Abstract: A prior art computerized ultrasonic examination is performed by moving an ultrasonic probe over the surface of an object, transmitting short pulses of ultrasonic energy into the material. Combined digital position and echo pulse signals are electronically stored, processed, and used for the display of a first video sectional flaw image of a selected sectional plane through the object. Representatives of reflected echo amplitudes from a chosen location are now shown, either in said first flaw image, or in at least one separate sectional view, as lengths of line segments originating at an image pixel representing said location, and drawn in the directions of the projections on said selected sectional plane of the incoming pulses at said location. In typical examples it is demonstrated, how reflected waves can be visualized and evaluated, and how the corresponding flaw images can be superimposed on said first video flaw image, thereby adding important information which is normally disregarded in the prior art.

Abstract: A prior art computerized ultrasonic examination is first performed by moving an ultrasonic probe over the surface of an object, emitting short pulses of ultrasonic energy into the material. Combined digital position and echo pulse signals are electronically stored, processed and used for the display of video images presenting accumulated echo amplitude data in circular patterns associated with selected sectional planes through the object. The results of the examination are then analyzed and evaluated by means of a mathematical model, able to produce imaginary digital data simulating the progression and reflection of sound pulses emitted by the ultrasonic probe. Imaginary echo signals from imaginary point reflection sources corresponding to selected individual flaw image pixels are then compared with the actual echo pulse signals electronically stored, and in cases of identical sound path lengths, the corresponding actual echo pulse signals are deleted from the memory.

Abstract: A system for the internal inspection of pipelines for carrying oil or gas, subsea or overland, includes an apparatus carrier, pressure-driven driven or self-propelled, carrying non-destructive examination apparatus moved through the pipeline to inspect the safety conditions of the pipeline wall material and surfaces. During its progression the carrier gradually deposits one or more expendable, thin optical fibers inside the pipeline. The fibers connect the carrier with a control station, situated outside the pipeline at the carrier launching end of the pipeline, through electro-optical signal converters installed in the carrier and in the control station. The system permits continuous on-line communication with the carrier over very long distances (1) for generating instant visual displays and permanent records of the step-by-step results of the inspection, (2) for controlling the functions of the non-destructive examination apparatus, and (3) for controlling the rate of progression of the carrier.

Abstract: In an improved method for determining the position of a measuring sensor or probe (1), such as a probe for ultrasonic examination of an object (2), use is made of at least two mutually crossing bars (3a, 3b, 3c) of electrically conducting material in constant sliding, electrical contact with each other. At least one bar (3a) is kept fixed in relation to the object (2) to be examined, and at least one bar (3b, 3c) is kept fixed in relation to the probe (1). By measuring the electrical voltage drops in the bars, the positions of the crossing points (4ab, 4ac) between these bars and thereby the actual position of the probe in relation to a reference system (x, y) on the surface of the object are determined. By using at least three bars, it is possible to determine the position coordinates (x, y) as well as the angular direction (v) of a freely movable probe in relation to objects to be examined having plane, cylindrical or double-curved surfaces.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning apparatus produces projection pictures on the surface of an object under inspection or examination and on planes perpendicular thereto. The amplitudes of the echo pulses produced by the ultrasonic scanning appartus, which uses an angle probe, are stored in a memory having at least one storage position relating to each projection of a reflecting point within the examined area. Only the highest echo amplitude originating from all the reflecting points lying on a projection line at right angles to the projection plane in question is recorded--not the highest amplitude from each reflecting point on the projection line. Thus, only those echo pulse amplitudes necessary to produce a projection picture of the object are stored in the memory thereby substantially reducing the required memory capacity.

Abstract: When carrying out electric fusion welding with at least two current-carrying electrodes, these electrodes are held in a joint holder in non-parallel positions so that they meet in a point of intersection in which melting of the electrode material takes place. Hereby the risk of burn-through is minimized and an additional degree of freedom which can be used for controlling purposes is obtained.

Abstract: In an apparatus for locating inhomogeneities in otherwise homogeneous bodies by the ultrasonic pulse-echo method an angle probe is used in connection with an acoustic signal emitter, adapted to produce an audible signal, a characteristic of which, e.g. the intensity, varies in a continuous manner with the amplitude of the reflected ultrasonic pulses.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an ultrasonic sectional view stating the proportion of meat and lard in biological material. The apparatus comprises a transducer unit and an ultrasonic pulse generator providing a periodically scanning window. Said transducer unit comprises at least two multi-crystal units, the longitudinal axes of which may form a variable angle. The joint between the multi-crystal units comprises an angle information unit. By means of said angle information unit and the means for visualizing reflected ultrasonic echoes it is possible to visualize marginal surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an ultrasonic sectional view of a body to be examined. The apparatus comprises a transducer head in the form of a wheel in the periphery of which four ultrasonic transducers are built in. The wheel rotates about an axis perpendicular to the sectional plane. The apparatus further comprises means for separately and successively cutting the transducers in and out of a pulse circuit in such a manner that each transducer covers only a sector from -45.degree. to +45.degree. with regard to a symmetry axis for the transducer head.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for taking biological samples from the interior of a living human or animal body is provided. It comprises a tubular needle with a tubular stiletto snugly and slidably fitted therein, the distal end of said tubular stiletto being sharpened. The stiletto contains optical fiber means for directing light into the interior of the body and for directing reflected light therefrom and is provided with fine air ducts, which, when subjected to a partial vacuum, cause the stiletto to slide forward through the needle into abutment on the interior surface from which a biological sample is to be taken.

Abstract: The conventional fibre optics in a cystoscope is replaced by a scanning device by which it is possible to obtain an ultrasonic scanning picture of the interior of a human body, especially the bladder and the prostate region. Essentially, the scanning device comprises an elongated tube mounted on a stepping motor. From the distal end of this tube a cautery electrode protrudes, the distal end further being provided with a transducer for pulse-echo ultrasonic exploration.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed in which it is possible by means of ultrasonic examination according to the pulse echo method to obtain an indication, or a recording of images, of internal inhomogeneities in otherwise homogeneous bodies, corresponding substantially to the images obtained by producing a normal radiographic film of the body. To obtain this an ultrasonic angle probe is moved across the surface of the body and the echo signals are used to produce punctiform markings on a recording surface in such a way that (a) the markings are effected along a moving axis of indication, (b) the displacement of a reference point on the axis of indication follows the displacement of the sound emission point of the probe, (c) the direction of the axis of indication follows the direction of the projection of the sound path on the surface of the body, and (d) the distance from the reference point to each marking is proportional to the echo time of the corresponding ultrasonic pulse.