Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic inspection assembly having an ultrasonic transducer mounted on a stage, with a support structure below. The support structure is coupled to the stage, and the support structure has an interior space filled with a couplant media. The transducer is oriented such that it transmits ultrasonic waves through the media. A drive mechanism rotates one of the stage and the support structure relative to the other one of the stage and the support structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temperature-controlled ultrasonic inspection of an object. The temperature of a coupling medium between an ultrasonic transducer and an object under inspection is controlled to be at a predetermined temperature for which the attenuation of the ultrasonic energy in the coupling medium is reduced compared to the attenuation at an ambient temperature. This improves the efficiency of ultrasonic energy transport between the ultrasonic transducer and the object. The temperature of the object is controlled to simulate operating conditions more closely. An ultrasonic inspection system includes a temperature controller operable to maintain the temperature of the coupling medium and/or an object under inspection at a set temperature.

Abstract: A method for investigating structural integrity utilizes a carrier member having a flexible surface and a plurality of electromechanical transducer elements attached to the carrier member, the transducer elements being spaced from each other along at least two spatial dimensions. The method includes conforming the flexible surface to a solid structural member, so that a substantial portion of the flexible member is in effective wave-transmitting engagement with the structural member, thereafter transmitting pressure waves from at least one of the transducer elements into the structural member, receiving pressure waves reflected from an internal structural defect in the structural member in response to the pressure waves transmitted from the one of the transducer elements, and analyzing the received pressure waves so as to detect the structural defect.

Abstract: An apparatus examines the internal structure of an object disposed substantially in a medium such as air, which essentially totally reflects acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range. The apparatus has an acoustic transducer that emits and receives acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range and an acoustic coupler that acoustically couples the acoustic transducer to the object. The acoustic coupler is adapted to essentially retain a body of fluid such as water between a section of the surface of the object and the acoustic transducer for carrying acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range between the acoustic transducer and the object.

Abstract: A compound arrangement comprising a first component of metal being brazed to a second component of metal. The first component has an external cylindrical surface touching an cylindrical internal surface of the second component. The second component clasps the first component tightly, so that the second component exerts compressive stress on said external surface of the first component.

Abstract: An apparatus examines the internal structure of an object disposed substantially in a medium such as air, which essentially totally reflects acoustic signals in the 1–200 MHz frequency range. The apparatus has an acoustic transducer that emits and receives acoustic signals in the 1–200 MHz frequency range and an acoustic coupler that acoustically couples the acoustic transducer to the object. The acoustic coupler is adapted to receive a fluid stream and emit a fluid stream that carries acoustic signals in the 1–200 MHz frequency range between the acoustic transducer and the object.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel-tank system with an ultrasonic fuel-gauging system for an aircraft. The fuel-tank system includes a fuel tank, a transducer carrier tape covered with a separation barrier, and coupled to a surface of the fuel tank, and at least one ultrasonic transducer attached to the transducer carrier tape. An ultrasonic signal from at least one ultrasonic transducer is reflected from a fuel-air surface and a reflected signal is received by at least one ultrasonic transducer to determine a fuel level in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining stiffness of a plate-like structure including a monolithic or composite laminate plate entails disposing a device for generating an acoustical pulse against a surface of the plate and disposing a detecting device against the same surface spaced a known distance from the pulse-generating device, and using the pulse-generating device to emit a pulse so as to create an extensional wave in the plate. The detecting device is used to determine a time of flight of the wave over the known distance, and the wave velocity is calculated. A Young's modulus of the plate is determined by a processor based on the wave velocity. Methods and apparatus for evaluating both isotropic plates and anisotropic laminates are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a device for coupling ultrasonic waves into a medium via a boundary surface, including at least one ultrasonic-wave transducer unit, which couples ultrasonic waves into the medium via a coupling medium provided between the ultrasonic-wave-generating unit and the boundary surface. The ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic transducer unit are directed into a closed volume, which is provided with at least a first opening and a second opening. A flow of gas, ensures an overpressure inside the closed volume and simultaneously is the coupling medium. The flow of gas is directed into the interior of the volume through the first opening and exits the second opening which directly faces the boundary surface.

Abstract: A coupling medium of a thin layer of a homogenized mixture of at least one polysaccharide or disaccharide such as trehalose; a surface-active substance such as sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate; and water acts as a coupling medium for transverse ultrasonic waves, when the homogenized mixture is applied to surfaces of a transmitting, respectively receiving, transducer for transverse ultrasonic waves; and a surface of a probe.

Abstract: An apparatus for making pulsed acoustic measurements to determine particle size in a sample (1) such as a colloid. The apparatus includes two electrodes (2) between which an electric voltage is applied to the sample. The voltage is applied in short pulses. The applied voltage generates an acoustic signal, such as a sound wave (5), in the sample which is detected with a transducer (3) after the wave (5) has passed through a delay element (4). The delay element (4) is used to introduce enough of a time delay between the application of the voltage pulse and sound wave (5) reaching the transducer so that the received wave's signal can be isolated from any signal generated in the transducer (3) by the applied voltage. The delay element (4) and the transducer (3) are arranged into a geometry, or, alternatively, the delay element (4) is shaped, so that any reflections of the sound wave (5) from the sidewalls of the delay element (4) are deflected away from the transducer (3).

Abstract: A vibration attenuator, for an ultrasonic transducer having a transducer shaft, having: a compressible sleeve mountable on said shaft wherein said sleeve comprises vibration attenuating material; a housing for said sleeve mountable on the shaft, and a compression device attachable to the housing and for compressing the sleeve, wherein the sleeve snugly abuts against said shaft when compressed.

Abstract: A system and method of directly, dynamically and on-line measuring different parameters related to the volume dynamically occupied by the internal load of rotating mills when in operation; specifically, an on-line measurement of the total dynamic volumetric load filling, dynamic volumetric ball load, dynamic volumetric mineral filling and of the apparent density of the internal load of the mill. The present invention comprises a series of wireless acoustic sensors attached to the mill's outer body, a receiving and/or conditioning unit located near the mill, a processing unit and a communication unit.

Abstract: A system for non-destructive testing using acoustic techniques includes first and second measuring probes and an electronic unit. Each probe includes a penetrating end and a retaining flange end. Each probe further includes a handle slideably coupled to the probe and a transducer for detecting stress waves. The probes are lightweight, portable, and rugged for field testing wood products.

Abstract: A flaw detection system using acoustic Doppler effect for detecting flaws in a medium wherein there is relative motion between the medium and system includes a transducer, spaced from the medium to be inspected, for introducing to and sensing from the medium an acoustic signal that propagates in the medium at a predetermined frequency; and a detector, responsive to the sensed propagating acoustic signal, for detecting in the sensed acoustic signal the Doppler shifted frequency representative of a flaw in the medium.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the surface travel time of a surface wave between first and second points on a surface. First and second spaced apart transducers are disposed substantially perpendicular to a surface. The direct travel times for each transducer are determined, then a total travel time from the first transducer to the second transducer is measured. The direct travel times are subtracted from the total travel time to produce the actual travel time between the points on the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inspecting pipes using ultrasound, in particular for inspecting the end regions of a pipe. Said device comprises at least one ultrasonic inspection head (38) with an inspection tank (24), which a) has a receiving chamber (26) that is designed to receive a coupling fluid, in particular water (27), b) forms an axial passage through which a pipe (20) that is to he inspected can be transported along an inspection line (28) relative to the inspection tank (24) c) has sealing elements at the front and rear (34, 36), said elements being adapted to the external diameter of the pipe (20) that is to be inspected and delimiting the receiving chamber (26), and d) contains the inspection head(s) (38) in such a way that only coupling fluid is present between the inspection head (38) and the pipe (20) that is to be inspected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining a part in a carrier during an ultrasonic scan. The part is positioned above a first opening in a lower chamber while air is drawn out of a second opening in the lower chamber to apply suction to the lower surface of the part. An ultrasonic transducer is housed in an upper chamber that dispenses coupling fluid to the top surface of the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically inspecting a tubular member is presented. In particular a method for inspecting coiled tubing using ultrasound is presented. The method includes contacting a tubular with a coupling material, transmitting an acoustic signal, receiving a returned acoustic signal and then releasing the contact of the coupling material with the tubular. The method has particular application for determining the wall thickness of coiled tubing as it is being unreeled into a borehole or wound on coiled tubing reel.

Abstract: An improved scanning station and method for a tray-fed scanning acoustic microscope has a vacuum system which at least assists in immobilizing loosely held parts in the trays during insonification by an ultrasonic beam generator.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic transducer structure, comprising a first ultrasonic transducer element (1), arranged and operable for transmitting an ultrasonic signal from a front face of the structure, damping material (2) at the back of the first ultrasonic transducer element (1), and a second ultrasonic transducer element (3) in or on the damping material behind the first ultrasonic transducer element (1), arranged and operable to receive sound energy propagated through the damping material (2) when the first ultrasonic transducer element (1) is operated to transmit an ultrasonic signal from the front face.

Abstract: An apparatus examines the internal structure of an object disposed substantially in a medium such as air, which essentially totally reflects acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range. The apparatus has an acoustic transducer that emits and receives acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range and an acoustic coupler that acoustically couples the acoustic transducer to the object. The acoustic coupler is adapted to essentially retain a body of fluid such as water between a section of the surface of the object and the acoustic transducer for carrying acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range between the acoustic transducer and the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temperature-controlled ultrasonic inspection of an object. The temperature of a coupling medium between an ultrasonic transducer and an object under inspection is controlled to be at a predetermined temperature for which the attenuation of the ultrasonic energy in the coupling medium is reduced compared to the attenuation at an ambient temperature. This improves the efficiency of ultrasonic energy transport between the ultrasonic transducer and the object. The temperature of the object is controlled to simulate operating conditions more closely. An ultrasonic inspection system includes a temperature controller operable to maintain the temperature of the coupling medium and/or an object under inspection at a set temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the pipe having a longitudinal axis, the methods in certain aspects including compressing with a compressing force an elastomeric element between an ultrasonic probe of an ultrasonic pipe inspection system and a pipe to be inspected; and, in certain aspects, the systems and methods including placing a coupling between the elastomeric element and the pipe, wherein the elastomeric element surrounds the pipe; and, in certain aspects, a system for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the system with a housing, a packer element in the housing with an opening through which a pipe to be inspected is passable, and at least one ultrasonic probe in or on the housing useful in conjunction with an ultrasonic apparatus for inspecting pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously inspecting and grinding roll mills which utilizes a transducer assembly which produces a creeping wave propagation in conjunction with a couplant fluid provider and data acquisition circuit which allows the operator to see the crack and imperfections in on the surface of the mill rolls as they are rotated and to grind them off.

Abstract: A compact, high-power ultrasonic emitting transducer has an active element such as a piezoelectric element and structure defining a reflective backing interface such as an air interface behind the rear surface of the active element. A liquid is provided in the resonant unit between the backing interface and the active element.

Abstract: A method for testing or inspecting the integrity of package closure seals using contact and non-contact ultrasonic systems wherein a relative movement is created between a package seal and at least one ultrasonic transmitting transducer and at least one receiving transducer such that ultrasonic energy is focused so as to be transmitted toward and along a length of the seal from the transmitting transducer to the receiving transducer in a gaseous environment to thereby monitor energy signals which are analyzed to provide an indication of the seal integrity.

Abstract: A damping material for an ultrasonic transducer system includes a spreadable matrix and a plurality of particles is suspended in the spreadable matrix, forming a coating that dissipates ultrasonic energy to dampen noise and reduce crosstalk allowing ultrasonic measurement of gas using clamp-on transducers.

Abstract: There is described apparatus for inspecting a non axi-symmetric elongate body comprising: at least one exciter array having a plurality of wave exciters operable to couple to an exterior surface of said elongate body; a driver unit operable to generate driving signals to excite said plurality of wave exciters wherein each driving signal to a respective wave exciter of said array is weighted with respect to driving signals to other wave exciters in said array such that a guided acoustic wave mode is excited; a receiving unit having a plurality of wave exciters in said array such that a guided acoustic wave mode is excited; a receiving unit having a plurality of wave receivers capable of receiving reflected guided acoustic waves; an analysis unit operable to analyse received waves to assess a condition of said non axi-symmetric elongate body.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for displaying, measuring the size of and counting individual inclusions in suspension in moving liquid metal using an ultrasound sensor including emission and reception devices. Using the emission device, a series of ultrasound beam pulses is emitted within the liquid metal, and echoes reflected by the inclusions are received using the reception device. The reflected echoes are successively acquired and processed, and displayed as images which are analyzed to count and measure the diameter of inclusions. The sensor is calibrated by selectively placing in a path defined by the beam pulses at least one control reflector having predetermined dimensions and a geometry stable over time, successively acquiring and processing reflected echoes from the control reflector, displaying the reflected echoes from the control reflector as images, and analyzing the control reflector echo images to determine a relationship between amplitude of the images and the control reflector dimensions.

Abstract: A sensor carrier is provided that has at least one oscillating element (32) that introduces ultrasonic waves into an area to be examined and/or receives ultrasonic waves coming from the area to be examined, whereby the oscillating element (32) is located in an oscillator carrier (33), and the oscillator carrier (33) has connecting means (36, 37, 38, 39) for connection with the electrode (31).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a structure are provided in which probes including respective sensing elements, such as ultrasonic transducers, are disposed proximate the opposed surfaces of a structure, but only one of the probes need be driven. In this regard, a tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. The apparatus and method can therefore inspect structures in which one surface is inaccessible. The probes may permit liquid to be bubbled between the ultrasonic transducer and the structure in order to couple the ultrasonic signals. By utilizing a bubbled liquid as a couplant, the apparatus and method may operate in an ultrasonic array mode. Additionally, the probes may include at least one contact member, such as a plurality of wheels, for contacting the structure in order to maintain the desired orientation and spacing of the probes relative to the structure.

Abstract: A method for ultrasound measurement of the layer thickness of thin-walled tubes includes utilizing a high-frequency probe (more than 40 MHz) with a coupling area having a planar area surface. The area surface is coupled to the tube surface that is wetted with a coupling agent by way of a contact method. The inventive method is used for duplex or liner layers of 0.15 mm thickness of reactor fuel cladding tubes.

Abstract: A method and system for determining meat quality in cattle is provided. In preferred embodiments the method comprises obtaining an ultrasound measurement of a cattle specimen between the 12th rib and 13th rib at weaning age. The ultrasound measurement is utilized to extrapolate a harvest quality parameter. Based on the harvest quality parameter, and preferably a yield grade, the specimen is categorized. Particularly preferred harvest quality parameters are ribeye area, fat thickness, intramuscular fat and ribeye shape. Methods for determining tenderness, stress and intramuscular fat are described and claimed.

Abstract: In a method and a device for the ultrasonic monitoring of overlapping welded joints between a first sheet (44) and a second sheet (46 pulses are irradiated at an angle of between 15 and 80° into the first sheet (44) by means of a first rotating probe head (28), which a) is arranged on a mount (20), b) has a tyre (80) rotating about the axle body (50), coupled to the ultrasound transmitter (58) and rolling along the first sheet (44), parallel to the overlapping welded joint (78). On ultrasound investigation of the overlapping welded joint (78) the impulses transmitted to the second sheet (46) are received by means of a second receiving rotating probe head (30), of similar construction to the first rotating probe head (28).

Abstract: An ultrasound inspection apparatus particularly adapted to examine containers (sealed or unsealed) containing a liquid or solid bulk material. The apparatus has an overall configuration of a hand held pistol with a front transducer contact surface that is positioned against a front wall of the container. An ultrasound pulse is transmitted from the apparatus to be reflected from a back wall of a container being investigated. The received echo pulse is converted to a digital waveform. The waveform is analyzed relative to temperature, travel distance of the pulse(s), and time of travel to ascertain characteristics of the liquid or other materials and to provide identification of the same.

Abstract: A roller transducer assembly comprises at least one core section and each core section comprises a transducer. Oil is retained within the roller transducer assembly and in particular an oil kerf isolates each core section from an outer portion of the roller transducer assembly having a nylon roller tube which is surrounded by a urethane tire outer covering. The outer portion of the roller transducer assembly rotates about each stationary core section. A pair of the ultrasonic roller transducer assemblies are arranged to provide signals for generating an ultrasonic image of an article such as a board or a log passing between the pair of ultrasonic roller transducer assemblies.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ultrasonically scanning cylinders are provided. The methods and apparatus employ as few as one ultrasonic sensor for full immersion scanning and defect detection. Self-centering fixturing spins the cylinder, reducing vibration, allowing for fast ultrasonic scans. To create the 45 degree angle beam shear waves for the circumferential scans, the ultrasonic sensor is offset from the centerline of the cylinder, creating the correct angle for excitation of the shear wave.

Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for ultrasonically testing a tubular good along the entire axial length of the material using a single ultrasonic test assembly. The ultrasonic test assembly has an ultrasonic tubular inspection unit movable lengthwise along a tubular and an end-crossing extension mechanism adapted to facilitate end inspection of the tubular.

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: A method for investigating structural integrity utilizes a carrier member having a flexible surface and a plurality of electromechanical transducer elements attached to the carrier member, the transducer elements being spaced from each other along at least two spatial dimensions. The method includes conforming the flexible surface to a solid structural member, so that a substantial portion of the flexible member is in effective wave-transmitting engagement with the structural member, thereafter transmitting pressure waves from at least one of the transducer elements into the structural member, receiving pressure waves reflected from an internal structural defect in the structural member in response to the pressure waves transmitted from the one of the transducer elements, and analyzing the received pressure waves so as to detect the structural defect.

Abstract: A detecting-element assembly (40) is configured such that a piezoelectric element (51) is housed in a casing body portion (43) of a casing (42), and is attached to a housing portion (22) of a flow path formation member (20) via a flange portion (41). Therefore, the path between the piezoelectric element (51) and the position of attachment of the detecting-element assembly (40) is elongated, whereby ultrasonic waves which leak into the interior of the detecting-element assembly (40) from the piezoelectric element (51) become unlikely to reflectively return from a joint. Thus, the influence of, for example, noise stemming from reflected waves is reduced, thereby enhancing the accuracy of detection. An average clearance of 1 millimeter or more is provided along the outer circumferential surface of the casing body portion (43) of the detecting-element assembly (40), whereby a problem of collected foreign matter is unlikely to occur.

Abstract: Ultrasonic sensors can be integrated and used to monitor composites throughout their production and during their useful lifetime. In an integrated program, ultrasonic sensors, in the illustrated embodiment contact sensors, can be used for quality control on raw rubber used for making a composite and for monitoring the cure of the rubber as it is transformed into a useful product, and non-contact sensors can be used to evaluate the product when it is completed, and to monitor its aging and wear during use. Such sensors can also be used in research to evaluate potential raw materials, and to compare cured candidate materials for properties useful in a completed product.

Abstract: An apparatus examines the internal structure of an object disposed substantially in a medium such as air, which essentially totally reflects acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range. The apparatus has an acoustic transducer that emits and receives acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range and an acoustic coupler that acoustically couples the acoustic transducer to the object. The acoustic coupler is adapted to essentially retain a body of fluid such as water between a section of the surface of the object and the acoustic transducer. The fluid carries acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range between the acoustic transducer and the object.

Abstract: An acoustic sensing system to measure an interior characteristic of an object, for example, density, the presence of defects, or bond integrity (of a laminated object). The system includes a first set of acoustic transducers acting as transmitters for transmitting acoustic wave energy at a single frequency, which acoustic wave energy interacts with the object in a sensing region to provide transmitted, scattered, and reflected wave energy. A transmitter mounting mechanism allows the transmitters to be positioned in such a way that acoustic energy reflected from the object sets up a reverberation between the transmitter and the object. A second set of acoustic transducers acting as receivers of acoustic wave energy is positioned opposite the transmitters in such a way that acoustic waves passing through the object are coupled to the receivers.

Abstract: Ultrasonic energy in the form of guided waves (plate waves or Lamb waves) is launched into the wall of a container. The guided wave propagates around the circumference of the container from a transmitting transducer to a receiving transducer. Analysis of the received waves determines the presence of corrosion pitting and MIC nodules on the container inner wall, as well as the existence of foreign objects in intimate contact with the container wall. The guided waves are created with wideband transducers excited at certain frequencies that depend on the material and geometry of the part being measured. The guided wave ultrasonic energy is maximized with a shaped tone burst pulse at the specified frequency rather than an electrical spike commonly used to excite transducers in standard ultrasonic search units.

Abstract: A nondestructive inspection apparatus includes a vibrating section 11 which is adapted to be placed in pressure contact with a surface of a measuring object 16 for generating an acoustic elastic wave W, a receiving section 12 for receiving a reflected wave, a pushing mechanism 13 for pushing the vibrating section and the receiving section against the measuring object, a pushing force measurement section 14 for detecting pushing forces Fa, Fb during vibration, a vibration control section 10 for driving the vibrating section, and a reception signal processing section 15 for determining the internal defect based on a reception signal R.

Abstract: A system and method that allows for the immersion ultrasonic inspection of test samples that cannot be immersed in a fluid (e.g., water) bath. A test sample is encapsulated in a sealed evacuated bag made of nonporous flexible material. A portion of the nonporous flexible material is in contact with the surface area of the test sample where the ultrasound wave or beam will impinge. Then the sealed bag with test sample inside are immersed in an acoustic coupling medium, as is an ultrasonic transducer. The transducer is directed to transmit an interrogating ultrasound wave or beam through the vacuum bag into the component being inspected at the area of interest. The sealed bag prevents contact between the inspected component and the acoustic coupling medium.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on a turbine blade or vane during operation of the turbine is provided. The method includes providing a means for receiving acoustic output of the blade or vane during operation of the turbine and monitoring the acoustic output over time, to determine the condition of the thermal barrier coating on the blade or vane. The acoustic output arises from a force on the blade or vane, such as that due to impact of particles, a pulse of gas pressure or constant gas flow. An apparatus employing the above method for monitoring the condition of the thermal barrier coating during operation of the turbine, is also provided.

Abstract: A device for machining a material with ultrashort laser pulses is described.