Structural Bond Evaluation Patents (Class 73/588)
  • Patent number: 11931818
    Abstract: A method for non-destructive testing of a quality of an ultrasonic weld from a welding process includes detecting of a time-dependent measurement value over a period of time, where the measurement value is characteristic of a mechanical or electrical vibration behavior of a welding process to be tested. The method includes evaluating a measurement-value course of the detected time-dependent measurement value by using a Fourier analysis. The method further includes comparing a result of the evaluation to a reference value in order to test the quality of the weld. A measuring device and an ultrasonic welding system are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Felix Klimas, Thomas Herzing, Lutz Lehmann, Daniel Zemann
  • Patent number: 11852611
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an inspection system includes a probe and a controller. The probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors arranged in a first direction. The probe contacts a weld portion by moving in a second direction crossing the first direction. Each of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors transmits an ultrasonic wave toward the weld portion and receives a reflected wave. The controller detects a joint and a non-joint at a plurality of points along the first direction of the weld portion based on the plurality of reflected waves. The controller adjusts an angle of the probe around a third direction based on a number of the joints or the non-joints detected for the plurality of points. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and crosses the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akira Ushijima, Masahiro Saito, Yasunori Chiba, Shin Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 11824038
    Abstract: The present invention includes: an ultrasonic horn (14) to which two ultrasonic vibrations can be input to excite a capillary (15) mounted to a front end with different frequencies in a Y-direction and an X-direction; and a control unit (50) which adjusts the respective magnitude of the two ultrasonic vibrations. The Y-direction is a direction in which the ultrasonic horn (14) extends. The control unit (50) adjusts the respective magnitude of the two ultrasonic vibrations to adjust a ratio (?Y/?X) of amplitude of the capillary (15) in the Y-direction and the X-direction. Thus, degradation in the quality of the joining between wires and leads is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: SHINKAWA LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Aoyagi, Shigeru Amemiya
  • Patent number: 11796512
    Abstract: A system for non-destructive testing of a bond condition of concrete beams reinforced by steel rods is described. The system includes a transducing transmitter, a transducing receiver, and an ultrasonic pulse generator configured to generate drive signals for the transducing transmitter and receive a plurality vibrational waves at the transducing receiver. The system further includes a computing device including a measurement circuit configured to record a transit time for each vibrational wave and divide a distance between the transducing transmitter and the transducing receiver by the transit time to determine a pulse velocity of each vibrational wave, a comparison circuit configured to identify a highest pulse velocity of the vibrational waves and compare each highest pulse velocity to a first reference pulse velocity, and a decision circuit including an artificial neural network configured to identify a compromised bond condition around a steel rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
    Inventor: Muhammad Saleem
  • Patent number: 11774411
    Abstract: Disclosed are an ultrasonic medium supplying jig and a fast ultrasonic scanning apparatus with a circulating medium, in which the medium is continuously supplied to between an ultrasonic probe and a to-be-scanned object to prevent the to-be-scanned object from being submerged in water, thereby enabling a stable ultrasound image to be obtained while achieving fast scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Pukyong National University Industry-University Cooperation Foundation
    Inventor: Junghwan Oh
  • Patent number: 11768180
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for ultrasonic guided wave quantitative imaging in a form of variable array and belongs to the technical field of ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The method includes: converting a non-linear lippmann-Schwinger equation into a form of linear summation by a method of moments; and selecting acquisition arrays with different numbers of probes to measure a scattered field signal, and modifying Green's functions by variable born approximation for continuous iterations to approximate a true solution, so as to obtain a final objective function Ok to be solved. According to the present disclosure, by adjusting the arrays, the number of probes and appropriate solution algorithm can be selected based on the testing accuracy; and the method can achieve quantitative evaluation of non-destructive testing, and can be widely used in practical guided wave testing applications of industrial non-destructive testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: NANJING UNIVERSITY OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS
    Inventors: Zhenghua Qian, Zhi Qian, Peng Li, Xianwei Wu, Chen Yang, Yinghong Zhang
  • Patent number: 11726065
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as an air pocket, delamination, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting foreign objects within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each object area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
  • Patent number: 11710489
    Abstract: A system and method to determine a remaining useful life estimation of a material under evaluation. The equipment comprises at least one computer and a material features acquisition system operable to detect a plurality of material features. The features are then evaluated according to rules captured from of experts and inputted into the computer. The computer iterations are processed until an acceptable conclusion is made regarding the condition of the material under evaluation. The remaining useful life estimation capability may also be retrofitted into conventional inspection systems by extracting pertinent features through spectral frequency analysis and sensor normalization and utilizing those features in the autonomous remaining useful life estimation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Inventor: Wanda Papadimitriou
  • Patent number: 11493074
    Abstract: A looseness detection structure configured to detect looseness between a bolt and a nut that fix two components including a conductive film configured to be attached on a surface of the component, the surface of the component including a hole into which the bolt is inserted, the conductive film being attached such that the conductive film is not directly conductive to the component, a part of the conductive film having a dimension relating to a half wavelength of a high-frequency signal propagating inside the components, and a non-conductive film between a surface of the component and the conductive film in a case where surfaces of the components are conductors, and a second conductive film on a surface of the component in a case where the surfaces of the components are insulators, the second conductive film being opposite to the conductive film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eri Matsunaga, Tadashi Minotani, Masahito Nakamura, Masayuki Tsuda
  • Patent number: 11460445
    Abstract: According to one implementation, a method of producing an ultrasonic inspection system includes creating design information on the ultrasonic inspection system and assembling the ultrasonic inspection system based on the design information. The design information includes numbers, positions and directions of at least one ultrasonic sensor and at least one ultrasonic transducer. The design information is created by an optimization calculation of which at least one parameter includes at least one of the numbers, positions and directions of the at least one ultrasonic sensor and the at least one ultrasonic transducer. The optimization calculation includes a simulation of an ultrasonic inspection for detecting a defect by the ultrasonic inspection system having the at least one ultrasonic sensor and the at least one ultrasonic transducer. The simulation is performed using a model simulating an object of the ultrasonic inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kohei Takahashi, Kousaburou Akiba
  • Patent number: 11415554
    Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection method that includes arranging an ultrasonic transmission element and an ultrasonic reception element symmetrically in relation to a straight line in a diameter direction orthogonal to the cylinder axis of a cylindrical inspection object, the inspection object being interposed between the ultrasonic transmission element and the ultrasonic reception element; transmitting ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transmission element at a plurality of positions in the diameter direction; receiving by the ultrasonic reception element the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transmission element and transmitted through the inspection object by propagating through the inside of the inspection object; and inspecting the inspection object on the basis of a reception signal of the ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic reception element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: YAMAHA FINE TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akihiro Nara
  • Patent number: 10996162
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus, for shielding light generated by a laser during non-destructive inspection of an object. The apparatus includes a light shield at least partially enveloping the laser and defining a first opening through which light generated by the laser passes from the laser to the object. The light shield is opaque and includes at least one first biasing mechanism. The apparatus also includes at least one first light seal coupled to the light shield about the first opening of the light shield. The at least one first biasing mechanism is configured to urge resilient deformation of the at least one first light seal against the object. When the at least one first light seal is resiliently deformed against the object, light generated by the laser is constrained within a light containment space defined between the light shield, the at least one first light seal, and the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, William P. Motzer, Jeffry J. Garvey, Scott W. Lea, James C. Kennedy, Steven K. Brady, Alan F. Stewart, Jill P. Bingham
  • Patent number: 10942150
    Abstract: A composite material joined with a curable phenolic resin adhesive, with the phenolic resin adhesive comprising a stiffening agent precursor, and with the stiffening agent precursor selected to react with reaction by-products of the phenolic resin adhesive during curing to produce a reaction product stiffening agent in a cured bonding layer that is detectable by ultrasound, resins comprising the stiffening agent precursor, bonding layers comprising the reaction product stiffening agent, and methods for making the composite material joints and inspecting the composite material joints are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Keith D. Humfeld, Eileen O. Kutscha, Morteza Safai
  • Patent number: 10921291
    Abstract: A method for non-destructive inspection of a weld seam. An array of ultrasonic transducers is positioned such that the array of transducers extends over at least part of the width of the weld seam. Each transducer element in the array of transducer elements is excited so that each transducer emits an ultrasonic signal. A plurality of reflected ultrasonic signals are received at the array of transducer elements and the reflected ultrasonic signals are converted to electrical signals. The electrical signals are analyzed to identify a defect, or a plurality of defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jorg Ininger, Stephan Falter
  • Patent number: 10908126
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detection device includes: a matrix array probe; an ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving unit that controls the matrix array probe; and an evaluation unit that detects a planar defect based on the reflected ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving unit. The matrix array probe has a plurality of vibration elements arranged lattice-like, an array pitch of the vibration elements in the pipe axis direction is larger than a wavelength of ultrasonic waves transmitted and received, widths of the vibration elements in the pipe axis direction decrease outward in the pipe axis direction from a pipe axis direction center position of the matrix array probe, and the widths and center coordinates of the vibration elements in the pipe axis direction have been adjusted such that all of ultrasonic waves from the vibration elements overlap in a focal position control range for the ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Matsui, Yukinori Iizuka, Noriaki Uchitomi, Toshihiro Miwa
  • Patent number: 10816514
    Abstract: A system for analyzing fiber reinforced composite including: an ultrasonic transmitter configured to provide ultra-sonic pulses to the fiber reinforced composite; an ultrasonic receiver configured to receive ultrasonic signal data related to the ultrasonic pulses; a filter module configured to filter the ultrasonic signal data; a signal processing module configured to process the filtered ultrasonic signal data; an analysis module configured to analyze the processed ultrasonic signal data by: calculating a characteristic value based on the ultrasonic signal data; comparing the characteristic value to a baseline established for the characteristic value; and determining a percentage of design strength based on the comparison; and an output module configured to output the percentage of design strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: UTCOMP INC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey E Clarkson
  • Patent number: 10564133
    Abstract: Method, system, and device for ultrasonic signal emission and reception of reflected ultrasonic signal enabling non-destructive analysis of solid material such as in roads, bridges, and other constructions. The device being formed as a wheel (1) where the wheel (1) comprises an array of transducers (20) arranged on a base (3) attached to an axis (2) and a tire section (10) providing a sealed enclosure (7) around the array of transducers (20) where the tire section comprises a plurality of circular protruding sections (12) comprising a tire tread section (11, 22, 24, 25), and a coupling fluid (26) in the sealed enclosure (7) providing an acoustic transparency between the array of transducers and contact points (27) for the tire tread section (11, 24) towards a test material (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Elop AS
    Inventors: Werner Bjerke, Frank Melandsø, Terje Melandsø
  • Patent number: 10553776
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a backing element, an active element overlying the backing layer, and a matching element overlying the active element, the matching element having an inner surface that contacts the active element and an outer surface with a non-homogeneous texture and/or material composition. The matching element may be formed by subtractive or deposition techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Bautista, Robert Zelenka
  • Patent number: 10481131
    Abstract: According to one implementation, an ultrasonic test system includes an ultrasonic transmission part including at least one ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic detection part including at least one sensor and damage detection part consisting of circuitry. The ultrasonic transducer transmits a first ultrasonic wave and a second ultrasonic wave toward a test region. The first ultrasonic wave has a relatively low frequency. The second ultrasonic wave has a frequency higher than the frequency of the first ultrasonic wave. The sensor detects a reflected wave of the first ultrasonic wave and the second ultrasonic wave which has passed through the test region. The reflected wave is from the test region. The damage detection circuitry is configured to detect a damage in the test region, based on the reflected wave of the first ultrasonic wave and the second ultrasonic wave which has passed through the test region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kohei Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10345266
    Abstract: A method and system for the ultrasonic non-destructive testing of joints in plastic pipes using A-scans. A hand-held ultrasonic transducer is used to perform an A-scan and a comparison made on a response from the interface region of the joint used to determine a quality of the joint. Levels of result can provide a binary output to give an indication of whether or not a defect is present in the joint. Comparison techniques are described. Tests for coupling efficiency and performance are described making the system useable by an unskilled technician. The system finds application in fault detection on electro-fusion welds in plastic pipe joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: INDEPTH INSPECTION TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Vincent Ross, Arjun Prakash Thattaliyath Kadumberi, Andrew Lindsay Burns
  • Patent number: 10180410
    Abstract: According to one implementation, an ultrasonic test system includes at least one ultrasonic transducer, at least one ultrasonic sensor and a damage detection part composed of at least circuitry. The at least one ultrasonic transducer transmits an ultrasonic wave toward at least one test region. The at least one ultrasonic sensor detects the ultrasonic wave which has passed through the at least one test region. The damage detection part is configured to detect whether there is a damage in the at least one test region, based on a difference between a waveform corresponding to the ultrasonic wave detected by the at least one ultrasonic sensor and a reference waveform. The at least one ultrasonic transducer and the at least one ultrasonic sensor are disposed at positions which apart from each other with an interval longer than 300 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kohei Takahashi, Hideki Soejima
  • Patent number: 10109538
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement means and a method for measuring and/or acquiring layer thicknesses and/or voids of one or more layers of a wafer stack on a plurality of measuring points distributed on the wafer stack and a corresponding wafer processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: EV Group E.Thallner GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Wimplinger
  • Patent number: 9891196
    Abstract: One aspect of a process to inspect a composite component includes traversing multiple ultrasonic probe array portions on respective multiple component surfaces of the composite component. The multiple component surfaces are either separate from or at angles to each other. The process includes simultaneously passing an ultrasonic signal into the multiple component surfaces through the multiple ultrasonic probe array portions. The process also includes receiving a response to the ultrasonic signal through the multiple ultrasonic probe array portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Barry, Jeffrey P. Nissen, Edward Hohman
  • Patent number: 9885555
    Abstract: A pipeline identification and calibration apparatus coupled to a pipe communicates with an in-line inspection tool to help a user to determine an extent of damage suffered by the pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a communication sheet coupled to the pipe and having a pipe calibration area and a pipe identification area, the pipe calibration area having a plurality of etchings, voids or magnetic inserts having variable dimensions and spacing between adjacent members of either the etchings, voids or the magnetic inserts. The user compares data generated by the in-line inspection tool to the etchings, voids or magnetic inserts on the pipe calibration area of the communication sheet to determine the extent of damage to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Craig Alan Swift
    Inventor: Craig Alan Swift
  • Patent number: 9876487
    Abstract: A contactless readable programmable transponder to monitor chip join and method of use are disclosed. The method includes reading a frequency of an oscillator associated with a chip module. The method further includes correlating the frequency with a bond quality of the chip module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen P. Ayotte, Shawn P. Fetterolf, Adam J. McPadden, Timothy M. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9804127
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a bond interface is provided. The method comprises directing laser energy at a first surface of a first material connected to a second material by an adhesive at a bond interface. The first surface is opposite the bond interface. A first acoustic impedance of the first material is greater than a second acoustic impedance of the second material. The method also determines whether an inconsistency is present in the bond interface after directing the laser energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard Henry Bossi, Alan Frank Stewart, Marc Joel Piehl
  • Patent number: 9739752
    Abstract: Improved imaging is provided for structures under test that have propagation direction dependent ultrasound propagation speed or position dependent ultrasound propagation speed due to fibrous, coarse grain or single crystalline material. A set reflection points is selected in the structure under test and ultrasound propagation time delays between the reflection point or points on one hand and the plurality of positions on the other hand that fit an observed time delay of the detected reflections are computed. This may be done by means of an iterative method. In the iterative method a synthetically focused ultrasound beam is realized by summing measurements after compensation for propagation time delay from different transmitting transducers to the reflection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: NEDERLANDSE ORGANISTIE VOOR TOEGEPAST-NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
    Inventors: Alan Joseph Hunter, Arno Willem Frederik Volker
  • Patent number: 9733219
    Abstract: An automated system for non-destructively evaluating spot welds that includes at least one matrix phased array probe; a fixture adapted to be mounted on a robot or other mechanical actuator, wherein the fixture is further adapted to retain the at least one matrix phased array probe; and an enclosure that includes at least one input for connecting to the at least one matrix phased array probe, ultrasonic phased array transmitting and receiving circuitry in electrical communication with the at least one input, at least one data processor running software that includes at least one algorithm for processing data received from the probe and generating discrete specifications of evaluated welds, wherein the discrete specifications further include pass indications or fail indications regarding weld acceptability; and at least one output for outputting the discrete specifications of evaluated welds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Cumberland & Western Resources, LLC
    Inventors: Roger Spencer, Bill Colgan, Paul C. Boulware, Ron Brown, Jeong K. Na, Scott A. Newhouse
  • Patent number: 9612225
    Abstract: A method of using a dual-port measurement system to measure acoustic impedance is used to measure an acoustic impedance Z of a tested object. The tested object includes an input end and an output end opposite to the input end. The dual-port measurement system comprises a first impedance tube and a second impedance tube. The first impedance tube includes a first inlet where a plane wave of a sound source is input, and a first outlet connected with the input end. The second impedance tube includes a second inlet connected with the output end, and a second outlet where the plane wave is output. The method uses the dual-port measurement system and a two-boundary method to obtain the acoustic impedances Z, whereby the dual-port measurement system is conveniently applied to various fields, such as the design of earphones, muffler tubes, sound absorption materials, and artificial ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Mingsian R. Bai, Yi-Yang Lo
  • Patent number: 9594058
    Abstract: One aspect of a process of inspecting a joint that connects two parts includes directing an ultrasonic beam from an ultrasonic beam transmitter at a joint that connects two parts, the ultrasonic beam forming an angle between at least 14 degrees and at most 21 degrees with a joint axis of the joint, wherein the ultrasonic beam passes through a joint thickness of the joint. The process also includes determining a quality of the joint based, in part, on a difference between a strength of the ultrasonic beam directed at the joint and a strength of a portion of the ultrasonic beam that passed through the joint thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Robert James Barry
  • Patent number: 9530955
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a backing element, an active element overlying the backing layer, and a matching element overlying the active element, the matching element having an inner surface that contacts the active element and an outer surface with a non-homogeneous texture and/or material composition. The matching element may be formed by subtractive or deposition techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Bautista, Robert Zelenka
  • Patent number: 9500627
    Abstract: A system and a method for enabling ultrasonic inspection of multiple or varying radii of a composite part without making mechanical adjustments to compensate for changes in the radius dimension. The system may comprise one or more ultrasonic pulser/receivers, one or more ultrasonic transducer arrays, a probe body or shoe to hold and position the array(s), ultrasonic data acquisition application software to drive the array(s), and ultrasonic data acquisition application software to select the best signal response for each column of pixels to be displayed. The inspection methodology enables the examination of smooth curved fillets which change shape along the length of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Barry Allen Fetzer, James C. Kennedy, Navpreet S. Grewal
  • Patent number: 9464965
    Abstract: A method for creation of a non-destructive inspection (NDI) standard employs a coupon of bonded layers or a composite structure having a predetermined thickness. A predetermined pulse width is defined. The coupon and a laser source are positioned with respect to one another and the laser source is used to create a laser pulse having the predetermined pulse width to create a disbond or delamination in the bond layer at a predetermined location. The coupon may then be used as a standard for calibration of NDI inspection tools by scanning the coupon with the tool to provide an inspection output. The output is then examined to confirm that the disbond or delamination in the coupon is properly identified in the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard H. Bossi, Alan F. Stewart, Marc J. Piehl
  • Patent number: 9448208
    Abstract: An airborne ultrasonic testing system includes two sets of ultrasound transmitters and receivers, an ultrasound frequency generator, a computer analyzer, and a controller. The ultrasound transmitters and opposing receivers are fixedly mounted at oblique angles from a support. A seal-receiving slot is defined between the transmitters and receivers, and is sized to receive a sealed edge portion of a container to be tested. The ultrasound transmitters preferably emit respective ultrasound streams that encounter a top surface of a sealed edge portion of the container at an angle between approximately 0-45 degrees, and most preferably, approximately 45 degrees. The angle of ultrasound emission of the first transmitter may be inverse of the angle of emission of the second transmitter. The signal response of each pair of receivers can be processed individually or combined to produce a summary test result of the two measurements that eliminates systematic variation associated with material variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: PACKAGING TECHNOLOGIES & INSPECTION LLC
    Inventors: Anton Stauffer, Mikhail Kneller
  • Patent number: 9222918
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method of sizing a defect using a phased array system with a single probe orientation requiring only a simple one-pass scan. It is an improvement of the ADDT standard which is adapted to phased array systems with fixed probe orientations. Based on pre-configured parameters obtained from C-scans, the method as presently disclosed provides novel analysis on C-scans and more complete information on defects, including the orientation and sizes in length and depth or thickness of the defects. Phased array systems devised with the presently disclosed method can perform such inspection and complete sizing automatically for longitudinal, transverse and oblique defects in one pass of scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: OLYMPUS SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Martin St-Laurent, Jinchi Zhang
  • Patent number: 9217731
    Abstract: A welding inspection method has steps of: generating transmission laser light for generating an ultrasonic wave and transmitting the transmission laser light to an object to be inspected during or after welding operation for irradiation; generating reception laser light for detecting an ultrasonic wave and transmitting the reception laser light to the object to be inspected for irradiation; collecting laser light scattered and reflected at surface of the object to be inspected; performing interference measurement of the laser light and obtaining an ultrasonic signal; and analyzing the ultrasonic signal obtained by the interference measurement. At least one of the transmission laser light generated in the transmission laser light irradiation step and the reception laser light generated in the reception laser light irradiation step is irradiated onto a welded metal part or a groove side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Setsu Yamamoto, Takahiro Miura, Takeshi Hoshi, Tsuyoshi Ogawa, Yoshihiro Fujita, Shozo Hirano, Kazumi Watanabe, Satoshi Nagai, Masahiro Yoshida, Satoru Asai, Makoto Ochiai, Jun Semboshi
  • Patent number: 9207214
    Abstract: A method of computing optimal beam numbers of a phased-array ultrasonic weld inspection arrangement. The arrangement is for inspecting a weld that is within an area of interest that has a known dimension and with the inspection arrangement being at a known offset distance from the weld. The selection is such that operation of the at least one element provides sufficient information data for weld analysis. The elements extend along an ultrasonic transmission wedge of the arrangement that supports the extent of the elements at a wedge angle relative to the welded material. The method includes utilizing the dimension of the weld area of interest and dimension of offset of the inspection arrangement from the weld within calculation that yields the selection of the at least one element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Anandamurugan S, Sangeetha Mylswamy
  • Patent number: 9086362
    Abstract: A method is provided that enables the identification of a region of a layered composite component that a test signal has passed through. The method comprises applying a label to the test signal as it passes through the region, such that the label applied to the test signal is indicative of the said region. The labelled signal can be identified by a sensor, even if the signal is of low strength and amongst a lot of noise, such as that caused by the multiple reflections and refractions that take place when an acoustic signal passes through a layered composite component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Alison J. McMillan
  • Publication number: 20150128709
    Abstract: A method for determining the presence of damage in a structure includes applying energy to the structure to induce tension shockwaves in the structure. The method also includes detecting sound waves caused by the tension shockwaves using at least one acoustic emission sensor on the surface of the structure. Additionally, the method includes determining the presence of damage in the structure due to the applied energy based on detected sound waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Alan F. Stewart, Hong H. Tat, Richard H. Bossi
  • Publication number: 20150082889
    Abstract: A post-crimp inspection device includes first and second arms with an inspection zone being defined between the first and second arms and configured to receive a crimped terminal. At least one of the first and second arms is movable toward the crimped terminal during a testing phase. An ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the first arm. The ultrasonic transducer transmits acoustic signals toward the crimped terminal. A compliant member is positioned between the ultrasonic transducer and the crimped terminal. The ultrasonic transducer is ultrasonically coupled to the crimped terminal via the compliant member. The compliant member may conform to a contour of the terminal. The compliant member may receive, and be ultrasonically coupled to, crimped terminals that are crimped using different crimp tooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Lynn Nicholas, John Dunaway Charlton
  • Patent number: 8931328
    Abstract: A multilayer structure includes: a microfluidic circuit, delimited at least in part by a first sealing structure; a fluid-tight chamber delimited in part by a second sealing structure and in part by the first sealing structure, which is arranged in the fluid-tight chamber and is configured to provide a signal indicative of a leakage between the microfluidic circuit and the fluid-tight chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giorgio Allegato, Matteo Perletti, Laura Oggioni, Francesco Tripodi
  • Patent number: 8875579
    Abstract: A method for detecting the integrity of a bond of a multi-piece work piece includes capturing a first image of the work piece, stressing the work piece, capturing a stressed image of the work piece, and comparing the first image of the work piece with the stressed image of the work piece to determine the integrity of the bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Leonid C. Lev, Randy Gu, Lianxiang Yang, Nan Xu
  • Publication number: 20140318248
    Abstract: A method of selecting one element among a plurality of elements of a phased-array ultrasonic weld inspection arrangement during inspection of a weld to obtain optimum weld inspection coverage. The weld connects portions of material having a known thickness. The elements extend along an ultrasonic transmission wedge of the arrangement that supports the extent of the elements at a wedge angle relative to the welded material. The method includes utilizing material thickness, offset distance of an edge of the wedge from a weld centerline and number of elements within calculation that yields the selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anandamurugan S., Sangeetha Mylswamy
  • Publication number: 20140318250
    Abstract: In a butt-welded joint structure in which the entire peripheral edge or both end sides of the abutting surface are welded, first and second cutouts for determining insufficient penetration and determining excessive penetration are formed. After butt welding, ultrasound is beamed onto each of the first and second cutouts of the joint structure and the reflected wave is measured. The acceptability of the weld penetration depth is thus determined on the basis of both of the reflected waves. This determination is performed on the entire peripheral edge portion or both end side portions of the butted face between the welded materials, and the acceptability of the weld penetration depth of the corresponding portions is inspected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshinobu Arai, Keisuke Uchida, Shingo Iwatani, Takahiro Kitamura, Masami Fukushima, Shotaro Kato, Yoshikatsu Goda, Shuhei Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20140318249
    Abstract: A method of computing optimal beam numbers of a phased-array ultrasonic weld inspection arrangement. The arrangement is for inspecting a weld that is within an area of interest that has a known dimension and with the inspection arrangement being at a known offset distance from the weld. The selection is such that operation of the at least one element provides sufficient information data for weld analysis. The elements extend along an ultrasonic transmission wedge of the arrangement that supports the extent of the elements at a wedge angle relative to the welded material. The method includes utilizing the dimension of the weld area of interest and dimension of offset of the inspection arrangement from the weld within calculation that yields the selection of the at least one element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Anandamurugan S., Sangeetha Mylswamy
  • Patent number: 8869621
    Abstract: A geometry compensating transducer attachment for ultrasonic inspection of a structure includes a geometry-compensating structure having at least one angled surface configured to engage the structure to be inspected, and the geometry-compensating structure having an acoustic velocity generally matching an acoustic velocity of the structure to be inspected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Kollgaard, Barry A. Fetzer, Christopher R. Brown, William J. Tapia, David Brooks
  • Publication number: 20140283610
    Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection device includes: a vibration generating section that irradiates laser beam onto a first member to generate ultrasonic vibration; a detecting section that detects the ultrasonic vibration propagated from the first to a second members via a welded portion; and an analyzing section that analyzes the propagated ultrasonic vibration detected by the detecting section. The analyzing section obtains at least one of frequency and wavelength of the ultrasonic vibration detected by the detecting section upon when a displacement in the second member in a thickness direction becomes maximum. The analyzing section obtains a cross sectional dimension of the welded portion from a correlated relationship of the cross sectional dimension of the welded portion obtained in advance at a position on a surface of the second member on the first member side and the at least one of the frequency and wavelength of the ultrasonic vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomoko MORIOKA, Naotada Okada
  • Publication number: 20140260625
    Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection method for inspecting a first article. The method includes, in a first inspection process: measuring the distance between a first surface of the first article and a nominal axis at three or more measurement locations along the axis of the surface; using the measured distances to produce a mathematical model of the surface of the first article; transmitting an ultrasonic wave from a first side of the first article through the first surface of the first article at a plurality of inspection locations along the axis of the first surface, and receiving a transmitted waveform which has passed through at least part of the first article; using the model to normalise each transmitted waveform at each inspection location to the nominal axis; and identifying a signature signal from the normalised transmitted waveform at each inspection location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Edwill Alejandro ESCOBAR-RUIZ
  • Publication number: 20140224020
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a test object. A stress wave is generated in a fluid within a cavity in a structure. The stress wave is directed through the fluid within the cavity into the test object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: The Boeing Company
  • Publication number: 20140216158
    Abstract: There is an air coupled ultrasonic contactless method and an installation for non-destructive determination of defects in laminated structures with a width (W) and a multiplicity of n lamellas with intermediate N?1 bonding plants (B), whereas at least one transmitter (T) in a fixed transmitter distance (WTS) radiates ultrasound beams at multiple positions and at least one receiver (R) in a sensor distance (WSR) is receiving re-radiated ultrasound beams at multiple positions relative to the laminated structure (S). The method images the position and geometry of for example lamination defects and allows for inspection of laminated structure (S) of arbitrary height (H) and length (L), and an individual assessment of specific bonding planes (e.g. B1, B2, B3), as well in situations with constrained access to the faces of the sample parallel to the bonding planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Sergio José Sanabria Martin, Jürg Neuenschwander, Urs Sennhauser