Abstract: A compound ultrasonic scan of an object is effected with a pair of transducers mounted adjacent to the object but spaced apart from each other. Each transducer is operated as a "wobbler" transducer. That is, the transducer transmits pulses of ultrasonic energy into the object and receives echoes from acoustic discontinuities in the object while the transducer is oscillated mechanically, through a predetermined angle, about an axis which passes through the transducer.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an ultrasonic imaging system using a liquid crystal detector cell and a source of non-coherent acoustic energy to produce substantially artifact-free images. The ultrasound source and cell are matched with one another, and the source is caused to operate over a range of frequencies or phases so as to produce the non-coherent ultrasonic energy. The frequency response of the cell and its response time are matched to the operating characteristics of the transducer. The transducer may be mounted in a pendulum-like sector scanning apparatus so as to assure a uniform insonification of the object, a uniform beam and a substantially uniform non-coherent insonification of the cell. The movement of the scanning apparatus is also matched to the cell and the transducer characteristics.

Abstract: In a mechanically scanned ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic transducer is swingably mounted on a drive shaft which is given a swinging transversal movement and a reciprocating longitudinal movement. The transducer emits an acoustic beam which is steered in a raster format in response to the swing and reciprocating motions. Echos returning from objects contain diagnostic data of a three-dimensional space. All the components are encased in a toothbrush-like housing having a head portion, an intermediate portion and a hand-grip portion. The dual motions are provided by a drive mechanism accommodated in the hand-grip portion and the transducer is accommodated in the head portion. The drive shaft extends through the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A method for the ultrasonic testing of disc bodies, shrunk onto shafts, is especially adapted for testing the shrink-fitted seats thereof adjoining the shafts and usually is provided with anti-rotation holes containing anti-rotation inserts. Such disc body arrangements are often used in the field of low pressure turbine rotor disc fastenings. The method is carried out by using ultrasonic angle beam probes operating according to a method of corner reflection or transversal waves within the range of critical angles of total reflection, or according to a method of grazing incidence. Both methods can be used as a pulse echo technique, or as a tandem technique. The probes are coupled to the curved side walls of the discs for following test patterns extending in circumferential direction of the disc bodies. Ultrasonic sound beams emanating from the probes are aligned toward the test regions of the inner surfaces of the hubs. Three axially adjacent test regions are tested.

Abstract: An apparatus for emitting and receiving sound signals includes a cylinder into which a sound transducer is mounted. The transducer is mounted to transmit a sound beam normal to the axis of the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to a position detection circuit for determining the angular position of the cylinder about its axis. A system for processing data produced by such a sound transducer apparatus includes circuitry for determining the true position of the cylinder from the position circuit, for alternately causing the transducer to emit and receive sound energy, and for sampling the energy signal received by the transducer when the position detection circuit indicates that the cylinder is at one of several preselected angles. The sampled information is recorded on paper or magnetic media.

Abstract: For determining zones in a piece (such as cracks) which reflect ultrasounds, an apparatus is provided which comprises a transducer for transmitting a fine ultrasound beam and for receiving ultrasound echo signals. That transducer is moved externally of the piece for scanning it and the coordinates of each zone which returns an echo signal higher than a predetermined threshold in response to an ultrasound pulse are determined. The transducer is moved according to a composite movement which results from the composition of a conical movement about an axis which is orthogonal to a surface of said piece having an apex on the surface and a rectilinear movement parallel to the surface. Consequently, the beam enters the piece after path of constant length out of the piece. Each zone of the piece to be examined receives the beam under a plurality of different azimuth angles and the echo signals returned from a same zone of the piece are combined.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe for accurately determining angular location includes a rotating mobile assembly with at least one angular location track placed thereon. The angular location track is inscribed with location data arranged in a succession of pulses. As the mobile assembly rotates, the track traces a path in space. A fixed reading unit is provided at a point along the path to read the data inscribed on the track. The read data contains information corresponding to the angular position of the mobile assembly at any given point in time.

Abstract: Real time image zoom is obtained by sampling electrical signals corresponding to reflected ultrasonic waves at a sampling frequency whereby display data is obtained only in an area of interest. The sampling is delayed to eliminate signals from areas not of interest. Ultrasonic pulse repetition rate is selected so that internal resolution in the area of interest is optimized.

Abstract: An ultrasonic microscope displays an ultrasonic wave image of a sample relatively and two-dimensionally scanned with respect to an ultrasonic wave beam transmitted from and focused by a transducer including a piezoelectric element and an acoustic lens. The F number of the acoustic lens is variably changeable while the scan in one direction of the two-dimensional scan is substituted by a time axis scan of the received echo.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive, qualitative testing of properties of materials, whereby ultra-sonic waves are transmitted in the direction of the material. Ultra-sonic waves reflected by the material are received. The orientation of the material relative to the direction in which the ultra-sonic waves are transmitted is changed in a predetermined way, such that the transmitted ultra-sonic waves arrive at the material under varying angles of incidence and from different directions.

Abstract: A transducer assembly is provided which performs simultaneous imaging and flow measurement. Separate imaging and Doppler transducers are mounted on one face of the assembly. Each transducer type is backed by backing material which provides damping in accordance with the performance criteria of the different transducer types. The transducer types may be mechanically focused in the same direction so that flow measurements are made in the center of the area being imaged.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system is provided having an articulated arm for holding a transducer. Signals representative of the angular position of the arm joints are scaled up to a voltage range over which the restricted range of movement of each joint is distributed. The scaled signals are combined to produce a plurality of combined angular signals, which then may be digitized and used to compute the X-Y position of the transducer.

Abstract: Analysis manipulator for non-destructive material testing, including a support device having a mounting flange, a precision coordinate-moving mechanism having at least two guide frames each including coordinate drives in the form of straight guides and a drive having a spindle and a nut being movable by the spindle along the straight guides, the guide frames including a first lower guide frame having a mounting flange being mountable to the mounting flange of the support device, a second guide frame being movable by the coordinate drive of the first guide frame in a first given coordinate direction, and a testing head mount being movable by the coordinate drive of the second guide frame in a second given coordinate direction, and a method for the coordinate control of the analysis manipulator.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes an acoustical mirror that deflects an ultrasound beam generated by an ultrasound crystal toward an object under examination. The probe includes a thin flat motor whose rotor is controlled by a control system. The control system creates commutating signals that are applied to stator coils of the motor. An error signal that is related to the difference between the actual and desired positions of the object rotated by the motor is applied to the commutating signals to alter their amplitude or polarity to change the torque developed by the motor.

Abstract: An ultrasound tomography device for scanning an object under examination from a plurality of directions. Coronal slice images of the plane or planes near or at the female breast wall are obtained. A sagittal scanner is used to obtain numerous small sectional oblique views of the slice to be viewed. A full image of the coronal slice plane is reconstructed through section by section combination of the images obtained from the several small sagittal sections. By providing the sagittal scanner with a scanning motion as well as with translational mobility a full composite view is provided.

Abstract: In ultrasonic flaw inspection for determining the size of a flaw by emitting an ultrasonic wave to a subject via a probe and receiving an ultrasonic echo from said flaw existing inside said subject, changes in the propagation distances of the ultrasonic echoes before and after movement of said probe through a micro-small distance are compared with each other and the ultrasonic echoes are determined to result from the same flaw if the change width falls within a predetermined value determined by the angle of incidence of the ultrasonic wave and the directional angle.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for automatically correlating the position of a nondestructive test (NDT) probe and the magnitude of a probe produced NDT signal as the probe is moved manually, and independently of any mechanical constraint, over a planar surface of a test workpiece. The probe position is sensed electro-optically by a position-determining subsystem including an LED light source affixed to the probe housing so as to be movable therewith and a scanning assembly on which are mounted spaced apart, scanning light sensors, sensor drive motors and angle encoders.

Abstract: A rotating scanner for use in ultrasonic echoscopy has a linearly scanned transducer arrangement, for transmitting beams of ultrasonic energy into an object (and receiving reflected ultrasonic echoes from the object). The transducer arrangement is rotated about an axis passing through the center or one end of the linear scan. The linear scanning may be mechanical scanning, or by electronic switching of an array of transducer elements.

Abstract: A real-time ultrasonic transducer for use in a scanning system and a novel drive circuit therefor are provided. The transducer includes a housing and a transducer assembly mounted therein for movement in a predetermined manner. An electromagnet causes the transducer assembly to move in such a predetermined manner. The drive circuit reverses the polarity of the voltage applied to the electromagnet when the transducer assembly reaches a predetermined limit of movement thereby reversing the direction of movement thereof. The drive circuit and the transducer assembly are located within the transducer housing. The drive circuit includes a set-reset (R-S) flip-flop that reverses the polarity of the voltage applied to the electromagnet. The two conventional collector resistors of the flip-flop are each replaced by a transistor circuit thereby providing the R-S flip-flop with power amplification capability.

Abstract: A roller-switch and cam, located at an intermediary joint of a plural arm overhead assembly, delays the unlocking of a brake at a next adjacent joint until the joint at which the cam and switch are located has diverged a predetermined angle from alignment.

Abstract: An improvement in an ultrasonic imaging system is disclosed, enabling determination of volume and/or shape of three-dimensional portions of bodily tissue or the like.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an ultrasonic scanning apparatus has an articulated support for at least one scan head and angle indicators for determining point- and/or direction-coordinates of the scanning. An angle detection and processing is desired which is considerably simplified as compared with the state of the art but which is nevertheless highly precise, interference-insensitive and cost-economical.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer is translatable for scanning along a body surface by having the transducer mounted at the free end of an articulated arm which is moved in a single nominally vertical plane during a scan. The arm is pivotally connected at one end to a head which is turnable at least about a vertical axis so the arm can be directed in other single planes. The head is mounted on a horizontally and transversely movable arm which is on a longitudinally movable carriage. Potentiometers produce analog signals which allow a microprocessor to determine the difference between the location of the transducer axis and the vertical axis about which the arm swings into different planes. When isocentric rotation is desired, the user locates the transducer over the isocentric point on the body and provides a command signal which, through a servo motor system, causes the transverse arm and longitudinal carriage to move until the vertical head axis is aligned with the transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus comprises a first mechanism connected to the rotation shaft of a motor to convert a rotation motion to a circular motion, and an universal joint type second mechanism connecting at one end to said first mechanism such that it can be freely moved in any direction. The universal joint type second mechanism is connected at the other end such that it can swing in a predetermined direction to cause the circular motion transmitted by said first mechanism to be converted to the circular motion to permit an ultrasonic probe to oscillatingly scan a subject to be examined.

Abstract: A scanner for use in ultrasonic imaging systems of the type which translates a transducer assembly along a path of successive positions. The scanner rotates the assembly during translation and, in one embodiment, rotates the transducer about a center of rotation which is offset from the center of translation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for in line ultrasonic inspection of linearly extending brazed composite workpiece including a linearly extending bonded region, traveling linearly at a given speed. A source of ultrasonic signals is focussed on the workpiece and is reciprocated in the plane of the workpiece in a sweep transverse to the direction of workpiece travel, the sweep being at least commensurate with the width of the bonded region. The signals reflected from the workpiece are received and processed to derive control signals, which are input to a marker. The marker is reciprocated in phase with the reciprocation of the signal source. A linearly extending record medium is moved past the marker transversely to the reciprocation of the marker at a speed not greater than one-half the workpiece speed, whereby the marker traces successive generally parallel strokes against said record medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for the ultrasonic examination of an object comprises:means for transmitting pulses of ultrasonic energy along a plurality of beams into the object and receiving echoes of the pulses reflected along the beams by acoustic impedance discontinuities within the object, the means directing the beams from a plurality of spaced positions in a single plane relative to the object and along a plurality of beam directions in the single plane at each spaced position;means for forming a first display of information representative of the position of acoustic impedance discontinuities within the object from the echoes received along the plurality of beams;means for selecting a point or region within the object intersected by at least one beam direction from different ones of the spaced positions; andmeans for determining the shift of echoes from the selected point or region received along the beam in each beam direction caused by divergences of the velocity of propagation of ultrasonic energy through the object in

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for identifying which one of a plurality of interchangeable transducer heads is connected with an ultrasonic scanner. The system includes a unique impedance mounted on each transducer head and an impedance determining circuit in the scanner for determining the impedance of the interconnected transducer head. The impedance determination circuit is connected to a character generator for producing an alpha-numeric representation of the transducer head designation along the margin of a cathode ray tube on which an ultrasonic image is displayed. Also disclosed is an improved resolver mounting in which a cylindrical axle is used as a pivot pin between two scan arms of the ultrasonic scanner. A potentiometer for resolving the angle between pivotally connected arms is mounted on one arm with its shaft resiliently connected with the axle for rotation with the axle and other scan arm.

Abstract: A data acquisition head for an ultrasonic imaging system which employs a plurality of transducers is disclosed. The transducers are rotated in a liquid filled chamber at a constant rate, each about an axis perpendicular to its transmission axis. The transducers are sequentially activated as their transmission axes cross a semi-rigid membrane which is in contact with the body. The acoustic impedance of the liquid and membrane, and the thickness of the membrane, are matched to enhance transmission. In one embodiment, the membrane is one-half or a full wavelength thick and comprises a low density polyethylene and the liquid has an acoustic impedance approximately equal to that of the polyethylene.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer probe having a sealed rotor housing, a plurality of transducers mounted on a rotor disposed in said housing. A rotor shaft mounts the rotor and extends through the housing. A drive assembly including commutating and position indicating means receives said housing and rotor shaft and serves to drive the rotor, commutate electrical energy to and from said transducers and indicate the angular position of said rotor. A handle including means for driving said drive assembly is attached to said drive assembly to position the rotor housing and drive assembly against the body the rotate said rotor to cause the transducers to scan a sector of the body.

Abstract: The camera comprises an emitting section and a receiving section which are both located on the surface of a portion of a cylinder. The receiving section consists of juxtaposed and parallel strips located in the central part of the portion of cylinder. The emitting section consists of two groups each constituted by a band of parallel strips which is placed on each side of the receiving section. Each emitter is constituted by a pair of strips having parallel sides each forming part of a directrix of the cylinder. Electronic means are provided for exciting the different emitting strips and collecting the signals received by the different receiving strips.

Abstract: An ultrasonic defect detection apparatus comprising a supersonic probe, a rotary shaft for revolving the probe along the inner surface of a pipe to be examined, and a hollow shaft removably connected to the rotary shaft for vertically moving the probe. Water acting as a contact medium is circulated between the operating surface of the probe and a water tank through the rotary shaft and the hollow shaft. The apparatus is inserted into a pipe to be examined such as the control rod housing of an atomic reactor through the bottom opening of the pipe, and can be operated from a remote place for the sake of safety.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanner having a housing, an ultrasonic transducer disposed within the housing and mounted for movement in a predetermined path therewithin. Magnetic means are provided for effecting movement of the transducer in a predetermined path, and electrical means are provided for energizing the transducer and receiving signals therefrom.The scanner may be servo-controlled and be provided with position sensing means for determining the position of the transducer within the predetermined path, and signal processing means for receiving feedback signals from said position sensing means and adjusting said transducer position responsive to said feedback signals indicating the existence of a departure from the desired transducer position.

Abstract: A technique of displaying information obtained by ultrasonic echoscopic examination of an object which comprises the steps of transmitting pulses of ultrasonic energy along a plurality of beams into the object and receiving echoes of said pulses reflected along the beams by acoustic impedance discontinuities within the object, the beams being directed from a plurality of spaced positions relative to the object and along a plurality of beam directions at each position, comprises forming a first display of information representative of the position of acoustic impedance discontinuities within the object from the echoes received along the plurality of beams as a compound scan of the object, and forming a second display of information from echoes received along selected beams of the plurality of beams as a simple scan of the object.

Abstract: A weld inspection system uses fluoroscopic flaw detection particularly sensitive to volumetric type weld flaws and ultrasonic flaw detection particularly sensitive to planar type weld flaws. Both inspections are performed simultaneously throughout the pipe length. Each system marks the pipe with a distinguishing mark to identify the location of the flaw detected by that system. The fluoroscopic system is a high resolution system, the ultrasonic system avoids detection of minor non-rejectable variation in weld bead geometry and is calibrated to a desired sensitivity level.