For Flaw Or Discontinuity Detection Patents (Class 73/598)
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Patent number: 6681632Abstract: Ultrasonic waves are produced at the surface of a thin metal sheet (27) welded to a substrate (28): it was noted that the speed of propagation of the surface waves could then be correlated to the resilience of the welded assembly to enable non-destructive monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: SNECMA MoteursInventors: Jean-Yves François Roger Chatellier, Daniel Sébastien Ramahefasolo
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Patent number: 6679120Abstract: A method and system for detecting an underground obstacle in which a plurality of acoustic signal sensors are deployed in a predetermined pattern on an area of ground defined by a guided drill path. A drill head of a drill is inserted into the ground and a borehole is drilled in the ground along the guided drill path. The noise signal generated by the drill head is detected at at least two of the acoustic signal sensors and the difference in arrival time of the noise signal at the two acoustic signal sensors is determined. This difference in arrival time of noise signal is analyzed, whereby the presence or absence of an underground obstacle is determined.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventors: Robert W. Cribbs, Ching-Chen Wu, Douglas G. Niessen
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Publication number: 20040007070Abstract: A method and system for detecting an underground obstacle in which a plurality of acoustic signal sensors are deployed in a predetermined pattern on an area of ground defined by a guided drill path. A drill head of a drill is inserted into the ground and a borehole is drilled in the ground along the guided drill path. The noise signal generated by the drill head is detected at at least two of the acoustic signal sensors and the difference in arrival time of the noise signal at the two acoustic signal sensors is determined. This difference in arrival time of noise signal is analyzed, whereby the presence or absence of an underground obstacle is determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Robert W. Cribbs, Ching-Chen Wu, Douglas G. Niessen
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Patent number: 6672162Abstract: While a transmitting transducer (2a) for transmitting an ultrasonic wave and a receiving transducer (2b) for receiving an ultrasonic wave are moved within a predetermined circular region (7) on a surface of a material being measured, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received 10,000 times. Then, arithmetic averaging is performed every time an ultrasonic wave is received, on the ultrasonic wave and ultrasonic waves that have been received until then. For example, the aforementioned predetermined frequency is given by ((n±(½))×(106×v/&Dgr;L))(Hz), where &Dgr;L is a variation in distance between the transmitting transducer and the receiving transducer, v is a transmission velocity of an ultrasonic wave transmitting in a material being detected, and n is a natural number.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: H & B System Co. Ltd.Inventor: Masayuki Hirose
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Patent number: 6672164Abstract: A process for determining the polymer concentration in a spinning dope solution involves measuring the propagation velocity of ultrasonic sound in the solution. The process prevents fluctuations in the polymer concentration as much as possible, and is therefore highly suitable for application in the production of fibers with consistent properties. An ultrasonic device used in the process is easier to clean, install, and calibrate than other presently commercially available devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Teijin Twaron B.V.Inventors: Willem G. Haanstra, Hendrikus J. M. Busschers, Hans Lammers
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Patent number: 6644122Abstract: Ultrasonic sensors can be integrated and used to monitor composites throughout their production and during their useful lifetime. In an integrated program, ultrasonic sensors, in the illustrated embodiment contact sensors, can be used for quality control on raw rubber used for making a composite and for monitoring the cure of the rubber as it is transformed into a useful product, and non-contact sensors can be used to evaluate the product when it is completed, and to monitor its aging and wear during use. Such sensors can also be used in research to evaluate potential raw materials, and to compare cured candidate materials for properties useful in a completed product.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Marc Borowczak, Aaron Scott Puhala, Ran Ding, Fredrick Lewis Magnus, Blake Edward Matthies
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Patent number: 6640632Abstract: In the ultrasonic flaw detection method and apparatus, wideband longitudinal ultrasonic waves are irradiated from an ultrasonic wave generator probe onto a weld portion of a coarse grained material; from the waveforms of flaw detection echoes that are subsequently obtained, the highest frequency component that can be extracted using time frequency analysis is then extracted; subsequent ½ magnification frequency components are then extracted sequentially; waveforms of a necessary plurality of frequency bands from among each of the frequency bands that were extracted and have undergone waveform separation are then multiplied, and waveform peaks that are formed by the multiplication are detected as being defect portion echoes generated by defect portions in the coarse grained material weld portion; and, as a result, information on the defect portion is obtained from the detected defect portion echo.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroaki Hatanaka, Saburo Shibata, Takahiro Arakawa
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Patent number: 6629463Abstract: These objects are achieved by a method of acoustically inspecting a one-piece bladed wheel in which the wheel is driven in rotation; each blade of the wheel is subjected to mechanical excitation; its acoustic response is picked up and a corresponding electrical signal is generated; its frequency response is determined by computing a FFT; the electrical signal and the associated frequency response are stored; the characteristic frequencies of each blade of the wheel are identified; and a wheel is rejected or accepted depending on whether or not the frequency distribution obtained in this way matches a predetermined set of forbidden frequency distributions. Advantageously, an additional step is provided in which the defects of a blade are determined by comparing its frequency response with predetermined frequency responses that are characteristic of various types of defect.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Snecma MoteursInventors: Jacky Naudet, Jean-Luc Mary, André Collot, Marc Berthillier
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Patent number: 6606909Abstract: An invention to measure of objects of non-homogeneous ultrasonic impedance in the testing path is provided to detect the present of flaws in any part of the object. The invention utilized a reference signal to compare against the actual signal derived from ultrasonic testing of the object. Reference signals are determined based upon the known or calculated properties of the object's layers or previously obtained signals measured from the object.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Marc Dubois, Peter William Lorraine
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Patent number: 6595061Abstract: Ultrasonic energy in the form of guided waves (plate waves or Lamb waves) is launched into the wall of a container. The guided wave propagates around the circumference of the container from a transmitting transducer to a receiving transducer. Analysis of the received waves determines the presence of corrosion pitting and MIC nodules on the container inner wall, as well as the existence of foreign objects in intimate contact with the container wall. The guided waves are created with wideband transducers excited at certain frequencies that depend on the material and geometry of the part being measured. The guided wave ultrasonic energy is maximized with a shaped tone burst pulse at the specified frequency rather than an electrical spike commonly used to excite transducers in standard ultrasonic search units.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Digital Wave CorporationInventors: Michael R. Gorman, Steven M. Ziola
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Patent number: 6595060Abstract: A method for determining structural inhomogeneities in sheet material including exposing sheet material to ultrasonic waves, measuring ultrasonic waves transmitted through the sheet material and ultrasonic waves reflected from the sheet material at a plurality of predetermined portions located linearly along at least one track disposed on the sheet material and producing at least one value characteristic based on at least the transmitted or reflected ultrasonic waves from each of the predetermined portions on the at least one track. The method further includes forming a first mean based on the at least one value characteristic and a second mean based on the first mean to determine the structural inhomogeneities in the sheet material representative of the at least one track.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbHInventors: Bernd Wunderer, Ulrich Schanda
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Publication number: 20030131674Abstract: A method of testing a wooden structural member provides a quantitive estimate of the residual strength of the member. The method includes determining the presence of anomalies in each of a plurality of intersecting transverse paths through the structural member at a tested cross section of the structural member. A unit cross section of corresponding shape to the tested cross section has a plurality of predefined regions. For each region of the plurality of regions a determination is made that the region is suspect if each of the paths intersecting at the region has indicated an anomaly. A residual stiffness property for the cross section is calculated discounting at least some of the suspect regions. The calculated residual stiffness property may be displayed together with a visual representation of the cross section of the wooden structural member with the suspect regions highlighted.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Alfred Denis Foley, Jeffry Paul Foley
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Patent number: 6591680Abstract: A system and method that allows for the immersion ultrasonic inspection of test samples that cannot be immersed in a fluid (e.g., water) bath. A test sample is encapsulated in a sealed evacuated bag made of nonporous flexible material. A portion of the nonporous flexible material is in contact with the surface area of the test sample where the ultrasound wave or beam will impinge. Then the sealed bag with test sample inside are immersed in an acoustic coupling medium, as is an ultrasonic transducer. The transducer is directed to transmit an interrogating ultrasound wave or beam through the vacuum bag into the component being inspected at the area of interest. The sealed bag prevents contact between the inspected component and the acoustic coupling medium.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas James Batzinger, Francis Alexander Reed
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Publication number: 20030122682Abstract: A plurality of wires (33, 34; 35, 36) are disposed near the bottom (23-25) of blade root sockets (16-18) of a rotating disk 39 of a gas turbine engine by vapor deposition and etching, the wires including connections to excitation nodes (40, 42) and detection nodes (41, 43). A nearby stationary member of the engine mounts an oscillator amplifier (55) which drives a coil (57) that excites the circuitry, and a coil (62) drives an amplifier (65) and a processor (67) which provides an indication of whether or not one or more of the wires are broken by a crack.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2001Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Frank D. Gass, Gonzalo J. Rey
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Patent number: 6584847Abstract: While a transmitting transducer (2a) for transmitting an ultrasonic wave and a receiving transducer (2b) for receiving an ultrasonic wave are moved within a predetermined circular region (7) on a surface of a material being measured, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received 10,000 times. Then, arithmetic averaging is performed every time an ultrasonic wave is received, on the ultrasonic wave and ultrasonic waves that have been received until then. For example, the aforementioned predetermined frequency is given by ((n±(½))×(106×v/&Dgr;L))(Hz), where &Dgr;L is a variation in distance between the transmitting transducer and the receiving transducer, v is a transmission velocity of an ultrasonic wave transmitting in a material being detected, and n is a natural number.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: H & B System Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masayuki Hirose
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Patent number: 6581466Abstract: A method for inspecting concrete structures includes the steps of exciting the structure to be inspected with a mechanical device such as a chain, sensing resulting vibrations with an acoustical sensor such as a microphone that is not physically coupled to the structure, processing the received signals to exclude signals with frequencies outside of response frequencies of interest corresponding to defects desired to be detected, and examining the received signals. In preferred embodiments, the mean square of the processed signals are compared to a threshold. Areas for which the total energy across the frequency bands of interest exceeds the threshold correspond to defects such as delaminations. The received signals are collected from various locations on the structure. In preferred embodiments, the location of the received signals is also maintained.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Mississippi State UniversityInventors: R. Daniel Costley, Mark E. Henderson, Gary N. Dion
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Patent number: 6581472Abstract: In the present method for monitoring and controlling a screwing process in creating a screw connection, ultrasonic pulses are coupled into the screw using a pulse-echo method before and during the tightening of the screw. The time for the pulses to traverse the length of the screw, i.e., the propagation time, is measured. A dependency of the propagation time on the predetermined tension of the screw is calculated from the material specific characteristic values of the screw and the measured propagation time. By comparing the values of a change in propagation time dependent on a parameter of the screw with the values of a change in propagation time dependent on the predetermined tension of the screw, the screwing process can be monitored.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Eckhardt Schneider, Rüdiger Herzer
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Patent number: 6553837Abstract: The invention relates to a process for analysis of roller bearings (15) which have been installed in machines, by means of a sensor (10) a signal being recorded which is produced by the rolling motion, and the signal amplitude is evaluated in order to determine the presence and optionally the depth of the damage in the roller bearing running surface (56). In doing so a dynamic model of the roller bearing in the machine is considered, in which at least the bilateral contact stiffnesses (4, 6) of the rolling elements are considered in order to determine the transfer function between the force caused by the damage and the corresponding sensor signal which is then taken into account in the signal amplitude evaluation. The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding analysis device.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Pruftechnik Dieter Busch AGInventor: Heinrich Lysen
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Publication number: 20030037615Abstract: The present invention uses the generation and detection of acoustic guided waves to evaluate the condition of the insulation on electrical wiring. Low order axisymmetric and flexural acoustic modes are generated in the insulated wire and travel partially in the center conductor and partially in the outer insulation. The stiffness of the insulation and the insulation's condition affect the overall wave speed and amplitude of the guided wave. Analysis of the received signal provides information about the age or useful life of the wire insulation. In accordance with the present invention, signal transmission occurs at one location on the electrical wire to be evaluated, and detection occurs at one or more locations along the electrical wire. Additional receivers can be used to improve measurement accuracy. Either the transmission transducer or one or more receiver transducers may be angled at other than 90 degrees to the wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2002Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventors: Eric I. Madaras, Robert F. Anastasi
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Patent number: 6513564Abstract: A cleaving tool provides pressurized gas to the edge of a substrate in combination with a sharpened edge to cleave the substrate at a selected interface. The edge of the tool is tapped against the perimeter of a substrate, such as a bonded substrate, and a burst of gas pressure is then applied at approximately the point of contact with the edge of the tool. The combination of mechanical force and gas pressure separates the substrate into two halves at a selected interface, such as a weakened layer in a donor wafer.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Silicon Genesis CorporationInventors: Michael A. Bryan, James K. Kai
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Publication number: 20020174722Abstract: The claimed method of in-tube ultrasonic flaw detection of pipelines is effected, in accordance with one embodiment, by placing inside a pipeline an inspection pig or flaw detector having ultrasonic transducers, devices for measurements, processing and storage of the measured data. During the pig travel, the transducers emit probing ultrasonic pulses and receive the reflected pulses corresponding to said probing pulse thus deriving data on the time intervals corresponding to the transit time of said pulses, the measured data being converted and stored.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventors: Alexandr Jurievich Bazarov, Alexandr Petrovich Desyatchikov, Nikolai Alekseevich Karasev, Sergei Pavlovich Kirichenko, Andrei Mikhailovich Slepov, Anatoly Valentinovich Smirnov
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Patent number: 6484581Abstract: A ultrasonic transceiver includes a case for housing a ultrasonic sensor having a transducer provided therein, and a resilient member to be interposed between the case and an ultrasonic sensor. The surface of the case opposing the side surface of the ultrasonic sensor is tapered with respect to the surface of the ultrasonic sensor without involvement of the resilient member.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yukio Nishimoto, Akiharu Fukuda
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Patent number: 6481288Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the speed of sound in a gas. An acoustic transmitter is arranged to apply an acoustic signal to the interior of a resonator and an acoustic receiver is arranged to detect the amplitude of the acoustic signal in the interior of the resonator. A control means determines the speed of sound of gas within the resonator from the frequency of a detected non-radial resonant mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Lattice Intellectual Property Ltd.Inventors: Francis Alan Humphrey, David Byrne, Barry Leonard Price
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Patent number: 6484121Abstract: A system is provided for automatically measuring paint film thickness of painted bodies for closed loop control of a paint process for painting the bodies in a paint booth. The system includes a cell for receiving painted bodies from the paint booth and a conveyor control system for controlling the movement of painted bodies between the paint booth and the cell. The system also includes an AutoPelt system communicating with the conveyor control system for measuring paint film thickness of the painted bodies in the cells. The system includes an integrated paint quality control (IPQC) monitoring system communicating with the AutoPelt system for receiving data of paint film thickness information and combining the paint film thickness information with automation parameters on a vehicle identification number (VIN) basis of the painted bodies to control paint automation equipment of the paint booth.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dimitar P. Filev, Frank Migda, Gary Farquhar
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Patent number: 6467352Abstract: Ultrasonic techniques are applied to the measurement of wooden members to detect splitting during sawing operations and thereby allow modification of a sawing technique or change in saw cut placement.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignees: Percepton, Inc., The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of AgricultureInventors: Mark E. Schafer, Robert J. Ross
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Patent number: 6450036Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for diagnosing deterioration of an article having at least a covering layer made from an organic polymer material. The method comprises (i) forming a data group for deterioration diagnosis comprising deterioration diagnostic characteristic values and corresponding ultrasonic wave propagation characteristic values for samples having different material specifications, (ii) propagating an ultrasonic wave through the covering layer of the article to measure an ultrasonic wave propagation characteristic of the covering layer, and (iii) determining a corresponding deterioration diagnostic characteristic from the data group for the ultrasonic wave propagation characteristic of the covering layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Cable Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Ashida, Tsuyoshi Ikeda, Junichiro Ikehara, Masanori Fujii, Hiroshi Ishibashi, Yoshiro Habuka, Minoru Okamoto, Eiji Onuma, Hiroshi Kato
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Patent number: 6446509Abstract: An ultrasonic testing method uses surface waves to prevent false detection of primary cracks, to lower the level of structural noises from grain boundaries, and to improve the detectability in the ultrasonic testing by surface wave testing of hot rolling rolls. A surface wave probe 10 capable of transmitting and receiving a surface wave is provided with a piezoelectric element 10A, a resin wedge 10C disposed on the front surface of the piezoelectric element 10A and a damping block 10B disposed on the back surface. The surface wave probe 10 is driven to produce a short pulse having a pulse length being at most 2.5 times the wavelength of the surface wave to be produced. A coupling liquid medium is supplied to the probe 10 in accordance with the peripheral speed of the roll to be tested. Depending on the height of the reflected waves measured, the grinding allowance of the roll is determined, and the roll is ground according to the thus-determined grinding allowance.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1999Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Kawasaki Steel CorporationInventors: Hajime Takada, Ryouichi Sugimoto, Takashi Morii, Ikuo Yarita
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Publication number: 20020078751Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ultrasonically scanning cylinders are provided. The methods and apparatus employ as few as one ultrasonic sensor for full immersion scanning and defect detection. Self-centering fixturing spins the cylinder, reducing vibration, allowing for fast ultrasonic scans. To create the 45 degree angle beam shear waves for the circumferential scans, the ultrasonic sensor is offset from the centerline of the cylinder, creating the correct angle for excitation of the shear wave.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Applicant: Digital Wave CorporationInventors: Steven M. Ziola, Michael R. Gorman
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Patent number: 6401537Abstract: A method for inspecting a titanium-based alloy that comprises alpha phase grains to detect flaws in the titanium-based alloy, the titanium-based alloy comprises an alpha phase that is provided by thermomechanically processing the alloy to provide a microstructure which comprises the alpha phase that defines an average grain size and a crystallographic orientation of the grains of the alpha phase that is highly randomized. The method comprises ultrasonically inspecting the titanium-based alloy using an ultrasonic beam, the ultrasonic beam comprising a cross-sectional area that is less than the average grain size of the alpha phase in the titanium-based alloy; and determining flaws based on the step of ultrasonic inspecting.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Jr., Robert Snee Gilmore, John Broddus Deaton, Jr., John Alan Sutliff
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Patent number: 6401044Abstract: An installation for the automatic evaluation of the condition of the rolling band on wheels of moving trains. It comprises a rail beam (1) for each railway line (8), a guard-rail to assure wheel guidance, feelers (P1, P2, P3, P4) intended to come into contact with the wheels passing over them, feeler holders fitted on the rail beam, to ensure wheel-feeler contact, ultrasonics equipment (12) to transmit ultrasonic pulses towards the wheels and to generate the corresponding ultrasonic plots, a local processor (13) to control the ultrasonics equipment and to receive the ultrasonic plot signals generated, a computer (14) connected to the local processor to manage the ultrasonics equipment, and an antenna (15) connected to the computer to identify the compositions of train measurements. The invention is useful to detect cracks in the rolling band of railway vehicle wheels.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignees: Patentes Talgo, S.A., Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientificasInventors: Alberto Ibanez Rodriguez, Luis Gomez-Ullate Alvear, Jose Javier Anaya Velayos, Eugenio Villanueva Martínez, Monserrat Parrilla Romero, Carlos Fritsch Yusta, Teresa Sánchez Martín, Angel Luis Sanchez Revuelta, Jose Antonio Martos Navarro, Antonio Lupianez Garcia
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Patent number: 6393916Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection method for determining acceptability of material for microstructurally sensitive applications comprises providing a material, directing ultrasonic energy of ultrasonic inspection to the material; scattering reflected energy in the material; determining an amount of noise generated by the ultrasonic inspection; and characterizing the material as acceptable if the amount of noise corresponds to a pre-determined noise level. The invention also sets forth a system for implementing the method, as embodied by the invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bernard Patrick Bewlay, John Broddus Deaton, Jr., Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Jr., Robert Snee Gilmore
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Patent number: 6378377Abstract: An ultrasonic ice detector that can be mounted directly to the skin of an aircraft includes a transducer that is coupled to the interior surface of the skin, and transmits acoustic vibrational energy through the skin. A reflector bar having a reflector surface is mounted on the interior surface of the skin at a location spaced from the transducer and is effective to reflect acoustic energy back to the transducer. The reflector bar is raised from the interior surface and preferably has a width equal to the width of the acoustic wave that is generated by the transducer at the reflector location. The transducer and reflector are non-intrusive and do not alter the aircraft skin structural integrity. The arrangement provides an accurate, responsive sensor for determining presence of ice or other contaminants on the exterior surface of the skin.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Matuseski, Derrick D. Hongerholt, Krishna M. Rajana
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Patent number: 6367328Abstract: Ultrasonic energy in the form of guided waves is launched into the wall of a fluid-filled container. The guided wave propagates around the circumference of the container from a transmitting transducer to a receiving transducer. Part of the guide wave energy leaks into the fluid in the form of bulk waves, reflects off the inner wall on the other side and enters back to the receiving transducer trailing the direct wave. Analysis of the received waves determines the presence of corrosion pitting and MIC nodules on the container inner wall, and fluid level. In addition, it determines whether foreign objects are inside the container. The guided waves are created with wideband transducers excited at certain frequencies that depend on the material and geometry of the part being measured. The leakage energy is maximized with a shaped tone burst pulse at the specified frequency.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Digital Wave CorporationInventors: Michael R. Gorman, Steven M. Ziola, Wei Huang
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Patent number: 6367330Abstract: The invention describes a method and system for detecting anomalies in a material. The method comprises the steps of transmitting waves through the object, receiving the waves after passage through the object, determining more than one reference characteristic, measuring more than one characteristic of the received wave, comparing a first reference characteristic with a first characteristic of the received wave to create a first factor, comparing a second reference characteristic with a second characteristic of the received wave to create a second factor, combining the first factor with the second factor to create a defect index, and identifying a location of one or more anomalies in the object using the defect index. The step of determining the reference characteristics may comprise transmitting another wave of known characteristics through a material free of anomalies to produce a standard wave, and measuring one or more characteristics of the standard wave.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Perceptron, Inc.Inventor: Mark E. Schafer
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Patent number: 6363788Abstract: Ultrasonic energy in the form of guided waves (plate waves or Lamb waves) is launched into the wall of a container. The guided wave propagates around the circumference of the container from a transmitting transducer to a receiving transducer. Analysis of the received waves determines the presence of corrosion pitting and MIC nodules on the container inner wall, as well as the existence of foreign objects in intimate contact with the container wall. The guided waves are created with wideband transducers excited at certain frequencies that depend on the material and geometry of the part being measured. The guided wave ultrasonic energy is maximized with a shaped tone burst pulse at the specified frequency rather than an electrical spike commonly used to excite transducers in standard ultrasonic search units.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Digital Wave CorporationInventors: Michael R. Gorman, Steven M. Ziola
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Patent number: 6363787Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the thickness of a coating adhered to a substrate. An electromagnetic acoustic transducer is used to induce surface waves into the coating. The surface waves have a selected frequency and a fixed wavelength. Interpolation is used to determine the frequency of surface waves that propagate through the coating with the least attenuation. The phase velocity of the surface waves having this frequency is then calculated. The phase velocity is compared to known phase velocity/thickness tables to determine the thickness of the coating.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho LLCInventors: Nancy M. Carlson, John A. Johnson, David M. Tow, John B Walter
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Patent number: 6357297Abstract: A method for easily and effectively preventing shattered-rim fracture in a railway wheel. Generally, the method comprises the steps of providing a railway wheel, measuring the maximum defect size within the rim of the railway wheel, and determining whether the maximum defect size is less than a predetermined maximum permissible defect size, the maximum permissible defect size being determined based on an analysis of the likelihood of Mode II crack propagation from the defect when the railway wheel has been subjected to the load. The disclosed invention also encompasses a method for grading railway wheels for maximum load suitability.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Inc.Inventors: Taizo Makino, Takashi Fujimura
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Patent number: 6347550Abstract: An ultrasonic test process and device intended for testing a preferably cylindrical specimen (2), such as railway wheel, which is capable of displacement along a support, such as a rail (10). The ultrasonic test device comprises at least one ultrasonic probe (14) disposed in the support (10) which emits acoustic waves in the direction of the specimen. The acoustic waves are reflected by defects in the specimen (2) and received again by a probe. The test device is designed to reliably and non-destructively test the volume and surface of the specimen (2) as it rolls over the support (10). In the process of the invention a number (m) of probes (14) are controlled so that the ultrasonic waves have a preferably horizontal polarization and are emitted into the specimen (2) at a predetermined angle (66) relative to the running surface (8) of the rail (10).Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandtzen Forschung E.V.Inventors: Michael Kroening, Juergen Salzburger, Friedhelm Waite
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Patent number: 6347551Abstract: An ultrasonic computed tomography tree or log scanner has a plurality of ultrasonic transceivers carried on a belt (102) sized to encircle a tree (100). The belt includes an apparatus for engaging is tightly around the tree (104). The transceivers are strapped around the tree, and their mutual relative distances are known. Electronic circuitry energizes the transmitters in a known sequence. The signals received at each of the receivers are also collected and analyzed. Computed tomographic techniques analyze the time of arrival of the acoustic pulse that is first to arrive at each receiver. A signal processor generates a two-dimensional image of a slice of the tree (110) at the locus of the belt.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignees: University of Alaska, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Roger M. Turpening, Zhenya Zhu, Joseph R. Matarese, Carol E. Lewis
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Publication number: 20020000125Abstract: An aircraft has several ultrasonic phased arrays acoustically bonded to parts of its structure to be monitored. The arrays are energized to produce an ultrasonic beam that scans the structure in two planes. A monitor receives the output from the arrays produced by reflection of energy from discontinuities within the structure. When there is a change in these outputs, the monitor signals a pilot display unit and a flight control system such that the aircraft flight envelope can be restricted to minimize damage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 1999Publication date: January 3, 2002Inventor: GEOFFREY BEARDMORE
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Patent number: 6332361Abstract: A method for evaluating bonding properties of a metallic pipe, the method comprises steps of measuring, in advance of a pipe expansion operation, at least one selected from a degree of shape discontinuity, a degree of defect at a bonding portion, and a degree of change in crystal structure, and comparing a measurement value with a predetermined threshold value to evaluate suitability of the bonding properties for applying pipe expansion.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1999Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Daido Tokushuko Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryuzo Yamada, Hirotsugu Horio, Takao Shimizu
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Publication number: 20010052264Abstract: A method for the concurrent ultrasonic inspection of partially completed welds is disclosed and which includes providing a pair of transducers which are individually positioned on the opposite sides of a partially completed weld to be inspected; moving the transducers along the length of and laterally inwardly and outwardly relative to the partially completed weld; pulsing the respective transducers to produce an ultrasonic signal which passes through or is reflected from the partially completed weld; receiving from the respective transducers ultrasonic signals which pass through or are reflected from the partially completed welds; and analyzing the ultrasonic signal which has passed through or is reflected from the partially completed weld to determine the presence of any weld defects.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2000Publication date: December 20, 2001Applicant: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: John A. Johnson, Eric D. Larsen, Karen S. Miller, Herschel B. Smartt, Timothy R. McJunkin
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Patent number: 6327910Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a monitoring system and various methods for use in the drying of lumber that use disclosed apparatus. During drying lumber is arranged in multiple courses stacked one on top of the other with multiple wooden stickers substantially evenly spaced from each other between courses and extending across the full width of said stack. The present invention includes a special sticker for inclusion in place of one of the wooden stickers to monitor the AE from the stack and to ultrasonically excite the stack for other measurements. The special sticker in the simplest form, includes a body portion and an acoustic sensor with the body portion constructed of an acoustically conductive material that is sized similarly to a wooden sticker. Also disclosed is a monitoring system which includes a special sticker and signal processing and control electronics coupled to receive an AE signal from the special sticker for monitoring and controlling the drying cycle of the lumber.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventor: Frank C. Beall
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Patent number: 6324901Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for recognizing foreign bodies in viscous or fluid masses with lumpy foodstuffs. The mass to be checked runs through a measurement section, in which, pulsed ultrasonic signals are emitted through the mass, are reflected after passing through the mass, and after passing again through the mass they are received and compared with the ultrasonic echo of the reflection surface. When the changes of the received signals exceed a predetermined threshold value, a warning or actuating signal is generated to interrupt mass advance. The parameters to be evaluated for the signal may be their amplitudes, as well as the speed of change of their amplitudes or the propagation times.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1997Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Inventors: Gerd Flüh, Wolfgang Katten, Josef Krieger, Manfred Rost
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Publication number: 20010015104Abstract: A flaw detection system using acoustic Doppler effect for detecting flaws in a medium wherein there is relative motion between the medium and system includes a transducer, spaced from the medium to be inspected, for introducing to and sensing from the medium an acoustic signal that propagates in the medium at a predetermined frequency; and a detector, responsive to the sensed propagating acoustic signal, for detecting in the sensed acoustic signal the Doppler shifted frequency representative of a flaw in the medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 1998Publication date: August 23, 2001Inventor: SHI-CHANG WOOH
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Patent number: 6276209Abstract: A system and method of detecting anomalies and/or grain variations in a wooden member. At least one ultrasonic transmitter applies an ultrasound waveform into a surface of a wooden member so as to generate a multiplicity of ultrasonic waves including, e.g., longitudinal and shear ultrasonic waves. These ultrasonic waves are measured after propagation through the wooden member by at least one ultrasonic receiver disposed on the same surface of the wooden member. At least one ultrasonic receiver may also be placed opposite the ultrasonic transmitter so as to detect radial transmission of the longitudinal ultrasonic wave at a point across from the wooden member. The received ultrasonic waves are processed to determine anomalies and/or grain variations in the wooden member at positions of the wooden member between the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver(s). The ultrasonic transmitters and receivers may be placed in rollers to facilitate high-speed, in-line processing of wooden members.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignees: Perceptron, Inc., The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of AgricultureInventors: Mark E. Schafer, Robert J. Ross, John R. Erickson, Rodney C. DeGroot
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Patent number: 6266994Abstract: Stress wave measuring apparatus includes a Hopkinson bar or pressure bar bundle system comprising an input bar bundle having input bars, and an output bar bundle having output bars 104a. A brittle test specimen is positioned in between the input and output bar bundles. Means is provided to induce a one dimensional compression force into the bar bundles. Instrumentation is introduced onto the input and output bars for measuring values of shear wave or crack propagation. The specimen may be placed under different stress conditions measured by appropriate instrumentation on the bar bundles. In one embodiment, a rod gauge is glued to a rock massive and arranged to measure wave effects generated in the rock massive. Other arrangements provide amplification of the wave effects prior to measurement by instrumentation on the gauge 500.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: European Atomic Energy CommunityInventors: Carlo Albertini, Mikhail Mogilevsky
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Patent number: 6263941Abstract: A cleaving tool provides pressurized gas to the edge of a substrate in combination with a sharpened edge to cleave the substrate at a selected interface. The edge of the tool is tapped against the perimeter of a substrate, such as a bonded substrate, and a burst of gas pressure is then applied at approximately the point of contact with the edge of the tool. The combination of mechanical force and gas pressure separates the substrate into two halves at a selected interface, such as a weakened layer in a donor wafer.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Silicon Genesis CorporationInventors: Michael A. Bryan, James K. Kai
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Patent number: 6257064Abstract: An impact test method excites a bridge by an impact hammer at an impact point to create impact waves traveling through the bridge toward distal and proximal ends of the bridge where transient responses are measured in time reference to impact excitation. Time delays from an impact trigger time referenced to the reception of the transient responses over respective distances traveled by the impact wave provide wave speed indices that can be used to indicate structural change or damage of the bridge when compared to pre-damaged wave speed indices.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: The Aerospace CorporationInventor: Ziyad H. Durón
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Patent number: RE38148Abstract: A detector for detecting detonatable devices such as land mines has a search head with a probe having a tip for placing beneath the surface of the ground. The probe tip ultrasonically provides an indication of the presence of a metal or plastic material. A force sensor coupled to the probe time provides an indication of force at the tip a it is placed beneath the ground surface. Therefore, before too much force is applied to the tip, a user is warned and accidental detonation may be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignees: Dew Engineering and Development Limited, Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National DefenseInventors: Michael A. Borza, Patrick J. Gallagher