Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers and methods for detecting oblique flaws in cylindrically-shaped objects using pulse-echo testing are provided. By mounting one or more transducers on a rotary tester for testing manufactured objects such as tubes and bars, offsetting each transducer horizontally from its position if it were to emit a beam that is perpendicular to the object's outer surface, and actuating the transducer so as to emit an angled beam, oblique surface flaws and internal flaws may be reliably detected without reducing inspection speed, significantly adding to transducer cross-talk, or requiring significant additional hardware or processing.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers and methods for detecting oblique flaws in cylindrically-shaped objects using pulse-echo testing are provided. By mounting one or more transducers on a rotary tester for testing manufactured objects such as tubes and bars, offsetting each transducer horizontally from its position if it were to emit a beam that is perpendicular to the object's outer surface, and actuating the transducer so as to emit an angled beam, oblique surface flaws and internal flaws may be reliably detected without reducing inspection speed, significantly adding to transducer cross-talk, or requiring significant additional hardware or processing.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers and methods for detecting oblique flaws in cylindrically-shaped objects using pulse-echo testing are provided. By mounting one or more transducers on a rotary tester for testing manufactured objects such as tubes and bars, offsetting each transducer horizontally from its position if it were to emit a beam that is perpendicular to the object's outer surface, and actuating the transducer so as to emit an angled beam, oblique surface flaws and internal flaws may be reliably detected without reducing inspection speed, significantly adding to transducer cross-talk, or requiring significant additional hardware or processing.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers and methods for detecting oblique flaws in cylindrically-shaped objects using pulse-echo testing are provided. By mounting one or more transducers on a rotary tester for testing manufactured objects such as tubes and bars, offsetting each transducer horizontally from its position if it were to emit a beam that is perpendicular to the object's outer surface, and actuating the transducer so as to emit an angled beam, oblique surface flaws and internal flaws may be reliably detected without reducing inspection speed, significantly adding to transducer cross-talk, or requiring significant additional hardware or processing.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers and methods for detecting oblique flaws in cylindrically-shaped objects using pulse-echo testing are provided. By mounting one or more transducers on a rotary tester for testing manufactured objects such as tubes and bars, offsetting each transducer horizontally from its position if it were to emit a beam that is perpendicular to the object's outer surface, and actuating the transducer so as to emit an angled beam, oblique surface flaws and internal flaws may be reliably detected without reducing inspection speed, significantly adding to transducer cross-talk, or requiring significant additional hardware or processing.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers and methods for detecting oblique flaws in cylindrically-shaped objects using pulse-echo testing are provided. By mounting one or more transducers on a rotary tester for testing manufactured objects such as tubes and bars, offsetting each transducer horizontally from its position if it were to emit a beam that is perpendicular to the object's outer surface, and actuating the transducer so as to emit an angled beam, oblique surface flaws and internal flaws may be reliably detected without reducing inspection speed, significantly adding to transducer cross-talk, or requiring significant additional hardware or processing.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers and methods for detecting oblique flaws in cylindrically-shaped objects using pulse-echo testing are provided. By mounting one or more transducers on a rotary tester for testing manufactured objects such as tubes and bars, offsetting each transducer horizontally from its position if it were to emit a beam that is perpendicular to the object's outer surface, and actuating the transducer so as to emit an angled beam, oblique surface flaws and internal flaws may be reliably detected without reducing inspection speed, significantly adding to transducer cross-talk, or requiring significant additional hardware or processing.

Abstract: Ultrasonic multi-element transducers and methods for achieving higher throughput rates in non-destructive testing are provided. By driving the transducer elements sequentially and/or in different combinations, and multiplexing the signals received from each transducer element, the inspection speed at high test sensitivity levels is significantly increased while the number of channels is not increased and cross-talk between the different transducer elements is avoided. At least one such transducer may be mounted on a rotary tester for testing manufactured objects such as tubes and bars.

Abstract: Ultrasonic multi-element transducers and methods for achieving higher throughput rates in non-destructive testing are provided. By driving the transducer elements sequentially and/or in different combinations, and multiplexing the signals received from each transducer element, the inspection speed at high test sensitivity levels is significantly increased while the number of channels is not increased and cross-talk between the different transducer elements is avoided. At least one such transducer may be mounted on a rotary tester for testing manufactured objects such as tubes and bars.

Abstract: Apparatus for non-destructive examination of a plate for defects existing in one of both of opposed first and second surfaces thereof includes a rotatable support platform, an eddy current coil structure for inducing eddy currrents in the plate located at a first location in the platform, a first magnetic flux generator disposed at a second location in the platform, the second location being opposite the first location on a line extending from the first location through the platform center. A drive unit rotates the platform relative to the plate.

Abstract: A method for nondestructive examination of an object of type having localized permeability variations therein and varying surface conditions and grain structures comprises the steps of AC flux saturating a localized surface area of the object so as to magnetically saturate the surface area to quiet localized permeability variations therein and to set up a stabilized high level primary field on the surface substantially unalterable by the varying surface conditions and grain structures in the object and detecting eddy currents in the surface area. Coil structure and apparatus for implementing the method are also defined. Further, the method is disclosed as being implemented in part by the use of components of a pre-existing object evaluation device.

Abstract: A system for processing signals produced by magnetic flaw detection apparatus having facility for examining objects in the course of transport thereof at speeds varying from a prescribed slow speed to a prescribed high speed, with transport frequency thus being within a first frequency range. The system comprises first circuitry for detecting the speed of transport of an object under examination and generating output signals indicative of the detected speed and extending over a given characteristic range correspondingly with the first frequency range. Second circuitry is provided for receiving the first circuitry output signals and transforming the same into a second frequency range substantially expanded as compared to the first frequency range.

Abstract: A transducer for object examination comprises a conductive member of generally disc-shape having an opening of generally triangular configuration extending from the periphery of the member toward its center with opposed sidewalls of the opening in nonparallel relation to one another. A winding is applied to the perimeter of the conductive member and spans the opening. In certain instances, the transducer winding defines successive courses in each turn thereof which are of respective different diameter.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for nondestructive object testing comprising a magnetic probe responsive to an excitation signal for generating a magnetic field and thereby inducing eddy-currents in the object. The probe further provides an output signal indicative of the presence of a flaw in the object. A distance sensor generates an output signal indicative of the spacing of the probe from the object. Circuitry is provided for receiving the distance sensor output signal and is responsive thereto to supply such excitation signal to the probe. The circuitry employs the distance indication in the distance sensor output signal as an exponent in generating the excitation signal.

Abstract: A system for verified detection of flaws in an object, comprises a synchronizing sensor for generating an output signal once per mutual rotational revolution as between itself and the object, a flaw sensor for generating output signals responsive to detection of flaws in the object and extraneous influences, a switch unit responsive to operator input for providing output signals respectively indicative of a preselected number of flaws for such flaw verification and of a preselected number of object revolutions for such flaw verification, and a processor responsible to the output signals of the sync sensor, the flaw sensor and the switch unit for providing verified flaw output indication.

Abstract: In determining shaft rpm (revolutions per minute), a transducer generates a succession of output signals, corresponding to the successive passages of a shaft indicium through the transducer field of view. Processing circuitry is provided for selecting a sequentially successive pair of transducer output signals and for computing rpm therefrom. Updated rpm is computed from a further pair of sequentially successive transducer output signals, both non-sequentially successive to the earlier selected signal pair.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for detecting both longitudinal and circumferential defects in a test object relatively rotating and longitudinally translating with respect to a test apparatus is disclosed. Means are provided for producing a transverse magnetic field in the object. Additional means provide a longitudinal magnetic field intersecting the transverse magnetic field in the first test region of the object. Magnetic sensing means then provide output signals in response to the presence of flux leakage from the test region due to defects. Circuits responsive to the output signals are provided for indicating flaws.

Abstract: Nondestructive object testing is carried out in a magnetic aspect as by leakage-flux detection and in an ultrasonic aspect by electromagnetic acoustic wave generation and detection, portions of magnetic flux being derived from a common source for the respective magnetic and ultrasonic testing.

Abstract: An electromagnetic acoustic wave transducer (EMAT) probe is supported with its magnetic field issuing device for movement from a retracted position into closely spaced relation to a test object. Relative movement is provided as between a magnetic flux coupler and the EMAT field issuing device to derive the EMAT magnetic field from a magnet. A biasing unit urges the probe into its retracted position and the probe is moved into its operative position by magnetic interaction with a test object.

Abstract: A system for transporting tube or bar stock along its horizontal axis comprising conveyor sections and a drive section each section containing a series of rotating drive assemblies. The drive assemblies contain a pair of frusto-conical rollers upon which the tube or bar stock rides. These rollers engage threads of opposite hands disposed on opposing portions of a driven shaft with respect to the axis of transport. Means for rotationally connecting and disconnecting the shaft and rollers such as locking pins or clutches are provided. Means for preventing the rotation of the rollers such as disc brake assemblies or stop bars which contact radially protruding members rotationally connected to the rollers are provided. When the rollers and shafts are rotationally connected and free to rotate, the work piece is transported.