Abstract: An apparatus is provided for carrying a mobile inspection assembly in the interior of a tubular body, the assembly of inspection being adapted to emit and receive at least one sweeping radiation beam for inspection purposes. The apparatus includes a pair of carrier assemblies, coupled together by a bridge which has at least two linking pieces and a coupling piece therebetween. The apparatus also has a reflector with at least as many reflection planes as the bridge has linking pieces, each of which reflection planes defines a transmission path. The reflector is rotatable about a longitudinal axis through the carrier assemblies, the reflection planes being so arranged that at least one transmission path extends to the interior of the tubular body at any one time. Part of each transmission path is longitudinal and part is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The reflection planes are arranged so as to partially overlap.

Abstract: A pipe-inspecting apparatus having a self-propelled unit. The self-propelled unit comprises an elastic tube which has forward and rear ends, and into which a fluid is supplied and from which the fluid is discharged, a restriction member mounted on the elastic tube, for restricting an axial expansion of the elastic tube, a bias member for biasing the elastic tube in the axial direction thereof, first and second holding members coupled to the ends of the elastic tube, respectively, for holding the ends of the elastic tube to the inner periphery of a pipe being inspected, while the fluid is being supplied into the holding members, and releasing the ends of the elastic tube from the inner periphery of the pipe, while the fluid is being discharged from the holding members. An observation device is coupled to the self-propelled unit. A display device is connected to the observation device, for displaying the image scanned by the observation device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for carrying out the in situ inspection of the shaft of a pump. A spacer coupling or link is manually removed from a limited access area intermediate the pump drive and top of the pump shaft. Inspection then is carried out through a previously formed inspection bore extending concentrically along the interior of the shaft. A probe supported by an extension assembly is lowered into the inspection bore until characterizable portions of the shaft such as a labyrinth seal region are identified. A discrete small region of interest which will initially evidence any fault condition then is surveyed with a raster scan movement of the inspection probe. Lower components of the region of interest are also identified by a next adjacent characterizable region such as a fillet welding for a journal assembly. Because of the limited longitudinal extent of the region of interest, the raster type movement of the probe becomes available.

Abstract: A ultrasonic device for non-destructive testing of thin tubes, for instance heat exchanger tubes, comprises a head having a longitudinal axis and insertable into a tube. A mechanism imparts to the head a rectilinear motion along and a rotational motion about the axis. The head contains ultrasonic transducers coupled with the tube through a fluid and able to transmit an ultrasonic beam in the form of volume waves in a direction at an angle with the longitudinal axis and to detect echoes. The transducers include one (or more) ultrasonic transducer delivering a focussed beam directed in a plane containing the longitudinal axis and at an angle with a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and one (or more) second ultrasonic transducer delivering a focussed beam parallel to a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and located at a distance from the line. Circumferential as well as longitudinal flaws may consequently be detected.

Abstract: A hand-held ultrasonic probe for measuring the thickness of a conduit, such as a boiler tube, from the tube inside surface. The probe is slidable and rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube under investigation. The probe may also be manually skewed relative to the tube longitudinal axis to measure corroded regions which are not parallel to the centerline of the tube.

Abstract: A system for helically driving an inspection probe within a tube of a nuclear steam generator is provided, wherein the system is particularly useful in driving a combination eddy-current and ultrasonic probe. The system generally includes a head assembly insertable with the tube for inspection, a drive frame assembly to be located external of the steam generator, and a conduit system connecting the head assembly and drive frame assembly. Particularly, the head assembly includes a portion fixable to the tube by a pressure bladder and a movable portion helically movable with a probe to the fixable portion. The drive motor and electrical pick-up are slidably movable on the drive frame assembly to move linearly with the probe during inspection so as not to limit the stroke of the probe, wherein the drive motor and pick-up are connected with the head assembly by way of two flexible coaxial conduits.

Abstract: The present invention includes a bore mapping system that includes one or more high resolution ultrasonic mapping transducers that are used to measure the diameter of a bore. The travel time for a normally incident pulse to reach the bore surface and return for each transducer is used with a reference reflection time measured in a calibration bore to determine the measured diameter from a mechanically measured reference diameter using a known velocity of the ultrasonic pulse in an immersion fluid. The diameter measured by each of the transducers is averaged to obtain an average measured diameter which is produced for plural axial rotor positions. The present invention also includes a surface time measurement system that uses at least one ranging transducer measuring the ranging time required for a ranging beam to reach and return from the bore surface.

Abstract: In an endoscope apparatus, an ultrasonic vibrating element is rotatably arranged at a distal end of a flexible inserting portion, this ultrasonic vibrating element is rotated by a motor provided in a subsidiary operating portion via a flexible cable extended through the inserting portion, the distal end portion of the inserting portion is bent by operating a handle provided on a primary operating portion, which is arranged at the proximal side of the subsidiary operating portion; a forceps channel is extended through the inserting portion and an opening of the forceps channel is formed in the subsidiary portion. According to such structure, the forceps can be inserted in the forceps channel easily and existing forceps having a standard length can be used as they are.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for testing tubes of a heat exchanger having a U-shaped tube bundle includes a probe head unit having an ultrasonic vibrator and two opposite ends. Two flexible hollow shafts are each connected to a respective one of the ends of the probe head unit. One of the hollow shafts is rotatably supported in a guide tip and the other of the hollow shafts is rotatably supported in a cylindrical sheath. An electric drive unit is connected to and fixed against torque relative to the other hollow shaft. The flexible hollow shafts have supports at predetermined axial intervals. A sealing body is connected to the cylindrical sheath for sealing off a flow of a fluid for coupling the ultrasonic vibrator and a pusher hose is also connected to the cylindrical sheath.

Abstract: An endoscope, especially for transesophageal echocardiography. An encapsulated ultrasonic transducer capsule is provided having a self-contained electro-mechanical sector scanner. A sealed housing is formed which includes axially aligned tubular sections, one of magnetic material and the other of acoustically transparent plastic. A tubular shaft is journalled axially within the housing for limited sector scanning rotation. A magnetic rotor is fixed to the shaft for operation within the magnetic housing section and a transducer element is fixed to the shaft within the other tubular section. Conductor wires for activating the transducer are fixed at one end of the capsule and extend axially through the tubular shaft for connection to the transducer. Position sensing means are incorporated within the capsule. The construction enables the capsule to be highly miniaturized and greatly improved relative to known devices of its type.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a pipeline having a pig body which measures an inner shape and a wall thickness of a pipe body, travelling inside the pipe body, comprises: at least one distance measuring device for measuring a travelling distance of the pig body; a rotation angle gauge for measuring a rotation angle of the pig body round its center axis; a plurality of transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic beams being arranged in the circumferential direction of the pig body and being confronted with the inner surface of the pipe body, which measures the inner shape and the wall thickness of the pipe body; a recorder of the pig body which stores measured data; a signal processing device for processing signals from the distance measuring device, the rotation angle gauge and the transducers; and a data processing device for analyzing the measured data stored in the recorder after the pig body has been taken out of the pipe body.

Abstract: Both an apparatus and a method for simultaneously inspecting the walls of a tube with both ultrasonic and eddy current probes is disclosed herein. The apparatus generally comprises a cylindrical housing assembly insertable within the tube to be inspected, and a probe carrier rotatably mounted within and helically movable with respect to the housing. The probe carrier holds three ultrasonic probes for transmitting ultrasonic beams which are directly oriented radially, chordally, and axially with resepect to the longitudinal axis of the tube, as well as an eddy current probe for simultaneously inspecting the walls of the tube with electromagnetic lines of flux. The apparatus further includes a helical drive train formed from a lead screw assembly having a motor means, a drive shaft, and a drive sleeve for imparting a helical scanning motion to the probe carrier with respect to the housing.

Abstract: An improved insert type supersonic crack hunting apparatus is capable of discovering cracks in a boiler steel tube from inside the tube. A crack hunting section provided with a probe, a slip ring for transmitting an ultrasonic signal issued from the probe, a rotary use motor for rotary the crack hunting section and an axial feed motor for moving the crack hunting section in an axial direction are connected in sequence. An axial feed nut for converting rotation of the axial feed motor into movement in the axial direction is disposed between the rotary use motor and the axial feed motor. In addition, there is provided a coupling section, in which a front end of a flexible shaft connected to the axial feed motor is coupled to a rear end of a shaft connected to the axial feed nut. An axial feed shaft thrust bearing for supporting the coupling section is disposed between the axial feed nut and the axial feed motor.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the detection of corrosion, pitting or the like in pipelines is proposed and measured results produced in an appropriate manner are digitally converted, linked with measured values concerning the place and azimuth of the individual sensors to form individual blocks, which are intermediately stored to form larger units and are finally stored in a mass store.

Abstract: Probe carrier drive assembly for moving a probe carrier without slip or creep in a steam generator tube so that a probe, which has an inspection device attached thereto and which is connected to the probe carrier, selectively rotates in place, follows a linear scanning path through the tube or follows a helical scanning path having a variable pitch. The probe carrier drive assembly comprises an elongated circular member and a drive mechanism engaging the elongated circular member for moving the elongated circular member axially and rotatably within the tube. The drive assembly further comprises motors coupled to the drive mechanism for operating the drive mechanism and includes a controller operatively coupled to the motors for operating the motors so that the elongated circular member selectively rotates in place, follows a linear path in the tube or follows a helical path having a variable pitch.

Abstract: A method and device for the examination of a joint between a hollow steel shaft and a piece joined to the steel hollow shaft of a composite camshaft using ultrasonic examination. In the ultrasonic examination, the composite camshaft is put into a liquid and a probe of an ultrasonic search unit is inserted inside of the hollow steel shaft. The ultraonic examination of the joint is performed from inside of the hollow steel shaft. According to the ultrasonic examination, any kind of joint of the composite camshaft is possible, because a distance from an inside surface of the hollow steel shaft to the joint is constant. In addition, since the probe does not contact the inside surface of the hollow steel shaft, the probe is not consumed due to abrasion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic logging tool (borehole televiewer) which utilizes a rotating transducer which is exposed directly to the fluids in the borehole during logging operations.

Abstract: An immersion based ultrasonic inspection system is disclosed which is used to interrogate the bore and near bore material of turbine and generator rotors by passing ultrasonic search units through the rotor bore. This system utilizes variable focus array inspection transducers in a shear mode inspection of the near bore material. The flaw location method includes recording calibration transit times and transducer locations for calibration holes from which refraction angles, and material velocities are determined. When a flaw is detected the surface time for a bore surface reflection, the flaw reflection time and transducer position are used to determine the position of the flaw.

Abstract: Both an apparatus and a method for simultaneously inspecting the walls of a tube with both ultrasonic and eddy current probes is disclosed herein. The apparatus generally comprises a cylindrical housing assembly insertable within the tube to be inspected, and a probe carrier rotatably mounted within and helically movable with respect to the housing. The probe carrier holds three ultrasonic probes for transmitting ultrasonic beams which are directly oriented radially, chordally, an axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube, as well as an eddy current probe for simultaneously inspecting the walls of the tube with electromagnetic lines of flux. The apparatus further includes a helical drive train formed from a lead screw assembly having a motor means, a drive shaft, and a drive sleeve for imparting a helical scanning motion to the probe carrier with respect to the housing.

Abstract: An endoscope, especially for transesophageal echocardiography. An encapsulated ultrasonic transducer capsule is provided having a self-contained electro-mechanical sector scanner. A sealed housing is formed which includes axially aligned tubular sections, one of magnetic material and the other of acoustically transparent plastic. A tubular shaft is journalled axially within the housing for limited sector scanning rotation. A magnetic rotor is fixed to the shaft for operation within the magnetic housing section and a transducer element is fixed to the shaft within the other tubular section. Conductor wires for activating the transducer are fixed at one end of the capsule and extend axially through the tubular shaft for connection to the transducer. Position sensing means are incorporated within the capsule. The construction enables the capsule to be highly miniaturized and greatly improved relative to known devices of this type.

Abstract: An arrangement for inspecting the fuel assemblies of boiled water reactors using an ultrasonic transducer probe. Each assembly contains a square array of fuel rods covered by a fuel channel slip. The probe accesses the fuel rods through a nosepiece in the shape of an inverted tripod located at the bottom of each assembly. The fuel rods are supported in each assembly by upper and lower tie plates, in the form of grids. The grids have first apertures for supporting the ends of the fuel rods, and second apertures which allow coolant water to flow between the fuel rods during operation. The probe is inserted through the second apertures of the lower tie plate grid, and rotated to inspect each of the four surrounding fuel rods for the presence of water inside the fuel rods.

Abstract: A method and device for the examination of a joint between a hollow steel shaft and a piece joined to the steel hollow shaft of a composite camshaft using ultrasonic examination. In the ultrasonic examination, the composite camshaft is put into a liquid and a probe of an ultrasonic search unit is inserted inside of the hollow steel shaft. The ultrasonic examination of the joint is performed from inside of the hollow steel shaft. According to the ultrasonic examination, any kind of joint of the composite camshaft is possible, because a distance from an inside surface of the hollow steel shaft to the joint is constant. In addition, since the probe does not contact the inside surface of the hollow steel shaft, the probe is not consumed due to abrasion.

Abstract: A probe (10) for longitudinally traversing and circumferentially inspecting the interior of a tube. A rotating sensor containing head (44) is driven by a rotor (40) extending from the end (38) of a cylindrical housing (12) in which it is mounted. The axially fixed rotor (40) surrounds and is driven by a helix drive connection (70) to a piston extension (32). The piston (20) reciprocates in a cylindrical chamber (14) within the housing (12) in response to selectively applied fluid pressure acting against a spring bias (60). A strain gage (62) on the spring (60) controls the fluid pressure by means of valve (2) whereby reciprocation of the piston (20) and its extension (32) rotates the rotor (40) by means of the helical groove (70) and balls (72). The various parts are hollow to accommodate the necessary wire conductors (51 and 64) and H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: Apparatus for electromagnetically testing pipeline walls of steel or the like ferromagnetic material which is equipped, for example with a magnetizing coil for leakage-flux measurements, can be extended for ultrasonic measurement which is inductively excited and inductively measured with regard to the travel time as far as a reflecting surface and back, in the disposed in one or more of the pole regions there is a high-frequency current coil for the transmission and/or reception of steep-edged waves which are inductively coupled at the wall of the pipeline. The associated method starts from a stationary magnetic field in which high-frequency current pulses are produced in order to initiate vibrations in the pipe wall through induced currents. The travel time of these vibrations to a reflecting point and back can be measured in order to obtain an indication regarding the intact thickness of the pipe wall.

Abstract: An immersion based ultrasonic inspection system is disclosed which is used to interrogate the bore and near bore material of turbine and generator rotors by passing ultrasonic search units through the rotor bore. This system utilizes variable focus array inspection transducers in a shear mode inspection of the near bore material. A ranging transducer is provided which is used to correct the surface time of the inspection beam. A mapping transducer and blind bore sensor allow diameter mapping of the rotor bore as well as a blind rotor end sensing as the scan head carrying the transducers enters the bore. A scan head centering device or chuck deploys four radial arms to center and support the scan head. Each arm has a roller attached to the end which contacts the bore and rolls along so that the bore will not be damaged as the scan head passes through the bore.

Abstract: An omnidirectional ultrasonic probe, having specific application for connection to the distal end of an esophageal catheter, includes a support member upon which are coaxially mounted a transmitter member, a receiver member, and one or more acoustic reflector members. The acoustic reflector member or members reflect transmissions and receptions of ultrasonic signals along substantially parallel paths. The reflector members also provide omnidirectional reflection. Separate transmitter and receiver members are used in the preferred embodiments to facilitate continuous wave operation.

Abstract: A scanning device, particularly for viewing above the core of a nuclear reactor, has links 29 pivoted together at 33 with means 35, 35a limiting relative movement in one sense. At least one link carries a transducer 36, preferably ultrasonic, for viewing. There may be two transducers arranged to view in different directions. The transducers may be mounted in a removable module.A deployment arrangement may have a vertical hollow mast 20 down which the links can be pushed to engage a deflect element 31 to reach an arm 23 from which the links can extend as a cantilever.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved mud excluder fitted around a rotating acoustic transducer of a borehole televiewer to exclude mud from the borehole televiewer. This mud excluder has:(a) a flexible casing means attached to the borehole televiewer to form a fluid cavity adjacent to the rotating acoustic transducer,(b) an acoustically transparent fluid located within the fluid cavity,(c) an acoustic window means opposite the transducer and adjacent to the fluid cavity, and(d) a pressure compensating means within the fluid cavity to equalize the pressure within the fluid cavity with the pressure on the outside of the flexible casing means.

Abstract: A shipping and storage enclosure for an ultrasonic inspection system used to inspect turbine and generator rotors from the bore which is flooded with water and which enclosure can be expanded into an operating enclosure in which the environment is controlled to provide for affective operation of the equipment and provide for alignment of the ultrasonic sensing head with the bore of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A method, and an apparatus for carrying out the method, for displacing a weld scanner in and out of a horizontal reactor vessel nozzle submerged in a water pool characterized by buoyancy chambers into which water and air may be introduced by remote control to move the scanner and an associated telescopic boom, column and spider into position relative to the reactor vessel.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection system for inspecting areas of tubular members and providing a display of any internal flaws therein. In order to operate in a confined work space a probe containing ultrasonic transducers is provided together with a rotational and axial drive scanner which is linked to a remotely controlled manipulator. The scanner uses a wand supporting the probe at the upper end thereof. The manipulator locates the probe and scanner in alignment with the tube to be inspected. A stepping motor on the scanner drives the wand and the probe axially to a location just above the area to be inspected. A second stepping motor rotates the wand to enable the probe to perform a circumferential scan. The axial stepping motor then indexes the wand towards the lower edge of the area and another circumferential scan occurs. The indexing and circumferential scanning proceeds until the entire area is scanned.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection apparatus is disclosed for the detection of corrosion pit type defects, employing one or more ultrasonic transducers to produce a parallel beam for direction toward the pipe wall from inside a pipe, with a sufficiently large beam width to permit comparison of time displayed signal components in defect depth determination, with the signal propagating through a gaseous medium. An additional embodiment combines the same with photographic apparatus.

Abstract: A chain-like self-moving robot includes three or more capsule units connected to one another in a string by means of couplers. By expanding and contracting intercapsule spaces in a predetermined sequence so that a smaller number of the capsules are moved while a larger number of capsules remain stationary, the chain-like robot can move forwardly or backwardly.

Abstract: The non-destructive testing of solid bodies is conducted by generating a transverse, ultrasonic surface wave in the solid body being inspected, said surface waves having sufficient different frequencies such that they travel at different depths through the body being inspected; receiving at least a part of the reflected portion, if any, of the surface waves, the reflected portion consisting of at least two surface waves having sufficiently different frequencies such that these waves travelled at distinctly different depths through the solid body and filtering and measuring or analyzing the reflected portion of the surface waves to determine if a defect or discontinuity exists in the solid body and the depth or severity of the defect or discontinuity.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe for inspecting a weld between a cylinder (C) and a pipe (P) is caused to move in a holder at the end of an arm (11) pivoted at a point on the axis (Z) of the pipe so that the line (12) of transmission from probe penetrates the weld and, when projected beyond the weld, intersects the axis (Z) of the pipe (P) for all positions of the arm.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for inspection of tubing, and more particularly, the determination of the extent of erosion in the wall of a heat exchange tube of a nuclear reactor. An ultrasonic transducer assembly is movable axially and rotatably in a helical path for producing both thickness and position signals to provide a map of wall thickness.

Abstract: To monitor the deterioration of a weld (10) between a tube (11) and tube plate (12) which has been repaired by a repair sleeve (14) inside the tube and brazed at one end to the tube, ultrasound from a crystal (21) at the end of a rod (24) is launched into the tube through the braze (15) and allowed to travel along the tube to the weld and be reflected back along the tube. The technique may also be used for the type of heat exchanger in which, during construction, the tubes are welded to the tube plate via external sleeves in which case the ultrasound is used in a similar manner to inspect the sleeve/tube plate weld.

Abstract: A transducer assembly for maintaining a transducer in contact with, and in alignment with, a surface includes a pair of opposed swivel bars, each of which is pivotably mounted to a cradle. The swivel bars are free to pivot about a roll axis. Two tension arms are pivotably mounted to one of the swivel bars. Each tension arm resiliently urges an end of the transducer into contact with the surface. One of the swivel bars supports two spaced-apart wheels whose contact with the surface is effective to rotate its swivel bar into a predetermined rotation about the roll axis. The transducer, being attached to the swivel bar by one of the tension arms is also rotated into a predetermined angle about the roll axis.

Abstract: A tool (100) for scanning the inner surface (110) of a pipe (106), comprising a scanning section (112) interacting with a centering section (114). The scanning section includes an axle member (128) having strut members (130) rigidly connected thereto and projecting diametrically outwardly for urging inspection probe sleds (126) against the pipe surface. The centering section (114) includes a slide cylinder (124) coaxially disposed about the axle member (128), and having rigidly connected actuating members (120) projecting diametrically outward for contacting the pipe inner wall with sufficient force to center and support the tool within the pipe. Locking means (146) are provided within the actuating member (120) for selectively engaging the axle member (128) to lock the longitudinal position of the strut member (130) relative to the actuating member (120).

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for non-destructive inspection of a solid workpiece, such as a steel workpiece. In accordance with the method of the invention, ultrasound is generated at an annular ring or portion thereof and focused into a hollow substantially cone-shaped beam, or sector thereof. The beam is directed at the surface of the workpiece so as to establish shear mode ultrasound energy in the workpiece. Ultrasound energy is then received from the workpiece (e.g. by reflection or transmission) and characteristics of the internal structure of the workpiece can be determined from the received ultrasound energy. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the beam is configured such that the ultrasound energy impinging on the surface of the workpiece is at a sufficiently large angle with respect to the normal to the surface such that primarily shear mode of ultrasonic energy will be established within the workpiece.

Abstract: A probe which is inserted into a lumen to obtain an ultrasonic tomogram using mechanical scanning is disclosed. A cylindrical acoustic case is filled with a liquid medium which transmits sound waves, and an elliptical ultrasonic transducer is immersed therein in such a manner that it can be rotated by a motor. The diameter of the transducer parallel to its axis of rotation is greater than that perpendicular to the axis of rotation, so that the lateral resolution parallel to the axis of rotation is improved, as well as the sensitivity.

Abstract: A vehicle able to move between two walls and particularly in the space between two vessels of a fast neutron reactor, for inspection and testing; the vehicle having two wheels bearing on one of the two walls and connected to the vehicle body by two longitudinal arms and two wheels bearing on the other wall and arranged symmetrically with respect to the previously mentioned wheels and connected to the vehicle body by two transverse arms. The longitudinal and transverse arms may be folded back to permit the passage of the assembly through an opening.

Abstract: A system of transducers and electrical circuitry connecting with the transducers detects and locates flaws in the metallic walls of vessels used for containing and transporting liquids. An array of transducers is carried by a sled having rollers for facile movement about the surface of the vessel which surface is submerged within the liquid to permit the liquid to provide a sound propagating medium between the transducers and the vessel wall. The transducers are arranged in sets of two transducers, one of which is a transmitting transducer and the other a receiving transducer, the two transducers being positioned in tandem for increased azimuthal coverage of the sonic radiation.

Abstract: A mobile truck 10 furnished with power source and travel drive mechanism is set in a cargo oil pipe 48 to run inside to inspect and monitor the state of the inner surface of a pipe wall by means of its built-in magnetic flaw-detecting instrument 12 and video camera 14, so that the image signals taken by the video camera 14 may be reproduced and inspected on a television receiver 30 in the monitoring stations located aboard the vessel while the inspection data signals from the magnetic flaw-detecting instrument 12 may be recorded in a recorder 20 at the same time.

Abstract: Probe for the nondestructive testing of cylindrical cavities, including a rotatable testing head, an outwardly cylindrical housing supporting the testing head, a motor disposed in the housing for driving the testing head, a shell body being surrounded by the housing and being in the form of a semi-cylindrical part with a relatively smaller diameter in vicinity of the motor, a tube sealing the shell body in vicinity of the motor, and means disposed on the shell body for securing the motor in a definite position.

Abstract: Inspection device, including a probe having a thrust hose for moving the probe, the thrust hose having mutually equidistant holes formed therein along a generatrix line thereof, a feed device having drive wheels for engaging the thrust hose to move the probe, and plugs disposed on at least one of the drive wheels for insertion in the holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the automatic checking of welds between tubular parts. A carriage comprises two fixed ends with their centering wheels, a movable mechanism with two flanges and guide rails. This mechanism rotates on bearings. The carriage includes a drum moving over rails and bearing a telescopic arm orientable by rotation on its axis. The end of the arm carries an inspection head. Digital control ensures the programming of the movement and the orientation of the inspection head opposite the weld. The device and method are useful for the ultrasonic checking of the welds of the nodes of offshore platforms and for the checking of welds in nuclear power systems.

Abstract: A system for improving the pulse-echo type of testing to determine certain parameters of tubes, such as internal diameter, external diameter, wall thickness, etc. A pair of pulses are directed transversely to the tube wall so that the transit times of the respective pulses and their reflections from a tube surface, are substantially different. From the value of the transit times associated with each pulse pair the respective parameter is derived. Inaccuracies due to undesired oscillations of the driving shaft for rotating the pulse transducer within the tube to be tested are eliminated. By means of auxiliary reflective surfaces each pair of pulses emitted from the transducer are directed transversely relative to the respective tube wall in substantially one and the same plane.

Abstract: A display system for use with a well logging tool of the type that scans a borehole wall by rotating an acoustical transducer while emitting and receiving acoustic energy. The received acoustic or information signals are received and recorded for later use. In addition, both the amplitude and time-of-flight of the information signals are digitized and passed to a computer that controls a television display and cathode ray tube. The amplitude is displayed on the television screen while the time-of-flight is displayed on the cathode ray tube as a caliper log.

Abstract: Automatically traveling tube-interior manipulator for the remotely controlled transportation of testing devices and tools along given feedpaths through the tube interior, including a stepping mechanism having at least two links including a rear stepping body and a front counterstepping body as seen in the direction of entry into the tube, at least one gimbal-type joint hinging the bodies to each other, clamping devices disposed on each of the bodies for clamping the bodies to the inner periphery of the tube, driving means associated with at least one of the bodies for transporting the stepping body in the axial direction of the tube relative to the counterstepping body when the clamping device of the stepping body is engaged and the clamping device of the counterstepping body is disengaged and vice versa, guiding elements disposed on the outer periphery of each of the bodies for transportation along the inner periphery of the tube, a line reservoir disposed outside the tube, a flexible harness of supply lines