Plural Sensors Patents (Class 324/243)
  • Patent number: 11965856
    Abstract: A method for detecting a metal residue present in an electric-resistance-welded steel pipe includes a first step of inserting the electric-resistance-welded steel pipe into an exciting coil while relatively moving the electric-resistance-welded steel pipe in a longitudinal direction and magnetizing the electric-resistance-welded steel pipe using a direct current at a field intensity capable of magnetizing the electric-resistance-welded steel pipe and the metal residue up to a magnetic saturation state by the exciting coil and a second step of inserting the electric-resistance-welded steel pipe into a detecting coil while relatively moving the electric-resistance-welded steel pipe in the longitudinal direction, detecting an induced electromotive force generated in the detecting coil by a change in a magnetic flux caused by the direct-current magnetization by the exciting coil in the first step as an output signal of the detecting coil, and detecting the metal residue present in the electric-resistance-welded s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Suzuma, Yoshiyuki Nakao
  • Patent number: 11630230
    Abstract: The invention concerns a system (1) and a method for scanning a person (2) before access to a restricted access area (3), comprising a processing unit (14) and a metal detector (10, 70) for detecting metal in the shoes (20) or in a waist portion of the person walking on a surface (15). The processing unit controls an indication unit (12, 13) for: letting the person walk towards the restricted area if a first scan indicates the probability of the presence of metal lower than a first threshold; in case of a probability higher than the first threshold, prompting the person to carry out a second scan close to a mark (11) on the carpet; and prompting the user to remove his shoes or object if the first scan indicates a probability higher than a second threshold, or if the second scan indicates a probability higher than a third threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Sedect SA
    Inventors: Frédéric Monnier, Marc Lany, Luis Filipe Soldado Granadeiro Rosado, Gilles Santi, Bernard Revaz, Alain Berthoud
  • Patent number: 11487038
    Abstract: The present invention, thanks to the horizontal positional tracking unit (20)—mounted to a hand-held metal detector (10)—consisting of optical flow sensor lens (22), an optical flow sensor camera (21), an optical flow sensor processor (23), a height sensor (24) and an IMU sensor (25); allows the calculation of the depth of the target (60) by tracking the horizontal position while the user freely sweeps the search head (11) of the metal detector (10) with the “optical flow” method and using the metal detection signals received from many point positions around the detected target center with this position; so it relates to a method of measuring a target depth and a metal detector using this method, which allow calculation to be made independently of the type and practical the size of the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: NOKTA MUHENDISLIK A.S.
    Inventors: Basri Kutlu Yavas, Mehmet Onlek
  • Patent number: 10917092
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor comprises a substrate, a first coil supported by the substrate and configured to carry a first current in a first direction to generate a first magnetic field, and a second coil supported by the substrate and nested within the first coil to form a gap between the first and second coils, the second coil configured to carry a second current in a second, opposite direction to generate a second magnetic field. A plurality of magnetic field sensing elements is configured to detect the first and second magnetic fields. A switching network is coupled to the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements and configured to connect the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements to form a first bridge circuit having a first arrangement of the magnetic field sensing elements and a second bridge circuit having a second arrangement of the magnetic field sensing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventor: Hernán D. Romero
  • Patent number: 10895658
    Abstract: The method and system are disclosed for operating a metal detector having a balanced coil system with a drive coil that is connected to a transmitter unit which provides a transmitter signal with at least one operating frequency (fTX), and with first and second detection coils that provide an output signal to a receiver unit that processes a related receiver signal which includes an imbalance signal, and that provides digital in-phase and quadrature components (dI, dQ) of the demodulated imbalance signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: METTLER-TOLEDO SAFELINE LTD.
    Inventor: Yifei Zhao
  • Patent number: 10759201
    Abstract: In an example implementation, a method of adjusting frame length in an inkjet web press includes measuring a time T1 between a first sensor sensing a first mark and a second sensor sensing a second mark, and measuring a time T2 between the second sensor sensing the second mark and the first sensor sensing a next first mark. The method includes adjusting a gap between printed frames when T1 does not equal T2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Carlos Millan-Lorman, Jason C. Hower, Cesar Fernandez, Timothy Wagner
  • Patent number: 10677952
    Abstract: A self-balance noise reduction metal detection double-coil comprises a main magnetic field transmitting coil and a plurality of induction coils. Each induction coil is composed of two inductors and induction unicoils in series connection, wherein the induction unicoils have similar Q values and are arranged in parallel. Every two adjacent induction coils are arranged in an overlapping mode. The multiple induction coils are arranged in the main magnetic field transmitting coil. The induction coils do not need to be adjusted, and the self-balance noise reduction metal detection double-coil is high in anti-electromagnetic interference capacity, unlikely to cause false alarms and free of weak induction zones, can normally operate in complex metal environments without being distributed, and is simple in structure, easy to machine and suitable for volume production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Lan Wang
  • Patent number: 10119245
    Abstract: Vacuum units and vacuum trucks, for example, for excavating material, for instance, around buried utility lines. Multiple embodiments include an air and water nozzle that provides air and water to break up material (e.g., earth) that is picked up by a vacuum system. Various embodiments include a vacuum system, a compressed air system, a water system, and an air and water nozzle configured to be hand guided by an operator while excavating the material. In a number of embodiments, the air and water nozzle can include a body that is hand held by the operator while excavating the material, an air passageway through the body, a water passageway through the body, an air valve, a water valve, an air control that opens and closes the air valve, and a water control that opens and closes the water valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: KAISER PREMIER LLC
    Inventors: Brandon R. Buchleiter, Marcus A. Thomas, Christopher R. Hall, Daniel J. Kluesner, Jason E. Habrock
  • Patent number: 10107903
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a human body security inspection apparatus, comprising: a base on which an inspected human stands; a millimeter-wave transceiver configured to perform a millimeter-wave scanning operation on the body of the inspected human standing on the base so as to detect whether or not the inspected human carries contraband and output a first signal; and a metal sensing detector arranged within the base and configured to detect whether or not there is a metallic foreign object in underside of a shoe of the inspected human and output a second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignees: NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Chen, Ziran Zhao, Wanlong Wu, Lin Yang, Yingkang Jin, Ming Ruan, Chengcong Xu
  • Patent number: 10078147
    Abstract: Various embodiments are described that relate to a detector. The detector can include a loop functioning at a high frequency that emits a magnetic field. The magnetic field can be retrieved and a comparison can be made between the emitted magnetic field and the retrieved magnetic field. If there is substantially little difference between the emitted and retrieved field, then a determination can be that no object is present. Conversely, if there is a substantial difference between the emitted and retrieved field, then the determination can be that an object is present and thus the object is detected. If the object is present, the returned magnetic field can be further analyzed to determine the type of object that is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Daniel Charles Heinz, Adam William Melber, Michael Leonard Brennan, Michael Steer
  • Patent number: 9995713
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a ferromagnetic object located on or in a person being screened comprises a first magnetic sensor which in use measures an ambient magnetic field or gradient within a first volume of space and produces a corresponding measurement signal, a primary power supply which provides power to the magnetic sensor, a signal processing circuit arranged in communication with the magnetic sensors configured to identify temporal variations in the measurement signal and from the identified temporal variations provide an output signal indicative of the presence of a ferromagnetic object within the volume of space, and a warning device operable by the output from the signal processing circuit to provide within the vicinity the apparatus at least one of an audible and a visible warning in response to the output signal from the signal processing circuit. The apparatus include a user operable input means which enables the warning device to be disabled by a user without powering down the magnetic sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Metrasens Limited
    Inventors: Simon Wray Goodyear, Simon Edward James Collinge, Mark Nicholas Keene
  • Patent number: 9911527
    Abstract: A safety system includes an electromagnet positioned in an area. A power controller is coupled to the electromagnet to supply power to the electromagnet in accordance with an event. A trigger mechanism configured to trigger the event when the area is traversed by a person with a weapon such that upon activation of the electromagnet a magnetic force is generated capable of attracting the weapon to make continued use difficult or impossible within the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: James J. Bitetto
  • Patent number: 9857440
    Abstract: A stable assembly of a metal detector is disclosed which can ensure a tension free physical connection between a former and a case of the metal detector. The metal detector includes a case with at least four closed sides and two openings, a non-conductive former having a pass-through aperture, and electromagnetic coils arranged on the former to produce an electromagnetic field within the former which is disturbed by a metallic body passing through the aperture. The former formed into a single piece and having a width equal to the inner width of the case, is inserted into the case from the front side of the case. The space between the former and the case is filled with a potting medium. The physical connection between the former and the case includes a protruding-recess which is strengthened by an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: METTLER-TOLEDO SAFELINE LTD.
    Inventors: Paul Ellison, Tim Mills, Daren Butterworth
  • Patent number: 9817387
    Abstract: A method of identifying a multi-component cutting tool assembly to a user includes the steps of: receiving an indication from the user of a desired characteristic of at least one of the cutting tool assembly or of a workpiece to be machined, determining at least a portion of a first set of characteristics associated with a first component of the plurality of tool components corresponds to the desired characteristic, determining at least a portion of a second set of characteristics associated with a second component of the plurality of tool components corresponds to a portion of the first set of characteristics and responsive thereto grouping the first component and the second component together to form a combination and identifying the combination to the user as the cutting tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: KENNAMETAL INC
    Inventors: Mitchell D. Benko, Colin John Deem, Pradeep Hemmanur, Fred Patterson, Karen Gallentine
  • Patent number: 9759686
    Abstract: Inspection systems provided herein include drive coils capable of being excited to generate a substantially uniform magnetic field about an object. The object includes a ferromagnetic adhesive adhered thereto. The inspection systems may also include an array of sensor coils adapted to detect the magnetic field from the drive coils after the magnetic field interacts with the ferromagnetic adhesive and to produce a voltage output corresponding to the detected magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mandar Diwakar Godbole, Changting Wang, Andrzej Michal May, Nilesh Tralshawala, Waseem Ibrahim Faidi
  • Patent number: 9746573
    Abstract: Systems for locating hidden utilities using a portable transmitter for generating and coupling current signals to the hidden utility and a portable locator including a display for providing a representation of a current signal ratio are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, David A. Cox, Michael J. Martin, Ray Merewether, Amos Jessup
  • Patent number: 9739740
    Abstract: Fluid sensor and method comprising: an oscillator having operating characteristics. Permittivity sensing element coupled to the oscillator and arranged to alter the operating characteristics of the oscillator in response to changes in permittivity presented to the permittivity sensing element. Reference element comprising an electrical impedance having a real and imaginary component controllably coupled to both the oscillator and the permittivity sensing element and arranged to alter the operating characteristics of the oscillator. Method of measuring the composition of a fuel comprising the steps of: measuring a real permittivity of the fuel. Measuring an imaginary permittivity of the fuel. Determining a proportion of biodiesel in the fuel based on the measured real permittivity. Determining a proportion of unrefined oil in the fuel based on the measured imaginary permittivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Salunda Limited
    Inventor: Peter Wherritt
  • Patent number: 9664809
    Abstract: A metal detector system 30 for sensing target (e.g., metal) objects within soil or other strata includes a pickup head 36 carrying an excitation coil configured to generate an excitation signal to energize a target object 400 and uses a 2-D (e.g., planar, rectangular) array of pixel-receive coils configured within the pickup head to receive electro-magnetic energy from the energized target object. As the user moves the pickup head across the strata's surface, the pixel-receive coils sense relative motion between each pixel-receive coil and the energized target object, where motion is detectable as individually sensed changes in received signal levels among the pixel-receive coils. The metal detector system also includes a 2-D display 46 which depicts or visually represents the 2-D array of pixel-receive coils and generates a changing display of any sensed moving target object 60 in response to sensed changes in received signal levels among the pixel-receive coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Terry Fry
  • Patent number: 9494539
    Abstract: A metal detector (420) has a metallic enclosure (421) with entrance and exit apertures (430, 431) whose cross-sectional areas differ from each other. Inside the enclosure is a coil system with a transmitter coil (423) and first and second receiver coils (424, 425). The apertures and the coil system enclose a detection zone (428) around a travel path on which objects under inspection move. The asymmetric detection zone has a variable cross-section along the travel path and the coils differ in size from each other. The receiver coils are connected in series, but their windings are wired with the opposite sense of rotation relative to each other. Energizing the transmitter coil generates a primary electromagnetic field that induces a first voltage and a second voltage in the corresponding receiver coils. Despite the asymmetry, the respective voltages cancel each other when no metal is present in the object investigated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: METTLER-TOLEDO SAFELINE LTD., TNA AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Daren Butterworth, Alfred Alexander Taylor, Darren Ken Alchin
  • Patent number: 9391477
    Abstract: There is provided a wireless power transmitting device which can detect relative positions of a power transmitting coil and a power receiving coil with a simple configuration, and reduce cost of components. The wireless power transmitting device has: a power transmitting coil which supplies power to a power receiving coil by way of electromagnetic induction; an excitation coil which excites the power receiving coil; a plurality of detecting coils which are arranged around a center of the power transmitting coil; and notifying units, and each of the detecting coils has a shape which widens apart from the center of the power transmitting coil, and the notifying units notify relative positions of the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil by detecting an echo signal produced in the power receiving coil through the plurality of detecting coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: TOKO, INC.
    Inventor: Jianxin Sheng
  • Patent number: 9329297
    Abstract: A receiver and tracking system for identifying a location of a magnetic field source. In a preferred embodiment a plurality of tri-axial antennas are positioned at three distinct points on a receiver frame. Each antenna detects a magnetic field from a source and a processor is used to determine a location of the source relative to the frame using the antenna signals. Each tri-axial antenna comprises three windings in each of three channels defined by a support structure. The windings each define an aperture area. The windings have substantially identical aperture areas and have a common center point. The receiver may to display to the operator the relative location of the field source or may direct the operator to a spot directly above the field source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott B. Cole, Brian J. Schrock, David R. Brown
  • Patent number: 9157892
    Abstract: To provide a surface property inspection device and surface property inspection method with which the surface treatment condition of treated material such as steel subjected to such surface treatments as shot-peening treatment or heat treatment, nitriding, and the like can be non-destructively and precisely inspected, and which offers a high degree of general purpose application. A surface property inspection device 1 includes an AC power supply, an AC bridge circuit, and a judgment device, and the AC bridge circuit has a variable resistor with a variable split ratio ?, a benchmark detector, and an inspection detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: SINTOKOGIO, LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiyasu Makino
  • Patent number: 9103939
    Abstract: A method for detecting an electrically and/or magnetically conductive object in a vicinity of a sensor head of a device, having the following steps: emitting a transmitting signal into the surroundings, receiving a received signal as a function of the transmitting signal and the characteristics of the object and the surroundings, analyzing a response signal formed from the received signal. According to the invention, the detection is controlled by providing a class system having a number of classes, which differ from one another in at least one object and/or surroundings characteristic, and classifying instantaneous object and/or surroundings characteristics as a function of the analyzed response signal in a class of the class system, and predefining detection characteristics which are preset in the classified class, a further response signal being detected using the predefined detection characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Winter, Torsten Gogolla, Dietmar Schoenbeck, Andreas John, Christoph Wuersch
  • 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: 8907680
    Abstract: A voltage detector for detecting a voltage generated in a second resonant coil that is disposed to face a first resonant coil and that performs at least one of electric power transmission and electric power reception to and from the first resonant coil in a contactless manner by means of electromagnetic resonance includes: a first high-impedance element having one end connected to one end of the second resonant coil; a second high-impedance element having one end connected to the other end of the second resonant coil; a low-impedance element connected between the other end of the first high-impedance element and the other end of the second high-impedance element and having an impedance smaller than each of those of the first and second high-impedance elements; and an output terminal for outputting a signal associated with a voltage applied across the low-impedance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sakakibara, Shinji Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20140339907
    Abstract: A detecting device includes: a measurement coil made up of a first partial coil to which current in a particular direction is induced by a magnetic field to be supplied to a power reception coil configured to receive power, a second partial coil to which the current in the particular direction is induced by the magnetic field, and a third partial coil, which is disposed between the first and second partial coils, to which current in the opposite direction of the particular direction is induced by the magnetic field; a measurement unit configured to measure the voltage of the measurement coil as measurement coil voltage; and a foreign object detecting unit configured to detect a foreign object within the magnetic field based on the measurement coil voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Uichiro Omae, Takashi Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20140339908
    Abstract: A detection apparatus includes: a measurement coil disposed in a vicinity of a power reception coil configured to receive power supplied through a magnetic field; a measurement section configured to measure a voltage of the measurement coil as a measurement coil voltage; and a foreign object detection section configured to obtain an electrical characteristic value of at least one of the power reception coil and the measurement coil on the basis of the measurement coil voltage, and to detect a foreign object in the magnetic field if the electrical characteristic value is lower than a predetermined lower limit threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Uichiro Omae, Tamotsu Kiyakawauchi
  • Publication number: 20140339906
    Abstract: A detecting device includes: a measurement coil made up of a first partial coil to which current in a particular direction is induced by a magnetic field to be supplied to a power reception coil configured to receive power, and a second partial coil to which the current in the opposite direction of the particular direction is induced by the magnetic field; a measurement unit configured to measure the voltage of the measurement coil as measurement coil voltage; and a foreign object detecting unit configured to detect a foreign object within the magnetic field based on the measurement coil voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Miyamoto, Uichiro Omae
  • Patent number: 8884614
    Abstract: Present embodiments include eddy current array probes having differential coils capable of detecting both long and short flaws in a test specimen and, additionally or alternatively, multiplexed drive coils. For example, an eddy current array probe may include a first plurality of eddy current channels disposed in a first row and a second plurality of eddy current channels disposed in a second row. The first plurality and second plurality of eddy current channels overlap in a first direction but do not overlap in a second direction. The probe also includes a semi-circular drive coil disposed proximate to the first plurality and second plurality of eddy current channels and configured to generate a probing magnetic field for each sense coil of the eddy current channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Changting Wang, Yuri Alexeyevich Plotnikov, Mandar Diwakar Godbole, Aparna Chakrapani Sheila-Vadde
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140266175
    Abstract: A probe and method for detecting magnetic particles. In one embodiment, the probe includes a probe core having a first end and a second end, the probe core defining two regions for containing coils of wire, one of the regions being adjacent the first end of the cylindrical probe core; two sense coils, one each of the sense coils being located in a respective one of the regions; and two drive coils, one each of the drive coils being located in a respective one of the regions, wherein the regions are separated by a distance equal to or greater than the diameter of one of the coils and a source of a secondary magnetic drive field. In another embodiment, the frequency of the drive signal of the secondary magnetic drive field is less than the frequency of the drive signal of the primary drive coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Simon Richard Hattersley, Peter Georg Laitenberger, Audrius Brazdeikis
  • Publication number: 20140266174
    Abstract: A probe for detecting magnetic particles. In one embodiment, the probe includes: a cylindrical probe core having a first end and a second end, the cylindrical probe core defining two channels for containing coils of wire, one of the channels being adjacent the first end of the cylindrical probe core; two sense coils, one each of the sense coils being located in a respective one of the channels; and two drive coils, one each of the drive coils being co-located with the respective sense coil in a respective one of the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Simon Richard Hattersley, Peter Georg Laitenberger, Audrius Brazdeikis
  • Patent number: 8823369
    Abstract: A non-destructive inspection system that has particular application for inspecting a bore in a valve for defects. The system includes an inspection yoke having a ferromagnetic core, where a first coil is wound around the core in one direction and a second coil is wound around the core in an orthogonal direction so that orthogonal electromagnetic fields can be generated within the bore. A controller provides a current flow through the coils to generate the electromagnetic fields to detect defects in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Segletes, Erik A. Lombardo
  • Patent number: 8717013
    Abstract: The device comprises a magnetization unit, which generates a constant magnetic field, to which the test specimen (12) is exposed so as to magnetize it. The magnetization unit and test specimen (12) carry out a relative motion to each other, thereby inducing eddy currents in the test specimen (12). The magnetization unit has at least one yoke (10) projecting in the direction of the relative motion. In addition to a probe (14), which is offset toward the back with respect to the magnetization unit in the direction of the relative motion and which is suited to detect damage based on the influence of the damage on the induced eddy current, the device comprises at least one further probe (16) between the yoke limbs of the magnetization unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Juergen Rohmann
  • Publication number: 20130303924
    Abstract: A planar coil arrangement (400) for a magnetic induction impedance measurement apparatus comprises an excitation coil (102) configured for generating a magnetic excitation field in an object, and a detection coil (404) configured for detecting a magnetic response field generated in response to the magnetic excitation field inducing a current in the object. In order to minimize an effect of the magnetic excitation field in the detection coil (404), the detection coil (404) is radially symmetrical shaped with respect to the excitation coil (102) and is arranged relative to the excitation coil (102) such that the magnetic excitation field is minimized in the detection coil (404).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Rosell Ferrer, Claudia Hannelore Igney, Matthias Hamsch
  • Patent number: 8575923
    Abstract: A magnetic inspection station for tubular members and methods for operating the same have a longitudinal flaw detection assembly adapted to pass a circumferential magnetic field through a tubular member and a transverse flaw detection assembly adapted to pass a longitudinal magnetic field through the tubular member. The magnetic fields cause congregation of a ferromagnetic particles sprayed on the tubular member in a magnetic particle inspection fluid. The congregation of ferromagnetic particles indicates a flaw in the tubular member. The magnetic inspection station includes a clamping apparatus positioned closely adjacent to the magnetic inspection station and adapted to support the tubular member within the magnetic inspection station and exert a compensating force on the tubular member to resist the magnetic forces generated by the longitudinal flaw detection assembly and the transverse flaw detection assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: OilPatch Technology
    Inventor: Carroll Roy Thompson
  • Patent number: 8564284
    Abstract: A method of evaluating the condition of a laminated core of an electric machine including positioning a magnetic flux injection excitation yoke extending between a pair of teeth of the laminated core, and the excitation yoke being wound with an excitation winding defining an electrical circuit for producing a magnetic flux excitation. Power is supplied to an excitation winding wound around the yoke to produce a magnetic flux in the yoke and to form a magnetic circuit through the yoke and the laminated core. A characteristic of the electrical circuit of the excitation winding is measured to identify a fault in the magnetic circuit corresponding to an eddy current between individual laminations in the laminated core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir Leonov
  • Publication number: 20130271123
    Abstract: A system for providing electromagnetic imaging through magnetoquasistatic sensing contains an electromagnetic sensor for imaging a sample. The electromagnetic sensor contains drive/sense electronics and a pixelated sensor array having an array of inductive loops that source magnetic fields that interact with the sample, wherein the inductive loops are individually drivable by the drive/sense electronics in a coordinated manner to establish a desired temporal and spatial pattern in which electrical properties of the inductive loops are used to generate an image. Other components of the system include a precision motion controller, sensor head and associated electronics, and a computer for performing data acquisition and signal inversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: David L. Trumper, Benjamin Louis Cannon, Jeffrey H. Lang, Markus Zahn
  • Patent number: 8508220
    Abstract: A method and system for evaluating the condition of a laminated core of an electric machine, and including a first yoke wound with a first winding and having a first pair of arms spanning between a first pair of teeth of the laminated core, and a second yoke wound with a second winding and having a second pair of arms spanning between a second pair of teeth. A power supply provides power to an electrical circuit defined by one of the first and second windings to produce a magnetic flux in the yoke corresponding to the one of the first and second windings and defining an excitation yoke. A monitoring module provides a measurement of a characteristic of an electrical circuit defined by the other one of the first and second windings to identify a fault corresponding to an eddy current between individual laminations in the laminated core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir Leonov
  • Publication number: 20130181702
    Abstract: A force measurement sensor for measuring an applied force onto an object is provided. The force measurement sensor includes a first sensing unit which comprises a first flux concentrator having a first facing orientation pointing towards a surface of the object, a first magnetic field generating unit being adapted for generating a magnetic field, a first magnetic field detector unit being adapted for detecting a first magnetic field which field being generated by the first magnetic field generating unit and being influenced by the applied force to be measured, wherein the first magnetic field detector unit is further adapted for outputting a first signal being representative for the detected magnetic field, and an evaluating unit being adapted for evaluating a signal strength of the first signal and determining the applied force based on the first signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: PolyResearch AG
    Inventor: PolyResearch AG
  • Patent number: 8415947
    Abstract: An apparatus for the nondestructive measurement of materials that includes at least two layers of electrical conductors. Within each layer, a meandering primary winding is used to create a magnetic field for interrogating a test material while sense elements or conducting loops within each meander provide a directional measurement of the test material condition. In successive layers extended portions of the meanders are rotated so that the sense elements provide material condition in different orientations without requiring movement of the test circuit or apparatus. Multidirectional permeability measurements are used to assess the stress or torque on a component. These measurements are combined in a manner that removes temperature effects and hysteresis on the property measurements. This can be accomplished through a correction factor that accounts for the temperature dependence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Jentek Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanko K. Sheiretov, Neil J. Goldfine, Todd M. Dunford, Scott A. Denenberg, David C. Grundy, Darrell E. Schlicker, Andrew P. Washabaugh, Karen E. Walrath
  • Publication number: 20130082695
    Abstract: A current probe enabling measurement of current of a signal in a circuit includes a ferrite core defining a gap, a wire wrapped around the ferrite core and a magnetic field sensor. The wire is configured to receive the signal from the circuit, where the current of the signal flowing in the wire generates a magnetic field in the ferrite core. The magnetic field sensor is positioned in the gap of the ferrite core, the magnetic field generated in the ferrite core flowing through the magnetic field sensor, which produces a voltage proportional to an intensity of the magnetic field. The current is measured based on the voltage produced by the magnetic field sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8395380
    Abstract: A device for non-destructive control of a component analyzes distribution of a leakage magnetic field emitted by the component when it is subjected to an exciting magnetic field, includes means for generating an exciting magnetic field inside the component to be tested, and means for detecting and measuring the distribution of the magnetic field. The set of means is integrated in a flexible housing to form a device in the form of a flexible coating for being fixed on a region of the surface of the component to be tested. The disclosed embodiments are useful for non-destructive testing of aircraft components, but may also be used in all industrial sectors where testing the integrity of components is important, such as the automotive, railway, marine or nuclear industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Marie-Anne de Smet
  • Patent number: 8378668
    Abstract: A method of non-destructive testing that employs composite systems that include a curable resin and detectable particles that have a property that can be distinguished from a property of the resin is disclosed. Array probes useful in the method also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Waseem Ibrahim Faidi, Changting Wang, Stephane Renou, Shu Ching Quek, Nilesh Tralshawala, Aparna Chakrapani Sheila-Vadde, Peter J. Fritz
  • Patent number: 8319494
    Abstract: A pipeline inspection tool includes two pole magnets oriented at an oblique angle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the tool body. An array of sensor coil sets is located between opposing edges of the two pole magnets and oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. Each sensor coil set includes a transmitter coil and two opposing pairs of receiver coils that are gated to receive reflections from the wall of a tubular member. Because the line of sensor coils is rotated relative to the magnetic bias field, the receiver coils are in-line with, and have the same angular orientation as, the transmitter coil. The tool provides improved sensitivity to small defects, substantial decrease in RF pulser power requirements, full circumferential coverage, self-calibration of the transmitted signals, and less interference between transmitter coils caused by acoustic ring around.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: TDW Delaware Inc.
    Inventors: James Simek, Jed Ludlow, John H. Flora, Syed M. Ali, Huidong Gao
  • Patent number: 8310229
    Abstract: An intelligent eddy current array probe comprising a plurality of coil elements and an embedded non-volatile memory element is disclosed. Prior to coupling the intelligent eddy current array probe to an NDI system, a data table describing a desired firing sequence for the array probe within a given inspection operation is created. This data table is then stored within the embedded non-volatile memory element of the intelligent eddy current array probe such that when the array probe is coupled to the NDI system, the elements of the NDI system can load and execute the stored firing sequence without operator intervention. In this way, a plurality of intelligent eddy current array probes, each with its own firing sequence, can be used interchangeably within a single NDI system without the need for mechanical adjustments to the NDI system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus NDT
    Inventors: Tommy Bourgelas, Benoit Lepage
  • Patent number: 8294459
    Abstract: An electromagnetic detection system comprising: a transmitter loop for generating a primary magnetic field, and spaced apart receiver coils for measuring a secondary magnetic field generated in response to the primary magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Geonics Limited
    Inventor: Miroslav Bosnar
  • Patent number: 8284560
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the thickness of a conductive layer on a substrate includes a support to hold a substrate having a conductive layer, an eddy current monitoring system including a first plurality of core portions, and a motor to cause relative motion between the support and the eddy current monitoring system such that the substrate moves across the first plurality of core portions in a direction that defines a first axis. At least one core portion is positioned further from a second axis than at least two other core portions. The second axis is orthogonal to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Hassan G. Iravani, Ingemar Carlsson, Boguslaw A. Swedek
  • Patent number: 8274279
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting flaws in electrically conductive materials by observing properties of the back-EMF of the eddy current field generated by driving magnetic flux through the object to be examined. The input signal may include sweeps at several frequencies, and may do so at one time under the principle of wave superposition. The sectorial observations of eddy currents summations may be compared to a known datum for a defect free material, the presence of anomalies in eddy field back EMF divergence tending to provide an indication of an irregularity in the underlying eddy field, and hence in the underlying material itself. The portable unit may have a number of different configurations depending on the nature of the object to be examined, be it a flat or large radius plate, a flange, a rail, or some other structural element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Athena Industrial Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Gies
  • Patent number: 8274282
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing an assembly of at least one transmission coil (B1) and one reception coil (B2) for eddy current testing, the reception coil receiving in the absence of fault a complex amplitude signal VR, subject to a variation ?VR in the presence of a characteristic fault to be detected. The method consists in selecting the distance ?ER between the axes of the transmission coil and the reception coil so as to maximize the ratio I?VR/VRI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Decitre, Thierry Sollier