Nonvibrating Transducer Patents (Class 73/643)
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Publication number: 20150000411Abstract: Used is an object information acquiring apparatus including an irradiation unit for irradiating an object with a laser beam, a wavelength switching unit for selecting a wavelength of the laser beam, a restriction unit for restricting an output value of the laser beam, a probe for receiving acoustic waves that are generated from the object irradiated with the laser beam, and a configuration unit for generating characteristic information relating to the object in use of the acoustic waves, wherein the restriction unit restricts the output value according to the wavelength selected by the wavelength switching unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Tadaki Watanabe, Daisuke Nagao
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Publication number: 20140366634Abstract: A pipe damage detection apparatus and method are disclosed. The pipe damage detection apparatus includes an ultrasonic supply unit configured to supply an ultrasonic signal to a pipe; an ultrasonic reception unit configured to receive the ultrasonic signal of the pipe; and an analysis unit configured to analyze the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic reception unit, and determine whether the pipe is damaged. The pipe damage detection apparatus and method can detect whether a pipe that is difficult for an inspector to access because it is coated with an insulating material or buried in the ground is damaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Hoon Sohn, Hyeon Seok Lee, Jin Yeol Yang
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Publication number: 20140360272Abstract: Provided is a capacitive transducer drive device capable of adjusting a potential difference applied between electrodes of a cell with a simple configuration. A capacitive transducer to be driven by the drive device includes a cell including: a first electrode included in a vibrating membrane; and a second electrode formed to oppose the first electrode through intermediation of a gap. One of the first electrode and the second electrode of the cell is electrically connected to a first DC voltage applying unit, and the other of the first electrode and the second electrode of the cell is electrically connected to a second DC voltage applying unit. A voltage to be applied by the second DC voltage applying unit is set to be lower than a voltage to be applied by the first DC voltage applying unit. The voltage to be applied by the second DC voltage applying unit is variable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Atsushi Kandori
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Publication number: 20140360273Abstract: Certain examples provide a transparent ultrasonic transducer including a transparent substrate and a transparent optical resonator positioned on the transparent substrate. The transparent optical resonator is to facilitate excitation of a biological sample and to receive acoustic emission from the biological sample triggered by the excitation, for example. Certain examples provide a ring resonator ultrasonic detector including a microscope cover slide. The microscope cover sheet includes a substrate and a ring optical resonator positioned on the substrate. The example ring optical resonator is to facilitate illumination of a biological sample and to receive acoustic emission from the biological sample in response to the illumination.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Hao F. Zhang, Cheng Sun
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Patent number: 8904871Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems relating to temperature dependent photoacoustic imaging are provided. In such methods and systems, a tissue sample may be exposed to thermal energy and electromagnetic radiation to generate an acoustic signal, which may be detected. The amplitude of the acoustic signal may be determined and correlated with a tissue property, such as the presence or absence of macrophages or foam cells.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Stanislav Emelianov, Bo Wang, Jignesh Shah, Konstantin Sokolov, Jimmy Su, Yun-Sheng Chen, Wolfgang Frey
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Publication number: 20140356132Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring vibration amplitudes of the blade tips in a turbomachine, comprising a support mounted in an orifice of a casing of a turbomachine and wherein are housed two optical guides for the emission and reception of a light signal exiting inside the casing across from the tips of the blades of a turbine wheel. Each optical guide comprises an optical fibre connected by a mechanical connector to a needle of which the core is made of a material able to transmit a light signal and which is resistant to temperatures less than or equal to 1100° C. and which exits at its distal end in the casing across from the blade tips.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: SNECMAInventor: SNECMA
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Patent number: 8887572Abstract: A system and methods with which changes in microstructure properties such as grain size, grain elongation, texture, and porosity of materials can be determined and monitored over time to assess conditions such as stress and defects. An example system includes a number of ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit ultrasonic waves towards a target region on a specimen, a voltage source configured to excite the first and second ultrasonic transducers, and a processor configured to determine one or more properties of the specimen.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of NebraskaInventor: Joseph A. Turner
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Publication number: 20140290370Abstract: An optical microresonator based RF oscillator sensor for measuring mass, temperature, and particle/molecule concentration. An optical energy source is coupled to the optical microresonator to generate optical power oscillations at Rf frequencies. A stable or reference RF oscillation frequency is established which allows for measuring oscillation frequency variations induced by the interaction of the substance with the optical microresonator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventor: Mani Hossein-Zadeh
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Patent number: 8813571Abstract: There is provided an optical microphone for detecting an acoustic wave propagating in an ambient fluid, the optical microphone including: a propagation medium section; a light source for emitting a light wave to be transmitted through a diffraction region in the propagation medium section; and a photoelectric conversion section for detecting the light wave having been transmitted through the propagation medium section. A first acoustic wave which is a portion of the acoustic wave and a second acoustic wave which is another portion thereof are allowed to propagate in the propagation medium section so as to simultaneously arrive at the diffraction region, and an interference component between a +1st order diffracted light wave and a ?1st order diffracted light wave of the light wave generated based on a refractive index distribution of the propagation medium occurring in the diffraction region.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takuya Iwamoto, Masahiko Hashimoto, Ushio Sangawa, Yuriko Kaneko
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Patent number: 8806950Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electromagnetic acoustic transducer. An apparatus comprises a conductive material and a current inducer. The conductive material is configured to generate a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field has magnetic flux lines that are substantially fixed and the conductive material has a temperature that is equal to or less than a critical temperature at which the conductive material has substantially zero electrical resistance. The current inducer is configured to cause an electric current to flow in a test object that interacts with the magnetic field, wherein the electric current has a frequency that generates an acoustic wave in the test object.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John Ralph Hull, Michael Strasik, Richard H. Bossi
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Patent number: 8806949Abstract: An electromagnetic ultrasound transducer is disclosed for receiving linearly polarized horizontal shear waves from an electrically conductive workpiece including a magnetizing unit, which provides a side facing the workpiece, along which a number n of permanent magnets are attached in at least two rows arranged next to one another in such a manner that the magnetic polarities of the magnetic poles which face the side alternate along a row periodically with a period length which corresponds to a trace wavelength ?s and a HF coil arrangement with conductor sections in at least two rows running parallel to one another, through which current can pass in mutually opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventor: Frank Niese
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Patent number: 8789422Abstract: An electromagnetic-acoustic transducer for ultrasonic testing of test objects which are composed substantially of an electrically conductive material includes a magnet system that produces a magnetic field intended to penetrate into the test object, and an inductive coil arrangement that produces an electromagnetic alternating field superimposed on this magnetic field in the test object, and that detects electromagnetic alternating fields emitted from the test object, wherein magnet system is arranged in a magnetization unit, the coil arrangement is arranged in a probe unit separate from the magnetization unit, the probe unit is mounted such that it can move relative to the magnetization unit in the area of the magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Institut Dr. Foerster GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Michael Ege, Jürgen Wanner
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Patent number: 8770031Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructive testing. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a non-destructive inspection system comprising a capacitive acoustic transducer and a control unit connected to the capacitive transducer.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Steven Kenneth Brady
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Publication number: 20140116146Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a composite structure. A pulsed laser beam having a number of properties is generated. Each of the number of properties is within a selected range. The pulsed laser beam generated by the generation laser system is directed towards a composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. A number of ultrasonic waves are formed in the composite structure when the pulsed laser beam contacts the composite structure without causing any undesired inconsistencies in the composite structure outside of selected tolerances.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: The Boeing Company
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Patent number: 8701491Abstract: A method of performing near-field acoustic holography comprises the following steps. Establishing (102) acoustic data representing a set of near-field acoustic holography measurements at a first set of positions. Extrapolating (204) acoustic data using a model-based extrapolation to obtain extrapolated acoustic data relating to a plurality of positions outside the aperture. Applying (108) a spatial frequency transform to the padded acoustic data to obtain data in a spatial frequency domain. Propagating (110) the Fourier transformed acoustic data. Applying (112) a regularization in a wavenumber domain. Performing (114) an inverse spatial frequency transform.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignees: Stichting voor de Technische Wetenschapen, Technische Universiteit EindhovenInventors: Rick Scholte, Ines Lopez Arteaga
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Patent number: 8677826Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for evaluating received signals acquired during non-destructive ultrasonic testing of a test body, wherein ultrasound waves are generated inside the test body with an electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer acting as an ultrasound transmitter and ultrasound waves which propagate within the test body are converted into received signals with an electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer acting as an ultrasound receiver. The received signals are evaluated for the purpose of examining the test body.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Salzburger, Frank Niese
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Patent number: 8661907Abstract: A plurality of sensors output information into a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) system via acousto-mechanical signals. The sensors are coupled to the optic fibre at the centre of the DAS system indirectly, the acousto-mechanical signal being transmitted via an intermediary body, such as the ground or a conduit.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Optasense Holdings Ltd.Inventors: Richard John Davis, David John Hill
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Patent number: 8661905Abstract: Non-contact microelectronic device inspection systems and methods are discussed and provided. Some embodiments include a method of generating a virtual reference device (or chip). This approach uses a statistics to find devices in a sample set that are most similar and then averages their time domain signals to generate the virtual reference. Signals associated with the virtual reference can then be correlated with time domain signals obtained from the packages under inspection to obtain a quality signature. Defective and non-defective devices are separated by estimating a beta distribution that fits a quality signature histogram of inspected packages and determining a cutoff threshold for an acceptable quality signature. Other aspects, features, and embodiments are also claimed and described.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Ifeanyi Charles Ume, Abel Valdes, Jie Gong, Razid Ahmad
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Publication number: 20140047923Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for an Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) comprising: a ceramic wear surface disposed about a first aperture of an EMAT tip portion, a transducing coil means disposed within a volume of the EMAT tip portion; where at least one magnet and an insulative surface may be interposed between the ceramic wear surface and the insulative structure. Optionally, a signal transmitting means may be configured to conduct a signal from the transmitting coil means via a second aperture of the tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventor: FRANK PASSARELLI
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Publication number: 20140033822Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic wave generating apparatus and an ultrasonic system including the same. The ultrasonic transducer includes a light-absorbing layer configured to absorb light incident on the light-absorbing layer and to generate heat based on the absorbed light; and a thermoelastic layer which is disposed on the light-absorbing layer and which is configured to thermally expand based on the heat to generate ultrasonic waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yong-seop YOON, Sung-chan KANG, Yong-hyup KIM, Mi-ae PARK, Jai-ick YOH, Seok-hwan LEE, Woon-bae KIM, Jong-seok KIM, Hye-lynn SONG, Eui-yun JANG
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Patent number: 8631705Abstract: An in-line inspection tool is disclosed for inspecting the wall of a pipeline while traveling therethrough. The in-line inspection tool may include a transmitter, a signal generator, one or more receivers, and a decoder. The signal generator may generate a pseudorandom signal, generate an inspection signal, and drive the transmitter with a convolution of the pseudorandom signal and the inspection signal. The transmitter may transmit the convoluted signal to the wall of the pipeline. One or more receivers may receive from the wall of the pipeline a received signal comprising at least one of the convoluted signal and a reflection of the convoluted signal. The decoder may identify the inspection signal within the received signal by cross correlating the received signal and the pseudorandom signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Pure Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Philip M. Hoyt
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Patent number: 8621931Abstract: A laser vibrometer makes non-contact measurements of vibrations of a target. A laser produces a laser beam, and a beamsplitter splits the laser beam into a reference beam and a first target beam. A first frequency shifter/splitter splits the first target beam into a pair of target beams each having a frequency different than a frequency of the other target beams. The target beams are reflected from the target to a detector, and the reference beam is combined with the target beams such that the detector receives the target beams and reference beam together.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: DSO National LaboratoriesInventors: Poh Boon Phua, Yu Fu
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Patent number: 8616062Abstract: In an ultrasonic inspection method or ultrasonic inspection system in which an ultrasonic wave is propagated to an test object via a medium such as a liquid or a gas, an incident position of the ultrasonic wave is accurately and reliably identified. In an ultrasonic inspection method based on an immersion technique, an optical irradiator is mounted on an ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving unit, an optical marker is irradiated from the optical irradiator to the test object, and an irradiated position of the optical marker is imaged using imaging equipment in order to perform inspection.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.Inventors: Naoyuki Kono, Isao Yoshida, Masahiro Koike, Yoshio Nonaka, Hiroyuki Nakano, Kenichi Otani, Chihiro Matsuoka, Masafumi Imai
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Publication number: 20130333475Abstract: A device for implementing a method for pickling/stripping and for simultaneously non-destructively checking a part (100), the device including: a. an energizing laser head capable of generating pulsed energisation (212) on the surface of a part (100, 300) according to an energy spectrum adapted for the detachment of the particles (231) adhering to the surface; b. a detection laser head (220) connected to the energizing laser head and capable of measuring the response of the part to a pulse generated by the energizing head.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S)Inventors: Hubert Voillaume, Benjamin Campagne, Franck Benthouhami
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Patent number: 8596129Abstract: An EMUS transducer system for producing linearly polarized transverse waves having a variably predeterminable polarization direction within a test specimen containing at least ferromagnetic material portions and having a test specimen surface, a magnetization unit produces a magnetic field orientated parallel to the test specimen surface within the test specimen. At least one HF coil on the test specimen surface produces or detects a HF field combined with the magnetic field orientated parallel to the test specimen surface within the test specimen. The magnetization unit includes at least three magnetization bodies spatially separated from one another to introduce a magnetic field into the test specimen. The magnetic flux emanating from at least one of magnetization bodies a spatial direction relative to the test specimen surface is varied.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.Inventor: Frank Niese
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Patent number: 8596128Abstract: A nondestructive evaluation system, consisting of a metrology device and a directable acoustic transducer, is used to measure the variation of the surface when stress is applied. The directable acoustic transducer selects the location of the applied stress. The difference between the surface during stress application and in the absence of stress detects both surface and buried defects along the location of the stress. By scanning the beam from the acoustic transducer, the location of the stress can be adjusted, enabling the system to locate the detected defect in three dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: RAN Science & Technology, LLCInventor: Russell M. Kurtz
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Patent number: 8578759Abstract: A method and an apparatus for intrusion detection. The apparatus includes an acoustic source, a laser light source, a pressure-sensitive optical fiber including a first end and a second end. The second end is connected to the laser light source and oriented toward the acoustic source. The laser light source generates a laser pulse traveling through the pressure-sensitive optical fiber toward the acoustic source. The laser pulse includes a time-of-flight. The acoustic source generates an acoustic wave. The acoustic wave includes a plurality of evanescent wave fronts. The plurality of evanescent wave fronts, upon scattering from a non-uniform material region, radially contracts the pressure-sensitive optical fiber to alter the time-of-flight of the laser pulse along the pressure-sensitive optical fiber by increasing the fiber length.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: David C. Calvo, Jill P. Bingham, Michael Nicholas
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Patent number: 8567253Abstract: An opto-acoustic transducer assembly includes a substrate; at least one layer of opto-acoustic material coupled to a surface of the substrate, where the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material generates sound waves when struck by pulses of pump light; and an acoustic lens configured to focus sound waves generated by the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material towards a sample. The acoustic lens is further configured to collect sound waves returning from the sample and to direct the returning sound waves to the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material. In one non-limiting embodiment the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material is interposed between the substrate and the acoustic lens, and the substrate is substantially transparent to light having wavelengths of interest.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Brown UniversityInventors: Humphrey J. Maris, Arto V. Nurmikko
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Patent number: 8555725Abstract: A portable non-contact sensor system including a laser generator subsystem, a laser detector subsystem, an an analysis subsystem. The laser generator subsystem is configured to project a plurality of laser pulses at a surface of an object that is to be characterized. The laser detector subsystem is configured to receive return laser pulses from the object. The analysis subsystem is configured to analyze the received return pulses and characterize the object.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Brandt Innovative Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert Kurt Brandt, Mark Stephen Williamsen
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Patent number: 8542127Abstract: A device and method for discovering, identification and monitoring of mechanical flaws in metallic structures is disclosed, based on magneto-graphic/magnetic tomography technique to identify stress-related defects. The technique is specifically optimized for extended, not-accessible underground and underwater metallic structures quality control, emergency alarms as well as timeline planning for structural repairs and maintenance work. Examples of the technique implementation include pipes for oil and gas industry, detection of flaws in rolled products in metallurgical industry, welding quality of heavy duty equipment such as ships, reservoirs, etc. It is especially important for loaded constructions, such as pressured pipes, infrastructure maintenance, nuclear power plant monitoring, bridges, corrosion prevention and environment protection.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Inventors: Valerian Goroshevskiy, Svetlana Kamaeva, Igor Kolesnikov, Leonid Ivlev
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Patent number: 8534129Abstract: A photoacoustic multipass cell includes a light source, an acoustic resonator and a reflecting arrangement configured in a concentrating manner for reflecting light into the acoustic resonator. Additionally, the light source is arranged at least partially within the reflecting arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.Inventors: Andras Miklos, Judit Angster
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Patent number: 8511165Abstract: An EMAT that generates horizontally polarized shear ultrasonic waves is combined with a PZT that generates longitudinal ultrasonic waves to provide simultaneous or sequential inspection of a test component material for improved accuracy in estimating properties of the material or detecting and estimating the dimensions of defects in the material. The transducer combination is constructed so that the EMAT and PZT elements are concentric and therefore interrogate approximately the same volume of the test component material. Nonferromagnetic insulators, such as elastomers, are installed on the bottom surface of PZT component to increase the transmission and reception the ultrasonic waves into the test component. Ferromagnetic, acoustic-absorbing materials are installed on the top surface of the EMAT coil component to minimize generation of ultrasonic waves in the bias magnet.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Inventor: Borja Lopez Jauregui
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Patent number: 8499637Abstract: A device and system is provided for amplifying vibrations resulting from underwater acoustic signals. In operation, a laser interrogation beam is directed along an axis at the retro-reflector device and is responsive to reflections directed along the axis of the interrogation beam. The retro-reflector device reflects a signal back to a source and a tracking signal superimposed on an interrogation beam enables continuous sensing of the reflected signal to reduce signal dropout. A glint tracker is provided for tracking the tracking beam on the surface. A tracker system superimposes the tracking and interrogation beams and is responsive to reflected glints in order to establish a directional location. An interferometer responsive to the reflected interrogation beam produces an interference signal for enabling continuous measurement of surface vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Fletcher A. Blackmon, Lynn T. Antonelli, Anthony J. Kalinowski
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Patent number: 8485037Abstract: An apparatus comprising a vibration generation system, a vibration measurement system, and an optical system associated with the vibration measurement system, and a controller. The vibration generation system is configured to generate acoustic energy that causes vibrations to occur in the ground. The vibration measurement system is configured to transmit laser beams to the surface of the ground in which the vibrations occur, receive responses to the laser beams, and generate vibration data from the responses. The optical system is configured to direct the laser beams to the surface of the ground such that the laser beams have a selected spatial arrangement relative to the surface. The controller is configured to determine whether an object is present under the surface of the ground using the vibration data.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John F. Takacs, Frederick L. Davis, James E. Brown, Cecil L. Hayes, Wilfred Shigeki Otaguro
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Publication number: 20130145851Abstract: A magnetostrictive phased array transducer for transducing shear horizontal bulkwaves including a plurality of magnetostrictive members each having a bottom surface of a plate-shaped structure made of a ferromagnetic material, which is mounted to be adhered closely to the surface of a mounting place; an insulator disposed on a side surface of each magnetostrictive member; a meander coil having a plurality of coil lines extended in the direction parallel with the bottom surface on each insulator, wherein adjacent coil lines are connected so that current flows in the opposite directions to each other, thereby generating a dynamic magnetic field with respect to each magnetostrictive member; and a magnet mounted to generate a static magnetic field perpendicular to the dynamic magnetic field. When the current is supplied to the meander coil, a plurality of magnetostrictive members generate a plurality of shear horizontal bulkwaves while being deformed by the magnetostriction effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: Korea Research Institute of Standards and ScienceInventor: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Scienc
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Publication number: 20130111999Abstract: A method is described for non-destructive material testing on a workpiece comprising an electrically conductive material using EMUS transducers, each of which has a magnet unit for locally introducing a magnetic field into the workpiece, and also has a radio frequency (RF) coil arrangement, which interacts with the magnetic field. The invention is distinguished in that at least two transcuers are spaced apart along a surface of the workpiece. At least a first EMUS transducer generates and also measures ultrasound waves within the workpiece and the second EMUS transducer functions as a reception transducer for at least detecting ultrasound waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Gerd Dobmann, Gerhard Hübschen, Jochen Kurz
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Publication number: 20130111998Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electromagnetic acoustic transducer. An apparatus comprises a conductive material and a current inducer. The conductive material is configured to generate a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field has magnetic flux lines that are substantially fixed and the conductive material has a temperature that is equal to or less than a critical temperature at which the conductive material has substantially zero electrical resistance. The current inducer is configured to cause an electric current to flow in a test object that interacts with the magnetic field, wherein the electric current has a frequency that generates an acoustic wave in the test object.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: John Ralph Hull, Michael Strasik, Richard H. Bossi
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Patent number: 8434366Abstract: Traditional photoacoustic sensors generally operate in a passive mode, which can degrade the performance. Here, however, a photoacoustic sensor has been disclosed that operates an acoustic resonance chamber and a transducer in an active mode so as to avoid the problems associated with traditional photoacoustic sensors; in particular, because the acoustic resonance chamber operates at near atmospheric pressure such as 100's Torr as opposed to 1 m Torr type of pressure for radio spectroscopy, the sensor is allowed to be scaled to operate on an integrated circuit or IC.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Chih-Ming Hung, Django Trombley
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Publication number: 20130098158Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrasonic non-destructive testing provides an elongate strip of ultrasound transmissive material coupled at a proximal end to an object under test. The elongate strip has a transverse cross-section with a width and thickness giving an aspect ratio greater than unity and matched to the ultrasonic transducer such that excitation induces a substantially non-dispersive ultrasonic signal to propagate along the elongate strip to the proximal end and to enter the object under test. These non-dispersive pulses are particularly suited for time-of-flight measurements, thickness measurements, crack measurements and the like. The elongate strip helps to separate the transducer from a potentially hostile environment associated with the object under test. The elongate strip also has a large area of contact with the object under test allowing efficient transmission of energy into the object under test.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: IMPERIAL INNOVATIONS LIMITEDInventor: IMPERIAL INNOVATIONS LIMITED
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Patent number: 8408064Abstract: A distributed acoustic wave detection system and method is provided. The system may include a fiber optic cable deployed in a well and configured to react to pressure changes resulting from a propagating acoustic wave and an optical source configured to launch interrogating pulses into the fiber optic cable. In addition, the system may include a receiver configured to detect coherent Rayleigh noise produced in response to the interrogating pulses. The CRN signal may be use to track the propagation of the acoustic wave in the well.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Arthur H. Hartog, Douglas Miller, Kamal Kader, Gareth P. Lees, Graeme Hilton, Stephen Mullens
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Patent number: 8402828Abstract: A macromolecular docking event between a macromolecule of a first type (e.g. an antibody) and a macromolecule of a complementary type (e.g., an antigen) may be detected by dispersing macromolecules of the first type in a microscopic test region within an aqueous test volume and introducing at least one macromolecule of the complementary type into the microscopic test region. When the complementary macromolecule docks with one of the macromolecules of the first type, micro-acoustic radiation propagating through the microscopic test region is detected and the micro-acoustic wave emitted by the macromolecular docking is identified. Methods and apparatuses for detecting macromolecular docking events in such a manner are described.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Inventor: William J. Peria
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Publication number: 20130068028Abstract: An in-line inspection tool is disclosed for inspecting the wall of a pipeline while traveling therethrough. The in-line inspection tool may include a transmitter, a signal generator, one or more receivers, and a decoder. The signal generator may generate a pseudorandom signal, generate an inspection signal, and drive the transmitter with a convolution of the pseudorandom signal and the inspection signal. The transmitter may transmit the convoluted signal to the wall of the pipeline. One or more receivers may receive from the wall of the pipeline a received signal comprising at least one of the convoluted signal and a reflection of the convoluted signal. The decoder may identify the inspection signal within the received signal by cross correlating the received signal and the pseudorandom signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: PURE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.Inventor: PURE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
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Publication number: 20130047731Abstract: A system and method for providing laser generated ultrasound technique utilizing superimposed line sources is presented. The system and method can generate narrowband Lamb waves with a dominant wavelength by superimposing signals of line sources at the pitch corresponding to the desired wavelength. The superposition can be performed in software after data are collected to permit flexibility in the wavelength selected. Selecting the dominant wavelength in signals can reduce signal complexity and the speeds and frequencies of wave modes with the selected wavelength can be determined through dispersion curves. One or more additional techniques including, but not limited to, two-dimensional Fourier transforms and wavelet analysis can be used to further reduce the complexity of the signals. The system and method can be used, for example, for defect detection in thin plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Ifeanyi Charles UME, Tsun-Yen WU
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Patent number: 8356517Abstract: An integrated transducer device includes an optical transducer and an acoustic transducer integrally joined with the optical transducer. The acoustic transducer includes a membrane responsive to acoustic signals, the membrane being aligned with the optical transducer such that optical signals emitted or received by the optical transducer pass through the membrane. A propagation direction of the acoustic signals emitted or received by the acoustic transducer is collinear with a propagation direction of the optical signals emitted or received by the optical transducer.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Avago Technologies Wireless IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Osvaldo Buccafusca, David Martin
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Patent number: 8354842Abstract: A segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer capable of generating a high frequency shear wave in a structure such as a rod or a pipe, a structural fault diagnosing apparatus including the segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer, and a method of operating the segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer are shown. The segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer includes a plurality of magnetostrictive patches attached along a circumference of a rod member; a plurality of insulators that are disposed on the magnetostrictive patches; a plurality of meander coils, each of the meander coils comprising a plurality of coil lines extending along the circumference direction of the rod member on each of the insulators, wherein a current flows through adjacent coil lines in opposite directions to one another; and a plurality of magnets that respectively form a magnetic field along the circumferential direction of the rod member on the magnetostrictive patches.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: SNU R&DB FoundationInventors: Hoe Woong Kim, Young Eui Kwon, Yoon Young Kim
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Patent number: 8342028Abstract: Disclosed is a photoacoustic measurement apparatus that irradiates a light beam onto a subject, from a same side as that of an acoustic wave detector, and that measures photoacoustic waves. The photoacoustic measurement apparatus has: an acoustic wave detector; a diffraction grating member provided in front of a detection surface of the detector; a light source that generates a light beam; and an optical system that guides the light beam from the light source towards the diffraction grating member. The diffraction grating member is configured such that the light beam led to the diffraction grating member is outputted by the diffraction grating member towards a subject surface that opposes the detection surface of the detector. As a result, light beams can strike a biological body in a near-perpendicular angle. This affords greater illumination efficiency, and allows light of substantial light energy to be irradiated deep inside biological structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeru Ichihara, Takahiro Masumura, Shuichi Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20120304774Abstract: A laser beam having a single wavelength emitted from a laser light source is converted at a wavelength shifter into a laser beam having at least two wavelengths, which is further demultiplexed at a beam splitter into a laser beam having a first wavelength and a laser beam having a second wavelength. The output power and pulse width of the laser beam having the first wavelength are adjusted by a first controller so as to reach levels appropriate for generating ultrasonic vibrations without causing damage to an inspection object. The output power and pulse width of the laser beam having the second wavelength are adjusted by a second controller so as to reach appropriate levels for detecting the above-described ultrasonic vibrations. These laser beams are multiplexed by a multiplexer into a single laser beam to be focused onto a surface of the inspection object.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventor: Masahito Ishioka
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Patent number: 8322219Abstract: An in-line inspection tool is disclosed for inspecting the wall of a pipeline while traveling therethrough. The in-line inspection tool may include a transmitter, a signal generator, one or more receivers, and a decoder. The signal generator may generate a pseudorandom signal, generate an inspection signal, and drive the transmitter with a convolution of the pseudorandom signal and the inspection signal. The transmitter may transmit the convoluted signal to the wall of the pipeline. One or more receivers may receive from the wall of the pipeline a received signal comprising at least one of the convoluted signal and a reflection of the convoluted signal. The decoder may identify the inspection signal within the received signal by cross correlating the received signal and the pseudorandom signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Pure Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Philip M. Hoyt
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Patent number: 8316715Abstract: The invention is a vibration sensor with a carrying element capable of being set into vibration; a conversion device having a field coil to set and/or tap the carrying element into vibration; an anchor mounted in the field coil; and, a vibration element to transmit the vibrations from the carrying element into/from a surrounding space. The anchor is designed as two parts, having a permanent magnet and a coil core connected to the field coil, with an air gap arranged therebetween and lying in the area of the axial extension of the field coil. The permanent magnet is connected to the carrying element to transmit vibrations; and, the field coil and the permanent magnet are arranged to interact in such a way that any vibration of the permanent magnet induces current flow in the field coil and/or induces vibration of the permanent magnet in the field coil.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KGInventors: Joern Jacob, Holger Gruhler, Josef Fehrenbach, Martin Mellert, Frank Becherer
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Patent number: 8312773Abstract: A laser ultrasonic device is disclosed. The laser ultrasonic device comprises an ultrasonic generation system capable of generating ultrasonic waves on a surface of a sample, said system comprising a first collection of optical fiber output ends arranged in a first pattern.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Pavel Alexeyevich Fomitchov