Abstract: A material profile can be determined by assuming an elliptical or circular arc geometry and by using acoustic noise generated by diffuse internal reflection and/or specular reflection on the internal (ID) or external (OD) interface of the material under inspection, such as a pipe or curved plate. A non-destructive testing (NDT) technique can acquire acoustic data of the material using an ultrasonic signal. The acquired acoustic data can be filtered such that the acoustic noise generated by diffuse internal reflection and/or specular reflection is separated from any flaws in the material. Positions of the acoustic noise can be determined and then a regression technique can be applied to the positions, which can generate an equation of a circle, for example, such as to provide a radius and thickness of the pipe or curved plate.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium stores therein an examination assisting program that causes a computer to execute a process including: performing a site detecting process that uses an object detection technique on each of a plurality of ultrasound examination images taken of an examined subject by performing a scan on the examined subject; and displaying a site detection map in which a detection result of each of a plurality of sites included in the examined subject is kept in correspondence with the scan, on a basis of detection results from the site detecting process.

Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein use acoustic energy to determine a gap between a wafer and an integrated circuit (IC) processing system and/or determine a thickness of a material layer of the wafer during IC processing implemented by the IC processing system. An exemplary method includes emitting acoustic energy through a substrate and a material layer disposed thereover. The substrate is positioned within an IC processing system. The method further includes receiving reflected acoustic energy from a surface of the substrate and a surface of the material layer disposed thereover and converting the reflected acoustic energy into electrical signals. The electrical signals indicate a thickness of the material layer.

Abstract: A system and method for determining clearance between a fabrication tool and a workpiece is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving a substrate within a tool such that a gap is defined there between. A transducer disposed on a bottom surface of the substrate opposite the gap provides an acoustic signal that is conducted through the substrate. The transducer also receives a first echo from a top surface of the substrate that defines the gap and a second echo from a bottom surface of the tool that further defines the gap. A width of the gap is measured based on the first echo and the second echo. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the tool is a bottom surface of a nozzle, and the nozzle provides a liquid or a gas in the gap while the transducer is receiving the first and second echoes.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a hardness of a component to be tested by utilizing an ultrasonic meter. The method and system both comprise selecting a component to be tested which has a longitudinal axis; positioning a probe of the ultrasonic meter for emitting a signal from an emitter of the probe into an end surface of the component to be tested and along the longitudinal axis of the component; emitting the signal from the emitter of the probe into the first surface of the component to be tested; passing the emitted signal through the component to be tested; reflecting the emitted signal via an opposed second surface of the component to be tested back toward a detector of the probe; detecting the reflected signal via the detector of the probe; and determining a hardness of the component to be tested based upon a velocity of the emitted signal.

Abstract: An ultrasound sensor includes a transmitting/receiving device configured to transmit/receive ultrasound waves; and a controller configured to make the transmitting/receiving device transmit an ultrasound burst wave, as each of the ultrasound waves, and detect an object through a reception signal that is output from the transmitting/receiving device. The controller is configured to shift operation mode to a detecting mode, when the object is detected in a monitoring mode. In the monitoring mode, the number of waves included in the ultrasound burst wave is changed in two stages. The detecting mode is of detecting the object, using the ultrasound burst wave having the waves that are being used at a time point when the object is detected in the monitoring mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to ultrasound measurement of a dimension such as the thickness (11) of an item (12) which may be worn over time by contact with an item (14). An ultrasonic transceiver (18) couples ultrasound into the item (12). Outgoing ultrasound i results in echos r returning to the transceiver (18). This allows calculation of time of flight to yield a value for the thickness (11). In the examples prescribed, the measurement is repeated a plurality of times in a specified period to extract a dimension from each received signal. Information extracted from the plurality of received signal is used to produce a single value indicative of the dimension of the item (12) over the specified period.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the level of a plurality of phases of a conductive or semi-conductive mixture in a vessel. The systems and method include a vessel configured to hold the mixture, a plurality of antennas configured to transmit electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals into the mixture to impinge upon the plurality of phases and to receive corresponding signals reflected from the plurality of phases, a transmitter module configured to generate electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals in communication with the plurality of antennas, a receiver module configured to receive electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals in communication with the plurality of antennas, a control module in communication with the transmitter module and the receiver module configured to control their operation, and a signal analysis module in communication with the receiver module configured to process the reflected signals to determine the levels of the plurality of phases within the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for measuring material thickness of a test object. In one embodiment, the apparatus can include a measurement probe that can have a plurality of transducer elements that can include transmitter elements and receiver elements arranged, respectively, in on a first side and a second side of a gap. The first side and the second side can form a scan area with at least one active group that can have at least one transmitter element and at least one receiver element, which can be separated from the transmitter element in a spaced relationship.

Abstract: A spiral wound module assembly comprising: a permeate collection tube, at least one membrane envelope wound about the permeate collection tube, an outer module housing, and at least one acoustic transducer located adjacent to the permeate collection tube. Several embodiments are disclosed including a stand-alone probe adapted for insertion into the permeate collection tube. In several other embodiments, one or more transducers are secured to the inner surface of the permeate collection tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for representing echo signals that are obtained with the aid of an ultrasonic test apparatus used for non-destructively testing a test piece. Said ultrasonic test apparatus comprises a probe, especially an angled probe, a monitor with a display device for representing the received echo signals in an cross-sectional image such that at least one front face and a back wall of the test piece can be recognized. A flaw is detected from different arrangements of the angular probe, represented, and an error signal is determined. The test images are stored and then represented in a superimposed manner in an evaluation image such that the first and the second error signal can be recognized.

Abstract: In a method for the ultrasonic testing of a workpiece (2) in a curved area of its surface, in particular of a workpiece (2) made of a fiber composite material, an ultrasonic test head (10) is acoustically coupled to the workpiece in this area, and includes an ultrasonic transducer arrangement (12) comprising a plurality (N) of individually driveable transducer elements (20i) which are arranged next to one another. In chronologically successive test cycles, a number (n) of transducer elements (20i) are respectively combined to form a group and are driven in a plurality of test pulses within this test cycle in a time delayed manner with respect to one another such that the transmitted ultrasound beam (30a-d) in this test cycle is swept within a predetermined angular range (?1, ?2), so that one of the number of echo signals, corresponding to the number of test pulses, for each group is received from different directions of the workpiece (2).

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus for non-destructive inspection of a test body. The apparatus includes a probe, a transmitter operably connected to the probe, a receiver operably connected to the probe and a monitor with a display operably connected to the receiver for representing the echo signals received. The receiver receives echo signals. The transmitter generates transmitter pulses and delivers the transmitter pulses to the probe, wherein the probe delivers ultrasonic pulses and insonifies them at a certain angle (?) into a test body. The pulses penetrate the test body where the test pulses are at least once reflected from a rear wall of the test body forming, as a result thereof, at least one first leg that extends from an entrance surface to the rear wall and a second leg that extends from the rear wall to the entrance surface. The echo signals received are represented on the display so as to show from which leg the echo signals originate.

Abstract: An acoustic-propagation-time measuring apparatus includes an acoustic transmitting and receiving section having an acoustic element capable of transmitting and receiving acoustic waves, an A/D converter which converts an echo signal reflected from a target object to be measured into a digital signal, an inverse-analysis section that converts the digital echo signal into an impulse signal through inverse analysis where the digital echo signal is multiplied by an inverse matrix, a calculating section that measures an acoustic propagation time and a time difference based on the digital echo signal converted to the impulse signal, and a display section which displays the acoustic propagation time and time difference calculated by the calculating section.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for moving a sensor over a workpiece includes a sensor, and an actuating member. The sensor, such as a non-destructive test sensor, is carried by the actuating member, and the actuating member is at least partially disposed within a housing. The actuating member is adapted for automated movement in one direction, and the housing may be configured to be grasped by an operator and manually moved in another direction. As such, the sensor may automatically move in one direction with respect to the workpiece without manual intervention, and manually move in another direction, such that the sensor is moved by the combination of automated and manual movement. In addition, the actuating member may have at least two substantially parallel arms extending from near the sensor, which permits the sensor to slide along the workpiece while maintaining a substantially normal relationship to a surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: Plural auxiliary carts 18 and 19 are connected to a measuring cart 11 in the width direction thereof which travels on a tank bottom plate 31 through universal joint mechanisms 26 and 27. Reflection type ultrasonic probes 22, 23 and coating film thickness gauges 24, 25 are provided with the respective auxiliary carts 18 and 19, and also a rotary encoder 32 which measures a traveling distance of the measuring cart 11 is attached to the measuring cart 11. Based on the outputs of the ultrasonic probes 22, 23, the outputs of the coating film thickness gauges 24, 25 and the outputs of the rotary encoder 32, the actual thickness of the tank bottom plate 31, that is obtained by subtracting the thickness of the coating film at a specific position of the tank bottom plate 31 measured by the rotary encoder, is measured and stored, and the thickness of every portion of the tank bottom plate 31 is displayed on a screen.

Abstract: A filling-level measuring device, specifically a filling-level radar system, comprises a transmitter (1), a receiver (2) for an echo of a signal emitted by the transmitter (1), and an evaluation circuit (3) for estimating the filling level. The transmitter (1) and the receiver (2) are suitable for operation with a plurality of frequencies on the part of the emitted signal and the echo.

Abstract: An improvement in an on-line measurement system for product formed in a continuous manner includes a device for receiving a first waveform signal indicative of a presence of a first characteristic of the product and a second waveform signal indicative of a presence of a second characteristic of the product. A computer based device having phase shifting software is provided for shifting phase of each of the first waveform signal and the second waveform signal a predetermined amount to produce a respective first transformed waveform signal and a second transformed waveform signal.

Abstract: A gauge for determining a thickness of a coating on a substrate includes a transducer for emitting ultrasonic signals into the coating and for generating electrical signals proportional to the ultrasonic signals received by said transducer, said received signals include first signals reflected from a transducer/coating interface and second signals reflected from a coating/substrate interface; a pulser for sending pulses to the transducer to trigger the emission of said ultrasonic signals; a sampler for sampling the electrical transducer signals and generating sampled data; a timer for controlling the pulser and the sampler so as to perform an equivalent time sampling of the signals received by the sampler; and a controller for calculating a thickness of the coating based on said sampled data, said controller includes the ability to subject said sampled data to a deconvolution analysis so as to distinguish sampled data corresponding to said first signals from sampled data corresponding to said second signals w

Abstract: An ultrasonic measuring apparatus (FIG. 2) and method (FIG. 5) to accurately determine the depth of an overlaying backfat (14-20) on an animal (8) without incurring any damage to the animal. The apparatus employs a reverse time analysis approach in which a pulse generator (28) sends a preselected ultrasonic input signal by way of a piezoelectric transducer (16) through the outer skin (12) and successively through each one of the animal's fat layer interfaces (15, 17, 20) to a preselected distance within the loin portion (22) of the animal. This reverse time approach then analyzes the resulting echo signal produced by the input signal sequentially in a direction from this loin portion toward the outer fat layers (14, 16, 18). The first strong signal within a specified range, which depends on the species, breed, age or weight of the animal to be measured, is taken as the bottom-most fat/loin transition.

Abstract: A gauge for determining a thickness of a coating on a substrate includes a transducer for emitting ultrasonic signals into the coating and for generating electrical signals proportional to the ultrasonic signals received by the transducer, the received signals include first signals reflected from a transducer/coating interface and second signals reflected from a coating/substrate interface; a pulser for sending pulses to the transducer to trigger the emission of the ultrasonic signals; a sampler for sampling the electrical transducer signals and generating sampled data; a timer for controlling the pulser and the sampler so as to perform an equivalent time sampling of the signals received by the sampler; and a controller for calculating a thickness of the coating based on the sampled data, the controller includes the ability to subject the sampled data to a deconvolution analysis so as to distinguish sampled data corresponding to the first signals from sampled data corresponding to the second signals when the

Abstract: An apparatus which measures a thickness of a layer using transverse waves of ultrasonic waves, and includes: a sensor unit having a probe for obliquely transmitting and receiving to and from the surface of a material to be measured having first and second layers with different acoustic impedances in a depth direction: an extractor for extracting, from a wave reception signal representing waves received by the probe, reflected waves from a boundary between the first and the second layers of the material; and a calculator for calculating a distance between the surface of the material and the boundary.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring thickness of sample of material having a surface finish in a time of flight system using an ultrasonic thickness gauge, comprising the steps of: defining the time of flight system as a function of t'=h'.div.Va' +C(f) where t' is the time of flight of an ultrasonic wave though the calibration sample, h' is a mechanically measured thickness of the calibration material, Va' is one half the velocity of sound through the material, and C(f) is a surface finish dependent time offset calibrated for the finish of the near and far side surfaces; passing an actual wave with the velocity of 2Va through the sample; measuring the time of flight (t) of the actual ultrasonic wave though the sample; providing the surface finish dependent time offset calibrated for the finish of each surface of the material; and establishing a corrected thickness measurement (CTM) as a function of the surface finish dependent offset (C(f)) which satisfies the condition CTM=Va.times.(t-C(f)).

Abstract: One oscillator of a dual type ultrasonic probe generates an ultrasonic pulse and receives a surface reflection wave and a boundary face reflection wave from a coated plate. Another oscillator receives a bottom reflection wave from the coated plate. As a result, these reflection waves can be received at high levels, and reception times of the boundary face reflection wave and the bottom reflection wave can be accurately discriminated. Therefore, the thickness of the plate alone can be accurately calculated from the difference in reception times.

Abstract: A coextruded zirconium tube and tube liner are monitored along their lengths by well known ultrasonic measurement techniques that are modified by the blocking out of extraneous signals at opposite sides of a timing gate that varies in width according to variations in the width and shape characteristics of successive points along the length of such coextruded tube and liner. The blocking of such extraneous signals enables a normally very weak signal representing the interface between tube and tube liner to be identified and used, together with a group of stronger signals representing the inner surface of the tube liner, in monitoring tube liner thickness and characteristics by a sonic wave traversing the distance across the timing gate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection system for composite materials capable of detecting flaws near the surface of the inspected part which flaws are normally masked by strong reflections from the part surface. An electronic signal representative of the strong surface echo is stored in memory and subtracted in a differential amplifier from the entire test piece echo representative signal in time relationship which effects cancellation of the signal representative of the strong surface echo thereby allowing weaker echo representative signals from defects near the surface to the detected.

Abstract: In order to replace acoustic lenses, frequency units corresponding to frequencies used by the acoustic lenses and housing transmitted pulse generating means, circulators and receiving means can be selected and the signal of a gate opening at a timing at which ultrasonic waves of a sample return can be selected.

Abstract: A double reference pulse phase locked loop for measuring the phase shift between tone burst signals initially derived from the same periodic signal source (voltage controlled oscillator 16) and delayed by different amounts because of two different paths. A first path is from transducer 12 to surface 14 of sample 11 and back, and a second path is from transducer 12 to surface 15 and back. A first pulse phase locked loop including phase detector 26 and phase shifter 22 forces the tone burst signals delayed by the second path in phase quadrature with the periodic signal source. A second pulse phase locked loop including phase detector 21 forces the tone burst signals delayed by the first path into phase quadrature with the phase shifted periodic signal source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of detecting fractures along the wall of a formation, such as a well formed by test-drilling, provides for the transmission of ultrasonic signals in a direction essentially perpendicular to the wall from a position spaced from the wall by a predetermined distance and the reception of the ultrasonic signals which may be reflected by the wall. The space of predetermined thickness between the transducer which generates the ultrasonic signals and the wall is filled with an intermediate material which does not form a distinct interface with the wall of the type which would be able to produce an appreciable parasitic reflection of the transmitted signals.

Abstract: An acoustic microscope comprising an acoustic transducer which performs both generation and detection of acoustic wave beams, and a sample holding member which opposes to an acoustic wave transmitting and receiving surface of the transducer, to hold an object sample through an acoustic wave propagating medium and to offer behind the sample a layer of an acoustic impedance unequal to that of the sample, so that the sample holding member is moved in parallel, thereby to detect acoustic waves reflected from front and rear surfaces of the sample and acoustic waves reflected from a surface of the sample holding member without reaching the sample and to measure amplitudes and returning periods of time of the reflected acoustic waves, so as to measure the velocity of sound through the sample of unknown thickness, the acoustic impedance of the sample, etc. from the measured values.

Abstract: In order to safely interfering signals caused by interfering volumina like e.g. air bubbles existing in a coupling medium from signals generated by workpiece defects in the ultrasonic testing of workpieces according to the pulse-echo-method, it is suggested that at the appearance of a signal in the time between transmitting pulse and surface echo-signal crossing an adjustable threshold during a test cycle, all signals of the same test cycle falling within the range of anticipation for workpiece defects will be suppressed.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for ultrasonic flaw detection of T-welded portion of steel product. The method comprises: maintaining the flange portion horizontally, making convergent ultrasonic beams incident on the flange portion vertically to the top face of the flange portion through a medium, scanning the incident beams transversely of the welded portion, detecting ultrasonic echo from a depth corresponding to the bottom face thickness of the flange portion, and comparing the level of said ultrasonic echo with a predetermined threshold value. Disclosed also is an apparatus for carry out the above method. These method and apparatus are suited particularly to the on-line flaw detection of the welded shape steel.

Abstract: A programmable ultrasonic thickness and acoustic velocity measuring instrument is provided which includes automatic zeroing (calibrating) means, automatic temperature compensation and high temperature warning means, automatic probe identification means, means for automatically correcting the measurement readings for probe characteristics, means for storing and displaying of the minimum wall thickness during a predetermined time interval, and means for providing a display indicative of the difference between a measured thickness and a preprogrammed value.

Abstract: A bolt elongation measurement apparatus and method for measuring the length of bolts of all sizes and shapes. The apparatus utilizes a microprocessor-based digital system including a binary counter which counts pulses generated by a high frequency oscillator during the time interval between the entry into the bolt of a first pulse and exit from the bolt of a second pulse derived from the reflection return of ultrasonic energy from the opposite end of the bolt. The count is applied to a computer for calculation of bolt length or of bolt stretch due to mechanical stress. The calculation also incorporates data input via thumbwheel switches and corresponding to material velocity, stress correction factor, measurement temperature, and thermal correction factor. A unique digital filtering algorithm ensures an accurate and stable measurement.

Abstract: Pulses of accoustic energy are transmitted at normal incidence to the wall of a welded pipe, and also at an oblique angle thereto, wherein such transmissions, from respective transducers, occur immediately adjacent a girth weld. Reflected pulses are then received and processed to analyze the radial extent of the girth weld at each interface between the pipe and the weld material. By these means, undercuts or cracks in the weld are detected and analyzed as to their depth and profile. The energy transmitted normal to the pipe wall determines the distance between the pipe and the pulse transducers, and a signal is then generated to simulate a reflection from the inner wall of the pipe with relation to an obliquely-directed pulse. The transducers are then moved axially of the pipe and towards the weld, in small increments, in order to cause the oblique transmission of pulses finally to intercept the weld, thereby producing reflected pulse data when cracks or undercuts are encountered.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging equipment employing a transducer which includes an acoustic propagating medium formed with a concave surface at one end thereof and formed with a piezoelectric thin film on the other end thereof opposing to the one end, and a medium arranged in the concave surface in order to permit the concave surface to effect a lens action, and a dummy transducer which eliminates a transmitted echo and an echo from the lens boundary and which is constructed of the acoustic propagating medium and an acoustic absorber.

Abstract: Apparatus to detect and/or locate an inhomogeneity in a medium comprises a transducer to transmit frequency-modulated ultrasonic energy through the medium and a transducer to receive reflected energy. The transducers are connected to a phase-locked loop which maintains a required relationship between the phase of the transmitted modulation and the phase of the received modulation by adjustment of the modulation frequency. The modulation frequency adjustment is kept within predetermined upper and lower frequency limits so that the loop can lock only on to received ultrasonic energy which has travelled a distance within a predetermined region in the medium. The energy may be scanned across the region to produce a profile of the inhomogeneity, such as tissue at a certain depth within a limb.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ultrasonic non-destructive testing by the pulse echo method. The pulses received from flaws in a test object are supplied to a main branch circuit for amplification to produce a suitable flaw display and to a back echo branch circuit having a lower amplification such that the back echo signal does not saturate the amplifier. During a "flaw gate" period, the output from the main branch circuit is supplied through a high speed electronic switch to a display. At the conclusion of the flaw gate period, the switch is actuated to supply the back echo branch circuit output to the display. In this manner, the back echo signal may be monitored for additional flaw information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the nondestructive testing of the thickness of boiler tubes. The system comprises a probe assembly which includes a mounting unit for mounting the assembly in a mud or water drum of a boiler at the location of a boiler tube to be tested. The probe assembly is comprised of an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals. The probe assembly further includes a motor drive connected to the transducer. A control unit is provided which includes a motor control portion connected to the motor drive to selectively position the transducer at a plurality of locations in the boiler tube to be tested. The control unit also includes an ultrasonic drive for producing an ultrasonic pulse for driving said transducer means. A water control is connected to the control unit, a source of water supply, a drain, and the probe assembly.

Abstract: Automated gain control in rail flaw detection which includes attenuation of echoes from rails pulsed with a burst of sonic energy, comparing said attenuated signals over discrete intervals, and reducing or increasing said attenuation in response thereto to develop a uniform signal from which an evaluation of flaw indicating echoes can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a means and method for evaluating a bond between first and second structures bonded together by an intermediate layer of adhesive. Means are provided for transmitting a pulse of ultrasonic wave energy into the bonded structures whereby a first reflected pulse may be reflected from a first surface of the first structure, a second reflected pulse reflected from the layer of adhesive, and a third pulse possibly reflected from the surface of the second structure adjacent the adhesive layer. Circuit means are provided for sensing the first, second, and third reflected pulses and for providing an indication of the quality of the bond by comparing the amplitudes of the reflected pulses and determining if the ratios lie within predetermined ranges.

Abstract: In apparatus for ultrasonic examination of an object, the echoes derived at successive positions of an ultrasonic transducer are digitized and subtracted one from the other. If the echoes are not the same, the difference is a discrete indication of a flaw. The invention applies especially to the detection of flaws close to the front surface of the object where the front surface echo tends to obscure nearby flaws.

Abstract: Ultrasonic echo signals from the rear wall boundary are used to track looking windows for similar signals during a subsequent test cycle as well as for detection of flaw echos, with emphasis on a distinction between end of flaw detection and beginning first rear wall echo looking windows.

Abstract: An automatic base gate positioning circuit for use in rail flaw detection is disclosed which includes the generation of a string of uniformly spaced pulses corresponding to known rail depth, correlating said pulses with sonic echoes averaging and storing the correlated signals and developing a signal representing the rail depth for comparison with an echo from the rail base.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for evaluating a bond between first and second structures bonded together by an intermediate layer of adhesive. Apparatus is provided for transmitting a pulse of ultrasonic wave energy that has a duration at least as short as 1.5 wave cycles into the bonded structures whereby a first reflected pulse may be reflected from a first surface of the first structure, a second reflected pulse reflected from the layer of adhesive, and a third pulse possibly reflected from the surface of the second structure adjacent the adhesive layer. Circuits are provided for sensing the first, second, and third reflected pulses and for providing an indication of the quality of the bond by comparing the amplitudes of the reflected pulses and determining if the ratios lie within predetermined ranges.

Abstract: In order to increase the speed at which a workpiece is tested by the ultrasonic pulse-echo method, the dead time between individual measurement time intervals is shortened by providing a minimum predetermined time interval selected for the specific test conditions. When an echo responsive signal is manifest in the receiving circuit, in order to prevent the occurrence of phantom echo signals arising in the following measuring interval, the generation of the succeeding transmit signal is inhibited for the predetermined time interval after receipt of the last echo responsive electrical signal of the measuring interval having an amplitude exceeding a predetermined minimum amplitude. The test speed therefore, is made adaptive to the condition of the receipt of the number of echo responsive electrical signals exceeding a predetermined minimum amplitude.