges that form part of the frequency range in the signaling received. The signal processor also receives the acoustic signal being transmitted to the pipe and corresponding signaling in the two or more sub-frequency ranges containing information about reflections of the acoustic signal back from the pipe; and determines information about the structure of the pipe based at least partly on a coherent mixing of the acoustic signal and the corresponding signaling in the two or more sub-frequency ranges using a coherent acoustic tomography technique.

Abstract: An ultrasound observation apparatus for generating an ultrasound image based on an ultrasound signal obtained by an ultrasound probe having an ultrasound transducer for transmitting an ultrasound wave to an observation target and receiving the ultrasound wave reflected from the observation target. The ultrasound observation apparatus includes: a frequency analysis unit that analyzes a frequency of the ultrasound signal to calculate frequency spectra depending on a reception depth and a reception direction of the ultrasound signal; a frequency band setting unit that sets a frequency band used for calculating a feature of each of the frequency spectra by use of parameters associated with a frequency spectrum in each of candidate bands having different bandwidths; a feature calculation unit that calculates the feature of each of the frequency spectra based on the frequency band; and a feature image data generation unit that generates feature image data based on the feature.

Abstract: Ultrasonic detection methods are disclosed. The method includes providing an ultrasonic detection system having a transmitting phased array device and a receiving phased array device. A phased array wave is transmitted through a revolutionary body from the transmitting phased array device to the receiving phased array device, thereby obtaining ultrasonic detection information about the revolutionary body. In another embodiment, the method includes positioning the transmitting phased array device and the receiving phased array device on a periphery of a turbine rotor, transmitting a phased array wave into the turbine rotor, the phased array wave not reflecting off of a reflecting feature, adjusting the positioning of the transmitting phased array devices on the periphery of the turbine rotor, and transmitting the phased array wave into the turbine rotor, the phased array wave reflecting off of a reflecting feature. The reflected phased array wave is received by the receiving phased array device.

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: The present application relates to a non-destructive testing system. The non-destructive testing system may include an ultrasonic probe and a hand-held display in communication with the ultrasonic probe. The hand-held display may be configured to display C-scan images or S-scan images.

Abstract: Radial transducers are provided for acoustic touch sensors. Different radial transducer arrangements may allow for locating multiple simultaneous touches without ambiguity, in some embodiments without a bezel. Instead of transmitting acoustic waves along a line to be reflected at multiple points, surface acoustic waves are transmitted in a radial wave pattern. Surface acoustic waves are transmitted along different angles spread out over at least part of the touch region. Various techniques may be used to generate the radial wave pattern, such as a convex wedge of a wedge transducer, interference patterns, a curved piezoelectric element, a curved reflector, a curved edge of the substrate, a curved grating, or one or more lenses. These devices for controlling the spread of the surface acoustic waves may alternatively be used for control of the surface acoustic rays for transmission along a single line or just along two lines (e.g., X and Y axes).

Abstract: An acoustic signal receiving apparatus including: a Fabry-Perot sensor including a Fabry-Perot interferometer configured to convert an acoustic wave into a light intensity signal; a control unit configured to set a first wavelength and a second wavelength; a detecting unit configured to convert light intensities obtained by irradiation of the Fabry-Perot sensor with light from the first light source and the second light source into electric signals; and a signal processing unit configured to acquire a difference between an electric signal corresponding to the first wavelength and an electric signal corresponding to the second wavelength, wherein the control unit is configured to set the first wavelength and the second wavelength so that differential values of reflectivity spectrum of the Fabry-Perot sensor are different at the first wavelength and the second wavelength.

Abstract: A device and a method to determine a position of a component that is moveable in a linear manner along an assigned axis are provided. A reference element that extends in a direction of the assigned axis is assigned to the component. The component may be brought into mechanical contact with the reference element. A respective piezo transducer is arranged on the reference element to generate and receive vibrations in a material used for the reference element.

Abstract: An internal defect inspection method where an ultrasonic wave is emitted from an ultrasonic wave transmitter toward a sample, the ultrasonic wave reflected by the sample is detected by an imaging type common-path interferometer as an interference signal, an ultrasonic wave signal is obtained from the interference signal, and any defect within the sample is detected from the ultrasonic wave signal. An internal defect inspection apparatus including an ultrasonic wave transmitter, an imaging type common-path interferometer and an ultrasonic wave signal detecting device is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for envelope detection are disclosed. An envelope detection method according to an embodiment of the invention can include: receiving ultrasonic signals reflected off a target object; detecting peaks by using differences in pulses in the received signals; and generating an envelope by connecting the detected peaks with straight or curved lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a thickness of an object using ultrasonic signals are disclosed. The method includes the steps of transmitting ultrasonic signals toward the object, digitizing a reflected echo sequence of the ultrasonic signals, including interpolating the echo sequence, and processing the echo sequence by detecting maximum amplitude peaks in the echo sequence and determining the object thickness based on a time duration between the maximum amplitude peaks.

Abstract: A system and method for non-destructive monitoring a component including a guided wave sensor positioned around a surface of the component, wherein the component has a perimeter. A first spring mounting clamp positioned around the component perimeter and a second spring mounting clamp positioned around the component perimeter, wherein the first and second mounting clamps are positioned a distance of 0.1 inches to 5.0 inches on either side of the guided wave sensor. A plurality of elongated springs is attached at a first end to the first spring mounting clamp and attached at a second end to the second spring mounting clamp. The central portion applying a pressure of at least 10 psi to the guided wave sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, method and system for inspecting structures, and more particularly for evaluating the condition of a structure. The disclosed nondestructive inspection testing method and apparatus enables an operator to assess the condition of a structure, such as a composite laminate part and determining the location and depth of anomalies. The method includes generating a subsurface longitudinal ultrasonic wave signal at a high incidence angle into a structure being evaluated and collecting at least one of any front, back or side reflected wave data. The method may include processing the reflected wave data to determine the condition of the structure, including any anomalies that may have been detected and their location, size and shape.

Abstract: A gripper unit for handling a vessel for receiving biological material is proposed, inter alia. The vessel has a lid which can assume an open position and a closed position. The gripper unit comprises a gripper for gripping and releasing the vessel, and a lid holder, for holding a lid in a defined position in relation to the vessel. The defined position is an open position of the lid.

Abstract: A projecting/receiving unit (52) projects a laser light to a peripheral portion (30) and receives the reflected light while a liquid is being fed to a substrate (14) and is flowing on the peripheral portion (30). A signal processing controller (54) processes the electric signal of the reflected light to decide the state of the peripheral portion (30). The state of the peripheral portion being polished is monitored. Moreover, the polish end point is detected. A transmission wave other than the laser light may also be used. The peripheral portion (30) may also be enclosed by a passage forming member thereby to form a passage properly. The peripheral portion can be properly measured even in the situation where the liquid is flowing on the substrate peripheral portion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe for examining an object with ultrasound and a corresponding examination method are provided. The probe includes a plurality of emitter elements able to emit ultrasonic waves for emitting a focused ultrasonic beam into the object through an active area of a surface of the object, and a profilometer for determining the profile of the surface of the object and for controlling the emission of the ultrasonic beam depending on the determined profile. The profilometer includes an image-taking apparatus for taking at least one digital image of the active area and an image processing module able to determine the profile of the active area by analyzing the optical blurring of the or at least one image.