Abstract: Devices for maintaining crawler alignment on complex-shaped blades and for enabling the blade crawler to traverse over trailing edge protrusions. Using ball and socket bearings or air pads in place of alignment wheels, the crawler will be able to track along complex-geometry rotor blades, propellers and other airfoils. Using an oversized-diameter roller, a semi-flexible roller, or a dual-roller arrangement, the crawler will be able to traverse over trailing edge protrusions.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a wing box of an aircraft. The wing box includes at least one rib partitioning the wing box in to two bays and at least one stringer attached along an inner surface of the wing box, generally perpendicular to the rib, and extending through an aperture of the rib. The method includes: providing an inspection device on the stringer such that it is movable along the stringer and controlling the inspection device to pass along the stringer, including through the aperture between bays, to perform an inspection of the wing box.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ultrasonic inspection of elongated composite members in a single scan pass using pulse echo phased arrays operating in a bubbler method. The system concept is fully automated by integrating an inspection NDI probe assembly to a robot and using the robot to move the inspection NDI probe assembly along the part (i.e., outside of an inspection tank); and by integrating tooling fixtures that move out of the way as the inspection NDI probe assembly travels along the length of the part during the inspection. In addition, the system allows for generally elongated composite members having lengthwise variation in shape, curvature and dimensions.

Abstract: A system includes an apparatus for performing an inspection on an inspection surface with an inspection robot, the apparatus comprising: a controller configured to: interpret inspection data comprising sensed information from a location on an inspection surface; determine a feature of interest is present at the location of the inspection surface in response to the inspection data, and in response to determining the feature of interest is present at the location of the inspection surface, capture image information from the location on the inspection surface, and correlate the captured image information with the inspection data corresponding to the location of the inspection surface.

Abstract: A system for inspecting, cleaning, and/or repairing one or more blades attached to a rotor of a gas turbine engine. The system includes a track disposed adjacent to the rotor, a mechanical arm moveable along the track, a number of tools attachable to the mechanical arm, and a controller configured to control a position of at least one of the tools that is attached to the mechanical arm about the one or more blades.

Abstract: Devices for maintaining crawler alignment on complex-shaped blades and for enabling the blade crawler to traverse over trailing edge protrusions. Using ball and socket bearings or air pads in place of alignment wheels, the crawler will be able to track along complex-geometry rotor blades, propellers and other airfoils. Using an oversized-diameter roller, a semi-flexible roller, or a dual-roller arrangement, the crawler will be able to traverse over trailing edge protrusions.

Abstract: A system for displaying an area covered in a non-destructive scan of an area larger than the test probe is disclosed. Position encoders are included on the test probe to track the motion of the probe and to provide a record of the portion of the area under test that has been covered by the probe.

Abstract: A probe provided with a transceiving surface longer in a length direction than in a width direction thereof, and an array of ultrasonic elements provided on the transceiving surface, the probe being for emitting ultrasonic waves to a surface to be inspected of an object to be inspected that faces the transceiving surface, while moving in the width direction, the ultrasonic elements being shaped so as to have the same length in the length direction and in the width direction, and the certain of ultrasonic elements being aligned in the length direction and in the width direction and emitting ultrasonic waves a large number of times throughout the length direction in predetermined emission units of one or more ultrasonic elements.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detector includes: a flaw detection head including a probe that transmits an ultrasonic wave to an inspection object formed by a composite member and receives the ultrasonic wave that has reflected on the inspection object; a moving mechanism, which causes the flaw detection head to perform scanning; and a support mechanism disposed such that the support mechanism comes into contact with a lower surface of the inspection object, the support mechanism supporting the inspection object. The support mechanism is configured to come into contact with the inspection object over a predetermined area such that a waveform of the ultrasonic wave that has reflected on a position where the support mechanism is in contact with the inspection object and that is received by the probe is within a noise level.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonically inspecting components with wavy or uneven surfaces. A multi-element array ultrasonic transducer is operated with a substantial fluid layer, such as water, between the array transducer and the component surface. This fluid layer may be maintained by immersing the component in liquid or by using a captive couplant column between the probe and the component surface. The component is scanned, measuring the two dimensional surface profile using either a mechanical stylus, laser, or ultrasonic technique. Once an accurate surface profile of the component's surface has been obtained, data processing parameters are calculated for processing the ultrasonic signals reflected from the interior of the component that eliminate beam distortion effects and reflector mis-location that would otherwise occur due to the uneven surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the real-time-capable, computer-assisted analysis of an image sequence of an object consisting of elements that can be moved relative to each other and are interconnected, said sequence containing a variable pose, wherein the individual images of the image sequence are recorded by way of a time-of-flight (TOF) camera such that said images can be processed by a computer, and contain brightness and distance data as functions of the pixel coordinates of the camera for each image of the sequence, comprising the following steps: a. Capturing the pixels of an individual image forming the object, b. calculating a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud in a virtual space, said point cloud representing the surface of the object that is visible to the camera, by a computational projection of object-depicting pixels in such a space, while taking captured distance data to the object into consideration, c.

Abstract: A controller for use with a nondestructive inspection system communicates with the nondestructive inspection system and with a robot for moving an inspection probe of the nondestructive inspection system relative to an object under inspection. The controller is configured to periodically generate estimated position information of the probe moving relative to the object under inspection and communicate the estimated position information to the nondestructive inspection system as the nondestructive inspection system collects inspection data from the probe. The controller receives actual position information from the robot, the actual position information indicating an actual position of the probe, and corrects the estimated position information based on the actual position information.

Abstract: A device and a method for ultrasonic testing by means of a local immersion technique of a stringer component section of a flat component are provided. The device includes a test head assembly mounted as moving floatingly by a holding device in the Y-direction longitudinally. The test head assembly includes: a test head that can be connected to an automatically actuated handling device and that can be moved by the handling device along the stringer; a test head holder; and a counter-holder coupled with the test head holder by an actuation element, wherein the actuation element is configured to steer the test head holder and the counter-holder from a closed position to an open position, the test head holder and the counter-holder being mounted floatingly along a guiding rail running in the X-direction transversely to the stringer, and fit, in a force-loaded manner, to each side surface of the stringer.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of a robotic inspection system that uses a pair of multi-axis robotic devices to perform an ultrasonic scan of a part. Each of the multi-axis robotic devices can comprise an end effector that can transmit and/or receive an ultrasonic signal to perform the ultrasonic scan. In one embodiment, the robotic inspection system includes a linear slide assembly that can translate the multi-axis robotic devices independently from one another on either side of the part.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasonic inspection of an axle is disclosed. An ultrasonic probe and wedge are placed on the radial surface of an outboard journal of the axle and an ultrasonic scan is directed toward the inboard journal, wherein the devices mounted on the inboard journal remain mounted during the ultrasonic scan.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus comprises a receiver receiving an acoustic wave propagating inside an object and convert the acoustic wave into an electric signal; a scanning unit configured to causing the receiver to scan the object; a control unit configured to controlling operation of the scanning unit; a detection unit configured to detecting a status of the acoustic wave reception; and a processing unit for acquiring characteristic information on the inside of the object on the basis of the electric signal, wherein the control unit decides whether or not the operation of the scanning unit is changed, on the basis of a result of detection by the detection unit.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of a robotic inspection system that uses a pair of multi-axis robotic devices to perform an ultrasonic scan of a part. Each of the multi-axis robotic devices can comprise an end effector that can transmit and/or receive an ultrasonic signal to perform the ultrasonic scan. In one embodiment, the robotic inspection system includes a linear slide assembly that can translate the multi-axis robotic devices independently from one another on either side of the part.

Abstract: A method for measuring variations of the surface of an object using acoustic energy in the audio range is provided. Imaging fine surface roughness on the order of few microns is achievable by using a vibroacoustography technique. This technique provides a method for imaging surface roughness on the basis of an ultrasound radiation force that stimulates acoustic emissions at an ultrasound standing wave field. The present invention may be employed as a tool for the nondestructive inspection and imaging of the surface variations of an object.

Abstract: A method for integrating a measurement device for use in measuring a machine component includes providing a coordinate measuring device, such as a coordinate measuring machine (CMM), and integrating with a plurality of nondestructive examination (NDE) capabilities with a plurality of coordinate measuring device capabilities to form an inspection probe. The method further includes integrating the NDE inspection probe with the coordinate measuring device such that the inspection probe substantially simultaneously measures a plurality of NDE measurements and external/internal geometry and defects of machine component, which are linked to actual component dimensional information provided by CMM. The inspection data can be simultaneously linked to and/or displayed together with a CAD model to enable a direct comparison between the inspection data and the nominal requirements carried on the CAD model.

Abstract: A self propelled scanning device is disclosed. The device includes a self propelled chassis that is locomotive across a surface to be scanned, a translator attached to the chassis, and a carriage attached to the translator and adapted to receive a scanner. The translator selectively moves the carriage in at least one dimension across the surface to be scanned.

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: In a device and method for non-destructive materials testing with at least one ultrasonic transducer, the transducer is able to be moved by a movement system in at least one direction to a workpiece surface. The emission of ultrasonic by the ultrasonic transducer is able to be synchronized with the activation of the movement system so that electrical interference caused by the movement system occurs at times at which no echo is expected for ultrasonic emitted by the transducer. The method and device can be applied to non-destructive materials testing with ultrasound.

Abstract: An automatic ultrasonic examination device includes an ultrasonic test instrument, a robot arm, and a control device. The ultrasonic test instrument includes an ultrasonic probe to send ultrasonic and detecting reflected waves while being in contact with the spot-welded portion, and an ultrasonic test instrument main device connected to the ultrasonic probe to convert the reflected wave detection signals received from the ultrasonic probe into test information. The control device includes a real center location computing unit to identify a real center location of the spot-welded portion with reference to pieces of test information obtained around a preset tentative center location of the spot-welded portion, and a determination unit to check quality of the spot-welded portion with reference to test information obtained at the real center location.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe suited for testing the integrity of sheet metal surfaces around fastener openings is provided with means to center the probe over such openings. Both a mechanical centering rod and an electronic display assist the user in centering such probe. Once positioned within tolerance limits, phased array ultrasonic beams search for defects within the metal surfaces, allowing for residual offsets in the centering of the probe. Also described are test fixtures for calibrating the probe.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a component includes immersing the component in a coupling medium with material velocity cw and immersing an ultrasonic (UT) probe having at least one transducer in the coupling medium. The UT probe has a convex lens with acoustic velocity cL and an acoustic impedance less than about 2.5×106 Rayls. The method further includes exciting the transducer to produce an UT pulse directed into the component and generating echo signals using the transducer as a receive element. An US inspection system includes UT probe, a pulser/receiver configured to supply signal excitation pulses to the transducer element at a pulse repetition frequency (prf) of at least about 1000 Hz and a scanner configured to scan the component with the UT probe at a scanning rate equal to the prf times a scanning increment.

Abstract: A miniature air gap inspection crawler. The miniature air gap inspection crawler may include a base, a linear drive mechanism and a circumferential drive mechanism such that either the linear drive mechanism or the circumferential drive mechanism may be employed, and an inspection module connected to the base.

Abstract: Method and implementing apparatus useful in acquiring data on acoustic features within a sample provides a pulsed acoustic probe and a stage system for effecting relative movement between the sample and the probe. The stage system is commanded such that the probe interrogates a non-rectangularly bounded space on the sample surface or within the volume of the sample. Acoustic energy reflected from or transmitted through the sample is sensed. Amplitude signals are developed from the sensed acoustic energy. Data characterizing the developed amplitude signals are stored for subsequent processing.

Abstract: Automated inspection assemblies for scanning pipes of a nuclear reactor are described. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a mounting subassembly and a scanning subassembly. The mounting subassembly includes a clamp configured to be mounted to selected pipes in a nuclear reactor pressure vessel, and the scanning subassembly is movably coupled to the mounting subassembly. The scanning assembly includes a scanning head configured to scan at least a portion of the circumference of the pipe to be inspected, and the scanning head includes a substantially “U” shaped transducer support assembly sized to receive the pipe. Transducer elements are coupled to the transducer support assembly legs, and the transducer support assembly is configured to rotate about the pipe to inspect the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting flaws using supersonic waves measures a thickness of a test object or a position of a cavity inside the test object by employing a pair of ultrasonic probes. By, changing a relative position of one ultrasonic probe to that of the other ultrasonic probe, a plurality of waveform data of ultrasonic reception signals is acquired. Each of the acquired waveform data is added together. Because a surface wave component of each waveform data has a shifted phase due to a difference in arrival times, a level of the surface wave component is offset and thus minimized through addition of the waveform data.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is presented an automated system for testing the ability of clinical ultrasound scanners to detect focal lesions in human tissue. An ultrasound scanner phantom containing background material mimicking the ultrasonic characteristics of human tissue and coplanar spherical target lesions ultrasonically contrasting with the background material is scanned using the ultrasound scanner to be tested. Digitized images are made of the ultrasound scan of slices in the ultrasound phantom containing background material only and of slices on which the focal lesions are centered. A lesion signal to noise ratio (SNR).sub.L is then calculated at each defined pixel coordinate in the target lesion slice.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting flaws using supersonic waves measures a thickness of a test object or a position of a cavity inside the test object by employing pair of ultrasonic probes. By changing a relative position of one ultrasonic probe to that of the other ultrasonic probe, a plurality of waveform data of ultrasonic reception signals is acquired. Each acquired waveform data is added per corresponding unit of time. Since a surface wave component of each waveform data has a shifted phase due to the difference in arrival time, a level of the surface wave component is offset and thus minimized through addition of the waveform data.

Abstract: A measuring technique for producing a three-dimensional image and information relating to the type of sand, clay or gravel which defines a wall or walls of a deep concealed underground excavation which is filled with a stabilizing liquid, and which technique facilitates accurate and safe construction, utilizes a transducer which irradiates a surface of the excavation with ultrasonic waves and detects the waves which are reflected back thereto. The transducer scans horizontally in incremental stages which occur with a predetermined angle pitch. After each scan is completed, the transducer is vertically displaced by a predetermined amount and the horizontal scan is repeated. The time required for a wave to reach and be reflected back to the transducer is used to determine the distance of the wall from the device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanning device includes an ultrasonic sensor mounted for rotation. The sensor can be automatically oriented in a predetermined reference position from a random position. During a scanning operation the sensor is rotated by incremental angles. The length of the angles is changed after a predetermined time elapse following the initiation of a scanning operation.

Abstract: Ultrasonic inspection of composite products such as curved components of airplane engine nacelles utilizes guide wheels and rollers to support and control the nacelle component or panel and permit rotation of the nacelle panel about its longitudinal axis. The nacelle panel is passed through an inspection zone which contains an ultrasonic inspection assembly comprising ultrasonic transmitting transducers and ultrasonic receiving transducers mounted on opposite sides of the nacelle panel. The ultrasonic inspection assembly is mounted to be moved along a frame by a drive assembly whereby the ultrasonic inspection assembly is translated across the width of the nacelle panel. The nacelle panel is rotated about its axis in small incremental rotational steps by a cable driven by a motor drive assembly. After each incremental rotational movement of the nacelle panel, the ultrasonic inspection assembly is translated across the width of the nacelle panel to inspect the portion aligned with the frame.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection and imaging instrument is characterized by storing reduced image examples (images by means of reduced image display data obtained by scaling down picture display data) of an ultrasonic measurement picture beforehand, together with measurement conditions at the time the measurement picture is obtained prior to a scale-down imaging process. When the measurement is started or the measurement conditions are otherwise changed, the measurement conditions are set as those obtained from the measurement picture prior to the scale-down processing with one of the reduced image examples thus selected as an index while a list of image examples is indicated on a display and read from a memory unit for ultrasonic measuring purposes. When a reduced image example or what is similar to the example desired by an operator is selected, proper measurement conditions are automatically set in the ultrasonic inspection and imaging instrument.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection system uses a submerged ultrasonic transducer to provide an ultrasonic beam focused to a small spot on a submerged surface of a member to be internally inspected. By use of a focused beam projected through a fluid, such as water, to a submerged surface, the ultrasonic energy is efficiently coupled to a surface area which may be small and/or of irregular or curved shape. Systems and methods for inspecting turbine rotor blade tenons permit a turbine rotor with hundreds of blades to be rotated past a submerged transducer with automatic recording and processing of ultrasonic echoes to develop two-dimensional color images of internal portions of tenons at which cracks may typically occur. Automated adjustment of beam focusing of a transducer including an array of elements and threshold monitoring of fault-indicative echo returns are provided for.

Abstract: A meat carcass is inspected ultrasonically to determine its fat-to-lean ratio and to obtain a three-dimensional computer image of the interior of the carcass showing the location, shape and nature of the various pixels of different materials, (fat, lean, and possibly also bone, abscesses or other tissues) in the carcass. These results are achieved by passing ultrasonic pulses into and through the carcass, measuring the timing of both transmitted pulses and return pulses that are reflected from the carcass surfaces and from successive planes between the internal pixels, and measuring the relative intensities of the reflected pulses, the latter measurement providing data on the attenuation coefficients of the various pixels from which their nature can be determined. The velocities of the ultrasonic pulses in the different materials being known, as well as their attenuation coefficients, a computer can calculate the fat-to-lean ratio and can construct the desired three-dimensional image.

Abstract: A prior art computerized ultrasonic examination is first performed by moving an ultrasonic probe over the surface of an object, emitting short pulses of ultrasonic energy into the material. Combined digital position and echo pulse signals are electronically stored, processed and used for the display of video images presenting accumulated echo amplitude data in circular patterns associated with selected sectional planes through the object. The results of the examination are then analyzed and evaluated by means of a mathematical model, able to produce imaginary digital data simulating the progression and reflection of sound pulses emitted by the ultrasonic probe. Imaginary echo signals from imaginary point reflection sources corresponding to selected individual flaw image pixels are then compared with the actual echo pulse signals electronically stored, and in cases of identical sound path lengths, the corresponding actual echo pulse signals are deleted from the memory.

Abstract: A computer-based defect recognition system for the automatic detection of parts defects includes an inspection knowledge base which enables automated defect inspections based upon a variety of nondestructive imaging tests, particular parts under test, the particular zone and region of the part, and the types of nondestructive imaging tests used. The knowledge database also provides for automated defect recognition to be applied to a wide variety of parts using a variety of nondestructive imaging tests while enabling flexible testing of different classified zones and regions of each part using the part-specific, zone- or region-specific, imaging test-specific inspection criteria, image processing algorithms, and computation algorithms.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanning system for testing large curved components of fiber/resin matrix composite material, the system ultrasonically testing these components with water jet probes caliper-mounted on the working arm of an industrial robot. The computer reads CAD data appertaining to the component, transfers it to robot-compatible form and delivers it on demand to the robot computer. The computer also reads the data output from the probe and reconciles it with the CAD data to yield as an output a quality map of the component. Instantaneous probe position on the surface of the work piece is computed from data on the starting position of the scanning movement of the probe, and the scanning velocity of the probe.

Abstract: One or more dimensions of a workpiece, such as sheet material, are determined by passing the material between opposing linear arrays of ultrasonic transmitting and receiving transducers. The dimension of the sheet material is a function of the number of receiving transducers which receive a transmitted signal as compared to the number of receiving transducers which no longer receive a transmitted signal due to blockage of the signal by the sheet material. The strength of the signal is a function of the amount the receiving transducer is blocked by the workpiece, which in turn is a function of the position of an edge of the workpiece relative to the receiving transducer. A more accurate determination of the workpiece dimensions is obtained by establishing various threshold levels of signal strength and by comparing the receiver signal to these threshold levels.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging system for obtaining a three-dimensional image of an object being scanned ultrasonically comprises a source arrangement for sequentially transmitting ultrasonic energy toward the object in successive directions in a first scanning plane, followed by sequential transmission of ultrasonic energy toward the object in successive directions in successive scanning planes, a detector arrangement for receiving reflected energy and converting the reflected energy to electrical signals, and a processor for processing the electrical signals to develop reconstructed image data of the object, the reconstructed image data comprising forward projections of the object into a left image plane and a right image plane to form left and right images, respectively, the left and right images forming a stereo pair for composite display by a display unit. In one embodiment, each successive scanning plane is parallel to the first scanning plane.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously orienting an ultrasonic transducer so that the emitted ultrasonic waves remain at a normal angle of incidence to the opposing surface of an object while the transducer is being moved laterally across the surface in order to inspect the subsurface composition of the object. The sensor casing which contains the ultrasonic transducer pivots about one end of a tubular support arm, while the other end of the support arm pivots about a gearbox casing. A drive shaft passes through the support arm and has a miter gear on each end. One miter gear is engaged with a miter gear attached to the gearbox casing, and the other is engaged with a miter gear attached to the sensor casing so that the rotation of the drive shaft causes the simultaneous rotation of the support arm about the gearbox casing and, in the opposite direction, the rotation of the sensor casing about the support arm. The gearbox casing is attached to a carriage and has the freedom to roll relative to it.

Abstract: A method for the ultrasonic testing of disc bodies, shrunk onto shafts, is especially adapted for testing the shrink-fitted seats thereof adjoining the shafts and usually is provided with anti-rotation holes containing anti-rotation inserts. Such disc body arrangements are often used in the field of low pressure turbine rotor disc fastenings. The method is carried out by using ultrasonic angle beam probes operating according to a method of corner reflection or transversal waves within the range of critical angles of total reflection, or according to a method of grazing incidence. Both methods can be used as a pulse echo technique, or as a tandem technique. The probes are coupled to the curved side walls of the discs for following test patterns extending in circumferential direction of the disc bodies. Ultrasonic sound beams emanating from the probes are aligned toward the test regions of the inner surfaces of the hubs. Three axially adjacent test regions are tested.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitter-receiver for radiating a focused ultrasonic beam and a sample are moved relative to each other in the axial direction of the ultrasonic beam. A reflected wave from the sample is received and a curve V(Z) of variations in the level of the reflected wave with respect to the relative movement is obtained. A reference level of interference of a directly reflected wave and a leaky elastic wave is subtracted from V(Z) to perform waveform processing. The waveform processing output is subjected to a waveform analysis, and from the analysis results, the velocity and/or the attenuation of the leaky elastic wave are calculated.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a movable, ultrasonic transducer array for use in an ultrasonic inspection system that employs a signal detector and display of the liquid crystal cell type. The movable array uniformly insonifies the object to be inspected and is particularly suitable for inspecting large objects or large areas of an object. The array may include a plurality of sending or emitting transducers which are held in substantially parallel alignment so that their transmission or radiation axes are parallel. The array is part of an assembly which includes a support for holding the transducers and a drive system for moving the array and support along a predetermined path.In a first specific embodiment, the array is mounted on a support which moves along a circular path while maintaining the relative horizontal and vertical positions of the transducers. That movement is accomplished by use of a drive and linkage system which provides for an eccentric-like movement.

Abstract: An ultrasonic microscope displays an ultrasonic wave image of a sample relatively and two-dimensionally scanned with respect to an ultrasonic wave beam transmitted from and focused by a transducer including a piezoelectric element and an acoustic lens. The F number of the acoustic lens is variably changeable while the scan in one direction of the two-dimensional scan is substituted by a time axis scan of the received echo.

Abstract: A phased array ultrasonic testing apparatus includes: an array probe for ultrasonic transmission and reception; a transmitter for sequentially exciting transducers of the probe in a predetermined order; a circuit for preparing a composite signal from reception output from the probe; and a circuit for preparing an image signal indicating an internal flaw of a tested body in synchronism with the composite signal in accordance with a transmission beam index point and a steered angle of an ultrasonic main beam.

Abstract: Analysis manipulator for non-destructive material testing, including a support device having a mounting flange, a precision coordinate-moving mechanism having at least two guide frames each including coordinate drives in the form of straight guides and a drive having a spindle and a nut being movable by the spindle along the straight guides, the guide frames including a first lower guide frame having a mounting flange being mountable to the mounting flange of the support device, a second guide frame being movable by the coordinate drive of the first guide frame in a first given coordinate direction, and a testing head mount being movable by the coordinate drive of the second guide frame in a second given coordinate direction, and a method for the coordinate control of the analysis manipulator.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic wave tomographic imaging system wherein an acoustic image in an object is focused on the ultrasonic wave receiving means by means of an ultrasonic wave lens in order to pick up an image of the desired tomographic plane in the object, the clearness of a tomographic plane image is much improved by a structure wherein the ultrasonic wave is not generated to unwanted regions other than the desired tomographic plane of the object by providing the ultrasonic wave generating means so that scanning occurs only as to the desired tomographic plane of the object, and a gate means is provided so that the ultrasonic wave receiving means can receive an acoustic image corresponding to the scanning in accordance with the scanning of the ultrasonic wave generating means.