Abstract: An oscillating probe of an elongated rod, having a first free end, and a second end that is attached to at least one actuator to apply oscillation cycles to the rod. Oscillation of the elongated rod during at least one complete cycle of oscillation of the actuator causes the free end to move in at least one-dimensional envelope, producing a defined virtual probe tip geometry at the free end. The probe is connected to a system for utilizing information sensed as the free end is placed near a surface.

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: A portable physical agents directive (PAD) dosimeter system may be provided. The portable PAD dosimeter system may include a housing and at least one accelerometer configured to generate electrical signals corresponding to a vibration exposure of an operator of a work machine. The portable PAD dosimeter system may also include a controller disposed in the housing configured to process the electrical signals and to determine whether the vibration exposure is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wireless transmission of data through a communications channel between at least two local data sensors (for example automotive diagnostic data sensors or NVH sensors), which may include a primary data-processing function, and data-processing function (for example a PC) to receive data therefrom. The system provides for asymmetrical division of the communications channel on a frequency or time-division or packet-switching basis so that the corresponding asymmetrical data transmission requirement of the local data sensors are matched to the capacity of their respective sub-channels whereby a single channel is capable of transmitting all the required data. A particularly practical application is to noise vibration harshness analysis of wireless-transmitted data from three-dimensionally spaced NVH sensors enabling spacial pinpointing of vibration sources in automotive warranty analysis studies.

Abstract: There is provided a ground sensor assembly adapted for deployment from air to a selected ground location. The ground sensor assembly comprises an aerially deployable sensor housing which has upper and lower housing ends defining a longitudinally elongated aperture therebetween. A plurality of connected sensor modules are longitudinally inserted into the aperture between the upper and lower housing ends. Furthermore, an aerodynamic module is connected to the sensor modules and is disposed adjacent the upper housing end outside the aperture. This aerodynamic module has a plurality of stabilizers which radially extend outward therefrom and form a generally parallel relationship with the upper housing end. Such stabilizers provide aerodynamic stability during the deployment of the ground sensor assembly from the air to the selected ground location.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe comprising a piezoelectric element, a first electrode formed on a substantial portion of a first main face, a first side face and a part of a second main face of the piezoelectric element, and a second electrode formed on a substantial portion of a second main face, a second side face and a part of a first main face of the piezoelectric element, the two electrodes being isolated from each other by two grooves formed on the first and second main faces of the piezoelectric element, in a manner parallel to the side edges of the piezoelectric element, respectively, has good vibration and probing properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection probe for an internal wall of a duct, comprising at least one sensor mounted in a support adapted to be moved inside the duct while pressing said sensor flat against said internal wall. The support is formed by a shell which is molded onto the sensor and comprises a body provided with a window for positioning said sensor and means for attaching said sensor flat against the internal wall of the duct, said means being integrally molded with the body. The invention has applications in the non-destructive testing of ducts in nuclear power plants.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe comprising a piezoelectric element, a first electrode formed on a substantial portion of a first main face, a first side face and a part of a second main face of the piezoelectric element, and a second electrode formed on a substantial portion of a second main face, a second side face and a part of a first main face of the piezoelectric element, the two electrodes being isolated from each other by two grooves formed on the first and second main faces of the piezoelectric element, in a manner parallel to the side edges of the piezoelectric element, respectively, has good vibration and probing properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transmitting of electrical signals and electrical energy for an ultrasonic measuring system with rotatable or swivellable transducer elements includes a housing (31) and a shaft (32), which is rotatably or swivellably arranged relative to the housing. The apparatus additionally includes two coils (36.2, 36.2) and also two halves (35.1, 35.2) of a shell-type core (35), wherein the one coil (36.1) is secured on the housing, and the other coil (36.2) to the shaft (32), and wherein the two coils (36.1, 36.2) and the two shell-type core halves (35.1, 35.2) together form an inductive transmitter.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring dimensions of gaps and hollow spaces in motor vehicle body construction use a filler element which is introduced in a gap or a hollow space to be measured. The filler element is coupled to an ultrasonic testing device for accurately and consistently measuring the gap or hollow space.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection probe for an internal wall of a duct, comprising at least one sensor mounted in a support adapted to be moved inside the duct whilst pressing said sensor flat against said internal wall. The support is formed by a shell which is moulded onto the sensor and comprises a body provided with a window for positioning said sensor and means for attaching said sensor flat against the internal wall of the duct, said means being integrally moulded with the body.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for moving a sensor over a workpiece includes a sensor, and an actuating member. The sensor, such as a non-destructive test sensor, is carried by the actuating member, and the actuating member is at least partially disposed within a housing. The actuating member is adapted for automated movement in one direction, and the housing may be configured to be grasped by an operator and manually moved in another direction. As such, the sensor may automatically move in one direction with respect to the workpiece without manual intervention, and manually move in another direction, such that the sensor is moved by the combination of automated and manual movement. In addition, the actuating member may have at least two substantially parallel arms extending from near the sensor, which permits the sensor to slide along the workpiece while maintaining a substantially normal relationship to a surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A surface discriminating device for a recording material includes a probe having a fixed first end portion and a second end portion capable of contacting with the recording material, the probe being adapted to contact with and move relative to the recording material to thereby scan the recording material, and a piezoelectric element provided between the first end portion and the second end portion of the probe. The surface of the recording material is discriminated by the output from the piezoelectric element during the scanning of the recording material by the probe, the probe having a bent portion on the second end portion side.

Abstract: The cantilever of a probe-based metrology instrument such as an AFM is deflected by directing a beam of ultrasonic energy at the cantilever to apply ultrasonically generated acoustic radiation pressure to the cantilever. The energy is generated by an ultrasonic actuator such as a ZnO transducer driven by a power source such an RF signal generator. The transmitted beam preferably is shaped by focusing, collimation, or the like so that it impinges at least primarily on a region of interest of the cantilever such as the free end. The ultrasonic actuator produces a much better controlled force on the cantilever than can be achieved through the use of a traditional piezoelectric actuator and, accordingly, produces a response free of spurious effects (at least when the cantilever is operating in liquid). It also has a frequency bandwidth in the MHz range.

Abstract: The small tester is hand held by the writing pen body (21) when testing vibration with a housing mounted vibration probe (15) mechanically driving a piezo element (12), acted on by weight (11). The piezo element (12) has electrical connection (13) through an electronic circuit to an electronic display (22) indicating predetermined levels of vibration amplitude. The multi-level LED display (22) consists of four different colored LED's where illumination of a specific colored LED indicates a specific predetermined level of vibration amplitude. The electronic display (22) changing illumination of specific LED's from the lowest indicated level of vibration to just reach the highest indicated level of vibration is a nominal 6 dB increase in vibration amplitude at predetermined frequencies.

Abstract: A detector equipped with force feedback for detecting detonatable devices such as land mines is disclosed. The detector includes a rod having a tip for placing beneath the surface of the ground and for contacting unknown objects. The tip ultrasonically provides an indication of the presence of a metal or plastic material. Means for providing a plurality of ultrasonic signals, each signal of a different frequency, to the unknown object via a single rod is used to compensate the device during use against unknown pressures applied to the rod beneath the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A detector equipped with force feedback for detecting detonatable devices such as land mines is disclosed. The detector includes a rod having a tip for placing beneath the surface of the ground and for contacting unknown objects. The tip ultrasonically provides an indication of the presence of a metal or plastic material. Means for providing a plurality of ultrasonic signals, each signal of a different frequency, to the unknown object via a single rod is used to compensate the device during use against unknown pressures applied to the rod beneath the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A vibration detecting apparatus includes a bobbin having a moving path of desired length in an inner periphery of the bobbin; a core movable along the moving path in the inner periphery of the bobbin by vibration applied from exterior or vibration applied to the bobbin; and a coil wound on an outer periphery of the bobbin, the inductance of which being changed in accordance with the shift of the core.

Abstract: A bracelet for moving sensors along a straight or elbow pipe. The bracelet has a number of side-by-side positionable supports for removably holding the sensors respectively. A flexible attachment is provided for holding the supports in a pliant side-by-side series arrangement. The attachment has opposite ends extending beyond the supports at opposite ends of the series arrangement. The bracelet further has a frame having an inner circular opened surface for installation around the pipe, and a longitudinal circular side receiving surface along which the series arrangement of the supports is mounted. The side receiving surface is provided with fastening members projecting at both ends of the series arrangement of the supports. The ends of the attachment is supported by the fastening members.

Abstract: A three-axis vibration acceleration pickup with the handle of a vibration-generating tool such as, an angle grinder or the like, feeds detected vibrations along the three axes to an A/D converter 19. A microcomputer processes the digitized data to feed a display portion. Each time continuous operation of the tool is interrupted, an 8-hour equivalent acceleration value is obtained based on the detected vibration acceleration signal. The result is added to previous acceleration values so as to accumulatively add up the total value in one day. Each time continuous operation is interrupted, a frequency load vibration acceleration value is obtained, and an 8-hour equivalent acceleration value is obtained based on this. A residual surplus time is obtained and displayed by using the 8-hour equivalent acceleration value.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an inspection jig having a sample mounting fixture for mounting a sample, a vibrator for applying a vibration to the sample, and a sound collector for collecting vibration sound when the vibration is applied to the sample, and a sound detector for frequency analysis of the vibration sound collected by the sound collector. The sample is pinched and fixed by a contact surface of the sound collector and a fixing part with a contact area similar to the contact surface when the sample is mounted in the sample mounting fixture. The sample mounting fixture is mounted on a shaft of an inspection jig fixed in a bearing.

Abstract: A stylus structure (40) integrally incorporating a stylus (2), a vibrator (4), a detector (6), a first secondary magnetic circuit (12) and a second primary magnetic circuit (21), and a stylus support (30) integrally incorporating a first primary magnetic circuit (11) and a second secondary magnetic circuit (22) are mutually fittable, thereby achieving signal transmission by the respective magnetic circuits using no electrical contact.

Abstract: Agglomerates 20 in a mixed phase container 1 are detected by measuring strain in a detecting rod 50 disposed in the mixed phase container 1 in which a mixed phase of gas and powders is formed. The detecting rod 50 is disposed at an insertion angle &thgr; in the range from 20 degrees to 70 degrees with relation to the flow of gas and powders.

Abstract: A protecting tube 51 is disposed inside the mixed phase container 1 with one end fixed to the inside of the mixed phase container 1 and the other end projecting freely into the mixed phase container 1. A detecting rod 60 is inserted into the free end of said protecting tube 51 and fixed to the protecting tube 51 with a part of the detecting rod 60. Magnets 61 are mounted in a uniform magnetic flux on the free end of the detecting rod 60 and is movable about a point F1 of the detecting rod 60 as a fulcrum. Agglomerates 20 in the mixed phase container 1 are detected by measuring magnetic flux fluctuations produced by movement of the magnets 61.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the mass of individual objects, particularly small diamonds, within a predetermined range of sizes, by conveying the objects towards an oscillatable probe having a predetermined mass and a vacuum port of smaller dimensions than those of the objects; applying vacuum to the vacuum port to attract and hold thereto one of the individual objects to thereby add its mass to the mass of the oscillatable probe; measuring the oscillating frequency of the oscillatable probe while the individual object attracted thereto is held by the vacuum applied to the vacuum port, and utilizing the measured oscillating frequency of the probe and the object attracted thereto to compute the mass of the object, before releasing the vacuum to release the object.

Abstract: A prodder with force feedback for detecting an object buried beneath the ground is disclosed. A probe is provided including a rod having a prodding end for prodding the object, there is also a transducer coupled to a non-prodding end of the rod for providing an acoustic wave to the object and for receiving acoustic waves reflected from the object. The housing has a first cavity containing a fluid and for supporting the probe such that the volume of the fluid within the first cavity is affected by the pressure applied to the prodding end of the rod. A force sensor is fluidly coupled to the first cavity for determining the change in pressure of a fluid within the first cavity. An electronics module is processing data related to the reflected waves, and to the change in the pressure of the fluid, and is providing data in order to compare the processed data with the stored value representing the characteristics of known materials.

Abstract: An acoustic inspection device having a transducer housing opening to a face of the device to be disposed opposite a workpiece to be inspected. That face of the device having selectively located multi-piece flexible material of a selected length extending outward therefrom disposed to interface with the surface of the workpiece. A first portion of the flexible material is supplied to create, and surround, a region close to the opening of the transducer housing with a plurality of couplant supply ports around the transducer opening to form a chamber into which couplant is continuously supplied to couple the transducer to the surface of the workpiece. A second portion of the flexible material being spaced outward from, and surrounding, the first of the flexible material to create another chamber having vacuum ports in the face of the device opening into that chamber to recover couplant that leaks through the first portion of the flexible material from the couplant chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for recording vehicle motion. The self-contained vehicle motion recorder apparatus is a sealed unit that contains at least a power source, and controller, sensor and recording devices. The controller device includes a power consumption manager that manages and conserves the overall power consumption of the apparatus. A sensor device is further included in operable communication with the controller device that produces signals that represent the vehicle's motion as a function of time. Additionally, a recording element is provided in operable communication with the controller for storing data that corresponds to the signals. A communication interface is further provided such that data may be read from the apparatus and commands and data may be written into the apparatus, from an external device.

Abstract: In an apparatus for checking the condition of bank notes, each note is individually transported past a brush whose bristles are in contact with one face of the note. A piezoelectric bi-morph vibration sensor is attached to the brush, the voltage output from the sensor being dependent on the amplitude of vibration of the bristles of the brush brushing against a note. The poorer the condition of a note, i.e. the rougher that its surface is, then the greater will be the amplitude of vibration of the bristles. Thus, from the voltage output of the sensor it can be determined whether a note is of an acceptably good condition.

Abstract: A device detects an emission source of a vibration signal against a background of noise, where the vibration signal is produced by a mechanical system and has one or more frequency components. A sensor senses the vibration signal and produces a sensor signal corresponding to the vibration signal. The sensor has a mechanical frequency selection structure for mechanically resonating at desired frequencies and for mechanically attenuating a frequency component of the vibration signal having a frequency outside the desired frequencies. The mechanical frequency selection structure thus produces a mechanically-tuned sensor signal. Electrical frequency selection filters electrically attenuate a frequency component of the mechanically-tuned sensor signal having a frequency outside the desired frequencies. The electrical frequency selection filters thus produce an electrically-tuned sensor signal.

Abstract: A drive line vibration sensor includes an emitter, a receiver, and a controller. The emitter and receiver are mounted in a differential manner such that drive line vibrations cause the emitter to vibrate at a different frequency than the receiver. In operation the emitter transmits a signal to the receiver such that the differential movement of the transmitter relative to the receiver produces a variation in the signal received by the receiver which is identifiable by the controller. In another embodiment, the emitter pulses the signal such that the frequency of the vibration can be determined. A recording device is preferably in communication with the controller to record the variation in the signal to provide an inexpensive diagnostic and maintenance system which can record the overall operation of a drive line under actual operational conditions.

Abstract: An ultrasonic monitoring apparatus is provided for use by an operator in detecting ultrasonic vibrations and sound waves. The ultrasonic monitoring apparatus consists of a hand held device with a sensor socket that allows a variety of different types of sensors to be interchangeably installed in the hand held device. These sensors include both contact and airborne ultrasonic sensors as well as a combination temperature and ultrasonic sensor that allows the operator to simultaneously monitor the surface temperature of an object and the ultrasonic vibrations produced by the object. Identification information corresponding to the type of sensor is encoded on the individual sensors. The identification information is read by an identification circuit located in the hand held device. This identification information allows the hand held device to configure itself to operate with the type of sensor installed in the socket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method determines ultrasonic measurement parameters of ultrasonic measurements to be performed on a mechanical system, where the ultrasonic measurements are performed using a portable ultrasonic measurement device. The ultrasonic measurement parameters consist of information used in configuring the portable ultrasonic measurement device to make the ultrasonic measurements. The measurement parameters are used to configure an ultrasonic measurement device that uses an ultrasonic sensor to measure ultrasonic characteristics of the mechanical system, where the ultrasonic characteristics are indicative of an operating condition of the mechanical system. The apparatus includes a processor for generating user instruction messages that query a user concerning specific characteristics of the mechanical system on which the ultrasonic measurements are to be performed. The user instruction messages also provide response options from which the user chooses in responding to the instruction messages.

Abstract: A route based ultrasonic monitoring method for use by an operator in detecting when the ultrasonic sound produced by a device indicates the presence of a leak or machinery defect. The route based ultrasonic monitoring method uses a central processing location to store testing information concerning which machines to test and how to configure a portable ultrasonic sensing device to test them. At the appropriate time, the testing information is loaded from the central processing location into the portable processing and storage unit. The operator is then prompted by the portable processing and storage unit to proceed to a test location. Once at the test location, the portable processing and storage unit provides the testing information to the portable ultrasonic sensing device. The test is then performed by the operator with the portable ultrasonic sensing device and the test results are downloaded from the portable sensing device to the portable processing and storage unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acoustic prodding implement for the detection of land mines which provides an indication of the material an object buried in the ground. An indication of mineral material such as rock allows the operator to confidently classify the object as safe, without carefully excavating it. This saves significant time in mine clearing. The device includes a piezoelectric crystal as an acoustic transducer acoustically coupled to a transmitting probe. The piezoelectric transducer generates an acoustic wave into the probe which contacts the object and tranmits the reflected wave. A signal processor compares a signal generated by the transducer with characteristic signatures of known materials to determine a match within predetermined limits. The implement includes a shock resistant coupler to maintain acoustic coupling between the transducer and the probe in response to shock or vibration.

Abstract: A resonator assembly adapted for use with a signal detection instrument includes a sensor operative to detect airborne sound signals and a touch rod. The resonator assembly operates to convert sound signals traveling within the touch rod into the airborne sound signals for detection by the sensor and comprises a mount adapted to interconnect the signal detection instrument and the touch rod, a flexible resonator element, and a stem interconnecting the mount and the resonator element so that, when the touch rod is secured to the mount and the mount is secured to the signal detection instrument thereby positioning the resonator element relative to the sensor, the resonator element operates to convert the sound signals traveling within the touch rod into the airborne sound signals for detection by the sensor. A touch probe resonator is also provided for converting sound signals traveling in a first medium into sound signals traveling in a second medium for detection by a sensor.

Abstract: The phase controlling circuit 1 controls the phase of the input sinusoidal signal S1 to generate first and second sinusoidal signal S1 and S2 which have different phases of 90.degree. shifted from each other. The signal generating circuits 2a and 2b square the first and second sinusoidal signal S1 and S2 to generate first and second squared sinusoidal signals S1.sup.2 and S2.sup.2, respectively. The squared sinusoidal signals S1.sup.2 and S2.sup.2 are added by the signal adding circuit 3, thereby generating the added output S3 which is an amplitude of the input sinusoidal signal S. The phase controlling circuit 1 comprises 90.degree. phase shift circuits 11 and 12 which have a common signal input terminal and the respective signal output terminals. The 90.degree. phase shift circuit is composed of an all-pass filter whose central frequency is set to be f0-.DELTA. f so as to generate the first sinusoidal signal. The second 90.degree.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for directing ultrasonic and magnetostrictively generated mechanical waves from an exterior point to an interior point within a small diameter tube, pipe, or cylindrical structure. The present invention incorporates an external mechanism for generating waves in a cylindrical waveguide tube gun of a size small enough for insertion into the target tube and configured so as to maintain mechanical contact with an inside diameter of the target tube. Standard ultrasonic wave generating devices or magnetostrictive/mechanical wave generating coils are positioned on the waveguide external to the target tube and generate appropriate mechanical waves through the waveguide to a point interior to the target tube. A mechanical interface between the waveguide and the inside diameter surface of the tube is positioned and provided at a point within the target tube to transfer both the interrogating waves and the received return signal waves between the target tube and the waveguide.

Abstract: A contact detecting bar is placed in a proximity to a wire wound on grooved rollers so that the broken wire can come into contact with the contact detecting bar. By detecting the contact between the broken wire and the contact detecting bar, the breaking of the wire can be detected. The vibration of the contact detecting bar is detected in order to detect the contact. When the amplitude of the vibration of the contact detecting bar exceeds a predetermined value, the contact of the broken wire is determined.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for determining the existence of metal ion oxidation degradation in an implanted pacing lead. A micro-vibration driver, preferably operating at a sonic frequency matched to an ultrasound detector, is used to vibrate the proximal end of a stylet that has been inserted into the lumen of a bipolar lead. The shaking of the stylet causes flexural waves to be propagated along the stylet, which in turn flex the lead inner conductor and the insulation between the inner and outer conductor. If metal ion oxidation is present in the insulation, the shaking causes generation of a noise signal which is detectable across the conductors along with the electrogram. The presence of such a noise signal is correlated with the output of the driver, i.e., with the vibration of the lead, to indicate when MIO degradation is present. An ultrasound imaging detector can be used to determine the location of the MIO degradation along the length of the lead.

Abstract: An encapsulated transducer (10) includes an injection molded encapsulation ensconcing a sensing element (90) proximate the front end (22) and a portion of an information transmitting medium (120) emanating from the back end (24). A component alignment preform (40) operatively couples the sensing element (90) with the information transmitting medium (120). The preform (40) includes a front ferrule (70) and a rear ferrule (80) bonded thereto and linearly spaced apart along a long axis "A". The preform (40) further includes an annular recess (44) in which the sensing element or coil (90) is placed. A first lead (98) and a second lead (100) of the coil are electrically connected to the front ferrule (70) and the rear ferrule (80), respectively. A back end (48) of the preform (40) receives a stripped end (122) of the cable (120) such that a plurality of conductors are operatively coupled to the front ferrule (70) and the rear ferrule (80) and to the leads of the coil.

Abstract: An electromagnetic acoustic transducer for magnets and a sheet type coil unit. The magnets are permanent magnets or electromagnets to provide a static magnetic field to an object to be inspected. The coil unit includes a pair of spiral or meander coils of an electrically conductive material, sandwiched between upper and middle insulation sheet and middle and lower insulation sheet. The coils are used for transmission and reception, respectively. All the ends of the respective coils extend through throughholes formed through the upper and middle insulation sheets to the surface of the ultrasonic transducer, and are connected to external leads. The ends for earth are commonly connected to form a common ground terminal. The inspection system with the electromagnetic acoustic resonance which is a combination of resonant technique and a non-contact electromagnetic acoustic transducer can evaluates the absolute value of ultrasonic attenuation.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is the field of methods and apparatus for thermally cracking chemicals. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring the vibration of a duct in which there flows at least one fluid and which is disposed inside a thermal enclosure at high temperature, wherein a vibration sensor is used that is located inside the enclosure.

Abstract: The encapsulated transducer (10) includes an injection molded encapsulation (20) having a front end (22) and a back end (24). The encapsulation (20) ensconces a sensing element (40) proximate the front end (22) and a portion of a cable (60) which extends from the back end (24). The sensing element or coil (40) is electrically and mechanically connected to the cable (60) by a pair of suitably sized front and rear ferrules (80), (90) secured to a center and coaxial conductor (66), (70) of the associated cable (60) thereby forming a coil and cable assembly (110). At least the rear ferrule (90) includes a shoulder (100) for firmly anchoring the coil and cable assembly (110) within the encapsulation (20). In addition an injection molding process provides the durable encapsulation (20) which bonds with a dielectric (68) of the cable (60) and symmetrically locks the coil and cable assembly (110) therein.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for capacitively measuring the distance to an object, which comprises an electrode that will couple capacitively with the object, a shield that surrounds the electrode and is electrically isolated from the electrode by means of insulation, and a layer of insulation that surrounds the shield, wherein the insulation between the electrode and the shield, and the insulation that surrounds the shield, are formed by deposition.This invention further provides a method for measuring the distance to a solid object, which comprises forming an electrode that will capacitively couple with the object, depositing a layer of insulation over at least part of the electrode so that the insulation surrounds the electrode, depositing a layer of metal over the insulation to form a shield, and depositing a second layer of insulation over the shield.

Abstract: The encapsulated transducer (10) includes an injection molded encapsulation (20) having a front end (22) and a back end (24). The encapsulation (20) ensconces a sensing element (40) proximate the front end (22) and a portion of a cable (60) which extends from the back end (24). The sensing element or coil (40) is electrically and mechanically connected to the cable (60) by a pair of suitably sized front and rear ferrules (80), (90) secured to a center and coaxial conductor (66), (70) of the associated cable (60) thereby forming a coil and cable assembly (110). At least the rear ferrule (90) includes a shoulder (100) for firmly anchoring the coil and cable assembly (110) within the encapsulation (20). In addition an injection molding process provides the durable encapsulation (20) which bonds with a dielectric (68) of the cable (60) and symmetrically locks the coil and cable assembly (110) therein.

Abstract: The proposal is for a process and device making it possible to determine the condition of one or more machines (3) at several measuring points by means of a measuring head (MK) with measurement transducers (MW) which can be releasably fitted there and to supply to a computer the relevant measurement signal together with the characteristic data therefore obtained at the measuring point concerned. The invention lies in the special nature of the obtaining of the characteristic data.

Abstract: A vibration detection device includes a detecting device for detecting a vibration, and an output from the amplifying device obtained when outputting a detection signal on the basis of the detection result, an amplifying device for amplifying the detection signal, an initializing device for initializing the output from the amplifying device, and an adjusting device for adjusting the output from the amplifying device so that an output from the amplifying device obtained when the amplifying device is initialized, and an output from the amplifying device obtained when the amplifying device is not initialized and the detecting device generates no signal have substantially the same values.

Abstract: A digital accelerometer manufactured from arrays 11a-11e of micro-mechanical sensing elements 12. The sensing elements 12 of different arrays 11a-11e are designed for detecting acceleration in a particular rotational or translational direction, such that their response to acceleration in other directions is minimized. Further, the sensing elements 12 have size and proof mass parameters that may be adjusted to vary their frequency response and sensitivity to amplitude of acceleration. Arrays 11a-11e of sensing elements 12 provide detection of a range of frequency levels and amplitudes at each frequency. At an appropriate frequency and amplitude of an applied acceleration, a sensing element 12 moves to contact an electrode 126, producing an electrical signal, which may be stored as a data bit.

Abstract: A signal device for turbo-engines which, by way of moving blades arranged on a rotor, when passing through a defined circumferential position of the housing, generates signals which are precise with respect to time. The device includes a probe which has fiber optical waveguides for emitting and receiving light. An illuminating beam is emitted which is focussed in the direction of the rotor. The probe is arranged on the housing at a distance with respect to free end faces of the moving blades. The probe emits the illuminating beam with an elliptical cross-section, through which the moving blades travel, in such a manner that, on each corresponding free end face, an elliptical illumination spot is imaged whose large axis is aligned essentially in parallel to the delivery-side or suction-side edges of the free end faces. The signals are generated from the light reflected by the free end faces.