Sensing Apparatus Patents (Class 73/649)
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Publication number: 20080271536Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing flow noise of a motor vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a blast nozzle device having at least one blast nozzle, and a transport device. The blast nozzle device is designed for the targeted impingement of the outer skin of the motor vehicle by air flow, and the transport device is designed such that the blast nozzle device and the motor vehicle may be moved relative to one another. A microphone array is positioned in the interior of the motor vehicle and measures the flow noise in the interior of the motor vehicle. The microphone array is preferably a spherical array. The flow noise in the interior of the motor vehicle generated by the air flow is measured by use of the microphone array.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Juergen OCHS
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Patent number: 7443766Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a seismic sensor element and a shell. The shell at least partially surrounds the sensor element to shield the sensor element from a magnetic field that is generated outside of the shell.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.Inventors: Harvey Ray Grimes, Francis Maissant
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Patent number: 7434468Abstract: A porosity reference standard for ultrasonic inspection of composite materials includes a right prism manufactured from a solid isotropic material and a porosity created within the right prism. The porosity reference standard may be a glass block that encloses a plurality of simulated voids created through laser etching. The porosity reference standard may be manufactured by using a sub surface laser engraving process. By creating a porosity within the glass block, the level of the porosity can be exactly determined and is spatially constant over a desired area within the glass block. The laser-etched porosity reference standard is suitable for, but not limited to, ultrasonic porosity inspection of composite laminate parts, such as wings, empennage and fuselage skins, sub-skin structures, frames stringer, and shear ties, used in the aircraft airframe industry, both commercial and defense.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Edward L. Puckett
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Patent number: 7430914Abstract: A vibration analysing device for determining the vibrational response of a structural element, comprising: a vibration sensor for providing an output in response to a force input imparted to the structural element; processing means adapted to determine one of a plurality of classifications in response to the output, each classification corresponding to a condition of the structural element; and display means for displaying the determined classification.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Mitsui Babcock (US) LLCInventors: David Hamilton Mitchell, Ian Alexander Hutchison
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Publication number: 20080223138Abstract: There is provided an oscillation type gyro sensor including an oscillation gyro device, an oscillation circuit, a controller, and an impedance conversion circuit. The oscillation gyro device includes a piezoelectric device including a drive electrode and a detection electrode, oscillates according to a drive signal input to the drive electrode, and is capable of generating an output signal including a detection signal corresponding to a Coriolis force from the detection electrode. The oscillation circuit outputs, based on the output signal, a signal for oscillating the oscillation gyro device to the drive electrode as the drive signal. The controller controls the oscillation circuit such that the oscillation circuit outputs a drive signal that makes the output signal constant. To the impedance conversion circuit, the drive signal output from the oscillation circuit is input.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Kazuo Kurihara
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Publication number: 20080216578Abstract: A vibration assembly includes a container, a vibration member containing a hollow portion with a bottom, at least two support members, a magnetic body, a coil having a spool axis, and a diaphragm that is attached to the container. Each of the support members has a flat and corrugated configuration. An end of the one of the support members is bonded to a portion of an edge portion of the hollow portion of the vibration member. The other end of the one of the support members is fixed to a portion of an upper edge of the container. An end of the other support member is bonded to the other portion of the edge portion of the hollow portion of the vibration member. The other end of the other support member is fixed to the other portion of the upper edge of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicants: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS JAPAN, INC., SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Kouichiro Takashima, Shun Kayama, Tsutomu Takahashi, Yukiko Shimizu, Hideki Okii, Takashi Sawada
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Patent number: 7420876Abstract: An obstacle sensor includes: a supersonic sensor for detecting an obstacle in a first range, the supersonic sensor including a substrate, a transmission device and a reception device disposed on the substrate; a detection element for detecting the obstacle in a second range; and a case. The reception device includes multiple reception elements. At least a part of the first range of the supersonic sensor is different from the second range of the detection element. The supersonic sensor and the detection element are disposed in the case.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Makiko Sugiura
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Publication number: 20080202246Abstract: A vibration detecting device comprises an electric field changing unit that changes an electric field using the vibration of an object to be measured, an electric field detecting unit that detects the electric field changed by the electric field changing unit, and a converting unit that converts the variation in the electric field into waveform data.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventor: Tetsuya Suzuki
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Publication number: 20080199828Abstract: An irregular defect of a dental implant is examined. The dental implant is excited first to obtain vibration responses. The vibration responses is received by accelerometer or sensor to be processed into a resonance frequency diagram. Through the diagram and the position of the accelerometer or sensor, stability of the whole structure and the defect position are diagnosed for evaluation. The present invention can be also applied to implants other than the dental implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: National Central UniversityInventors: Min-Chun Pan, Han-Bo Zhuang, Shyh-Yuan Lee
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Publication number: 20080184803Abstract: A plurality of sound sensors is disposed in a space of interest. Each sensor comprises a light-emitting output. Each sensor can be positioned at a specific location, such as at an ear location for a seated listener. An excitation source can provide a specified acoustical energy stimulus to the space. A user can obtain a visual impression of acoustical response of the space corresponding to the sound sensors' positions. An image acquisition system can acquire an image of the sound sensors responding to a stimulus. Acquired images can be analyzed to determine response characteristics. A presentation system can provide a display of response characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventor: Charles G. Seagrave
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Hit command processing system, operation system for electronic instrument, and electronic instrument
Publication number: 20080184797Abstract: A hit command processing system for an electronic instrument includes: an angular velocity sensor; an analog processing circuit which receives the analog signal output from the angular velocity sensor, converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal as a rotational angular velocity value; a hit input detection section which receives the rotational angular velocity value output from the analog processing circuit, and determines whether or not a hit input is performed to an electronic instrument based on a change in the rotational angular velocity value; and a hit command execution section which executes a command associated with the hit input when the hit input detection section has determined that the hit input has been performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Kazuo Kawaguchi -
Publication number: 20080168841Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a case having a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom. The case has a piezoelectric element provided on the bottom, and a cushion member is engaged with a side portion of an opening of the case. A substrate and pin terminals are engaged in and held by a holding portion of the cushion member. On the substrate, electrodes that are connected to the pin terminals are provided. An opening portion is provided in a top surface of the cushion member. Lead wires that are electrically connected to the piezoelectric element extend out from the opening portion and are connected to the electrodes. The inside of the case is filled with an elastic resin from the opening portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2008Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Kenji MATSUO
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Publication number: 20080168840Abstract: Sensors for monitoring shock or vibration of an object are provided. The sensors include a proof mass, at least piezoelectric device, and an electronic circuit connected to the piezoelectric device. The piezoelectric device generates a current when the proof mass imparts a force on the piezoelectric device in response to the proof mass being subjected to a transient acceleration when the object is subjected to a shock or vibration. The electronic circuit is at least partially controlled in response to the current generated from the piezoelectric device due to the shock or vibration. Embodiments of the sensor provide multi-axis sensing capabilities. Methods of making the sensors and flexible circuits are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONInventors: Charles Erklin Seeley, Eladio Clemente Delgado
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Publication number: 20080163689Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic piezoelectric acoustic sensor (EMPAS). The sensor comprises a piezoelectric sensor plate spaced apart from an induced dynamic electromagnetic field, such as from an electromagnetic coil through which AC current flows. The electromagnetic field induces vibration in the sensor plate by fluctuating the aligned dipole moments of the piezoelectric material. Changes on the surface of the sensor plate can be detected by variation in resonance frequency of the sensor plate. The invention represents an improvement over conventional sensor methodologies in that no metallization of the sensor surface is required, and no permanent magnet is needed. The sensor may be used to detect absorption of molecules or biomolecular interactions between probe and target molecules.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: SENSORCHEM INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Thompson, Scott Ballantyne
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Publication number: 20080148857Abstract: Sticking of a substrate occurs in a reaction chamber for processing the substrate placed on a surface of a substrate-supporting device provided with lift pins for moving the substrate up and down with respect to the surface of the substrate-supporting device. A method of detecting the occurrence of the sticking of the substrate includes: monitoring a vibration propagating in or through the reaction chamber by a sensor, which vibration is indicative of or specific to sticking of the substrate on the surface of the substrate-supporting device when being moved up from the surface of the substrate-supporting device with the lift pins; and initiating a pre-designated sequence if the vibration is detected while processing the substrate in the reaction chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: ASM JAPAN K.K.Inventors: Kazunori Furukawahara, Katsutoshi Ishigami
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Publication number: 20080148858Abstract: A frequency measuring device measures a natural frequency of a reactor jet pump sensing line supported by a sensing line support bracket in a nuclear reactor. The frequency measuring device includes a base member, a sensing line clamp attached to the base member that attaches to the sensing line support bracket, and at least one actuator attached to the base member. The actuator is positioned relative to the sensing line when the sensing line clamp is attached to the sensing line so that the actuator can strike the sensing line. A proximity probe attached to the base member measures vibration of the sensing line and outputs a vibration signal. A processor receives and processes the vibration signal from the proximity probe to determine the natural frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Kasik, Swaminathan H. Sundaram
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Patent number: 7387027Abstract: A method for characterizing one or more properties of a sample using acoustic waveforms is disclosed, and comprises directing a sequence of at least three optical pulses to the sample to generate an acoustic response in the sample at a frequency corresponding to the pulse sequence, varying the timing of one or more of the pulses in the sequence to vary the frequency of the acoustic response in the sample, and measuring the strength of the acoustic response as a function of the varied frequency to determine information about the sample.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Jaime D. Choi, Benjamin Paxton, Thomas Feurer, Masashi Yamaguchi, Keith A. Nelson
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Publication number: 20080134793Abstract: A modular sensor assembly and methods of fabricating a modular sensor assembly are provided. The modular sensor assembly includes a sensor array coupled to an electronics array in a stacked configuration. The sensor array comprises a plurality of sensor modules, each comprising a plurality of sensor sub-arrays. The electronics array comprises a plurality of integrated circuit modules, each comprising a plurality of integrated circuit chips. The sensor modules may be coupled to the electronics modules via flip chip technology.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Charles Gerard Woychik, Rayette Ann Fisher, David Martin Mills, Scott Cogan, David Richard Esler, Robert Gideon Wodnicki, Jeffrey Scott Erlbaum
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Publication number: 20080121042Abstract: The invention relates to fluid paths in etchable materials. Fluid paths are formed by forming a cavity through a substrate material with a first dry removal process to produce a first surface of the cavity. The first surface of the cavity is associated with a first roughness. The first surface of the cavity is etched with a second wet removal process to reduce the first roughness and produce a second roughness associated with the first surface of the cavity. A coating is applied to the first surface of the cavity to produce a second surface to improve wettability of the first or second surface of the cavity, reduce in size or number gas nucleation sites in the first or second surface of the cavity, reduce the amount of debris associated with the first roughness carried by the fluid flow, and/or improve hydrophilicity of the first or second surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: BioScale, Inc.Inventors: Michael Miller, Brett P. Masters, Martin Schmidt
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Patent number: 7377171Abstract: A velocity transducer or Velomitor® that can output electrical signals relating to vibration, despite the transducer being exposed to low levels of gamma-radiation, is disclosed. A DC feedback circuit, which sets up the input stage bias point, keeps the output bias voltage within a usable voltage range as the transducer is exposed to the gamma-radiation. An additional JFET transistor, configured as a current source, helps the DC feedback circuit compensate for increases in the offset voltage of the JFET amplifier. The value of a resistor controlling the gate current of the JFET amplifier is also reduced, such that when the leakage current increases, the offset voltage is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Frederick Glesius
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Publication number: 20080115582Abstract: A method for evaluating feeling of hitting of a golf club, includes: measuring vibration of a golf club appearing in a circumferential direction of a shaft when a golf ball is hit by the golf club having the three-axis accelerometer attached to the shaft by a three-axis accelerometer; analyzing the vibration of the golf club along the circumferential direction of the shaft measured by the three-axis accelerometer by a hand-arm vibration measurement filter; and evaluating feeling of hitting of the golf club in accordance with a result of analysis of vibration of the golf club appearing along the circumferential direction of the shaft by the hand-arm vibration measurement filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.Inventors: Fumiaki SATO, Wataru BAN
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Patent number: 7372279Abstract: A power generator unit condition monitoring system can receive a frequency profile generated by a frequency generating component and can transmit the received frequency to a frequency profile analyzer. The frequency profile analyzer analyzes the transmitted frequency profile and compares the profile against a database. The database can stores normal and abnormal frequency profiles.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.Inventor: Edward D. Thompson
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Publication number: 20080105056Abstract: A system that detects vibrations from a mechanical component, such as a disk drive. The system includes an excitation rod, a membrane, and a microphone. During operation, the mechanical component is coupled to the excitation rod which is coupled to the membrane, so that vibrations from the mechanical component are mechanically coupled through the excitation rod to the membrane. The membrane then converts the mechanical vibrations into acoustic waves that are transmitted through a medium. The microphone detects the acoustic waves in the medium and converts the acoustic waves into signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: George Popescu, Kenny C. Gross, Aleksey M. Urmanov
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Patent number: 7367269Abstract: A method for measuring the movement of boundaries between different portions of a heterogeneous rock body is disclosed. The method comprises placing a plurality of blast movement monitors 109 in a rock body prior to blasting and noting the position of each blast movement monitor. The rock body is then blasted to break it up into a plurality of pieces. Thereafter the position of the blast movement monitors 109 is located and based on this the boundaries of rock portions can be adjusted to account for the blast. This leads to a more accurate reporting of different ore bodies to the appropriate processor in a heterogeneous rock body. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises broadly a said monitor 109 and a receiver. The monitor 1 comprises a transmitter 109 received within a casing 111 that in turn is received within a housing 126. Further the casing 111 can move within the housing 126 and self right so that it always transmits its signal in an upright direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: University of QueenslandInventors: David Mario La Rosa, Darren Mark Thornton, Michael Wortley
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Publication number: 20080089180Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer of a capacitance type includes a pair of electrodes disposed to be opposed to each other and a vibration film including one of the pair of electrodes. The ultrasonic transducer includes n (n is a natural number equal to or larger than 1) air gap layers interposed between the pair of electrodes and m (m is a natural number equal to or larger than 1) insulating layers interposed between the pair of electrodes. In the ultrasonic transducer, a following Formula (1) is satisfied: d1?{?dn+?(tm/Km)}/3 ??(1) where, dn indicates a thickness of an nth air gap layer, d1 indicates a thickness of an air gap layer for allowing the vibration film to vibrate, tm indicates a thickness of an mth insulating layer, and Km indicates a dielectric constant of the mth insulating layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.Inventors: Kazuya Matsumoto, Mamoru Hasegawa, Ryo Ohta, Hideo Adachi, Katsuhiro Wakabayashi
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Publication number: 20080088846Abstract: An improved technique for acoustic sensing involves, in one embodiment, launching into a medium, a plurality of groups of pulse-modulated electromagnetic-waves. The frequency of electromagnetic waves in a pulse within a group differs from the frequency of the electromagnetic waves in another pulse within the group. The energy scattered by the medium is detected and, in one embodiment, may be used to determine a characteristic of the environment of the medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2006Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventors: Justin Hayward, Andrew B. Lewis, Stuart Russell
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Patent number: 7357030Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for determining at least one characteristic of an environment are disclosed. A vibrational energy may be imparted into an environment and a magnitude of damping of the vibrational energy may be measured and at least one characteristic of the environment may be determined. Particularly, a vibratory source may be operated and coupled to an environment. At least one characteristic of the environment may be determined based on a shift in at least one steady-state frequency of oscillation of the vibratory source. An apparatus may include at least one vibratory source and a structure for positioning the at least one vibratory source proximate to an environment. Further, the apparatus may include an analysis device for determining at least one characteristic of the environment based at least partially upon shift in a steady-state oscillation frequency of the vibratory source for the given impetus.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2004Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Stephen R. Novascone, Phillip B. West, Michael J. Anderson
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Patent number: 7357031Abstract: A precision sensor assembly for rotating members in a machine tool comprises a rotor unit (16) rigidly fixed to a rotor portion (2a) of the machine tool and including a sensor (5) for detecting vibrations produced by the operation of the machine tool, the sensor (5) comprising a piezoelectric sensitive element (6) and members (7, 8) for mechanical amplification of the vibrations. The members (7, 8) comprise at least one resonant system composed of an elastic element (8) and a counter-mass (7) acting on the piezoelectric sensitive element (6). The rotor and stator units (16, 17) comprise inductively coupled transmitting and receiving elements (10, 11) for transferring the signals from the piezoelectric element (6) contactless to the stator unit (17). The stator unit (17) may include an electric amplifier (13) for further amplifying the transmitted signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Balance Systems S.r.l.Inventors: Gianni Trionfetti, Andrea Guidotti
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Publication number: 20080072676Abstract: A vibration sensor includes a housing and elastic metal member; the elastic metal member traveling in an accommodation space of the housing while simultaneously contracting or not contacting two contact plates; the vibration sensor being connected at where between a source device and an electronic device; an external force is applied to hit the elastic metal member for it to travel and contact both contact plates to transmit the power from the source device to the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventor: Chen-Fu Peng
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Publication number: 20080066554Abstract: A portal barrier movement alarm includes an apparatus having (a) a first assembly adapted for attachment to the moveable portal barrier; (b) a second assembly adapted for attachment spaced apart from but proximate to the moveable portal barrier; (c) and a vibration inducing ridge and a vibratable prong, the vibratable prong having a vibratable free end, one of the vibration inducing ridge and the vibratable prong being attached to the first assembly and the other of the vibration inducing ridge and the vibratable prong being attached to the second assembly such that the movement of the first assembly with respect to the second assembly causes the vibratable prong to contact the vibration inducing ridge and to thereby cause the vibratable prong to vibrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventor: Steven D. Root
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Patent number: 7343804Abstract: An acoustic wave sensor system, comprising a plurality of acoustic wave sensing devices for detecting a multiplicity of varying conditions wherein each acoustic wave sensina device among the plurality of acoustc wave sensing devices is an independent component for detecting at least one condition of the multiplicty of varying conditions and a common interrogation component that communicates with each acoustic wave sensing device among the plurality of acoustic wave sensor devices for providing an interrogation signal to each acoustic wave sensing device thereof. A transmitter and receiver unit can also be provided that communicates with the common interrogation component and the plurality of acoustic wave sensing devices and which transmits an interrogation signal from the common interrogation component to the at least one acoustic wave sensing device among the plurality of acoustic wave sensing devices and which receives sensor data from at least one acoustic wave sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: James Z T Liu, Steven J. Magee
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Publication number: 20080053234Abstract: A method of identifying a flaw in a part is provided that includes vibrating a part to induce heat. The heat originates in any flaws in the part. A thermal image is obtained using, for example, an infrared camera. A mathematical representation of the thermophysics, such as the heat conduction or thermal energy equations using the boundary element method or finite element method is used to identify a source and an intensity of the heat identified with the thermal image. Using the source and intensity of the heat, flaw characteristics for the part can be determined. The method is employed using an inspection system that includes a vibration device for vibrating the part. An imaging device, such as an infrared camera, measures temperature on the surface of the part. An assumption is made or additional measurements are taken to obtain values for surface flux or surface heat transfer coefficients. A processor communicates with the imaging device for receiving the surface temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Alexander Staroselsky, Thomas J. Martin, Carroll V. Sidwell, Zhong Ouyang, Kevin D. Smith
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Publication number: 20080041162Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring vibration levels in rotatable machinery (52). In one embodiment, a system (50) includes a source (66) for generating coherent radiation (70) and a first partially transmissive, partially reflective device (90) positioned to receive radiation (70) from the source (66) and transmit a part of the radiation there through. A second partially transmissive, partially reflective device (100) is mounted to the machinery (52), positioned to reflect a first signal (72) and transmit radiation (70) transmitted by the first device (90). A third device 104) is mounted to the machinery (52) and positioned to reflect radiation transmitted through the second device to provide a second signal (78).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2006Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventor: Michael Twerdochlib
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Publication number: 20080041161Abstract: A velocity transducer or Velomitor® that can output electrical signals relating to vibration, despite the transducer being exposed to low levels of gamma-radiation, is disclosed. A DC feedback circuit, which sets up the input stage bias point, keeps the output bias voltage within a usable voltage range as the transducer is exposed to the gamma-radiation. An additional JFET transistor, configured as a current source, helps the DC feedback circuit compensate for increases in the offset voltage of the JFET amplifier. The value of a resistor controlling the gate current of the JFET amplifier is also reduced, such that when the leakage current increases, the offset voltage is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2006Publication date: February 21, 2008Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: Frederick Glesius
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Publication number: 20070283758Abstract: A sensor includes: a receiver that receives signals sent from outside; a first converter that converts signals received by the receiver into acoustic waves; a second converter that converts the acoustic waves propagating along a predetermined area into signals; a transmitter that transmits the signals that are output from the second converter; and an attachment that is attached to a propagation path of the acoustic waves on the predetermined area, that undergoes an irreversible change in response to an environmental change and that changes the propagation characteristics of the acoustic waves on the predetermined area due to this change.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2006Publication date: December 13, 2007Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Funo, Masao Watanabe, Kiyoshi Iida, Ryota Mizutani, Yasuaki Konishi
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Publication number: 20070283760Abstract: A vibration sensor includes casing, substrate, and elastic metal piece; two electrode areas separated by a separation zone being provided on the substrate; a vibration contact being provided on the separation zone; placement being executed by the metal piece on the substrate to contact or not to contact both electrode areas and produce connection or disconnection at the vibration contacts for selecting to turn on or off a power source and an electronic device connected to the vibration sensor and producing intermittent conduction by means of the sensor built in an objectType: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2006Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventor: Chen-Fu Peng
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Publication number: 20070272023Abstract: An electronic sensor is disclosed. The electronic sensor includes a processor, a processor memory coupled to the processor, and at least one input/output block in communication with the processor and with at least one external component monitor. The sensor further includes one or more accelerometers in communication with the processor and coupled directly to at least one component, the one or more accelerometers sensing one or more mechanical vibrations from the at least one component, and the one or more mechanical vibrations oscillating below 1 MHz. The processor compares the one or more mechanical vibrations with a plurality of vibration samples programmed into the processor memory, each vibration sample specific to at least one sensor application.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2006Publication date: November 29, 2007Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Dwyer, Dean R. Hellickson
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Patent number: 7299698Abstract: The present vibration test module enables a test engineer in the field of vibration test systems to precisely implement a vibration environment that is applicable to a wide range of applications and performance characteristics. The vibration test module comprises adjustable vibration shaping elements that collectively function to enable the user to program the frequency and magnitude of the vibrations that are produced by the vibration test system. This energy redistribution is accomplished by providing tuned vibration absorbers, consisting of a bouncing mass enclosed in a housing having walls that are elastic and/or spring mounted and/or adjustable in position, which enable the test engineer to precisely shape the frequency response of the vibrating system by causing broad band vibration to be generated in the vibration test system by the series of impacts of the mass with the walls of its enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventor: Gregg K. Hobbs
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Patent number: 7299699Abstract: A composite system includes a first component, for instance of metal, and a second component extending at least partly through the first component along an imaginary longitudinal axis of the composite system. The second component contacts, with an at least partially curved, especially cylindrical, outer surface, an inner surface of the first component flushly such that the first component at least sectionally, at least partly, grips around the second component. Joining surfaces of the composite system, which are formed by the mutually contacting surfaces of the two components, are formed in such a manner that the two components exhibit contour portions in the area of these joining surfaces embodied as self-closing, peripheral surfaces. The contour portions fit at least partly into one another, to form a mechanical interference locking effective, at least in part, likewise in the direction of the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventor: Rainer Lorenz
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Publication number: 20070266792Abstract: A head of an ultrasonic probe is formed by joining a flexible sheet holding a plurality of ultrasonic transducers to a curved surface of a support. Concave-convex shapes (concave-convex surfaces) are provided on the curved surface of the support and a joining surface of the flexible sheet. The concave-convex surfaces correspond to each other, and are engaged with each other to determine relative positions of the flexible sheet and the support when they are joined. Each of grooves on the concave-convex surface is positioned between adjacent ultrasonic transducers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Atsushi Oosawa
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Patent number: 7293463Abstract: In an acoustoelectric converter element, a light wave from a light source is introduced into a first optical waveguide of a vibration substrate, and diffracted by a diffraction grating disposed on the first optical waveguide. The diffracted light is directed to and detected by a photo detector. Here, the vibration substrate is so supported as to vibrate with respect to an acoustic wave. Therefore, the diffracted light detected by the photo detector is modulated by the acoustic wave, and a signal is output from the detector in accordance with the acoustic wave.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Kazuhiro Suzuki, Hideyuki Funaki, Yoshinori Iida, Yujiro Naruse
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Patent number: 7293462Abstract: A device comprising an array of sensors and a multiplicity of bus lines, each sensor being electrically connected to a respective bus line and comprising a respective multiplicity of groups of micromachined sensor cells, the sensor cell groups of a particular sensor being electrically coupled to each other via the bus line to which that sensor is connected, each sensor cell group comprising a respective multiplicity of micromachined sensor cells that are electrically interconnected to each other and not switchably disconnectable from each other, the device further comprising means for isolating any one of the sensor cell groups from its associated bus line and in response to any one of the micromachined sensor cells of that sensor cell group being short-circuited to ground. In one implementation, the isolating means comprise a multiplicity of fuses.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Warren Lee, David Martin Mills, Glenn Scott Claydon, Kenneth Wayne Rigby, Wei-Cheng Tian, Ye-Ming Li, Jie Sun, Lowell Scott Smith, Stanley Chienwu Chu, Sam Yie-Sum Wong, Hyon-Jin Kwon
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Patent number: 7292501Abstract: Systems and methods for locating the shooter of supersonic projectiles are described. Muzzle blast signals are neither sought nor required. The system uses at least two sensors, with each sensor having a 3-axis accelerometer. The sensors are spaced apart at least 1 meter and have each a diameter of about one centimeter. The three accelerometer signals of each sensor represent pressure gradients and are processed to find the shockwave arrival angle unit vector, the shockwave arrival time instant and peak pressure. Noise signals seldom cause false detections with this sensing method because the sensors have maximum sensitivity at the high frequency characteristics of shockwaves, while their sensitivity to the low frequency characteristics of ambient noise is relatively low.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: BBN Technologies Corp.Inventor: James E. Barger
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Patent number: 7287431Abstract: A wireless oil filter sensing system includes an oil filter and a sensing mechanism that is connectable to the oil filter. The sensing mechanism includes one or more acoustic wave sensing elements and at least one antenna that communicate with the acoustic wave sensing element(s). An external interrogation system could excite the acoustic wave sensing element(s) wireless and passively. When the acoustic wave sensing elements are in contact with oil contained in the oil filter, the acoustic wave sensing elements detect acoustic waves associated with the oil in response to an excitation of the acoustic wave sensing elements, thereby generating data indicative of the quality of the oil for wireless transmission through the antenna(s).Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: James Z T Liu, Michael L. Rhodes, Aziz Rahman
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Publication number: 20070245828Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration test method for evaluating the vibration resistance of a specimen, comprising a test specification setting step (S10) of determining reference vibration conditions for the specimen based on transport conditions during actual transportation; a reference value attainment step (S20) of calculating an amplitude level and a reference accumulated fatigue value of the specimen under the reference vibration conditions; a test condition determination step (S30) of determining test vibration conditions and a test time based on an allowable amplification factor of the amplitude level and a desired vibration time, so that an accumulated fatigue value which is calculated from the vibration detection value of the specimen satisfies the reference accumulated fatigue value; and a vibration-imparting step (S40) of vibrating the specimen based on the test vibration conditions and the test time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2006Publication date: October 25, 2007Applicants: OSAKA PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT, IMV CORPORATIONInventors: Takamasa Nakajima, Kazuki Tsuda, Zenji Sakai, Kazuyoshi Ueno, Masakazu Shirahoshi, Koji Kawata, Yoshikado Yamauchi
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Patent number: 7282822Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for sensing and indicating permanent state deviations via detection of temporary inner material oscillations in real time in parts of importance for hardware design and construction, within existing production equipment, e.g. machinery, and/or monitoring of previously built-up infrastructure. One or more at least approximately 20 ?m thick amorphous or nanocrystalline band elements with high permeability and relatively high magnetostriction are applied to a pertinent part, the band element or elements, respectively, being at least partially surrounded by a multi-turn coil, such atomic movements (oscillations) as occur in any optional such state deviation in the part being transferred to the band element/elements. The deviation either gives rise to a clearly measurable and detectable magnetic flow change (dB/dt) in the coil in proportion to said atomic movements, or to a similarly measurable and detectable inductance change in the coil/coils.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Covial De vice ABInventor: Tord Cedell
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Publication number: 20070234811Abstract: The invention relates to a vibrating sensor with a diaphragm (2) that can be set into vibration; and with a transformer device (4) for setting the diaphragm (2) into vibration and/or for tapping a vibration S in the diaphragm; and with a vibrating body (3) and/or a diaphragm (2) in the form of a vibrating body, for transmitting the vibrations (S) of the diaphragm (2) to an ambient space (7) and/or for transmitting the vibrations (S) from an ambient space (7) to the diaphragm (2). The transformer device (4) exhibits a coil (8) and a bolt (6), such that the bolt (6) is connected to the diaphragm (2) in order to transmit the vibrations (S) to or from the diaphragm (2), and the coil (8) and the bolt (6) are positioned to so interact that a vibration (S) in the bolt (6) induces a flow of current in the coil (8) and/or a flow of current in the coil induces a magnetic field (B) and brings about a vibration in the bolt (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: October 11, 2007Applicant: VEGA Grieshaber KGInventors: Josef Fehrenbach, Martin Mellert
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Publication number: 20070220980Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis system includes an ultrasonic probe, which has an array of plural ultrasonic transducer elements, for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to an object, and for receiving an echo signal thereof to output a detection signal. A testing unit sets a testing mode, and operates in test operation of the plural ultrasonic transducer elements while the testing mode is set, so as to acquire a testing detection signal. There is a display panel. A display control unit controls the display panel to display information of the testing detection signal obtained for each of the ultrasonic transducer elements. Furthermore, the testing unit, when in a first inspection, drives the ultrasonic transducer elements together to obtain the testing detection signal, and when in a second inspection, drives the ultrasonic transducer elements by at least one element to obtain the testing detection signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2007Publication date: September 27, 2007Inventor: Toshizumi Tanaka
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Patent number: 7270007Abstract: A method of reducing vibration in equipment having first and second mechanically connected subassemblies is disclosed. A sensor is disposed on the first subassembly. A vibration from the sensor is recorded. The vibration is attributable to a composite mechanical operation of the first and second subassemblies of the equipment. The vibration data representative of the vibration is provided to a remote system for vibration analysis. A system for performing vibration analysis of equipment having first and second mechanically connected subassemblies is disclosed. A sensor is adapted for mounting to the first subassembly. The sensor is capable of recording a vibration attributed to a composite mechanical operation of the first and second subassemblies of the equipment. A recorder is coupled to the sensor. A vibration analyzer receives the vibration data and performs vibration analysis of the equipment from the vibration data.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Norman S. Serrano
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Patent number: 7267009Abstract: A multiple-mode acoustic wave sensor apparatus includes an acoustic wave device comprising a piezoelectric substrate and at least one electrode on the substrate. When such sensor is used in a wireless configuration, a plurality of antennas can be configured on the substrate in association with the acoustic wave device, wherein each antenna among the plurality of antennas is responsive to varying interrogation signals transmitted wirelessly to the plurality of antennas in order to excite multiple frequency modes via at least one interdigital transducer on the substrate and thereby passively detect multiple and varying parameters of a sensed material utilizing the acoustic wave device.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: James Z T Liu, Michael L. Rhodes, Aziz Rahman