Having Transducer Scanning Means Patents (Class 73/633)
  • Patent number: 11977054
    Abstract: Systems for ultrasonic measurements of an inspection surface is described. An inspection robot with a payload moves in a direction of travel across an inspection surface. The payload has two sensor holders, the first sensor holder to hold a first UT array at a first orientation and the second to hold a second UT array at a second orientation A sensor holder linking component holds the two UT phased arrays in a parallel configuration along their long edges. An arm of the payload may be pivotably connected to both the sensor linking component at one end and a lift connection element on the other end. The lift component has a lift motor to raise the lift connection element. A rastering device moves the payload in a direction of inspection which is distinct from both the direction of travel and the parallel configuration of the two phased UT arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Gecko Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chase David, Jose Aparicio, Kevin Y. Low, Edward A. Bryner, Troy Demmer, Juan Roberto Mendoza Mora, Scott Ashley Corl
  • Patent number: 11971389
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for ultra-sonic inspection of a surface are described. An example system may include an inspection robot structured to move in a direction of travel on an inspection surface. The inspection robot may include a payload including a first ultrasonic (UT) phased array and a second UT phased array, the first UT phased array and the second UT phased array being arranged in a parallel configuration. The inspection robot may include a rastering device structured to move the payload in a direction of inspection, the direction of inspection being distinct from the direction of travel and the direction of inspection being distinct from the parallel configuration of the first UT phased array and the second UT phased array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Gecko Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chase David, Jose Aparicio, Juan Roberto Mendoza Mora, Kevin Y. Low, Troy Demmer, Edward A. Bryner, Scott Ashley Corl
  • Patent number: 11932422
    Abstract: The damage assessment device 16 includes a trolley 4 with a platform 43 carrying a sensor mounting 11 for various non-destructive testing sensors 10 and an additional depth sensor 13 for estimating the depth of a dent, a flexible and partially ferromagnetic rails 2 in order to keep the trolley 4 on the surface of an aircraft structure and allowing the trolley 4 to move perpendicular to a linear scanning axis, formed by the bridge 41 of the trolley 4, and the possibility for remote-control the device via an external control station 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: IMITEC GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Dürager, Jannis Erni
  • Patent number: 11892322
    Abstract: An example inspection robot may include a drive module structured to engage a top tube of a vertically arranged layer of tubes, at least one telescoping pole, and a lowering mechanism operationally coupled to the at least one telescoping pole and structured to selectively extend or retract the at least one telescoping pole, thereby providing a selected vertical position of a sensor carriage assembly. The sensor carriage assembly may be coupled to the at least one telescoping pole, and structured to accept at least one of a plurality of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Gecko Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Low, Edward Bryner, Logan Mackenzie, Joshua Moore, Michael S. Auda, Mark Cho, Edwin H. Cho
  • Patent number: 11754577
    Abstract: A 3D ultrasound imaging device including an ultrasound probe assembly and echo analyzer. The ultrasound probe assembly includes a housing and an acoustic window abutted against the housing to form a sealed chamber, wherein the surface of the acoustic window contacts with the breast of the human body to be examined; an ultrasound transducer moves at a first speed back and forth within the sealed chamber and performs high-speed pre-scanning through the acoustic window to obtain initial ultrasound signals; the echo analyzer analyzes the initial ultrasound signals to determine a quality of a ultrasound image acquired by the high speed pre-scanning; and the ultrasound transducer then moves at a second speed to perform another scan to acquire new ultrasound signals. A 3D ultrasound imaging method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhiwei Shi, Ziyan Zhu, Lei Zhu
  • Patent number: 11596312
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) and an according method for optoacoustic imaging of an object. The device (1) comprising an irradiation unit for irradiating a region of interest (3) of the object with electromagnetic radiation (6), in particular light, and a detection unit (9) for detecting acoustic, in particular ultrasonic, waves generated in the region of interest (3) of the object upon irradiation with the electromagnetic radiation (6), wherein the detection unit (9) is configured to detect the acoustic waves at one or more point-like detection locations, which are located outside of the region of interest (3) of the object. The point-like detection locations can be given by, e.g., focus points (19) of acoustic detection elements (23), point-like detection elements or point-like or pinhole apertures. The invention allows for improved and reliable optoacoustic imaging, in particular in view of dermatology applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (Gmbh)
    Inventors: Vasilis Ntziachristos, Juan Aguirre Bueno
  • Patent number: 11483960
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring seedbed conditions within a field may include an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a seedbed sensing assembly supported thereon. The sensing assembly may, in turn, include a plurality of pins configured to be extended relative to the body such that each pin penetrates a top surface of the field. Furthermore, a plurality of position sensors may be configured to capture data indicative of a position of a given pin of the plurality of pins relative to the body of the UAV. Additionally, a plurality of force sensors may be configured to capture data indicative of a force being applied to a given pin of the plurality of pins. As such, the data captured by the position sensors and the force sensors may be indicative of at least one of the seedbed surface profile or the seedbed floor profile of the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nahuel Andrejuk, James W. Henry
  • Patent number: 11472039
    Abstract: A deformable sensor is provided. The deformable sensor comprises a deformable member defining an enclosure that is configured to be filled with a medium, a mechanical component disposed within the enclosure, and an optical sensor coupled to the mechanical component positioned with the enclosure. In embodiments, the mechanical component is configured to rotate at least from a first position to a second position, and the optical sensor is configured to capture first portion data associated with a first portion of the deformable member at the first position and second portion data associated with a second portion of the deformable member at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Naveen Suresh Kuppuswamy, Alexander Alspach
  • Patent number: 11174847
    Abstract: A method including positioning a modular robotic component proximate an area of interest on a surface of a wind turbine. The modular robotic component including a plurality of modules that perform a plurality of tasks. The method further including inspecting the area of interest with the modular robotic component for an indication requiring at least one of repair or upgrade and operating the modular robotic component to perform the plurality of tasks sequentially as the modular robotic component moves along the surface of the wind turbine. A modular robotic component and system including the modular robotic component are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Todd William Danko, Shiraj Sen, John Robert Hoare, Charles Burton Theurer, Douglas Forman, Judith Ann Guzzo
  • Patent number: 11137374
    Abstract: A tool enables non-destructive inspection of a flat part by ultrasonic transmission. The tool includes a clamp with a first arm pivotally coupled to a second arm about a pivot connection. An ultrasound transmitter is coupled to a first end of the first arm by a first ball joint connection, and an ultrasound receiver coupled to a first end of the second arm by a second ball joint connection. The transmitter has an active face for transmitting a sound signal that is received by an active face of the receiver. The active faces of the transmitter and the receiver are substantially at the same distance from the pivot connection. The tool further includes an alignment device that maintains the active faces of the transmitter and the receiver oriented towards each other and substantially parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventor: Mathieu Julien Charlas
  • Patent number: 10634741
    Abstract: A system and method for locating magnetic material. In one embodiment the system includes a magnetic probe; a power module in electrical communication with the magnetic probe to supply current to the magnetic probe; a sense module in electrical communication with the magnetic probe to receive signals from the magnetic probe; and a computer in electrical communication with the power module and the sense module. The computer generates a waveform that controls the supply of current from the power module and receives a signal from the sense module that indicates the presence of magnetic material. The magnetic probe is constructed from a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion of substantially 10?6/° C. or less and a Young's modulus of substantially 50 GPa or greater. In one embodiment magnetic nanoparticles are injected into a breast and the lymph nodes collecting the particles are detected with the probe and deemed sentinel nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: ENDOMAGNETICS LTD.
    Inventor: Simon Richard Hattersley
  • Patent number: 10548540
    Abstract: A cone beam computed tomography imaging system uses a C-shaped structure to revolve a source and detector around an imaging axis. To balance the system a counterweight is attached to the C-shaped structure at one end adjacent to the detector. The source is attached to another end of the C-shaped structure opposite the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Dirisio
  • Patent number: 10464142
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a frame with two opposite frame sections, a number of leg elements arranged on the frame, and a first carriage having a first linear axis. The first carriage is guided on the two opposite sections of the frame and is displaceable in a first direction. A second carriage of a second linear axis is guided on the first carriage and is displaceable in a second direction A tower element has a third linear axis, which is retained on the second carriage. A machining element is retained on the tower element and is displaceable in a third direction, and a tool spindle is arranged on the machining element for receiving a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: SAUER GmbH
    Inventors: Florian Feucht, Jens Ketelaer
  • Patent number: 10456044
    Abstract: A system and method for generating ultrasound images of a subject without physically contacting the subject is provided. A photoacoustic excitation source may be employed that directed into a scanning mirror to transmit acoustic disturbances into a patient to induce propagating photoacoustic waves. The acoustic disturbances are translated along the patient in a defined direction to cause coherent summation of the propagating photoacoustic waves and, thereby, a resultant acoustic and/or elastic wave to probe structures within the patient. Vibrations created by the backscatter of the resultant wave are detected at the surface of the patient and ultrasound images of the structures within the patient are generated. Detection of the vibrations may be performed using a laser vibrometer. The excitation and detection systems may be used separately or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert W. Haupt, Charles M. Wynn
  • Patent number: 10416330
    Abstract: A transducer assembly for downhole imaging includes a 1-3 Piezoelectric composite transducer of high Q ceramic rods in a polymer matrix. The assembly also includes a Teflon® window, a fluid-filled cavity adjacent to the window, and impedance matching material between the composite transducer and the fluid. The transducer is positioned to reduce the reverberation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Roger R. Steinsiek, Douglas J. Patterson, Charles E. Redding, Anjani R. Achanta
  • Patent number: 10295478
    Abstract: A mounting plate and an optical inspection apparatus are disclosed. The mounting plate includes: a base plate; at least two first bars disposed above the base plate and extending in a first direction; and at least two second bars extending in a second direction. Each second bar being configured to be slidable in the first direction relative to the at least two first bars. The mounting plate may further comprises a third bar extending in the first direction and disposed between two adjacent first bars, the third bar being configured to be slidable in the second direction relative to the at least two second bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Anda Zhao, Chunxi Hai, Dongyang Feng
  • Patent number: 10247706
    Abstract: System and method for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a variable and irregular shape. The system comprises one or more ultrasonic pulser/receivers, one or more ultrasonic transducer arrays, a shoe or jig to hold and position the array(s), data acquisition software to drive the array(s), and data analysis software to select a respective best return signal for each pixel to be displayed. This system starts with information about the general orientation of the array relative to the part and a general predicted part shape. More specific orientation of the transmitted ultrasound beams relative to the part surface is done electronically by phasing the elements in the array(s) to cover the expected (i.e., predicted) surface as well as the full range of part surface variability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Hutchinson, James C. Kennedy, Barry A. Fetzer, Michael Joseph Duncan, Navpreet S. Grewal, Steven Ray Walton, Hien T. Bui
  • Patent number: 10238369
    Abstract: An interventional system with real-time ablation thermal dose monitoring includes an interventional tool, an ultrasound transmitter at least one of attached to or integral with the interventional tool, an ultrasound receiver configured to receive ultrasound signals from the ultrasound transmitter after at least one of transmission through or reflection from a region of tissue while under an ablation procedure and to provide detection signals, and a signal processing system configured to communicate with the ultrasound receiver to receive the detection signals and to calculate, based on the detections signals, a thermal dose delivered to the region of tissue in real time during the ablation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Xiaoyu Guo, Emad M. Boctor, Dengrong Jiang
  • Patent number: 9921652
    Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a mechanical input configured to move in a first direction in response to an input at the mechanical input. A mechanical input sensor is coupled to the mechanical input and configured to sense the input at the mechanical input based on the movement of the mechanical input in the first direction. A mechanical input actuator is coupled to the mechanical input and configured to displace the mechanical input in a second direction, different from the first direction. In some examples, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. In some examples, the mechanical input comprises a rotary input configured to rotate in the first direction in response to the input. In some examples, the mechanical input actuator is configured to displace the mechanical input in the second direction while the mechanical input is moving in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Camille Moussette, John Morrell, Duncan Robert Kerr, Benjamin G. Jackson, Steven J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9778084
    Abstract: A flow-rate measurement device which measures a flow rate of a fluid flowing through a fluid flow channel unit includes a tubular measurement flow channel unit that is stored in the fluid flow channel unit and has an inside in communication with the fluid flow channel unit. The flow-rate measurement device also includes a pair of sealing materials that blocks a flow of a fluid and is provided to encircle outer peripheries of the measurement flow channel unit at a first end and a second end; and a measurement unit including a substrate, on which a measurement circuit is mounted, and a pair of ultrasonic transducers. Further, the pair of ultrasonic transducers is electrically and fixedly connected to the substrate in the measurement unit, and the measurement unit is disposed between the pair of sealing materials on the measurement flow channel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Satou, Yuji Nakabayashi, Hidetomo Nagahara, Akihisa Adachi, Aoi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9719833
    Abstract: A filling level transmitter for measuring a filing level of a liquid includes: a filling level sensor having: an ultrasonic transceiver configured to emit ultrasound, and sensor electronics; a sound-conducting tube having two reflectors spaced apart from one another, the first reflector being configured to deflect ultrasound emitted by the transceiver in the direction of the second reflector, and the second reflector being configured to deflect the emitted ultrasound in the direction of the surface of the liquid. A third reflector is arranged in the second reflector such that emitted ultrasound impacting the third reflector is reflected in the direction of the first reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Wighard Jäger, Karl-Friedrich Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 9709473
    Abstract: A method of measuring panel stiffness of an automobile part outer panel by pushing an indenter onto a surface of the panel in a pushing direction intersecting the surface under a load to deform the panel and measuring deformation of the panel includes arranging grids in a lattice form to a surface of a site of the panel; arranging markers previously knowing three-dimensional position information on a periphery of the site; pushing the indenter onto the surface of the site under the load and moving the indenter in a direction perpendicular to the pushing direction, during which the grids on the surface deformed by loading of the indenter are simultaneously and repeatedly shot from plural positions by plural cameras; and calculating position information of the grids corresponding to the markers based on the image data to measure change in deformation of the panel associated with movement of the indenter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: JFS Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Futatsuka, Takashi Iwama, Kentaro Sato, Yuji Yamasaki, Youiti Komatu, Eiichi Shiraishi, Kazunari Yoshitomi, Yukiko Hata, Kayo Tokieda
  • Patent number: 9615751
    Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus, comprising: a plurality of detecting elements which detect an acoustic wave generated from an object irradiated with light and convert the acoustic wave into detection signals; a signal determining unit which determines a detection signal detected by a detecting element which is not in acoustic contact with the object, of the plurality of detecting elements; a signal acquisition unit which generates a corrected detection signal by deleting at least a region which is not based on an acoustic wave generated from the interior of the object, from the determined detection signal; and an image processor which forms image data of the object from a detection signal detected by a detecting element which is in acoustic contact with the object and from the corrected detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Fukutani
  • Patent number: 9585634
    Abstract: An ultrasound catheter assembly having a rotatable transducer assembly is disclosed. The ultrasound catheter assembly includes an elongate flexible shaft having a lumen and a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter assembly further includes a drive member that engages the transducer assembly at a distal end of the catheter. Rotation of the drive member in a first direction causes the transducer assembly to rotate in an oscillatory fashion in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Charles Davies, Norman Hugh Hossack
  • Patent number: 9535501
    Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a mechanical input configured to move in a first direction in response to an input at the mechanical input. A mechanical input sensor is coupled to the mechanical input and configured to sense the input at the mechanical input based on the movement of the mechanical input in the first direction. A mechanical input actuator is coupled to the mechanical input and configured to displace the mechanical input in a second direction, different from the first direction. In some examples, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. In some examples, the mechanical input comprises a rotary input configured to rotate in the first direction in response to the input. In some examples, the mechanical input actuator is configured to displace the mechanical input in the second direction while the mechanical input is moving in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Camille Moussette, John Morrell, Duncan Robert Kerr, Benjamin G. Jackson, Steven J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9366378
    Abstract: A transducer connects with a support arm. The support arm supports only some of the weight, even in a locked state. By only supporting a portion or less than all of the weight, the support arm allows downward movement or pressure, but less than the pressure applied without any resistance for the gravity acting on the support arm. The pressure maintains contact between the patient and the transducer for scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Schmidt, Satchi Panda, Todd Pleake
  • Patent number: 9274490
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a transformer and a switching unit that causes two switching elements connected in series to drive the primary winding of the transformer. A detection unit detects current flowing on the primary side of the transformer and outputs a voltage corresponding to the detected current. A correction unit corrects the voltage output from the detection unit into a voltage proportional to a variation of an input voltage input into the primary side of the transformer A nonlinear correction unit corrects the corrected voltage corrected by the correction unit to be nonlinear independently of variation in the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Keizo Kojima
  • Patent number: 9117554
    Abstract: An inspection system for inspecting a core shroud includes a remotely operated vehicle with a profile, scanning ability, and reliability that contribute to expanded inspection coverage and reduced inspection times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventor: Vincent Carl Vigliano
  • Patent number: 9113784
    Abstract: An imaging system and method for imaging an immobilized object. The imaging system includes a support member adapted to receive the object in an immobilized state. The system also includes means for imaging the immobilized object in various imaging modes to capture images of the object. The imaging system further includes a movable phosphor screen. The phosphor screen is adapted to be movable without moving the immobilized object and support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Bruker Biospin Corporation
    Inventors: Gilbert D. Feke, William E. McLaughlin, Douglas L. Vizard
  • Patent number: 9038473
    Abstract: A system is provided for inspecting a workpiece that includes a workpiece defect and a workpiece surface. The system includes a laser pointer connected to an ultrasonic inspection system. The ultrasonic inspection system includes an ultrasonic transducer that directs sound waves to the workpiece defect, where the sound waves contact the workpiece surface at a workpiece surface location. The laser pointer directs a laser beam against the workpiece surface to visually annunciate the workpiece surface location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Karl M. Gruca, Jr., Jeffrey A. Umbach
  • Publication number: 20150096382
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in scanning a material includes a top member having a first body with a first plurality of holes; a bottom member having a second body with a second plurality of holes; and an interconnecting member connecting the top member and the second member to provide a gap between the top member and the bottom member. Each hole in the top member is aligned with a corresponding hole in the bottom member to form a hole-pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Voor, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150035523
    Abstract: A scanning probe for an industrial nondestructive evaluation (NDE) ultrasound or eddy current scanning system. The scanning probe gathers reflected waveform data indicative of internal characteristics of the test object. The scanning probe also includes a self-contained multi-axis position encoder that correlates both multi-dimensional probe underside translation and rotation motion across the test sample surface with the multi-dimensional spatial location on the test object surface. The position encoder compensates for probe rotation that would otherwise negatively impact probe position determination accuracy. A data acquisition system combines sets of positional and waveform data for processing by an NDE analyzer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Erik A. Lombardo, David S. Segletes, Timor Abu-Jaber
  • Publication number: 20150000409
    Abstract: A system for conducting phased array testing on a vehicle hub includes a guide element having a first end and a second end, a pivot element extending from the second end to couple to the vehicle hub, and a slide element coupled to the guide element. The slide element is movable relative to the guide element between the first end of the guide element and the second end of the guide element. The slide element including an object-receiving aperture to receive a phased array probe element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Waedekin, Joseph A. Yustus
  • Publication number: 20140318257
    Abstract: A component inspection apparatus and a method for ultrasonic inspection of a component, including low pressure last stage steam turbine blades, are disclosed. The apparatus includes a guide member, a guide adapting member and scanning probes. The guide member includes a first surface and a distal second surface. The first surface is configured to adaptably mirror the shape of portions of the component to be inspected. The guide adapting member is capable of releasably attaching the second surface of the guide member.to be changeable as per the shape of the component. The scanning probes may be located on the guide adapting member in a manner configured to be movable along the second surface of the guide member to generate and receive ultrasonic waves used to inspect the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher UDELL, Vijayendra MUNIKOTI, Dirk TSCHARNTKE, Rémy SCHMID, David Thomas CLARKE
  • Publication number: 20140283612
    Abstract: Ultrasonic bolt inspection apparatus and methods facilitate in situ as well as bench non-destructive evaluation (NDE) inspection of fastening bolt distal ends and their mating nuts. The apparatus is coupled to an exposed end of a fastener bolt head, its exposed thread tip or to a mating nut. The apparatus retains a phased array ultrasonic probe that generates inspection scan data and a rotational position encoder that generates rotational position data. The probe is coupled to an ultrasonic inspection system analyzer, which converts scan data into inspection data that characterizes possible defects in the inspected bolt. A system controller is coupled to the analyzer and the rotational position encoder, correlating rotation position data and inspection data, in order to identify location and characteristics of possible defects in the inspected bolt end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Jason E. Williams, Thomas F. Quinn, Derrick Marcantel, Zafir A.M. Abdo
  • Patent number: 8833169
    Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of a robotic inspection system that uses a pair of multi-axis robotic devices to perform an ultrasonic scan of a part. Each of the multi-axis robotic devices can comprise an end effector that can transmit and/or receive an ultrasonic signal to perform the ultrasonic scan. In one embodiment, the robotic inspection system includes a linear slide assembly that can translate the multi-axis robotic devices independently from one another on either side of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas William Lute, Jr., Brent William Shoffner
  • Patent number: 8830003
    Abstract: An ultrasonic generator is provided, in which the control system can easily be changed in accordance with a cleaning application and a cleaning process. The ultrasonic generator according to the present invention, which causes an ultrasonic transducer to oscillate a signal for ultrasonic vibration, includes a programmable multiple control circuit having a signal generation circuit for generating a signal, and an output adjustment circuit for adjusting the output of the signal from the programmable multiple control circuit, wherein the programmable multiple control circuit has a power control circuit electrically connected to the output adjustment circuit, a phase comparison circuit electrically connected to the output adjustment circuit, a frequency control circuit electrically connected to the phase comparison circuit, and a signal modulation circuit electrically connected to the frequency control circuit via the signal generation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kaijo Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hasegawa, Hiroki Okuzawa
  • Patent number: 8794072
    Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope, includes an ultrasonic transducer, a data storage memory, a display, a scanner assembly, and a controller. The controller is adapted to cause the motor to move the transducer along a path with respect to a sample, and cause the ultrasonic transducer to emit a pulse of acoustic energy towards the sample at each point in a plurality of points along the path. In addition, the controller is adapted to cause the ultrasonic transducer to receive a set of reflection signals that correspond to each of the pulses emitted therefrom. The sets of reflection signals are used to generate an image of a profile of the sample and an image representative of acoustic impedance features in the interior of the sample. The image of the profile of the sample shows a variation in height across a surface of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Sonoscan, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Kessler, Michael G. Oravecz, Zhiqi Guo
  • Patent number: 8763462
    Abstract: A probe is used to inspect the health of a corner radius within an elongate internal cavity of a structure. The probe is transported through the cavity on a carriage that maintains the probe a substantially constant distance from the corner radius as the carriage traverses changes in the cross sectional shape of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Barry A. Fetzer, Patrick Lee Anderson, Hien T. Bui, Steven Ray Walton
  • Patent number: 8721553
    Abstract: An imaging catheter tip is presented. The imaging catheter tip includes a housing. Further, the imaging catheter tip includes a transducer assembly located within the housing in a distal portion of the imaging catheter tip. The transducer assembly includes a transducer. In addition, the imaging catheter tip includes a motor located within the housing in a proximal portion of the imaging catheter tip. The motor is configured to facilitate oscillation of the transducer assembly about a longitudinal axis of the imaging catheter tip. The imaging catheter tip also includes a fill tube disposed between the motor and the housing. The fill tube is configured to deliver acoustic coupling fluid to the distal portion of the imaging catheter tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Warren Lee, Douglas Glenn Wildes, Weston Blaine Griffin, Reinhold Bruestle
  • Patent number: 8683882
    Abstract: A spherical bearing provides a passive apparatus that enables a contact sensor that needs to self-align to the surface of a test object. In some embodiments, the contact sensor is a transducer. This self-alignment apparatus may be used in a measurement system for aligning the face of a contact transducer to the surface of a material to be measured. The spherical bearing may be dry or may be lubricated with a liquid or with pressurized air to minimize the bearing friction and enable the transducer to self-align. The upper portion of the spherical bearing is preferably attached to a spring-loaded piston. The transducer is preferably attached to the lower portion of the spherical bearing. The spring-loaded piston holds the spherical bearing portions together and centers the floating lower bearing portion after each measurement operation. A cowling preferably retains the lower bearing portion between measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ascent Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Jackson
  • Patent number: 8671762
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor is described having a housing which has a circumferential side wall and a base surface. A transducer element for generating ultrasonic vibrations is mounted on the base surface. The side wall includes a lower side wall section, in which the side wall has an essentially rotationally asymmetrical profile in a plane parallel to the base surface, and an upper side wall section in which the side wall changes to an essentially rotationally symmetrical profile toward an upper edge of the side wall. In other respects, the present system provides a parking assistance system for a vehicle, having a control unit and such an ultrasonic sensor, as well as a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Reiche
  • Patent number: 8661906
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasound inspection device for the inspection of tubular workpieces, where the ultrasound inspection device can be coupled to the workpiece by means of a fluid medium, so that sound emitted from a transducer unit hits an insonification point on the lateral surface of the workpiece, the workpiece and the ultrasound inspection device can be moved relative to each other, and where the transducer unit is pivotable on a pivoting line which corresponds to an arc of a circle whose center is formed by the insonification point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Damian Meinert, Reinhard Prause, Rainer Vierhaus
  • Publication number: 20140007691
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device component changes a transducer with another one having the same frequency or a different frequency without adjustment inside a generator main body or a change of the generator main body. The ultrasonic transducer device component includes a connection unit for use in applying ultrasonic transducer to cleaning fluid for cleaning objects, and for connection with a generator main body that generates an ultrasonic vibration signal; and a transducer connected to a connection unit. The connection unit includes an output transformer for adjusting an output of the ultrasonic vibration signal; a coil capacitor electrically connected to the output transformer; and a current detector electrically connected to the coil capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Kaijo Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi HASEGAWA, Takahiko ISHIZUKA, Satoshi DOMON
  • Publication number: 20130340531
    Abstract: System and method for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a variable and irregular shape. The system comprises one or more ultrasonic pulser/receivers, one or more ultrasonic transducer arrays, a shoe or jig to hold and position the array(s), data acquisition software to drive the array(s), and data analysis software to select a respective best return signal for each pixel to be displayed. This system starts with information about the general orientation of the array relative to the part and a general predicted part shape. More specific orientation of the transmitted ultrasound beams relative to the part surface is done electronically by phasing the elements in the array(s) to cover the expected (i.e., predicted) surface as well as the full range of part surface variability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael C. Hutchinson, James C. Kennedy, Barry A. Fetzer, Michael Joseph Duncan, Navpreet S. Grewal, Steven Ray Walton, Hien T. Bui
  • Patent number: 8596125
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting ultrasonic test data from a railway wheel with an ultrasonic testing apparatus is described. The railway wheel is supported by two drive rollers, each having an indentation which engages with and rotates the wheel. An indexing transducer moves across the rotating wheel, collecting ultrasonic test data while a fixed transducer correlates a reference position on the wheel to the collected test data. To maintain the accuracy of the reference position to the collected test data, it is desirable to maintain the rotational stability of the wheel, minimizing any dynamic instability caused by dimensional tolerances in the wheel. To mitigate instabilities resulting from dimensional tolerances, the indentation of the drive rollers, which engage and drive the flange of the wheel, are variably spaced using a resilient member to maintain frictional contact between the wheel and the drive roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Amsted Rail Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John R Oliver, John D. Oliver
  • Patent number: 8596126
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting ultrasonic test data from a railway wheel with an ultrasonic testing apparatus is described. The railway wheel is supported by two drive rollers, each having an indentation which engages with and rotates the wheel. An indexing transducer moves across the rotating wheel, collecting ultrasonic test data while a fixed transducer correlates a reference position on the wheel to the collected test data. To maintain the accuracy of the reference position to the collected test data, it is desirable to maintain the rotational stability of the wheel, minimizing any dynamic instability caused by dimensional tolerances in the wheel. To mitigate instabilities resulting from dimensional tolerances, the indentation of the drive rollers, which engage and drive the flange of the wheel, is adjustable by the flexing design of the drive rollers to maintain frictional contact between the wheel and the drive roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Amsted Rail Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Oliver, John D. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20130289900
    Abstract: A process of collecting and manipulating data to measure the gap between structural components of a piece of equipment or a system is disclosed and claimed. The technique uses ultrasonic zero degree longitudinal waveforms to measure the gap. The technique subtracts the average of two adjacent waveforms from the waveform being processed to remove data from reflections from the components to reveal the reflections generated by the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: AREVA NP Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Robert Wyatt, III, John Carroll Griffith
  • Publication number: 20130174663
    Abstract: A tool for manipulating a transducer assembly. The tool had a shaft to space the transducer assembly from a handle end. The tool rotatably mounts the transducer assembly so that the transducer assembly can transmissively coupled to and follow an arcuate scanning path. The tool includes a guide member for following an edge of a component to be tested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
  • Patent number: 8443674
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasound inspection device for the inspection of tubular workpieces, where the ultrasound inspection device can be coupled to the workpiece by means of a fluid medium, the workpiece and the ultrasound inspection device can be moved relative to each other, a transducer unit substantially disposed in a cluster housing is provided, where the cluster housing includes a wear sole which is adapted to the respective diameter of the workpiece and which can be placed on an outer lateral surface of the workpiece and is configured such that a chamber forms between the workpiece and the transducer unit, at least one fluid inlet channel, which, with a fluid inlet opening, opens into the chamber, at least one fluid outlet channel for venting and draining the chamber, which opens into the chamber where the mouth of the fluid outlet channel and the fluid outlet channel are configured and disposed such that a filling process of the chamber and of the fluid outlet channel can be carried out starti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Damian Meinert, Stephan Falter, Dieter Lingenberg, Reinhard Prause, Rainer Vierhaus