Abstract: A method for predicting the maturity of a concrete during the curing process is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: predicting at least one future temperature within the concrete; performing at least one temperature measurement, preferably a real-time temperature measurement of the concrete; transmitting the at least one temperature measurement wirelessly from at least one temperature sensor to an external device; and determining the energy production within the concrete.

Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing multiple properties of a cement composition for use at downhole conditions using ultrasonic analysis tools are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: transmitting at least a first p-wave and a second p-wave having different frequencies through a cement composition; determining velocities of the first and second p-waves through the sample; transmitting at least a third p-wave having a third frequency through the cement composition while allowing the cement composition to at least partially hydrate, wherein the third frequency is higher than the second frequency; determining at least a velocity of the third p-wave through the cement composition; based at least in part on the velocities of the p-waves, determining at least the compressibility, Poisson's ratio, Young's modulus, and shear modulus of the cement composition.

Abstract: A process for making desired low (LH) hardenability steels in an electric arc or, induction furnace, which is loaded with metal charge consisting of iron, carbon, alloy, scrap with a specified maximum content of manganese, silicon, chrome, nickel and copper, providing for the final content of each of them of not more than 0.1 weight % followed by carburization in a ladle or ladle furnace, the melt then deoxidized in the ladle or ladle furnace with aluminum (1.0-2.3 kg/t), titanium or vanadium in order to achieve the desired low hardenability DI. The invention makes it possible to obtain better mechanical properties and stable hardenability characterized by the particular desired DI.

Abstract: A substantial portion of the peripheral edges of two panels forming a component of a motor-vehicle body, in particular a front bonnet of a motor-vehicle, is joined by interposing a thermosetting adhesive. Polymerization of the adhesive is obtained by heating, without introducing the structure into an oven, by means of one or more induction heating coil, which are shaped and arranged in proximity and along the peripheral edges of the two panels. The quality of the induction heating process is controlled according to signals output by a thermographic detection camera which is positioned adjustable at a point from which it can acquire a thermographic image of the entire extension of said peripheral edges of the panels to be joined, so as to allow simultaneously controlling the temperature reached by each portion of the peripheral edges of the panels.

Abstract: A tire enclosed in a vulcanization mold is supplied with heat to cause vulcanization of same. By thermal-detection probes introduced into the tire monitoring of the cross-linking degree reached in at least one first detection region and one second detection region disposed within the tire is carried out. Head supply is stopped on occurrence of the following conditions: (i) the crosslinking degree measured in at least one of the detection regions reaches a first reference value higher than 90% of the whole cross-linking; and (ii) the cross-linking degree measured in each detection region has overcome a second pre-established reference value not exceeding about 50% of the whole cross-linking.

Abstract: A bonding strength measuring device for measuring the bonding strength between a substrate and a molding compound disposed on the substrate is provided. The measuring device includes a heating platform, a heating slide plate, and a fixing bracket. The heating platform has a first heating area and a first replaceable fixture. The substrate is disposed on the first heating area, and the first replaceable fixture is used to fix the substrate and has an opening exposing the molding compound. The heating slide plate has a second heating area and a second replaceable fixture. The second heating area is used to heat the molding compound, and the second replaceable fixture has a cavity for accommodating the molding compound. The fixing bracket is used to fix the heating slide plate above the heating platform.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus to monitor hardness using laser infrared photothermal radiometry. The emphasis is on the ability of this invention to monitor in a non-contact and non-destructive manner the hardness case depth of industrially heat treated steels. The present invention provides a method and apparatus comprising signal generation and analysis as well as instrumental hardware configurations based on the physical principle of photothermal radiometry. The method comprises (a) irradiating the sample surface with an excitation source of suitable emission wavelength and intensity. (b) producing periodic frequency pulses of the laser beam by means of a modulator in the appropriate frequency range (but not confined to) 0.1-100000 Hz.

Abstract: Apparatus for dynamic surface annealing of a semiconductor wafer includes a source of laser radiation emitting at a laser wavelength and comprising an array of lasers arranged in rows and columns, the optical power of each the laser being individual adjustable and optics for focusing the radiation from the array of lasers into a narrow line beam in a workpiece plane corresponding to a workpiece surface, whereby the optics images respective columns of the laser array onto respective sections of the narrow line beam. A pyrometer sensor is provided that is sensitive to a pyrometer wavelength. An optical element in an optical path of the optics is tuned to divert radiation emanating from the workpiece plane to the pyrometry sensor. As a result, the optics images each of the respective section of the narrow line beam onto a corresponding portion of the pyrometer sensor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for in situ measuring of evaporation from a surface and an apparatus for measuring the evaporation from a surface. The apparatus comprises an evaporation surface made of a porous, hydrophilic material, which surface is connected to a reservoir. The method describes how to use the apparatus according to the invention.

Abstract: Temperature data representing transition of a temperature distribution of a coating target with time lapse is calculated Subsequently, the integrated value of the amount of heat applied to the coating is calculated on the basis of the temperature data. The dry state of the coating is estimated on the basis of the integrated value of the heat amount. In order to estimate the dry state of the coating, the integrated value of the amount of heat applied to the coating and the threshold values for the dry judgment of the coating are compared with each other.

Abstract: A method for detecting and locating foreign inclusions in a drilled cylindrical shaft includes the steps of positioning at least one logging tube within the drilled shaft in parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of the drilled shaft, providing a temperature sensing means, identifying a plurality of temperature locations along the extent of the logging tube, pouring concrete into the drilled shaft, covering the at least one logging tube and monitoring in real time the temperature at various depths and radial directions within the logging tube during the hydration phase of the concrete curing. Temperature readings that differ from expected readings are deemed positioned in the vicinity of an anomalous inclusion. The range over which these anomalous readings are detected, the magnitude of the variance, and the orientation are used to predict the size and location of anomalies prior to the full curing of the concrete.

Abstract: The curing of a resin in a continuous manufacturing process is monitored by a sensor which measures the surface thermal energy of the resin. The surface thermal energy is measured without physically touching the resin. The surface thermal energy measurements are processed and sent to an automatic controller. The controller adjusts either the speed of the resin or the heat applied to the resin or both in order to optimize the curing process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for thermally curing polymeric coated substrates by effective drying of solvents used in the production of the coated component. A feedback system coupled to a heating apparatus is comprised of one or more gas sensors internal or external to the heating apparatus to provide monitoring of the quantity of solvent gases being generated. The present invention allows the curing process to be precisely controlled, where, for example, a predetermined concentration of solvent gases input to the gas sensor can trigger the heating process to be stopped or to provide for a controlled cool down period for curing of the photoresist substrate. A controller coupled between the gas sensor and the heating apparatus may also contain temperature and/or time controls for varying the output of the heating apparatus in response to indications from the gas sensor.

Abstract: The transition temperature curve of irradiated low-alloy reactor pressure steel is calculated utilizing results from a notched impact bending test performed on irradiated samples of steel. The transition temperature curves for the partial energy, the hydrogen and oxygen concentrations and the metallographic structure are determined and the transition temperature curve is calculated therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the setting time of a cement slurry. An acoustic shear wave signal is generated and introduced at a first location in the slurry. The signal is monitored at a second location for direct transmission of the shear wave signal. The time of first detection is determined at the second location which is taken as the setting time of the slurry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus which is designed to employ thermal stimulated processes for analyzing relaxation spectra and resonances in materials. The invention is characterized in that at least two coupled excitation fields are applied to the sample of material analyzed along with a programmed temperature variation, to deconvolute during the thermally stimulated recovery stage the global deformation resulting from the excitation stage. In other words, this invention is designed to obtain one by one the individual and elementary relaxation motions responsible for the global deformation, whether these elementary internal motions have a mechanical, electrical or magnetic origin. Moreover, the relaxation spectra for the motions resulting from the coupling between mechanical, electrical and/or electromagnetical excitations are obtained at the same time and are interrelated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus which is designed to employ thermal stimulated processes for analyzing relaxation spectra and resonances in materials. The invention is characterized in that at least two coupled excitation fields are applied to the sample of material analyzed along with a programmed temperature variation, to deconvolute during the thermally stimulated recovery stage the global deformation resulting from the excitation stage. In other words, this invention is designed to obtain one by one the individual and elementary relaxation motions responsible for the global deformation, whether these elementary internal motions have a mechanical, electrical or magnetic origin. Moreover, the relaxation spectra for the motions resulting from the coupling between mechanical, electrical and/or electromagnetical excitations are obtained at the same time and are interrelated.

Abstract: In a method of checking the gelling process after pouring a reactive resin system into a production mould, the gelling behavior of a resin system is detected by means of calibration measurements and stored. Temperature patterns of the resin system are detected and, for each temperature pattern, the temperature at which the gelling point lies is determined. A scalar value and the gelling moment temperature are associated with each temperature pattern. On carrying out a checking measurement inside a production mould, the temperature patterns at various sites inside the production mould are detected using a large number of thermocouples. Scalar values are obtained from the temperature patterns and are compared with the scalar values established during the calibration measurement in order to establish gelling moment temperatures. The particular advantage of the method described is that the checking measurement of a production mould requires the use only of thermocouples and not of gelling point probes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of thermal stimulated processes for analyzing relaxation spectra and resonances in materials. The process is characterized in that at least two coupled excitation fields are applied to the sample of material analyzed along with a programmed temperature variation, with the objective to deconvolute during the thermally stimulated recovery stage the global deformation resulting from the excitation stage, i.e. obtain one by one the individual and elementary relaxation motions responsible for the global deformation, whether these elementary internal motions be of mechanical, electrical or magnetic origin. The process is characterized in the fact that the relaxation spectra for the motions resulting from the coupling between mechanical and electrical (and/or electromagnetical) excitations are obtained at the same time and are inter-related.

Abstract: A method for measuring the degree of cure of a resin in a composite material such as a prepreg. The method employs an infrared spectrometer device determining frequency absorbance information of selective frequencies which are representative of the degree of cure of the resin comprised within the prepreg. The method is adaptable for use in on-line production processes for the production of such composite materials.

Abstract: It is described a process and an apparatus in which the cure of the concrete is accelerated by raising the temperature and moisture values in the environment in which the cure is taking place. The process comprises the following steps: making up at least a test piece obtained through the casting of a predetermined amount of concrete to be tested into a hollow mold; introducing the made up test piece into a vessel; adjusting the chemico-physical parameters of the environment in the vessel, following predetermined operating steps; operating a device adapted to measure the compression strength of the test piece, which brings about the generation of signals depending upon the measured compression strength; processing and displaying the signals.

Abstract: A method for predicting and controlling the strength development of concrete includes placing test concrete having the same composition as the subject concrete in a vessel which may be temperature regulated. The temperature inside the vessel is measured and recorded in a data memory and a data processor. The data is transmitted either in real time or from the data memory and data processor by way of a data transmission line to a temperature regulator for regulating the temperature inside the vessel. The temperature history of the test concrete can then simulate the temperature history of the reference concrete. The strength of the test concrete is measured at different times and the strength data of the test concrete is collected, processed and interpreted. A vessel for receiving the test concrete, a temperature regulator, a temperature controlling unit, a data recorder, a data transmitter and a computer are included.

Abstract: A method of predicting aging of polymers operates by heating a polymer in the outdoors to an elevated temperature until a change of property is induced. The test is conducted at a plurality of temperatures to establish a linear Arrhenius plot which is extrapolated to predict the induction period for failure of the polymer at ambient temperature. An Outdoor Photo Thermal Aging Reactor (OPTAR) is also described including a heatable platen for receiving a sheet of polymer, means to heat the platen and switching means such as a photoelectric switch for turning off the heater during dark periods.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for the non-destructive evaluation of a concrete mass uses the maturity method for evaluating the strength and durability of the concrete mass. The apparatus employs sensors which are implanted in the concrete along with a microprocessor and non-volatile RAM or EEPROM. A microcomputer is used periodically to up load the RAM and to make an evaluation of the concrete mass.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the setting process in an inorganic aqueous binder system, in that the electrical conductivity is constantly measured in the binder system, in that the variation of the electrical conductivity is differentiated according to time, in that the variation of the first derivative of the conductivity is monitored, and in that the temperature in the binder system is continously measured and the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity is eliminated by means of the measured temperature values.

Abstract: The degree of cure in a polymeric composite is evaluated in a simple, rapid and non-destructive manner by heating a surface portion of the polymeric composite to substantially curing temperature, over a predetermined period of time, and continuously monitoring with a non-contact temperature sensor temperature fluctuations of the heated surface portion during the predetermined period of time to obtain data comprising surface temperature values measured as a function of time. By processing such data including comparing with a calibration reference, for example by providing a curve of the measured surface temperature values against time and comparing with a reference curve, one can evaluate the degree of cure of the polymeric composite.

Abstract: In a process for measuring the variations in volume, especially shrinkage measurements in duroplastics during the hardening, the material to be measured is acted upon by such a pressure that a fully homogeneous test piece is obtained without any fractures or blisters. Simultaneously and independently from one another, the impinging pressure, the pressure exerted through the test piece on the floor, the temperature in the test piece and in its environs and the volume of the test piece are measured under non-isothermal conditions and fed into a digital unit.

Abstract: A process for infrared spectroscopic monitoring of insitu compositional changes in a polymeric material comprises the steps of providing an elongated infrared radiation transmitting fiber that has a transmission portion and a sensor portion, embedding the sensor portion in the polymeric material to be monitored, subjecting the polymeric material to a processing sequence, applying a beam of infrared radiation to the fiber for transmission through the transmitting portion to the sensor portion for modification as a function of properties of the polymeric material, monitoring the modified infrared radiation spectra as the polymeric material is being subjected to the processing sequence to obtain kinetic data on changes in the polymeric material during the processing sequence, and adjusting the processing sequence as a function of the kinetic data provided by the modified infrared radiation spectra information.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the removal of rosin soldering flux and adhesive tape residues from printed circuit and/or wiring boards, and for testing the quality of curing of U.V.-cured soldermask on such boards. The compositions of the invention contain terpene compounds, preferably in combination with terpene emulsifying surfactants to facilitate removal by rinsing in water.

Abstract: A method of measuring the strength of concrete for the slip form process, to determine upward movement of a slide form so that the concrete poured in the slide form will be released therefrom after setting to a degree of strength capable of maintaining the shape of a structure to be constructed. According to the method, an arithmetic unit calculates the temperature integral of the concrete poured in the slide form on the basis of measured data given thereto by a temperature sensor having a plurality of measuring elements and inserted into the concrete and by an altimeter that measures the position of the slide form. The strength of the concrete is determined from the known relation between the temperature integral and the strength of the concrete.

Abstract: A heat flux meter determines the heat transfer characteristics prior to processing or during steady-state autoclave heating conditions utilizing a monitoring element selected-thereof such that lumped heat transfer analysis is applicable thereto. During the curing process of a material, the heat flux meter calculates the instantaneous convection film coefficient for a particular location and determines the total present heat flux to an object.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a reaction amount measurement apparatus capable of measuring the reaction amount and also to a reaction amount measurement and controlling apparatus capable of measuring and controlling the reaction amount with high accuracy. The apparatus comprises at least one temperature detector disposed in the interior, the outer surface of the reaction system or in a vessel, a computer having an operation function for calculating the reaction amount in accordance with the temperature signal of the temperature detectors, and a comparison function for generating an output signal to terminate reaction when the reaction amount has exceeded the set amount, a timer for getting the operation and comparison performed at given intervals.

Abstract: A dynamic viscoelasticity measuring apparatus of torsional vibration type comprising a driving portion for converting a rotary movement to a rotary vibratory movement having a driving shaft having an eccentric end for rotation at an isometric velocity, a driven shaft supported at a right angle to said driving shaft for rotation, an intermediate arm revolving along the side of a cone having a top at the point of intersection of the center line of said driving shaft and the center line of said driven shaft disposed at right angles to each other and a bottom at a circle described by the eccentric end of the driving shaft, and connecting means for operatively connecting opposite ends of said intermediate arm to said driven shaft and said driving shaft and a driving dice for imparting vibration to a specimen, dynamic viscoelasticity of which is to be measured, through said swinging shaft, said vibration having an approximately sinusoidal waveform with complete symmetry.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the curing rate of concrete comprising the measuring of the temperature of the concrete, assessing the momentaneous maturity of the concrete by means of the temperature variation and controlling the heat supply or dissipation on the basis of the momentaneous maturity in a manner such that at the end of the period the concrete has the desired maturity. A preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention comprises a temperature measuring device (15) to be connected to at least one temperature sensor (6,7), and a calculating device (16) connected to the temperature measuring device (15), assessing the momentaneous maturity and provided with a data input member (17) and a display member showing the assessed momentaneous maturity.

Abstract: A rheometer and process of curing and testing rubber samples precisely controls each cure and test. The maximum resistance, or more specifically, maximum torque at peak stress, is predicted for each sample automatically as curing progresses. Each cure and test is terminated as soon as maximum resistance is predicted, thereby shortening each cure and test from about one-quarter to one-third.

Abstract: A method for controlling the state of vulcanization of a wheel tire which comprises controlling the process steps of a vulcanizing process preceeding the heating step according to a time mode, controlling the heating step according to an equivalent cure unit control mode and again controlling the process steps subsequent to the heating step according to the time mode. A vulcanization apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the maturity of concrete, in which the heat generated by the setting of the concrete causes a special liquid to evaporate and the amount of evaporated liquid is taken as a measure of the concrete maturity. The liquid is contained in a closed capillary tube placed on a scale. For measuring purposes the capillary tube is broken at a well-defined point, and capillary and scale are then placed in a casing containing an absorbing agent for the evaporated liquid. The casing is hermetically sealed and pressed into the concrete. For reading purposes the casing is opened and the scale with the capillary is removed to determine the level of the liquid column and thus the maturity of the concrete.

Abstract: A curemeter has dies maintainable at a substantially uniform vulcanization temperature, the dies being arranged to be separable and for closure, and which when closed define a cavity for accommodating a sample of compounded rubber, means for subjecting the sample of compounded rubber to oscillating shear strain and means for obtaining a signal derived from such oscillation and correlating with the degree of vulcanization of the sample. The curemeter of the invention is characterized by also having separable dies maintainable at the same substantially uniform vulcanization temperature as the first said dies, and which when closed define at least one cavity for accommodating a further sample of the compounded rubber for vulcanization under static conditions.

Abstract: Rubber-molding presses, which are closed manually upon installation of pieces of rubber compound, are opened automatically by a system which continuously calculates and recalculates the correct cure time and is actuated when the calculated cure time equals the elapsed cure time. An interval timer starts running from the time of mold closure, and the temperature within the mold cavity is measured often, typically every ten seconds. The temperature is fed to a computer which also is given access to the time-temperature cure data for the compound being molded, and the computer calculates and recalculates every time the data as to temperature is presented, until the total picture of time and temperature presents to the computer the time at which the material is fully cured. Then the computer signals for automatic opening of the mold press.

Abstract: A process for infrared spectroscopic monitoring of insitu compositional changes in a polymeric material comprises the steps of providing an elongated infrared radiation transmitting fiber that has a transmission portion and a sensor portion, embedding the sensor portion in the polymeric material to be monitored, subjecting the polymeric material to a processing sequence, applying a beam of infrared radiation to the fiber for transmission through the transmitting portion to the sensor portion for modification as a function of properties of the polymeric material, monitoring the modified infrared radiation spectra as the polymeric material is being subjected to the processing sequence to obtain kinetic data on changes in the polymeric material during the processing sequence, and adjusting the processing sequence as a function of the kinetic data provided by the modified infrared radiation spectra information.