Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic inspection device that provides a locking mechanism for inspecting components at preset angles. The inspection device can inspect a component along an arc by inspecting the component at each preset angle, which provides complete and repeatable inspection results. The inspection device comprises a housing with a channel for the passage of an ultrasonic signal and an ultrasonic transducer to transmit and receive the ultrasonic signals. The housing also includes a rotating reflector to reflect the ultrasonic signal. Using a handle on the housing rotatably attached to the rotating reflector, a technician can rotatably position and lock the rotating reflector at a preset angle. The rotating reflector can be rotatably locked by a spring-loaded ball that is selectively received in detents defined by the rotating reflector or handle.

Abstract: Method and implementing apparatus useful in acquiring data on acoustic features within a sample provides a pulsed acoustic probe and a stage system for effecting relative movement between the sample and the probe. The stage system is commanded such that the probe interrogates a non-rectangularly bounded space on the sample surface or within the volume of the sample. Acoustic energy reflected from or transmitted through the sample is sensed. Amplitude signals are developed from the sensed acoustic energy. Data characterizing the developed amplitude signals are stored for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A system uses reflection mode acoustical scanning of an object to examine the internal characteristics of the object. The system includes a controller and a jig removably attached to the object. The jig includes an acoustic transducer assembly that is in communication with the controller, which controls the positioning of the acoustic transducer assembly. The jig is adapted to enable the controller to scan the acoustic transducer assembly over the object and to adjust the position of the acoustic transducer assembly during the scan to compensate for the contour of the scanned portion of the object.

Abstract: A device for the free-jet ultrasonic testing of a workpiece by the transmission technique includes a first test head, serving as an ultrasound transmitter, and a second test head, serving as an ultrasound receiver. The test heads are respectively disposed on a first robot and a second robot, in each case in a freely movable manner, with at least one degree of freedom, such that they are aligned coaxially in relation to each other and perpendicular to a surface of a workpiece. The robots are positioned such that they are fixed in place on a displaceable common carrier.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitting and receiving apparatus capable of obtaining ultrasonic images with uniform image quality independently of sound ray directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for inspecting a series of obstructed welds, such as those used in attaching the jet pump diffuser to a baffle plate using a jet pump adapter within a boiling water nuclear reactor (BWR). The apparatus comprises a support, a frame with holding mechanisms, a connector, a carrier and a sensor assembly and the method can comprise positioning the apparatus so that it partially surrounds the jet pump near the baffle plate attachment region and is temporarily held in place. The sensor assembly then positions a sensor adjacent an area of interest and the carrier is rotated along the frame to scan the sensor along the surface being inspected to acquire data regarding the quality or nature of the material, such as the quality of a weld.

Abstract: A system is provided for ultrasonic inspection of cylindrical carbon articles, such as electrodes of the type utilized in electric arc steel making furnaces. An inspection station is provided for receiving the electrode in a fixed longitudinal location and for rotating the electrode about the longitudinal axis of the electrode. Master and slave robots are provided, and each carries a pair of transducers arranged to engage the electrode at circumferentially spaced positions about the electrode. Each pair of transducers is carried on a yoke. The inspection station rotates the electrode while the master and slave robots o each carry their associated pair of transducers along approximately one half the length of the electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting a non axi-symmetric elongate body includes at least one exciter array having a plurality of wave exciters that can be coupled to an exterior surface of the elongate body. A driver unit generates driving signals to excite the wave exciters. Each driving signal for a respective wave exciter in the array is weighted with respect to driving signals to the other wave exciters in the array such that a specific guided acoustic wave mode is excited. A receiving unit includes a plurality of wave receivers for receiving reflected guided acoustic waves. An analysis unit analyzes received waves to assess a condition of the non axi-symmetric elongate body.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for moving a sensor over a workpiece includes a sensor, and an actuating member. The sensor, such as a non-destructive test sensor, is carried by the actuating member, and the actuating member is at least partially disposed within a housing. The actuating member is adapted for automated movement in one direction, and the housing may be configured to be grasped by an operator and manually moved in another direction. As such, the sensor may automatically move in one direction with respect to the workpiece without manual intervention, and manually move in another direction, such that the sensor is moved by the combination of automated and manual movement. In addition, the actuating member may have at least two substantially parallel arms extending from near the sensor, which permits the sensor to slide along the workpiece while maintaining a substantially normal relationship to a surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: One or more phased array ultrasonic probes in the shape of conical section arcs, or an entire conical section ring, emit beams at a fixed incident angle with respect to the outer surface of a tube or pipe under inspection. At any given moment, these beams strike the tube at a single small entry zone from number of different directions. After being refracted at the inspection angle corresponding to the fixed angle of incidence, defects having longitudinal, transverse and oblique orientations are detected in the three-dimensional volume of the tube wall. The number of entry zones required for complete coverage of the outer surface of the tube is a function of the size of the tube, the speed at which it passes through the inspection station and the rate of rotation of the tube.

Abstract: With respect to a scanning plane of a subject having been injected with a contrast agent, an ultrasound transmission section 6 transmits for a plurality of times an ultrasonic pulse of such an intensity capable of collapsing the contrast agent. An ultrasound reception section 5 receives an echo signal cluster from the subject based on the ultrasonic pulses, and generates a plurality of RF data items through addition of the echo signal cluster using an adder 5C. Based on the plurality of RF data items, a TIC/MTT measurement section 25 measures a time intensity curve (TIC), and then measures a mean transit time (MTT) of the blood flow based on the time intensity curve for display on a display section 21.

Abstract: An apparatus for remote delivery and manipulation of a miniature tool adjacent a work piece in a restricted space, includes a tool carrier, a carriage for manipulating the tool carrier relative to the work piece, a first actuator for operating the carriage, and an optional remote secondary operating actuator for operating the first actuator.

Abstract: A device for the free-jet ultrasonic testing of a workpiece by the transmission technique includes a first test head, serving as an ultrasound transmitter, and a second test head, serving as an ultrasound receiver. The test heads are respectively disposed on a first robot and a second robot, in each case in a freely movable manner, with at least one degree of freedom, such that they are aligned coaxially in relation to each other and perpendicular to a surface of a workpiece. The robots are positioned such that they are fixed in place on a displaceable common carrier.

Abstract: A method of ultrasonically testing the disk bore and keyway area of a shrunk-on steam turbine rotor disk or hub is provided. The method employs a one or more scanning ultrasonic phased linear array probes mounted on the disk to inspect the disk bore and keyway area on the opposite side of the disk.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is used to inspect wheel and bucket dovetails of turbines for cracks in the material surrounding pinholes and pins securing the buckets and wheel to one another. Only a minimum number of pins, for example, one of three radially aligned pins securing the bucket and wheel dovetails to one another at every other circumferential position of the pins about the wheel may be removed. A phased array ultrasonic probe is inserted into the excavated pinhole and provides a circumferential scan of the finger dovetails to detect cracks in adjacent pinholes. As an alternative, a probe having one or more piezoelectric elements providing one or more radial beams may be mechanically rotated in the pinhole. Statistical sampling may be used as an indicator of crack formation. Thus, in situ inspection is performed without removal of buckets from the wheel and with only a minimum number of pins being removed.

Abstract: In a cylindrical transducer constructed of a plurality of ultrasonic transducer arrays arranged in a circular form, the ultrasonic transducer arrays is divided into a plurality of groups, and tilt angles of transmitting and receiving beams are controlled to compensate for swing motions of the cylindrical transducer depending on which group the individual ultrasonic transducer arrays belong. Provided that the uncompensated tilt angle of the beam is a and the angle of inclination of the cylindrical transducer in a particular direction is b, the tilt angle of the beam formed by a transducer array in the inclining direction should be adjusted to &agr;−&bgr; and the tilt angle of the beam formed by a transducer array in the opposite direction should be adjusted to &agr;+&bgr;.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus obtains information on the interface of a sample as digital waveform data for any “unit measurement range” and is provided with at least two data memories and controlled by a scan state monitoring signal showing the scan state of a unit measurement range belonging to a first group or a unit measurement range belonging to a second group. A comparator-register/memory-control-circuit outputs the scan state monitoring signal to the two data memories. The operating states of the two data memories being controlled by the scan state monitoring signal to alternate between writing of digital waveform data and readout of digital waveform data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, and an apparatus for detecting anomalies in a wooden member. The apparatus includes a first roller device comprising a first array of transducers, and a second roller device comprising a second array of transducers. A first transducer in the first array of transducers communicates with more than one transducer in the second array of transducers. The apparatus may be designed such that the wooden member may pass between the first roller device and the second roller device. In addition, the first array of transducers and the second array of transducers maintain an orientation perpendicular to the moving direction of the wooden member as the first roller device and the second roller device roll along the wooden member. Each of the transducers operate in an ultrasonic frequency range. Also, each transducer in the first array of transducers is acoustically isolated from each other transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method capable of increasing density of sampling points in accordance with depths within an object. In this method, a predetermined area contained in the object is divided into at least a first area located most shallowly and a second area located deeper. The method includes the steps of: (a) transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves focused in one focus direction within the first area to take samples of an ultrasonic image at a plurality of points in the focus direction, and changing the focus direction to scan the first area; (b) sequentially transmitting ultrasonic waves focused in respective focus directions within the second area in a predetermined time period, thereafter receiving ultrasonic waves reflected from the respective focus directions to take samples of the ultrasonic image at a plurality of points in the respective focus directions.

Abstract: A measurement head for a device for measuring the level of a product in a container comprises a transmitter/receiver unit to transmit a scanning signal and receive an echo of the scanning signal returned by the product, a fastening element to fasten the transmitter/receiver unit to a support and at least one actuator to move the transmitter/receiver unit relative to the fastening element.

Abstract: An annular ultrasound bulk wave transducer array for electronic depth steering of symmetric focus from a near focus Fn to a far focus Ff includes elements that are divided into k groups with different fixed prefocusing. The central group participates in beam forming from Fn to Ff, the next outer group in beam forming from Fn1>Fn to Ff, and the kth outer group in beam forming from Fnk>Fn,k−1 to Ff. The fixed focus for the kth group is selected at Fk between Fnk and Ff. In this manner, beam formation close to Fn is performed only by the central group. By steering the focus outward from Fn, the focal diameter increases and, at a depth where the focal diameter exceeds a limit, the next outer group of elements is included in beam formation. This increase in aperture area reduces the focal diameter with subsequent increases in diameter as the focus is further steered toward Ff.

Abstract: The testing performs a vibration excitation testing of a part of the structure, performs a numerical calculus of vibration response of the other parts of the structure, and calculates the vibration response of a whole of the structure by combining these two methods. Testing includes calculating a position of a point of exciting force on the basis of vibration exciting, and calculating a reaction force on the basis of a load detected and the position of the point of exciting force. Then, a displacement of a numerical model is computed by using the reaction force calculated and a known external force, and calculating a vibration exciting machine displacement command value on the basis of the displacement. A drive drives the vibration exciting on the basis of an output thereof. Vibration excitation is performed in the translational direction as well as the rotational direction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for inspecting spring hold down bolts of an upper tie plate of a fuel rod assembly in a nuclear reactor and includes an inspection fixture adapted to be aligned with the upper tie plate of the nuclear reactor fuel rod assembly for placement into a position for rapid and easy insitu inspection of the hold down bolts of the upper tie plate. The fixture is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic transducers which are positioned on the fixture so that when the fixture is placed into the inspection position each transducer will be located proximate to one of the hold down bolts for conducting effective ultrasonic scanning of the bolt while the bolt is in place. A multi-channel ultrasonic flaw detector is connected to each of the transducers for indicating whether there are any flaws in each of the hold down bolts when the fixture is placed into the inspection position and the ultrasonic transducers are activated.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array (408) includes at least one transducer element (412) having a first (604) and second (606) portions separated by an acoustical discontinuity (520). The first portion (604) has the desired length to form a half-wave k31 resonance, while the second portion (606) has a resonant length for an undesired very low frequency out-of-band k31 resonance. The thickness of the transducer element (412) is designed for k33 half-resonance. Given the design, the transducer element (412) can operate and provide for both forward-looking (514) and side looking (512) elevation apertures. A method is also disclosed for using the disclosed ultrasound transducer (412) in ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: A probe including a body having a main chamber receiving an assembly for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave. The assembly is mounted on a frame driven in reciprocating motion by a driving motor. The chamber is closed by a probe tip having a slot made of a liquid impermeable solid element which is permeable to the acoustic wave transmitted by the acoustic transducer and toward the acoustic transducer. A reciprocating motion of the acoustic transducer is a translating movement parallel to the slot such that the ultrasonic beam is normal at the slot.

Abstract: An automated acoustic micro imaging system includes a part-storage station favoring a dry environment, a part-transport robot, and a wet-environment inspection station. The wet-environment inspection station has an ultrasonic beam generator, a coupling fluid in which parts are inspected, and a part-retention stage. A moisture barrier is located between the wet-environment inspection station and the part-storage station favoring a dry environment. The inspection station includes a kinematic, quick-change part-retaining chuck and robotic means for interchanging chucks. Automatic acoustic micro imaging methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically examining a weld in a nuclear steam supply system includes an elongated guide rod for positioning within a pipe of the nuclear steam supply system. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned at an end of the elongated guide rod. A collapsible shoe encloses the ultrasonic transducer. The collapsible shoe includes a biasing mechanism to allow the collapsible shoe to pass through the pipe while the pipe is at a first circumference and while the pipe is at a second circumference. The collapsible shoe continuously contacts the pipe to establish ultrasonic coupling for the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining multiple feature variances in a medium. Acoustic sources are positioned on one side of a selected scattering direction. Acoustic receivers are positioned on an opposite side of the selected scattering direction such that, for each acoustic source, there is a corresponding acoustic receiver located at a mirror-imaged position relative to the selected scattering direction, and such that a Bragg scattering wave vector associated with each acoustic source/receiver pair is parallel to the selected scattering direction. Each acoustic source is operated at a unique time to direct a broadband ultrasonic pulse at the region of interest. An acoustic scattered wave reflects from the region of interest and is detected as a waveform at the pair's acoustic receiver. Each waveform is converted to the frequency domain to form a spectral waveform. A band of Bragg wave numbers is determined for each spectral waveform.

Abstract: The method of the invention identifies damage to an in-service conductor associated with the delivery (transmission and distribution) of electric power. Electro-magnetic acoustic energy is generated in an in-service conductor associated with the delivery of electric power. Corresponding return electro-magnetic acoustic energy is then measured. Features are then extracted from the return electro-magnetic acoustic energy to characterize damage to the in-service conductor. The features may be extracted through a variety of signal processing techniques, such as wavelet signal processing. The extracted features may be classified using a neural network, fuzzy logic, or a combination of both.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting assembly, for use with an ultrasound transducer attached to an ultrasound machine, for determining the spacial relationship between a succession of 2D image slices of a target of a subject, generated by the ultrasound machine. The mounting assembly comprises: (i) means to mount an ultrasound transducer; (ii) means to engage a surface of the subject in the proximity of the target, the means to engage a surface being moveably attached to the means to mount an ultrasound transducer; and (iii) sensing means, in communication with the means to engage a surface, to measure the movement of the means to engage a surface during acquisition of the succession of 2D image slices. Preferably, the sensing means comprises a tilt sensor and a displacement sensor.

Abstract: A profile of a rack, that may have zero, one, or a plurality of containers may be obtained using an ultrasonic sensor. The sensor emits a plurality of ultrasonic bursts and the rack is transported under the sensor at a slew speed that allows the sensor to detect at least first and second echoes from each of the bursts. Data points, corresponding to each of the first and second echoes, are generated and the data points are captured in a memory device. The data points, generally reflecting the levels of the rack and any containers, are processed to dynamically and non-invasively (i.e., without physically contacting the liquid with a probe) determine information about the container types, whether any container is capped, and, if one or more containers are uncapped, the liquid level in the uncapped containers.

Abstract: A surface scanner for conducting non-destructive inspection of complex surface structures and configurations. The scanner includes two flexible tracks, each fitted with a motor driven tractor assembly. A rigid beam track spans the two flexible tracks. The rigid beam track is coupled to each flexible track tractor assembly by articulating joints that permit movement at the joints along at least three independent axes. The rigid beam supports a third motorized tractor. This third tractor supports a compliant thruster assembly that deploys gimbaled mechanical impedance, ultrasonic and eddy current inspection probes. The movement of the scanner is controlled by a scan control system that includes both hardware and software for controlling the movement of the scanner over the surface to be inspected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imaging and identifying concealed objects within an obscuring medium using radiation (optical, photo-acoustic, ionizing, and/or acoustic) optimized for imaging (e.g. temporal properties, spectral bandwidth, directionality, polarization, etc.). Radiation propagates through, interacts with, exits the medium and the object, and is detected/imaged. Image quality can be improved if radiation is collimated and/or if transmission and/or backscattered measurements from a number of perspectives are used to improved image reconstruction. Coupling materials can be employed during image acquisition to enhance radiation coupling as well as providing desirable absorption and scattering properties. Contrast materials and agents can also aid in the detection of concealed objects. Adaptive methods, e.g. using reference objects, including implementations based on the concept of guide stars, can improve the imaging process.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically examining a weld in a nuclear steam supply system includes an elongated guide rod for positioning within a pipe of the nuclear steam supply system. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned at an end of the elongated guide rod. A collapsible shoe encloses the ultrasonic transducer. The collapsible shoe includes a biasing mechanism to allow the collapsible shoe to pass through the pipe while the pipe is at a first circumference and while the pipe is at a second circumference. The collapsible shoe continuously contacts the pipe to establish ultrasonic coupling for the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanner has a housing, an ultrasonic transducer mounted within the housing for back-and-forth motion about a pivot, a permanent magnet affixed to the rear of the transducer, and electromagnetic means to effect movement of the transducer/magnet assembly. The electromagnetic means comprises two or more longitudinally mounted electromagnets, and optionally two radially mounted permanent magnets which serve as decelerating buffers. Electrical means are provided for energizing the transducer and receiving signals therefrom. Digitizing means are provided to convert the received signals to digital form. Sequential control means are provided to energize the electromagnet coils in a programmed sequence, and furthermore to synchronize transducer motion, periodic energization of the transducer, and digitization of signals received from the transducer. Display means are provided to present the signals received by the transducer to an operator, in the form of a time-varying tomographic image.

Abstract: The bonding of an elastomeric cover to a metal roll is tested by transmitting audible frequency waves through the compliant roll cover and receiving the waves at a transducer mounted to the underlying steel roll. The resulting signal may be analyzed by a technician listing to the audio frequencies transmitted. The audio range of frequencies employed may be about 5000 Hz. The elastomeric material such as rubber does not transmit sound without considerable loss of amplitude, whereas sound travels at high speed through steel with little attenuation. A sound transmitter is spirally scanned along the rubber-covered surface of the roll, transmitting into the steel roll directly beneath the sound transmitter and throughout the roll. Sound is detected at a transducer mounted at the roll ends. Any failure or significant variation in the roll/cover bond is detected by the effect on the quality of sound transmitted through the rubber steel interface.

Abstract: A levitated rotor, neutrally buoyed in ultrasound transmission fluid, moves to position and aim an ultrasound transducer in up to five servo-controlled coordinates of position and tilt rotation. Stator drive/sense windings drive the rotor via a rotor magnet and sense coordinates via inductive interactions with a rotor coil. For five-axis control, one set of stator windings controls two-axis lateral translation while a second set controls axial translation plus two-axis tilt rotation. The windings produce a comparatively linear relationship between the five rotor geometric coordinates and the electromagnetic couplings that drive and sense these coordinates. To produce this linearity seamlessly over a wide coordinate range coming close to the windings, each set of windings is divided into overlapping subsets. A two-way drive/sense matrix mapping translates between up to five control coordinates and more than five winding circuits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic scanner system and method for the imaging of a part system, the scanner comprising: a probe assembly spaced apart from the surface of the part including at least two tracking signals for emitting radiation and a transmitter for emitting ultrasonic waves onto a surface in order to induce at least a portion of the waves to be reflected from the part, at least one detector for receiving the radiation wherein the detector is positioned to receive the radiation from the tracking signals, an analyzer for recognizing a three-dimensional location of the tracking signals based on the emitted radiation, a differential converter for generating an output signal representative of the waveform of the reflected waves, and a device such as a computer for relating said tracking signal location with the output signal and projecting an image of the resulting data.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously reconstructing and testing a straddle-mount turbine blade hub with the turbine blades in place. The method employs a sector scan ultrasonic phased array mounted on one face of the hub to inspect the opposite face.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ultrasonic inspection of an object. A tire is mounted for rolling along the surface of the object. It contains a liquid and a transducer assembly. The transducer assembly is positioned in the tire adjacent a portion of the surface of the tire in contact with the object. The liquid and the surface of the tire in contact with the object provide an acoustic bridge between the transducer assembly and the object. An electric signal processing system is connected to the transducer assembly. It generates electric signals which are converted to acoustic signals in the transducer assembly to place acoustic signals in the object. Acoustic signals returned from the object are converted to electric signals by the transducer assembly, and are processed in the electric signal processing system to indicate flaws in the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrasonic resonators comprising a resonator chamber body (11) and one or more electroacoustic transducers (13, 14). The resonator body consists of a non-piezoelectric material; it forming a resonant cavity for accommodating a specimen. This resonant cavity is configured so that between the acoustically excitated internal walls a resonant wave field of standing linear acoustic waves is formed. The electroacoustic transducer(s) is(are) acoustically coupled externally to said resonator chamber body (FIG. 2) fixedly or removably or movably.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically scanning a surface includes a plurality of pairs of 180 degree oppositely disposed transducers mounted in a rotatable head having a central axis about which the head is rotatable. A positioning system for positioning the transducers such that all beam axes of the transducers intersect the central axis at a single point. Axes of each pair are equiangular with respect to the centerline and axes of different pairs have incident and reflective angles between beam axes and the central axis that are different from those of other pairs. Incident and reflective angles of different pairs of transducers are preferably predetermined and in close proximity to a predetermined angle over a range of angles bracketing a predetermined critical angle. A translating system is preferably included for effecting translational motion between the head and the surface such that the single point lies substantially on the surface during scanning.

Abstract: A servo system for directing the operation of an ultrasound beam is described. The system includes a rotor and stator combination that utilizes electromagnetic forces to move the ultrasound beam in translational and rotational directions. In an embodiment of the invention the rotor is a permanent magnet that may be levitated and moved using a plurality of stator coils. Sensors are used to determine the position of the rotor, which information is used by a controller to regulate the stator operation designed to effect movement of the rotor. The sensors are preferably hall effect sensors. The permanent magnet is optionally placed in a fluid having buoyancy characteristics that reduce the electromagnetic force required to levitate the rotor. The rotor may be located off center within a housing so as to conform to asymmetrical viewing requirements, such as in transcranial Doppler ultrasound measurements.

Abstract: A ultrasonic probe for use in transthoracic echocardiography to produce panoramic images of the area of interest and comprising a transducer array connected to a first and second rotating mechanism, wherein the rotating mechanisms are driven using open loop control signals. The first and second rotating mechanisms comprise first and second stepper motors to accurately rotate the transducer array through a particular scan plane and adjust the scan plane. Microstepping techniques are utilized to permit greater accuracy and control. Further, the first and second rotating mechanism comprise gear assemblies which permit the transducers to rotate through a wide angle to generate panoramic ultrasound images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructive inspection of complex structures employs a portable laser based ultrasonic transducer 600 output to rapidly detect and size flaws in such structures, including the radii of composites, laminates, and complex skin/substructure assemblies, such as airplane wings. A fiber optic delivery system 610A is employed with the laser based ultrasonic transducer 600 and a thermoelastic medium to rapidly and accurately access the radii of complex structures in the field without the need for liquid or gel couplants, with the thermoelastic expansion of the test piece 680 producing mechanical stresses that initiate detectable sound waves regardless of the angle of the laser based ultrasonic transducer 600 output with respect to the test piece 680. A MAUS III scanning device may be employed to detect these sound waves and provide accurate information as to the detected flaws.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring fuel assembly bow and twist comprising a fixturing apparatus, a reference device and an ultrasonic measuring device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for imaging an object using a transducer array for transmitting one or more beams that are steered and/or translated to transmit scan lines for multiple excitation events so as to scan a field of view of the object, for sensing received signals reflected from the object after each excitation event on one or more receive beams on receive scan lines, and for transducing those sensed received signals into corresponding electrical signals.

Abstract: An ultrasound signal processor has a receiving signal digitizing circuit, waveform conversion circuit for mixing a produced digital signal by a reference signal, a cumulation circuit for performing a cumulation processing of a series of converted signals, a delay circuit subject to the cumulation processing, and a circuit for adding delayed signals, whereby the frequency of the receiving signal is shifted to a lower frequency and thereafter subjected to a cumulation processing which perform over-sampling technique so that the accuracy of an analog to digital conversion can be improved drastically. The ultrasound signal processor further has a circuit for converting a receiving signal into a low frequency signal by analog-mixing and a circuit for passing a low frequency component of the analog-converted signal, whereby a higher frequency receiving signal can be digitized even if the digitizing circuit has a insufficient sampling rate.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable, hands free, one man ultrasonic test view is disclosed. The system can include a variety of features including a semiautomatic scanner for positioning a probe at various locations within a selected region of a specimen that is powered only in one axis with the second axis being manually advanceable by the user. A second feature is a display that is mountable in front of one eye so that the user of the system can simultaneously view the displayed ultrasonic response signal with one eye while viewing the specimen with the other eye to mentally superimpose the one on the other. Another feature is the inclusion in the processor of a voice recognition device to detect and translate voice commands to select and control the operations of the processor together with a microphone for the user to deliver voice commands to the system.

Abstract: A robotic sampling device (32) for cutting part of a tube wall (12) for sampling, containing a cutting head (36), a retrieval assembly (38) and a drive mechanism (40), is used to cut a window or hole (60) in the tube wall (12) and retrieve the tube wall sample (56), where the sample can be mounted onto a separate tube for testing the physical properties of the cut wall portion, and where a video probe (62) and the like can be passed through the window (60) to monitor conditions near the support plates (14) and tube sheets (16).