Fluid, Fluid Leak, Or Pipe Flaw Detection Patents (Class 73/592)
  • Publication number: 20090000379
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for the ultrasonic inspection of the weld seam of longitudinally welded pipes for longitudinal defects with an inspection unit, which can be relatively displaced on the surface of the pipe on at least one side next to the weld seam, comprising a pick-up with a coupling means feed, which said pick-up accommodates at least one inspection head with a modulator, which said inspection head touches the pipe surface and whose channel opens in the area of the modulator, wherein the inspection head can be arranged in a rigidly preset position relative to the pipe surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: MANNESMANN FUCHS ROHR GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Rath, Rainer Lucke, Alfred Graff
  • Publication number: 20080314151
    Abstract: An impact elastic wave test is conducted to measure propagating waves in a pipe to be examined, a frequency spectrum of the propagating waves is analyzed, and at least a spectral area value in a first frequency region and a spectral area value in a second frequency region of the frequency spectrum are evaluated, thereby determining a type of a deteriorated state of the buried pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takushi Minagi, Hiroshi Iida, Masanori Asano, Toshiro Kamata
  • Patent number: 7458267
    Abstract: A method for testing tubing having the following steps: plastically deforming the tubing with a tubing handling system, the tubing handling system having a reel, a gooseneck and an injector; sensing with at least one sensor acoustic emissions emitted by the tubing during the deforming; and processing acoustic emission signals sensed from the tubing during the deforming. A system for testing a coiled tubing, the system having: a tubing handling system, the tubing handling system having a reel, a gooseneck and an injector; at least one acoustic emission sensor mounted on the tubing handling system and in direct contact with the tubing; and an acoustic emission signal processor in signal transmission communication with the at least one acoustic emission sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry H. McCoy
  • Patent number: 7426879
    Abstract: Deterioration of reinforced concrete pipes is checked and the deterioration progress level is classified. Based on the inspection result, a portion to be inspected in detail in an inspection area is selected. With respect to the selected portion to be inspected in detail, the pipe thickness and the diameter of reinforcing bars are measured and the location of reinforcing bars in the portion to be inspected in detail are checked. Using the data of the thickness of a pipe, the diameter of the reinforcing bar and disposition of the reinforcing bars, structural analysis is carried out and the strength of the reinforced concrete pipe is calculated. The calculation result is used as information for evaluating the deterioration state of the reinforced concrete pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Nozaki, Takushi Minagi
  • Publication number: 20080216576
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to reduce the resources required to monitor the bearings of an electric motor. To achieve this, the electric motor is equipped with an interface module (SM), which is used to calculate the remaining service life of a bearing (LA). Said interface module (SM) can be integrated into the motor or can be fitted to the latter. The remaining service life of the bearing (LA) can be estimated from the signal of a rotary transducer (GB) and optionally a temperature sensor (TS).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Eckert, Karl-Heinz Filbry, Ulrich Hohn, Markus Platen
  • Publication number: 20080210010
    Abstract: A method for nondestructive testing of the pipes for detecting surface flaws is disclosed. With of the method, flaws can be detected and analyzed in near-real-time while the pipe is produced. The data obtained by ultrasound sensors are digitized in a time window following a trigger pulse, and the digitized data are processed in a digital processor, for example a DSP, using wavelet transforms. The evaluated quantity is compared with a reference value, wherein a determined flaw-based signal can be uniquely associated with the flaw located on the pipe surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Orth, Stefan Nitsche, Till Schmitte
  • Publication number: 20080190205
    Abstract: Contemplated configurations and methods are directed to non-destructive ultrasound testing of stainless steel materials, and especially materials in a difficult-to-reach position, in which a phased array probe is operated using longitudinal waves, wherein the probe is further operated at an angle that provides substantially complete ultrasound coverage when the beam angle is modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry Messer, Jose R. Fuentes
  • Patent number: 7406871
    Abstract: A fuel tank is allowed to hold any of types of liquid fuels and currently hold one type of liquid fuel. A light emitting element outputs a light beam of a predetermined emission spectrum to the liquid fuel of the fuel tank. The liquid fuel changes the light beam to a reflected light beam of a reflection spectrum according to spectral characteristics of the liquid fuel. The reflection spectrum is peculiar to the type of the liquid fuel of the fuel tank. A light receiving element detects the reflection spectrum, and a control circuit receives the detected reflection spectrum from the light receiving element. The control circuit collates the detected reflection spectrum with a referential reflection spectrum corresponding to each fuel type and identified the type of the liquid fuel of the fuel tank according to a collation result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Makiko Sugiura
  • Patent number: 7403839
    Abstract: A moisture monitoring and control system comprising: 1) a plurality of moisture sensors; 2) one or more local or remote control stations capable of monitoring and controlling each of the individual elements of the moisture monitoring and control system; 3) at least one water control valve capable of turning off the water supply to all or at least one water supply zone and powered by an aerogel capacitor; and 4) a plurality of non-interfering RF communications devices at each of the sensor, control and water control valve locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Joshua Kaplan
  • Patent number: 7387026
    Abstract: An improved system and method for detecting leaks in substantially enclosed objects such as automobiles, airplanes, tanks, etc. uses an ultrasonic transmitter and an array of ultrasonic sensors positioned around the inner periphery of a cut out silhouette that corresponds to an outline of the objects under test. The silhouette is mounted in a frame that is designed to minimize ultrasonic reflections and preserve any amplitude information received by the ultrasonic sensors. As the objects are passed through the frame, ultrasonic amplitude readings obtained from the sensors are processed to determine if they are representative of a defective or leaking object. The position of the leak is determined by examining the amplitude of the individual sensor readings. The system is particularly well adapted for use in detecting defects in automobiles on an assembly line without interrupting the assembly process or damaging the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: James Edward Gayle
  • Publication number: 20080134790
    Abstract: Deterioration of reinforced concrete pipes is checked and the deterioration progress level is classified. Based on the inspection result, a portion to be inspected in detail in an inspection area is selected. With respect to the selected portion to be inspected in detail, the pipe thickness and the diameter of reinforcing bars are measured and the location of reinforcing bars in the portion to be inspected in detail are checked. Using the data of the thickness of a pipe, the diameter of the reinforcing bar and disposition of the reinforcing bars, structural analysis is carried out and the strength of the reinforced concrete pipe is calculated. The calculation result is used as information for evaluating the deterioration state of the reinforced concrete pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Nozaki, Takushi Minagi
  • Publication number: 20080121290
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an arrangement for diagnosis of a final control element, which is actuated by a pneumatically operated actuating mechanism under the control of a control device, and which emits acoustic signals during conventional use. It is proposed to detect acoustic signals fed back into the pneumatic system of the actuating mechanism, and to derive from them the status data of the final control element. For this purpose, an acoustic sensor is arranged in the pneumatic-fluid supply line of the actuating mechanism, with the acoustic sensor being electrically connected to an analysis device. A pressure sensor is used as the acoustic sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Pape, Urs E. Meier, Andreas Stelter
  • Publication number: 20080110261
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, system, and device for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. The novel method includes transmitting a non-beamformed or beamformed ultrasound wave into the medium, receiving more than one echoed ultrasound wave from the medium, and converting the received echoed ultrasound wave into digital data. The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless. The novel device may include transducer elements, an analog-to-digital converter in communication with the transducer elements, and a transmitter in communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. The first electrical energy may or may not be beamformed. The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Penrith Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin S. Randall, Jodi Schwartz Klessel, Anthony P. Lannutti, Joseph A. Urbano
  • Patent number: 7360462
    Abstract: Deterioration of reinforced concrete pipes is checked and the deterioration progress level is classified. Based on the inspection result, a portion to be inspected in detail in an inspection area is selected. With respect to the selected portion to be inspected in detail, the pipe thickness and the diameter of reinforcing bars are measured and the location of reinforcing bars in the portion to be inspected in detail are checked. Using the data of the thickness of a pipe, the diameter of the reinforcing bar and disposition of the reinforcing bars, structural analysis is carried out and the strength of the reinforced concrete pipe is calculated. The calculation result is used as information for evaluating the deterioration state of the reinforced concrete pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Nozaki, Takushi Minagi
  • Patent number: 7331215
    Abstract: Apparatus for deploying equipment in a fluid container or fluid conduit comprises a fluid housing having an outlet aperture, the fluid housing being adapted to be secured to the container or conduit such that the outlet aperture is in fluid communication with an aperture in the container or conduit. The apparatus further includes a piston in the fluid housing dividing the fluid housing into first and second fluid chambers, the second fluid chamber being in fluid communication with the interior of the container or conduit via the outlet aperture when the fluid housing is secured in fluid communication with the container or conduit. The piston is movable within the fluid housing toward the outlet aperture in response to increases of fluid pressure in the first fluid chamber. The apparatus further includes a guide means for guiding deployment of the equipment into the container or conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: WRc plc
    Inventor: Anthony Bond
  • Patent number: 7318335
    Abstract: An ultrasonic gas leak detector of the kind where a detector transducer senses airborne acoustic ultrasonic sound waves emitted from a leakage in a gas installation is provided. The detector is provided with self-test means according to which an ultrasonic signal is emitted by a test transducer provided as an integral part of the detector, this signal being received by the detector transducer. By these means an ongoing self-test of the performance of the essential components of the detector, e.g. the detector transducer itself, the various electronic circuits of the detector, etc., can be carried out and an alert signal can for instance be transmitted to a central alarm system if inappropriate performance of the detector is discovered. The present detector can be specially designed for fixed installation in an explosion-endangered environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Gassonics A/S
    Inventors: Martin Tranderup Olesen, Kjeld Henning Petersen
  • Patent number: 7318350
    Abstract: A valve monitoring system includes an alert generation system and a memory. The memory encodes baseline acoustic emission data on the valve for a predetermined period of operation. The alert generation system is arranged to receive acoustic emission data for the valve, compare the received acoustic emission data for the valve with the baseline acoustic emission data encoded in the memory and identify valve anomalies in dependence on differences in the received acoustic emission data and the baseline acoustic emission data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Boken
  • Publication number: 20080006088
    Abstract: A positive displacement pump monitor. The monitor includes a sensor coupled to a housing of a pump for obtaining acoustic data therefrom. A proximity switch may be simultaneously used to keep real time timing information relative to the cycling of the pump. A data processor of the monitor may then be employed to analyze acoustic data and timing information to distinguish acceptable noise from leak information. An operator thereby may be warned of the presence of a leak in the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Toshimichi Wago, Jean-Louis Pessin, Nathan St. Michel
  • Patent number: 7311004
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for monitoring fluid flow through a nozzle is disclosed. A vibration sensor, such as an accelerometer, is mounted to a nozzle. The vibration output received from the sensor is then analyzed to determine whether or not the nozzle is operating properly. Through the present invention, information can be obtained regarding variations in flow rate, and/or variations in spray pattern and droplet size spectra. If the nozzle flow pulsates, the vibration sensor may also provide information regarding whether the nozzle is pulsating according to a desired frequency duty cycle or waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Capstan Ag Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Durham Kenimer Giles
  • Patent number: 7271721
    Abstract: An information transmission system comprising a conductor operable to carry a desired information signal. A first tube substantially surrounds the conductor and a second tube substantially surrounds the first tube to define a substantially fluid-tight chamber therebetween. In another aspect, the invention provides an information transmission system suited to transmit information between a first electronic device and a second electronic device located a distance from the first electronic device. The system includes an information transmission line that connects to the first electronic device and the second electronic device. A conduit surrounds at least a portion of the information transmission line. The conduit defines a substantially fluid-tight chamber. A quantity of fluid is disposed within the chamber and a sensor is positioned to measure a parameter of the quantity of fluid. An indicator is operable to signal a breach condition in response to the measured parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: James Delahanty, John W. Ramsay, James D. Toher, Donald B. Wold
  • Patent number: 7266992
    Abstract: A pipe inspection apparatus comprising an acoustic source (3) for location at a first position in a pipe or pipe network, one or more acoustic or pressure detectors (4) for location at one or more positions in the pipe or pipe network, means for recording and/or displaying a signal detected by the one or more detectors following the generation of an acoustic pulse, and means for allowing the comparison of the detected signal with a predetermined reference signal, differences between the detected and reference signals being indicative of a blockage or leakage in the pipe or pipe network (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: The Victoria University of Manchester
    Inventors: Mohammad N Shamout, John T Turner, Barry Lennox, David Smith
  • Patent number: 7243549
    Abstract: A lubricity sensor includes a flexural plate wave device and a face shear mode bulk acoustic wave device, which is associated with and located proximate to the flexural plate wave device. The face shear mode bulk acoustic wave device and the flexural plate wave device form a lubricity sensor wherein acoustic wave data produced by the flexural plate device together with the face shear mode bulk acoustic wave device when the lubricity sensor is exposed to a liquid relates directly to a lubricity of the liquid thereby providing lubricity measurement data associated with the liquid. The acoustic wave data can comprises the oscillation gain compensation, the frequency, amplitude and/or phase velocity associated with the flexural plate device and the shear mode bulk acoustic wave device such that the oscillation gain compensation, the frequency, amplitude and/or phase velocity provide an indication of the lubricity of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: James ZT Liu, Michael L. Rhodes, Aziz Rahman
  • Patent number: 7204129
    Abstract: An ultrasound system determines the presence of a foreign object in a container of fluid by measuring echo signals from the outer surface of the container and the inner surface of the container. The amplitude of the echo signals are compared to determine the presence of an object in the container. The system also determines viscosity of the contained fluid by measuring a through-transmission time through the container and the fluid, measuring an outer echo transmission time of an outer echo signal from the outer surface of the container and an inner echo transmission time of an inner echo signal from the inner surface of the container, and determining a time difference between the outer echo transmission time and the inner surface transmission time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: l M International Corporation
    Inventors: Otman Adam Basir, Bosen Zhao, Gauri Mittal
  • Patent number: 7107849
    Abstract: A vibration source probe system for detecting the surface waves of vibration coming over the ground or the floor of a building and specifying and displaying a vibration source at a factory or on a road. The position of a vibration source is estimated from a phase difference or arrival time difference between vibrations of surface waves detected by the vibration sensors which are separated from each other by a predetermined distance, an image near the estimated position of the vibration source is picked up by a camera, and the estimated position of the vibration source is displayed on the image displayed on the display screen of a personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Chubu Electric Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Sugiyama, Noboru Kawaguchi, Masanao Ohwaki, Takefumi Zaima, Yasuhiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7040167
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring the production of blow molded plastic containers (20) includes a columnator (26) and sound detector (24) responsive to a defect sound of pressure fluid escaping from a container being formed in a mold cavity (14). The columnator is effective to filter the defect sound from ambient noise. An output signal generated by the sound detector is processed to generate a control signal used to reject a defective container. Preferably, the open end of the columnator is positioned between 20° and 150° from the preform loading station in a rotary platform (12) blow molding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Plastic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W. Hayward, David A. Bogstad, Donald Wayne Miller
  • Patent number: 7038444
    Abstract: A method and system for performing in-line measurement of stresses in pipeline walls by continuous Barkhausen method comprises an inspection pig including permanent or DC electromagnets for generating a magnetic field that moves with the inspection pig through a pipeline, inductive or other types of magnetic field sensors for reading Barkhausen noise signals generated by the moving magnetic field, and associated instrumentation for amplifying, filtering, detecting and storing the Barkhausen noise signals. The size of the sensors may be selected to match the size of defects being investigated. By comparing trending data over time to determine changes in Barkhausen noise levels, greater detection sensitivity may be achieved. The method may be particularly advantageous for use in inspection pigs that also use magnetic flux leakage to determine pipeline defects, since the magnetic flux leakage method also use permanent or DC electromagnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Alfred E. Crouch, Gary L. Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 6983642
    Abstract: An improved and non-destructive test method and system utilizes ultrasound wave energy to automatically judge the sealing effectiveness of a sealed compartment such as the cabin of a motor vehicle or aircraft. An ultrasonic transmitter generates ultrasound energy of a specified frequency within the compartment, and one or more ultrasound sensors outside the volume detect the presence and amplitude of ultrasound energy at the specified frequency. Alternatively, the transmitter can be configured to generate ultrasound energy outside the compartment, and the sensors can be arranged to detect ultrasound energy within the compartment. The detected energy level is compared to a calibrated threshold, and a leak indication is generated if the threshold is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: QST Holdings, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Stumpf
  • Patent number: 6976503
    Abstract: A diagnostic system, for a valve (2), having a sensor (12) that senses structure-borne noise and having a device (14) for evaluating a measurement signal (13) of the structure-borne noise. During a calibration process, a first progression of the measurement signal is sensed for the closed position of the valve (2) and a first value (w1) of a characteristic is determined. To simulate leakage noise, the valve (2) is nearly closed during operation, a second progression of the measurement signal is sensed and a second value (w2) is determined. If the deviation of the second value from the first value is sufficiently large, a diagnosis is possible. A third progression of the measurement signal is sensed for the closed position of the valve as in an installed condition, and a third value (w3) is determined. If the deviation of the third value (w3) from the first value (w1) is too great, and if a diagnosis has been identified as being possible, then the system deduces that the valve leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ens, Alf Puettmer
  • Publication number: 20040255678
    Abstract: A nondestructive apparatus uses a guided wave. The nondestructive apparatus has a waveform forming apparatus for forming a transmission waveform by employing a reference waveform, a transmitting element for generating the guided wave within an object under inspection based upon the transmission waveform, a receiving element for receiving a reflection wave of the guided wave from an inspection region of the object under inspection, an analyzing apparatus for outputting inspection information which is acquired based upon the reception waveform of the reflection wave received by the receiving element, and the display apparatus for displaying the inspection information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Nagashima, Masahiro Koike, Tetsuya Matsui
  • Publication number: 20040237654
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the integrity of hollow fibre filtration units and of detecting leaks through a wholly or partially ruptured fibre. The inventive method is characterised in that it consists in: —emitting a noise or audible signal using an emitter located on one side of the membranes of the filtration units; —detecting the noise or audible signal emerging from a ruptured fibre on the other side of the membranes, regardless of whether or not a fluid is passing through said fibre; —amplifying the signal-noise thus obtained; —and comparing the resulting amplified signal to a threshold noise level in the same frequency range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Vincent Savall, Jean-Pierre Roux
  • Patent number: 6820016
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a leak in a pipe, the apparatus comprising a sensor (11) located at a pipe (7), configured to detect a signal from the pipe, converter means to convert the signal detected by the sensor into a digital signal, and transform means to transform the digital signal into a different orthogonal space. The apparatus also comprises a transmitter (15) for transmitting the transformed digital signal back to a remote processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Palmer Environmental Limited
    Inventors: Ian J. Brown, Brynley D. Smith, Andrew J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040211245
    Abstract: A system for testing the integrity of liners for fluid storage tanks prior to filling the tanks with fluid and placing the tanks into service includes a plurality of highly fluid transmissible paths of highly transmissible structure such as geogrid arranged in the interstitial space between the tank and the liner. Vacuum applied to the interstitial space causes fluid to flow through the breaches or leaks in the liner and into the interstitial space. Acoustical equipment is used to detect the sounds of the fluid flow to determine whether the liner and the liner seals are intact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Collin Watson, Gary Low
  • Publication number: 20040200282
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically inspecting a tubular member is presented. In particular a method for inspecting coiled tubing using ultrasound is presented. The method includes contacting a tubular with a coupling material, transmitting an acoustic signal, receiving a returned acoustic signal and then releasing the contact of the coupling material with the tubular. The method has particular application for determining the wall thickness of coiled tubing as it is being unreeled into a borehole or wound on coiled tubing reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Sarmad Adnan
  • Publication number: 20040123648
    Abstract: An improved and non-destructive test method and system utilizes ultrasound wave energy to automatically judge the sealing effectiveness of a sealed compartment such as the cabin of a motor vehicle or aircraft. An ultrasonic transmitter generates ultrasound energy of a specified frequency within the compartment, and one or more ultrasound sensors outside the volume detect the presence and amplitude of ultrasound energy at the specified frequency. Alternatively, the transmitter can be configured to generate ultrasound energy outside the compartment, and the sensors can be arranged to detect ultrasound energy within the compartment. The detected energy level is compared to a calibrated threshold, and a leak indication is generated if the threshold is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Stumpf
  • Patent number: 6745630
    Abstract: A method and device for detecting stenoses in a tubular line system during an extracorporeal hemotherapy. The tubular line system has an arterial branch going out from the patient and leading to a hemotherapeutic unit, and a venous branch going out from the hemotherapeutic unit and leading to the patient, where an oscillating pressure signal is generated in the tubular line system, and the oscillating pressure signal is measured. To detect stenoses, the frequency spectrum of the oscillating pressure signal is analyzed, in response to a change in the frequency spectrum. This method is based on the principle that, in response to the existence of a stenosis, the dynamic performance of the tubular line system changes, the higher frequency components of the pressure signal generated by the rollers of the blood pump, which propagates across the tubular line system, being attenuated due to the compliance of the line system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland
    Inventor: Malte Gross
  • Publication number: 20040089050
    Abstract: A bubble detector utilizes an ultrasonic transducer to sample bubbles as they pass the transducer. The envelope of the return signal is analyzed to determine the volume of each sampled bubble. If the total volume of bubbles sampled within a certain period of time exceeds a desired maximum volume, the bubble detector may initiate a system shut down. A bubble detector can be evaluated or calibrated by introducing bubbles into a conduit, detecting the bubbles introduced into the conduit using visual inspection or a bubble detector of known resolution and comparing the results with the examination of a bubble detector under evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Derek J. Daw, Jeffrey L. Creech, William R. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20040083815
    Abstract: A detector for detecting a location of a flaw on a tubular member, the tubular member having a longitudinal axis, the detector having a body, a dial rotatably mounted to the body, the dial with direction indications thereon for indicating position of the dial with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, and ultrasonic probe apparatus secured to the dial for selective positioning by rotating the dial for facilitating location of a flaw of the tubular member; and, in certain aspects, detectors for measuring tubular wall thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Clive Chemo Lam, Gregory Michael Vaselakos
  • Patent number: 6725705
    Abstract: A method for locating gas leaks from underground gas pipelines in which a first acoustic sensor having a first signal output is positioned in ground disposed substantially above or at a distance from the underground gas pipeline. At least one second acoustic sensor having a second signal output is positioned in the ground at a plurality of locations substantially above the underground gas pipeline. The output signals from the acoustic sensors are measured for each location of the second acoustic sensor and the signals are adaptively filtered to remove common noise signal components. The statistical minima of these rms voltages are determined for both the first output signal and the adaptively filtered second output signals and the differences determined. The location of the second acoustic sensor corresponding to the largest positive said difference is the location closest to the leak site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: James Emerson Huebler, Christopher John Ziolkowski
  • Publication number: 20040031337
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system of addressing pipeline anomalies prior to failure of pipeline integrity, and particularly to a pipeline inspection system integrating a novel serviceability acceptance criteria for pipeline anomalies, specifically wrinkles, with an improved method of correlating ultrasonic test data to actual anomaly characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Masaniello, Dennis Johnston, Stephen Christoffersen, Arthur Turner, John Broussard, John Kiefner
  • Publication number: 20040020298
    Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for ultrasonically testing a tubular good along the entire axial length of the material using a single ultrasonic test assembly. The ultrasonic test assembly has an ultrasonic tubular inspection unit movable lengthwise along a tubular and an end-crossing extension mechanism adapted to facilitate end inspection of the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: David E. Siverling, Doug R. Lester, Bill McWhorter
  • Publication number: 20030233868
    Abstract: To conduct a fluid, the transducer has a flow tube which in operation is vibrated by an excitation assembly and whose inlet-side and outlet-side vibrations are sensed by means of a sensor arrangement. To produce shear forces in the fluid, the flow tube is at least intermittently excited into torsional vibrations about a longitudinal flow-tube axis. The transducer further comprises a torsional vibration absorber which is fixed to the flow tube and which in operation covibrates with the torsionally vibrating flow tube, thus producing reactive torques which at least partially balance torques developed in the vibrating flow tube. One of the advantages of the transducer disclosed is that it is dynamically balanced to a large extent even in the face of variations in fluid density or viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Alfred Rieder, Wolfgang Drahm
  • Publication number: 20030233878
    Abstract: To conduct a fluid, the transducer has a flow tube which in operation vibrated by an excitation assembly. Inlet-side and outlet-side vibrations of the flow tube are sensed by means of a sensor arrangement. To produce shear forces in the fluid, the flow tube is at least intermittently excited into torsional vibrations about a longitudinal flow-tube axis. An internal portion of the transducer, formed at least by the flow tube, an antivibrator, the sensor arrangement, and the excitation assembly and mounted at least on the inlet and outlet tube sections, has a centroid which is located inside the flow tube. The transducer is suitable for use in viscometers or Coriolis mass flowmeter-viscometers. In spite of using only a single straight flow tube, it is dynamically well balanced in operation, and the development of bending moments by the torsionally vibrating flow tube is largely prevented. This also effectively prevents the transducer case or the connected pipe from being excited into sympathetic vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Wolfgang Drahm, Alfred Rieder
  • Patent number: 6667709
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and locating leaks in buried pipes is disclosed in which ground penetrating radar, induction, acoustic, and vacuum excavation systems are selected based on soil conditions and then employed in selected combinations. The conductivity and wave speed of the soil are used in the selection process and in the process of detecting and locating a leak based on the measurements obtained from the selected combination of detection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Witten Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Thorkild Hansen, Michael L. Oristaglio
  • Patent number: 6666095
    Abstract: An ultrasonic pipe or other structure assessment system includes an ultrasonic transducer positioned proximate the pipe or other structure. A fluid connection between the ultrasonic transducer and the pipe or other structure is produced. The ultrasonic transducer is moved relative to the pipe or other structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Graham H. Thomas, Valerie L. Morrow, Harold Levie, Ronald J. Kane, Albert E. Brown
  • Patent number: 6644119
    Abstract: An apparatus for noninvasively monitoring the flow and/or the composition of a flowing liquid using ultrasound is described. The position of the resonance peaks for a fluid excited by a swept-frequency ultrasonic signal have been found to change frequency both in response to a change in composition and in response to a change in the flow velocity thereof. Additionally, the distance between successive resonance peaks does not change as a function of flow, but rather in response to a change in composition. Thus, a measurement of both parameters (resonance position and resonance spacing), once calibrated, permits the simultaneous determination of flow rate and composition using the apparatus and method of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Dipen N. Sinha
  • Patent number: 6640618
    Abstract: A method for detecting change in the foam forming characteristic of an input stream of an aqueous solution which continuously samples the input stream by taking a series of discrete, independent measurements. The method relies on an acoustic sensor to measure foam height within a column. A sample of the input stream is introduced into the column, and aerated to produce foam. The height of the column of foam is then measured using the acoustic sensor, which is correlated with the concentration of foam forming chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Richard Eugene Kirts, Brad Lee Hollan
  • Patent number: 6637267
    Abstract: The invention relates to a diagnostic system and method, especially for a valve (2) that can be actuated by a positioner (9) via a drive (6). The system utilizes a sensor (12) for recording structure-related sound and has a device (14) for evaluating a recorded measurement signal (13). A spectral region greater than 50 kHz is evaluated for conducting fault recognition. A fault indication signal is generated if the intensity of the measurement signal in this spectral region exceeds a defined threshold value. The sound caused by cavitation is primarily evaluated for conducting fault recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Fiebelkorn, Gerhard Klebert, Alf Puettmer
  • Patent number: 6626026
    Abstract: An apparatus that is configured to sense the presence of gases, vapors and liquids using acoustic waves. The apparatus comprises a first part that is configured to generate acoustic waves. The apparatus further comprises a second part having a sensing and acoustic wave guiding device, which is configured to sense the presence of such substances and propagate acoustic waves. The first part is removably fixable to the second part of the apparatus. When the first part is fixed to the second part, the acoustic waves propagate in the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum (IMEC)
    Inventors: Pedro Banda, Andrew Campitelli
  • Publication number: 20030167847
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a leak in a pipe, the apparatus comprising a sensor (11) located at a pipe (7), configured to detect a signal from the pipe, converter means to convert the signal detected by the sensor into a digital signal, and transform means to transform the digital signal into a different orthogonal space. The apparatus also comprises a transmitter (15) for transmitting the transformed digital signal back to a remote processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Ian J. Brown, Brynley D. Smith, Andrew J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20030164044
    Abstract: With the proper use of Ultrasound at the most efficient frequency correctly selected for the application will bring success in a myriad of applications for diagnostics. This system is designed to use ultrasound at a selected frequency for leak detection of automobiles on the assembly lines without the interruption of the assembly process and to be non intrusive to the car. With transmission of this proper frequency from inside the vessel and if no orifice is available for the tone to escape the receiver that is tuned to the transmitter will not be excited thus the auto passes. When the tone is detected by the receiver, it will communicate to the A/D converter that will in turn signal the software that will evaluate the signal to determine the fate of the vehicle as in a pass or fail mode depending on the volume of the leak or the location of the leak. The software system will store the data for collective evaluate and also communicate to a central database of multiple locations for management evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: James Edward Gayle