Sonic Wave Transmitter Or Receiver Transducer Patents (Class 73/632)
  • Patent number: 7710124
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a predetermined condition of a panel by transmitting a cyclically-repeating energy wave through the material (41) of the panel from first location (43a) to a second location (43b); measuring the transit time of the cyclically-repeating energy wave from the first location to the second location; and utilizing the measured transit time to detect the predetermined condition including the force on, the temperature of, a deformation in, the fatigue condition of, or a fracture in, structural panel, the presence of a force applied to, water on, or breakage in of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Nexense Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Ariav, Vladimir Ravitch, David Nitsan
  • Publication number: 20100097057
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus is provided that can include at least one probe receiving unit. The at least one probe receiving unit can be capable of processing data corresponding to one or more of image information of the type that can be generated by a visual inspection probe, eddy current information of the type that can be generated by a eddy current probe, and ultrasound information of the type that can be generated by a ultrasound probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas KARPEN
  • Patent number: 7698949
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting and monitoring bolted joints of metallic and composite structures for defects such as delamination and fatigue cracking are provided that incorporate ultrasonic transducers with load bearing washers. These active washers may be used for inspecting and monitoring a structure beneath such load bearing fasteners as bolts and nuts. Active washers may be used for continuous, periodic, and controlled inspections of bolted joints. Ultrasonic transducers may be permanently applied to a surface of a washer or recessed in a cavity on a surface of the washer. Inspection signals may be transmitted from ultrasonic transducers into a structure and reflected in pulse-echo application or received by another active washer on the opposing side of the structure in a through-transmission application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Aydin Akdeniz, Jeffrey R. Kollgaard, Matthew C. Malkin
  • Publication number: 20100089164
    Abstract: In an underwater remote surface inspection method for a reactor constituting member, in order to improve the precision of an operation of inspecting a surface shape of the reactor constituting member, an underwater remote surface inspection apparatus includes a replica picking head, an ultrasonic vibrator, and a replica agent cartridge. The replica picking head is pressed against a surface of core internal structure as an inspection target. A replica agent is supplied from the replica agent cartridge into the replica agent supply region formed inside the replica picking head and contacting with the surface of the core internal structure. After the operation of supplying the replica agent ends, an ultrasonic wave is transmitted from an ultrasonic vibrator to the replica agent inside the replica agent supply region. Accordingly, gas bubbles or liquid bubbles existing inside the replica agent supply region rise up so as to be discharged to the outside of the replica picking head through an air extracting hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Satoru AOIKE, Masaaki Tanaka, Koichi Kurosawa
  • Publication number: 20100089165
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for inspecting a weld joining a first rotor disk made of nickel alloy and having an inner surface and an outer surface concentric with the rotor's longitudinal axis to a second rotor disk having an inner surface and an outer surface concentric with the rotor's longitudinal axis. The weld made of nickel alloy fills a radial gap between the rotor disks, and has a dissimilar microstructure to either of the rotor disks. The method includes forming at least one slot in the first rotor disk extending through either the inner surface or the outer surface of the first rotor disk terminating in the first rotor disk; and passing an inspection signal from the first slot to the weld to inspect the weld for defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Richard Brendon Scarlin, Andreas Pirscher, Maurus Herzog
  • Publication number: 20100094561
    Abstract: A biological information processing apparatus includes the following elements. A light source irradiates biological tissue with light. A transducer functions as an ultrasonic wave transmitting unit that applies an ultrasonic wave to a local region in the biological tissue. A photodetector detects modulated light obtained by modulating the light from the light source with the ultrasonic wave in the local region. The transducer also functions as an acoustic wave detecting unit that detects an acoustic wave emitted from the local region at a time when the local region absorbs the light from the light source. An absorption characteristic in the local region is calculated using an acoustic signal, serving as an output of the acoustic wave detecting unit, on the basis of a light intensity in the local region calculated based on a modulation signal, serving as an output of the photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takahiro Masumura
  • Publication number: 20100071472
    Abstract: A mobile object includes a wall member to which an ultrasonic sensor is fixed. The wall member has a through hole through which an oscillating face of the ultrasonic sensor is exposed from the wall member. A closing member closes a gap generated between the wall member and the ultrasonic sensor. The closing member connects an edge of the through hole located outside of the wall member and an edge of the oscillating face of the ultrasonic sensor. The closing member has an outer face exposed from the wall member, and the outer face of the closing member has asperities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tadashi NAKAMURA, Takeo TSUZUKI
  • Patent number: 7677104
    Abstract: An acoustic transducer system for use in the measurement of longitudinal sound velocity in a cement sample that is maintained at high temperature and pressure. The acoustic assembly is separate from the end plugs to optimize acoustic coupling between the individual elements of the assembly, to increase the amplitude and consistency of the acoustic signal and to provide an ability to replace the transducers as a separate assembly. The transducer includes an acoustic transmission line and utilizes a pressure isolation method to optimize the material and the manufacturing process to enhance the acoustic signal required for the measurement. The transducer assembly includes a high temperature piezoelectric ceramic and a load mass that improve the signal amplitude and provide the required electrical connections. The transducer improves the ability to measure the longitudinal wave velocity in a cement sample at elevated temperature and pressure for determining the sample's compressive strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Chandler Instruments Company, LLC
    Inventors: Voldi E. Maki, Jr., John Jeffery Moon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7669478
    Abstract: An ultrasonic driving device with multi-frequency scanning that includes a signal generating module, an output module, and an ultrasonic transducer module. The signal generating module provides a first drive signal, the frequency of which varies within a specified range. The output module is connected electrically to the signal generating module for receiving the first drive signal therefrom, and for adjusting amplitude of the first drive signal to result in a second drive signal. The ultrasonic transducer module is connected electrically to the output module for receiving the second drive signal therefrom, and for producing ultrasounds, the frequency of which corresponds to that of the second drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: ZMI Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Jeng Su
  • Publication number: 20100018314
    Abstract: Provided is ultrasonic diagnostic equipment including: an equipment body; a display unit provided to the equipment body and configured to display an ultrasonic image; an equipment-side connector provided in the equipment body; and an ultrasonic probe having a probe-side connector to be connected to the equipment-side connector in a detachable manner. The ultrasonic probe is connected to the probe-side connector through a cable and configured to send and receive ultrasonic waves. The probe-side connector and the equipment-side connector are formed in structures capable of sending and receiving the ultrasonic waves even in the case of a 180-degree reverse connection of the probe-side connector to the equipment-side connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yutaka OONUKI, Muneki KATAGUCHI, Yasuhisa MAKITA
  • Publication number: 20100011865
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing composite structures in which ultrasonic waves are used to detect disbonds in the structures are described. The apparatus comprises a flexible structure carrying acousto-optical transducers such as fiber Bragg gratings. During use, the apparatus is mechanically and conformally coupled to the structure under test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Indu SAXENA, Lothar Kempen, Chai Tea
  • Patent number: 7644618
    Abstract: A method of inspecting a radius area of composite parts with an ultrasonic inspection system, the system includes at least one ultrasonic probe, an upper sliding surface, a lower sliding surface, an adjustable guide rail, and an adjustable encoder wheel rotatably coupled to a rotary encoder, is provided. The method includes generating a high frequency sound wave using the probe including a radius of curvature extending from a center point, the sound wave travels partially through the part, adjusting the guide rail to align the center point of the probe with a center axis of a part corner portion, sliding the part through the inspection system to inspect the corner portion using the sound wave by rotating the wheel and rotary encoder such that the arcuate distance of the part is recorded, adjusting the wheel to avoid any apertures defined within the part, and processing the sound wave information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Barry A. Fetzer, William O. Walters, Hien T. Bui
  • Publication number: 20090320602
    Abstract: In a device and method for non-destructive materials testing with at least one ultrasonic transducer, the transducer is able to be moved by a movement system in at least one direction to a workpiece surface. The emission of ultrasonic by the ultrasonic transducer is able to be synchronized with the activation of the movement system so that electrical interference caused by the movement system occurs at times at which no echo is expected for ultrasonic emitted by the transducer. The method and device can be applied to non-destructive materials testing with ultrasound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Hain, Hubert Mooshofer
  • Publication number: 20090301205
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor, in particular for a vehicle, including a housing, includes the following: a transducer element which is attached to the bottom of the housing for generating ultrasonic oscillations; a first damping element situated in the housing for damping oscillations of the bottom; and a cover for sealing the housing, the cover being provided with a second damping element and having continuous tapering of the cover thickness in the region of the second damping element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Martin Reiche
  • Patent number: 7628076
    Abstract: An ultrasound sensor has an ultrasound oscillator which is expandable and contractible in a thickness direction thereof, and a casing which houses therein the ultrasound oscillator. An outer surface of an end portion of the casing is fixed to a mounting member. The side surface of the ultrasound oscillator has at least one of a protrusion portion, a concave portion and an inclined portion, through which one of two end surfaces of the ultrasound oscillator fixedly contacts an inner surface of the end portion of the casing. The side surface of the ultrasound oscillator is substantially parallel with the thickness direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Akio Nakano, Muneaki Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20090277272
    Abstract: A method for observing a change in one or more parameters of a flowable material in a vessel is disclosed, the method comprising transmitting an ultrasound signal into a vessel containing a flowable material; observing a change in the ultrasound signal after it has passed through the flowable material; and, relating the change in the ultrasound signal to the change in one or more parameters of the flowable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: PALL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Martin John Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20090277273
    Abstract: The apparatus for measuring pressure inside a vessel using acoustic impedance matching layers may include an ultrasound exciting unit attached to the outer surface of the vessel wall that generates ultrasonic waves inside of the vessel. A first acoustic impedance matching layer attached to the inner surface of the vessel wall increases the transmitting efficiency of the ultrasonic waves. An ultrasound receiving unit attached to the outer surface of the vessel wall receives an ultrasonic signal traveling inside the vessel. A second acoustic impedance matching layer attached to the inner surface of the vessel wall increases the transmitting efficiency of the ultrasonic waves. A control unit connected to the ultrasound exciting unit controls the excitation signal transmitted into the ultrasound exciting unit. A pressure measuring unit connected to the control unit measures an internal pressure of the vessel based on the excitation signal and the received ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Seung Soo HONG, Yong Hyeon SHIN, Bongyoung AHN, Seung Hyun CHO, Ki-Bok KIM
  • Patent number: 7607352
    Abstract: Components of an ultrasonic sensor are contained in a cylindrical casing having an end wall closing one end of the casing. A vibrator such as a piezoelectric element is disposed in the casing in contact with the end wall. An integrated circuit chip that includes a signal generator, a filter device and a temperature sensor is contained in the casing. Vibrations generated in the vibrator are transferred to the end wall that transmits ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic waves received by the end wall are converted into electrical signals in the vibrator. Frequency of the transmitting signals and a frequency region of the signals to be received are controlled according to the ambient temperature, so that they always coincide with a resonant frequency of the end wall which changes according to the ambient temperature. Thus, high transmitting/receiving efficiency is always realized, irrespective of the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Noboru Endou
  • Publication number: 20090260443
    Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonograph and the like capable of easily specifying defective parts of an ultrasound probe and appropriately treating the defective parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Suita, Keisuke Kawahara
  • Publication number: 20090259129
    Abstract: The present invention provides a resonance ultrasonic transducer. The resonance ultrasonic transducer comprises an ultrasound source for transmitting ultrasound, and a reflecting unit disposed opposite to the ultrasound source. The ultrasound source and the reflecting unit Constitute a resonance cavity. The reflecting unit can also act as an ultrasound source. A specific distribution of the acoustic field may be formed in the resonance cavity by matching the transmitting acoustic field of one ultrasonic transducer with the reflecting acoustic field of the other ultrasonic transducer. This resonance ultrasonic transducer can be widely used in ultrasonic diagnosis device, ultrasonic therapy device and ultrasonic detection devices and carries out effective focusing and controlling of an ultrasonic fled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: CHONGQING RONGHAI MEDICAL ULTRASOUND INDUSTRY LTD.
    Inventors: Hua Wang, Feng Wu, Hai Wang, Siyuan Yan
  • Patent number: 7591182
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor mounting structure includes an ultrasonic sensor and a wall member to which the ultrasonic sensor is mounted. The ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic transducer and a vibrating surface. An inner surface of the wall member has a fixation portion where the ultrasonic sensor is fixed, a touch portion where the ultrasonic transducer touches, and a location mark portion that indicates location of the fixation portion. An outer surface of the wall member has a vibration portion as the vibrating surface of the ultrasonic sensor. The vibration portion is positioned opposite to the touch portion. The ultrasonic sensor can be accurately mounted in a desired location on the wall member without a reduction in a sensor characteristic, because the location mark portion does not overlap the touch portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Sato, Muneaki Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20090223296
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic sensor attachment structure which provides coincidence between a center of the ultrasonic-sensor and that of a through-hole in a simple way, and which restricts unwanted-vibration-transmission between a wall-member of a movable-body and an ultrasonic-transducer without spoiling design. According to the structure, the sensor, which includes the ultrasonic-transducer, a case receiving the ultrasonic-transducer and a vibration-insulation-member for vibration-transmission-suppression, is attached to the wall-member having the through-hole, so that an oscillation-surface is exposed to an outer-surface side through the through-hole. The ultrasonic-sensor is fixed by a fixation-member so that the oscillation-surface and an outer-surface of the wall-member are on a substantially same plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Sato, Yasuhiro Kawashima
  • Patent number: 7575371
    Abstract: A thermometer and extensometer for cables and conductors is described. The travel time of one or more acoustic signals along a conductor is used to determine the temperature along the conductor and the length of the conductor. The acoustic frequency is selected to minimize temporal dispersion of the propagating acoustic energy. The technique can be used to measure the temperature and sag of an overhead power line, the temperature of the windings in a transformer, or the temperature of the central conductor in a coaxial power cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: FieldMetrics, Inc
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Yakymyshyn, Michael Allen Brubaker, Pamela Jane Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20090188321
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor with a transducer unit, which is located at a measurement end in a housing sleeve, with connection means at a connection end of the housing sleeve opposite to the measurement end, with a module carrier received in the housing sleeve and on which is placed a sensor electronics and which extends along an axis of the housing sleeve, with illuminants for the optical signaling to the outside of operating and/or switching states of the sensor. The sensor is characterized in that there is a separate, plate-like illuminant carrier, that a plurality of illuminants are placed on the illuminant carrier and that the illuminant carrier is positioned transversely to the module carrier in the vicinity of the transducer unit. The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of a sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Dierk Schoen
  • Patent number: 7562576
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device is pressed against the front surface of a structure, emits an ultrasonic pulse into the structure, and detects an echo profile from the structure. An indicator is activated if the echo profile includes a return pulse that at least is received from between the front surface and the back surface of the structure. An ultrasonic transducer device includes an ultrasonic transducer and a coupling element coupled to the transducer for disposition between the transducer and a surface of a structure. The coupling element serves as a delay line that allows time for quiescence in the transducer so that return pulses from shallow depths can be detected. The ultrasonic transducer is activated when multiple switches are pressed against a surface thus assuring both firm coupling and perpendicular disposition of the acoustic axis of the transducer relative to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Barry A. Fetzer, Jeffrey R. Kollgaard, Clyde T. Uyehara
  • Patent number: 7555955
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Okuda, Takahiko Yoshida, Ryonosuke Tera, Akio Sugiura
  • Patent number: 7544165
    Abstract: A dynamically configurable ultrasound transducer element and related circuits and methods. The transducer may comprise an array of capacitive transducer elements, a row decoder coupled to said array of capacitive transducer elements, a column decoder coupled to said array of capacitive transducer elements, a bias voltage source coupled to said row decoder, and a driving signal source coupled to said column decoder. Preferably, a master clock also is provided to allow for a synchronization of signals between the row decoder and column decoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific SciMed, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald S. Mamayek
  • Publication number: 20090133501
    Abstract: A method and an array-based system for inspecting a structure are provided that can identify unacceptable levels of porosity, microcracking or defects attributable to thermal damage. The inspection system includes a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, and an array controller configured to trigger at least one ultrasonic transducer to emit an ultrasonic signal into the structure. The array controller is also configured to receive data representative of backscattered signals preferentially received by at least one ultrasonic transducer from a portion of the structure offset from the at least one ultrasonic transducer that was triggered to emit the ultrasonic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gary E. Georgeson
  • Patent number: 7536912
    Abstract: Devices for monitoring structural health conditions of structures. A device includes a bottom substrate layer and an electrical connection layer disposed on the bottom substrate layer. The electrical connection layer includes a middle layer and a pair of generally comb-shaped electrodes disposed beneath the bottom surface of the middle layer. The device also includes one or more piezo-ceramic transducers sandwiched between the bottom substrate layer and the electrical connection layer, wherein the transducers are electrically coupled to the comb-shaped electrodes. The device also includes a top cover layer disposed on the electrical connection layer and means for communicating electrical signals to the piezo-ceramic transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Hyeung-Yun Kim
  • Publication number: 20090114022
    Abstract: A combined electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) is disclosed that uses magnetic shielding to increase the efficiency (defined as the received signal per unit of excitation current). In addition, electromagnetic shielding may also be used to reduce the direct coupling between the transmit and receive coils. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Arcady Reiderman
  • Patent number: 7523666
    Abstract: A method of determining the presence and location of leaks in a pipeline (2) comprising inserting a leak location device capable of detecting and recording the occurrence of noise into the flow of fluid (1) within the pipeline (2); allowing the leak location device to travel through the pipeline (2) with the fluid flow; causing the leak location device to detect and record noise in the fluid; and causing the leak location device to record the time at which noise is detected. Generally the leak location device is retrieved from the pipeline (2) downstream to its insertion point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Advnaced Engineering Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin Thompson, Martin Francis Lucien Harper
  • Patent number: 7513158
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Watanabe, Makiko Sugiura, Yasuyuki Okuda
  • Publication number: 20090078050
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for non-contact (stand-off) ultrasonic determination of certain characteristics of fluids in containers or pipes are described. A combination of swept frequency acoustic interferometry (SFAI), wide-bandwidth, air-coupled acoustic transducers, narrowband frequency data acquisition, and data conversion from the frequency domain to the time domain, if required, permits meaningful information to be extracted from such fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: Dipen N. Sinha
  • Patent number: 7497121
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Okuda, Takahiko Yoshida, Makiko Sugiura, Ryonosuke Tera, Yuta Hasebe
  • Publication number: 20090049919
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for detecting the presence of air or liquid uses flex circuits for connecting the ceramic element to the driver circuitry. The sensor provides improved transmission of ultrasonic signals between the ceramic element and the adjacent material, providing greater flexibility in using the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Chris Hills
  • Publication number: 20090044626
    Abstract: The invention disclosed that the multiple frequency ultrasound apparatus using unique transducer will contain many actuations module, a coupled circuit and a transducer. Each actuation module can separately output the signal of the different frequency, the coupled circuit connecting the actuation module for coupling with the signal of the different frequency. The transducer can receive the signal of the multiple frequencies, then for outputting the multiple ultrasound frequency by the way of transferring from the electrical energy to the mechanical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Chang Gung University
    Inventors: Hao-Li Liu, Chao-Ming Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20090005685
    Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a light irradiating portion configured to radiate light for generating ultrasonic waves from a light absorber, an ultrasonic transducing portion configured to transduce the ultrasonic waves to an electric signal, and a light guide member configured to introduce light from a light source to the light irradiating portion. A light irradiating region of the light irradiating portion is included within an ultrasonic receiving region of the ultrasonic transducing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenichi Nagae, Yasufumi Asao, Kazuhiko Fukutani, Katsumi Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20090000383
    Abstract: A third matching layer (140) affording wide bandwidth for an ultrasound matrix probe is made of polyethylene, and may extend downwardly to surround the array (S360) and attach to the housing to seal the array (S370).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: HEATHER KNOWLES, Jacquelyn Byron
  • Patent number: 7461555
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes an integral housing including a plurality of tubular containers that are open at one end and closed by bottom portions at the other end and have side portions extending from the one end to the other end, and at least one connecting portion that connects the plurality of tubular containers. Piezoelectric devices are disposed on respective inner bottom surfaces of the respective bottom portions of the plurality of tubular containers. Side portions of the tubular containers are connected to each other, through a connecting portion, at portions adjacent to bottom portions where the amount of displacement caused by the vibrations of piezoelectric devices is smallest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Taku Matsumoto, Junshi Ota
  • Publication number: 20080289426
    Abstract: A transducer assembly may include a first layer of dielectric material and a pair of electrically conductive traces adjacent to the first dielectric layer. Each of the electrically conductive traces may include a first contact pad and a second contact pad. The first layer of dielectric material may include a pair of vias or openings formed therein to expose each of the first contact pads. A second layer of dielectric material may be attached to the first layer of dielectric material with the pair of electrically conductive traces disposed between the first and second layers of dielectric material. A transducer may be attached to the second layer of dielectric material and each second contact pad may be electrically connected to the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Justin D. Kearns, David M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080291465
    Abstract: An inspection system is provided to examine internal structures of a target material. This inspection system includes a generation laser, an ultrasonic detection system, a thermal imaging system, and a processor/control module. The generation laser produces a pulsed laser beam that is operable to induce ultrasonic displacements and thermal transients at the target material. The ultrasonic detection system detects ultrasonic surface displacements at the target material. The thermal imaging system detects thermal transients at the target material. The processor analyzes both detected ultrasonic displacements and thermal imagery of the target material to yield information about the target material's internal structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: PETER WILIIAM LORRAINE, Donald Robert Iioward, Harry Israel Ringermacher, Marc Dubois, Thomas E. Drake
  • Publication number: 20080276710
    Abstract: A method for ultrasonic testing includes placing an ultrasonic probe in a liquid bath inside of a pressure vessel having an elastomeric diaphragm stretched across an opening of the pressure vessel, applying pressure within the pressure vessel to bring the elastomeric diaphragm towards a test piece, and conducting ultrasonic testing of the test piece using the ultrasonic probe. A device for ultrasonic testing of a test piece includes a pressure vessel having an elastomeric diaphragm and an ultrasonic probe disposed within the pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: REFLECT SCIENTIFIC DBA MIRALOGIX
    Inventor: ERIC PIERSON
  • Publication number: 20080264171
    Abstract: An imaging probe having multi-level transmitter cells. The imaging probe includes a plurality of acoustical sub-elements for transmitting and receiving acoustic energy for imaging. Each of the multi-level transmitter cells is arranged along a respective transmitter cell path between a switching matrix and one of the acoustical sub-elements. The multi-level transmitter cells in the probe are capable of producing signals having multiple voltage levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Gideon Wodnicki
  • Publication number: 20080260482
    Abstract: In a method for controlling a tool during machining a work piece using the tool, a first measuring arrangement which has a first ultrasonic probe for emitting ultrasonic waves is used, the first measuring arrangement being arranged ahead of the tool with respect to the relative tool movement direction and being moved relative to the work piece in the relative tool movement direction. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the first ultrasonic probe are transmitted to the work piece, and are transmitted back to the first ultrasonic probe, by a first column of liquid which is created by the first measuring arrangement and situated between the first ultrasonic probe and the work piece for measurement. The measurements are used for automatically adjusting the position of the tool relative to the work piece during machining the work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: VOLVO AERO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Per Henrikson
  • Publication number: 20080223137
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Pieter Bestebreurtje
  • Publication number: 20080202244
    Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention provides an ultrasonic object inspection system for measuring the physical properties of a test object comprising a pulse generator for generating and transmitting an electrical pulse signal to a transducer. The transducer receives and converts the electrical pulse signal to an ultrasonic signal, applies the ultrasonic signal to the test object, receives an ultrasonic echo signal from the test object, and converts the ultrasonic echo signal to an electrical echo signal, and transmits the electrical echo signal to a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit receives and processes the electrical echo signal and comprises a plurality of signal processing paths. Each of the signal processing paths scales the electrical echo signal to a different degree and comprises a respective analog to digital converter for converting the electrical echo signal to a digital electrical echo signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: GE Inspection Techonologies, LP
    Inventors: John Michael Cuffe, Klaus Peter Busch, Scott Allen Herbster
  • Publication number: 20080200811
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer according to the invention includes a flexible sheet, a rigid body portion including a lower electrode made of at least a thin-film conductive material on a surface of the flexible sheet, a dividing portion which divides the rigid body portion into segments, and a plurality of transducer elements including the divided rigid body portion, has at least one transducer cell composed of one of the segments, an insulating partition portion bonded to the segment, an air gap portion surrounded by the partition portion, an upper electrode opposed to the lower electrode extending to the partition portion to sandwich the air gap portion therebetween, and an upper insulating layer formed on the upper electrode, and includes an upper protection film which continuously covers a surface portion of the transducer elements and the dividing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Wakabayashi, Hideo Adachi, Mamoru Hasegawa, Kazuya Matsumoto, Ryo Ohta
  • Publication number: 20080184784
    Abstract: A system using ultrasonic energy for detecting and quantifying air bubbles and/or particles in a liquid flowing in a tube by a non-invasive and non-destructive technique has an ultrasonic sensor having piezoelectric transmitter and receiver elements placed opposing on the outside of the tube wall and energy in the ultrasonic frequency range is transmitted from the transmitter element to the receiver element. The received ultrasonic energy is amplified and detected and preferably split into a steady state (DC) component and a varying or transient (AC) component respectively indicative of the absence and the presence of an air bubble or a particle in the liquid. The two components of the signal are applied to an A/D converter whose output is supplied to a microprocessor which uses the digital data that corresponds to the presence of the varying transient component to indicate the presence of an air bubble and/or a particle and to measure its characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Naim Dam
  • Publication number: 20080184802
    Abstract: A mount structure for a mobile unit includes a wall member, a sensor device, and a color film. The wall member is provided to the mobile unit, and the wall member has a through hole and an outer surface. The sensor device is mounted on the wall member via the through hole such that a sensing element of the sensor device is able to perform sensing. The sensor device is coupled to the wall member in a state, where the sensor device has a portion that is generally flush with the outer surface of the wall member, and that is provided inside the through hole. The color film is adhered to an entire surface of the outer surface of the wall member, and the entire surface has an opening of the through hole. The sensor device contacts the color film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Sato
  • Patent number: 7398687
    Abstract: A cover member of an ultrasonic sensor has a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, which are respectively engaged with a third engagement portion and a fourth engagement portion of a sensor body. The engagement portions are arranged in such a manner that a force applied to the cover member due to an engagement between the first engagement portion and the third engagement portion and a force applied to the cover member due to an engagement between the second engagement portion and the fourth engagement portion respectively have opposite directions to be substantially countervailed when the sensor body is attached to the cover member. Thus, the cover member can be restricted from slanting when the sensor body is fixed to the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Nakajima, Yasuhiro Kawashima, Hiroyuki Kani, Tadao Shimizu