Abstract: An improvement to ultrasonic probes useful in the non-destructive testing of structural materials includes a compact, high-sensitivity coaxial design probe. The probe has a centrally located transmitter point and a circumferentially arranged receiver ring. The geometrical relationship between the transmitter point and the receiver ring provides for high-sensitivity in the detection of defects and allows for a compact construction without orientational sensitivity. A receiver tube is provided which encloses the probe and acts as a tuned wave guide for the detection of ultrasonic vibrations from the structural material under test. The increased sensitivity of the improved ultrasonic probe is advantageous in the testing of non-metallic structural materials having a complex composite structure. The compactness of the improved ultrasonic probe is advantageous in the testing of structural materials having complex and narrow shapes.

Abstract: A centrifuge for spinning sample containers about their respective axes with such axes vertical. An inlet elevator conveys the containers in groups to the level of a spinning means which simultaneously spins the containers of each group about their respective vertical axes. The groups of centrifuged containers are conveyed downwardly by an outlet elevator on the opposite side of the spinning means from the inlet elevator. The containers of each group are suspended from a carrier having keyhole-shaped openings, the containers having necks which are receivable in the smaller ends of such openings and which are provided with external annular flanges seatable on the carrier adjacent the smaller ends of the openings to suspend the containers from the carrier. The spinning means comprises cups into which the containers are lowered by downward movement of the carrier, the latter then being moved horizontally to dispose the container necks in the larger ends of the openings in the carrier.