Abstract: A method and a device for measuring and mapping vibrations wherein one or a number of local sensors and a measuring means can make local registrations and frequency decompositions of the vibrations of an oscillating object. The same sensors and measuring means may be used in combination with an image-forming unit and an associated measuring means for local and image-forming recording of the vibrations of an oscillating object, respectively. By oscillating an excitation source an object can be made to oscillate harmonically. Furthermore, the local and image-forming measurements are collocated with the aid of a means for calculation.

Abstract: A shaker mechanism for a wheeled vehicle has axle-connector devices that include special adapter plates for enabling the shaker mechanism to support a variety of different size vehicles with minimum adjustments to the shaker mechanism and with minimum time expenditure for change-over from one vehicle to another.

Abstract: A method of scanning objects by means of ultrasound echography, including the repeated transmission of ultrasound signals by means of at least one ultrasound transducer and the reception of the ultrasound echoes which correspond to the principal obstacles encountered by the transmitted signals in their propagation direction, characterized in that the method includes the following operations:(a) storing an echographic line in a memory;(b) determining the power spectrum for a given observation depth, including the correction for the effects of diffraction and attenuation;(c) storing in a memory and/or displaying the scatter function of the object examined as a function of frequency;(d) repeating the operations (b), (c) for every desired depth on a given echographic line, and the operations (a), (b), (c) for other echographic lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for three dimensional imaging of a solid angular volume utilizing a single pulse of radiated energy is described. An embodiment is disclosed which utilizes a single monopolar acoustic pulse to insonify a three dimensional volume. An array of transducers is used to collect the echoes which are stored in a memory as a replica of the reflected three dimensional wavefield. This data is processed to form a replica of the three dimensional volume of objects responsible for the echoes which is then stored in a second three dimensional memory. The data in this memory is collapsed in the direction of preferred perspective to enable viewing on a cathode ray tube.

Abstract: A method of measuring the load in a member subjected to longitudinal stress, a load measuring device and a fastener tightening device using the method of measuring, a load indicating member and a load indicating fastener for use in conjunction with the method of measuring, a method of making the load indicating fastener, and a method of tightening the load indicating fastener. A preselected end of a pin is secured to a shank of a load indicating member, such as a load indicating fastener, in a manner such that the pin is unaffected by the elastic deformation of the shank in response to longitudinal stress. Coplanar first and second flat surfaces are formed, respectively, adjacent to the longitudinal ends of the pin and the shank furthest from the preselected end of the pin such as to provide reference surfaces for the measurement of the elongation of the shank in response to longitudinal stress.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously orienting an ultrasonic transducer so that the emitted ultrasonic waves remain at a normal angle of incidence to the opposing surface of an object while the transducer is being moved laterally across the surface in order to inspect the subsurface composition of the object. The sensor casing which contains the ultrasonic transducer pivots about one end of a tubular support arm, while the other end of the support arm pivots about a gearbox casing. A drive shaft passes through the support arm and has a miter gear on each end. One miter gear is engaged with a miter gear attached to the gearbox casing, and the other is engaged with a miter gear attached to the sensor casing so that the rotation of the drive shaft causes the simultaneous rotation of the support arm about the gearbox casing and, in the opposite direction, the rotation of the sensor casing about the support arm. The gearbox casing is attached to a carriage and has the freedom to roll relative to it.

Abstract: Angle-beam ultrasonic shear-waves, which are introduced via a pitch-catch technique in the axial and circumferential directions of a boiler tube, are used to detect the presence of hydrogen damage in boiler tubes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a unique vibration detector for sensing movement or vibration of an associated object. The detector includes an infrared light transmitter positioned to direct light toward a reflective fluid mass such as, for example, mercury. A cooperating infrared receiver is positioned to receive at least a portion of the light reflected off the fluid mass. As the object and detector are vibrated, the surface of the fluid will be disturbed, thus varying the amount of light energy detected by the receiver. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid mass of mercury is contained within a cylindrical chamber having a relatively small diameter such that the upper surface of mercury provides a generally convex-shaped reflecting surface. The vibration detector can be utilized, for example, in a vehicle anti-theft system.

Abstract: A noncontacting method of measuring periodic surface heating is described. The perturbation of an externally generated acoustic wave is measured. The acoustic wave is generated in the air above a sample to be studied. The acoustic wave is directed onto the sample surface, coincident with a modulated light beam. Absorption of the light beam results in the periodic heating of the sample, at and near the sample surface. The air in contact with the sample surface is in turn heated, and produces a periodic phase shift in the reflected acoustic wave. This phase shift is detected and gives a direct measure of the periodic heating of the sample surface. An acoustic microscope may generate the acoustic wave. The sample is placed in water. An acoustic microscope lens produces an acoustic wave in the water, which focuses onto the sample surface, coincident with a modulated laser beam. The light beam is guided onto the sample using an optical fiber.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprises first and second ultrasonic transducers and a driver circuit for alternately driving the first and second ultrasonic transducers to transmit ultrasonic beams in directions crossing at a given target. A receiver fetches from the echo signals of the first and second ultrasonic transducers echo components corresponding to echoes reflected in the same direction as the ultrasonic transmission direction and at a predetermined angle with respect to the target. An arithmetic logic circuit processes the echo signal components to obtain an angular dependency of scattering. A monitor displays the information representing the angular dependency of scattering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface testing apparatus in which sensors are driven with a reciprocating movement above the surface being tested. To minimize the forces which are required for the driving of the sensors, a vibratory system is provided for this movement, which is driven by an exciter system at or close to its natural frequency.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe jig includes a leaf spring, a support member, a mounting mechanism, and a regulating member. The leaf spring member is brought into contact with the upper surface of an ultrasonic probe to be located on an object to be examined. The support member supports a peripheral portion of the leaf spring member. The mounting mechanism pivotally mounts a support rod coupled to a control device on the support member. One end of the regulating member is mounted to the support rod and the other end thereof is engaged with the support member. The regulating member regulates pivotal movement of the support member.

Abstract: A system for achieving inspecting and/or positioning of an object that includes: an array that is operable to generate acoustic or low-frequency electromagnetic wave energy of a single or narrow band of frequencies, to transmit the wave energy to an interaction region where it interacts with the object and to transmit the wave energy, after interaction, to sensing means, sensors of the array being disposed to receive the wave energy and being operable to convert the wave energy to electric signals representative of the received wave energy; a processor connected to receive the electric signal and adapted to process the signals into amplitude and/or phase information for each sensor; and an analyzer to interpret the amplitude and/or phase information to derive therefrom a characteristic of the object, e.g., a geometric characteristic or an electromagnetic characteristic.

Abstract: A method of measuring the load in a member subjected to longitudinal stress, a load measuring device and a fastener tightening device using the method of measuring, a load indicating member and a load indicating fastener for use in conjunction with the method of measuring, a method of making the load indicating fastener, and a method of tightening the load indicating fastener. A preselected end of a pin is secured to a shank of a load indicating member, such as a load indicating fastener, in a manner such that the pin is unaffected by the elastic deformation of the shank in response to longitudinal stress. Coplanar first and second flat surfaces are formed, respectively, adjacent to the longitudinal ends of the pin and the shank furthest from the preselected end of the pin such as to provide reference surfaces for the measurement of the elongation of the shank in response to longitudinal stress.

Abstract: An ultrasound transceiver providing enhanced imaging by selective filtering of the received signal to provide a variable frequency, constant bandwidth filtering of the received echo signals. The resulting signals are then detected to produce a signal, which when displayed, has a reduced number of false multiple images and enhanced signal quality from the deeper tissue discontinuities. Additionally, the received signal is detected in quadrature by reference to a simulated carrier pilot tone having a nonconstant frequency relationship to the transmitted signal. The resulting signal is post-processed to provide information which is used to display structural features, and in addition, the velocity profile of blood flow. The structure and velocity image information is superimposed to provide a composite signal wherein the static and dynamic characteristic of a patient is completely reported to the observer.

Abstract: A method and device which measures the velocity of ultrasonic waves in a moving web is disclosed. The excitation source is a laser or other device which produces short intense light pulses and the detection system is either a peizoelectric transducer or a microphone. The latter obviates any need for physical contact with the web in order to carry out tests for strength parameters as the web is manufactured.

Abstract: Method and system for detecting defects in the structure of a composite laminate material are described which comprise a first transducer for directing an ultrasonic beam of preselected frequency along a transmission axis onto a surface of the laminate at a preselected angle to generate Lamb waves in the laminate and leaky Lamb waves reflected therefrom; a second transducer for detecting the reflected leaky Lamb waves and for providing an output signal corresponding to the amplitude of the reflected waves; a fluid sonically coupling the laminate with the transducers; a positioning system for selectively positioning the transducers along the surface of the laminate to produce a set of output signals characterizing the laminate; and suitable electronics for receiving and processing the output signals and comparing them with signals characteristic of a defect free sample of the laminate.

Abstract: Ultrasonic waves are reflected on or passed through a sample by a focusing ultrasonic transmitting element and a focusing ultrasonic receiving element or a focusing ultrasonic transmitting-receiving element, and two signals are produced by operating the ultrasonic waves or by changing conditions and are displayed as one image on a color cathode ray tube by changing the color.

Abstract: An image data processing apparatus has an image reader for reading a halftone image or character image, and an operational processing system including an interface, a main memory, a DMAC, an MPU, a CRT, a CRTC, and an enlargement/reduction operation circuit. An image data processing system including a microcomputer, a laser beam printer, and an image file or the like allows real-time image data display or printing at any desired enlargement/reduction ratio as an image is read by the image reader while not impairing the characteristics of either the halftone or the character image.

Abstract: For evaluating running quality of gears, a vibration measuring apparatus with a vibration pickup or sensor is provided at least at a headstock for holding a gear wheel a bevel gear or pinion. The signal pickup or reception of the vibration pickup or sensor is processed by suitable evaluation devices. A measuring ring is provided at the headstock in order to detect the maximum vibration components independently of the design of the gear set. The measuring ring carries the vibration pickup and is rotatably mounted on an associated spindle and can be rotated and positionally fixed relative to the headstock.