Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetometer architecture that couples one or more coils to a magnetic yoke to allow the reset of the magnetic yoke and one or more magnetic field sensors simultaneously after, for example, exposure to a large stray magnetic field. Also, disclosed is a magnetometer architecture that integrates separate magnetic pole pieces offset from the yoke that are each wound by a reset coil to allow reset of the one or more magnetic field sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of inspecting polymeric material that includes one or more elongated ferrous reinforcements. The method includes applying a magnetic field to any one or more reinforcements. The method further includes positioning an array of magnetic flux sensors near the one or more reinforcements, and detecting the presence of magnetic flux leakage along any of the one or more reinforcements. It is then determined whether the magnetic flux leakage occurs at a damaged location along the one or more reinforcements or at a reinforcement joint.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor for sensing a movement of a target object an include a substrate having a major planar surface and three or more magnetic field sensing elements disposed upon the major planar surface of the substrate. The three or more magnetic field sensing elements can have respective major response axes, each major response axis parallel to the major planar surface of the substrate. The three or more magnetic field sensing elements comprise first and third magnetic field sensing elements and a second magnetic field sensing element disposed between the first and third magnetic field sensing elements. A first spacing between the first and second magnetic field sensing elements is less than a second spacing between the second and third magnetic field sensing elements. No other magnetic field sensing elements are disposed between the first and third magnetoresistance elements.

Abstract: A chain sensor includes a first magnetic circuit, a device for measuring the magnetic flux density in the first magnetic circuit, and a coil. The magnetic circuit is substantially formed by a magnetically conductive yoke body. The yoke body has a lateral leg, the end of which is disposable in the proximity of a chain. The device for measuring the magnetic flux density is connected to an analysis unit. To determine the elongation of the chain during operation, a partially closed magnetic circuit is formed, a voltage is applied to a coil disposed in the magnetic circuit, an alternating magnetic flux density is generated in the magnetic circuit by the movement of the chain through the partially closed magnetic circuit, the alternating magnetic flux density in the magnetic circuit is detected as a plurality of measured values, and a length value of the chain from the measured values is determined.

Abstract: A wire rope flaw detection device includes: a base unit including a magnetizer for forming a main magnetic path in the axial direction of a wire rope, and a magnetic sensor for detecting a leakage magnetic flux generated by a wire rope damaged part; and a guide unit including guide members and a guide plate which are formed in U shapes along the outer circumference of the wire rope, wherein the guide unit is fixed to the base unit.

Abstract: The wire rope flaw detector includes: buffer members provided on both sides of the probe in an axial direction of the wire rope and between a connecting member and the probe. The connecting member is configured to connect a first and a second position regulation mechanism with each other, and is configured to guide the wire rope. The buffer members are made of a material satisfying conditions that, during running of the wire rope, a vibration frequency of the buffer members becomes lower than the vibration frequency of vibration generated by the first and the second position regulation mechanism, and have an inherent vibration frequency larger than the vibration frequency of the vibration having a largest amplitude among vibration components of the wire rope. The adjustment jig is used at an initial adjustment so that a guide groove of the probe is supported by the position regulation mechanisms without contact.

Abstract: Inspection and monitoring system consists of a measuring unit fixedly installed in the cable railway, a storage and transmission unit operatively connected to the latter for the storage and communication of the measurement data, and an assessment unit connected to the latter via Ethernet or some comparable network in order to assess and visualize the measurement data in a remote monitoring station away from the cable railway from which the inspection process is initiated automatically according to a set program. Assessment of the inspection results in the remote monitoring station also takes place automatically by means of a pre-specified program. The station can be in operation around the clock and can also monitor a number of cable railways a long way away at the same time. It works reliably without staff interaction and enables precise management of the cable in view of its optimal life span.

Abstract: Controlling cable (30) tension and tool (34) position in a well (16) may include controlling either or both of tool position and cable tension independently by regulating reel (335) angle and flow rate of a fluid pumped over the tool. Thus, despite physical interdependency of tool position and cable tension, the tool may be controlled such that its position is changed while cable tension remains constant, or its position is held constant while cable tension is changed. In addition, actual downhole tool position, cable tension, and other actual values may be estimated using an observer.

Abstract: Remote sensing systems and methods for analyzing characteristics of moving drilling equipment, for example, rotational movement rate, longitudinal movement rate, geometry or combinations thereof, are provided. The sensing systems may include a detectable substance, marking equipment for marking the drilling equipment with the detectable substance, detection equipment for detecting the detectable substance and capturing data from which drilling equipment movement and/or geometry may be estimated, and processing equipment for estimating movement and/or geometry information from the captured data. The methods include marking the drilling equipment with a detectable substance, detecting the detectable substance, and using data captured during the detection to analyze movement and geometry of the drilling equipment.

Abstract: A cable safety and maintenance vision system includes an imaging unit comprising at least one imaging device configured to capture images of a side profile portion of a cable. The cable forms a continuous cable loop. A cable defect detection processor is in communication with the at least one imaging device. The cable defect detection processor is configured to receive images from the at least one imaging device, to identify features in the images that indicate potential defects, and to output a location on the continuous cable loop of the features in the images that indicate potential defects.

Abstract: A speed detection apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store time when each of first and second sensors detects an arbitrary detection mark and an address corresponding to the detection mark. The speed detection apparatus further includes a same mark detection time identification unit configured to identify, based on output information from a reference speed detection unit, time when the first and second sensors detect the same mark, based on the address and the time stored in the storage unit, and a relative speed calculation unit configured to calculate, based on output information from the same mark detection time identification unit, a speed of the first sensor and the second sensor relative to a scale member.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a conveyor of articles includes a reference element located on a transport chain and sensors. Each sensor senses passage of the reference element during the operation of the conveyor. Counting means measures time elapsed between passage of the reference element close to the sensors. Computing means determines transport chain movement speed with respect to the static portion based on the first measured time and the first distance, and determines the length of the chain based on the determined movement speed and based on the second measured time.

Abstract: A magnetic linear position sensor includes an array of N number of magnets. The array of magnets is distributed along a line to form a magnetic field relay along the line. The sizes and positions of the magnets in the array of magnets are symmetric along the line, and the size of the magnets decreases from the sides of the array of magnets towards the center of the array of magnets. The magnetic linear position sensor further includes a magnetic field sensor spaced apart and positioned above the array of magnets. The magnetic field sensor moves back and forth over the array of magnets to sense the magnetic field of the array of magnets.

Abstract: Magnetic position sensors, systems and methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a position sensing system includes a magnetic field source with a dipole moment in a direction along a z-axis; and a sensor module spaced apart from a center of the dipole moment a distance y0 along a y-axis and spaced apart a distance z0 from a center of the dipole moment along a z-axis, at least one of the magnetic field source or the sensor module configured to move relative to the other along a path in the y=y0 plane, the sensor module configured to determine a relative position of the magnetic field source to the sensor module with respect to the path from a ratio of a gradient dBz/dx to a gradient dBz/dy, where Bz is a magnetic field component associated with the permanent magnet, and where an x-axis, the y-axis and the z-axis are at right angles.

Abstract: An induction detecting type rotary encoder includes: a stator; a rotor configured to be rotated with respect to a rotary shaft; a first transmitting coil; a second transmitting coil; a first receiving coil; a second receiving coil; a first magnetic flux coupling body; and a second magnetic flux coupling body. The first transmitting coil is disposed between the first and second receiving coils. A distance between the second transmitting coil and the rotary shaft is larger than that of the second receiving coil and the rotary shaft. The first magnetic flux coupling body forms a first track for causing a periodic change for each rotation. The second magnetic flux coupling body forms a second track for causing a periodic change for each rotation. The second magnetic flux coupling body has a pattern of which an inner peripheral side is substantially continuous in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: An assembly magnetically marks a wire and detects a magnetic mark on the wire. The assembly includes an apparatus for altering the wire, an active coil for magnetically marking a wire, and a passive coil for detecting a magnetic mark. The active coil is disposed at a wire inlet of the apparatus. The passive coil is disposed at a wire outlet of the apparatus.

Abstract: A length measurement apparatus (10) is set forth which has a bistable magnetic element (102), an elongated physical scale (200) having a plurality of measurement graduation elements (202) spaced apart from one another as well as a reading head (100) which is movable relative to the physical scale (200) in its longitudinal extent and which includes at least one first reading head magnet (114a) and one second reading head magnet (114b) which are arranged transverse to the longitudinal extent and with opposite polarity to one another.

Abstract: A permanent invisible magnetic marking and positioning system of unfinished steel rods, spring steel bars, workpieces, and the like. A midpoint or center of the rod, bar or workpiece is automatically located and a high-energy pulse is applied for an embedded magnetic marker in the workpiece. Meanwhile, the magnetizing heads can also be repositioned to various points on a workpiece for imparting manufacturing and product identification data. In the case of leaf springs, the center of a spring steel bar is located a magnetic marker is embedded there. A high-energy rectangular pulse imparts a permanent invisible magnetic marks and data. The embedded indicators having peak magnetic strength allow manual or automatic positioning for perfect alignment in bending, tapping and other forming processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically monitoring the wear of a chain when in operation in a chain drive assembly. First and second markers are applied to the chain at a predetermined distance apart. A first sensor is disposed adjacent to the chain to coincide with the position of the first marker. A second sensor is disposed adjacent to the chain to coincide with the position of the second marker. The sensors generate signals in response to the detection of the markers. When the chain drive is operated the first and second sensors are initially triggered substantially simultaneously by said first and second markers respectively. After the chain extends through wear elongation is identified by detecting a time delay between the triggering of the first and second sensors by the respective markers. One of the sensors is then moved to a position where substantially simultaneous triggering of the sensors by the markers can be resumed.

Abstract: Methods and computer executable instructions are provided for making an elongate line (22) with a plurality of marks (30) and detecting those marks (30) to determine a distance of the elongate line (22) in a downhole or a physical integrity thereof. In a preferred embodiment, each mark comprises a plurality of particles (44) having a substantially permanent magnetizing capability adhered to an exterior surface of the elongate line (22) at preselected intervals with an epoxy paint. The particles (44) are arranged at each interval as a plurality of bands (40). Thereafter, the particles are oriented into a magnetic signature for that interval by magnetizing the particles to create a magnetic field substantially normal to the exterior surface. This facilitates detection by a Hall effect probe. The magnetic signatures are stored in a computing configuration and, once a mark is detected, a correlation is made to a unique position on the elongate line by comparison with the stored magnetic signatures.

Abstract: A permanent invisible magnetic marking and positioning system of cylindrical metal steel rods. To accurately locate the physical midpoint of the rod-to-be-cut, a novel head centering and positioning mechanism automatically sets the midpoint distance for each setup as the length of the finished rod stock is changed. The steel rod that is used to manufacture the U-bolts is inserted lengthwise into a cutoff saw station or machine until it comes in contact with a stop that is set to the desired predetermined length. An automatic centering device positions the magnetizing heads located at the longitudinal center, on each side, of the steel rod. A high-energy rectangular pulse imparts a permanent invisible magnetic mark at the longitudinal center of the steel rod before being formed into a U-bolt. The rod is then suitably cut to the desired predetermined length, and each of the opposite ends threaded with the desired thread size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying to a carrier a marking serving to measure length, angle cr the like, such as, for example, a magnetic tape (4), by means of which the accuracy of the measurements is improved. In the case of such methods, in one marking step a means for producing a track with markings, for example a writing head (9), is guided over the carrier and, by virtue of the fact that the carrier is acted upon, markings, for example magnetic north and south poles, are applied therein at predetermined positions of the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for calculating the velocity, displacement and/or strain of a moving surface or web of material. ("Surface or web" is hereafter referred to simply as "web".) In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system is provided having a first photosensor array disposed near the web of material and a second photosensor array disposed near the web of material, wherein the second photosensor array is spaced a distance "d" from the first photosensor array. A processing unit is coupled to both the first photosensor array and the second photosensor array and is configured to control or carry out functional operations and computations associated with the system.

Abstract: A method is provided for acquiring MR image data pertaining to a coronary artery which is in motion between end-diastolic and end-systolic maximum excursion positions, respectively, during a cardiac cycle. The method comprises the step of tracking the location of the artery during the cardiac cycle as the artery moves between the positions of maximum excursion. The method further comprises acquiring MR data at a number of locations during the cardiac cycle in a region lying between the maximum excursion positions, each having the excitation or acquisition scan locations adjusted during the MR scan so as to substantially coincide with the location of said artery at the time of data acquisition.

Abstract: A measuring roller system for a tree processing machine having a measuring roller and roller mounting means for mounting the roller on the frame of the machine for swinging movement toward or away from the frame. The roller is rotatably mounted on the roller mounting means for rotation caused by axial movement of a tree past the roller while in contact with the roller and while being processed by the machine. A sensor is positioned to measure the amount of rotation of the roller to provide a measure of length of tree fed axially past the roller. The roller system has sensor moving means to rotate the sensor in unison with the roller when the roller is rotated by transaxial movement of the tree during axial movement.

Abstract: A method of testing the position of an edit point between an edited magne tape packed in a cassette and a leader spliced ahead of the recording or a trailer spliced after the recording, includes determination of a distance of the edit point from a cue tone situated, for example, at least before the beginning of the recording, or from the end of the recording and generating first and second output signals commensurate with an optical measurement of the edit point and an inductive measurement of the recorded cue tone. In dependence of the position of the recorded cue tone behind the leader or ahead of the trailer as viewed in tape travel direction, a time difference, such as, between the ascending flank of the second output signal and the descending flank of the first output signal, is determined. The determined time difference is then compared with upper and lower limits which define a tolerance range for the position of the edit point before or behind the recorded cue tone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and accurately monitoring the wear of a continuous conveyor chain without having to stop the chain. The present invention provides first and sensors means fixedly spaced along the conveyor chain at a predetermined distance. The first and second sensors generate signals corresponding to the presence and absence of successive links provided in the conveyor chain. The generated signals are received and processed and the necessary time intervals are calculated for providing an output indicative of chain wear of any portion of the chain several parameters of chain wear may be calculated, including chain stretch and instantaneous chain speed. The calculated chain wear values may be compared to predetermined values previously input and stored, and if the calculated values exceed the predetermined values, an indicator means indicates that the conveyor chain should be serviced.

Abstract: A method of measuring a length of a conduit comprises the steps of: supplying air into a conduit to insert a filamentary body into the conduit by flow of the air; detecting arrival of a forward end of the filamentary body at an outlet of the conduit; and measuring the length of the conduit from the length of the filamentary body inserted into the conduit. An apparatus for measuring a length of a conduit, comprises an air supply device for supplying air into the conduit; a filamentary body including a wire and a plurality of elastic large-diameter members attached to the wire; and a device for detecting that a forward end of the filamentary body arrives at an outlet end of the conduit, where the length of the conduit is measured from the length of the filamentary body inserted into the conduit.

Abstract: A method of measuring a length of a conduit comprises the steps of: supplying air into a conduit to insert a filamentary body into the conduit by flow of the air; detecting arrival of a forward end of the filamentary body at an outlet of the conduit; and measuring the length of the conduit from the length of the filamentary body inserted into the conduit. An apparatus for measuring a length of a conduit, comprises an air supply device for supplying air into the conduit; a filamentary body including a wire and a plurality of elastic large-diameter members attached to the wire; and a device for detecting that a forward end of the filamentary body arrives at an outlet end of the conduit, where the length of the conduit is measured from the length of the filamentary body inserted into the conduit.

Abstract: A depth measuring system for a slickline utilized in a well bore operation where the slickline is in a non-slip relationship with the circumference of a calibrated measuring wheel and the revolutions of the wheel are utilized to provide a first length measurement. A load cell is provided to measure tension in the slickline so that length elongation of the slickline due to tension can be determined. A temperature differential determination is made so that corrections in length can be made for the temperature effects. The temperature differential can be temperature effects on the measuring wheel and/or temperature effects of the slickline in the well bore. The measuring wheel determination of length is algebraically summed with the tension elongation and changes due to temperature to provide a more accurate indication of the depth measurement in the well bore.

Abstract: Elongation of a moving endless body, such as a chain, a belt, a conveyor or the like, is measured continuously by providing two indices, e.g. pins or tongues, on the endless body, and two sensors, e.g. magnetic or optical sensors, along the path of circulating movement of the endless body. The sensors are connected to an arithmetic circuit which determines elongation from the data provided by the sensors.

Abstract: A mobile sewer cleaning apparatus having a rotating drum and a flexible hose wound thereon. Preferably mounted on the sewer cleaning apparatus is a device for measuring the length of hose paid out from the drum. The measuring device may be used, among other things, for measuring the speed of the hose as it is wound or unwound from the drum, and for controlling a safety device intended to stop the flow of water through the hose as the hose is being wound.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the measurement of the displacement, and if desired, the force on movable equipment in the production pipe of a pumped well, for example, a pump rod or sucker rod near the pump at the bottom of a well. The force on the rod is measured with a load sensing device connected to a lower rod. The displacement is measured by creating equally spaced apart magnetic marks or poles on the internal wall of the production pipe, detecting the marks, and then erasing the marks, so they do not interfere with marks created and detected when the direction of displacement is reversed. A new mark is created each time a mark is detected, and the equal displacement distance between detected marks is compared with the corresponding elapsed time to determine the displacement and velocity of the rod. A diagram of force-displacement can be made from the measurement data to enable the pump, or other movable equipment to be operated at optimum conditions.

Abstract: A measuring device is used for measuring the length of cable between a surface winch and a well tool in a well bore. A tension device measures tension on the cable supporting the well tool. Constant parameters for the cable, temperatures and coefficients are input to a CPU summation means which also receives measured data inputs of length and tension and determine the net change of cable length. The net change of cable length is used to constantly correct the length measurements sent to a recorder so the log depth is corrected for change in cable length due to wheel measurements, tension and temperature.

Abstract: A method of measuring variation in the elongation of a very long element of small transverse dimensions and made of magnetizable material, optionally covered by non-magnetic material, and running between a lower elongation zone and a higher elongation zone, or vice versa, said method consisting in periodically magnetically marking the elongate element simultaneously at two points spaced apart by a predetermined distance therealong in a first one of said zones, and then in detecting the instants at which said magnetic marks pass at least one point situated in the other one of said zones.

Abstract: In a cable length measurement system, two tangential measuring wheels engage the outer surface or an armored electrical cable and a magnetic mark detector is used for detecting magnetic marks located at a predetermined spacing on the cable while a tension load cell is connected to a cable sheave to measure tension on the cable; the detector in a system which utilizes a "window" period or span which is operated each 98 to 102 feet from a previous magnetic mark to detect valid magnetic marks on the cable which allows detection of magnetic marks substantially independent of the degree of wheel wear, slippage and/or damage; also in the detector system, the constant parameters for the cable, temperatures and coefficients are input to a CPU summation means which also receives measured data inputs of length and tension and the net change of cable length is determined; the net change of cable length is used to constantly correct the cable length measurements sent to a recorder so the log depth is corrected for change

Abstract: The present invention comprehends a magnetic mark detector system in which the magnetic detector head is customized to the magnetic span of the North/South poles of a magnetic mark on a cable and is focused to concentrate the specific magnetic characteristics of flux of the magnetic mark to a detector and to exclude the effects of extraneous earth magnetic fields. The magnetic head structure includes spaced apart elongated head members constructed from magnetic material and disposed in an end to end relationship. The head members have an overall length functionally related to the magnetic span of a magnetic mark and focus magnetic flux. Between facing ends of the head members, in a centrally located gap, is a Hall field effect device which responds to magnetic flux and produces an electrical output signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for measuring a length of logging cable introduced into a borehole, thereby measuring the depth of a logging tool, or sonde, attached to the lower end of the cable. The methods involve producing an electrical signal, which propagates along the cable, and detecting at the mouth of the borehole the time of passage of the initial electrical signal and the time of passage of a subsequent electrical signal reflected or returned upwardly from the lower end of the cable, or, alternatively, the time of arrival of the reflected or returned electrical signal at the upper end of the cable. These times can be determined by means of clocks which are switched on by the passage of the initial electrical signal and switched off by the subsequent electrical signal. Knowing the time intervals and the velocity of propagation of electrical signals in the cable, the length of cable from the mouth of the borehole to the lower end of the cable, and thus the depth of the sonde, is measured.

Abstract: A torque sensor for detecting variation in the drive torque of an automobile comprises an excitation coil wound on an excitation core and a detection coil wound on a detection core. The coils and cores are inserted into a chamber formed within a bearing for supporting a drive shaft and having an opening along the sliding surface of the bearing. The poles of the excitation core and the poles of the detection core are respectively disposed at prescribed clearances from the surface of the drive shaft in such manner that the poles of the detection core intersect the excitation core between its poles, whereby variation in drive torque is detected as magnetostriction.

Abstract: A position sensor comprises n tracks (Sp.sub.1, Sp.sub.2, Sp.sub.3) on a carrier (T) which are provided with magnetizations of a length L and of alternate polarity. The tracks are phase-shifted with respect to each other by .DELTA.L=L.sub./n. A sensor head (S) comprises Permalloy-resistors (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3) above each track (Sp.sub.1, Sp.sub.2, Sp.sub.3) whereat the maximum distance d of the Permalloy-resistors (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3) from the tracks does not exceed essentially the length L (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A cable failure detection system is provided that detects changes in the magnetic field of a cable that has been magnetized said changes in the magnetic field coming about due to a flaw in said cable. Said changes are sensed by a gauss meter which generates a signal, said signal being converted into a visual or audio signal for early warning of failure.

Abstract: For measuring a property such as caliper of a traveling sheet, a sensor body and a target body are located on opposite sides of the sheet and constrained (e.g., by gas bearings) along a sensor path intersecting the path of the sheet. Gas bearings maintain these bodies at, substantially constant distances from the opposite surfaces of the sheet while permitting them to move in response to the position and thickness of the sheet. An active sensor element aboard the sensor body and a passive sensor element aboard the target body interact through the sheet to produce aboard the sensor body a response dependent on the sheet property. Manifestations of this response, such as light beam modulations, are produced, without solid bodily connections, at a location spaced from the sensor body where the manifestations are detected to produce a sheet property-indicative signal.

Abstract: A system for measuring the length of a running material such as steel cable is proposed which includes a magnetic marker, a mark detector having three magnetic sensors, and a signal handling means. The magnetic mark is accurately detected by use of the zero crossing point detection method for an accurate length measurement. An accurate measurement is further assured by various compensation arrangements.

Abstract: An electromagnetic inspecting apparatus for electromagnetically detecting a defect present in a magnetizable wire rope moving in its longitudinal direction is disclosed.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring equipment depth in a well, the movement of wire rope used to raise and lower the equipment is measured by proximity sensors located adjacent the wire rope and spaced along the direction of movement of the wire rope. The signals from the proximity sensors caused by the spiral windings of the wire rope are employed to determine the length and direction of movement of the wire rope. The invention may be employed to measure movement of wire rope in other applications, such as in elevators or with cages in mine shafts that are supported by wire rope.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring depth of equipment in a well, a carrier system is provided on a well rig for positioning sensors adjacent a spiral wound wire rope which moves the equipment upwardly or downwardly. The carrier system employs a housing having rollers that engage the wire rope at two spaced locations. The sensors are located in the housing between the rollers, and they are maintained substantially equidistant from the wire rope by the action of the rollers so that they respond to movement of the spiral windings of the wire rope. A suspension system has arms that support the housing with reference to the rig, and the effective length of the arms is adjusted to compensate for errors in measurement that would be caused by lateral movement of the wire rope along a drum that actuates the wire rope.

Abstract: A sensor for a rocket system which provides information of rate of separation of stages after separation is desirable for telemetry. A simple sensor consists of a coil of wire on one body with the free end of the wire attached to another separating body. The wire has magnetic pulses pre-recorded on it. As the wire uncoils during separation the pulses on the wire are detected by a coil. The pulse signals are sent to the telemetry.