Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring a material includes adding tagging particles to the material, sensing the tagging particles in the material for an even distribution throughout the material, forming a part from the material if the tagging particles are evenly distributed throughout the material, sensing the tagging particles in the part to determine a physical characteristic of the part, placing the part in operation if the determined physical characteristic is within a predetermined specification, sensing the tagging particles in the part during operation to detect at least one of wear and damage to the part, and generating an indication to a user upon detection of the at least one of wear or damage to the part.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring a material includes adding tagging particles to the material, sensing the tagging particles in the material for an even distribution throughout the material, forming a part from the material if the tagging particles are evenly distributed throughout the material, sensing the tagging particles in the part to determine a physical characteristic of the part, placing the part in operation if the determined physical characteristic is within a predetermined specification, sensing the tagging particles in the part during operation to detect at least one of wear and damage to the part, and generating an indication to a user upon detection of the at least one of wear or damage to the part.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring a material includes adding tagging particles to the material, sensing the tagging particles in the material for an even distribution throughout the material, forming a part from the material if the tagging particles are evenly distributed throughout the material, sensing the tagging particles in the part to determine a physical characteristic of the part, placing the part in operation if the determined physical characteristic is within a predetermined specification, sensing the tagging particles in the part during operation to detect at least one of wear and damage to the part, and generating an indication to a user upon detection of the at least one of wear or damage to the part.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring a material includes adding tagging particles to the material, sensing the tagging particles in the material for an even distribution throughout the material, forming a part from the material if the tagging particles are evenly distributed throughout the material, sensing the tagging particles in the part to determine a physical characteristic of the part, placing the part in operation if the determined physical characteristic is within a predetermined specification, sensing the tagging particles in the part during operation to detect at least one of wear and damage to the part, and generating an indication to a user upon detection of the at least one of wear or damage to the part.

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring a building material are disclosed. The system and the method provide a comprehensive monitoring throughout a manufacturing and an application process and provide a real time data feedback relating to the physical characteristics of the building material. The system and method include mixing a predetermined amount of taggant particles with a predetermined volume of at least one component of the building material in order to comprehensively monitor a mix ratio and segregation of the building material during manufacturing and application.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two mixed components use a sensor for detecting taggant particles in one of the components of the mixed material after installation. The sensor is positioned adjacent a surface of the installed mixture and is connected to a control device for displaying an indication of a mixture ratio of the components below the surface. The control device also generates a profile of the mixture ratio of the installed mixed material versus a distance from the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inspecting use a sensor for detecting taggant particles in a material after installation. The sensor is positioned adjacent a finished surface of the installed material and is connected to a control device for displaying an indication of a distribution of the taggant particles below the surface. The control device also generates a profile of the taggant particles versus a distance from the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two components being mixed use sensors detecting ferrous taggant particles in the component(s) and the mixture. The sensors include an annular drive coil positioned between inner and outer annular sense coils all surrounding a passage for material being sensed. The ratio is determined by comparing a signal generated by one sensor through which a taggant particle containing component is flowing with a signal generated by another sensor through which the mixture is flowing delayed by the time required for the component to flow from the one sensor to the another sensor. The signals can also be used to control the flow of the components and to check the mixture after use for such mixtures as asphalt and concrete.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two components being mixed use sensors detecting ferrous taggant particles in the component(s) and the mixture. The sensors include an annular drive coil positioned between inner and outer annular sense coils all surrounding a passage for material being sensed. The ratio is determined by comparing a signal generated by one sensor through which a taggant particle containing component is flowing with a signal generated by another sensor through which the mixture is flowing delayed by the time required for the component to flow from the one sensor to the another sensor. The signals can also be used to control the flow of the components and to check the mixture after use for such mixtures as asphalt and concrete.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two mixed components use a sensor for detecting taggant particles in one of the components of the mixed material after installation. The sensor is positioned adjacent a surface of the installed mixture and is connected to a control device for displaying an indication of a mixture ratio of the components below the surface. The control device also generates a profile of the mixture ratio of the installed mixed material versus a distance from the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two components being mixed use sensors detecting ferrous taggant particles in the component(s) and the mixture. The sensors include an annular drive coil positioned between inner and outer annular sense coils all surrounding a passage for material being sensed. The ratio is determined by comparing a signal generated by one sensor through which a taggant particle containing component is flowing with a signal generated by another sensor through which the mixture is flowing delayed by the time required for the component to flow from the one sensor to the another sensor. The signals can also be used to control the flow of the components and to check the mixture after use.

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring a building material are disclosed. The system and the method provide a comprehensive monitoring throughout a manufacturing and an application process and provide a real time data feedback relating to the physical characteristics of the building material. The system and method include mixing a predetermined amount of taggant particles with a predetermined volume of at least one component of the building material in order to comprehensively monitor a mix ratio and segregation of the building material during manufacturing and application.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two components being mixed uses sensors detecting ferrous taggant particles in the component(s) and the mixture. The sensors include an annular drive coil positioned between inner and outer annular sense coils all surrounding a passage for material being sensed. The ratio is determined by comparing a signal generated by one sensor through which a taggant particle containing component is flowing with a signal generated by another sensor through which the mixture is flowing delayed by the time required for the component to flow from the one sensor to the another sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring metallurgical properties of a ferromagnetic test piece that includes a variable frequency oscillator for providing a periodic signal, and a test coil arrangement for applying the periodic signal to a test piece to generate eddy currents therein. A test signal is developed in response to eddy currents induced in the test piece and fed to a microprocessor-based digital controller. The digital controller is coupled to the oscillator for generating the oscillator periodic signal at successive first and second test frequencies. At least two harmonic components of the test signal are separated from each other by the digital controller at each test frequency.

Abstract: A fully automatic penetration hardness tester which includes a penetrator and clamp driven by respective serially-connected pneumatic cylinders for engaging test specimens. Pressure regulators are coupled to the respective cylinders for first applying clamping pressure against the test specimen and then applying a plurality of loads in a predetermined sequence to the clamped specimen through the penetrator, with the total clamping and penetrator pressure against the test specimen remaining constant through the test cycle. A control circuit monitors penetrator position and automatically initiates application of the next load in the test sequence when motion of the penetrator following application of the preceding load has settled such that a predetermined number of sequential position readings fall within a preselected position range. Specimen hardness is determined as a linear function of penetration depth under the various loads.