Abstract: A load sensor having a centrally disposed aperture element through which a fastening element of a vehicle air suspension assembly passes to affix the load sensor between the vehicle air suspension assembly and the vehicle suspension, wherein the load sensor has a force measurement sensor disposed proximate an elongate slot to generate a load signal which varies based on an amount of strain in the load sensor, wherein the load signal received by a load calculator allows calculation of the load exerted from the vehicle frame to the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: A load sensor disposed between an air suspension assembly of a vehicle and a vehicle suspension, wherein the load sensor generates a load signal which varies based on an amount of force transferred from said vehicle frame to said vehicle suspension, wherein the load signal can be received by a load calculator to allow calculation of the load exerted from said vehicle frame to the vehicle suspension.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for aligning a reference axis of an accelerometer with a measurement axis of a machinery component. An adaptor including a mounting plate, a plate stud integrated within the mounting plate, and a screw can be coupled to an accelerometer to ensure proper alignment of the reference axis of the accelerometer with the measurement axis of the machinery component. Aligning the reference axis and the measurement axis using the adaptor ensures that the axial orientation of the vibration data collected by the accelerometer properly corresponds to the intended axis of measurement of the machinery component and thus allows for consistent, repeatable installations of the accelerometer onto the machinery component without introducing alignment errors which can generate erroneous vibration data with respect to one or more axes of measurement.

Abstract: A respiratory acoustic analysis system for sensing and analyzing respiratory sounds of a patient may include a High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) vest, at least one sensor coupled with the HFCWO vest, and an algorithm stored in a processor for processing sensed data from the at least one acoustic sensor to provide processed data describing the respiratory sounds of the patient, in a form that can be used by a physician or other user.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor unit is configured to sense particulate matter included in exhaust gas of a vehicle. The particulate matter sensor unit includes: a sensing unit sensing the particulate matter in the exhaust gas; a holding unit including a plurality of holders covering an exterior of the sensing unit, a front outer surface of each holder being formed by a tapered inclination outer surface; a shell having a hollow portion therein so that the holding unit is inserted and fitted into the shell, an inclination inner surface being formed in the hollow portion to correspond to the inclination outer surface; a cap unit installed in front of the shell to cover a sensing body of the sensing unit and guiding a flow of the exhaust gas to go through the sensing body; and a cover fixed to a rear end of the shell to support the holding unit.

Abstract: A method of determining a condition within a wellbore. The method comprises introducing a tubular member in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation, the tubular member comprising a downhole article including a deformable material disposed around a surface of the tubular member, electrically conductive elements dispersed within the deformable material. The method includes measuring at least one electrical property of the deformable material. At least one of water ingress into the wellbore or an amount of expansion of the deformable material is determined based on the at least one measured electrical property. Related downhole systems and other related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes at least one power tool having at least one sensor unit. The system further includes at least one mobile sensor device. The at least one mobile sensor device has at least one communication unit configured to communicate with the at least one power tool. The system further includes at least one computing unit configured to compare measurement data of the at least one sensor unit of the at least one power tool and of the at least one mobile sensor device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the contactless detection of laminated, flat objects, particularly sheet-like recording media. There is a galvanic separation and mechanical decoupling between the transmitter and receiver to improve detection. These measures can be further improved with correction characteristic methods.

Abstract: A phasing adder and an ultrasound probe are disclosed. According to one implementation, the phasing adder includes a delay charge transferring unit and a delay adding unit. The delay charge transferring unit obtains signal charge in an amount obtained without amplifying according to charge generated in each of a plurality of piezoelectric elements. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements includes a piezoelectric body to generate charge according to sound pressure of input ultrasound. The delay charge transferring unit holds the signal charge for a predetermined amount of time. The delay adding unit executes phasing adding of an amount of the signal charge held for the predetermined amount of time in the delay charge transferring unit.

Abstract: Provided is an object information acquiring apparatus having: a light source; a probe that converts an acoustic wave generated from an object, onto which light is irradiated from the light source, into a detection signal; and a signal processor that obtains characteristic information inside the object based on the detection signal, wherein the signal processor obtains the characteristic information using information regarding a characteristic structure of a measurement target inside the object.

Abstract: A detection circuit detects a signal output from an element that receives an acoustic wave. The detection circuit is configured so as not to conduct a detection operation during a period in which the element does not receive the acoustic wave.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement device includes an ultrasonic transducer device, a flexible substrate, and an integrated circuit device. The ultrasonic transducer device has an ultrasonic element array, and a plurality of signal terminals. In the flexible substrate, a plurality of signal lines are formed along a first direction. The integrated circuit device is mounted on the flexible substrate such that a long side direction is along a second direction. The integrated circuit device has a plurality of terminals arranged along the second direction, and a transmission circuit provided for each of the terminals to output a transmission signal. Each of the terminals of the integrated circuit device is connected to a corresponding one of the signal lines of the flexible substrate. A plurality of the transmission circuits are arranged along the second direction in a state in which the integrated circuit device is mounted on the flexible substrate.

Abstract: A method of matching sensors in a multi-probe blade vibration monitor for a turbine. The method includes providing at least two probes mounted in a casing of the turbine adjacent to a rotating blade structure of the turbine. Targets are provided on radially outer portions of the blade structure. Each of the probes includes a sensor generating signals corresponding to target passing events, and a set of synchronous harmonics of the rotational speed of the rotor are produced for each sensor. The position of the sensors is adjusted such that the sets of harmonics of the sensors are substantially matched, indicating that the positions of the sensors are matched.

Abstract: A planar probe for the coupling of ultrasonic signals to a planar component to be tested by means of water-free jet technology is provided. The planar probe includes: at least one preflow chamber; a flow chamber located downstream of at least one preflow chamber, wherein the flow chamber extends through a slot-shaped water outlet opening to a lower surface of the planar probe; a probe, wherein a lateral surface of the probe comprises emitting/receiving elements and forms an inner wall section of the flow chamber; a base body for the reception of the probe; and a sliding plate comprising the slot-shaped water outlet opening, whose planar extension along the component is larger than the planar extension of the base body along the component, wherein the planar probe is connected to the sliding plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the vibration of rotating blades, such as turbines, compressors, fans, or pumps, including sensing the return signal from projected energy and/or field changes from a plurality of sensors mounted on the machine housing. One or more of the sensors has a narrow field of measurement and the data is processed to provide the referenced time of arrival of each blade, and therefore the blade tip deflection due to vibration. One or more of the sensors has a wide field of measurement, providing a time history of the approaching and receding blades, and the data is processed to provide frequency content and relative magnitudes of the active mode(s) of blade vibration. By combining the overall tip deflection magnitude with the relative magnitudes of the active modes, the total vibratory stress state of the blade can be determined.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is provided. The ultrasonic probe includes an impact detection unit configured to electrically detect an impact applied to the ultrasonic probe, a power supply unit configured to supply power required for impact detection by the impact detection unit, and a storage unit configured to store information on the impact detected by the impact detection unit.

Abstract: A vibration sensor arrangement (1) includes a vibrating mass (5) in permanent mechanical contact with a first side (3) of a piezoelectric element (2). The vibrating mass (5) includes a water-proof capsule (6) in which the piezoelectric element (2) is fixed. A dead weight (7) is in permanent mechanical contact with a second side (4) of the piezoelectric element (2) and is arranged in the water-proof capsule (6). A spring (8) is arranged between the dead weight (7) and the vibrating mass (5) and ensures permanent mechanical contact of the two masses (5,7) with the two sides (3,4) of the piezoelectric element (2). The vibration sensor arrangement (1) further includes first and second electric contacts (9,10) for picking up electric signals which are generated by the piezoelectric element (2) and for forwarding the signals to a recording device (11).

Abstract: In a vibration information detection step, a probe is inserted into a food sample, and any one of the displacement, the velocity or the acceleration of a vibration occurring on the probe by the insertion is detected as vibration information (step S1). In a frequency band dividing step, the vibration information is divided by a band pass filter into individual pieces of vibration information in each of a plurality of frequency bands (step S2). In a food texture index calculation step, a food texture index value based on vibrational energy per unit time in each of the frequency bands is calculated using a computer from the vibration information in each of the frequency bands and the center frequency of the corresponding frequency band (step S3).

Abstract: A void detection system for detecting voids in fresh concrete is disclosed. The void detection system includes at least one probe disposed on a vibrator and adapted to detect voids in the fresh concrete, and an indicator in communication with the at least one probe and adapted to receive real-time data from the at least one probe. Upon receiving the real-time data, the indicator relays information to a user indicative of the fresh concrete's consolidation.

Abstract: A 3D tracking system is provided. The 3D tracking system includes at least one acoustic emission sensor disposed around an object. The acoustic emission sensor is configured to identify location of a probe inserted into the object based upon time of arrival of an acoustic signature emitted from a location on or near the probe. The 3D tracking system also includes a first sensor configured to detect an elevation of the probe. The 3D tracking system further includes a second sensor configured to detect an azimuth of the probe.

Abstract: An electronic microbalance made in a semiconductor body accommodating an oscillating circuit adjacent to a diaphragm. A stack formed by a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric region arranged between the first and the second electrode extends above the diaphragm. Any substance that deposits on the stack causes a change in the mass of the microbalance and thus in the resonance frequency of a resonator formed by the microbalance and by the oscillating circuit and can thus be detected electronically. A chemical sensor is obtained by forming a sensitive layer of a material suitable for binding to target chemicals on the stack. The sensitivity of the microbalance can be increased by making the first electrode of molybdenum so as to increase the piezoelectric characteristics of the piezoelectric region.

Abstract: A vibration dosimeter (2) for determining the vibrational loading of people includes a determination device (6) for determining the operating period duration, a calculation device (6) for calculating the permitted work time as a function of a tool-specific characteristic vibration value, a comparison device (6) for comparing the effective operating period duration with the permitted work time, and an interface (3) for reading in the characteristic vibration value from the tool (1).

Abstract: A cantilever for measuring intra-cellular and inter-cellular microspaces of the present invention includes a support portion, a lever portion provided to the support portion so as to protrude therefrom, and a probe portion provided near a free end of the lever portion. The probe portion includes a conductive probe made of a carbon-based material, and an insulating film to coat a periphery of the conductive probe.

Abstract: A method and a device for the contactless detection of laminated, flat objects, particularly sheet-like recording media. There is a galvanic separation and mechanical decoupling between the transmitter and receiver to improve detection. These measures can be further improved with correction characteristic methods.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is provided that is capable of preventing the probe's position from being displaced due to wire slippage on a drive pulley and a swing pulley while swinging. The ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic transducer unit emitting ultrasonic waves while swinging. Furthermore, a wire is attachable to the ultrasonic probe, which allows for the adjustment of a position angle of an ultrasonic transducer unit in swing operation without the use of a position angle sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring blade vibrations in a turbine engine having blade tip target portions associated with blades. An illumination conduit including a plurality of optical fibers conveys light from a light source to a transmission end of the optical fibers where the light is focused to define an axially elongated projected image. The blade tip target portions pass through the projected image and reflect light to a receptor array defined by receptor ends of a plurality of optical fibers forming an imaging conduit for conveying the reflected light to a sensor array. An imaging end of the imaging conduit radiates an image onto the sensor array that is identical to the reflected light image received at the receptor array to track tangential and axial movement of a predetermined point on the target portion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe has a plurality of modules joined at least along the elevation direction. The module has a plurality of first piezoelectric transducers having a first width with respect to the elevation direction. The module has at least one second piezoelectric transducer having a second width narrower than the first width with respect to the elevation direction. The second piezoelectric transducer is arranged at the module ends with respect to the elevation direction. The module is arranged in such a manner that the second piezoelectric transducer faces the second piezoelectric transducer of the adjacent module.

Abstract: An insulated accelerometer assembly is provided for attachment to a vibrated component. A base has a portion for engagement and connection with the vibrated component and to transmit vibration. An accelerometer senses vibration and is located at least partially within the base. A housing at least partially encloses the accelerometer and inhibits voltage discharge, corona damage, and voltage tracking on the accelerometer. The housing is made of an insulating material and has an interior for the accelerometer. The housing has a plurality of raised fins on the exterior. A mounting cap also inhibits voltage discharge, corona damage, and voltage tracking and secures the housing. The mounting cap is made of insulating material and has an exterior that includes a plurality of raised fins. A cable has an electrically conductive wire and has a shield to inhibit electrical noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound diagnostic system. The ultrasound diagnostic system includes a plurality of connectors. Each of the connectors has a signal transmitter to transmit an identification signal uniquely identifying the respective connector. The ultrasound diagnostic system further includes a plurality of probes. Each of the probes has a signal detector and an indicator assembly. In response to a connection of each of the probes to one of the connectors, the signal detector of the respective probe is configured to detect the identification signal identifying said one of the connectors and the indicator assembly of the respective probe is configured to provide an identification of said one of the connectors based on the identification signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wave is sent from a transmission element to a test element to produce a plate wave in the test element, and the plate wave propagating through the test element is received by a reception element to thereby test the test element on the propagation route of the plate wave. The other probe that is the other reception element or transmission element is disposed between the transmission element and the reception element. A probe holding mechanism that has support legs contacting the surface of the test element and keeps constant an angle of the other probe with respect to the surface of the test element is allowed to support the other probe. And, the other probe is allowed to cross over in non-contact the propagation route of the plate wave extending from the transmission element to the reception element by means of support legs.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a parameter of an object includes a probe, a first sensing member for detecting the parameter of an object to be sensed and a second sensing member for determining an orientation of the probe relative to the object to be sensed. The second sensing member communicates the orientation of the probe to a data acquisition device to minimize data analysis errors associated with inaccurate orientation information.

Abstract: A method of matching sensors in a multi-probe blade vibration monitor for a turbine. The method includes providing at least two probes mounted in a casing of the turbine adjacent to a rotating blade structure of the turbine. Targets are provided on radially outer portions of the blade structure. Each of the probes includes a sensor generating signals corresponding to target passing events, and a set of synchronous harmonics of the rotational speed of the rotor are produced for each sensor. The position of the sensors is adjusted such that the sets of harmonics of the sensors are substantially matched, indicating that the positions of the sensors are matched.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, system, and device for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. The novel method includes transmitting a non-beamformed or beamformed ultrasound wave into the medium, receiving more than one echoed ultrasound wave from the medium, and converting the received echoed ultrasound wave into digital data. The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless. The novel device may include transducer elements, an analog-to-digital converter in communication with the transducer elements, and a transmitter in communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. The first electrical energy may or may not be beamformed. The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for mounting variously configured medical imaging probes for imaging applications. In one aspect, a holding device allows for interfacing/holding most conventional ultrasound probes such that the probes may be attached to a positioning device using a common interface. As ultrasound probes come in various sizes and lengths, the device may adjust to different lengths, widths and shapes of different probes. Hence, the device may work in a substantially universal manner while securely holding probes with little wobble or other problems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring vibrations in a blade structure of a turbine including generating signals from a probe located adjacent to a radial outer edge of the blade structure to provide signals corresponding to vibrations at predetermined locations along the tips of the blades. A leading edge of a blade tip is detected during a blade tracking operation, and a known location along the length of the blade tips is monitored during a vibration measurement operation. The measurement operation may be performed simultaneously with the tracking operation to provide measurements as the axial location of the blades change during transitional modes of operation of the turbine.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an exposure of a machine operator to machine vibration is provided. The system includes an operator safety restraint. The system also includes at least one vibration sensor on the safety restraint and configured to generate a signal indicative of operator exposure to machine vibration. The system further includes a controller configured to receive the signal and configured to determine an amount of vibration exposure of the machine operator based on the signal.

Abstract: A sensing device includes an elongated whisker element having a flexible cantilever region and a base region where a change in moment or curvature is generated by bending of the cantilever region when it contacts an object. One or more sensor elements cooperatively associated with the whisker element provide one or more output signals that is/are representative of two orthogonal components of change in moment or curvature at the whisker base region to permit determination of object distance, fluid velocity profile, or object contour (shape) with accounting for lateral slip of the whisker element and frictional characteristics of the object. Multiple sensing devices can be arranged in arrays in a manner to sense object contour without or with adjustment for lateral slip.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for detecting vibrations from a component. The system operates by coupling vibrations from a component to a membrane using a flexible connecting line. The membrane converts the vibrations into acoustic waves that are transmitted through a medium. Finally, a microphone detects the acoustic waves in the medium and converts the acoustic waves into electrical signals.

Abstract: A method for attaching a proximity probe offset to an axis defining an extension cable. The method includes a sensing element; a cylindrical part molded with a moldable material; a recess configured in one of two opposing ends defining the cylindrical part to receive the sensing element; a first and a second ferrule each extending from opposing surfaces defining an exterior of the cylindrical part, a first axis defining the first and second ferrules being offset from a second axis defining the cylindrical part; and an extension cable operably attached to the sensing element via the first and second ferrules, the sensing element being disposed offset relative to the extension cable.

Abstract: A method of measuring vibration on an operational device. The method includes providing an operational device with a control unit and a vibration sensor having a three axis accelerometer, a digital signal processor, and a communications transceiver. The digital signal processor takes the raw vibration data for each axis of the three axis accelerometer and applies a weighting function to the vibration data for each individual axis. Then stress level data associated with the vehicle operator is used to calculate the instantaneous contributions of the filtered data to the stress level data of the operator to determine instantaneous stress level data that has accumulated over a fixed time interval. After the fixed time interval, the digital signal processor calculates an increase of the stress level of the operator during the time interval to create stress data that is transmitted through a communications transceiver for display.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring vibrations in a blade structure of a turbine including generating signals from a probe located adjacent to a radial outer edge of the blade structure to provide signals corresponding to vibrations at predetermined locations along the tips of the blades. A leading edge of a blade tip is detected during a blade tracking operation, and a known location along the length of the blade tips is monitored during a vibration measurement operation. The measurement operation may be performed simultaneously with the tracking operation to provide measurements as the axial location of the blades change during transitional modes of operation of the turbine.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes an integral housing including a plurality of tubular containers that are open at one end and closed by bottom portions at the other end and have side portions extending from the one end to the other end, and at least one connecting portion that connects the plurality of tubular containers. Piezoelectric devices are disposed on respective inner bottom surfaces of the respective bottom portions of the plurality of tubular containers. Side portions of the tubular containers are connected to each other, through a connecting portion, at portions adjacent to bottom portions where the amount of displacement caused by the vibrations of piezoelectric devices is smallest.

Abstract: A probe system for initiating and stabilizing plasma discharge includes an inner conductor coupled to an AC voltage source. The probe system also includes an outer conductor arranged around the inner conductor and coupled at one end to the AC voltage source. The outer conductor forms a first electrode at another end thereof. The probe system further includes a second electrode separated from the first electrode by a gap for initiating a plasma discharge in the gap. An ultrasound probe system includes a carrier signal source for supplying a RF carrier signal, an acoustic modulator for supplying an envelope signal, and a mixer for mixing the RF carrier signal and the envelope signal to supply a modulated RF signal. The ultrasound probe system further includes a ground electrode and a RF plasma probe separated from the ground electrode by a gap and configured to receive the modulated RF signal and generate a plasma in the gap. The plasma generates ultrasound waves.

Abstract: A cover member of an ultrasonic sensor has a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, which are respectively engaged with a third engagement portion and a fourth engagement portion of a sensor body. The engagement portions are arranged in such a manner that a force applied to the cover member due to an engagement between the first engagement portion and the third engagement portion and a force applied to the cover member due to an engagement between the second engagement portion and the fourth engagement portion respectively have opposite directions to be substantially countervailed when the sensor body is attached to the cover member. Thus, the cover member can be restricted from slanting when the sensor body is fixed to the cover member.

Abstract: Apparatus for assessing the condition of fruit or vegetables comprises a transducer (22) which is brought into contact with the surface of fruit or vegetable (12) in a tapping motion. The transducer (22), where it contacts the fruit or vegetable's surface is generally curved in shape to ensure accuracy of measurement over a relatively wide range of angles of impact with the fruit or vegetable (12). The transducer (22) can be delivered to and away from the fruit or vegetable surface by an air controlled bellows arrangement.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, system, and device for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. The novel method includes transmitting a non-beamformed or beamformed ultrasound wave into the medium, receiving more than one echoed ultrasound wave from the medium, and converting the received echoed ultrasound wave into digital data. The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless. The novel device may include transducer elements, an analog-to-digital converter in communication with the transducer elements, and a transmitter in communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. The first electrical energy may or may not be beamformed. The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring structural health conditions of structures. The apparatus includes a piezoelectric device that has a bottom cover plate, piezoelectric rings concentrically disposed with respect to an axis and positioned on the bottom cover plate, and concentric filler rings made from an electrically insulating material. Each of the piezoelectric rings is interposed between two adjacent filler rings. The piezoelectric device also includes electrical connection means for communicating electrical signals to the piezoelectric rings and a top cover plate that is positioned over the piezoelectric rings and filler rings. The electrical connection means are operative to transmit electrical signals that cause one or more of the piezoelectric rings to generate waves or transmit electrical signals developed by one or more of the piezoelectric rings in response to the waves.

Abstract: 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.