Abstract: A traveling bag for carrying temperature-sensitive medications such as insulin which includes a sensor monitoring the interior temperature and an exterior display showing the measured temperature. In one embodiment the bag interior includes a compartment for storing medication, an assembly for securely holding three insulin pens, and a compartment for holding a container of freezing material. A second embodiment of the bag omits the freezing material compartment.

Abstract: A liquid distributor, a falling film heat exchanger and an absorption refrigerating machine, which are inexpensive and favorably ensure uniform distribution of a liquid even in the case where the liquid distributor is installed in oblique position and foreign matters such as metal particles or the like are mixed in the liquid. The liquid distributor comprise a primary distribution duct of box-shaped cross section having an opening serving as a liquid inlet, and distribution holes serving as liquid outlets and formed on side surfaces of the primary distribution duct, and a group of box-shaped secondary distribution trays spaced from outer side surface and lower side surface of the primary distribution duct, and formed to be compartmented into a plurality of regions in a longitudinal direction of the primary distribution duct. Liquid dripping holes, through which the liquid is dropped, are formed in bottom surfaces of the secondary distribution trays.

Abstract: A suction accumulator for a refrigeration system includes a pair of closed shells arranged in spaced relation one within the other to define a space therebetween effective to prevent sweating of the inner shell during performance of its normal suction accumulator function. The space is connected between the condenser and the expansion valve of the system to function as a receiver for warm refrigerant thereby creating heat exchange through the wall of the inner shell.

Abstract: An improved evaporator for a refrigeration system to reduce the temperature of a medium therein in which a first tube composed of a first material having a first thermal conductivity is surrounded by a body of a second material disposed in intimate contact therewith, the second material having a different thermal conductivity than the thermal conductivity of the first material. An evaporator refrigerator inlet and outlet are disposed in the body and a refrigeration path intermediate the inlet and outlet includes a plurality of fins in the path to increase the surface area of the second material in the path. A refrigeration system using the improved evaporator and including a subcooler, is described and a method of manufacturing the evaporator is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for liquefying a stream rich in hydrocarbons, especially a stream of natural gas, by the indirect exchange of heat with the refrigerants in a closed-circuit cascade of mixed refrigerants. According to the invention, said closed-circuit cascade of mixed refrigerants consists of at least 3 circuits of mixed refrigerants, with each circuit comprising different refrigerants. The first of the three mixed refrigerant circuits is used for pre-cooling (E1), the second for liquefying E2), and the third for super-cooling (E3) the hydrocarbon-rich stream (1) to be liquefied. The method provided for in the invention reduces specific energy consumption and investment costs since the three circuits of mixed refrigerants are or can be optimally adjusted to the enthalpy temperature curves of the hydrocarbon-rich stream to be liquefied and the refrigerant mixtures.

Abstract: Helium recycling for optical fiber manufacturing in which consolidation process helium is recycled either directly for use in consolidation at high purity or recycled at lower purity adequate for usage in draw or other processes having a lower helium parity. Integrated processes for recycling helium from two or more helium using processes in the optical manufacturing process are also described. Substantial helium and cost savings are recognized.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of intermediate pressure oxygen. Intermediate pressure is defined as a pressure range between about 15 psia and about 27 psia, and preferably between about 17 psia and about 23 psia. The process uses a double column cryogenic air separation system for the production of oxygen from air which includes a higher pressure column and a lower pressure column, wherein a nitrogen-enriched fraction from the higher pressure column is condensed by indirect heat exchange in a reboiler-condenser that provides at least a fraction of the boilup at the bottom of the lower pressure column. Oxygen is withdrawn from the lower pressure column as a liquid and vaporized. One portion of air is feed air to the higher pressure column and a another portion of air is at least partially condensed by indirect heat exchange with the vaporizing oxygen. The latter portion of air is at least partially condensed at a pressure less than the pressure of the feed air to the higher pressure column.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation process having improved flexibility and operating efficiency for producing elevated pressure gaseous oxygen by vaporizing pressurized liquid oxygen wherein refrigeration generation for the process is decoupled from the flow of process streams and is produced by one or more multicomponent refrigerant fluid circuits.

Abstract: A glassmelting apparatus which reduces alkali corrosion comprising: a glassmelting furnace having a plurality of walls, a crown, a charge end, a batch melting area and a fining area; at least two low momentum oxy-fuel burners located in at least one of the walls of the glassmelting furnace, each burner having at least one gas exit port, the lowest point of each gas exit port of each burner having a vertical position that is raised to a height of about 18 inches to about 36 inches above the surface of the glass; each oxy-fuel burner generating a flame along a path directed towards an opposite vertical wall of the glassmelting furnace; and said interior intersection of said walls and said crown of said glassmelting furnace being located at a height of between about 5.5 feet and 9 feet above the glassmelt surface.

Abstract: A valve hamper assembly for a glassware machine having a camming surface and a movable follower surface engaging the camming surface. A movable valve is operatively connected to the follower surface. A movement device is operatively connected to the follower surface for moving the follower surface along the camming surface to cause movement of the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a tubular member, which is suitable for use as a starter tube or an optical fiber preform, on a rotating cylindrical target mounted on a lathe. The tubular member is made by means of plasma outside vapor deposition. In this process, a source gas comprising SiCl4 and, optionally, a fluorine-laden chemical, is introduced into an air plasma. Both the air and the source gas are dry gases and have low hydroxyl content. The air plasma is created by a high-frequency induction plasma torch which travels along the length of the target on a carriage. The torch is provided with a short U-shaped gutter on either side of its rim directly beneath the target and the growing tubular member. This gutter helps channel reaction products of the source gas and the plasma so as to enhance deposition on the growing tubular member.

Abstract: A three-bar polyester tricot warp knit fabric for use in a radar dispersion fabric having patterns stitched on the three bars as indicated: Bar I 2-3/4-3/1-0/3-4/2-3/5-4/2-3/5-6/8-9/6-5/3-2/5-4 Bar II 7-6/4-3/1-0/3-4/7-6/4-5/7-6/5-6/8-9/6-5/7-6/4-5 Bar III 4-5/6-7/8-9/7-6/5-4/4-5/5-4/3-2/1-0/2-3/4-5/5-4

Abstract: A print-receptive, pill-resistant, knitted fabric and printed article of apparel. The fabric is knitted from yarn formed from high-tenacity, staple synthetic fiber having a tenacity value of greater than about 4 grams/denier and preferably about 6 grams/denier. The resulting knitted fabric has a pilling resistance value of greater than about 3. In the preferred embodiment, the high-tenacity, staple synthetic fiber is selected from the group consisting of air jet spun polyester; nylon; acrylic; and polypropylene. The use of staple fibers improves the hand, drape and comfort of the knitted fabric. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the knitted fabric is a double-knit fabric having a front side and a back side, the front side being formed from the high-tenacity, staple synthetic fiber and the back side being substantially formed from cellulosic yarns, such as cotton and synthetic cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A warp knitting machine with bearded needles (5) and a pattern press comprises a driven press bar (10) having individual press elements thereon. These are so controllable that during the working stroke (47) of the press bar (10) at choice there is provided a press contact onto the hooks (19) of the corresponding bearded needles (5) or not. Every pressing element (46) is provided with a piezoelectric bending transducer ((42) attached at one end whose free end (45) in the direction of the needle bed may either move from a first position during the working stroke 47 into a press contact and in a second position in which the press element 46 or a power transmitting element located forwardly thereof in the direction of the needle bed may be displaced. In this manner, it is possible to provide a safely constructed pattern press suited for high velocity operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine having a device (30) for filtering dirt in washing water. The device has a drawing pipe (31) connected to a tub (21) for accommodating laundry and water, a pump (33) for drawing the water in the tub into the drawing pipe, a cylinder (35) for receiving the water supplied from the drawing pipe, a rotating blade for generating a water-flow vortex in the cylinder, and a return pipe (37) for returning the water in which dirt has been filtered into the tub. The device can filter the dirt in the water effectively, and need not be cleaned frequently.

Abstract: A lint filter construction 10 for use with the drain outlet 101 of a washing machine 100 wherein the construction 10 includes a filter body unit 11 comprising a sieve-like body member 20 fabricated from a sheet of plastic netting and having an upper portion 22 dimensioned to receive and be captively secured to the drain outlet 101 by a filter attachment unit 12 and further including an enlarged intermediate portion 23 and an enlarged lower portion 24; wherein, the lower portion 24 is further provided with a releasable sealing arrangement 40 for removing trapped lint directly from the bottom of the sieve-like body member 20.

Abstract: An apparatus for a large throughput fabric processing operation including a conveyor belt passing under a row of washers and having an extraction (spinning) apparatus at the end of the belt. The production line involves top loading each washer as required and dumping the batches of fabric on the belt after completing the washing step. The extraction step involves varying the rate of spin and the tilt of the extraction cyclinder in order to maintain an even distribution of fabric and then rocking the extractor to loosen the load from the inside surface of the extractor. Processing oprations to which this invention may be applied include, laundering, dyeing and drycleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for regulating the compressing of metal tubing (20) having inner-lying beam wave guides (8) by means of a roll straightening passage (10a, 10b) comprising a feeding device (36, 36′) of the rollers (12-16) with regard to the angle of wrap (A1, A2). The metal tubing (20) is unwound by a feed roller (11) in front of the roll straightening passage delivery roller (11′) after said roll straightening passage (10a, 10b). According to the invention, a measuring device (34) for determining the velocity (v1, v2) of the metal tubing (20) is arranged in front of and behind each roll straightening passage (10a, 10b). The measuring device (30) can determine the difference in velocity in front of and behind the roll straightening passage and the feeding device (36, 36′) can be adjusted independently of the difference in velocity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for stretching magnesium-containing aluminum alloy sheet stock into intricate shapes such as are required in automotive body panels. The sheet stock, at a temperature in the range of about 400° C. to about 510° C., is stretched under the pressure of a working gas into conformance with the surface of a forming tool. The sheet forming pressure is increased continually in a controlled manner from ambient pressure to a final forming level in the range of about 250 psi to about 500 psi or higher. A portion of the sheet can experience strain rates substantially higher than 10−3 sec−1 and the forming of the sheet can be completed within 12 minutes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flowturning device (1; 101) for producing an internal geared wheel (17) with inner toothing, one set of which is slanted. The workpiece (9) is held by a retaining member (16; 116) during shaping of the first inner toothing. The workpiece (9) is held by the first toothing on the first shaping toot (2; 102) during shaping of the second inner toothing. Once the internal geared wheel (17) has been finished, the rotational coupling between both shaping tools (2, 4; 102, 104) is detached. The internal geared wheel (17) is detached from the slanted toothing(s) by means of a stripping member (18).

Abstract: An upper work tool mechanism for use in deep rolling operations and having a housing and a cover plate, as well as a cage system for operatively mounting the work rollers, with the cage being designed such that the cage and the cage retainer members have one or more pins associated therewith to uniquely support and strengthen the cage.

Abstract: A method for bending a metallic flanged member includes the steps of applying a compressive force to a flange 2 of a metallic flanged member 1 in a direction that intersects a longitudinal direction of the metallic member for compression plastic deformation of the flange, and thereafter bending the metallic flanged member 1 along a flanged side thereof in such a manner that the flanged side of the metallic flanged member is situated on an inner side of a bending process, and an apparatus for use with the same method.

Abstract: A high-speed rolling apparatus for bars includes a finishing mill and an associated first mill motor and a sizing mill and an associated second mill motor downstream of the finishing mill. The first mill motor power (Wf) and second mill motor power (Ws) satisfy the expression: Wf/Ws≧5. The apparatus provides simple and highly accurate control of the tension that is applied to the bars between the finishing mill and the sizing mill.

Abstract: A piercer roll exchanging apparatus for use in a vertical piercing mill, as well as a piercer roll exchange method for use with the apparatus, which can automate the exchange of piercer rolls and which are suitable for flexible manufacture of small quantities of seamless steel tubes of a variety of sizes. The apparatus comprises a traveling carrier car capable of moving while carrying upper and lower cradles thereon, and a cradle shifter mounted on the traveling carrier car. The cradle shifter shifts the upper and lower cradles from a traveling end position to the interior of a piercing mill body. The cradle shifter includes a spacer clamp for clamping a cradle-to-cradle spacer and for adjusting the vertical position of the spacer, as well as a lower cradle clamp. According to the present invention, automation of piercer roll exchange work and shortening of the exchange time can be attained by means of a simple structure and without deterioration of workability.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow, bullet-shaped article having a strap extending across the normally closed end. The method includes the steps of drawing a metal blank into a cylindrical cup, piercing the bottom of the cup in at least two locations to form a strap, and reducing the diameter of the cup while leaving the length of the strap substantially unchanged so that the strap arcs away from the cup.

Abstract: A pipe bending system employing a feedback and control system that provides continuous data to a programmed processor. The processor is programmed to automatically carry out an incremental bending cycle in which the pipe is clamped by a predefined pressure by the pin-up shoe, a stiffback is moved upwardly to a predefined position to achieve a desired angular bend in the pipe, the stiffback is returned to its fill back position, as is the pin-up shoe, whereupon the pipe is axially moved a predefined distance to proceed with the subsequent incremental bend.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing pipes, especially large pipes, according to the UOE process, wherein a pipe, after internal and external seam welding, is incrementally calibrated by cold expansion up to half the pipe length. The cold expansion is simultaneously used for straightening. For this purpose, the pipe is clamped at the shortest possible distance in front of an expander head, the free pipe end is flexibly deformed, and the pipe is then cold expanded in a known manner. The prestress force thereby decreases and then, after the release of the clamping and the remaining prestress, the pipe moves incrementally by the amount of and expander step width, up to one half of the pipe length. The process is then repeated for the second half of the pipe.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a metal, body-necked can with an ironed wall, for example one intended for being provided on one open side with an easily opening lid in order thereby to form a beverage can, comprising the stages of reducing the diameter of the can with the ironed wall by necking the wall up a considerable part of the height of the can, to be referred to as body-necking, and applying a neck rim by necking the top rim of the can, whereby prior to being body-necked the can is first necked.

Abstract: A system and method for indicating leakage from a contained volume for holding volatile liquid, such as from an evaporative emission space of an automotive vehicle fuel system. A reciprocating pump operates to build pressure in the space toward a nominal test pressure. As the pressure is building toward nominal test pressure, but before nominal test pressure is achieved, measurements of substantially the amount of time required for the pump to execute a defined downstroke are repeatedly taken. These measurements may be referred to as pulse durations, and they are processed by an algorithm to detect when the rate of change in pulse duration changes from positive to negative, thereby defining the inflection point of a logistic curve. Subsequent measurements are taken and processed to predict a value at which substantially the pulse duration will ultimately stabilize. The predicted value is processed to indicate any leakage.

Abstract: Opposing end fittings of a cylindrical tube pressure test fixture uses slanted abutting surfaces between retaining rings and ferrules that securely clamps a tube under high pressure testing. Retaining ring and ferrule friction and applied radial compression induce shear force upon the tube and prevent leaks during pressure testing.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an engine to a dynamometer is provided with an exhaust system, coolant system, electrical system, and an engine mounting system. The systems decrease the time required to dress an engine while increasing test reliability and the number of engines that can be tested in an engine test room.

Abstract: A system and method for indicating when the oil of an engine needs to be changed. The system includes measuring engine parameters such as engine temperature, fueling rate, engine speed, and engine load. At timed intervals, soot generation, viscosity increase, and total base number (TBN) depletion are estimated through a calculation for that time interval. The estimated values from the calculations are accumulated in separate loops. Once the accumulation of soot generation, oil viscosity increase, or TBN depletion reaches a predetermined magnitude for that respective oil property, then an indication or signal is provided to indicate to the engine operator that the oil needs changing. The system is supplemented with real time sensors such as an oil level sensor, a soot sensor, and a viscosity sensor which provide a back up for the calculation of estimates and also prevent catastrophic engine conditions from not being detected through electronic calculation of estimates.

Abstract: A method for correction of the G sensor output of a vehicle. The method is for a vehicle equipped with a G sensor, a wheel speed sensor to detect the rotational speed of a wheel of the vehicle, and an electronic control device conducting computations from the signals received from the G sensor and the wheel speed sensor. The method includes steps of determining the acceleration/deceleration at every predetermined time and the G sensor output value, determining the G sensor zero point from the G sensor output value, and determining the current G sensor zero point based on the G sensor zero point which is determined before the predetermined time.

Abstract: In an apparatus for checking the condition of bank notes, each note is individually transported past a brush whose bristles are in contact with one face of the note. A piezoelectric bi-morph vibration sensor is attached to the brush, the voltage output from the sensor being dependent on the amplitude of vibration of the bristles of the brush brushing against a note. The poorer the condition of a note, i.e. the rougher that its surface is, then the greater will be the amplitude of vibration of the bristles. Thus, from the voltage output of the sensor it can be determined whether a note is of an acceptably good condition.

Abstract: A scanner for moving sheet material such as a paper-making machine provides the gauging heads which measure parameters such as basis weight and moisture entirely inside an enclosed tubular beam. Each gauging head is driven by a single belt which both drives the gauging head in a cross direction perpendicular to the moving sheet direction and provides for dust and dirt protection by covering a slot in the beam, except where the gauging head is located.

Abstract: A proportioning element (10) for proportioning a fluid flow from an input side to an output side of the proportioning element (10) comprises a membrane (12) provided with at least one opening (16) acting as a flow resistor for a medium to be proportioned. The membrane (12) has additionally integrated therein a pressure sensor (14) used for detecting a pressure difference between the input side and the output side of the proportioning element (10). The proportioning element is implemented as a semiconductor chip, the membrane (12) being a semiconductor membrane and areas of the semiconductor chip which are exposed to the medium to be proportioned being provided with a passivation layer.

Abstract: A highly accurate thermosensitive flow rate sensor is able to reduce the detection error of a flow rate even in the case of a flow accompanied by considerable intake air pulsation in an automotive engine or the like. A flow rate detecting section disposed in a main pipe is equipped with a support member having a first guide surface and a second guide surface for guiding a fluid on opposite sides thereof, and a flow rate detection element provided on the second guide surface of the support member. The second guide surface of the support member, on which the flow rate detection element is mounted, extends longer than the first guide surface in the downstream direction.

Abstract: A fill level measuring system for the liquid content of a tank, with a fill level sensor (10, 50) for generating a signal proportional to the height of a point of the liquid level, an additional volume flow sensor (14, 52, 56) for generating a signal proportional to the inflow or outflow, and an indicating instrument (28). To compensate for systematic errors with high-frequency portions, for example due to air turbulence in the case of an airplane, and low-frequency portions, for example due to position changes (climb/descent; upward run/downward run for a motor vehicle) it is proposed to direct the signal of the fill level sensor (10) through a low-pass filter (12) and the signal of the volume flow sensor (14) through a high-pass filter (18), and to sum up both signals before the indicating instrument (28).

Abstract: A side mount liquid level sensor (10) includes limit arms (100, 102) on the float (80) and limit wings (54, 56) on the switch housing, with the limit wings (54, 56) being spaced vertically from the stem (14) of the housing (11) whereby to allow float (80) to traverse a range of travel that is at least 50% of the vertical depth (D) of the slot (86) of float 80 and advantageously substantially equal to that depth (D). The spacing (58) between wings (54, 56) and stem (14) allows wings (100, 102) to pass therebetween for assembly, but not while sensor (10) is in use.

Abstract: A float-type liquid level gauge (20) is provided for measuring the level of a liquid within a storage tank (22). The gauge includes a gauge head (30) adapted for mounting to a portion of liquid storing container, a support arm (32) connected to the gauge head and depending therefrom into the tank, a float arm (34) including an elongate inner arm section (46), an elongate outer arm section (48) and a hinge section (50), and a float (36) connected to the outer end of the float arm. The inner section of the float arm is pivotally connected to the support arm for movement through an arc defining a first plane. The hinge section is connected at a first end to an outer end of the inner arm section and connected at an opposite end to the inner end of the outer arm section.

Abstract: A wiper for use in a system for monitoring fluid level in a fluid storage container. The wiper has a body portion, a first lengthwise end, a second lengthwise end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a width and a pair of resilient contact members electrically connected to one another. Each contact member extends from a corresponding side of the body portion. The wiper also has a guide portion attached to the first lengthwise end. The guide portion has a width larger than the width of the body portion. The wiper includes a recess formed in each side of the body portion for receiving a corresponding resilient contact member thereby allowing the resilient contact members to be compressed so as to be substantially flush with the body portion. In one embodiment, the recesses extend through the guide portion. In one embodiment. the wiper includes an electrically conductive member that has a portion thereof that is embedded in the body portion.

Abstract: Liquid level indicators include an upright cylindrical tube of non-magnetic material, a cylindrical, permanent first magnet element aligned with and movable coaxially within the tube, a float, and an annular, permanent second magnet element aligned with and movable coaxially outside the tube. The first and second magnet elements have magnetic fields in alignment with one another, with one of the first and second magnet elements being carried by the float. The first and second magnet elements are axially spaced relative to one another such that the one magnet element which is carried by the float supports by magnetic attraction the other magnet element which is not carried by the float.

Abstract: To achieve a drive-axis oscillation with improved frequency and amplitude stability, additional feedback loops are used to adjust force-feedback loop parameters. An amplitude-control loop measures oscillation amplitude, compares this value to the desired level, and adjusts damping of the mechanical sense-element to grow or shrink oscillation amplitude as appropriate. A frequency-tuning loop measures the oscillation frequency, compares this value with a highly stable reference, and adjusts the gain in the force-feedback loop to keep the drive-axis oscillation frequency at the reference value. The combined topology simultaneously controls both amplitude and frequency. Advantages of the combined topology include improved stability, fast oscillation start-up, low power consumption, and excellent shock rejection.

Abstract: A tuning-fork vibratory gyro has first and second arms and a base integrally connected to the first and second arms. The gyro includes drive electrodes used to generate tuning-fork vibrations due to a piezoelectric transversal effect, and detection electrodes provided on the first and second arms and used to output a detection voltage due to an angular velocity.

Abstract: A speed sensor assembly is provided that isolates the internal components of the speed sensor from detrimental external environmental influences. Further provided is a new seal that seals between a housing and an overmold of a speed sensor and is capable of use in speed sensors of varying types and of all different sizes and shapes. Provided is a seal in which a bead of glue cured by ultraviolet light is applied around part of the exterior surface of a housing, after which an injected molded plastic overmold is applied over at least that part of the housing having the applied ultraviolet cured glue. In this way, once the housing is overmolded, the ultraviolet cured glue forms a gasket-like seal between the housing and the overmold preventing the penetration of water or other contaminants into the internals of the speed sensor. Also provided is a mounting fixture for use during a process of applying the seal to the housing.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for inspecting a base of a liquid filled tank for corrosion, having (a) a housing for use in the liquid filled tank; (b) a set of one or more ultrasonic transducers mounted to the housing, for directing one or more ultrasonic pulses at the base, where the ultrasonic pulses each have a frequency selected to produce a return signal from the base, and for receiving this return signal; and (c) a data capturing system for storing information from these return signals. Optional features include a second set of one or more ultrasonic transducers for directing one or more ultrasonic pulses at the liquid/gas interface at a frequency selected to produce a return signal from the liquid/gas interface, a data analysis system, a locomotive system, and a spatial location system.

Abstract: A method for detecting vibrations generated by the running of a tire on a safety insert, wherein a vibration signal is measured within a given frequency band and the measurement thus made is processed to detect a mode of resonance generated by this running. The energy of the signal measured by a sensor in two frequency bands, one being narrow and the other being wide, which are centered on the same line of the mode of resonance, is determined. The ratio of these two energies is compared with a given warning threshold.

Abstract: A solid to be tested is preconditioned by drying it to a specified moisture content and its load surface is inserted downward into a test container which takes up test liquid thereby completely wetting the load surface. The test container is immersed in a temperature equalization bath which is temperature controlled. The test liquid is subjected to a predetermined temperature-time profile simulating a freeze-thaw cycle via the temperature-equalization bath. Then, at least one comparison measurement is taken to determine a change in a physical quantity representative of the inner damage to the solid. From the comparative physical values measured, the inner damage to the solid is determined based on the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle and the test liquid.

Abstract: A synthetic phase tuned multi-mode acoustic guided wave system and method activates at least one of a plurality of elements as a receiver or a transmitter and at least two of the elements as transmitters or receivers, respectively, and sequentially excites each of the transmitter elements for creating a train of acoustic guided waves which includes a selected mode, and shifts the acoustic guided waves of the selected mode sensed by the receivers by a period which is a function of the phase velocity of the selected mode and sums them to reinforce the selected mode.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection element and method are provided for improved ultrasonic inspection of curved entry surface parts. The transducer element may be spherically focused, or have a flat surface. The transducer/mirror element combination is used to inspect through a concave or convex surface. A mirror element shapes the sound beam relative to the shape of the curved surface of the part being inspected. Curvature of the mirror is adjusted with a screw, rod, voltage modulator, or other suitable adjustment mechanism. An alternative mechanism includes multiple “quick disconnect” interchangeable curved mirror elements.