Abstract: The present invention relates to a flaw detector imaging apparatus for detecting and visualizing a flaw in a target material to be investigated, comprising an ultrasonic phase-array probe comprising an array of ultrasonic transducers and a flaw detector. The flaw detector includes at least one trigger channel to trigger ultrasonic emitting transducers of the array at respective time delays to produce an ultrasonic beam propagating through the target material, and a single receiver channel to receive echo signals produced by ultrasonic receiving transducers of the array in response to ultrasonic wave echoes reflected from a flaw in the target material. The single receiver channel comprises a delay circuit imparting to the received echo signals the respective time delays as used in the triggering of the ultrasonic emitting transducers and a combiner of the delayed echo signals.

Abstract: In a non-destructive test instrument, there is provided a time variable gain (TVG) amplifier wherein the gain of the amplifier is dynamically changed to optimize the amplitude of a flaw echo signal. The TVG digital memory for a given TVG curve specifies and controls not only the start gain value, and the end game value, but the gain rate of change slope as well to generate TVG curve line segments.

Abstract: A collection of data processing algorithms which, used in concert, are suitable for use in place of a high pass filter stage in an eddy current inspection system and provide for a system optimized to inspect test pieces for elongated defects running parallel to the scan axis. The algorithms use mathematical techniques to eliminate baseline impedance offset between test pieces, correct for offset drift during a scan, and allow for system balancing using only a set of test pieces of unknown quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the threshold value of screens which enable an evaluation of a sound coupling during the ultrasound testing of a series of spot welding joints of a selected type. Initially, a geometrical minimal thickness dMin is established for the spot welding joints. At least one echo of the front surface (entrance echo) is received in addition to one echo of the first reflection on a rear wall of the spot welding joint (first rear wall echo) and at least one further (n-th) rear wall echo. The propagation time tMin of the ultra sound pulse is defined for the path to the front surface to the rear wall and back to the front surface at a minimal thickness dMin and a propagation time tT for the total thickness. A first screen (B1) is set for the signal of the rear wall echo, starting at a moment in time t1S=tE+tMin?tSA and ending at a moment in time t1T=tE+tT+tSE, whereby tSA and tSE are additional small security measures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a segment (15) of a sensor-supporting element for a scraper-type device, which comprises at least two pairs of runners (16a, 16b) that are arranged essentially parallel behind each other. A support plate (20) receiving sensors (21) is disposed between at least one pair of runners (16). The segment (15) can be combined with other such segments (15) so as to form a sensor-supporting element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting non-linear operation of a measuring device comprising an array of transducers and at least one receiver channel portion. The method comprises receiving measured signals through transducers of the array, processing the measured signals from the transducers through the receiver channel portion, combining the processed measured signals to produce a combined measurement signal, and detecting non-linearity of the combined measurement signal and non-linear operation of the measuring device by detecting saturation of the receiver channel portion. In one embodiment, the receiver channel portion comprises an analog-to-digital converter, a threshold is assigned to a digital output of the analog-to-digital converter, and saturation of the receiver channel portion is detected when the digital output of the analog-to-digital converter oversteps the assigned threshold. In one application of the invention, the measuring device is a non-destructive testing device.

Abstract: The hardness measuring device (18) is provided with a) a penetration body (20), which penetrates a workpiece (28) along a penetration vector (58) during a measuring process, b) a housing (30) which embodies a guide track (32) for the penetration body (20) which moves along said guide track (32) between a rest position and a measuring position and with a mechanical drive (spring 40, 62), which engages with the penetration body (20), at least in the rest position and which fixes the test force or the test impulse for a measuring process and c) an electronic control circuit (48), which controls the measuring process and which determines a hardness value from the movement and/or the penetration action of the penetration body (20) into the workpiece (20). The hardness measuring device (18) comprises an acceleration sensor (54), which produces an angular signal, depending on the angle which the penetration vector (58) makes with the local gravitational vector (56).

Abstract: A transducer having a ceramic element in which the ceramic is elevated above a polymer and a method of manufacturing the transducer. The transducer comprises a piezo-composite element comprising a ceramic element embedded in epoxy. In an array, the ceramic elements may be in the form of posts. The plurality of ceramic elements is slightly elevated above the polymer and in staggered arrangement with the polymer. The element is manufactured by first grinding the face of the composite and removing damaged ceramic by acid etching the ceramic. The epoxy is removed by plasma etching so that the ceramic is above the epoxy. The composite is sputter plated so that a maximum temperature that could damage the plating is not exceeded. The ceramic is then poled so that a maximum temperature that could damage the plating is not exceeded. Contacts are then attached to the plating adjacent the ceramic.

Abstract: The methods and devices disclosed provides for the delivery of agents to an orifice cavity and subsequent aspiration of the agent and orifice contents from the orifice cavity and related areas. In one form, the delivery and aspiration system comprises an agent delivery sub-assembly, an aspiration sub-assembly and a device tip sub-assembly. The subassemblies operate to first deliver an agent contained within the device to an orifice cavity and after an optional time delay, subsequently aspirate the delivered agent and orifice contents from the orifice cavity and related areas. In another form, a removable reservoir is provided whereby the aspirated agent and orifice contents from the orifice are assayed either independent of or within the device itself.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive testing of a weld joint of a bolt welded onto a contact area on a planar sheet metal using the lift ignition method uses directed ultrasonic signals. During the welding operation a weld pool having a modified material structure is formed beneath the contact area in the sheet metal. Ultrasonic signals are transmitted into the sheet metal using a directed and obliquely transmitting ultrasonic transmitter positioned at a coupling-in point A. An ultrasonic receiver is positioned at a coupling-out point B and receives the ultrasonic signals transmitted through the sheet metal at the coupling-out point B, an acoustic path being formed between the coupling-in point A and the coupling-out point B.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test device for the ultrasonic testing of strand material, comprising a) a stationary container that defines a substantially cylindrical interior space that has a larger diameter than the strand material and that has a cylinder axis, and b) a device for producing a peripheral water jacket that is associated either with at least one nozzle for a water feed disposed substantially tangential to an inner surface of the interior space and leading to said interior space, and/or with a bucket wheel that rotates about the cylinder axis and that is provided with a drive unit, and c) at least one ultrasonic probe that is linked with the container and that has an active surface that is freely accessible from the cylindrical interior space.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic probe comprising: —a housing (20), which accommodates an ultrasonic transducer and has a contact surface for making contact with the surface (28) of a body (30) to be inspected; —at least one digital camera (36), which is allocated to the housing (20) and which is aligned in such a way that it registers the surface (28) of the body (30) and supplies a respective electronic image of sub-sections of the surface (28) of the body (30) at intervals; —a circuit for image processing (40), which has an image memory (42) for at least one electronic image that has been registered by the digital camera (36).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling an ionizing radiation generator (2) which consists in setting up a connection by radio relay channel between the generator and the control device (1). The invention is characterised in that said connection consists in transmitting a code specific to the generator and a code for connecting it to the control device and in communicating the two codes at each connection between said generator and said control device. The invention also concerns the installation for implementing said method.

Abstract: An eddy current sensor assembly of a magnetic inspection device is for nondestructive detection of structural faults in an elongated magnetically permeable object, such as a pipe. The sensor assembly has an auxiliary magnet including first and second auxiliary magnetic poles oppositely polarized relative to each other and spaced from one another for positioning and movement longitudinally relative to an elongated magnetically permeable object to be tested. The auxiliary magnet is to be interposed between primary magnets of the magnetic inspection device. A ferromagnetic member couples the first and second auxiliary magnetic poles. Compliant pole pieces such as magnetically permeable brushes are coupled to the auxiliary poles and are to be interposed between the auxiliary poles and the object to be inspected.

Abstract: Benzyldimethyl {2-[2-(p-1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethyl} ammonium chloride (BDT) forms the basis of contact lens solutions that are unusually effective at reducing the number and wide variety of pathogenic microorganisms that may infect rigid gas permeable or soft contact lenses. Furthermore, it has been discovered that natural occurring compounds alone and in combination with chemical agents can be used in ophthalmic solutions such as contact lens solution to enhance and complement their anti-microbial, cleaning and wetting activity or to reduce irritation to the eye. The basic contact lens solution comprises an effective concentration of BDT (preferably 1 to 100 parts per million), with naturally occurring plant products possessing activities complementary to BDT, in an isotonic diluent buffered with a physiologically acceptable buffer to a physiologically natural range.

Abstract: A magnetic inspection device for detecting structural faults in elongated magnetically permeable objects has two primary and opposite poles which induce a magnetic flux to place the object at least near magnetic saturation. At least one auxiliary pole is positioned on the inspection device between the primary poles and serves to change the level of the magnetic flux induced by the primary poles so as to induce eddy currents during relative movement of the inspection device and the object. At least one sensor positioned on the inspection device detects eddy current changes which are representative of structural faults.

Abstract: A hand-held, battery operated, single photon sensitivity phytoluminometer is claimed for rapid, simple nondestructive, noninvasive evaluation of photosynthetic topography in green leaves. All the steps for generating phytoluminescence are performed within a single, light tight enclosure. The sensitivity of the instrument is such that stress induced changes in photosynthesis can be detected seconds after occurrence. Thus phytoluminography is made an easily applied technique for practical use by all those concerned with plant life.

Abstract: A magnetic inspection device for detecting structural faults in elongated magnetically permeable objects has two opposite magnetic poles, at least one pole being an end pole, that induce a first magnetic flux axially in a first section of an object between the poles, and an oppositely directed magnetic flux in another section adjacent the end pole. As the device and object move relative to one another, eddy currents induced in the object by the changing longitudinal fluxes at the end pole are detected to locate structural faults in the object.

Abstract: A hand-held, battery operated, single photon sensitivity phytoluminometer is claimed for rapid, simple nondestructive, noninvasive evaluation of photosynthetic topography in green leaves. All the steps for generating phytoluminescence are performed within a single, light tight enclosure. The sensitivity of the instrument is such that stress induced changes in photosynthesis can be detected seconds after occurrence. Thus phytoluminography is made an easily applied technique for practical use by all those concerned with plant life.

Abstract: A magnetic inspection device for non-destructively testing elongated objects such as large diameter wire cables is constructed with a number of flux carrying components that are assembled and disassembled in sections with a magnetic flux detector for detecting the loss of metallic cross-section and local discontinuities in the cable. The inspection device is moved bodily along a cable during the inspection process and in another embodiment the flux detector itself is the only component movable along the cable. Jack screws are utilized to mechanically separate or bring together the flux carrying components which are normally attracted to one another by powerful magnetic forces. Draw screws are also employed to pull together flux carrying components which are naturally repulsed from one another by the magnetic forces. Alignment pins are utilized to guide the components together in predetermined positional relationships during assembly processes.