Abstract: A wafer-measuring fixture suitable for carrying a broken wafer is described. The wafer-measuring fixture comprises a base having a carrying component. The carrying component is used to hold the broken wafer. Furthermore, a plurality of scale marks is set around the carrying component to mark the broken positions on the wafer.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a sensor body made of resin, an electronic circuit housed in the sensor body and constructed with electronic devices configured to detect a physical quantity and output a sensor signal indicative of the detected physical quantity, connector terminals for electrically connecting the electronic circuit to an external apparatus. The terminals are supported by the sensor body and have first end portions located outside the sensor body and second end portions located inside the sensor body. The electronic devices are physically and electrically connected directly to the second end portions of the terminals. The electronic devices and the second end portions of the terminals are integrally molded in the sensor body.

Abstract: A substrate inspection system includes two or more inspection modules supported on a plate. A chamber is supported beneath the plate by a translation system, which is configured to provide horizontal displacement of the chamber under the plate to permit loading and unloading of a substrate to/from the chamber. Thus, when the chamber is in a loading/unloading position it is at least partially uncovered from the plate. The translation system may be further configured to provide vertical displacement of the chamber with respect to the plate so as to position an upper surface of a wall of the chamber in close proximity to a lower surface of the plate when the chamber is in an inspection position. In such a position, the upper surface of the wall of the chamber and the lower surface of the plate may be separated by an air gap.

Abstract: Deterioration of reinforced concrete pipes is checked and the deterioration progress level is classified. Based on the inspection result, a portion to be inspected in detail in an inspection area is selected. With respect to the selected portion to be inspected in detail, the pipe thickness and the diameter of reinforcing bars are measured and the location of reinforcing bars in the portion to be inspected in detail are checked. Using the data of the thickness of a pipe, the diameter of the reinforcing bar and disposition of the reinforcing bars, structural analysis is carried out and the strength of the reinforced concrete pipe is calculated. The calculation result is used as information for evaluating the deterioration state of the reinforced concrete pipe.

Abstract: A crane apparatus installed on a pier, wharf, bulkhead wharf or other foundation directly transships containers from a vessel moored alongside the foundation to another transportation mode without ground placement of the containers. The crane apparatus includes a parent crane displaceable along the foundation for unloading containers from the vessel and placing them on a first platform of the parent crane, and a sibling crane displaceable along the foundation independently of displacement of the parent crane for loading containers from the first platform directly onto over-the-ground vehicles or onto another vessel moored alongside the foundation.

Abstract: A nondestructive inspection apparatus is designed to inspect components in a small gap of a structure. A main body 19 of the nondestructive inspection apparatus is positioned on a spray line header 13 connected to a thermal sleeve 16 within a cooling water inlet nozzle 12, and fixed to a core spray line 14 by vertically clamping the core spray line 14 with fixing units 21a, 21b at the position where the thermal sleeve 16 to be inspected is located. Scanners 24a, 24b insert a tape probe 27 having an inspection head 28 inside an annular gap 17 formed between the thermal sleeve 16 and the cooling water inlet nozzle 12 in an axial direction. The scanners 24a, 24b are guided by guide rails 22a, 22b to move the tape prove 27 so that the inspection head 28 can move in the circumferential direction of the annular gap 17.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for detecting the physical condition of a tubular. In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a tubular is provided. The apparatus includes a body and a drive member for urging the apparatus through the tubular. The apparatus further includes at least two independent caliper assemblies capable of generating data representative of an interior surface of the tubular, wherein each caliper assembly includes an independent force sensor with a sensing member operatively attached thereto. In another aspect, a method for obtaining data in a tubular is provided. In yet another aspect, an apparatus for collecting data in a tubular is provided.

Abstract: Inspecting an interior portion of a pipe system. An imaging device includes a camera that is fixedly attached to an interior surface of a pipe. The camera captures a plurality of images of an interior portion of a pipe. The imaging device is connected to a data communication network and transmits data over the data communication network. The data includes image signals representative of the captured images. A computing device, also connected to the data communication network, receives the data transmitted over the data communication network by the imaging device. The computing device is remotely located with respect to the imaging device.

Abstract: A shape inspection device is adapted for a curved resin hose having a hose body including a bent portion. The shape inspection device has a first fixing portion for fixing one longitudinal end portion of the curved resin hose, a second fixing portion for fixing the other longitudinal end portion of the curved resin hose, and an inspecting portion between the first and the second fixing portions. The inspecting portion has an inspecting and verifying arrangement along a pathway of the hose body of the curved resin hose as designed. The inspecting and verifying arrangement has verifying members disposed outside the pathway and spaced from the pathway.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for efficient resource sharing are presented. The apparatus includes a central unit having a plurality of surfaces on the outside, the central unit holding a resource. Compartments are coupled to the central unit, each of the compartments being placed adjacent to one of the surfaces of the central unit. Each compartment has a platform to support an object, and has a sensor that reads an output signal indicating that the object in the compartment has finished accessing the resource from the central unit. A computation unit receives and processes the output signal from each of the compartments. The sensor in the apparatus may be located in the central unit instead of in the compartments.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring degradation of a device having a metal layer and a composite layer, such as a vehicle-mounted boom arm. The system can include a collar mounted on an outer surface of the device, a radiography device movably coupled to the collar, and a monitor. The radiography device can include a source of radiography signals positioned to direct radiography signals through at least a portion of the device and a detector to detect radiography signals that have passed through the device. The monitor can be connected to the detector to display an image of the device generated from the detected radiography signals. Anomalies in the device image can represent degradation in the device.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a particle analyzer that is capable of classifying and counting particles contained in a sample more accurately. The blood analyzer 1 includes: measuring unit 2 for obtaining a plurality of characteristic information of each of particles contained in a sample by measuring a measurement sample prepared from the sample; data processing unit 3 for obtaining a particle number of a specific kind of particles and each particle number of a plural kinds of particles different from the specific kind of particles, and determining a target kind of particles, whose particle number is corrected, from the plural kinds of particles, based on information obtained by the measuring unit 2, and correcting a particle number of the target kind of particles by using the particle number of the specific kind of particles.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection device, for example a pipeline inspection gauge or pig, is configured for inspecting a pipeline. The pipeline includes a plurality of pipes of varying orientations and a radio frequency identification device (RFID) provided on each pipe. Each RFID contains information indicative of the identity of each respective pipe. The inspection device includes a RF transceiver configured to receive the identity information from each RFID; an inertial navigation unit configured to generate three-space position information indicative of the position of the inspection device in the pipeline; and a processor configured to synchronize the identity information of each RFID with the position information to determine a three-space location of each pipe in the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provide drying procedure information through a user interface. A monitoring device transmits drying procedure data measured by sensors within a structure undergoing the drying procedure to a server. In response to requests received through a communication network from a user interface, the server transmits the drying procedure information that is presented through the user interface. A variety of information and services related to the drying procedure may be provided through the user interface.

Abstract: A testing device (100) configured for testing a multihole workpiece (10) with a plurality of holes (12), includes a detecting station (120) and an inspecting box (140). The detecting station positions a plurality of detecting pins (124) and a plurality of detecting apparatus (128). The detecting pins correspond to the holes of the multihole workpiece. The detecting apparatus respond for the multihole workpiece and sending detecting signals. The inspecting box receives the detecting signals from the detecting apparatus of the detecting station, and deals with and shows detecting results.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium is provided, which has recording layers having concavo-convex patterns formed on both sides of a substrate and can easily distinguish one face from the other face. A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus having the magnetic recording medium is also provided. The magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, a first recording layer formed in a first concavo-convex pattern on a side of a first face, and a second recording layer formed in a second concavo-convex pattern on a side of a second face. The magnetic recording medium also includes a distinction element which can distinguish the first face from the second face. At least part of the distinction element is disposed in a non-recording area adjacent to at least one of an inner part and an outer part of a recording area in a radial direction.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a container during transfer of the container includes connecting a crane to the container by way of a spreader bar, causing a probe to engage an inspection port on the container, and probing the container. The probe may be an imaging probe, a camera, or another device for inspecting the contents of the container. The probe may be shielded, and the probe or shield may penetrate the inspection port with sufficient force to disengage a spring-loaded mount of a retractable port seal. The inspection port may be at a side wall of the container. Based on the findings of the probe, the container may be identified for further inspection. An apparatus for inspecting a container, a method of fitting a container for inspection, and an apparatus which may be fit to a container to facilitate inspection thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water leak disclosing agent and a water leak detection method are disclosed. The water leak disclosing agent is a pigment-containing colored tablet or a pigment solution, wherein the pigment material stains the water if it is put thereinto so it is adopted as the disclosing agent for water leak detection. In accordance with the water leak detection method, the colored tablet is plunged into a water pipe or a floorslab of a floor or a bathroom is filled with the pigment solution. As a result, the leaky position can be identified easily and correctly according to the color of the oozed colored liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wafer inspection machine and method. The wafer inspection machine comprises an inspection stage having a first area for unloading an inspected wafer and loading a new wafer to be inspected, and a second area for inspecting a wafer; a plurality of wafer mounting units installed on the inspection stage to face each other; a rotating plate on which a plurality of the wafer mounting units are installed, making a rotation such that each wafer mounting unit is located on the first and second areas in turn; a robot for unloading the inspected wafer from the wafer mounting unit located on the first area and loading a new wafer to be inspected in the wafer mounting unit located on the first area; and a wafer inverting means for inverting the wafer loaded in the wafer mounting unit located on the second area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a network system for monitoring valves in a facility, which comprises: (a) a plurality of valve monitoring devices—VMDs, each monitoring device is affixed to a valve, and comprises: (a.1) a sensor for sensing the status of the valve; (a.2) short range wireless communication unit for transmitting the status as sensed by said sensor, and for transmitting the status as sensed, together with an identification of said device, to one or more Valve Device Readers—VDRs located within said short range; (a.3) mechanism for affixing the device to the monitored valve in a manner which does not disturb the normal operation of the valve; and (a.4) one or more VDRs for receiving the transmission of the valve status and MD identification from said VMDs, and for forwarding the same to a server by Ethernet communication.

Abstract: Deterioration of reinforced concrete pipes is checked and the deterioration progress level is classified. Based on the inspection result, a portion to be inspected in detail in an inspection area is selected. With respect to the selected portion to be inspected in detail, the pipe thickness and the diameter of reinforcing bars are measured and the location of reinforcing bars in the portion to be inspected in detail are checked. Using the data of the thickness of a pipe, the diameter of the reinforcing bar and disposition of the reinforcing bars, structural analysis is carried out and the strength of the reinforced concrete pipe is calculated. The calculation result is used as information for evaluating the deterioration state of the reinforced concrete pipe.

Abstract: Two drive systems are responsible for moving a substrate beneath, for example, an illumination system or a measurement radiation beam. A first drive system drives a substrate in a X direction and a second drive system drives the substrate in a Y direction. In order to make a measurement of a feature of the substrate surface, targets are arranged in a lattice. Rather than having the lattice aligned with the X and Y directions such that only one drive system operates at a time to step between the targets, the lattice of targets is arranged at an angle with respect to the X and Y axes such that both drive systems operate simultaneously in order to move between the targets. The targets (or sub-targets within the targets) may also be arranged with respect to each other so as to save scribelane space and to create a most economical path between them.

Abstract: A locating device, in particular a handheld locating device, for detecting objects enclosed in a medium, includes a first device for detecting objects enclosed in a medium, and having a control and evaluation unit for measurement signals of the locating device. The device has a second detection device that makes it possible to detect a predeterminable distance d of the locating device from a surface of a medium. In addition, a method for calibrating a measurement device, in particular for calibrating a handheld locating device for detecting objects enclosed in a medium, a reference measurement for calibrating the measurement device is carried out only after at least one measurement has been carried out of a distance d of the measurement device from a surface of a medium.

Abstract: A system incorporating a robot to inspect ferrous surfaces. Preferably, the robot is an articulated device having a tractor module for motive power and steering, a power module for electrical power and communications and additional motive power, and a third module for cleaning and inspection. The robot uses sensors and transmits signals to a computer through a tether and receives direction from an operator via the computer and tether. The computer continuously monitors the location of the robot and supports the robot during deployment. In a specific application, the robot travels the interior of a tank on a set of magnetized wheels. Prior to measurement, the tank surface is cleaned of deposits by rotary cutters and rotary brushes on the third module. The robot obtains at least thickness measurements via onboard ultrasonic transducers that contact the cleaned surface. A method for implementing inspection of ferrous surfaces is also described.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting, locating, and quantifying contamination in a fluid flow system like a pipe or duct. This characterization technique uses a conservative and one or more interactive tracers that are injected into the fluid flow system and then monitored at another location in the system. Detection, location, and quantification are accomplished by analysis of the characteristic features of measured curves of tracer concentration.

Abstract: Inspection tool for inspecting micro surfaces such as solder joints of electronic components, weld joints, braze joints, machined surfaces, castings, biological samples, crystals, molded components, fibers, wear analysis, finishes, coatings, and the like, under ambient light conditions. The inspection tool has a low lux video camera mounted on the end of a tool holder. Use of a prism is optional. The inspection tool eliminates the need for external front and/or back lighting when inspecting micro surfaces in low-light conditions. The prism enables simultaneous viewing of objects and surfaces in the direct line of view of the camera lens and at an angle.

Abstract: A container inspection apparatus and method measures both warp and off-level of an annular sealing surface of a container. The apparatus preferably has a warp gauge device and an off-level gauge device suspended over a container support and base by at least one column for the warp gauge device and a pillar for the off-level gauge device. When measuring for warp, the off-level gauge device is constructed and arranged to pivot clear of the warp gauge device, and vice-versa when measuring for off-level. The container preferably is held laterally or radially in place by two V-bracket assemblies, and vertically in place by a container support. The V-bracket assemblies are adjustable vertically to accommodate containers of differing diameters and heights.

Abstract: A thin-film detecting device includes a plate set and a thin-film detecting portion especially for fuel cell, steam reformer and the like. This plate set has a first plate and a second plate. Each first plate has an inner surface, an outer surface, at least one channel, a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The thin-film detecting portion is disposed between the first plate and the second plate. This thin-film detecting portion is deformable and has at least one sensor. Each sensor has a connecting line extending from the sensor to a controller. About this invention, its structure is simple. It is easy to install. The exchangeability is high. And, it can be disposed on a specific position easily.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of fitting or removing a motor vehicle tyre 4 comprising a rotatably supported wheel receiving device 2 to which the rim 3 is to be fixed, at least one fitting or removal tool 5, a rotary drive device 10 for the wheel receiving device and a sensing device 6, 7, 8 for sensing the radially outer rim contour 12, 14 along which the at least one fitting or removal tool is to be guided during the fitting or removal operation, wherein the sensing device 6, 7, 8 is a sensing device which contact-lessly senses the rim contour and the sensing signals of which are converted into electrical sensing signals, and connected to the sensing device 6, 7, 8 is a control device 9 which evaluates the electrical sensing signals and which controls the at least one fitting or removal tool 5 in the fitting or removal operation in dependence on the sensing signals without contact with the rim surface.

Abstract: There is described a microchip inspection system, which makes it possible not only to correct the influence of the viscosity change of the liquid, but also to accurately conduct the liquid conveyance controlling operation. The microchip inspection system includes: a micro pump to inject a driving liquid from a liquid flow path into a microchip; a liquid temperature adjusting section to adjust a liquid temperature of the driving liquid; a driving liquid detecting section to detect presence or absence of the driving liquid at two predetermined positions located in the liquid flow path, so as to output detection signals; a fluid velocity calculating section to calculate a fluid velocity based on the detection signals outputted by the driving liquid detecting section; and a liquid temperature controlling section to control the liquid temperature adjusting section, based on the fluid velocity calculated by the fluid velocity calculating section.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a honeycomb fired body includes transporting the honeycomb fired body along a transportation line, and inspecting the honeycomb fired body for a crack during the transporting step.

Abstract: A method for deploying a reconnaissance sonde, including the steps of: incorporating at least one environmental sensor and an associated communication device into a robust, aerodynamically efficient casing; deploying the sonde by imparting a spin and a directional velocity to the casing, sufficient to carry the sonde into a region of interest; and establishing communication with the communication device, thereby enabling data from the sensor(s) to be transmitted to a remote location. A sonde for remote data collection is also provided, including at least one environmental sensor, an energy source and communication means. The sonde is generally shaped as a discus or saucer, a clay pigeon or skeet, for deployment by applying a spin and directional velocity to the sonde.

Abstract: A device to inspect a pipeline includes an optical system for contactless detection of an interior contour of the pipeline by optical triangulation, with the optical system being attachable to a carrier structure, which is insertable in a pipeline. The optical system includes at least n?2 triangulation sensors or light section sensors disposed rotatably about a common axis of rotation and by the n triangulation sensors or n light section sensors being disposed about the common axis of rotation spaced the greatest possible distance apart angle-wise.

Abstract: An in-line pipe inspection tool has one or more inspection platforms (28, 30) which are connected to an elongate wheeled trolley by link arms (20 to 26). The trolley unit (10, 12) has drive means for driving the point of connection of the first link arm (20, 22) to the trolley (10) relative to the point of connection of the second link arm (24, 26) to the trolley (12), thereby to move the inspection platforms (28, 30) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the trolley (10, 12). Thus the inspection platforms (28, 30) are movable which is relative to the trolley (10, 12) to permit the tool to be adapted to pipelines of different diameters. Moreover, the platforms (28, 30) preferably have permanent magnets which contain a rotatable magnet. The rotatable magnet permits the net magnetic field generated by the platform to be varied.

Abstract: Deterioration of reinforced concrete pipes is checked and the deterioration progress level is classified. Based on the inspection result, a portion to be inspected in detail in an inspection area is selected. With respect to the selected portion to be inspected in detail, the pipe thickness and the diameter of reinforcing bars are measured and the location of reinforcing bars in the portion to be inspected in detail are checked. Using the data of the thickness of a pipe, the diameter of the reinforcing bar and disposition of the reinforcing bars, structural analysis is carried out and the strength of the reinforced concrete pipe is calculated. The calculation result is used as information for evaluating the deterioration state of the reinforced concrete pipe.

Abstract: A device for positioning a measuring head above a print substrate includes a display device and a motor-driven positioning device for the measuring head. The motor-driven positioning device for the measuring head is controllable by a computer connected to the display device. Measurement locations are selectable on the display device and the measuring head is positioned by the positioning device depending on the selected measurement locations.

Abstract: An air gap inspection device for a generator field or stator core. The inspection device may include first and second side drive modules and a center drive module disposed between the side drive modules. The first, the second, and the center drive modules may include a track for driving on the generator field or the stator core. The inspection device also may have a transverse assembly connected to the center drive module. The transverse assembly may include an ultrasonic module.

Abstract: To shorten a period of time necessary for performing routine inspections and reduce costs by monitoring a state such as a contact failure of a switching equipment which constitutes a power reception circuit or a branch circuit of a substation through a simple construction. A sensor attached IC tag application high voltage equipment is constructed by detachably mounting a sensor attached IC tag at a position where a sensor of a sensor attached IC tag obtains a physical quantity of a detection target, wherein the sensor attached IC tag is configured to communicate with an externally located IC tag reader.

Abstract: An inspection head for an air gap inspection device. The inspection head may include a pair of expandable shoes, an inspection device attached to the pair of shoes, and a transducer assembly attached to one of the pair of shoes.

Abstract: A method for determining improved washing conditions for a process of laundering textiles includes the steps of preparing one or more test loads; selecting various wash cycle variables; inserting test materials into test loads; washing the loads and materials pursuant to selected the variables; comparing the materials washed pursuant to the selected variables to generate comparison data; and using the comparison data to develop parameters for determining improved washing conditions for one or more textiles. Consumers may be instructed on how to achieve improved overall care of their clothes or other textiles using the improved washing conditions.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a photomask, the method comprising, inspecting at least a portion of the photomask to provide a location of defects having with a first resolution, determining at least one defect region in the location of the defects, the defect region having a defect therein, and imaging the at least one defect region to provide a defect image having a second resolution that is finer than the first resolution.

Abstract: A method of detecting breaks in a porous element in a material separator is disclosed. A shielding is created in the material separator to form a barrier to RF energy. The shielding is formed with a path through the barrier capable of allowing RF energy and material to flow therethrough. The electrically conductive porous element is positioned fully across the path. An RF signal is transmitted on one side of the porous element, and signal levels of the RF signal are detected on the other side of the porous element, such that the detected RF signal crosses the porous element. A baseline signal strength indicator is established from the detected signal levels using an unbroken porous element. An operative signal strength indicator is generated from the detected signal levels. Breaks in the porous element are detected by comparing the operative signal strength indicator against the baseline signal strength indicator.

Abstract: An air gap inspection device. The air gap inspection device may include a mast and an inspection head attached to the mast. The mast may be in the form of a collapsible tube.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently screening for dangerous threatening items are presented. The system includes an object unit designed to hold the object and a test unit including equipment for subjecting the object to a combination of two or more tests. There are sensors located in the object unit, wherein each of the sensors reads data resulting from testing the object and generates an output signal. A computation unit receives the output signal from each of the sensors and processes the output signals in parallel to determine a risk factor based on parameters resulting from the two or more tests. The parallel acquisition and processing of the output signals enhances accuracy. By testing a “batch” of objects at once, the system improves throughput.

Abstract: A fixed electrode and a movable electrode used to drive each arm are disposed at a drive unit. As a voltage is applied between the fixed electrode and the movable the electrode, a coulomb force causes the movable the electrode to move, thereby driving the arms along the closing direction. The dimensions of a sample can be measured based upon the electrostatic capacity achieved between the electrodes when the sample becomes gripped by the arms.

Abstract: A nondestructive inspection device nondestructively inspects an internal state of an inspection target, and transmits information indicating a progress status of the inspection to the outside of an inspection site. A nondestructive inspection system which uses this nondestructive inspection device includes a network connected to the nondestructive inspection device, and one or a plurality of computers connected via the network to the nondestructive inspection device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting, locating, and quantifying explosive materials and devices, and naturally occurring and man-made dangerous or hazardous biological and chemical materials and devices in ducts or piping systems, or other fluid flow systems in buildings such as residential, office, industrial, and power plants, transportation systems such as ships, airplanes, subways, and trains, and various types of infrastructure such as dams, tunnels, or bridges, and in the rooms, compartments, enclosures, containers, or difficult to access areas in these buildings, transportation systems, and structures. The preferred embodiment of this detection and location method uses a conservative tracer and one or more interactive tracers that are injected into the duct or area to be searched at one location and then monitored at the same or another location in the duct or area.

Abstract: The present invention has as its object a method for testing bottles or containers having flexible walls, as well as a plant implementing it, made to be inserted in lines for filling bottles made from plastic material (for example PET, HDPE, PE, etc. . . . ) or aluminium containers (for example cans, etc. . . . ) or containers made from polyethylene-coated paperboard (cartons) (generally all flexible containers), containing any type of liquid. Positioned at the output of the filling system (or possibly of the pasteurisation system) it is able to simultaneously check for the correct fill level, the presence of possible leaks in the sealing system of the container and possible constructive defects in the container (for example in the case of PET bottles, defects linked to the non-uniform distribution or incorrect weighting of the material during the extrusion or blowing step of the bottle).

Abstract: A system for measuring a voltage differential in a current-carrying pipe using a propulsion vehicle for conveying the system inside the pipe. The system includes a first contact for maintaining electrical contact with the pipe as the vehicle moves through the pipe, a second contact positioned in a spaced apart relationship from the first contact for maintaining electrical contact with the pipe as the vehicle moves through the pipe, and a voltage reading device connected to the first contact and the second contact for measuring the voltage between the first contact and the second contact as the vehicle moves through the pipe.

Abstract: A method and tooling for inspecting a contour of an edge of a cutout formed in a disk, each cutout fixedly receiving a turbine blade. A first device receives the disk containing the cutouts. A second device has a sensor associated with the movement of an instrument, the first device securing the disk at a predetermined orientation to the sensor. The disk is secured to the first device, the instrument being directed along the cutout defining a path substantially parallel to a surface of the contour, the instrument remaining in physical contact with the surface of the contour. The sensor transmits a signal associated with instrument movement to an algorithm to convert the signal to two-dimensional positions along the tangent path along the surface of the contour. The acceptability of the edge contour of the cutout is determined by comparing the two-dimensional positions to predetermined ranges of values.