Abstract: A method and arrangement for detecting a wear limit or break in a cutting edge of a machine tool. At least two conductor paths are embedded in the cutting material forming the cutting edge, one of the conductor paths being part of a closed circuit while the other is part of an open circuit. A signal serving to break off the machining process is produced if either the conductor path disposed in the circuit is interrupted or the open circuit is closed by the creation of a conductive connection between the two conductor paths.

Abstract: A tool force sensor assembly (20) generates an electrical signal which is related to the change in force applied by a tool (24) to a workpiece (28) and is indicative of the wear condition or failure of the tool (24). The sensor assembly (20) is mounted in force transmitting relationship between a movable tool support (30, 36) and a nut member (44, 45) which is driven by screw shaft (40, 41). The sensor assembly (20) comprises a plurality of ring-shaped piezoelectric transducers (48) which are held in preselected, circumferentially spaced relationship to each other around the screw shaft (40, 41) by a retainer ring (56, 58) which is sandwiched between a pair of load distribution plates (52, 54). Fasteners (46) extend through each of the transducers (48) and mount the sensor assembly (20) between the nut member (44, 45) and the tool support (30, 36).

Abstract: A device-implemented method for monitoring the cutting condition of a machine tool during machining of a workpiece senses acoustic emissions resulting from the machining of the workpiece, produces an electrical signals which varies in accordance with changes in the sensed acoustic emissions, and variably amplifies the signal by a gain level selected by a set of digital data stored in the memory (12) of a computer (15). The signal is amplified by an amplifier (32) having a variable gain input (34) controlled by the computer (15). The signal is processed by two circuits (36, 40, 56 and 36, 42, 50) which respectively generate two separate sets of digital data representing the cutting condition of the tool. The computer (15) compares the data with memory-stored information to determine whether an alarm signal should be generated. A circuit (75) is provided for generating a control signal indicating that cutting of the workpiece has commenced.

Abstract: A Machine Tool Monitor detects significant cutting tool breakage and the first contact of an advancing tool to a workpiece, and does this by monitoring vibration signals produced by the machining of parts and interpreting patterns in these signals. Information from the part program improves the performance of the detector and optimizes it for the cutting conditions called for by the machine tool control. The analog channel gain of the monitor is adjusted and parameters controlling the digital pattern recognition logic are selected using part program information on machining parameters. The tool touch or tool break detection mode is selected by the part program.

Abstract: In some machining conditions the background noise in an acoustic cutting tool break detection system is a low mean level with fairly dense high amplitude noise spikes. A common tool break vibration signature is the sudden appearance of a dense spiky noise. Digital signal pattern recognition logic uses an up/down counter to reject the noise on the basis of its lower spike density while alarming on such a tool break signature. Preprocessed vibration signal samples are tested against a detection threshold and an alarm generated if those whose amplitude is above the threshold amplitude exceeds those below by a preset count.

Abstract: Vibrations at the cutting tool-workpiece interface are sensed and the accelerometer output is preprocessed to yield a cutting noise vibration signal. Digital analysis of the sampled signal is performed to detect a gradual cutting noise signal level decrease tool break signature, either continuously decreasing or decreasing in a series of small abrupt steps. A tool break alarm is generated, without false alarming on metal-to-air tool path transitions, as the mean cutting noise signal level falls below an upper check limit and, after a preset time has elapsed, crosses a lower check limit.

Abstract: To determine the load distribution over the drilling head region of mining machines or roadheading machines the loads occurring at the individual roller drilling tools and simultaneously also the rotational running condition of the roller drilling tools are determined by determining the tangential deformations occurring at one of the races of a roller bearing associated with each tool. For this purpose, a measuring point with a strain gauge is associated with each roller bearing, that is, with either the outer race or the inner race of the bearing. With only this single measuring point, information is obtained on the magnitude of the load on the roller drilling tool and on its rotational running condition, this taking place via a great number of pulses per revolution. As a result, substantially more accurate information is obtained, as well as a simplification of the device from the constructional point of view, in comparison to prior devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gauging the amount of warpage in a composite panel is disclosed. The apparatus is used to measure the gaps between a cured composite panel (12) and the mold (10) upon which the panel was formed. The gaps are indicative of warpage in the panel. The apparatus includes inelastically deformable gauging strips (20) that are placed at selected locations on the mold. Also included is a mechanism (22,42,44) for accuraely positioning the panel adjacent to the mold after the strips are in place so that the panel contacts and partially crushes the strips. After the panel is removed, the thickness of each crushed gauging strip is measured at numerous points along its length. Variations in the thickness of the strip indicate the presence of gaps between the mold and panel, hence warpage in the panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which the degree of wear and useful life limitations of a drill, end mill or other types of metal removal tools can be detected. The method is based on the short circuit current, open circuit voltage and/or power that is generated during metal removal by the utilization of an insulated rotary tool bit to which electrical contact is made by a non-rotating conductor and an insulated or non-insulated workpiece, with an external circuit connecting the tool and workpiece through a measuring device. The generated current, voltage or power shows a sharp increase or change in slope upon considerable tool wear and/or at the point of failure.

Abstract: There is provided a series of testing formulations or solutions which enable one to determine the critical surface tension or wettability of various solids, semi-solids and viscous liquids by application of the testing solutions to the surfaces of such materials or substrates. The solutions consist of a main solution which is 45 percent purified water and 55 percent of a dihydric alcohol such as ethylene glycol. This basic combination has a wetting tension of 56 dynes and has a completely neutral ph, and a neutral relative polarity. To vary surface tension, a non-ionic surfactant is added in ranges from about 1.5 percent to 0.001 percent by weight of the solution. In this manner the surface tension of each solution is varied in equal or predetermined increments. A dye is also employed to provide good contrast when the solution is placed on a test substrate. The percentage of dye can vary between 0.1 to 1 percent by weight depending upon the particular dye used.

Abstract: An instrumented tool holder is described wherein a multicomponent force sensor embedded in said tool holder beneath the cutting insert is so oriented that the resultant of cutting forces applied to the cutting insert will pass through the approximate center of the force sensor during a machining operation.

Abstract: A method for testing electronic assemblies for resistivity to fluorocarbon solvent permeation. After attaching electronic components on host boards, sample assemblies are selected for testing. Fluorocarbon solvent is added to a container suitably sized to allow complete immersion of the samples. Fluorescent dye is added to the solvent and the solvent dye solution heated to the boiling point. Samples are immersed in the solution and initial time noted. The samples are withdrawn after a predetermined time interval, dried and wiped clean to remove excess solvent/dye from the outside of the components. The electronic assemblies are disassembled and illuminated by ultraviolet light. If dye is observed in an area thought to have been sealed, fluorocarbon solvent permeation is proven.

Abstract: Device for calibrating a machine tool including a tool (32) rotating about its axis XX', comprising a tubular-shaped support with an annular fixing component (3) connecting it to the housing (1) of the machine tool so that its central opening forms an extension of the opening (2) of the housing (1) for the passage of the tool (32). The support also has at least one part (18) which is deformable under the action of twisting about the axis XX' and is provided with at least one strain gauge (19), and an end part (12) which is opposite the fixing component (3) and in which there is arranged, along the axis of the support, a component (20) for connecting the end of the tool (32), which component is provided with means (20') enabling locking of said tool in rotation with the connection component. The latter carries a disk (30) located between two annular components (31a and 31b) held against the disk (30 ) by adjustable means (22, 25).

Abstract: Acoustic transducers are attached to each of the drill bits which produce electrical output signals in response to the vibrations during the drilling operation. A plurality of output signal includes waveforms having an amplitude and frequency dependent upon the condition of the drill bit and the medium being drilled. The waveforms represent the acoustic signature produced by the drilling operation. A control unit simultaneously compares the acoustic signature of each of the output signals with a reference signal by comparing the waveforms to determine if an improper drill condition exits. When drilling through a multilayered workpiece such as a printed circuit board having layers of different types of materials, the acoustic transducers will produce an output signal having a sequence of waveforms representing the acoustic signatures of the sequence layers. The control unit counts the number of waveform occurrences for each particular type of layer and indicates when a predetermined level is reached.

Abstract: Substantial cutting condition changes that occur gradually, as opposed to the more usual sudden large change, are detected by setting upper and lower cutting noise mean level thresholds. When the mean cutting noise exceeds the upper threshold or stays below the lower threshold for a preset number of signal samples, a tool break alarm is generated. Techniques are given to reduce false alarms at the start and end of the cut and on runout on initial rough surface cuts. The system comprises an accelerometer or other sensor whose signal is preprocessed to attenuate lower frequency machinery noise and detect the signal energy in a band below 100 KHz, then sampled, and the digitized signal samples analyzed by pattern recognition logic.

Abstract: In a process for the non-destructive inspection of surface defects, initially a solution with one or more dyes substantially having no emission under UV-light are applied and excess solution is removed after the dye has penetrated the surface defects, the surface is then covered with a developer leaving behind an absorbent coating with a high-contrast in daylight and which exclusively has one or more optical brighteners in a proportion between 0.02 and 2.0% by weight. The coating absorbs the dye from the surface defects, which appear as black traces on the coating under UV-light.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring vibrations of a cutting tool produced by tool break events, and for interpreting them to detect tool breaks of sufficient magnitude to endanger the machined part. The signal generated by a sensor such as an accelerometer is preprocessed to attenuate low frequency machining noise and detect the energy in a higher frequency band, then sampled, and the digitized signal samples analyzed by tool break detection logic. This logic is triggered by a positive-going signal transient, and prevents false alarms on minor tool break events that do not mar the workpiece and on noise from other sources.

Abstract: This tool break detection system relies on monitoring changes in the cutting noise itself, rather than detecting the tool fracture acoustic signal. A broken tool capable of damaging the workpiece is detected, and tool break events that do not affect cutting conditions are ignored. The signal from a sensor such as an accelerometer is preprocessed to attenuate low frequency machinery noise and detect the signal energy in a band below 100 KHz, then sampled, and the digitized signal samples analyzed by pattern recognition logic. Runout false alarms during rough surface cutting are prevented; after detection of an abrupt increase or decrease in signal level, the confirmation period to test for a persistent shift in mean level is set longer than the workpiece revolution period.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning a flexible sheet moving along a travel path, such sheet including a leading edge extending transverse to the direction of sheet travel. A rotatable fibrous cleaning brush is located with its fibers intercepting the travel path of the moving sheet. Responsive to the approach of the leading edge of the sheet, a standing wave is generated in the fibers of the rotating brush. The standing wave results in the fibers being temporarily moved away from the travel path to enable the leading edge to pass substantially freely by such fibers. The fibers return substantially immediately into contact with the sheet after passage of the leading edge to clean the sheet including the area of the sheet adjacent to such edge.

Abstract: The condition of the cutting tool is monitored during a turning operation and the machine is adjusted to compensate for tool condition. The device is also used as an in-process part inspection system. A probe on the cutting tool-tool holder assembly measures the distance to the freshly cut surface and the probe signal is monitored; when this distance changes indicating tool nose wear, the numerical control is alerted to adjust the tool during the chip-forming operation to compensate for wear. A broken or worn-out tool signal shuts down the machine. After a cutting pass the part is inspected by retracting the cutting tool and running the part program. There is an error in the part when the probe signal and thus the measured distance is not constant.

Abstract: A test specimen has a carefully controlled series of cracks on its surface and is useful for evaluating surface penetrants employed in non-destructive inspection. A flat brass substrate has a nickel electroplating on one surface, which plating varies in thickness along the length of the panel. The opposing side of the panel has a multiplicity of grooves which locally concentrate strain in the plating when the panel is bent during manufacture, thus providing a crack associated with each groove. In a preferred embodiment, the texture of the cracked surface varies across the panel in the same direction in which the cracks run, thus enabling evaluation of the usefulness of penetrants in finding different size cracks under different surface finish conditions.

Abstract: An inflatable seal for an annular cavity which is to be filled with magnetic rubber mold material utilized to inspect surfaces lining the cavity. The seal comprises an oblong tubular member sealed on each end and formed into a circle with the sealed ends engaged to form a circular ring. A conduit connects into the tubular member so that the seal may be inflated and deflated and a plurality of conduits pass through the tubular member a predetermined distance to position the seal within the cavity and provide means for supplying rubber mold material to the seal portion of the cavity and bleed air or evacuate the cavity as the rubber mold material is being injected thereto.

Abstract: A channel is formed in the body of a machine tool holder, this channel extending to the area where the tool is working on the workpiece. A pneumatic flow away from the tool is established by means of a vacuum source connected to the channel. A pressure transducer is connected to the channel so that it is capable of sensing the pneumatic pressure therein. The transducer produces an electrical output in accordance with the sensed pressure, this electrical output being suitably processed to provide a control signal capable of shutting down the operation of the machine tool and simultaneously providing a warning signal.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the vibration of a power driven cutting tool during machining first produces a signal proportional to the vibration spectrum of the tool over a preselected band width. This is passed through a digitally controlled attenuator which is adjusted to provide an output signal at a preselected level. The degree of attenuation is stored, as is a reference value which is generated as a function of the attenuated signal. Then, during subsequent machining operations under the same machining conditions the attenuator is controlled to provide the same degree of attenuation and the reference value, which is in the form of a digital signal, is compared with the rectified and digitized output of the attenuator. When the latter exceeds the reference value a control signal is generated which either provides an audible or visual warning that the cutting tool is worn and therefore due for replacement or initiates an automatic tool changing operation.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the performance of a cutting tool which moves relative to a workpiece through a cycle includes the steps of dividing the cycle into a plurality of increments, sensing a function of force applied to the tool during the increments, mathematically smoothing the function of force sensed during the increments, and establishing a trend in the mathematically smoothed function of force for the plurality of increments. The mathematically smoothed function of force is compared with the established trend and if the mathematically smoothed function of force deviates substantially from the established trend a first signal is generated.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the performance of a tool which moves relative to a workpiece through a cycle and controlling the feed rate between the tool and the workpiece includes the steps of dividing the cycle into a plurality of increments, sensing a function of force applied to the tool during the increments, determining a mathematically smoothed function of force for the function of force for each sensed individual increment of the cycle and establishing a reference for the mathematically smoothed function of force for each of the sensed increments. The actual determined sensed mathematically smoothed function of force for a particular increment is compared with the established reference for that particular increment and a first signal is generated if the actual determined mathematically smoothed function of force deviates from the established reference. The feed rate between the tool and workpiece is modified in dependence upon the first signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring, during machining of a workpiece (30,30'), the wear condition of a cutting tool (31,31') having its cutting portion in a structure (32,32') that is held by substantially more massive means (33,33').A dynamometer (35,35') and filter (36) measure the component of the dynamic force exerted between the tool (31,31') and the workpiece (30,30') approximately in the direction (A,A') normal to the primary cutting edge (34,34') of the tool (31,31') and to the main cutting velocity (V,V') at approximately the fundamental natural frequency of the held structure (32,32') in the same normal direction (A,A'). An accelerometer (37,37'), filter (38), and integrators (39) measure the component of vibration in the tool (31,31') approximately in the same normal direction (A,A') at approximately the same frequency.

Abstract: A method to measure the real contact surface area of a connector or pin is disclosed. The pin and the connector is Gold plated. The pin or the connector is coated with platinum. The pin surface and the connector surface actually comprise a multitude of peaks and valleys, termed asperites. If the pin is chosen to be coated with the platinum, the platinum coated pin is mated with a connector. A portion of the pin surface contacts a corresponding portion of the connector surface. The portion of the pin surface and the corresponding portion of the connector surface is termed a real contact surface area. The pin and connector are separated. The platinum formerly adhering to the real contact surface area of the pin is removed and adheres to the real contact surface of the gold plated connector. Using a metallograph or a scanning electron microscope, the real contact surface of the connector or pin is studied and observed.

Abstract: Titanium alloy test samples including welded samples of such alloys are tested for recognizing textural or structural faults or flaws in the form of segregations or liquations. To make these flaws visible by increasing the contrast between a flaw and the background, an etching method including two etching steps is used, which achieves especially marked contrasts. The method is based on the selective solution removal of a phase, a grain, or of an impurity of an alloy type. An especially good visual recognition of segregations, liquations or inhomogeneities of welded test samples is made possible by the resulting matte gray surface against which lustrous flaws are clearly visible.

Abstract: A method for revealing the microstructure of metal alloys which comprises the steps of polishing the sample, chemically etching the polished metal surface, thermally etching the chemically etched surface and quenching the thermally etched sample. This method allows observation of deformed and recrystallized grains on the same polished surface and provides the opportunity to correlate recrystallized grains to their nucleation sites.

Abstract: To set the proper location of a cutting bit, an optical scanner directs an optical beam toward a screen. The scanner is mounted on a base frame. The cutting bit is mounted on a cutting head holder which is, in turn, mounted on a support stage, the latter being vertically adjustable on the base frame. The cutting head holder is adjustable relative to the support stage and the measuring point. The support stage carries three support bodies for the rear side of the cutter head holder.

Abstract: A device for testing sharpness value of a cutting edge which includes an elongated body of a material into which a properly sharpened edge only will bite when lightly slid therealong at a predetermined angle. A sharply angled ridge is provided at at least one end of the body of the device and may be lightly drawn and/or pushed along the cutting edge to check for nicks or other imperfections in the edge. The edge tester is preferably of unitary construction, with a test ridge at both ends, and manufactured of a polymeric material. A method of testing the cutting edge is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A worn tool detector system for analyzing input signals from a sensor were the signal is in the form of an analog waveform exhibiting periodic impulses exceeding the average amplitude thereof as the tool wears. A microprocessor controlled variable gain amplification network is utilized to normalize the average waveform amplitude to a fixed level. During machine operation, impulses are detected by comparing the sensor waveform to a programmable selected ratio of the normalized level. When a given number of successive impulses are received the microprocessor generates a warning signal which may be used to retract the tool. An adaptive mode is disclosed wherein the sensor waveform throughout the course of the machining operation is repetitively normalized to adjust for different sensor waveform amplitudes.

Abstract: A technique for accurately and repeatably measuring the depths of junctions between adjacent layers in a semiconductor wafer, even when the depths are relatively shallow. A groove is formed in the surface of the wafer, with a cylindrical grooving tool that is inclined to the planar surface of the wafer, to form a groove that is tapered in width and depth. The wafer is then conventionally treated to enhance the contrast between the layers as they are exposed on the groove surface. Since each planar junction intersects the groove surface at an angle, the corresponding junction line appears as a part of an ellipse, and exhibits a well defined peak at the center of the groove. Direct measurement of the depth of the groove at this point, using a standard profilometer, provides the desired junction depth.

Abstract: In the plating of wire, particularly gold plating of wire for terminal pins, obtaining a high quality fixed gold plate is a problem. The invention provides for testing the wire prior to plating to detect surface irregularities which affect the quality of the plate. A test length of wire has a length of tape wrapped spirally around, with at least an edge portion in contact with the wire. The wire, and tape, is then twisted, in the direction of the spiral of the tape, in a direction to tighten the tape. The tape is then unwound and the number of particles of wire material which have separated from the wire at defects adhere to the tape is counted. For premium grade wire, less than 6 defects per foot is a standard. Commercial grade wire, between 50 and 150 defects per foot is normal.

Abstract: When a drill is overloaded, while cutting a hole in a workpiece, a torque limiter disconnects the drill from a main spindle. As the drill is disconnected from the main spindle, the torque limiter generates high-level elastic waves. The elastic waves are converted by a transducer into a voltage signal. The level of the voltage signal is compared with a threshold value.

Abstract: A system is provided for predicting when the failure of a rotating machine ool or part is imminent or when a tool is worn. The system includes a transducer for producing an output related to the workpiece vibrations caused by the machine tool and an analog comparator which compares this output with a threshold signal related to the normal operation of the tool and established by a microcomputer which determines whether further signals which exceed the threshold are produced during each of a predetermined number of subsequent time intervals related to the rotational speed of the tool. If so, a "failure" signal is produced which may be used, for example, to cause retraction of the tool.

Abstract: The sensor includes at least one pressure chamber that is filled with an incompressible fluid, a membrane that forms at least one wall of the pressure chamber, a pressure transducer measuring the pressure within the pressure chamber, and a pressure arm whose first end is secured to a machine tool member at a location at which force and torque are to be measured and whose second end bears on the membrane. By appropriately choosing the number and disposition of pressure chambers, membranes, and pressure arms, output signals from the corresponding pressure transducers are related to selected components of transverse force torque, and axial force of the machine tool member.

Abstract: An improvement in methods and compositions for molding plastics in which the waxy release agent is treated with an indicator dye invisible under normal light but visible under UV illumination, so that completeness and adequacy of the initial application and remanence of the waxy release agent during repeated cycles can be monitored readily without adversely affecting part quality.

Abstract: In a computerized numerical control (CNC) or a direct numerical control (DNC) machine tool, the second derivative as a function of time of the net power applied to the cutting tool is used to detect approaching tool failure, and a statistical representation of such occurrences with a series of tools is used to derive instantaneously the percentage of wear experienced by a new tool in terms of the statistically expected critical level of net power.

Abstract: An ink jet tip assembly in which the individual jets are comprised of a piezoelectric cylinder having a longitudinally through bore, a glass ink nozzle disposed in the cylinder bore and a low melting temperature alloy interposed between the bore and the nozzle for anchoring the nozzle to the piezoelectric cylinder. The method of assembly for the individual jet tip assemblies comprises inserting the glass ink nozzle into the cylinder bore which contains the anchoring alloy in a molten form. A method of checking for flaws in the cylinder comprises fluxing the cylinder bore for allowing flux to pass through any cylinder pinholes or cracks. Upon introducing solder for coating the interior cylinder wall, some solder will appear as shining spots or areas on the cylinder exterior wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for rapidly determining the insulation resistance characteristics of bismuth-containing ceramic capacitors, and more particularly to ceramic capacitors incorporating a barium titanate dielectric. The test is predicated upon the discovery that capacitors of the type described and having satisfactory insulation characteristics exhibit a high percentage of inter-granular fracture. Capacitors of identical composition and apparently identical physical characteristics which, when fractured, evince a high percentage of trans-granular fractures have been found to exhibit unacceptably low insulation resistance characteristics.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for monitoring tool wear, noise emission signals associated with a cutting operation of the tool are monitored and evaluated to determine when the tool has become blunt. With the system disclosed, friction noises associated with the cutting tool are excluded from analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for determining the presence of bulges and valleys in the sidewall of a tire (12). Displacement transducers (16-20) monitor deflections in the sidewalls of the tire (12) and provide output signals characteristic of such deflections. A differentiator (38) determines the slope of such deflections and, for such periods that the output of the differentiator (38) exceeds particular thresholds (40a,40b), integrators (42a,42b) integrate the output. The maximum integrated values sensed about the tire (12) are stored (44a,44b) and displayed (46a,46b).

Abstract: A measuring device for hollow cylindrical surfaces, such as bores and the like, comprises a housing to be fixed in the bore by clamps, a measuring arm rotatable by a first step motor, a measuring head axially movable along the measuring arm substantially parallel to the axis of the bore surface by a second step motor and a sensor incorporated in the measuring head and radially movable relative to the measuring head against the force of a leaf spring in contact with the bore surface. The leaf spring supports strain gauges, the output signals of which are representative of the radial or transverse paths of the sensor and thereby for the shape of the bore surface to be measured.

Abstract: A liquid dye penetrant composition for use in non-destructive testing of objects to locate cracks and other defects or flaws therein, said composition comprising (1) a nonionic surfactant, such as an oxyalkylated aliphatic alcohol, (2) a small amount of a dye soluble in the surfactant and (3) a substantial and preferably a major proportion, of an N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone, preferably N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, as extender. Such composition is applied to the surface of an object containing cracks and other defects, water is applied to the surface of the object to remove excess liquid dye penetrant composition from the surface without removing such penetrant from such cracks and other defects, and with or without a developer, the surface of the object is viewed under suitable lighting conditions, e.g.

Abstract: A process and compositions for detecting improperly processed areas in heat treated aluminum are disclosed. A solution containing an acid or a base and an oxidizing agent and, if desired, a color enhancing ingredient is applied to an aluminum object to produce a color difference between those areas of the surface of the object which have been properly hardened and the areas resulting from improper heat treatment. The solution can be applied to the aluminum by brushing, swabbing, immersion or spraying. The acid or base in the solution attack the aluminum surface so that the oxidizing agent in the solution can react with the aluminum to produce the aforementioned color differential.

Abstract: A digital method of testing a wire drawing distance to determine the percent wire elongation provided thereby in which a predetermined test length of wire is pulled through the die and then around a rotatable capstan thereby rotating the same. A train of electrical pulses is generated in response to rotational movement of the capstan, there being 10.sup.n pulses generated in response to the rotational movement of the capstan caused by pulling a length of drawn wire therearound equal in length to the test length prior to drawing through the die where "n" is a positive integer greater than zero and less than five. The pulses generated during the pulling of the test length of the wire through the die are counted, and a visual indication of the pulse count with the most significant digit eliminated is provided.

Abstract: Substantially non-pollutant and non-toxic water washable composition in the form of a gel for use in non-destructive ultrasonic inspection of surface and subsurface flaws and discontinuities in bodies comprising a (1) poly(oxypropylene) poly(oxyethylene) condensate having a molecular weight ranging from about 1,000 to about 15,000, and (2) silica, particularly fumed silica, such silica being present in certain proportions, e.g. about 5% by weight of the composition. The composition or gel is applied to a surface of a body such as a metal aircraft structural part, and a probe or transducer of an ultrasonic testing device is contacted or pressed against the gel, and the transducer is caused to move or slide in various directions on the gel to transmit ultrasonic energy through the gel and the object, to inspect the object and locate any surface or subsurface flaws or discontinuities.

Abstract: Combination of a nonionic oxyalkylated alcohol surfactant and an engine fuel, e.g. a 50--50 mixture, by volume, of such surfactant and an aircraft engine fuel such as JP-4 jet fuel, consisting essentially of a mixture of gasoline and kerosene, which is miscible both with water-based and oil-based liquids, for removing water or water-based leak tracer solution entrapped in a fuel tank system, e.g. of an aircraft. When employing, for example, an aqueous leak tracer solution introduced into a fuel tank, e.g. of an aircraft, for locating any leaks therein, after inspection and removal of the main body of leak tracer solution from the tank, in order to remove any residual leak tracer solution which remains entrapped in the tank, the invention composition, hereinafter termed a "depuddling agent", is introduced and blends with the residual leak tracer solution, and the resulting miscible mixture is drained from the system.