Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing closed-loop control of the heating of a workpiece by an induction heating machine, including generating an acoustic wave in the workpiece with a pulsed laser; optically measuring displacements of the surface of the workpiece in response to the acoustic wave; calculating a sub-surface material property by analyzing the measured surface displacements; creating an error signal by comparing an attribute of the calculated sub-surface material properties with a desired attribute; and reducing the error signal below an acceptable limit by adjusting, in real-time, as often as necessary, the operation of the inductive heating machine.

Abstract: Rebound shock as well as hand and wrist fatigue associated with the use of a large wrench, is alleviated by a covering at least the butt end of the wrench with a sleeve, or gripping device, constructed from an pliant and deformable material, such as soft rubber. The gripping device may be provided for attachment to the elongated handle of a tool. It includes a sleeve dimensioned to encircle the tool handle along three sides and to extend along a substantial length of the handle. The gripping device may be mounted on the tool by means of an internal rib or ribs which lock the tool within the device channel cavity. In another embodiment, the device may include a series of finger size undulation along the outer surface to improve the ability of a person to maintain a grip.

Abstract: A method is described for determining and evaluating physical characteristics of a material. In particular, the present invention provides for determining and evaluating the anisotropic characteristics of materials, especially those resulting from such manufacturing processes as rolling, forming, extruding, drawing, forging, etc. In operation, a complex ultrasonic wave is created in the material of interest by any method. The wave form may be any combination of wave types and modes and is not limited to fundamental plate modes. The velocity of propagation of selected components which make up the complex ultrasonic wave are measured and evaluated to determine the physical characteristics of the material including, texture, strain/stress, grain size, crystal structure, etc.