Abstract: There are disclosed an improved method of and apparatus for use in monitoring or controlling the positional relationship of two relatively movable members. A leading and a trailing magnetic sensing probe are coupled to one of the members. Each probe is fixedly spaced relative to the other probe, and both are arranged so as to cut a magnetic field along a path of varying field strength generated by magnetic means on the other member. Control means are provided for periodically determining the values of the field strength measured by each of the probes and storing a value related to the measured value of a leading one of the probes as viewed in the direction of relative movement. The control means compares the stored value with the present value of the lagging probe so as to define the relative movement in accordance with the incremental separation of the probes and the relationship of the stored and present values.

Abstract: A contact detecting system for detecting the contact of a tool element, supported by a main shaft of a machine, with a workpiece comprises exciting and detecting coil assemblies, an electric power source for supplying a high frequency electric current to the exciting coil assembly to cause the latter to produce an induction current flowing in a loop circuit constituted by the machine shaft, the tool element and a framework of the machine, and a detector unit for generating a detection signal indicative of the actual contact of the tool element with the workpiece when the detector unit has detected the presence of a current component, which has resulted from the induction current generated by the exciting coil assembly, in the output signal from the detecting coil assembly.

Abstract: To determine the relative position of two objects, for example pistons (16, 22) respectively responsive to the deflection of a brake pedal (10) and actual braking pressure of a wheel of a wheel brake (18) in an automotive power assisted braking system, a core having salient poles, such as an H or E core, has windings wound on the core, coupled to sensing circuits which determine the inductance of the winding, upon placement of short-circuit rings, or coupling magnets on, or adjacent to the core to affect the magnetic circuit, and hence the inductance of the winding. The inductance of the winding can be sensed by connecting the core in an oscillatory circuit (FIG. 3B), applying alternating current thereto, respectively inversely phased (FIG. 4B) and determining phasing of output, or connecting the coils in a multivibrator circuit (FIG.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring thickness, two light measuring heads (2, 3) being mounted by air bearings in housings on either side of the web (1). The measuring heads are provided with specially implemented nozzles blowing against the surface and maintaining a constant distance of 60-100 m to the respective paper surfaces. The thickness is measured by the distance between the nozzles being measured via an electrical measuring probe (13) in one, and a means (13') sensed by the measuring probe. By the special implementation of the nozzles (12, 12') and by their being pneumatically pressing (via 11) against the surfaces, great accuracy (better than 0.5 m) is achieved even if the position of the paper is altered, rapidity also being considerable. The time to indication for a thickness alternation of about 100.mu. is about 0.5 msec.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed which supports an eddy curent probe at a predetermined distance from a surface to be scanned. In another embodiment, the probe is scanned by rotation about an axis and along an arc of predetermined length and position.

Abstract: Buried plastic mines or nonmetallic objects are located by spraying a suspected area with a leach of ionized metal and leaching the ionized metal into the soil to leave a metallic concentrate on an impervious object, such as a plastic mine. An array of detectors detects anomalies of concentrations of the metal, the concentrations being the result of the leach settling on or about the impervious object.

Abstract: In a method of checking the insulating sheath on a wire or cable leaving an extruder, the external diameter of the insulating sheath is continuously determined over the whole circumference by means of a first measuring apparatus and the wall thickness of the insulation is continuously detected over the whole circumference by means of a second measuring apparatus. The measured values are supplied to a computer which, inter alia, continuously determines the difference between the maximum and minimum wall thicknesses found (W.sub.max -W.sub.min). Eccentricity and minimum wall thickness of the sheath are calculated from this difference and from the measured external diameter of the insulation and the diameter of the conductor of the wire or cable, and are indicated in a display device. The measurement is thus rendered largely independent of fluctuations in sensitivity of the measuring apparatus for the wall thickness of the insulation.

Abstract: In a method of casting a metal melt from a metallurgical vessel, in which the metal melt is covered by a slag layer, into another metallurgical vessel, the metal melt is guided through a casting tube, which covers the casting jet between the vessels. In order to reliably ascertain the passage of slag through the casting tube with very little expenditure, magnetic fields are induced in the casting jet by two coils peripherally surrounding the casting tube. The difference of the inductivity variations caused in the two coils by the eddy currents produced by the magnetic fields in the casting jet is continuously measured and compared to a least one limit value and casting is interrupted in case the limit has been exceeded or fallen short of.

Abstract: A novel tape testing apparatus of the type which senses errors, stops the tape, and causes the error to be moved to an error-correction or an error-inspection station. The apparatus of the invention is characterized by means to rapidly try to remove the error by additional passes through an error removal station and then, if necessary bring the error-bearing portion of the tape precisely under an inspection station by a precise distance-metering process.

Abstract: The relative orientation of a probe and a surface is maintained by positioning a proximity sensor off-axis on the probe, rotating the probe, and using the signal from the probe to adjust the relative orientation in a feedback loop.

Abstract: A corrosion probe is disclosed which includes two permanent bar magnets in side-by-side relation, with opposite magnetic orientation and with poles of opposite polarity adjacent a sensing end of the probe, a sensing coil being disposed around the magnets adjacent the sensing end. The probe is disclosed in use in a pipe inspection pig for controlling operation of a camera.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting flaws on the circumference of a rounded bar of metal. A circular rotator means held by a support is rotated around the material to be inspected for flaws. The rotator means has a number of probes which are revolved around the circumference of the material to detect flaws when the rotator means is rotated. If and when the material deviates from its axis predetermined through the apparatus while passing therethrough, the deviation is detected and the support is displaced in the same direction and distance as the material so that the probes remain spaced apart from the circumference of the material at a predetermined distance while inspecting the material for flaws.

Abstract: Technical functional components variable relatively to a starting position are examined by comparing an image of the component, produced by relative motion with respect to sensor means, with a corresponding earlier, stored image, and by triggering a warning signal in accordance with the congruence and/or the differences of the two images.

Abstract: A magnetic-field-dependent inductive proximity switch having a coil arrangement with a ferromagnetic core, which is saturation-sensitive with respect to the magnetic field to be picked up, and having an electronic analyzing circuit for triggering a switching process at a certain core saturation, is to be constructed so that its power requirement is very low, for example, in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 milliampere, and that, by means of said switch, a magnetic field can be picked up through a non-ferromagnetic wall and can be used to trigger switching operations.

Abstract: There is disclosed a paper money discriminating method comprising the steps of scanning and detecting magnetism contained in a print portion in a predetermined area of paper money, and checking number of pulses in a pulse signal converted from a magnetism detection signal. An apparatus for carrying out this method is also disclosed, which comprises a magnetic head, a pulse output means, and counters.

Abstract: An improved electronic proximity sensor and crack detector that is primarily responsive to the induced resistance in a coil; including an LC resonating circuit that utilizes constant current and a DC power source. By sensing changes in the induced resistance, the invention detects various conditions of parts present and probe fault and can detect a crack in a rotating metal object that is in proximity with the probe. This is accomplished by sensing changes in the induced resistance that occur at the same frequency at which the metal object is rotating.

Abstract: A tubing trip tool for use in determining the extent of defects in tubular elements comprising a continuous string used in a subterranean oil or gas well during removal of the string from the well is disclosed. Local defects and axially extending defects, as well as the average wall thickness of the tubular elements, are measured. The position of the defects is determined by measuring the variable velocity of the tubular elements as they are removed from the well. A noncontact axial velocity detector comprises detector elements generating a first signal dependent upon an applied magnetic field and the axial velocity of the tubular elements. The first signal is compared to a signal dependent only upon the magnetic field generated in a second element. A pickup coil and Hall effect probes can be used.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a circuit which is connected in series between the call signal output of a vehicle detector and the call signal input of a traffic controller is disclosed. Under normal operating conditions the invention acts as a signal buffer and input of the invention will be applied to the input of the traffic controller when call signal inputs are continuously present or not present for preestablished times, then test procedures are implemented. During a test or failure condition of the vehicle detector, the detector output signal will be disconnected from the controller. The invention also provides a circuit which is connected between the loop and the loop input of the vehicle detector. The circuit along with the accompanying method is designed to modify the input impedance to the vehicle detector to apply a test or "forced" call signal to the vehicle detector input when a call signal input is not received after a predetermined period of time, a fault condition is established.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting the surface of a bearing ball is disclosed which includes a base (A) having a high friction non-abrasive base scanning surface (12). A holding device (B) includes a cone-shaped cup recess (14) in which a ball element (18) is received. Air is introduced through a passage (26) to relieve friction between the wall (16) of the recess and the ball element and facilitate rolling of the ball over the high friction base surface. The holding device is moved over the base scanning surface in a predetermined pattern (50) such that the entire surface of the ball element is inspected by an eddy current probe (C) which detects any surface defects.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for metal containers has a rotatable bowl carrying filling syrup or other fluid with a plurality of filling valves arranged on the bowl bottom around its periphery to fill empty containers moved into traveling engagement with each valve. A control cam manipulates each valve in a repeating sequence through close, vacuum, fill and vent positions. A switching cam follower tracking the control cam and a cooperating switch activate the valving sequence if a can is present at a particular filling valve and de-activate the sequence if a can is not present. A pneumatic cylinder actuated by series connected proximity sensors for metal objects, such as cans, manipulates the cooperating switch to direct the switching cam follower for each filler valve into one control cam tracking mode if an empty can is in place below the filler valve or into a second valve closing mode if a can is not present.

Abstract: Described is a robot having a proximity sensor which is based on the reentrant-loop magnetic effect. In one embodiment this sensor in a robot hand can detect the position and orientation of magnetized objects within about a 5 cm range, independently of the speed of approach.

Abstract: A high speed vacuum syruper for containers has a rotatable bowl carrying filling syrup or other fluid with a plurality of filling valves arranged on the bowl bottom around its periphery to fill empty containers moved into traveling engagement with each valve. Each filling valve includes a ported valve seat mounted in an opening in the bowl bottom, a pivotable ported valve disc overlying the valve seat and a valve stem extending upwardly out of the bowl that carries a crank mounted control cam follower and a switching cam follower. A stationary control cam above the bowl and in tracking engagement with the control cam follower for each filling valve controls the location of the valve disc ports in relation to the valve seat ports to manipulate each valve in a repeating sequence through close, vacuum, fill and vent positions.

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 combination of magnetics and a special geometric environment is employed to distinguish whether an instrument is positioned within a pipe formed of magnetizable or non-magnetizable material, and is the basis, in part, for a method and an apparatus used in controlling picture taking at the bottom of a well bore. A coil is energized repetitively in a circuit in which the voltage across the coil, or the current that flows through the coil, can be measured. Whether the coil is in a magnetic or non-magnetic environment is determined by the magnitude of the change in coil voltage or current.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to monitor the quantity of magnetically permeable particles in admixture with a fluid carrier in which the mixture is placed in a magnetic field having flux lines which change in direction or position. The mixture is out of physical contact with a source of the field and with a movable member the degree of movement of which is influenced by the strength of the field. The degree of movement of the member is monitored and this corresponds to the quantity of particles in the mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlled grinding of roller surfaces. A rotary drive rotates a roller and a grinding wheel is rotated, which has a rotation axis parallel to the axis of the roller. The rotating grinding wheel is pressed against the rotating roller at a certain position along the axis of the roller. The grinding wheel is moved along the direction of its axis. Simultaneously, the surface of the roller is tested with an eddy current test probe disposed substantially at a corresponding position along the axis of the roller as the grinding wheel, however, the eddy current test probe is staggered with respect to the grinding wheel by a suitable angle around the roller axis. The signals from the eddy current test probe are processed by an analog-digital converter and then by a digital processor.

Abstract: A test apparatus is provided for measuring the proportion of at least one constituent in a sample of material, which constituent bears a known relationship to the electrical conductivity of the sample. The test apparatus comprises a sensor including both a receptacle for receiving a sample of material and a field producing coil for producing an electromagnetic field within the receptacle. The coil is also designed confining said electromagnetic field to a predetermined, fixed volume within the receptacle and for producing a substantially constant magnitude electromagnetic field throughout this predetermined, fixed volume. A monitoring circuit is coupled with the sensor and is responsive thereto for producing an output signal which bears a predetermined relationship with the real impedance of the sensor and therefore with the conductivity of the sample.

Abstract: A computer-based eddy current nondestructive or ultrasonic testing system automatically inspects rolling mill roll surface defects during roll grinding operations comprising articulated probe means, eddy current, or ultrasonic, test instrument means, computer means, display and printer means. The articulated probe mechanism is mounted on a traversing roll grinder carriage, is automatically positioned over the test roll in response to control means initiated by the grinder operator, and has a probe head with a controlled fluid bearing, air or liquid, to automatically maintain probe-head-to-test roll gap. One or multiple eddy current, or ultrasonic, probes in the test head generate anamoly test signals, which, together with a probe head temperature sensor signal, are processed in a modified test instrument and the computer. Computer plots defects signals as color bars vs. probe position and displays these bars graphically and other messages on a color CRT display and/or a graph printer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the extent of defects in ferromagnetic tubular elements comprising a continuous string for use in an oil or gas well is disclosed. The tubing trip tool measures tubing average wall thickness, local defects, such as corrosion pitting, and axial defects, such as sucker rod wear during removal of the tubing from the well. Tubing velocity is also measured, and couplings between tubing sections are detected and counted, in order to specify the axial location of defects on each tube, and also provide a profile of the condition of the overall string. A saturating magnetic field and a fluctuating magnetic field are applied to the tubing and the magnitude of the induced fields and the changes are measured to quantify defects in the tubing.

Abstract: Process for the determination of the magnetite and phosphorus contents of magnetite-containing ores. A sample of dust which has been produced artificially or obtained as byproduct is collected and placed in an electromagnetic field. The magnetite content of the dust sample is determined from changes in the magnetic flux or the relative permeability. Subsequently the phosphorus content of the total dust sample mass is determined. Also the total dust sample mass is likewise determined from changes in the magnetic flux or the relative permeability. The dust sample is preferably dried prior to measuring the change in the magnetic flux or the relative permeability. Equipment for carrying out the process includes a coil system having at least one measuring coil for determining the magnetite content. The core of the measuring coil forms a tube which has a minimum filling height that exceeds the length of the coil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging of structural characteristics in test objects using radiation amenable to coherent signal processing methods. Frequency and phase multiplication of received flaw signals is used to simulate a test wavelength at least one to two orders of magnitude smaller than the actual wavelength. The apparent reduction in wavelength between the illumination and recording radiation performs a frequency translation hologram. The hologram constructed with a high synthetic frequency and flaw phase multiplication is similar to a conventional acoustic hologram construction at the high frequency.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of a metal strand in paper, for example in a document or bank note of which one wishes to check the authenticity, comprises means for moving the paper in front of a detection head comprising a coil a resonance circuit supplied by a high frequency source, the frequency of which is close to the resonance frequency of the circuit. The high frequency voltage is modulated by variation of the current in the resonance circuit when the strand passes the detection head. After filtering and amplification, the demodulated signal is applied to a trigger circuit to obtain a digital signal. Delivery of the digital signal to an output terminal is checked by means of a reading window, the opening of which is controlled by the means for moving the paper. The output of the detection head is also applied to a second trigger for checking maintenance of a continuous component in the signal from the resonance to verify continuity of the coil circuit.

Abstract: A workpiece 18 classifying and marking system 10 is disclosed. The system includes a probe 12 for generating signals in response to the detection of defects along the workpiece length as that workpiece rotates and traverses past the probe 12. Circuitry coupled to the test head analyzes defects according to severity and classifies the workpiece as either "good", "salvageable", or "scrap". The circuitry also causes a marker 14 to affix a flaw indicating mark to the workpiece at the flaw location.The circuitry includes a flaw detection circuit 60, a defect classifying circuit 72, a timing control circuit 70, and a marker delay circuit 74. The timing control 70 transmits timing signals of different frequency to the defect classifying 72 and marker control 74 circuits and coordinates their operation. The defect classify circuit 72 divides the workpiece into quadrants and can sense the length of any flaws in each quadrant as the workpiece passes the probe 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for non-contact, non-destructive testing of a test body of ferromagnetic and/or electrically-conductive material with ultrasound waves, comprising the steps of: producing in a near-surface region of the test body a low-frequency alternating magnetic bias field having flux lines generally parallel to a surface of the test body; producing high frequency alternating magnetic excitation fields in said near-surface region generally parallel to said surface during a time interval when the bias field is at a quasi-static maximum, adjacent excitation fields having opposing polarity and having flux lines lying in mutually parallel directions, whereby ultrasound waves are generated in the test body; and detecting high frequency alternating magnetic fields in said near-surface region during the same time interval when the bias field is at a quasi-static maximum and producing a signal therefrom representative of said ultrasound waves.

Abstract: An eddy current system and method is disclosed for detecting flaws in hot pipe product. The system includes a detector test head (22) having a heat shield (24) defining a generally cylindrical inner wall through which the pipe passes longitudinally. The test head includes structure (50, 62, 64) for spirally directing water onto the inside surface without contacting the hot pipe as it passes through the heat shield. Debris is thereby removed from the space between the shield and the pipe, and the test head is effectively cooled and shielded from the heat of the pipe. Where the pipe is heated above its Curie temperature, such that the pipe is rendered non-magnetic, no normally required saturation coil is needed to magnetically saturate the pipe for eddy current testing, because the coolant flowing over the inner wall cools the test head but does not lower pipe temperature below the Curie point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the state of the surface of a moving body wherein a four-terminal eddy-current coil circuit is connected in a feedback loop of an RC resonator. The eddy-current coil circuit is placed in proximity to the monitored surface of the moving body and connected in the feedback loop of an RC resonator such that a change in the state of the surface of the moving body results in a change in the conductivity thereof, which conductivity change produces a phase displacement changing the output frequency of the RC resonator. During operation, a first data set is obtained from the coil circuit and RC resonator presenting a first runout profile of the body when the monitored state is in an initial state. The first data set is stored in a memory, and a subsequent profile is derived to obtain a second data set indicative of the operational state of the surface of the moving body.

Abstract: A gauging apparatus for sheet materials and the like comprises a surface follower body (14,20,30) adapted to be constrained without substantial solid bodily contact and guided (e.g., by gas bearings between 32 and 36 and 38) for movement along a surface follower path that intersects the path of a traveling sheet (10) to be gauged. The body has a passage (46) adapted to carry a flow of pressurized gas to be discharged against one surface of the sheet. The discharge of the gas is effective when the body is at a predetermined distance from the surface to generate a levitating force (on 20) urging the body away from the sheet surface. Means (70,64,62) responsive to the pressure of the gas in the passage exerts on the body (at 64) a counteracting force that tends to move the body closer to the surface.

Abstract: An electromagnetic acoustic wave transducer (EMAT) probe is supported with its magnetic field issuing device for movement from a retracted position into closely spaced relation to a test object. Relative movement is provided as between a magnetic flux coupler and the EMAT field issuing device to derive the EMAT magnetic field from a magnet. A biasing unit urges the probe into its retracted position and the probe is moved into its operative position by magnetic interaction with a test object.

Abstract: An analog signal produced in response to eddy current probing of a test part is digitized by an analog-to-digital processor and then entered into a microprocessor-based computer.

Abstract: Nondestructive object testing is carried out in a magnetic aspect as by leakage-flux detection and in an ultrasonic aspect by electromagnetic acoustic wave generation and detection, portions of magnetic flux being derived from a common source for the respective magnetic and ultrasonic testing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for magnetographic testing of magnetizable test pieces including pressing a magnetic storage tape upon the test piece, magnetizing the test piece thereof while the tape is being pressed against the test piece surface, removing the tape and scanning the tape by means of a probe which responds to magnetic forces to detect any stored defect stray fluxes.

Abstract: A testing installation for pipes and rod material to determine surface defects and/or core defects, comprises a plurality of test zones (1, 2) having a rotary roller track (3) for rotatingly driving the pipe (4) to be tested. An internal testing unit (7) is movable lengthwise of the pipe, within the pipe; and parking stations (9, 10) adjustable to the pipe length are provided at both ends of the testing zone for accommodating the internal testing unit during pipe change. An external testing unit (12) is movable along the outer pipe wall (11), and conveying devices (16) for the introduction and removal of the pipes into and from the testing zones are provided. The internal testing unit (7) is a cylindrical housing (21) having built-in contactless testing devices (22) and arranged on a running gear frame (23) with a forward running gear and a rearward running gear (24, 25).

Abstract: An electromagnetic system is provided for accurately sensing and remotely controlling a tool-to-workpiece spatial relationship. A typical application of the system may include a saw being sensor controlled through the process of removing a reinforced concrete covering from and about an underwater pipe or other metallic object that must be protected.

Abstract: A magnetometer is moved along the route of a pipeline and the output of the magnetometer is observed to identify pipeline characteristics. Used with a buried pipeline the magnetometer is moved over the surface of the overlay to identify and locate girth welds, pipeline fittings and accoutrements, changes in pipeline metallurgy such as occur with large hard spots and changes in wall thickness as occur in extensive and severe corrosion. Similar functions can be performed with underwater pipelines using a magnetometer which is located in an appropriate container and trolled along the route of the pipeline by a vessel. The pipeline is formed of pipe sections which are arranged in an identifiable pattern according to their magnetic characteristics to facilitate inspection and maintenance.

Abstract: A pulsed magnetic procedure and apparatus for measuring wall thickness. It is especially applicable to pipelines. It includes pulsing a magnetic reluctance coil that is located close to the wall, and measuring the inductance of the pulsed coil. Also the distance of the coil from the wall is accurately determined so that the inductance is a measure of the wall thickness.Apparatus may include the combination of an ultrasonic transducer mounted fixed relative to the magnetic pulse coil and arranged so that ultrasonic energy pulses are directed toward the wall. In this manner reflected ultrasonic pulses will provide a measure of the distance. In addition, by proper angle thereof, ultrasonic pulses may also determine the presence of any anomaly.

Abstract: A miniaturized inspection tool, for testing and inspection of metal objects in locations with difficult accessibility, which comprises eddy current sensing equipment (12) with a probe coil (11), and associated coaxial coil cable (13), coil energizing means (21), and circuit means (21, 12) responsive to impedance changes in the coil as effected by induced eddy currents in a test object to produce a data output signal proportional to such changes. The coil and cable are slideably received in the utility channel of the flexible insertion tube 17 of fiberoptic scope 10. The scope 10 is provided with light transmitting and receiving fiberoptics for viewing through the flexible tube, and articulation means (19, 20) for articulating the distal end of the tube and permitting close control of coil placement relative to a test object. The eddy current sensing equipment includes a tone generator 30 for generating audibly signals responsive to the data output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for sending a sensor, such as an eddy current sensor, into a condenser, heat exchanger or steam generator tube. The apparatus first sends the sensor, which is attached to a cable, into the tube by means of a pressurized fluid which pushes the sensor along tube interior. At the extreme of the sensor's travel into the tube, a first ferrule attached to the rear of the cable blocks a first hydraulic passage in the apparatus. By virtue of slidable control pistons in the apparatus, this blocking cuts off the pushing pressure behind the sensor and then causes wheels to frictionally engage the cable to pull the sensor back to its starting position. At this time, another ferrule, carried near the sensor end of the cable, blocks a second hydraulic passage to thereby disengage the wheels from the cable. The cycle of (1) sensor pushed into the tube (2) sensor withdrawn from the tube, is now complete.

Abstract: A workpiece 18 classifying and marking system 10 is disclosed. The system includes a probe 12 for generating signals in response to the detection of defects along the workpiece length as that workpiece rotates and traverses past the probe 12. Circuitry coupled to the test head analyzes defects according to severity and classifies the workpiece as either "good", "salvageable", or "scrap". The circuitry also causes a marker 14 to affix a flaw indicating mark to the workpiece at the flaw location.The circuitry includes a flaw detection circuit 60, a defect classifying circuit 72, a timing control circuit 70, and a marker delay circuit 74. The timing control 70 transmits timing signals of different frequency to the defect classifying 72 and marker control 74 circuits and coordinates their operation. The defect classify circuit 72 divides the workpiece into quadrants and can sense the length of any flaws in each quadrant as the workpiece passes the probe 12.

Abstract: An inspection system is provided to simultaneously X-ray inspect hand carried articles and provide metal detection of the person of the carrier. These different inspections are independent, and may be carried out separately from one another. The X-ray inspection involves the insertion of a hand carried item into a chamber, and guiding it along the X-ray inspection station by holding a handle outside of the detector. Metal detection of the person may be accomplished independently by walking through a metal detector arch.

Abstract: In a device for determining the direction of a line of sight, or the orientation of a sighting trihedron associated with said line of sight, defined by a magnetic azimuth angle, an elevation angle and an inclination angle determined in a reference trihedron, a sighting unit defines the sighting trihedron and a gravimetric detector measures components of the gravity acceleration vector in the sighting trihedron. A microprocessor computes the elevation and inclination angles in terms of the components of the gravity acceleration vector, and a magnetometric detector measures components of the earth magnetic field vector in the sighting trihedron. The sighting and reference trihedrons define long and cross axes and the microprocessor computes the components of the earth magnetic field vector along long and cross axes in terms of the components of the earth magnetic field vector. The magnetic azimuth angle is computed in terms of the components along the long and cross axes.