Abstract: A magnetic-field-detecting and/or generating apparatus comprises a non-ferromagnetic tip with a longitudinal member of ferromagnetic material embedded in the tip. Further, magnetic-shield means is arranged around the tip. At the end of the longitudinal member a magnetic-field device is arranged. The same principle can be applied to read/write heads for use in magnetic-storage devices.

Abstract: Flexible eddy current probes that allow an inspector to interrogate the blade roots or disk slots of different types of blades and disks while using a limited number of probes. The probe includes a rectangular-shaped block assembly, a rectangular-shaped loading platform having a slot therein, and stabilizing slide rods that couple the loading platform to the block assembly. The slide rods are adapted to slide through the block assembly as the block assembly is urged towards the loading platform. The probe further includes a flexible coil within a flexible membrane that produces a magnetic field during the inspection. The flexible coil extends from the block assembly and remains within the device, that is, between the loading platform and the block assembly, when not deployed. When deployed, the flexible coil passes through the slot in the loading platform to allow contact with the surface being inspected. Outriggers within the probe guide the flexible coil onto the surface during deployment.

Abstract: A compact sensing apparatus having reduced cross section and methods are provided for sensing the magnitude and direction of an electrical or magnetic field. The compact sensing apparatus and method preferably provide one of two transducer orientations in relation to the direction of the field arranged in the sensor apparatus to provide the smallest possible cross section. The compact sensing apparatus preferably includes a plurality of mounting pins. Each of the plurality of mounting pins preferably includes a first pin portion and a second pin portion connected to the first pin portion at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is preferably less than 180 degrees and more preferably in the range of about 70-110 degrees.

Abstract: An instrument and method for providing accurate and reproducible measurement of absolute properties of a material under test without using conductivity or crack calibration standards. The instrument has a sensor designed to minimize unmodeled parasitic effects. To accomplish this, the sensor has one or more of the following features: dummy secondary elements located at the ends of a primary winding meandering, setting back of the sensing element from a connecting portion of the primary winding, or various grouping of secondary elements. The sensing elements of the sensor can be connected individually or in differential mode to gather absolute or differential sensitivity measurements. In addition, the instrumentation is configured such that a significant portion of the instrumentation electronics is placed as close to the sensor head to provide independently controllable amplification of the measurement signals therein reducing noise and other non-modeled effects.

Abstract: An intermediary device is provided between an eddy current bolt hole inspection machine and an associated eddy current probe to positionally align the probe in each bolt hole to be inspected. A first end of the device is attachable to the eddy current bolt hole inspection machine, and a second end, having a tightening bolt, is attachable to the eddy current probe. A collet associated with the second end of the device secures the probe to the device when the tightening bolt is tightened subsequent to the second end accepting the eddy current probe. An adjustable flange component has a first portion separated from a second portion via a spring wave washer to allow the second portion to move left to right and front to back, relative to the first portion.

Abstract: An integrated connector board for a head of a disc drive including a base having a lead, connector pad and insertion connector formed on the base, the lead connector pad and insertion connector being electrically coupled to define a circuit. The connector pad is adapted for connection to a pin type connector terminal and the elongated insertion connector is adapted for connection to an insertion type connector terminal for providing a connector board adapted for use with insertion type connector terminals and pin type connector terminals.

Abstract: Spin stand platform having split axes. The platform includes an air bearing spindle stage supporting a test disk and constrained for motion in a plane on a surface along a first axis. A micropositioning stage air bearing is provided which is constrained for motion in the plane on the surface along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and the micropositioning stage is adapted to support a read head element under test. First and second acuators move the stages to desired locations. At the desired location, apparatus removes air from the air bearings to lock-down the stages to the surface at the desired locations. It is preferred that the air bearings be vacuum preloaded and that linear motors be used to move the stages.

Abstract: A preform test fixture for receiving a blow molding preform includes a structural base, a measuring device mount, a support arm, and a bar member having preform bores. The bar member is adjustable so that it translates up and down on the support arm, and is removably fastened thereto by a knob assembly screwed into a hole in the bar member. The system includes utilizing several bar members to enable the fixture to measure wall thicknesses of a virtually unlimited number of unique preform designs. The fixture also has a pivot device that enables the bar member to pivot on the support arm. The measuring device mount is adjustable on the base. The adjustment capability of the fixture enables uniform and repeatable wall thickness measurements, concentricity measurements at various locations, and preform tip wall thickness measurement proximate the preform gate.

Abstract: An apparatus for the qualitative and/or quantitative measurement of analytes, in particular in biological samples by means of receptor ligand binding and having a magnetizing device for the production of a magnetic field at the location of the sample and with a detection device for measurement of magnetic properties of the sample is characterized in that the magnetizing device is spatially disposed with respect to the detection device in such a fashion that the magnetic field produced by the magnetization device at the location of the magnetization is attenuated by at least a factor of 10, and preferentially by a factor of 1000 or more, at the location occupied by the sample during the measurement, or in that a switching device is provided for which, throughout a predetermined time duration and in particular during the measurement phase of the detection device can switch-off the magnetic field of the magnetizing device at the location of the sample.

Abstract: A magnetic force microscopy (MFM) probe has an elongated probe tip with a planar surface onto which a uniformly thick magnetic film is formed. The probe tip is formed by focused ion beam (FIB) machining in a manner that creates both the planar surface and a triangular end with the triangular vertex forming the tip apex. Because the magnetic film is formed on a planar surface and has a uniform thickness it has the structural shape of an ideal bar magnet, with the triangular tip apex concentrating the magnetic flux from the ideal bar magnet to a very small volume. The probe tip has a length-to-width ratio of approximately 8:1 or greater, which gives rise to strong magnetic shape anisotropy. This stabilizes the magnetization of the tip in the presence of external magnetic fields, including fields from the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for balancing the spinstand of a magnetic head and disk testing system includes a base that rotationally supports a rotating spindle. The spindle supports a pack of disks and a slide moveable along guide rails of the spinstand. The slide, in turn, supports a stack of magnetic heads that is moveable in respect to the pack of disks. The spindle supports a balancing cap that has a plurality of threaded openings uniformly spaced in its peripheral surface. Imbalance is adjusted by threading screws into or out of the selected threaded openings. The value of imbalance is defined by vibration measurements; these measurements are performed by means of an accelerometer attached to the spindle housing, and of a rotary encoder that generates index pulse in a certain position of the spindle.

Abstract: Small metallic patches embedded in a mainly non-metallic surface may be detected and mapped by placing a wire coil at the free end of a cantilever, with a fine tip made of a ferro-magnetic material located at its center. An alternating current is passed through the coil so that when it is near a metallic patch eddy currents are induced in the patch. These produce a small magnetic moment in the patch which pulls the tip towards the surface. This movement of the tip is detected by observing a light beam that is reflected off the surface of the cantilever. By plotting the output of a photodetector, sensistive to small changes in the reflected beam's position, as a function of the tip's location over the surface, a map of the metallic patches is produced.

Abstract: A roof rib finder and fastening device using an inductive switch whereby ribs in a roofing structure can be located and a signal given to an operator to lower and actuate a screw loading device to enable the installation of a screw through an opening in a washer to achieve securement of the screw-washer combination to a rib in a roofing structure; the device includes a support frame, a screw loading device, a washer retaining device and an inductive proximity switch including an adjustable sensing distance potentiometer secured to a support frame as well as a light to indicate to the installer that the proper position on the roofing structure immediately above a rib has been located.

Abstract: An induction head for sensing a magnetic strip or other magnetically permeable security structures includes an exciting coil associated with an electrically conductive concentrator, which produces a primary field and induces a responsive secondary field in the concentrator. The concentrator has an endwall and sidewalls defining a central cavity. The endwall has a narrow measuring gap dividing the endwall into two opposed sections. The sidewalls are also interrupted adjacent the measuring gap to cause a concentrated current of the secondary field to pass along the gap. This concentrated current can be monitored for a change in induction due to the presence of an elongate magnetic strip or other magnetically permeable security structure which is moved past the measuring gap.

Abstract: An eddy current probe for use in inspecting an object, includes a driver having a coil with an effective coil axis, and further includes a receiver having a coil with a coil axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the driver coil effective coil axis, the receiver having a length, and a width, the length being the dimension in the direction parallel to the scanning path, and the width having a dimension magnitude substantially greater than that of the length. A method for inspecting an object uses such an eddy current probe. An eddy current probe for use in inspecting an object, includes a driver having a coil with an effective coil axis, the driver having a length and a width, the length being the dimension in a direction substantially parallel to a scanning path, and further includes a receiver having a coil with a coil axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the driver coil effective coil axis, where the magnitude of a distance between the receiver and at least one of the edges is less than 0.

Abstract: Device and process for detecting defects in an arrangement of reinforcing members in casing plies in a sidewall region of at least one of an unvulcanized tire blank or a vulcanized pneumatic vehicle tire to be tested. The reinforcing members may include a magnetizable material and the device may include a support device that rotatably supports the at least one of the unvulcanized tire blank or the vulcanized pneumatic vehicle tire in rotation around a rotational axis and at least one sensor that measures magnetic field intensities in a heterogeneous magnetic field resulting from inductions generated by the defects in the arrangement of the reinforcing members moving through the heterogeneous magnetic field. The at least one sensor may be positioned in a radial measuring position in a radial region of the sidewall.

Abstract: An electromagnetic-field-focusing remote-field eddy-current probe for inspecting anomalies in a conducting plate. The probe is designed to have the electromagnetic energy released from an excitation coil penetrate through the plate twice, so that the signals received by one or more receiver units (pickup coils, magneto-resistors or SQUIDs) have passed twice through the plate wall; from one side of the plate at the excitation coil to the other side, then back to the original side at the receiver units. The probe detects flaws, with good and substantially equal sensitivity, irrespective of their depth in the plate. It can detect, from one side of a plate, flaws located on the other side of the plate, which is useful for inspecting the bottom plate of a huge tank which is sitting on the ground. The thickness of inspected plates can go up to one inch for aluminum plates and to 3/8" for ferromagnetic plates. The probe generates a periodic magnetic field.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing equipment comprises a magnetic field generator for generating a uniform magnetic field, and a magnetic sensor accommodated in a thermal insulation container and filled with a liquid nitrogen. The thermal insulation container is located within a magnetic shield container having an opening. The magnetic sensor includes a SQUID that is a magnetic sensor having very high sensitivity. The magnetic sensor can detect, through the opening, an appreciable variation of the magnetic field that is caused by small impurities or minor defects contained in the object to be tested.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved sensing unit for detecting flaws in conductive material wherein the sensing coil is positioned away from a datum of either the datum point, the datum orientation, or a combination thereof. Position of the sensing coil away from a datum increases sensitivity for detecting flaws having a characteristic volume less than about 1 mm.sup.3, and further permits detection of subsurface flaws. Use of multiple sensing coils permits quantification of flaw area or volume.

Abstract: A method and a device for inductive measurement of physical parameters of an object of metallic material by generating a time-varying magnetic field from a primary coil in a measurement range. The magnetic field induces eddy currents in the object which influence the time-varying magnetic field. The field is detected by a measuring coil from which a signal is obtained which carries information about the desired parameters. A field-measuring coil is introduced outside the measurement range, but surrounded by an electric circuit generated at the measurement range. The field-measuring coil senses a current induced in the electric circuit by the time-varying magnetic field. The interfering magnetic field generated by the current, and which influences the time-varying magnetic field, adds an error to the measurement of the measuring coil.

Abstract: An openable ring assembly is externally centered around and moved parallel to the centerline of a stationary pipe. As a low-frequency EM source signal is applied to the ring assembly, the time and/or frequency shifts of a detected EM signal from the source signal can be correlated to pipe wall thickness without removal of external pipe insulation and metal cladding, if present. The ring assembly may be opened or expandably segmented to allow pipe thickness detection around obstructions or larger diameter pipe. Centering is preferably accomplished by using rollers circumferentially attached to the ring assembly.

Abstract: A nondestructive testing equipment comprises a magnetic sensor located within a magnetic shield container. The magnetic sensor includes a SQUID that is a magnetic sensor having a very high sensitivity. A magnetically uniform inspection zone is formed in the magnetic shield container. While a rod-like material to be tested passes through the inspection zone at a uniform velocity, the magnetic sensor can detect an appreciable magnetic field variation that is caused by impurities or minor defects contained in the object to be tested.

Abstract: A magnetic position measuring device includes a sensor and a scale. At least one of the sensor and scale is movable in relation to the other. The sensor includes four sensor elements positioned along a longitudinal axis parallel to the direction of the movement. The scale is made of alternating and repeating first and second sections. The first sections have a first reluctance and the second sections have a second reluctance. The first sections each have a length "l" and the second sections each have a length "s". The Sensor includes a field plate and four sensor elements positioned on the field plate along the longitudinal axis. The four sensor elements include first and second outer sensor elements and first and second inner sensor elements.

Abstract: A magnetic field source movable type phantom head has a vessel filled with physiologic saline. The vessel preferably has an inner contour corresponding to an outer contour of a cerebrum of a patient to be tested. An electrode support tube has electrodes at one end. The electrodes are arranged within the vessel and movable at least in a vertical direction toward a center of the vessel as guided by a guiding and fixing device which guides the electrode support tube in a liquid tight fashion and fixes at a predetermined position. A position of the electrode support tube is measured to determine a position of the magnetic field source in the vessel.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a weak-field magnetic sensor with the following features: etched circuit coils are substituted for conventional coil technology. The sensor includes an amorphous core having epoxy bases stacked relative to one another on the top and bottom surfaces thereof. One epoxy base has a coil Y etched thereon. A second epoxy base has a coil X etched thereon. The remaining epoxy base has circular patterns etched thereon. The amorphous core is formed from at least two amorphous thin boards stacked on opposite sides of an epoxy base thin board. The epoxy base thin board has a particular pattern etched thereon and the capacity for vertical conductivity. The coil conductor size and position accuracy is controlled in increments of microns by the etching process. The range of detection errors and the level of reception has no non-uniformities. A thin and small sensor in terms of the structure is therefore enabled.

Abstract: In order to be able to attach a rotational-speed or direction-of-rotation transmitter, in particular in the form of a rotor (3), to the circumference of a rotor shaft (2) in a simple and reliable fashion, the rotational-speed or direction-of-rotation transmitter is connected indirectly to the rotor shaft (2) by means of at least one separate, radially resilient or elastic intermediate securing part. Preferably, at least one rubber ring (4 or 5) is provided as the intermediate securing part and is clamped onto the rotor shaft (2) or pressed into a shaft orifice of the rotor (3) expediently before final assembly, to provide a premounted unit.

Abstract: The eddy current probe for non-destructive testing of a conductive elongated member includes an oscillating magnetic field generator for producing a magnetic field directed towards a cross-sectional peripheral surface of the elongated member. The magnetic field generator includes a pair of coils arranged to be spaced apart along the elongated member to produce an enhanced combined magnetic field component perpendicular to the cross-sectional peripheral surface in a space between the coils and a reduced magnetic field component lengthwise along the elongated member. A ferromagnetic member is movably mounted for altering the magnetic field at points along the cross-sectional peripheral surface provided between the coils. A detecting and analyzing system measures an impedance of the coils as the generator is moved along the elongated member and as the field altering member is moved over the peripheral surface. An enhanced signal is obtained.

Abstract: A process is presented for the direct determination of characteristic magnetic values of thin magnetizable layers, in which an element creating a magnetic field creates the magnetization of a part surface in such a way that the thin magnetizable layer, the element creating the magnetic field, and a magnetic field sensor are located in a relative position of rest to one another. The magnetic field sensor is then positioned opposite the magnetized part surface by a relative movement of the element creating the magnetic field, the magnetic field sensor, and the thin magnetic layer. During the subsequent measurement of the magnetization of the part surface, the thin magnetic layer, the element creating the magnetic field, and the magnetic field sensor are in a relative position of rest to one another.

Abstract: An eddy current device for inspecting a component, such as a closed surface area of a gas turbine engine or the like, includes an eddy current array circuit having an active face for positioning on a surface portion of the component during an inspection operation and backing on a surface of the eddy current array circuit opposite to the active face. The eddy current array circuit and backing are disposed over the operating face and expandable sides of an extendible pin. The extendible pin has a slot formed therein with interior side edges which narrow toward the operating face of the pin at a predetermined slope. The expanding pin is positioned to cause the angled sides to mate while engaging the interior angled sides of the round or shaped hole to cause the exterior sides of the expandable pin to expand outwardly a greater distance as the pin is pushed deeper into the hole. This causes the eddy current circuit to conform with the shape of the surface to be inspected.

Abstract: A cryogenic apparatus for microscopy of physical properties of an object including a thin, stiff, transparent substrate or window within the outer wall of the vacuum space of a dewar and a cryogenic sensor within the vacuum space and spaced very close distances to the window. This construction allows for positioning a sample for measurement outside of the vacuum space, at room temperature or higher and for microscopy of physical properties of the sample by monitoring the output from the cryogenic sensor as it is scanned along the surface of the sample.

Abstract: A method and a system for fixing and positioning a headstack (100, 200, 300, 400) on a headstack tester by utilizing a vacuum chuck (105, 106, 208, 310). The vacuum chuck engages headstack. This engagement determines the exact position of the magnetic heads (24a, 24b . . . ) supported by the headstack with respect to the working surfaces (S1, S2, S3) of magnetic disks ((111a, 111b, 111c) of the disk pack of the tester.

Abstract: There is described a device for the detection of objects lying in the earth which, irrespective of topography, soil structure and state of the terrain, permits high surface yields with great precision in identifying the position of the objects to be detected without endangering the operating personnel. On a mobile device (10) is arranged at least one jib (20) swivellable about a vertical axis, on whose free end are arranged adjacent to each other several measuring heads (40) for sweeping over strip-shaped surface areas (2a-d) of the terrain to be investigated. With the measuring heads (40) on the free end of the jib (20) at least one ground marking device (60) is arranged for distinguishing the find site determined by the measuring heads (40). The ground marking device (60) includes a paint spraying device (61) as well as a stake marking device (66) next to each measuring head (40).

Abstract: A probe, such as an eddy current probe, which can be moved by hand to a surface to be tested. A toroidal-shaped first resilient member contacts the bottom face of a support member. An elastic membrane extends over the bore of the first resilient member, contacts the bottom lateral surface of the first resilient member, and is unattached to the radially-inward-facing surface of the first resilient member. A more elastic, second resilient member is placed in the bore, is unattached to the first resilient member, and contacts the bottom surface of the elastic membrane. A flexible, surface-conformable, eddy current sensing coil overlies a portion of the bottom side of the second resilient member.

Abstract: An eddy current probe shaft with probe and drive mechanism attached for measuring integrity of a bolt hole, particularly useful for aircraft bolt holes, includes a continuous helical coil manufactured integrally into a one-piece steel shaft providing flexure in the shaft enabling axial self-alignment even when the shaft is inserted obliquely into a bolt hole. The intact, integrated helical coil of flexible steel provides a constant length probe, effectively noncompressible and nonelongatable, flexible under external bias and with a spring constant sufficient to reliably return the shaft to a straight-axis rest position upon release of the external bias. An eddy current probe with a test coil in a probe head is attached at the shaft distal end for measuring cracks and similar structural anomalies in the bolt hole. A drive mechanism is attached at the shaft proximal end for rotating the shaft and probe in the bolt hole for a circumferential scan of the bolt hole interior surface.

Abstract: To provide a nondestructive inspection apparatus with a reduced distance between a superconducting magnetic sensor and an object under inspection, a cryostat for cooling the sensor to a superconducting state is provided with inner and outer vessels. The inner vessel has a baseplate on which the magnetic sensor is disposed, and has an inner wall defining a central chamber for containing a refrigerant for cooling the magnetic sensor. The outer vessel has an inner wall defining a central chamber for containing the inner vessel, the magnetic sensor and the stage. A gap between the inner and outer vessels is evacuated to insulate the inner chamber from the ambient atmosphere. To facilitate ease of transferring an object to and from the stage for inspection, a load lock area is provided adjoining the outer vessel.

Abstract: A probe holder mounted to a main housing of an electronic thickness gauge, of the type having a remote probe connected to the main housing by an elongate cable, enables the gauge to be used in its initial configuration when the probe is out of the holder and as an integral unit when the probe is positioned in the holder. The holder may be retrofit onto an existing gauge by making it an integral part of a battery cover that replaces an original battery cover. A second embodiment includes a cylindrical remote probe holder having independent, dedicated sensors mounted at its opposite ends to facilitate switching from one type of sensor to another, a third embodiment provides multiple remote probes independently interconnected to the main housing by elongate cables, and a fourth embodiment mounts remote probes in a "V"-shaped housing to enable switching from a first probe to a second by rotating the housing about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing nondestructive magnetically testing and inspection of elongate objects. The apparatus concentrically surrounds the elongate object to be tested and includes means for inducing a magnetic field in the elongate object and a partial ferrous return path for the magnetic flux emanating from a pair of magnet arrays. The partial ferrous return path is engaged with a sensor for detecting variations or flaws in the elongate object.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing a plurality of magnetic recording heads. The apparatus includes a tool which supports a bar that contains a number of individual magnetic recording heads. Alternatively, the tester may contain a tool which supports a plurality of individual sliders. The tool locates the heads within a magnetic field emanating from a coil wound magnet. The magnet has a length and permeability that provides a uniform magnetic field for each slider in the entire bar. The test apparatus includes a probe card that has a plurality of probe needles which make simultaneous contact with the bonding pads of each head. The needles are coupled to a test circuit that applies a constant current to the magnetic recording heads and measure a change in voltage as a function of a varying magnetic field. The tester can sequentially test the heads without spatially moving the bar, thereby minimizing the test cycle time of testing the heads. Alternatively, the tester may test two or more of the heads simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a loss in cross-sectional area of metallic reinforcing members having magnetic properties of a conductor indicating corrosion effects on the conductor. The method and apparatus comprises a tug component to provide the motive force to move a data collection component and a detector component along a length of conductor. The tug component further includes a rechargeable battery, a motor energizable by the rechargeable battery, a guide wheel and tensioner assembly. Linked to the tug is a data collection component. In turn, a detector is linked to the data collection unit. The tug, data collection unit and detector all ride along the same conductor by a series of guide wheels and tensioners. The detector further includes a magnetic source spaced apart from an electronic coil winding. In use, a conductor is interpositioned between the magnetic source and electronic coil winding.

Abstract: An eddy current probe which can be moved by hand to a surface to be tested. A toroidal-shaped first resilient member contacts the bottom face of a support member. An elastic membrane extends over the bore of the first resilient member, contacts the bottom lateral surface of the first resilient member, and is unattached to the radially-inward-facing surface of the first resilient member. A more elastic, second resilient member is placed in the bore, is unattached to the first resilient member, and contacts the bottom surface of the elastic membrane. A flexible, surface-conformable, eddy current sensing coil overlies a portion of the bottom side of the second resilient member.

Abstract: A torque magnetometer employing integrated piezoresistive levers to measure magnetization of very small anisotropic samples. A sample holding platform is cantilevered from the substrate by parallel legs on which piezoresistors have been applied. A Wheatstone bridge, which includes the piezoresistors, is completely integrated on a magnetometer substrate. Specific output connections are made to the electrical conductors of the bridge in a manner to eliminate Hall effect error signals in an alternative embodiment.

Abstract: A measurement system for measuring material deterioration in accordance with a magnetic field of the material in the presence of radiation. The measurement system includes a detection circuit which detects a magnetic field of the material and generates a signal indicative thereof which signal includes noise due to the radiation, a signal processing circuit including semiconductor devices to process the signal generated from the detection circuit and a noise reducing circuit for at least reducing noise in the generated signal which is due to the radiation. The signal processing circuit is installed at a place where a dose equivalent of radiation is equal to or smaller than that of a place where the detection circuit is installed.

Abstract: A meandering winding magnetometer (MWM) includes a meandering primary winding and at least one sensing winding or coil on a membrane to be pressed against a test surface. The membrane may be supported on a flexible carrier which is translatable into a probe. Abutments in the probe press the carrier against the test surface but allow the carrier and membrane to conform to the test surface. One MWM circuit includes meandering primary and secondary windings. The return leads from the secondary winding return to connector pads in close alignment with the test array, while leads from the primary winding are spaced at least one wavelength from the array. In another MWM circuit, individual sensing loops are positioned within the meandering primary winding. The MWM circuit may be provided on an adhesive tape which may be cut to length.

Abstract: An eddy current testing apparatus for nondestructive examination of pipe. The apparatus includes an eddy current coil adapted to removably circumferentially surround the pipe, the coil including a cable having a plurality of conductors adapted to form a continuous conductor coil when the cable is circumferentially wrapped around the pipe. A guide system extends along the length and adjacent to the surface of the pipe and a coil form is adapted to removably circumferentially surround the pipe and engage the guide system to provide for travel of the coil along the pipe.

Abstract: A sensor and process for manufacturing same having an electrical circuit arranged on a carrier which is connected to an electrical connector and a sensor element. The carrier is disposed within a housing having one opening for the connector element and another opening for the sensor element. The sensor element and a first part of the carrier with the electrical circuit are embedded in a duroplastic molding compound. A second part of the carrier with the electrical circuit and the electrical connector are enclosed by a thermoplastic molding compound. A seal is arranged adjacent an intermediate space between the duroplastic molding compound and the housing.

Abstract: A portable three axis scanner is usable to inspect a gas turbine engine spool in situ upon removing a fan module from the engine. The scanner includes a drive assembly mountable to a forward end of the spool, and a support assembly mountable to an aft end of the spool. A support beam extends between the drive and support assemblies, and a carriage assembly is mounted thereon. The carriage assembly includes a probe support for mounting a removable scanner probe for inspecting the inside of the spool by ultrasonic or eddy current inspection. The drive assembly includes means for axially translating the carriage assembly, means for rotating the carriage assembly, and means for radially translating the probe support and probe thereon so that the probe has three-axis movement including axial, circumferential, and radial, respectively, for being selectively positioned inside the spool between the forward and aft ends thereof for inspecting the spool.

Abstract: A method of magneto optic imaging to locate the presence of a crack around a circular drilled bolt hole wherein the circular bolt hole, because of its sharp corners, locally disturbs the magnetic field used to form the image and obscures the presence of a crack therearound. Initially, a magneto optic image is formed of the drilled circular bolt hole under test, wherein a crack near the circular hole will perturb the circularity of the hole image by driving the magnetic field away from the circumference of the circular hole to cause it to appear out of round and eccentric. A pattern recognition analysis is then applied to the image to check the image for circular shapes, wherein each circular shape image is correlated with a circle of similar diameter to check the circularity of the image, and an eccentricity of the circular image shape is indicative of a crack around the drilled circular bolt hole.

Abstract: To test coiled tubing, at least one test is performed on a coiled tubing that has been used, such as in an oil or gas well. Performing such test includes obtaining a specific output data event (e.g., a nondestructive evaluation test readout) for the used coiled tubing. The specific output data event is compared with a predetermined sequence of output data events (e.g., a collection of data defining a "lifeline" for the coiled tubing) for determining where the sequence and the specific output data event correspond. A coiled tubing status indication is generated in response to where the specific output data event corresponds with the sequence as a measure of a point in the useful life of the used coiled tubing.

Abstract: A sensor unit (110) for use with a vehicle component housing (16) includes an electrical sensor assembly (12) and a sensor shell (14). The sensor assembly (12) has an inner portion (64) with an electrical pickup (20) which is electrically responsive to a condition inside the housing (16). The sensor assembly (12) further has an outer portion (30) with a pair of electrodes (24) for connection in an electrical circuit. The shell (14) has an installed position in which it supports the inner portion (64) of the sensor assembly (12) inside the housing (16) and supports the outer portion (30) of the sensor assembly (12) outside the housing (16). A detent structure (90-94) on the shell (14) snaps into interlocked engagement with the housing (16) upon movement of the shell (14) to the installed position.

Abstract: A flexible core eddy current probe is disclosed for testing of curved or egular surfaces. The core is comprised of a flexible binder loaded with a powdered magnetic material and then formed into a specific flexible core shape continuously adaptable to irregular or curved surfaces. The flexible core probe has specific application to carbon fiber reinforced composite components having contoured surfaces.