Abstract: A detection and imaging system 10 is provided for locating defects in pipes using electromagnetic acoustical transducer (EMAT) sensors. The system includes an ultrasonic generator 22 (FIG. 2) configured to transmit a pulse signal to the EMAT transmitter 16 (FIG. 1). The transmitter 16, in turn, sends an ultrasonic wave through a pipe 13. The EMAT receiver 18 (FIG. 1) is configured to detect the transmitted ultrasonic signal 24 and receive a reflected ultrasonic signal that is reflected by a defect in the pipe. A processor is configured to generate a filter signal based upon the transmitted ultrasonic signal 24, to correlate the filter signal and the rejected ultrasonic signal to derive the location of the defect relative to the receiver, and to display the profile of the defect.

Abstract: Apparatus for the installation of sensors (37) in channels (31), which apparatus comprises a first channel (31) containing at least one sensor location arrangement (35), the first channel (31) and the sensor location arrangement (35) being such that at least one sensor (37) is able to be pumped through the first channel (31) to the sensor location arrangement (35), the sensor location arrangement (35) being provided with at least one turn (3) such that the physical disposition of the sensor (37) after it has been pumped to the sensor location arrangement (35) is not linear, and the turn (3) being such that it comprises a loop of hydraulic conduit.

Abstract: A flexible, modular ultrasonic pipe inspection apparatus, comprising a flexible, hollow shaft that carries a plurality of modules, including at least one rotatable ultrasonic transducer, a motor/gear unit, and a position/signal encoder. The modules are connected by flexible knuckle joints that allow each module of the apparatus to change its relative orientation with respect to a neighboring module, while the shaft protects electrical wiring from kinking or buckling while the apparatus moves around a tight corner. The apparatus is moved through a pipe by any suitable means, including a tether or drawstring attached to the nose or tail, differential hydraulic pressure, or a pipe pig. The rotational speed of the ultrasonic transducer and the forward velocity of the apparatus are coordinated so that the beam sweeps out the entire interior surface of the pipe, enabling the operator to accurately assess the condition of the pipe wall and determine whether or not leak-prone corrosion damage is present.

Abstract: A probe inspects steam generator tubing for defects. The probe includes a transducer which generates a localized ultrasonic Lamb wave. The ultrasonic wave is transferred to the tubing by a coupling medium, such as water, that physically couples the transducer and the tubing. Defects in the tubing reflect the ultrasonic wave to the probe which detects the reflections. The results are then used to determine the length and depth of such defects as cracks, pitting, and thinning. The localized ultrasonic wave performs an inspection sensitive enough to detect ligaments between crack segments. This allows highly accurate predictions of tubing integrity and rupture strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining both the axial and angular positions of a defect in a tube wall. The apparatus includes a probe head positioned at the end of an elongated probe carrier having an imbedded orientation indicator. In the preferred embodiment, an encoder measures the angular orientation of the probe head when facing the defect relative to the angular orientation of the carrier and a photodetector and reflective strip measure the angular orientation of the carrier relative to a known orientation. A data processor uses this data to calculate the angular orientation of the probe head and the location of the tube defect.

Abstract: An improved technique for determining the thickness of a member, especially pipe such as fluid-filled casing in an earth borehole, includes the following steps: directing a pulse of ultra-sonic energy toward the inner surface of the pipe and receiving/storing, as a function of time, signals representative of ultra-sonic energy reflected from the inner surface of the pipe; determining, from the stored signals, the arrival or the initial echo from the inner surface; determining from the stored signals, the arrival and the amplitude of a first candidate initial echo from the outer surface of the pipe; performing a reverse search on the stored signals to determine, from stored signals at times earlier than the arrival time of the first candidate the arrival and the amplitude of a second candidate initial echo from the outer surface; comparing amplitudes of the first and second candidates and selecting, based on the comparison, one of the first and second candidates as the actual outer surface echo; and determinin

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detecting apparatus for efficiently detecting a flaw existing in a deep portion of a multi-layer structure includes a first sensor arranged so as to transmit an ultrasonic wave into a different property layer surrounded by a medium having a different acoustic impedance in the multi-layer structure, a function generator for generating a pulse-shaped sine wave, a power amplifier for amplifying and supplying the pulse-shaped sine wave to the first sensor, a second sensor arranged so as to receive a boundary echo from the different property layer, a first amplifier for amplifying the boundary echo received by the second sensor, an intensity detector for judging the intensity of an amplified signal of the boundary echo, a third sensor arranged so as to receive an echo from a flaw inside a layer in a deep portion of the different property layer, a second amplifier for amplifying the flaw echo received by the third sensor, a recorder for recording the amplified flaw echo signal, and a control unit

Abstract: An image display apparatus, which is used to display a plurality of images on one display image by carrying out a filtering operation, comprises a memory unit, a filter unit, a write control unit, a delay unit, and a switching unit. The write control unit controls the writing of the display data at a region having a specific address length between adjacent display-regions, when storing the display data into the memory unit. The filter unit applies a filtering operation to the display data read out from the memory unit along the display scanning direction, and the delay unit gives a different delay value to the display data output from the filter unit. The switching unit switches the display data having a different delay value output from the delay unit at a boundary line of the adjacent display-regions. Therefore, the length between the adjacent display-regions can be shortened, and an image having a preferable length between the adjacent display-regions without an intervention can be displayed.

Abstract: For reducing the coupling liquid carried along during the performance of a test run of a device for testing gas carrying pipelines, the invention provides an ultrasonic gas carrying pipeline testing method, in which an overpressure is produced in a space containing a sensor carrier with ultrasonic sensors and a coupling liquid defined by the pipeline wall and scraper sleeves. An ultrasonic gas carrying pipeline testing device with a sensor carrier and a scraper sleeve positioned upstream thereof and connected thereto is characterized in that a connecting line (24) provided with a pump (26) passes from an area upstream of the scraper sleeve (22) to an area downstream of said scraper sleeve (22).

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the ultrasonic testing of a component accessible only through a gap, includes driving a carrier accommodating an ultrasonic testing head into an annular gap and bringing the ultrasonic testing head into a position of alignment with the component, for the purposes of repeated testing of components disposed in the poorly accessible gap. Subsequently, the ultrasonic testing head is driven out from the carrier approximately at right angles to the driving-in movement, and is brought into contact with the component. After completing the testing process, the ultrasonic testing head is driven once more into the carrier and brought into a position of alignment with the next component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating a valid return pulse from noise in a return signal received by an ultrasonic transducer in response to an interrogating pulse transmitted into a wall of a gas pipe by an ultrasonic transducer of a scan assembly. A discriminator is provided to compare the return signal with adjustable reference voltage thresholds which are continually adjusted by a discriminator computer in accordance with the noise characteristics of the return signal.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for providing one hundred percent inspection of natural gas mains under operating flow conditions. The apparatus includes a scan unit assembly which is inserted into the gas main to collect data for the production of graphic images of the wall of the gas main. The scan unit includes a plurality of scan rollers, each containing an ultrasonic transducer, which traverse the surface of the wall defining the inner diameter of the gas main. The ultrasonic transducers transmit interrogating pulses into the wall of the gas main at a pre-determined spaced apart interval resulting in a helical scan pattern of interrogating pulses. The return pulses from the surfaces defining the inner diameter and outer diameter of the gas main and any imperfections and/or flaws within the wall of the main are received by the transducer and transmitted to a display unit for a visual indication (a tomograph) of the wall of the gas main.

Abstract: In a method of compressing data obtained from ultrasonic propagation-time measurements made at a given pulse-repetition rate over a broad surface by an inspection probe which slides through the pipe in order to detect corrosion and other abnormalities in the pipe, the particular physical characteristics of the pipe are taken into consideration whereby a high data-compression factor and, for the subsequent analysis, reliable reproduction of the actual conditions in the pipe are achieved.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scan assembly for use in inspecting downhole gas pipes comprises a sensor section which rotates in relation to an end section that remains essentially level forming a rotating interface. The sensor section includes at least one ultrasonic transducer for transmitting interrogating pulses into a pipe wall and for receiving return pulses that are analyzed for determining the maintenance and repair needs of the gas pipe. Provided in the scan assembly is a rotary transformer for magnetically coupling signals, such as return pulse data or power, across the rotating interface of the scan assembly. The rotary transformer includes a primary winding on one section of the scan assembly and a secondary winding on another section of the scan assembly. The primary windings and secondary windings associated with respective sections of the scan assembly can be placed in parallel or concentric relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrasonic inspection of a conduit are provided. The method involves directing a first ultrasonic pulse at a particular area of the conduit at a first angle, receiving the reflected sound from the first ultrasonic pulse, substantially simultaneously or subsequently in very close time proximity directing a second ultrasonic pulse at said area of the conduit from a substantially different angle than said first angle, receiving the reflected sound from the second ultrasonic pulse, and comparing the received sounds to determine if there is a defect in that area of the conduit. The apparatus of the invention is suitable for carrying out the above-described method. The method and apparatus of the present invention provide the ability to distinguish between sounds reflected by defects in a conduit and sounds reflected by harmless deposits associated with the conduit.

Abstract: A new ultrasonic method for measuring wall thickness and detecting material flaws in natural-gas pipelines, risers, and similar structures. The method is inherently suitable for the task, because it relies on the use of the natural gas as the coupling fluid for transmitting the probing ultrasonic signals into and out of the pipe wall. Furthermore, the method facilitates the operation of the inspection from the inside of the pipe. An experimental apparatus used to demonstrate the technical feasibility of this approach and provide experimental and theoretical evidence that support the claims is described. Significantly, it is shown that by the use of a diplexer, the same transducer can be used to generate and detect the probing ultrasonic signals. The same configuration is used in commercial ultrasonic inspection of oil pipelines where oil is the coupling fluid; but until now this method could not be used in natural gas pipelines due to the low specific acoustic impedance of natural gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the inspection of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic pipes, tubes or other cylindrical shell structures utilizing the magnetostrictive effect to detect defects such as corrosion pits, wall thinning, and cracks within the structure under evaluation. The apparatus and method constitute an active testing application, wherein 1) a transmitting coil element generates a mechanical pulse within a cylindrical shell structure through the magnetostrictive effect and a second coil detects reflected mechanical waves within the pipe, this by the inverse magnetostrictive effect, or 2) a single sensor functions as both transmitter and detector. The present invention also anticipates a passive monitoring application with a detection coil that continuously monitors ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic tubes, pipes, etc.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scan assembly is adapted to efficiently scan a surface and cross-section of a wall of an elongated cylindrical object. The ultrasonic scan assembly has a rotatable sensor section capable of rotating as the scan assembly is advanced axially along the elongated cylindrical object. In operation, the scan assembly is advanced in an axial direction along elongated cylindrical object, and the sensor section of the scan assembly is rotated so as to create a helical scan pattern. For at least a portion of the cylindrical object, the angular velocity of the sensor section is modulated. As a result, that portion of the cylindrical object is scanned at more than one scan rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting defects comprises a pair of ultrasonic probes which are gimballed onto a pair of elongate members. A pair of yokes are gimballed onto the elongate members. Springs cause an interaction between the yokes and the ultrasonic probes such that the ultrasonic beams travel in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongate members. The elongate members are slidably mounted on a carriage and the elongate members are arranged apart at a predetermined angle. The carriage is mounted to travel on an arcuate member to scan the corner of joint between a pressure vessel and a nozzle in a direction radially with respect to the axis of the nozzle. The arcuate member is rotatably mounted to a support member to scan the corner or the joint circumferentially with respect to the axis of the nozzle.

Abstract: A spiral pig apparatus is provided for axial movement through a pipe of the type having a cylindrical interior surface defining a central axis. The spiral pig apparatus includes a first and a second section coupled to each other for axial movement of both sections and for relative rotation between the first and second sections. A first plurality of wheels is attached to the first section. Each of the first plurality of wheels is attached at a first rolling angle, relative to the pipe axis for rolling contact with the interior surface of the pipe, and for supporting the first section spaced inward from the interior surface of the pipe. A second plurality of wheels is attached to the second section. Each of the second plurality of wheels is attached at a second rolling angle, relative to the pipe axis for rolling contact with the interior surface of the pipe. The second rolling angle is different from the first rolling angle of the first set of wheels.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fixture assembly for holding multiple ultrasonic transducers includes a mounting support rod for attaching the fixture assembly to a manipulator of a ultrasonic inspection system. A plurality of transducer mounting blocks may be mounted to the support rod by an elongated mounting bar or a single transverse mounting block may be mounted to the support rod. Each of the transducer mounting blocks will have a channel formed therein for slidably receiving an ultrasonic transducer or if a single transverse mounting block is used a plurality of channels will be formed through the mounting block. A central channel or a central transducer mounting block is provided for receiving and retaining a longitudinal wave type ultrasonic transducer and other channels or transducer mounting blocks disposed on either side of the longitudinal transducer are formed to hold shearwave type transducers.

Abstract: A series of devices for in vivo imaging of cellular architecture in a variety of tissues. A 200 MHz transducer is mounted on the tip of a cardiac catheter, gastroscope, colonoscope, bronchoscope, laparoscope or similar device, where it is moved mechanically to produce B-mode images of cells in the tissue. The ultrasound beam is focused in a subsurface region of tissue, and ultrasound which is backscattered from the focal zone is analyzed to produce images. Because heart motion may interfere with cardiac imaging, images are gated in mid-diastole for cardiac applications.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonically inspecting the surface of a bore, particularly the bore of a railroad wheel axle, includes the step of generating a transverse ultrasonic wave from an emitter which interacts with the surface of the bore, and comparing the amplitude of the echoes obtained with values obtained from a calibration curve plotted for a bore having a standard defect which corresponds to the bore to be inspected so as to determine the existance of a defect when the amplitude of the echoes is greater than a specified fraction of the value indicated by the calibration curve. A corresponding device is provided for ultrasonically inspecting the surface of the bore of the railroad wheel axle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for measuring the wall thickness of a pipeline through which a fluid flows, the pipeline having an interior and exterior surface. The apparatus has a pig body supported by elastomeric cups to thereby cause the pig body to move by fluid flow through the pipeline. The pig body supports a plurality of multi-element transducers. Each transducer is made up of a large number of independent elongated rod-like crystal elements separated by a polymer, each having side walls, a front face and a bottom face. The rod-like elements are arranged so that the side walls are adjacent but mechanically isolated from each other, such as by an epoxy, with the front faces and bottom faces providing transducer front and bottom surfaces. A front metallic film and a bottom metallic film are applied to the front and the bottom surfaces. Each transducer is configured to have an impedance that closely matches the impedance of the pipeline fluid.

Abstract: The ultrasonic transducer (5) is moved along the axial direction of elements of elongate shape (1), and is electrically excited for the emission of ultrasonic waves. Electrical measurement currents originating from the transducer (5) are collected and analyzed. The transducer (5) comprises a support having a concave active surface having curved generatrices and a plurality of piezoelectric elements fixed to the active surface of the support in adjacent dispositions.

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 rail flaw detection system and technique are described for the detection of flaws in the sides of rail heads. An ultrasonic transducer is oriented, sized, and so-located so as to produce an ultrasonic beam within the head whereby at least a portion of the beam will intersect a lower side corner independent of the curvature of the rail head running surface and the amount of head wear. The presence of premature reflections or the or absence of reflections can be used to detect flaws such as vertical fractures in the rail head. The side-looker is so oriented as to produce a beam in the rail head that lies within 45.degree. to 75.degree. of the normal to the rail surface. The side-looker can further be so located that its beam does not interfere with or be interfered by beams from other transducers used to investigate the rail and mounted in the same wheel assembly as the side-looker.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is housed in a probe housing filled with fluid under controlled pressure. The probe provides ultrasonic sound through the fluid to a bladder which presses against the interior of a rotor wall. Located along the periphery of the bladder, a fluid wiper/soaker conduit provides droplets of fluid to the wall of the rotor bore to minimize friction between the bladder and the rotor bore wall and provide an ultrasonic path between the bladder and the rotor wall.

Abstract: A robotic sampling device (32) for cutting part of a tube wall (12) for sampling, containing a cutting head (36), a retrieval assembly (38) and a drive mechanism (40), is used to cut a window or hole (60) in the tube wall (12) and retrieve the tube wall sample (56), where the sample can be mounted onto a separate tube for testing the physical properties of the cut wall portion, and where a video probe (62) and the like can be passed through the window (60) to monitor conditions near the support plates (14) and tube sheets (16).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrasonic reconstruction and testing of a non-visible turbine rotor blade attachment structure is described. The method of the invention includes positioning transducers at a first location to obtain slot region scan data corresponding to a slot region of the non-visible turbine rotor blade attachment structure, and positioning transducers at a second location to obtain straddle-mount region scan data corresponding to a straddle-mount region of the non-visible turbine rotor blade attachment structure. The shape of the non-visible turbine rotor blade attachment structure is reconstructed from the slot region scan data and the straddle-mount region scan data to form reconstruction data. The reconstruction data is used to select test scan positions for ultrasonic testing. Ultrasonic testing is then performed at the selected test scan positions.

Abstract: An inspection rabbit for inspecting piping systems having severe bends therein. The rabbit consists of a flexible, modular body containing a miniaturized eddy current inspection probe, a self-contained power supply for proper operation of the rabbit, an outer surface that allows ease of movement through piping systems and means for transmitting data generated by the inspection device. The body is preferably made of flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing or, alternatively, silicone rubber with a shrink wrapping of polytetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON.RTM.). The body is formed to contain the power supply, preferably a plurality of batteries, and a spool of communication wire that connects to a data processing computer external to the piping system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inspecting a tubular member for degradation, which tubular member may be a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) penetration tube of the kind typically found in nuclear power reactor pressure vessels. The CRDM penetration tube includes a thermal sleeve concentrically disposed therein, the sleeve being radially rotatable and axially translatable within the tube. However, the sleeve may be nonhomogeneous, which nonhomogeneity could undesirably mask the inspection signal as the inspection sensor is radially and axially moved in order to inspect the tube.

Abstract: A pipe inspection instrument carriage for use with a pipe crawler for performing internal inspections of piping surfaces. The carriage has a front leg assembly, a rear leg assembly and a central support connecting the two assemblies and for mounting an instrument arm having inspection instruments. The instrument arm has a y-arm mounted distally thereon for axially aligning the inspection instrumentation and a mounting block, a linear actuator and axial movement arm for extending the inspection instruments radially outward to operably position the inspection instruments on the piping interior. Also, the carriage has a rotation motor and gear assembly for rotating the central support and the front leg assembly with respect to the rear leg assembly so that the inspection instruments azimuthally scan the piping interior. The instrument carriage allows performance of all piping inspection operations with a minimum of moving parts, thus decreasing the likelihood of performance failure.

Abstract: A longitudinal position translator includes a probe drive module and a linear translation module. The probe drive module is coupled operatively to an ultrasonic imaging probe assembly having a distally located ultrasound transducer subassembly in such a manner that longitudinal shifting of the transducer subassembly may be effected. The probe drive module is preferably mounted to the linear translation unit so as to be moveable between a condition whereby longitudinal shifting of the transducer subassembly can be conducted either manually or automatically. When in the automatically-operable condition, the probe drive module will be engaged with a motor-driven screw associated with the linear translation module so as to cause the probe drive module to be longitudinally displaced at a constant motor-driven rate. In this manner, the distally located ultrasound transducer is longitudinally shifted during an ultrasound scan of surrounding intravascular (or other) tissue to thereby allow axially-spaced 360.degree.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the environment of a vessel provides a liquid (18) which may contain particles (20) in a vessel having containment walls (12), where a hollow member (26) such as a thin tube is inserted into the liquid near the containment walls, and the hollow member contains in it a robotic device (34), which can travel within the hollow member and which can emit and receive ultrasonic waves and electromagnetic fields, where both of the ultrasonic waves and electric fields can pass through the hollow member (26) to the containment walls (12), where the device: emits and receives low frequency ultrasonic waves to and from the containment walls (12) and high frequency ultrasonic waves to and from any particles (20), and emits electromagnetic fields to the containment walls (12) or their combination, where absorptions and reflections from the hollow member walls and the containment walls, and any particles present are measured and any current generated in the hollow member walls and the containment wall

Abstract: This probe comprises a cable (4) and a probe head (6) fixed to one end of the cable and having an inspection head (18) provided with transmission-reception means (22, 24) for inspection signals from a tube (2), a support (20) on which the inspection head is mounted in rotary manner, a motor (66) for rotating the inspection head, an encoder associated with the motor for determining the circumferential extent of faults which the tube may have, and a rotary collector (10) between the motor and the support in order to ensure a mechanical connection between the motor and the inspection head and the transmission of control signals for the said means (22, 24) and signals supplied by the latter. Articulated mechanical connections (14, 16) are provided between the motor and the collector and between the collector and the inspection head.

Abstract: The remote inspection of seam welds in reactor vessels is improved through the utilization of a pulser network which is inductively isolated from the transducer circuit to which it applies an excitation signal. Through the utilization of a step-up transformer, the pulser network may perform in conjunction with linear d.c. power supplies of lower voltage rating. The inductive coupling between circuits also serves to provide for the positive communication off of switching devices such as SCRs employed for excitation signal triggering. To avoid ground path induced noise, a different ground path is employed for the pulser network as for the transducer circuit. The transducer circuit ground path is that associated with a manipulator and, for example, a reactor vessel itself. Thus, the transducers employed may come in contact with the surface of the vessel being inspected. In similar fashion, an inductive coupling is provided between the transducer circuit and a pre-amplfying receiver circuit.

Abstract: An instrument carriage for inspection of piping comprises front and rear leg assemblies for engaging the interior of the piping and supporting and centering the carriage therein, and an instrumentation arm carried by a shaft system running from the front to rear leg assemblies. The shaft system has a screw shaft for moving the arm axially and a spline gear for moving the arm azimuthally. The arm has a pair of air cylinders that raise and lower a plate in the radial direction. On the plate are probes including an eddy current probe and an ultrasonic testing probe. The ultrasonic testing probe is capable of spinning 360.degree. about its axis. The instrument carriage uses servo motors and pressurized air cylinders for precise actuation of instrument components and precise, repeatable actuation of position control mechanisms.

Abstract: An especially designed probe carries preferably five transducers for the examination of a right circular cylinder flooded with water having limited vertical clearance from the point of required non destructive inspection. The probe includes a generally disc shaped body having a minimal vertical dimension and a radius slightly less than the radius of the right circular cylinder to be inspected. Insertion of the probe interior of the right circular cylinder occurs. At the periphery of the disc, there are disposed five interrogating acoustical transducers. These transducers are spaced from preselected staggered circumferential locations with respect to the right circular cylinder for examination of the water flooded cylinder with refracted rays.

Abstract: Inspection probe for inspecting a tubular member for anomalies, the tubular member having an inside surface that may be irregularly-shaped. The inspection probe includes an enclosure sized to be slidably received along the inside surface of the tubular member. The enclosure has a cavity therein and a housing disposed in the cavity. A spring is disposed in the cavity of the enclosure for outwardly biasing the housing toward the inside surface of the tube. A swivel body is pivotably mounted in the housing. The swivel body has a sensor pivotably mounted thereon for sensing anomalies (i.e., flaws and wall thinning) in the tube wall. Connected to the swivel body and to the sensor is a first pivot pin for pivoting the sensor about a first pivot point laying on a first axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

Abstract: Apparatus for echo mode imaging of a blood vessel is disclosed having a plurality of transducers that transmit a substantially unfocused omni-directional signal in at least one plane towards the vessel. The reflected signal is received and transmitted in time multiplexed form to an Analog-to-Digital converter. Thus the required number of interconnecting wires is reduced. A method for imaging a blood vessel comprises transmitting an unfocused signal in a substantially omni-directional manner in at least one plane, receiving reflections from the vessel, and transmitting the received signals in time multiplexed form for imaging.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of preparing and inspecting a submerged surface of a fluid reservoir. The apparatus includes a chassis sized and shaped to provide an optimally low center of gravity, a propulsion system comprising two independently controllable motor and track means, a scrubbing/vacuuming system disposed at the front of the chassis which includes a scrubbing system designed to mechanically break up sediment on the surface beneath the apparatus and a vacuuming system to remove sediment and sediment-containing fluid from beneath the apparatus, and an inspection system located immediately behind the scrubbing/vacuuming system with respect to the direction of apparatus travel and operative to inspect the freshly cleaned surface with either ultrasonics, optics, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A pressure sensor circuit (10A) is disclosed which preferably utilizes a piezoresistive pressure transducer (11A) having a substantial temperature coefficient of resistance to provide an inherent temperature variation which is used to implement offset temperature compensation for the circuit. Two operational amplifiers (OA1, OA2) are configured along with selectable resistors (R.sub.1, R.sub.9, R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.4) to implement four adjustments of the circuit (10A) to adjust span (gain), offset and temperature variation of both span and offset to achieve a desired result. All this is achieved while implementing a common mode gain for the circuit (10A) which is less than 5 and preferably no more than 2.

Abstract: A robotic device for remotely inspecting pressurizer heater wells is provided which has the advantages of quickly, precisely, and reliably acquiring data at reasonable cost while also reducing radiation exposure of an operator. The device comprises a prober assembly including a probe which enters a heater well, gathers data regarding the condition of the heater well and transmits a signal carrying that data; a mounting device for mounting the probe assembly at the opening of the heater well so that the probe can enter the heater well; a first motor mounted on the mounting device for providing movement of the probe assembly in an axial direction; and a second motor mounted on the mounting device for providing rotation of the probe assembly. This arrangement enables full inspection of the heater well to be carried out.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus is adapted for utilizing both pitch/catch and pulse/echo information obtained utilizing a single mode of wave propagation. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic signal transmitting assembly, a signal receiving assembly, a positioning mechanism, and an arrangement for recording the information received by the signal receiving assembly. The transmitting assembly includes at least one source transducer for transmitting shear mode ultrasonic search signals into the mass of an object to be inspected. The signal receiving assembly receives shear mode ultrasonic catch signals that are produced as the ultrasonic search signals encounter discontinuities in the mass of the object to be inspected and are directed toward and detected by at least one catch transducer. The signal receiving assembly also receives shear mode ultrasonic echo signals that are directed back to a first source transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspection of a reactor vessel includes trolley supporting an axillay extending support mast and extension mast. The support mast has a tilting device to adjust the angle between the support mast and vessel wall to allow the extension mast to be accessible to lower portions of the reactor vessel. The lower part of the extension mast is connected to a rack having a horizontal trolley capable of tangential movement relative to the reactor vessel wall. The horizontal trolley also is connected to a probe position trolley enabling a probe holder to move tangentially relative to the horizontal trolley. The apparatus enables the probes to move radially and axially for greater access to positions of the reactor vessel wall.

Abstract: A rotary union for rotatably supporting an ultrasonic probe operable to nondestructively measure the thickness of steam generator tubes to determine the amount of corrosion experienced by the tubes includes a stationary body having a bore therethrough and an outlet drain, and a fitting rotatably mounted within the upper end of the body. The fitting has a bore aligned with the bore of the body. An electrical cable positioned within a water supply tube in an annular arrangement passes through the bore of the body and the bore of the fitting. This annular arrangement, in turn, is positioned within a connector element which extends outwardly from the fitting bore and is connected to the ultrasonic probe. An elastomeric lower bushing seals the annular arrangement to the lower end of the rotary union body and an elastomeric upper bushing seals the connector element to the fitting to permit the connector element and the ultrasonic probe connected thereto to rotate with the fitting relative to the body.

Abstract: An automated system for examining incore housing welds in a nuclear reactor from above is disclosed. The probe uses both ultrasonic and eddy current non-destructive inspection coils to examine the weld for indications, or flaws. It is inserted into the incore housing tube from above because of the high radiation exposure workers experienced using the prior method of inserting a probe into the incore housing from below. This is conveniently done when the incore flux monitors are removed during standard maintenance, and is performed from the refueling bridge.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing objects such as tubing is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotatively fixed transducer and a rotating lens, wherein the transducer receives an input signal and converts it into an emitted wave energy, the lens focuses the emitted wave energy onto the tubing and focuses reflected wave energy from the tubing back onto the transducer, and the transducer receives the reflected wave energy and converts it into an output signal. The transducer can be provided on one support shell and the lens can be provided on another support shell. One of the support shells can then be positioned within the other support shell. The apparatus is useful for performing dimensional tests and longitudinal and circumferential flaw tests on tubing.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for ultrasonic inspection of materials through barriers such as gaps in manufactured parts is disclosed. The improvement herein is directed to enabling such ultrasonic testing to bridge ambient gaps such as intentionally formed gaps in composite structures having a first structure for originally receiving and transmitting sound separated by the gap from another structure to be inspected. Preferably, the gap is flooded with a gas having a predictable and optimum speed of sound relative to the material of the first and second structures. Sound is propagated to the first structure in a wave packet that is transmitted through the couplant fluid. The sound is generated in a wave packet having a spatial width at least twice the dimension of the gap to be bridged. The wave packet has a contained frequency having a wavelength (relative to the speed of sound of the gas flooding the gap) to create a constructively interfering standing wave node within the gap.