Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing wire and, more specifically, testing the wire thickness and the wire roll of a trolley wire. The apparatus includes a jig assembly connected to a data acquisition system carried by a mobile unit. The jig assembly includes a transducer probe which transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal and an encoder which provides a pulse train corresponding to distance traveled. The ultrasonic signal is transmitted into the trolley wire and a reflected wave is received. The data acquisition system includes an ultrasonic scope, an analog to digital converter, a central processing unit, and a divider circuit. The ultrasonic scope provides a time analog signal based on the time of flight comparison between the transmitted ultrasonic signal and the reflected wave. The time analog signal is converted to a digital signal through an analog to digital converter. A trigger pulse is provided by a divider circuit based on a predetermined number of pulses from the encoder.

Abstract: An alignment gauge to facilitate the measurement of welded joints and the alignment of elongated structures including beams, pipes, rails, such as train rails and trolley car rails. The alignment gauge has five basic components, a base, an upright member and three dial indicators. The dial indicators are fastened along the top of the base, one at the center and one to each side of the center equally spaced from the center. The dial indicators have actuating plungers which pass through openings in the base and protrude through the bottom of the base. The upright member is mounted to the top of the base. It protects the dial indicators. The bottom of the base is placed on a calibration standard and dial indicators are adjusted to zero by a zero adjustment. With the dial indicators adjusted to zero, the alignment gauge is placed on the elongated structure with its center over the welded joint. The base has a channel in the center of the bottom surface that provides clearance for the welded joint.