Abstract: A pipeline inspection apparatus is disclosed for the detection of corrosion pit type defects, employing one or more ultrasonic transducers to produce a parallel beam for direction toward the pipe wall from inside a pipe, with a sufficiently large beam width to permit comparison of time displayed signal components in defect depth determination, with the signal propagating through a gaseous medium. An additional embodiment combines the same with photographic apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for processing of steel billets or the like to remove surface defects. A material-removing device such as a grinding wheel is automatically controlled to initiate removal of material at points where defects have been detected and to continue removal of material as long as cracks or other defects continue to be detected. In certain disclosed embodiments, an inspection is performed using magnetic particle or other inspection equipment, the initial removal of material being controlled therefrom. Thereafter, material-removal is controlled from signals produced by a probe which is carried in the removal device or adjacent thereto. In other disclosed embodiments, a thin layer of material is removed to permit detection of defects by a probe, the material-removal being both initiated and continued under control of probe signals.

Abstract: A corrosion probe is disclosed which includes two permanent bar magnets in side-by-side relation, with opposite magnetic orientation and with poles of opposite polarity adjacent a sensing end of the probe, a sensing coil being disposed around the magnets adjacent the sensing end. The probe is disclosed in use in a pipe inspection pig for controlling operation of a camera.

Abstract: Apparatus for grinding and simultaneously testing steel billets or other parts to remove portions which contain defects. The defects are detected by a probe which engages the part at a point in proximity to the portion engaged by a grinding wheel. Preferably, the probe is carried in an opening provided in the surface of the grinding wheel and is electrically connected through a rotary coupling device to indicating apparatus. A probe may be a magnetic probe, either an eddy current or leakage field probe, or may include means for detecting light or other radiant energy reflected from the surface of the part. The apparatus is adaptable for the automatic control of the grinding operation.

Abstract: An eddy current type of nondestructive testing instrument is disclosed in which the operating frequency is automatically adjusted in accordance with a comparison of output signals obtained in scanning operations in which the frequency is adjusted over its range. The system may be used, for example, in providing lift-off compensation for conductivity measurements or flaw detection or it may be used for sorting of parts of different characteristics.