Abstract: Systems for assessment of weld adjacent heat affected zones are described. An example system may include an inspection robot having a first payload comprising a first plurality of ultrasonic (UT) phased arrays, and a second payload comprising a second plurality of ultrasonic (UT) phased arrays. The inspection robot is configured to move in a direction of travel corresponding to a weld of an inspection surface, and the first payload is structured to measure characteristics of a first region of the inspection surface on a first side of the weld while the second payload is structured to measure characteristics of a second region of the inspection surface on a second side of the weld.

Abstract: Robotic inspection devices for simultaneous surface measurements at multiple orientations are described. An example inspection device includes a robot and a first payload, where the robot is structured to move along an inspection surface in a first direction of travel. The first payload includes a first inspection assembly structured to support two phased array elements. The first phased array element has a first surface orientation and a first directional orientation, and the second phased array element has a second surface orientation and a second directional orientation. A raster device is structured to move the first inspection assembly in a second direction of travel along the inspection surface, wherein the first direction of travel and the second direction of travel are different.

Abstract: Robotic systems for surface inspection with simultaneous measurements at multiple orientations are described. An example inspection system may include a robot for traversing an inspection surface, the robot having an inspection payload to support an inspection element with two phased array UT elements, the first phased array at a first surface orientation and the second phased array at a second surface orientation, both orientations relative to the inspection surface. Each of the inspection elements includes a couplant connection structured to receive couplant from the robot. The inspection further includes a tether fluidly coupling a couplant source to the robot.

Abstract: Robotic systems for rapid ultrasonic surface inspection are described. An example system may have an inspection robot to move in a direction of travel on an inspection surface. The robot may have a payload with a first and a second ultrasonic (UT) phased array, and a rastering device that executes a reciprocating motion of the payload. The system may have an inspection controller with a positioning circuit to provide an inspection position command, an inspection circuit to provide a rastering position command and an interrogation command. The robot is responsive to the inspection position command to move to an inspection position, and the rastering device is responsive to the rastering position command to move the payload through at least a portion of a range of reciprocating motion. The UT phased arrays are responsive to the interrogation command to perform an inspection on three axes of inspection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic inspection with simultaneous surface measurements at multiple orientations with obstacle avoidance are described. An example system may have an inspection robot structured to move in a direction of travel along an inspection surface. The robot may have a payload with first and second sensor holders, each sensor holder structured to hold a UT phased array. A sensor holder linking component holds the first and sensor holders such that the two phased arrays are parallel to one another along a long edge of both the phased arrays. The system may have a rastering device to move the payloads in a direction of inspection, whether the direction of inspection is distinct from the direction of travel and distinct from the parallel orientation of the two phased arrays.

Abstract: Systems for ultrasonic measurements of an inspection surface is described. An inspection robot with a payload moves in a direction of travel across an inspection surface. The payload has two sensor holders, the first sensor holder to hold a first UT array at a first orientation and the second to hold a second UT array at a second orientation A sensor holder linking component holds the two UT phased arrays in a parallel configuration along their long edges. An arm of the payload may be pivotably connected to both the sensor linking component at one end and a lift connection element on the other end. The lift component has a lift motor to raise the lift connection element. A rastering device moves the payload in a direction of inspection which is distinct from both the direction of travel and the parallel configuration of the two phased UT arrays.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for ultra-sonic inspection of a surface are described. An example system may include an inspection robot structured to move in a direction of travel on an inspection surface. The inspection robot may include a payload including a first ultrasonic (UT) phased array and a second UT phased array, the first UT phased array and the second UT phased array being arranged in a parallel configuration. The inspection robot may include a rastering device structured to move the payload in a direction of inspection, the direction of inspection being distinct from the direction of travel and the direction of inspection being distinct from the parallel configuration of the first UT phased array and the second UT phased array.

Abstract: The damage assessment device 16 includes a trolley 4 with a platform 43 carrying a sensor mounting 11 for various non-destructive testing sensors 10 and an additional depth sensor 13 for estimating the depth of a dent, a flexible and partially ferromagnetic rails 2 in order to keep the trolley 4 on the surface of an aircraft structure and allowing the trolley 4 to move perpendicular to a linear scanning axis, formed by the bridge 41 of the trolley 4, and the possibility for remote-control the device via an external control station 14.

Abstract: An example inspection robot may include a drive module structured to engage a top tube of a vertically arranged layer of tubes, at least one telescoping pole, and a lowering mechanism operationally coupled to the at least one telescoping pole and structured to selectively extend or retract the at least one telescoping pole, thereby providing a selected vertical position of a sensor carriage assembly. The sensor carriage assembly may be coupled to the at least one telescoping pole, and structured to accept at least one of a plurality of sensors.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) and an according method for optoacoustic imaging of an object. The device (1) comprising an irradiation unit for irradiating a region of interest (3) of the object with electromagnetic radiation (6), in particular light, and a detection unit (9) for detecting acoustic, in particular ultrasonic, waves generated in the region of interest (3) of the object upon irradiation with the electromagnetic radiation (6), wherein the detection unit (9) is configured to detect the acoustic waves at one or more point-like detection locations, which are located outside of the region of interest (3) of the object. The point-like detection locations can be given by, e.g., focus points (19) of acoustic detection elements (23), point-like detection elements or point-like or pinhole apertures. The invention allows for improved and reliable optoacoustic imaging, in particular in view of dermatology applications.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring seedbed conditions within a field may include an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a seedbed sensing assembly supported thereon. The sensing assembly may, in turn, include a plurality of pins configured to be extended relative to the body such that each pin penetrates a top surface of the field. Furthermore, a plurality of position sensors may be configured to capture data indicative of a position of a given pin of the plurality of pins relative to the body of the UAV. Additionally, a plurality of force sensors may be configured to capture data indicative of a force being applied to a given pin of the plurality of pins. As such, the data captured by the position sensors and the force sensors may be indicative of at least one of the seedbed surface profile or the seedbed floor profile of the field.

Abstract: A deformable sensor is provided. The deformable sensor comprises a deformable member defining an enclosure that is configured to be filled with a medium, a mechanical component disposed within the enclosure, and an optical sensor coupled to the mechanical component positioned with the enclosure. In embodiments, the mechanical component is configured to rotate at least from a first position to a second position, and the optical sensor is configured to capture first portion data associated with a first portion of the deformable member at the first position and second portion data associated with a second portion of the deformable member at the second position.

Abstract: A method including positioning a modular robotic component proximate an area of interest on a surface of a wind turbine. The modular robotic component including a plurality of modules that perform a plurality of tasks. The method further including inspecting the area of interest with the modular robotic component for an indication requiring at least one of repair or upgrade and operating the modular robotic component to perform the plurality of tasks sequentially as the modular robotic component moves along the surface of the wind turbine. A modular robotic component and system including the modular robotic component are disclosed.

Abstract: A tool enables non-destructive inspection of a flat part by ultrasonic transmission. The tool includes a clamp with a first arm pivotally coupled to a second arm about a pivot connection. An ultrasound transmitter is coupled to a first end of the first arm by a first ball joint connection, and an ultrasound receiver coupled to a first end of the second arm by a second ball joint connection. The transmitter has an active face for transmitting a sound signal that is received by an active face of the receiver. The active faces of the transmitter and the receiver are substantially at the same distance from the pivot connection. The tool further includes an alignment device that maintains the active faces of the transmitter and the receiver oriented towards each other and substantially parallel.

Abstract: A system and method for locating magnetic material. In one embodiment the system includes a magnetic probe; a power module in electrical communication with the magnetic probe to supply current to the magnetic probe; a sense module in electrical communication with the magnetic probe to receive signals from the magnetic probe; and a computer in electrical communication with the power module and the sense module. The computer generates a waveform that controls the supply of current from the power module and receives a signal from the sense module that indicates the presence of magnetic material. The magnetic probe is constructed from a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion of substantially 10?6/° C. or less and a Young's modulus of substantially 50 GPa or greater. In one embodiment magnetic nanoparticles are injected into a breast and the lymph nodes collecting the particles are detected with the probe and deemed sentinel nodes.

Abstract: A cone beam computed tomography imaging system uses a C-shaped structure to revolve a source and detector around an imaging axis. To balance the system a counterweight is attached to the C-shaped structure at one end adjacent to the detector. The source is attached to another end of the C-shaped structure opposite the detector.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a frame with two opposite frame sections, a number of leg elements arranged on the frame, and a first carriage having a first linear axis. The first carriage is guided on the two opposite sections of the frame and is displaceable in a first direction. A second carriage of a second linear axis is guided on the first carriage and is displaceable in a second direction A tower element has a third linear axis, which is retained on the second carriage. A machining element is retained on the tower element and is displaceable in a third direction, and a tool spindle is arranged on the machining element for receiving a tool.

Abstract: A system and method for generating ultrasound images of a subject without physically contacting the subject is provided. A photoacoustic excitation source may be employed that directed into a scanning mirror to transmit acoustic disturbances into a patient to induce propagating photoacoustic waves. The acoustic disturbances are translated along the patient in a defined direction to cause coherent summation of the propagating photoacoustic waves and, thereby, a resultant acoustic and/or elastic wave to probe structures within the patient. Vibrations created by the backscatter of the resultant wave are detected at the surface of the patient and ultrasound images of the structures within the patient are generated. Detection of the vibrations may be performed using a laser vibrometer. The excitation and detection systems may be used separately or in combination.

Abstract: A transducer assembly for downhole imaging includes a 1-3 Piezoelectric composite transducer of high Q ceramic rods in a polymer matrix. The assembly also includes a Teflon® window, a fluid-filled cavity adjacent to the window, and impedance matching material between the composite transducer and the fluid. The transducer is positioned to reduce the reverberation time.

Abstract: A mounting plate and an optical inspection apparatus are disclosed. The mounting plate includes: a base plate; at least two first bars disposed above the base plate and extending in a first direction; and at least two second bars extending in a second direction. Each second bar being configured to be slidable in the first direction relative to the at least two first bars. The mounting plate may further comprises a third bar extending in the first direction and disposed between two adjacent first bars, the third bar being configured to be slidable in the second direction relative to the at least two second bars.

Abstract: System and method for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a variable and irregular shape. The system comprises one or more ultrasonic pulser/receivers, one or more ultrasonic transducer arrays, a shoe or jig to hold and position the array(s), data acquisition software to drive the array(s), and data analysis software to select a respective best return signal for each pixel to be displayed. This system starts with information about the general orientation of the array relative to the part and a general predicted part shape. More specific orientation of the transmitted ultrasound beams relative to the part surface is done electronically by phasing the elements in the array(s) to cover the expected (i.e., predicted) surface as well as the full range of part surface variability.

Abstract: An interventional system with real-time ablation thermal dose monitoring includes an interventional tool, an ultrasound transmitter at least one of attached to or integral with the interventional tool, an ultrasound receiver configured to receive ultrasound signals from the ultrasound transmitter after at least one of transmission through or reflection from a region of tissue while under an ablation procedure and to provide detection signals, and a signal processing system configured to communicate with the ultrasound receiver to receive the detection signals and to calculate, based on the detections signals, a thermal dose delivered to the region of tissue in real time during the ablation procedure.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a mechanical input configured to move in a first direction in response to an input at the mechanical input. A mechanical input sensor is coupled to the mechanical input and configured to sense the input at the mechanical input based on the movement of the mechanical input in the first direction. A mechanical input actuator is coupled to the mechanical input and configured to displace the mechanical input in a second direction, different from the first direction. In some examples, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. In some examples, the mechanical input comprises a rotary input configured to rotate in the first direction in response to the input. In some examples, the mechanical input actuator is configured to displace the mechanical input in the second direction while the mechanical input is moving in the first direction.

Abstract: A flow-rate measurement device which measures a flow rate of a fluid flowing through a fluid flow channel unit includes a tubular measurement flow channel unit that is stored in the fluid flow channel unit and has an inside in communication with the fluid flow channel unit. The flow-rate measurement device also includes a pair of sealing materials that blocks a flow of a fluid and is provided to encircle outer peripheries of the measurement flow channel unit at a first end and a second end; and a measurement unit including a substrate, on which a measurement circuit is mounted, and a pair of ultrasonic transducers. Further, the pair of ultrasonic transducers is electrically and fixedly connected to the substrate in the measurement unit, and the measurement unit is disposed between the pair of sealing materials on the measurement flow channel unit.

Abstract: A filling level transmitter for measuring a filing level of a liquid includes: a filling level sensor having: an ultrasonic transceiver configured to emit ultrasound, and sensor electronics; a sound-conducting tube having two reflectors spaced apart from one another, the first reflector being configured to deflect ultrasound emitted by the transceiver in the direction of the second reflector, and the second reflector being configured to deflect the emitted ultrasound in the direction of the surface of the liquid. A third reflector is arranged in the second reflector such that emitted ultrasound impacting the third reflector is reflected in the direction of the first reflector.

Abstract: A method of measuring panel stiffness of an automobile part outer panel by pushing an indenter onto a surface of the panel in a pushing direction intersecting the surface under a load to deform the panel and measuring deformation of the panel includes arranging grids in a lattice form to a surface of a site of the panel; arranging markers previously knowing three-dimensional position information on a periphery of the site; pushing the indenter onto the surface of the site under the load and moving the indenter in a direction perpendicular to the pushing direction, during which the grids on the surface deformed by loading of the indenter are simultaneously and repeatedly shot from plural positions by plural cameras; and calculating position information of the grids corresponding to the markers based on the image data to measure change in deformation of the panel associated with movement of the indenter.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus, comprising: a plurality of detecting elements which detect an acoustic wave generated from an object irradiated with light and convert the acoustic wave into detection signals; a signal determining unit which determines a detection signal detected by a detecting element which is not in acoustic contact with the object, of the plurality of detecting elements; a signal acquisition unit which generates a corrected detection signal by deleting at least a region which is not based on an acoustic wave generated from the interior of the object, from the determined detection signal; and an image processor which forms image data of the object from a detection signal detected by a detecting element which is in acoustic contact with the object and from the corrected detection signal.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter assembly having a rotatable transducer assembly is disclosed. The ultrasound catheter assembly includes an elongate flexible shaft having a lumen and a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter assembly further includes a drive member that engages the transducer assembly at a distal end of the catheter. Rotation of the drive member in a first direction causes the transducer assembly to rotate in an oscillatory fashion in a second direction.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a mechanical input configured to move in a first direction in response to an input at the mechanical input. A mechanical input sensor is coupled to the mechanical input and configured to sense the input at the mechanical input based on the movement of the mechanical input in the first direction. A mechanical input actuator is coupled to the mechanical input and configured to displace the mechanical input in a second direction, different from the first direction. In some examples, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. In some examples, the mechanical input comprises a rotary input configured to rotate in the first direction in response to the input. In some examples, the mechanical input actuator is configured to displace the mechanical input in the second direction while the mechanical input is moving in the first direction.

Abstract: A transducer connects with a support arm. The support arm supports only some of the weight, even in a locked state. By only supporting a portion or less than all of the weight, the support arm allows downward movement or pressure, but less than the pressure applied without any resistance for the gravity acting on the support arm. The pressure maintains contact between the patient and the transducer for scanning.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a transformer and a switching unit that causes two switching elements connected in series to drive the primary winding of the transformer. A detection unit detects current flowing on the primary side of the transformer and outputs a voltage corresponding to the detected current. A correction unit corrects the voltage output from the detection unit into a voltage proportional to a variation of an input voltage input into the primary side of the transformer A nonlinear correction unit corrects the corrected voltage corrected by the correction unit to be nonlinear independently of variation in the input voltage.

Abstract: An inspection system for inspecting a core shroud includes a remotely operated vehicle with a profile, scanning ability, and reliability that contribute to expanded inspection coverage and reduced inspection times.

Abstract: An imaging system and method for imaging an immobilized object. The imaging system includes a support member adapted to receive the object in an immobilized state. The system also includes means for imaging the immobilized object in various imaging modes to capture images of the object. The imaging system further includes a movable phosphor screen. The phosphor screen is adapted to be movable without moving the immobilized object and support member.

Abstract: A system is provided for inspecting a workpiece that includes a workpiece defect and a workpiece surface. The system includes a laser pointer connected to an ultrasonic inspection system. The ultrasonic inspection system includes an ultrasonic transducer that directs sound waves to the workpiece defect, where the sound waves contact the workpiece surface at a workpiece surface location. The laser pointer directs a laser beam against the workpiece surface to visually annunciate the workpiece surface location.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in scanning a material includes a top member having a first body with a first plurality of holes; a bottom member having a second body with a second plurality of holes; and an interconnecting member connecting the top member and the second member to provide a gap between the top member and the bottom member. Each hole in the top member is aligned with a corresponding hole in the bottom member to form a hole-pair.

Abstract: A scanning probe for an industrial nondestructive evaluation (NDE) ultrasound or eddy current scanning system. The scanning probe gathers reflected waveform data indicative of internal characteristics of the test object. The scanning probe also includes a self-contained multi-axis position encoder that correlates both multi-dimensional probe underside translation and rotation motion across the test sample surface with the multi-dimensional spatial location on the test object surface. The position encoder compensates for probe rotation that would otherwise negatively impact probe position determination accuracy. A data acquisition system combines sets of positional and waveform data for processing by an NDE analyzer.

Abstract: A system for conducting phased array testing on a vehicle hub includes a guide element having a first end and a second end, a pivot element extending from the second end to couple to the vehicle hub, and a slide element coupled to the guide element. The slide element is movable relative to the guide element between the first end of the guide element and the second end of the guide element. The slide element including an object-receiving aperture to receive a phased array probe element.

Abstract: A component inspection apparatus and a method for ultrasonic inspection of a component, including low pressure last stage steam turbine blades, are disclosed. The apparatus includes a guide member, a guide adapting member and scanning probes. The guide member includes a first surface and a distal second surface. The first surface is configured to adaptably mirror the shape of portions of the component to be inspected. The guide adapting member is capable of releasably attaching the second surface of the guide member.to be changeable as per the shape of the component. The scanning probes may be located on the guide adapting member in a manner configured to be movable along the second surface of the guide member to generate and receive ultrasonic waves used to inspect the component.

Abstract: Ultrasonic bolt inspection apparatus and methods facilitate in situ as well as bench non-destructive evaluation (NDE) inspection of fastening bolt distal ends and their mating nuts. The apparatus is coupled to an exposed end of a fastener bolt head, its exposed thread tip or to a mating nut. The apparatus retains a phased array ultrasonic probe that generates inspection scan data and a rotational position encoder that generates rotational position data. The probe is coupled to an ultrasonic inspection system analyzer, which converts scan data into inspection data that characterizes possible defects in the inspected bolt. A system controller is coupled to the analyzer and the rotational position encoder, correlating rotation position data and inspection data, in order to identify location and characteristics of possible defects in the inspected bolt end.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of a robotic inspection system that uses a pair of multi-axis robotic devices to perform an ultrasonic scan of a part. Each of the multi-axis robotic devices can comprise an end effector that can transmit and/or receive an ultrasonic signal to perform the ultrasonic scan. In one embodiment, the robotic inspection system includes a linear slide assembly that can translate the multi-axis robotic devices independently from one another on either side of the part.

Abstract: An ultrasonic generator is provided, in which the control system can easily be changed in accordance with a cleaning application and a cleaning process. The ultrasonic generator according to the present invention, which causes an ultrasonic transducer to oscillate a signal for ultrasonic vibration, includes a programmable multiple control circuit having a signal generation circuit for generating a signal, and an output adjustment circuit for adjusting the output of the signal from the programmable multiple control circuit, wherein the programmable multiple control circuit has a power control circuit electrically connected to the output adjustment circuit, a phase comparison circuit electrically connected to the output adjustment circuit, a frequency control circuit electrically connected to the phase comparison circuit, and a signal modulation circuit electrically connected to the frequency control circuit via the signal generation circuit.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope, includes an ultrasonic transducer, a data storage memory, a display, a scanner assembly, and a controller. The controller is adapted to cause the motor to move the transducer along a path with respect to a sample, and cause the ultrasonic transducer to emit a pulse of acoustic energy towards the sample at each point in a plurality of points along the path. In addition, the controller is adapted to cause the ultrasonic transducer to receive a set of reflection signals that correspond to each of the pulses emitted therefrom. The sets of reflection signals are used to generate an image of a profile of the sample and an image representative of acoustic impedance features in the interior of the sample. The image of the profile of the sample shows a variation in height across a surface of the sample.

Abstract: A probe is used to inspect the health of a corner radius within an elongate internal cavity of a structure. The probe is transported through the cavity on a carriage that maintains the probe a substantially constant distance from the corner radius as the carriage traverses changes in the cross sectional shape of the cavity.

Abstract: An imaging catheter tip is presented. The imaging catheter tip includes a housing. Further, the imaging catheter tip includes a transducer assembly located within the housing in a distal portion of the imaging catheter tip. The transducer assembly includes a transducer. In addition, the imaging catheter tip includes a motor located within the housing in a proximal portion of the imaging catheter tip. The motor is configured to facilitate oscillation of the transducer assembly about a longitudinal axis of the imaging catheter tip. The imaging catheter tip also includes a fill tube disposed between the motor and the housing. The fill tube is configured to deliver acoustic coupling fluid to the distal portion of the imaging catheter tip.

Abstract: A spherical bearing provides a passive apparatus that enables a contact sensor that needs to self-align to the surface of a test object. In some embodiments, the contact sensor is a transducer. This self-alignment apparatus may be used in a measurement system for aligning the face of a contact transducer to the surface of a material to be measured. The spherical bearing may be dry or may be lubricated with a liquid or with pressurized air to minimize the bearing friction and enable the transducer to self-align. The upper portion of the spherical bearing is preferably attached to a spring-loaded piston. The transducer is preferably attached to the lower portion of the spherical bearing. The spring-loaded piston holds the spherical bearing portions together and centers the floating lower bearing portion after each measurement operation. A cowling preferably retains the lower bearing portion between measurements.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor is described having a housing which has a circumferential side wall and a base surface. A transducer element for generating ultrasonic vibrations is mounted on the base surface. The side wall includes a lower side wall section, in which the side wall has an essentially rotationally asymmetrical profile in a plane parallel to the base surface, and an upper side wall section in which the side wall changes to an essentially rotationally symmetrical profile toward an upper edge of the side wall. In other respects, the present system provides a parking assistance system for a vehicle, having a control unit and such an ultrasonic sensor, as well as a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasound inspection device for the inspection of tubular workpieces, where the ultrasound inspection device can be coupled to the workpiece by means of a fluid medium, so that sound emitted from a transducer unit hits an insonification point on the lateral surface of the workpiece, the workpiece and the ultrasound inspection device can be moved relative to each other, and where the transducer unit is pivotable on a pivoting line which corresponds to an arc of a circle whose center is formed by the insonification point.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device component changes a transducer with another one having the same frequency or a different frequency without adjustment inside a generator main body or a change of the generator main body. The ultrasonic transducer device component includes a connection unit for use in applying ultrasonic transducer to cleaning fluid for cleaning objects, and for connection with a generator main body that generates an ultrasonic vibration signal; and a transducer connected to a connection unit. The connection unit includes an output transformer for adjusting an output of the ultrasonic vibration signal; a coil capacitor electrically connected to the output transformer; and a current detector electrically connected to the coil capacitor.

Abstract: System and method for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a variable and irregular shape. The system comprises one or more ultrasonic pulser/receivers, one or more ultrasonic transducer arrays, a shoe or jig to hold and position the array(s), data acquisition software to drive the array(s), and data analysis software to select a respective best return signal for each pixel to be displayed. This system starts with information about the general orientation of the array relative to the part and a general predicted part shape. More specific orientation of the transmitted ultrasound beams relative to the part surface is done electronically by phasing the elements in the array(s) to cover the expected (i.e., predicted) surface as well as the full range of part surface variability.