An ultrasonic pulse transmitter is provided that is configured to transmit an ultrasonic pulse through a target liquid medium. A receiver is also provided. Per one embodiment, a reflector is coupled to an automated positioner that moves the reflector to select different positions at select distances from an ultrasonic transceiver. A holder is provided that is configured to maintain the pulse transmitter at a controlled position in relation to the target liquid medium, and that is configured to be carried. In one embodiment of a method, ultrasonic pulses are transmitted through a target liquid medium. The transmitted ultrasonic pulses are then received. A vessel is provided to hold the liquid medium without the use of a seal on the vessel.

An ultrasonic pulse transmitter is provided that is configured to transmit an ultrasonic pulse through a target liquid medium. A receiver is also provided. Per one embodiment, a reflector is coupled to an automated positioner that moves the reflector to select different positions at select distances from an ultrasonic transceiver. A holder is provided that is configured to maintain the pulse transmitter at a controlled position in relation to the target liquid medium, and that is configured to be carried. In one embodiment of a method, ultrasonic pulses are transmitted through a target liquid medium. The transmitted ultrasonic pulses are then received. A vessel is provided to hold the liquid medium without the use of a seal on the vessel.

A multi-path acoustic signal apparatus, system, and apparatus for use in material detection are provided. The method includes transmitting at least one acoustic signal from each of a plurality of acoustic transceivers positioned along a first portion of the fluid container. The at least one transmitted acoustic signal is received with at least one additional acoustic transceiver positioned along a second portion of the fluid container, wherein the second portion is substantially opposite the first portion of the fluid container. A composition of the physical material within the fluid container is determined based on the at least one received acoustic signal.

An integrated system for determining a hemostasis and oxygen transport parameter of a blood sample, such as blood, is disclosed. The system includes a measurement system, such as an ultrasonic sensor, configured to determine data characterizing the blood sample. For example, the data could be displacement of the blood sample in response to ultrasonic pulses. An integrated aspect of the system may be a common sensor, sample portion or data for fast and efficient determination of both parameters. The parameters can also be used to correct or improve measured parameters. For example, physiological adjustments may be applied to the hemostatic parameters using a HCT measurement. Also, physical adjustments may be applied, such as through calibration using a speed or attenuation of the sound pulse through or by the blood sample. These parameters may be displayed on a GUI to guide treatment.

An integrated system for determining a hemostasis and oxygen transport parameter of a blood sample, such as blood, is disclosed. The system includes a measurement system, such as an ultrasonic sensor, configured to determine data characterizing the blood sample. For example, the data could be displacement of the blood sample in response to ultrasonic pulses. An integrated aspect of the system may be a common sensor, sample portion or data for fast and efficient determination of both parameters. The parameters can also be used to correct or improve measured parameters. For example, physiological adjustments may be applied to the hemostatic parameters using a HCT measurement. Also, physical adjustments may be applied, such as through calibration using a speed or attenuation of the sound pulse through or by the blood sample. These parameters may be displayed on a GUI to guide treatment.

A method for checking a flexible line, the flexible line including at least one layer of armors (24, 25) surrounded by an external sheath (30), the external sheath (30) delimiting an internal space (33) receiving the layer of armors (24, 25) and including at least one medium (M) at the interface between the external sheath (30) and the internal space (33). The method includes sending an ultrasonic signal on a region to be checked of the external sheath (30), and receiving the reflected signal at the interface between the region to be checked of the external sheath (30) and the internal space (33) facing the region to be checked of the external sheath (30); and analyzing the polarity of the reflected signal and determining, according to the analyzed polarity, at least the nature of the medium (M) at the interface.

Examples of determining tuberculation in a fluid distribution system are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, an acoustical wave generator generates an acoustical wave within a fluid path of a fluid distribution system. A first acoustical sensor and a second acoustical sensor sense the acoustical wave. An acoustical signal analysis module determines an amount of tuberculation within the fluid distribution system by analyzing the sensed acoustical wave.

Examples of determining tuberculation in a fluid distribution system are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, an acoustical wave generator generates an acoustical wave within a fluid path of a fluid distribution system. A first acoustical sensor and a second acoustical sensor sense the acoustical wave. An acoustical signal analysis module determines an amount of tuberculation within the fluid distribution system by analyzing the sensed acoustical wave.

Within the scope of the invention, a device for monitoring the quality of a fuel stored in a fuel tank has been developed. The main field of application is diesel-operated vehicles. The fuel is therefore preferably diesel fuel. The device is defined by the fact that means for determining the boiling point of the fuel are provided. Furthermore, a method for monitoring the quality of a fuel stored in a fuel tank has also been developed within the scope of the invention. The main field of application is diesel-operated vehicles. The fuel is therefore preferably diesel fuel. The method is defined by the fact that the boiling point of the fuel or a deviation of this boiling point from a normal value is measured. During the analysis of real injection pumps which have failed it has been detected that an excessively low boiling point of the fuel can cause the fuel to outgas. As a result, bubbles in which the necessary lubrication is no longer provided locally form in the injection pump. Furthermore, the lubricating effect is dependent on the fuel having a certain minimum viscosity. A low boiling point is also correlated with a low viscosity. Therefore, overall, the boiling point (initial boiling point, IBP) is a particularly good indicator especially of those deviations from standard values for the fuel which entail particularly costly damage.

Within the scope of the invention, a device for monitoring the quality of a fuel stored in a fuel tank has been developed. The main field of application is diesel-operated vehicles. The fuel is therefore preferably diesel fuel. The device is defined by the fact that means for determining the boiling point of the fuel are provided. Furthermore, a method for monitoring the quality of a fuel stored in a fuel tank has also been developed within the scope of the invention. The main field of application is diesel-operated vehicles. The fuel is therefore preferably diesel fuel. The method is defined by the fact that the boiling point of the fuel or a deviation of this boiling point from a normal value is measured. During the analysis of real injection pumps which have failed it has been detected that an excessively low boiling point of the fuel can cause the fuel to outgas. As a result, bubbles in which the necessary lubrication is no longer provided locally form in the injection pump. Furthermore, the lubricating effect is dependent on the fuel having a certain minimum viscosity. A low boiling point is also correlated with a low viscosity. Therefore, overall, the boiling point (initial boiling point, IBP) is a particularly good indicator especially of those deviations from standard values for the fuel which entail particularly costly damage.