Material Flaw Testing Patents (Class 324/238)
  • Patent number: 12216027
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wire rope diagnostic device that is capable of being fastened or unfastened by means of battery packs, and more specifically, to a wire rope diagnostic device for performing safety diagnosis of a wire rope used for a lifting device such as a crane, an elevator, a water gate, and the like in real time that is capable of being fixedly fastened by means of battery packs so that it can be simply installed and separated and allow the battery packs to be easily exchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: NKIA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Soo Yoo, In Hwan Lee, Ki Hoon Shin, Eun Min Yoo, Jung Hwan Son
  • Patent number: 12181625
    Abstract: A system and techniques for detecting near-subsurface voids in the earth use a controlled source electromagnetic transmitter and a plurality of controlled source electromagnetic receivers. Signals received by the plurality of controlled source electromagnetic receivers corresponding to signals generated by the controlled source electromagnetic transmitter are analyzed. Bi-static doublets detected in the received signals are used to identify the location of the near-subsurface voids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: ESG SOLUTIONS GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Trevor Keith Charles Pugh
  • Patent number: 12099033
    Abstract: Provided are: a mechanical property measuring apparatus and method that can accurately measure a mechanical property through physical quantities; a substance manufacturing equipment and method that can improve the production yield rate and high-quality substance. A mechanical property measuring apparatus (100) comprises: a physical quantity measuring unit (5) configured to measure a plurality of physical quantities of a measured object that includes a substance and a film on a surface of the substance; a mechanical property calculating unit (82) configured to calculate, using a plurality of calculation models each for calculating a mechanical property of the substance and at least two of the plurality of physical quantities measured, the mechanical property of the substance for each of the plurality of calculation models; and a selection processing unit (81) configured to select one mechanical property based on the at least two of the plurality of physical quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: JFE STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yutaka Matsui, Takafumi Ozeki, Kazuki Terada, Kenji Adachi, Hiroki Imanaka, Daichi Izumi, Junji Shimamura
  • Patent number: 12038242
    Abstract: Heat exchanger assemblies are provided that can include: a heat exchanger housing; at least one primary conduit operably coupled to the heat exchanger housing and configured to convey a primary heat exchange fluid; at least one secondary conduit operably coupled to the heat exchanger housing and configured to convey a secondary heat exchange fluid; at least one thermal interface between the primary and secondary fluids; and at least one sensor operably engaged with the thermal interface. Heat exchanger assemblies including molten salt, liquid metal, or water/steam as part of the heat exchange fluids of the heat exchanger assembly are provided. The heat exchanger assemblies can include: at least one thermal interface between primary and secondary heat exchange fluids of the heat exchanger assembly; and a sensor operably engaged with the at least one interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Samuel W. Glass, III, Morris S. Good, Matthew S. Prowant
  • Patent number: 11796506
    Abstract: A robotic inspection system to detect discontinuities within bridge cable stays includes a sensing device configured to move along an outer surface of a cable stay to detect magnetic flux leakage within the cable stay, and a transport vehicle is coupled to the sensing device and configured to determine the location of the sensing device on the cable stay. In addition, the system includes a control station configured to wirelessly interface with the sensing device and the transport vehicle, where the control station is configured to generate a cable stay condition assessment report from the detection of the magnetic flux leakage to identify locations and sizes of the discontinuities within the cable stays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: IPC TFIC, LLC
    Inventor: William Seavey
  • Patent number: 11796507
    Abstract: A device and method for detecting wire breakage are provided. The wire breakage detection device includes an excitation coil, a detection coil, and a processor. The detection signal input end of the processor is connected to the detection coil. The excitation coil and the detection coil are located on two sides of a longitudinal section of an inner wall of a to-be-detected pipeline respectively, wherein a conductive closed structure is formed continuously and annularly in the to-be-detected pipeline, the axis of the excitation coil is parallel to the axis of the to-be-detected pipeline, and the axis of the detection coil is perpendicular to the axis of the to-be-detected pipeline. The excitation coil is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field according to an alternating electromagnetic signal, wherein an induced current and an electromagnetic field of the induced current are generated by the to-be-detected pipeline located in the alternating magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: China Inst. of Water Reources & Hydropower Res.
    Inventors: Feng Shang, Guoxin Zhang, Bo Yang, Yi Liu
  • Patent number: 11644439
    Abstract: A magnetic body inspection apparatus includes a magnetic field application unit configured to apply a magnetic field to a long material including a magnetic body to be inspected, a detector configured to excite, in a longitudinal direction of the long material, magnetization of the magnetic body, the detector being configured to acquire a detection signal based on the magnetic field of the magnetic body that has been excited, and a detection apparatus body including the magnetic field application unit and the detector, the detection apparatus body being configured to be attachable to the long material in a short-side direction of the long material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji Iijima
  • Patent number: 11560781
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a plurality of sensor signals, each signal of the plurality of sensor signals being tagged with an associated time and depth. The method also includes selecting a baseline signal. The method further includes comparing a selected sensor signal, of the plurality of sensor signals, to the baseline signal. The method also includes determining a difference between the baseline signal and the selected sensor signal exceeds a threshold. The method includes identifying, based at least in part on the difference, a feature of interest associated with the selected sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sushant Dutta, Joseph Olaiya, Otto Fanini
  • Patent number: 11487039
    Abstract: A system includes a tool to dispose in a wellbore lined with pipe. The tool includes first and second receiver coils having a non-uniform winding along a longitudinal axis, a third receiver coil having a non-uniform winding coaxial with at least one of the first and second receiver coils, and a transmitter. The system includes a processor to execute instructions to perform operations including causing the transmitter to emit an induced magnetic field, measuring the induced magnetic field using the first receiver coil to create a first measurement and using the first and second receiver coils to create a second measurement. The operations include determining a static magnetic field, selecting the first or second measurement based on a magnitude of the static magnetic field to determine a selected measurement, and determining at least one property of the pipe using the selected measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis Emilio San Martin, Burkay Donderici, Freeman Hill, Thomas Louis Joseph Yonley
  • Patent number: 11448620
    Abstract: A system comprising a motorized scanner, a magnetostrictive EMAT sensor, and a mechanism to pressure-couple the sensor against the structure that is going to be ultrasonically inspected. The magnetostrictive EMAT sensor includes a magnet or magnets to provide a biasing field, an EMAT RF coil or coils to generate the RF field, a magnetostrictive strip under the coil or coils where the ultrasound is generated. Different magnet and coil configurations can be used to generate guided waves, such as shear horizontal and lamb waves, or bulk waves at different angles. The motorized scanner moves the sensor on the structure and stops at the desired inspection locations based on position readings. Once in position, a built-in device applies downward pressure on the sensor to pressure couple the magnetostrictive strip against the structure so the ultrasound can propagate within this structure and ultrasonic readings can be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Borja Lopez Jauregui
  • Patent number: 11243158
    Abstract: A method is provided that involves rotational equipment that includes a case and a first rotor blade within the case. During the method, a probe is arranged within the case adjacent the first rotor blade. A magnetic characteristic of the first rotor blade is measured using the probe. Presence of internal corrosion within the first rotor blade is determined based on the measured magnetic characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Xuan Liu, Zhong Ouyang, Andrew DeBiccari, Nicholas M. LoRicco, William J. Brindley, Kathryn Macauley, Christopher J. Bischof
  • Patent number: 11061080
    Abstract: A system for an aircraft includes a heater comprising a resistive heating element and insulation surrounding the resistive heating element. A first current flows into the resistive heating element to provide heat and a second current flows out of the resistive heating element. The system further includes a leakage sensor configured to produce a leakage sensor signal representing a leakage current from the heater and a prediction processor configured to predict heater failure based on the leakage sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Magdi A. Essawy, Minh Bui, John D. Gasser
  • Patent number: 10969426
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes abnormality detectors configured to detect abnormalities in the semiconductor integrated circuit, and a reference voltage output circuit. The reference voltage output circuit includes switches controlled in accordance with detection signals from the abnormality detectors. The reference voltage output circuit is configured to output as an error signal, a reference voltage having one of a plurality of different values depending on conduction states of the switches of the reference voltage output circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tsuneyuki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10921287
    Abstract: A drive coil assembly to generate a specific spatial distribution of eddy currents within the walls of a conductive tube or pipe, which may be used in conjunction with a separate array of magnetic sensors to detect defects in the tubing wall. The drive coil assembly comprises a plurality of coils which are generally wrapped around the circumference of a cylindrical probe body, but which are further shaped with serpentine undulation in the axial direction. The undulation is characterized by a spatial amplitude, a spatial phase and a spatial frequency; typically, the spatial frequency results in an integer number of undulations around the circumference of the drive coil and the phase is chosen to uniformly distribute the lobes about the circumference. The temporal phase of the electrical current in each coil is chosen to null out net current of the assembly around the circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: ZETEC, INC.
    Inventor: Noa M. Rensing
  • Patent number: 10921286
    Abstract: An untethered in-line inspection tool for the non-destructive testing of a tubular test component is described which comprises one or more partial saturation eddy current testing (PSET) modules configured to locate with an internal surface of the test component. The one or more PSET modules comprise a variable strength permanent magnet for generating a variable DC magnetic field within the test component and at least one eddy current sensor. Having an in-line inspection tool that employs PSET techniques allows the in-line inspection tool to operate with an increased range of pipeline types. For the detection of cracks the in-line inspection tool may also comprise one or more crack detection modules. The in-line inspection tool further comprises one or more battery modules. Employing a dedicated battery module removes any need to employ an umbilical or wireline in order to provide power to one or more electromagnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Innospection Group Limited
    Inventor: Andreas Boenisch
  • Patent number: 10871524
    Abstract: A current monitor circuit includes a sense resistor coupled to a direct current (DC) power supply to sense a current signal, an operational amplifier (op-amp) coupled to the sense resistor to sense a voltage developed across the sense resistor, and a low-pass filter coupled to the op-amp and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The low-pass filter reduces aliasing due to out-of-band signal content. The current monitor circuit is coupled to the ADC to provide real-time measurements of power supply load current as input to an active power management (APM) firmware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Ronald R Gross
  • Patent number: 10870781
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the health of an adhesive interface include the formation of an adhesive bond using an adhesive system incorporating molecular-scale magnetic markers covalently attached to polymer components, acquisition of images representing the distribution of magnetic markers within the adhesive bond at a first time and at a later time, and comparison of the images to detect displacement of the magnetic markers between the first time and the later time. The covalent link between the magnetic markers and the adhesive polymer components locks the magnetic markers in place as long as the adhesive bond remains healthy, so displacement of the magnetic markers between the first time and the later time indicates the presence of a bond defect. The images may be acquired using magnetic particle imaging and compared using digital image correlation. Chemical compositions for the magnetic markers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Om Prakash, Megha Sahu
  • Patent number: 10571508
    Abstract: Systems and methods detecting cable connectivity in a smart home environment are provided, including controlling, at a controller, an output of a notification when a condition is determined based on at least one signal received by the controller, converting, at a power converter coupled to a power source, power received by the power source for the controller, coupling, at a cable having at least one connector that includes a plurality of pins, the power converter and the controller together, and providing the converted power via a power pin and the at least one signal via an identification pin to the controller, and outputting, at the controller, the notification based on a determination that there is a power outage with the power supply or that the power converter is disconnected from the power source based on a detected output level of the at least one signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Nevin McConnell, Daran Wang, Nicholas Sims
  • Patent number: 10533891
    Abstract: An inspection system includes a first ultrasonic probe positioned on and configured to move along a surface of a component. The first ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic energy. The inspection system also includes a second ultrasonic probe positioned on and configured to move along the surface of the component opposite the first probe. The second ultrasonic probe receives the ultrasonic energy transmitted by the first ultrasonic probe. Additionally, the inspection system includes a probe alignment system in communication with the first ultrasonic probe and the second ultrasonic probe. The probe alignment system is configured to analyze an energy characteristic for the ultrasonic energy received by the second ultrasonic probe to determine if a displacement characteristic for at least one of the first ultrasonic probe and the second ultrasonic probe requires adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert William Bergman
  • Patent number: 10482591
    Abstract: This invention comprises a system and a method for inspecting the inside of delayed petroleum coking vessels to identify deformations, detect and determine the severity of other defects, and visually observe the inside of the inspected vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Custom Industrial Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Clark, Daryl K. Rutt, John David Stratton
  • Patent number: 10451769
    Abstract: A method for transforming a 2D or 3D earth volume geometry into a 1D earth volume geometry includes performing a measurement using the measurement sensor in a wellbore. A layer boundary in the 2D or 3D earth volume geometry that is nearest to the measurement sensor is identified. A vector from the measurement sensor is generated toward the nearest layer boundary. A first intersection is identified between the vector and the nearest layer boundary, and a second intersection is identified between the vector and another layer boundary. Simulated boundaries that extend through the first and second intersections and are perpendicular to the vector are generated. The 1D earth volume geometry that is bounded by the first and second intersections is identified. A property value is extracted from the 2D or 3D earth volume geometry between the first and second intersections. The property value is assigned to the 1D earth geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John C. Rasmus, Christopher E. Morriss, Koji Ito, Hui Xie, Roger Griffiths, Shahzad A. Asif, David Maggs
  • Patent number: 10302593
    Abstract: A method for detecting the defect of the pipe includes the steps of: detecting a first parameter related to a magnetic induction intensity along a length direction of the pipe; determining whether the first parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold; determining a position at which the first parameter exceeds the predetermined threshold as the position of the defect of the pipe; and determining a degree of the defect of the pipe based on a numerical value of the first parameter exceeding the predetermined threshold. Through the detecting device, the defect in the pipe is decided based on parameters related to the magnetic induction intensity, the position of the defect of the pipe is determined according to a position at which the parameters are abnormal, and the degree of the defect of the pipe is determined according to numerical values of the parameters which are abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: NINGBO YINZHOU CITAL ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Runqiao Yu, Bin Zhang, Bo Hu, Guisuo Xia, Dongfang Cheng, Qiangqiang Cheng
  • Patent number: 10082485
    Abstract: In a method for leakage flux testing of ferromagnetic material to be tested, in particular ferromagnetic pipes, for detecting defects, a testing volume of the material to be tested is magnetized by a constant magnetic field. A surface of the material to be tested is scanned by a probe arrangement for capturing magnetic leakage fields caused by defects. The probe arrangement has a probe array with a multiplicity of magnetic-field-sensitive probes arranged next to one another in a first direction and held at a finite testing distance from the surface of the material to be tested during the testing. Electrical probe signals are evaluated for qualifying the defects. Use is made of a probe arrangement in which the probes each have a probe width in the first direction which lies in the range from 20% of the testing distance up to 10 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Institut Dr. Foerster GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert P. Uhlig, Friedrich Hecker
  • Patent number: 10060882
    Abstract: Testing methods and apparatus for testing the health of steel tubes used in reformers and other tubes and pipes used in other high temperature applications are provided. The method includes the steps of transmitting two sinusoidal electromagnetic signals, each having a different frequency F1 and F2, into the reformer tube, receiving a response signal, and analyzing the received response signal's intermodulation frequencies to determine the state of the steel reformer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal
    Inventors: Michael Masleid, Zofia Niemczura, George Tsvik
  • Patent number: 9976987
    Abstract: A corrosion tracking system within an enclosure can include an electrical circuit through which a first current flows, where the first current creates a magnetic field. The system can also include a target component disposed proximate to the electrical circuit, where the magnetic field induces a number of second currents to flow within the target component. The system can further include a sensor that measures the plurality of second currents flowing within the target component to generate a plurality of measurements. The measurements can indicate whether the target component is experiencing corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Jesse Wade Taylor
  • Patent number: 9940702
    Abstract: This invention comprises a system and a method for inspecting the inside of delayed petroleum coking vessels to identify deformations, detect and determine the severity of other defects, and visually observe the inside of the inspected vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Custom Industrial Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Clark, Daryl K. Rutt, John David Stratton
  • Patent number: 9695642
    Abstract: A drilling system is disclosed. The drilling system includes a drill string and a drill tool coupled to the drill string. The drill tool includes a cylindrical body. The drill tool further includes a plurality of blades on exterior portions of the cylindrical body. Additionally, the drill tool includes an instrumented cutting element on one of the plurality of blades. The instrumented cutting element includes a cutting table and a substrate coupled to the cutting table. The substrate includes a cavity. The instrumented cutting element further includes a core in the cavity and an electrical connector coupled to the substrate. The instrumented cutting element further includes a coil wire coupled to the electrical connector and surrounding portions of the core. The coil wire is configured to generate a signal in response to the instrumented cutting element being proximate to a magnetizable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Thomas Hay
  • Patent number: 9651702
    Abstract: A coil arrangement for a magnetic sensor for detecting metallic objects in a subgrade, in particular structures made of concrete, brick, and wood, as well as a method for energizing and reading out this coil arrangement, is disclosed. The coil arrangement includes one or preferably two stacked outer main coils via which a perpendicular magnetomotive force of the subgrade is effected. Provided within the outer main coil(s) is, on the one hand, a quartet of a total of two pairs of parallel coils lying symmetrical to the axis of the main coil(s), via which a magnetomotive force penetration of the subgrade in two directions parallel to the subgrade surface is possible. To further improve the accuracy and reliability of localizing objects and estimating depth of cover, two pairs of smaller orthogonal coils each opposite from one another and also arranged symmetrically to the axis of the main coil(s) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Torsten Gogolla, Christoph Wuersch, Andreas John
  • Patent number: 9546982
    Abstract: Testing methods and apparatus for testing the health of steel tubes used in reformers and other tubes and pipes used in other high temperature applications. The method includes the steps of transmitting two sinusoidal electromagnetic signals, each having a different frequency F1 and F2, into the reformer tube, receiving a response signal, and analyzing the received response signal's intermodulation frequencies to determine the state of the steel reformer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal
    Inventors: Michael A. Masleid, Zofia E. Niemczura, George B. Tsvik
  • Patent number: 9170235
    Abstract: An eddy current testing apparatus includes: an eddy current testing probe having an eddy current testing coil arranged on a bottom portion of a casing; a pressing mechanism configured to press the eddy current testing probe so that the bottom portion of the eddy current testing probe is placed in contact with a part of an inner wall surface of a slot formed in an object to be inspected; a carriage configured to mount the pressing mechanism and the eddy current testing probe, the carriage traveling in a depth direction of the slot; and an eddy current testing control device configured to control defect detection for the inner wall surface of the slot by acquiring a detected eddy current signal from the eddy current testing coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Nishimizu, Atsushi Ishihara, Jun Matsumoto, Takayuki Kawanaka
  • Patent number: 9103798
    Abstract: A magnetic inspection device and method for nondestructive testing of wire ropes and the like utilizes a leakage flux generator moveable relative to a wire rope to be inspected for inducing in sections of the wire rope magnetic flux at a saturation level. A leakage flux detector moves with the leakage flux generator, and cooperates with the leakage flux generator for detecting leakage flux at the outer surface of the wire rope saturated by the generator. The detector provides a high fidelity signal representative of the loss of metallic cross section at individual locations along the wire rope. A signal processor receiving the high fidelity signal representative of the loss of metallic cross section from the detector extracts a wire rope roughness component from the high fidelity signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: NDT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert R. Weischedel
  • Patent number: 9103801
    Abstract: In a defect detection device for a turbine rotor blade, a recess is provided in a side surface of a web provided to the inner circumferential side of a stationary blade diaphragm where stationary blades are annularly arranged adjacent to turbine rotor blades. An eddy current probe is movably installed in the recess, and a rod provided with a signal line for transmitting a signal detected by the eddy current probe, connected to the eddy current prove, is set up to be movable through a hole in a turbine casing and an air gap formed in the stationary blade diaphragm. The eddy current probe is moved toward or away from the turbine rotor blade implanting portion, and a data analyzer determines the condition of a defect occurred in the turbine rotor blade implanting portion based on the signals detected by the eddy current probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuya Hirano, Akira Nishimizu, Takeshi Kudo
  • Patent number: 8981771
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a metallic structure. A first signal is sent into a first location in the metallic structure and a second signal into a second location in the metallic structure at substantially a same time. A first response to the first signal is received. A second response to the second signal is received. The first response is compared with the second response to form a comparison. A determination is made as to whether an inconsistency is present using the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Thompson, Gary E. Georgeson
  • Publication number: 20150061659
    Abstract: The invention concerns a structural integrity assessment system and method for determining stress concentration zones in a structure, such as a pipeline. The invention comprises a magnetic field sensor array arranged to be moved relative to the structure in a known direction. A controller is provided for recording one or more magnetic field readings taken by the magnetic field sensor array at different locations in the direction of movement thereof. A processor is arranged to identify one or more feature within said values, said feature being indicative of a region of reduced structural integrity in the structure. The processor also receives a data input for a further parameter corresponding to the location of the sensor array and compares the feature with the further parameter in order to verify that said feature corresponds to a region of reduced structural integrity for the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: SPEIR HUNTER LTD.
    Inventors: Steven Freear, Ben Varcoe, David Matthew Joseph Cowell, Stephen George Henry Staples, Chau Vo
  • Publication number: 20150054501
    Abstract: A method of inspecting a component (1) on the basis of Barkhausen noises in which a plurality of Barkhausen noise signals are processed, which have been or are determined at measurement positions (PS1, PS2, . . . , PS9) along the surface of the component (1) by a measuring device. According to the method, a computer forms a measurement matrix (M) from the Barkhausen noise signals, which matrix contains the Barkhausen noise signals detected as entries. A variety of characteristics are specified, each of which represents at least one cause of a manufacturing defect(s) of the component (1), each characteristic is associated with a processing procedure of the measurement matrix (M). The procedure is specific for the characteristic concerned. Finally, for each characteristic the measurement matrix (M) undergoes the associated processing procedure in which the intensity of the characteristic concerned is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Oliver Bleicher, Herman Yakaria, Yiwen Xu
  • Patent number: 8960012
    Abstract: Yield stress is an important indicator of the strength of a component such as a pipe section. A method and apparatus for measuring yield stress of components made from magnetic materials is provided. The magnetic permeability of the material is recorded at multiple stress levels below yield establishing a permeability-stress relationship. The yield stress is then estimated as a function of the recorded permeability-stress relationship. The permeability stress relationship may be non-linear for a range of stress levels, achieving a peak permeability response for a stress below yield. The yield stress may be estimated as a multiple of the stress at which the peak permeability response is recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Dunford, Neil J. Goldfine, Shayan Haque
  • Patent number: 8941376
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automated measurement of the residual magnetic field strength of magnetized ferromagnetic workpieces, especially steel tubes, the residual magnetic field exiting the face of the tube end being measured by means of a measuring probe. Instead of directly measuring the residual field strength on the face, the curve of at least one magnetic field component is measured on the outer surface of the tube at least in the region of the tube ends and beyond the tube ends and the residual field strength on the face is inferred on the basis of the previously determined correlations between the residual field strength measured on the face and on the tube surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Vallourec Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Kaack, Stefan Nitsche, André Germes
  • Publication number: 20150008912
    Abstract: A method and a device detect mechanical changes in a component formed of a ferromagnetic material. The mechanical stress in the component is determined using at least one magnetoelastic sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Carl Udo Maier, Jochen Ostermaier
  • Patent number: 8928316
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for characterizing composite materials for manufacturing quality assurance (QA), periodic inspection during the useful life, or for forensic analysis/material testing. System are provided that relate eddy-current sensor responses to the fiber layup of a composite structure, the presence of impact damage on a composite structure with or without a metal liner, volumetric stress within the composite, fiber tow density, and other NDE inspection requirements. Also provided are systems that determine electromagnetic material properties and material dimensions of composite materials from capacitive sensor inspection measurements. These properties are related to the presence of buried defects in non-conductive composite materials, moisture ingress, aging of the material due to service or environmental/thermal exposure, or changes in manufacturing quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, Andrew P. Washabaugh, Robert Lyons, Zachary Thomas, David A. Jablonski, Christopher Martin
  • Patent number: 8928315
    Abstract: An insertion type eddy current flaw detection probe capable of more accurately detecting flaws in magnetic tubes is provided. A method for inspecting magnetic tubes for flaws with high accuracy is also provided. A eddy current flaw detection probe contains a cylindrical yoke (1), a plurality of detection coils (5) disposed around the central portion of the cylindrical yoke in the direction of a cylindrical axis thereof, first and second inner excitation coils (6) disposed on both sides of the plurality of detection coils in the direction of the cylindrical axis, and first and second permanent magnets (3, 4) disposed around the yoke on both sides of the first and second excitation coils in the direction of the cylindrical axis so that the direction of magnetizations thereof are parallel to the radial direction of the yoke and magnetic poles on the cylindrical yoke side thereof are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuo Hashimoto, Hisakazu Mori, Hidehiko Suetsugu, Toyokazu Tada
  • Patent number: 8917090
    Abstract: A device for inspecting an annular sealing wiper extending at the surface of a bladed-wheel drum of a rotor. The device includes a carriage including at least two guide wheels and carrying a probe situated in a location such that, when the carriage is in position, the probe is positioned facing an edge of the wiper for inspection and at a determined distance therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Sadia Bousquet, Gerard Derrien, Carolina Garcia-Lopez, Jean-Jacques Nedelec
  • Publication number: 20140347041
    Abstract: Provided is a defect inspection device of a steel plate. The defect inspection device according to the present invention includes a plurality of inspection units arranged in a width direction of the steel plate, wherein each of the plurality of inspection units includes a first magnetized pole and a second magnetized pole corresponding to each other. Also, the inspection unit includes: a magnetizing part generating a magnetic flux for magnetizing the steel plate in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a rolling direction through the first magnetized pole and the second magnetized pole; and a detection part detecting a leakage flux that leaks due to defects existing in or on the steel plate by using the flux generated by the magnetizing part. Thus, the defects may be correctly detected through the defect inspection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ju-Seung Lee, Se-Ho Choi, Sang-Woo Choi, Jong-Pil Yun, Shin-Hwan Kang, Ki-Jang Oh
  • Patent number: 8884613
    Abstract: A water-chamber working apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes a movable body that can move along a tube plate 12 of a steam generator 10, an extendable member 21 that extends and retracts in a direction in which a first coupling portion 21d approach each other and a direction in which these portions move away from each other, where the first coupling portion 21d is attached to a maintenance hatch 15 via a first joint 23a including two rotation axes intersecting with each other, and the second coupling portion 21e is attached to the movable body via a second joint 23b including two rotation axes intersecting with each other, which are different from the rotation axes of the first joint 23a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Fujita
  • Patent number: 8878527
    Abstract: A system for testing a magnetic sensor has a plurality of coils, wherein the coils are positioned along perpendicular planes. A magnetic field is generated along each of the perpendicular planes when a current is sent to each of the plurality of coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Amkor Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Raimondo Sessego, Gerard John, Pete Duchine
  • Patent number: 8866471
    Abstract: A probe for eddy current monitoring of the surface of a circumferential slot formed in a turbojet disk. The probe includes a stem fastened to a support and a first multi-element sensor constrained to move with the stem and configured to be inserted into the circumferential slot to perform the inspection, and a second multi-element sensor. The two multi-element sensors are disposed back to back, and the stem of the probe is mounted to pivot about its own axis to enable the two multi-element sensors to be inserted in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Patrick Cabanis, Sandra Cheynet, Patrick Gaisnon, Luc Ravize
  • Patent number: 8866472
    Abstract: A device for detection of at least one defect in a concave or convex structure including an emitting part and a receiving part, in which the emitting part includes at least one current layer that makes it possible to create currents oriented approximately along a same direction as the defects whose influence is to be minimized and the receiving part includes at least one magnetic field receiver, added on or etched on a flexible support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: Commissariat à l' énergie Atomique et aux énergies Alternatives, Institut de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Decitre, Olivier Casula, Gerard Cattiaux
  • Patent number: 8847586
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor inspection apparatus has a rectangular frame including a stage, a probe card, and a plurality of magnetic field generating coils. A wafer-like array of magnetic sensors is mounted on the stage, which is movable in horizontal and vertical directions. The probe card includes a plurality of probes which are brought into contact with a plurality of magnetic sensors encompassed in a measurement area. The magnetic field generating coils are driven to generate a magnetic field toward the stage. A plurality of magnetic field environment measuring sensors is arranged in the peripheral portion of the probe card surrounding the probes. A magnetic field controller controls magnetic fields generated by the magnetic field generating coils based on the measurement result of the magnetic field environment measuring sensors. Thus, it is possible to concurrently inspect a wafer-like array of magnetic sensors with the probe card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8841904
    Abstract: A probe for detecting distortions in a material includes a probe body, a ferrite core in the probe body, an excitation coil encircling the ferrite core and adapted to generate eddy currents, further magnetic shielding surrounding the excitation coil, and at least one giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor disposed in magnetic field-communicating relationship with the excitation coil and off-center with respect to the excitation coil's axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven K. Brady, Donald D. Palmer, Jr., Jeffrey R. Kollgaard
  • Patent number: 8841902
    Abstract: A test set-up (10) for non-destructive detection of a flaw in a device being tested by means of an eddy current has an excitation coil (14), to which an excitation signal (SE) can be sent to act on the device being tested (16) with an electromagnetic alternating field, a receiving coil (17) to generate a coil signal (SP), which is a function of the flaw in the device being tested (16), an analog-digital converter (21), which is coupled to the receiving coil (17) on the input side, a filter arrangement (22), which is coupled to the analog-digital converter (21) on the input side and is designed for band-pass filtering and scan rate reduction, and a demodulator (27), which is coupled to an output of the filter arrangement (22) on the input side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Prüftechnik Dieter Busch AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Lysen, Werner Bräu
  • Patent number: RE48734
    Abstract: Testing methods and apparatus for testing the health of steel tubes used in reformers and other tubes and pipes used in other high temperature applications. The method includes the steps of transmitting two sinusoidal electromagnetic signals, each having a different frequency F1 and F2, into the reformer tube, receiving a response signal, and analyzing the received response signal's intermodulation frequencies to determine the state of the steel reformer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal
    Inventors: Michael A. Masleid, Zofia E. Niemczura, George B. Tsvik