University of Houston System

Texas Heart Institute

Siu Chun Michael Ho

Gangbing Song

Ren Liang

Mehdi Razavi

Devendra Patil

Qingzhao Kong

Hongnan Li

Jinwei Jiang

Zheng Chen

Xuan Kong

Furui Wang

Alireza Nazeri

A portable inspecting device includes PZT transducers and performs active sensing to measure the characteristics of bolted connections. The PZT transducers are mounted on opposing ends of spring-loaded rods and can be moved apart to accommodate a structure for testing. The springs cause the PZT transducers to push against opposing parts of the structure in a stable but temporary fashion. The device can be physically moved to inspect the status and health of multiple different bolted connections.

Portable system for PZT-based inspection of bolted connections

The systems and methods described herein are for monitoring the tightness of bolts. The systems and methods may be used with a mechanism to apply a percussive tap and with a recording or monitoring device for detecting and recording the acoustic signals that are generated by the percussive tap. The acoustic signals generated by percussive taps applied to bolts in various looseness states are analyzed and a machine learning model is developed that allows for determining bolt looseness based on the acoustic signals.

Monitoring bolt tightness using percussion and machine learning

Systems and methods for the ultrasonic disruption of biofilm and algae growth on underwater structures utilize an ultrasonic actuator that produces a natural frequency in the ultrasonic range. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic actuator includes one or more piezoelectric transducers.

Systems and methods for disruption of biofilm and algal growth

A scour monitoring system may provide a housing that is separated into multiple segments that are fluidically isolated from each other. The scour monitoring system may be position adjacent to a structure to be monitored for bridge scouring. Each of the segments may provide a water-swellable material positioned near or in contact with a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) cable. If water penetrates a segment, the water-swellable material may expand to deform the FBG cable. The wavelength of the FBG cable may be monitored periodically for changes, thereby providing moisture detection when a change in wavelength is detected.

Systems and methods for scour monitoring with fiber optic sensors

In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises a needle (e.g., hypodermic needle or trocar) and sensor (e.g., fiber Braggs grating sensor) coupled to a system to determine (e.g., in real time) stress and/or vibrations encountered by the needle. Consequently, various embodiments may (a) help identify nearby vessels, (b) determine whether the needle penetrated a hollow body structure, and (c) accurately guide needles towards a target structure (e.g., vessel). Other embodiments are described herein.

Device, system, and method for a stress sensing medical needle

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation method allows for high frequency dynamic measurement. The method may utilize a broad band light source connected to the sensing elements. Each sensing element may comprise two wavelength matching FBGs, a coupler, and a photodiode. The FBG closest to the light source may attenuate the central wavelength in the transmission spectrum and thus the reflection spectrum of the second FBG. Variations in intensity of the second FBG may be measured by the photodiode and can be calibrated to the desired measurands.

Dynamic fiber bragg grating interrogation system and method

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor for detecting moisture may include a sensor housing, FBG cable, water-swellable bead(s), and retaining mechanism. The housing secures the FBG cable and water-swellable bead. The retaining mechanism, such as one or more wire(s), placed adjacent to the FBG cable may be utilized to minimize lateral displacement of the water-swellable bead(s). The water-swellable bead(s) may swell as they absorb water, thereby causing the FBG to be strained to allow the detection of liquid moisture.

Growing community of inventors

Sugar Land, TX, United States of America

Siu Chun Michael Ho