Abstract: A method for non-destructively detecting the presence of banded regions in a metal is described. The method involves sending an ultrasonic wave into the metal and obtaining reflected signals. The reflected signals are compared with each other to determine variations in signal intensity. A banded region within the metal can be observed as a weaker reflected signal than a reflected backwall signal, thus accurately identifying a location of banding within the metal. Metal articles with a low percent of banding are also described.

Abstract: A method of characterizing the surface of a CMP pad by directing an ultrasound pulse at the surface from an ultrasound transducer that is not in contact with the surface and observing the frequency spectrum of the reflected pulse which is indicative of properties of the surface.

Abstract: Methods are provided for automatic setting of parameters for contrast agent quantification. Various processes may improve quantification. For example, for consistency in contrast agent quantification, a gain or other setting of an ultrasound system is automatically determined in response to destruction of the contrast agent or at the initiation of the contrast agent quantification procedure. Automatic setting of an adaptive gain provides equalized image intensity for each repetition of a contrast agent quantification procedure based on a same triggering event, the destruction of contrast agent. By synchronizing the adaptive setting algorithms with contrast agent destruction, similar base line information is provided for each iteration of a contrast agent quantification procedure. As another example, the contrast agent gain setting treats acoustic signals representing tissue or other non-contrast agent structure as noise, mapping the tissue values to a substantially constant low value within the dynamic range.

Abstract: The invention is objected to enable the provision of an vessel steel plate measuring device capable of measuring the thickness of vessel steel plate, even in the case of a vessel having a vessel mirror part formed by a spherical or conical curved surface such as a reactor (reaction vessel) and various kinds of obstructions at a vessel barrel. The structure of the device is characterized in that a supporting point member 20 is detachably provided from a supporting point set at the central axis of the vessel mirror part 1a of a reactor 1, and a traveling carrier 6 traveling on a steel plate of the vessel mirror part 1a and having plural ultrasonic probes 7 mounted thereon is connected to one end of a turning radius regulating member 19 rotatively provided around the supporting point member 20.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus includes a container containing de-ionized water, at least one limiting member, a loading member, and a cover member. The at least one limiting member, the loading member, and the cover member are disposed in the de-ionized water and between the transmitting transducer and the receiving transducer. The limiting member is supported on the limiting member for loading the integrated circuits to be inspected. The cover member is detachably disposed on the loading member for holding the integrated circuits by a gravitational force of the cover member acting on the loading member.

Abstract: A method for determining the depth of a parking space using at least one ultrasonic vehicle sensor. According to the method, the following steps are carried out as the vehicle drives longitudinally past the parking space: a) an ultrasonic wave is emitted, b) echo signals of the emitted ultrasonic wave are collected within a measuring window, c) the dispersion is determined and/or the distribution of the echo signals within that dispersion is determined, d) a depth is defined if the dispersion range of all and/or several echo signals that form a concentration within the distribution lies below a pre-determinable threshold value.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for detecting a position and/or a shape of an object located around an automotive vehicle is mounted on a structure of the vehicle such as a bumper. The ultrasonic sensor includes a receiving member for receiving ultrasonic waves reflected on the object to be detected and receiving element having plural vibrating portions. The receiving member is sectioned by intercepting slits into plural receiving regions each corresponding to each vibrating portion. The intercepting slit eliminates or suppresses crosstalk between neighboring receiving regions, and thereby reducing detection noises due to the crosstalk and improving detection sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor. The shape of the intercepting slit is made to satisfy the formula: 0.35?L/T?0.60, where L is a depth of the slit and T is a thickness of the receiving member. In this manner, the crosstalk resulting in detection noises is sufficiently suppressed.

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

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a composition for a damping wedge in an ultrasonic probe having a wedge body is disclosed, the composition comprising: a viscoelastic material having a ratio of the imaginary part to the real part of the modulus of elasticity of at least about 5% and an acoustic impedance less than that of the wedge body; a filament-shaped filler in an effective amount to provide good dispersability in the viscoelastic material and to substantially match the acoustic impedance of the damping wedge to the wedge body; and a viscosity enhancer in an effective amount to increase the viscosity of the composition to maintain a homogenous distribution of the filament-shaped filler by preventing the filament-shaped filler from settling.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for detecting defects in a manufactured object. These defects may include flaws, delaminations, voids, fractures, fissures, or cracks, among others. The system utilizes an ultrasound measurement system, a signal analyzer and an expected result. The signal analyzer compares the signal from the measurement system to the expected result. The analysis may detect a defect or measure an attribute of the manufactured object. Further, the analysis may be displayed or represented. In addition, the expected result may be generated from a model such as a wave propagation model. One embodiment of the invention is a laser ultrasound detection system in which a laser is used to generate an ultrasonic signal. The signal analyzer compares the measured ultrasonic signal to an expected result. This expected result is generated from a wave propagation model. The analysis is then displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an input apparatus including a coplanar line formed on the surface of a substrate so as to pass through the vicinity of a position at which a user performs an operation, terminating resistor placed at one end of the coplanar line and a microcomputer module at the other end. The microcomputer module has a signal transmitter for outputting a signal to the coplanar line. When the user operates a key, the impedance of the coplanar line changes and a reflected wave is produced. A signal detector in the microcomputer module detects the reflected wave and outputs received-signal strength information, which indicates the strength of the signal included in the reflected wave, to a computing unit. Based upon the received-signal strength information and strength of the signal that has been output by the signal transmitter, the computing unit in the microcomputer module discriminates the key that has been operated and specifies the entered instruction.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus for non-destructive inspection of a test body. The apparatus includes a probe, a transmitter operably connected to the probe, a receiver operably connected to the probe and a monitor with a display operably connected to the receiver for representing the echo signals received. The receiver receives echo signals. The transmitter generates transmitter pulses and delivers the transmitter pulses to the probe, wherein the probe delivers ultrasonic pulses and insonifies them at a certain angle (?) into a test body. The pulses penetrate the test body where the test pulses are at least once reflected from a rear wall of the test body forming, as a result thereof, at least one first leg that extends from an entrance surface to the rear wall and a second leg that extends from the rear wall to the entrance surface. The echo signals received are represented on the display so as to show from which leg the echo signals originate.

Abstract: A strain sensing device is provided, which may include a hollow, cylindrical member having an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface may have an outer diameter corresponding approximately in size to an inner diameter of an inner surface of a cylindrical bore of a structural component configured to undergo mechanical loading. The hollow, cylindrical member may be configured to mate to the inner surface of the cylindrical bore of the structural component such that strain in the structural component is translated into strain in the hollow, cylindrical member. The strain sensing device may also include one or more strain sensing elements attached to the inner surface of the hollow, cylindrical member and configured to detect strain exhibited by the hollow, cylindrical member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic detector for detecting an ultrasonic wave, an acoustic matching member joined to the ultrasonic detector, a housing in which the ultrasonic detector and the acoustic matching member are accommodated, a vibration isolator located between the acoustic matching member and an inner side wall of the housing to damp an unwanted vibration from outside, and a cushion member located between the ultrasonic detector and an inner bottom wall of the housing to absorb external force applied to the ultrasonic sensor The cushion member is not in contact with the acoustic matching member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for sending and receiving an ultrasonic wave, the ultrasonic sensor includes: an ultrasonic transducer; and a Peltier element having a thermoelectric element, a first electrode, a first substrate and a second substrate. The thermoelectric element is coupled with the first electrode. The thermoelectric element and the first electrode are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The ultrasonic transducer is disposed on the first substrate. The ultrasonic transducer sends and receives the ultrasonic wave in accordance with a vibration of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a measuring and evaluation device for determining defects in a turbine blade and to a fixing device for fixing a probe to a turbine blade surface.

Abstract: A porosity reference standard for ultrasonic inspection of composite materials includes a right prism manufactured from a solid isotropic material and a porosity created within the right prism. The porosity reference standard may be a glass block that encloses a plurality of simulated voids created through laser etching. The porosity reference standard may be manufactured by using a sub surface laser engraving process. By creating a porosity within the glass block, the level of the porosity can be exactly determined and is spatially constant over a desired area within the glass block. The laser-etched porosity reference standard is suitable for, but not limited to, ultrasonic porosity inspection of composite laminate parts, such as wings, empennage and fuselage skins, sub-skin structures, frames stringer, and shear ties, used in the aircraft airframe industry, both commercial and defense.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to identify unacceptable levels of porosity, microcracking or defects attributable to thermal damage. Ultrasonic signals are introduced into the workpiece, such as by means of an ultrasonic transmitter. The ultrasonic signals propagate along a predefined axis of propagation oriented at an offset angle relative to a predefined reference direction oriented normal to the workpiece. Backscattered signals are received, such as by an ultrasonic receiver, from the workpiece. A measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals received over a predefined time interval is then determined, such as integration performed by a processing element. An anomalous response may then be detected based upon the measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals. This anomalous response may be representative of at least a predefined amount of porosity, microcracking or thermal damage.

Abstract: A device for determining the internal structure of a bone along a path directed into the bone (or other tissue) is disclosed. The device comprises a nozzle fluidically connected to a liquid reservoir for providing a liquid jet directed at the bone in the direction of the path; an ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic waves through the liquid jet and for detecting echoes of the ultrasonic waves caused by changes in the acoustical impedance in the bone characterizing changes in the structure of the bone along the path; and an analyzer for interpreting the echoes into meaningful information relating to the location of the structural changes along the path.

Abstract: Encoded transmission and reception which reduces time side lobe are realized while suppressing increase of circuit scale. Transmission signals corresponding to a composite modulation code sequence composed from two or more modulation code sequences are outputted as transmission signals. A reception means demodulates reception signals stepwise by two or more demodulators. The demodulator can be thereby divided into two or more stages, and therefore with a circuit scale corresponding to the sum of the operation circuit numbers of two or more demodulators, time side lobe reduction effect can be obtained at a level equivalent to that obtainable with a circuit scale corresponding to the product of the operation circuit numbers of two or more demodulators.

Abstract: An ultrasound system for inspecting an object is provided. The ultrasound system includes an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) and a pulser-receiver system. The EMAT is configured to generate acoustic signals representative of the area being inspected and comprises a flux concentrating non-conductive pole piece separating a radio frequency (RF) coil and a magnet. The pulser-receiver system is coupled to the EMAT and configured to receive the acoustic signals and convert the acoustic signal to electrical signals.

Abstract: A method for detecting flaws in a railhead, which railhead (1) is provided with a top side (T), a bottom side (B) and longitudinal sides (S) extending between that top side (T) and bottom side (B), wherein at least one ultrasonic first signal (10) is transmitted into the railhead (1) via said head top side (T) and traverses such a transmission path (9) that:—the signal (10) is only once reflected by the railhead bottom side (B), and not by a railhead longitudinal side (S);—the signal (10) reaches at least one substantially central railhead part (C); and—the signal (10) can exit the railhead (1) via the head top side (T); wherein first ultrasonic signals exiting the head top side (T) are detected, wherein the transmission path (9) of the at least first signal (10) extends in a virtual transmission plane, which transmission plane extends substantially transverse to a longitudinal direction (L) of the rail. In addition, the invention provides an apparatus for detecting flaws in a railhead.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting ultrasonic inspections of what would normally be inaccessible areas of objects for such properties as thickness, cracks, discontinuities, density, pits and holes. In addition, a method and apparatus for improving ultrasonic inspections with a method for removing trapped gasses from the couplant. Also, a method and apparatus for conduction ultrasonic inspections of objects for multiple properties such as thickness, cracks, discontinuities density, pits and holes with at the same time with a single transducer. Further more, a method and apparatus for conducting rapid ultrasonic inspections of concave surfaces of objects for multiple properties such as thickness, cracks, discontinuities density, pits and holes with a single transducer. This invention allows for the inspection of the entire surface of the object or specific defined areas.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing proximity of an object includes a signal generator, which generates a plurality of signals. A transducer is in communication with the signal generator to receive the plurality of signals from the signal generator. The transducer is capable of transforming a plurality of signals from the signal generator into a plurality of ultrasonic waves. The plurality of ultrasonic waves includes a first ultrasonic wave and a second ultrasonic wave, wherein the first ultrasonic wave and the second ultrasonic wave are formed out of phase. The plurality of ultrasonic waves are directed toward and reflected by the object. The transducer receives the plurality of ultrasonic waves reflected by the object, which become a plurality of received ultrasonic waves. An analog to digital converter is in communication with the transducer. The received plurality of ultrasonic waves reflected by the object is communicated to the analog to digital converter by the transducer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the sound velocity (Cb) in a basic material, in which an ultrasonic probe having a transmitting probe, a receiver transducer, and a forward member is used. The forward member is provided with a coupling surface that couples the probe to the basic material, and has a sound velocity (Cv). The transmitting probe and the receiver transducer are aligned in an oblique manner from each other and from the coupling surface such that a main transmission direction of the transmitting probe and a main receiving direction of the receiver transducer intersect below the coupling surface. The centers of the transmitting probe and the receiver transducer are located at a distance K from each other and are located at a distance Dv from the coupling surface.

Abstract: A method for visualizing objects (13) under light obstructing barriers of a target, the method including emitting an ultrasound wave (11) and a laser wave (14), towards a target, detecting a reflected laser wave is detected by optical means, analyzing the optical signal at the ultrasound frequency with demodulation means, generating ultrasonic image characteristics of the interaction of the ultrasound with the different layers of the target, and generating an optical image of the target obtained using optical imaging, wherein the ultrasonic image is fused with the optical image and the fused image is displayed on a display device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for a system and method for flow assurance and pipe condition monitoring in a pipeline for flowing hydrocarbons using at least one thermal sensor probe, which at least one thermal sensor probe may be used in conjunction with one or more other sensors to manage the sensing process and for data fusion to accurately determine flow properties and/or pipeline condition. By way of example, but not by way of limitation, in an embodiment of the present invention, a network of noninvasive sensors may provide output data that may be data-fused to determine properties of the pipeline and/or flow through the pipeline.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus comprises an illumination system, a support constructed to support a patterning device, and a projection system. In pixel grid imaging, a large number of small optical spots are imaged onto the substrate surface using a micro-lens array (MLA). The z position of the MLA is adjustable in order to focus the spots on the substrate surface and/or to compensate for differences in height of the substrate surface. The focusing adjustment is based on an output of an ultrasonic distance sensor provided in the vicinity of the substrate surface.

Abstract: A proximity sensor for determining a position of an object. The proximity sensor includes a SAW device having a load end and an input end for receiving an input pulse. A sensing section connects to the load end of the SAW device. When the object is in a first position, the sensing section provides a first response indicative of the first position and, when the object is in a second position, the sensing section provides a second response indicative of the second position such that the position of the object can be determined based upon the response to the input pulse.

Abstract: An ultrasonic test method for detecting a defective portion more precisely in a noncontact reflection way, and ultrasonic test instrument used for the method. An ultrasonic wave is transmitted from a transmitter (20 (21)) provided on one side of an object under test, and the reflected wave is received by a receiver (30 (31)) provided on the same side. The ultrasonic wave is transmitted/received through an air layer between the transmitter and the object (100) under test and between the receiver and the object (100). The relative positions of the transmitter (20), the receiver (30), and the object (100) are so determined that the air propagation time ta of the air path (RA) between the transmitter and the receiver is longer than the propagation time tb of the reflected wave in the reflection path (RB). The propagation of the ultrasonic wave through the solid body between the transmitter and the receiver is blocked.

Abstract: A projector for automatically adjusting images projected onto a screen comprises a detecting module for detecting the propagation time for the emitted ultrasonic wave sent by the projector to be echoed back by the screen as the reflected ultrasonic wave and received by the projector, a processing module for calculating a distance between the projector and the screen based on the propagation time, and outputting control signals, and an adjusting module for adjusting optical parameters of an optical module according to the control signals.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for inspecting energized and de-energized conductors. The apparatus includes a housing, at least one transmitter contained within the housing for generating and impinging pulses onto an electrical conductor, such that the pulses travel through and are reflected by the electrical conductor, and at least one receiver contained within the housing for receiving reflected pulses from the electrical conductor. The apparatus further including a controller for determining a condition of the electrical conductor based on an evaluation of the reflected pulses, and at least one indicator for displaying the condition of the electrical conductor determined by the controller.

Abstract: A nondestructive testing apparatus inspects an internal part of a large-diameter pile using both a single transmission/reception probe for transmitting/receiving an ultrasound signal of more than 50 kHz and a plurality of reception probes, digitally processes the received frequency, and outputs the inspected result.

Abstract: A process for measurement of the level of a medium in a container based on the radar principle in which a measurement signal is generated and emitted in the direction of the medium, the portion of the measurement signal which has been reflected back is detected and the level determined from the propagation time of the measurement signal. The portion of the measurement signal which has been reflected back is evaluated in a phase-sensitive manner in order to assign the respective level corresponding to the propagation time of the measurement signal to a specific direction of space. Thus, the level is determined even under difficult conditions, such as when structures or devices are present in the container or when loose bulk materials are present in loose bulk cones.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor attached to a certain object, includes an ultrasonic detecting element, an acoustic matching member, and a reflection limiting member. The ultrasonic detecting element detects an ultrasonic wave. The acoustic matching member has a receiving surface that is adapted on a side of the certain object to face toward the detected body. The reflection limiting member is disposed to a side portion of the acoustic matching member between the receiving surface and an opposing surface of the acoustic matching member. The reflection limiting member limits the ultrasonic wave, which transmits inside the acoustic matching member, from being reflected by the side portion.

Abstract: Head for ultrasonic inspection with a semidry coupling system involving a roller (4) and an ultrasound scanner that rolls on the surface (5) of the part to be inspected and that includes a first frame (1) to which the roller (4) is connected and pivots around an stationary axis (4a) in direction that is perpendicular to the probe's movement; a second frame (2) from which linear vertical guides (6) emerge and is connected in an oscillatory manner to the first frame (1) through an oscillating axis (11a) that is perpendicular to the stationary axis (4a): a third frame (3) that slides vertically through the linear guides (6); at least two actuators of the vertical adjustment (9) anchored to the third frame (3) and to the second frame (2); their corresponding laterally aligned pivotal axis (10), connected to the first frame (1) in a rotating manner and parallel to and lower from the plane of the stationary axis (4a) and the respective ends of the stationary axis (4a).

Abstract: An article having a thermal-spray coating thereon is prepared by thermally spraying a coating material onto a surface of a substrate article. The coated article is nondestructively tested by directing a transmitted ultrasonic signal into the coated article, receiving a received ultrasonic signal from the coated article, and evaluating a near-bondline region of the coated article located adjacent to the surface of the article using the received ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: An operator-specifying apparatus is combined with an on-board device such as a navigation device mounted on an automotive vehicle. An ultrasonic sensor device is mounted on a frame of a display panel of the navigation device. A hand of a person who is manipulating the navigation device, a driver or an assistant, is detected by the ultrasonic sensor device. If it is determined that the driver is manipulating (or about to manipulate) the navigation device when the vehicle is being driven, manipulation of the navigation device is prohibited to secure safety in driving. On the other hand, if it is found out the assistant is operating the navigation device, such prohibition is canceled to effectively use the navigation device.

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

Abstract: A strain sensing device is provided, which may include a hollow, cylindrical member having an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface may have an outer diameter corresponding approximately in size to an inner diameter of an inner surface of a cylindrical bore of a structural component configured to undergo mechanical loading. The hollow, cylindrical member may be configured to mate to the inner surface of the cylindrical bore of the structural component such that strain in the structural component is translated into strain in the hollow, cylindrical member. The strain sensing device may also include one or more strain sensing elements attached to the inner surface of the hollow, cylindrical member and configured to detect strain exhibited by the hollow, cylindrical member.

Abstract: Configuration of an ultrasonic inspection system is facilitated using an ultrasound response predicted by a simulation tool. In one embodiment, estimated material properties of an object to be inspected are input to the simulation tool. Also input to the simulation tool is at least one estimated property of an ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic inspection. The simulation tool predicts the response of the object to ultrasound from the ultrasonic transducer. This response is dependent upon the estimated material properties of the object to be inspected and the at least one estimated property of the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic inspection system is then configured dependent upon a feature of the predicted response. The system may be configured, for example, by setting the position of a time gate, selecting an appropriate ultrasonic transducer, selecting the position of the transducer to achieve good focus, or selecting parameters for signal processing.

Abstract: An ultrasound test apparatus for polymeric materials (e.g., plastic pipes) includes a low-absorption housing that at least partially encloses an ultrasound transducer, wherein the transducer emits a low frequency wide angle ultrasound beam with a narrow bandwidth. In especially preferred configurations and methods, the apparatus will detect flaws in polymeric pipes, and especially in welds or stressed zones of such pipes, wherein defects of less than 4% of the wall thickness (up to 4 inches) are detected. Further disclosed are configurations and methods for nondestructive detection of lack-of-fusion defects in polymeric pipes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for protecting an acoustic liner having a perforated facesheet from water leakage during a through-transmission ultrasonic (TTU) inspection using an ultrasonic squirter system. The apparatus comprises a repositionable mask that covers the openings in the perforated facesheet. The repositionable mask is comprised of a pressure sensitive adhesive that adheres to the surface of the perforated facesheet. The repositionable mask can be removed after completing a TTU inspection and can be reused for subsequent TTU tests with minimal adverse effects on the mask or on the facesheet. For ease in handling, the repositionable mask may be configured with a semi-rigid backing carrier.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for detecting an object includes a sending element for sending an ultrasonic wave to the object, a receiving portion for receiving the wave reflected by the object, a first transmitting portion for transmitting a vibration of the wave received by the receiving portion, a second transmitting portion and an oscillating portion which is oscillated by the vibration. The receiving portion is exposed to a space where the object exists. The second transmitting portion is coupled between the first transmitting portion and the oscillating portion so as to transmit the vibration from the first transmitting portion to the oscillating portion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a sending element for sending an ultrasonic wave to an object to be detected, a receiving portion for receiving the ultrasonic wave reflected by the object, an oscillating portion that oscillates by the ultrasonic wave transmitted thereto, and a supporting portion for holding an end part of the oscillating portion. The receiving portion is exposed to a space where the object exists. The receiving portion and the oscillating portion are connected through the supporting portion such that the ultrasonic wave received by the receiving portion is transmitted to the oscillating portion through the supporting portion. The oscillating portion is separate from the receiving portion by the supporting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus examines the internal structure of an object disposed substantially in a medium such as air. The apparatus has an acoustic transducer assembly that emits and receives acoustic signals and an acoustic coupler that acoustically couples the acoustic transducer assembly to the object. The acoustic coupler has a first end adapted to couple to the acoustic transducer assembly and a second end adapted to make contact with a section of a surface of the object. The acoustic coupler carries acoustic signals between the acoustic transducer assembly and the contacted section of the surface of the object. In operation, the apparatus examines the internal structure of the object using reflection mode acoustic microscopy, wherein emitted and reflected signals are carried between the acoustic transducer and the object by acoustic coupler.

Abstract: An inspection method can easily determine welding condition by just comparing an echo height returned from the weld zone of a real product with a master data. An master data is made based on the data from prepared test pieces corresponding to the real product.

Abstract: A method of measuring a characteristic of a container in a coin handling apparatus which involves generating a data set from an acoustic pulse reflected by the container and analyzing the data set. The analysis includes comparing the data set to one or more stored data sets. This is used to determine the height of a coin stack in a coin tube and/or to identify the coin tube.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus (1) are used to detect the position of the edge (2) of a moving product web (3). The apparatus (1) has piezoelectric elements (5), which firstly output ultrasonic pulses (10) and secondly pick them up and convert them into an electrical signal. The product web (3) is arranged between the piezoelectric elements (5) and a reflector (11) for this purpose. If the product web (3) is located in the measurement range of the piezoelectric element (5), it attenuates the ultrasonic pulses as a result of reflection or absorption during the double passage of the latter. The position of the product web edge (2) is calculated from this attenuation.

Abstract: A system and method for surveillance of a physical environment. May utilise already installed equipment, such as WLAN for surveillance purposes. This makes the system cost effective to implement. Transmits a first and a second signal. The signals are received by receivers, and the received signals are compared in order to detect a difference in the signals, the difference being caused by a physical change present in the signal path between transmitter(s) and receiver(s). Does not require high spectral purity of the transmitted signals or heavy computations in order to establish that a change has occurred. Suitable for intruder alarm purposes.