By Reflected Wave Patents (Class 73/627)
  • Patent number: 7779693
    Abstract: A method for nondestructive testing of the pipes for detecting surface flaws is disclosed. With of the method, flaws can be detected and analyzed in near-real-time while the pipe is produced. The data obtained by ultrasound sensors are digitized in a time window following a trigger pulse, and the digitized data are processed in a digital processor, for example a DSP, using wavelet transforms. The evaluated quantity is compared with a reference value, wherein a determined flaw-based signal can be uniquely associated with the flaw located on the pipe surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: V & M Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Orth, Stefan Nitsche, Till Schmitte
  • Publication number: 20100206082
    Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic inspection device, an ultrasonic inspection method, and an atomic power plant nondestructive inspection method that are capable of efficiently generating ultrasonic waves having a sufficient intensity and that are capable of carrying out preferable inspection in a wide range. Provided is an ultrasonic inspection device including a laser device that emits output-adjusted laser light and a volumetric inspection ultrasonic-wave transmitting unit having a transmitting diaphragm that generates ultrasonic waves upon being irradiated with the laser light emitted by the laser device, inspection being carried out by radiating the ultrasonic waves generated by the transmitting diaphragm of the volumetric inspection ultrasonic-wave transmitting unit on a structural member, wherein the transmitting diaphragm is formed of titanium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masanori Shimazaki, Masayuki Takeishi, Tomoyuki Hirayama, Yoshinori Shimada, Oleg Kotiaev
  • Patent number: 7775111
    Abstract: A method of analyzing ultrasonic inspection data from turbine wheel or bucket dovetail fingers for a crack about a ledge thereof with the turbine wheel or bucket having a number of adjacent holes therethrough. The method may include inserting an ultrasonic probe into a first hole, rotating an ultrasonic beam of the ultrasonic probe to scan the adjacent holes, scanning each adjacent hole, and determining the presence of the crack in the ledge by the failure to receive a signal from one or more of the adjacent holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Edward Lee Bentzel
  • Patent number: 7775110
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic detecting element, an acoustic matching member, and an oscillation damping member. The ultrasonic detecting element detects an ultrasonic wave. The acoustic matching member has a receiving surface that is adapted on a side of the certain object to be exposed to a space, in which the detected body exists. The receiving surface receives the ultrasonic wave reflected by the detected body. The acoustic matching member is made of a material having an acoustic impedance larger than that of air and smaller than that of the ultrasonic detecting element. The oscillation damping member is disposed between an attachment portion and the acoustic matching member. The attachment portion is adapted for attaching the ultrasonic sensor to the certain object. The oscillation damping member damps transmission of oscillation from the certain object to the acoustic matching member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Okuda, Takahiko Yoshida, Makiko Sugiura, Kazuaki Watanabe, Tetsuo Yoshioka, Hisanaga Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20100199768
    Abstract: A laser maintenance apparatus including a laser system which includes an optical system for emitting, in a first irradiation condition, a generation laser beam for generating an ultrasonic wave in a portion of an object on which maintenance is to be performed, and including a laser source configured to generate and detect a detection laser beam which interacts with the ultrasonic wave generated by the laser light beam in the first condition. The laser maintenance apparatus also includes a light transmitting device for transmitting laser light emitted from the laser system, a laser irradiation device for irradiating laser light transmitted by the light transmitting device to the object portion, and a transporting/scanning mechanism for transporting the light transmitting device and the laser irradiation device to a portion near the object portion, and scanning over an arbitrary range at the object portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Makoto Ochiai, Takahiro Miura, Hidehiko Kuroda, Fukashi Osakata, Satoshi Yamamoto, Kentaro Tsuchihashi, Masahiro Yoshida, Akira Tsuyuki
  • Publication number: 20100199769
    Abstract: A laser maintenance apparatus including a laser system which includes an optical system for emitting, in a first irradiation condition, a generation laser beam for generating an ultrasonic wave in a portion of an object on which maintenance is to be performed, and including a laser source configured to generate and detect a detection laser beam which interacts with the ultrasonic wave generated by the laser light beam in the first condition. The laser maintenance apparatus also includes a light transmitting device for transmitting laser light emitted from the laser system, a laser irradiation device for irradiating laser light transmitted by the light transmitting device to the object portion, and a transporting/scanning mechanism for transporting the light transmitting device and the laser irradiation device to a portion near the object portion, and scanning over an arbitrary range at the object portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Makoto OCHIAI, Takahiro Miura, Hidehiko Kuroda, Fukashi Osakata, Kentaro Tsuchihashi, Masahiro Yoshida, Tetsuro Aikawa, Satoshi Okada, Toru Onodera, Akira Tsuyuki
  • Patent number: 7762137
    Abstract: A method for checking a weld (1) between a first metal pipeline (2) and a second metal pipeline (4), in particular an austenitic weld, the method comprising at least the following method steps: (a) a first ultrasonic beam (30) is transmitted to an interface (26) between the weld and the first pipeline situated on a first side (28) of the weld; (b) a reflection of the first ultrasonic beam (30) on the interface (26) situated on the first side (28) of the weld is received and a first received signal corresponding thereto is generated; (c) a second ultrasonic beam (40) different from the first ultrasonic beam (30) is transmitted to the interface (26) situated on the first side (28) of the weld; (d) a reflection of the second ultrasonic beam (40) on the interface (26) situated on the first side (28) of the weld is received and a second received signal corresponding thereto is generated; (e) the first received signal and the second received signal are processed in combination for checking the weld (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Rontgen Technische Dienst B.V.
    Inventors: Jan van der Ent, Jacobus Johannes M. van Nisselrolj, Edwin Theodorus van Kessel
  • Publication number: 20100180685
    Abstract: The transmission of a detection wave and the reception of a reflected wave are periodically repeated every transmission period. One received signal is compared with another received signal at a similar corresponding comparison periods in different transmission periods of a receiving time of the reflected wave. Switching between the comparison periods is performed each time the transmission period is updated. A waveform of a received signal in a block A0 corresponding to a reflected wave of an ultrasonic signal transmitted in a first transmission period is stored. The absolute values of differences between the waveform of a received signal in a block A1 corresponding to a reflected wave of an ultrasonic signal transmitted in a second transmission period and the stored waveform of the received signal in the block A0 are accumulated. The waveform of a received signal in a block B1 is stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Yuki Maeda
  • Patent number: 7757559
    Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers and methods for detecting oblique flaws in cylindrically-shaped objects using pulse-echo testing are provided. By mounting one or more transducers on a rotary tester for testing manufactured objects such as tubes and bars, offsetting each transducer horizontally from its position if it were to emit a beam that is perpendicular to the object's outer surface, and actuating the transducer so as to emit an angled beam, oblique surface flaws and internal flaws may be reliably detected without reducing inspection speed, significantly adding to transducer cross-talk, or requiring significant additional hardware or processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Magnetic Analysis Corporation
    Inventor: John Venczel
  • Publication number: 20100170343
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a separation, spacing or distance of an object from an ultrasonic sensor, in which ultrasonic pulses are emitted by a transducing or sensing element and in which ultrasonic pulses reflected by the object are detected by the same transducing element. According to the invention, the method is characterized in that there is a spectral analysis of the signal detected by the transducing element, that the multiple echo frequency attributed to multiple echoes of the ultrasonic pulses is determined in the spectrum of the detection signal and that on the basis of the multiple echo frequency the separation of the object from the ultrasonic sensor is determined. The invention also relates to an ultrasonic sensor for determining the separation of an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Oliver Hasieber, Frank Schwiderski
  • Patent number: 7748273
    Abstract: A device for determining the internal structure of a bone along a path directed into the bone (or other tissue) is disclosed. The device comprises a nozzle fluidically connected to a liquid reservoir for providing a liquid jet directed at the bone in the direction of the path; an ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic waves through the liquid jet and for detecting echoes of the ultrasonic waves caused by changes in the acoustical impedance in the bone characterizing changes in the structure of the bone along the path; and an analyzer for interpreting the echoes into meaningful information relating to the location of the structural changes along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: JetGuide Ltd
    Inventors: Jacob Halevy-Politch, Andre Craft
  • Patent number: 7751989
    Abstract: A system for inspecting a pipeline having at least two transducers divided into segments, the segments each containing a number of sensors, wherein a maximum number of segments is equal to a number of transducers, an arrangement configured to send, receive and store signals, wherein the arrangement has a number of pulser channels and a number of receiver channels, wherein the arrangement has at least one multiplexing arrangement for multiplexing signals from the arrangement; and a time delay arrangement connected to the arrangement configured to send, receive and store signals. The system may also provide for focal point skewing, near real time coating compensation for proper excitation mode, adjusted time delay capability and the ability to focus beyond changes in geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: FBS, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Owens, Joseph L. Rose, Jason K. Van Velsor, Li Zhang, Michael J. Avioli
  • Publication number: 20100147081
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting ultrasonic flaw detection of an object processes an echo signal received from the object being tested in at least three signal channels, wherein the echo signal is scaled to different degrees along each channel to increase and extend the dynamic range of an associated A/D converter system, in a manner which dispenses with the need for using numerous analog high pass and low pass filters and a variable gain amplifier. This reduces complexity and avoids performance limitations. The digital to analog converters sample the differently scaled input signal and a selection circuit selects the output of the digital output obtained from that analog to digital converter which has the highest gain, but which has not overflowed. The digital outputs are seamlessly merged to produce an output that can be displayed as a scan display which shows the location of faults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Olympus NDT
    Inventor: Andrew Thomas
  • Patent number: 7726191
    Abstract: A method for ultrasonic testing of an object, wherein at least one test moment an ultrasonic test signal (S1, S2) is transmitted into the object (2), while after a particular verification period (?t1, ?t2) measured from said test moment, an ultrasonic verification signal (S1?, S2?) is transmitted into the object (2), a possible echo of said test signal (S1, S2) being received from said object (2) at a particular first measuring moment, the possible echo being accepted as being the echo (E1, E2) of said test signal (S1, S2) only when the echo (E1?, E2?) of the verification signal is received at a particular second measuring moment. In addition, the invention provides an apparatus, evidently intended and designed for carrying out such a method and a use of such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Sonimex B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter Bestebreurtje
  • Patent number: 7726192
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor attached to a certain object, includes an ultrasonic detecting element, an acoustic matching member, and a reflection limiting member. The ultrasonic detecting element detects an ultrasonic wave. The acoustic matching member has a receiving surface that is adapted on a side of the certain object to face toward the detected body. The reflection limiting member is disposed to a side portion of the acoustic matching member between the receiving surface and an opposing surface of the acoustic matching member. The reflection limiting member limits the ultrasonic wave, which transmits inside the acoustic matching member, from being reflected by the side portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Okuda
  • Patent number: 7721606
    Abstract: An ultrasonic test method for detecting a defective portion more precisely in a noncontact reflection way, and ultrasonic test instrument used for the method. An ultrasonic wave is transmitted from a transmitter (20 (21)) provided on one side of an object under test, and the reflected wave is received by a receiver (30 (31)) provided on the same side. The ultrasonic wave is transmitted/received through an air layer between the transmitter and the object (100) under test and between the receiver and the object (100). The relative positions of the transmitter (20), the receiver (30), and the object (100) are so determined that the air propagation time ta of the air path (RA) between the transmitter and the receiver is longer than the propagation time tb of the reflected wave in the reflection path (RB). The propagation of the ultrasonic wave through the solid body between the transmitter and the receiver is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Independent Administrative Institution Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventors: Makoto Shirai, Hiroshi Miyamoto, Shigeyuki Matsubara
  • Patent number: 7716989
    Abstract: A system for scanning an aircraft structure includes a collapsible support frame including a mounting member configured to be releasably mountable to the aircraft structure and a moveable member configured to be moveably mounted to the mounting member and to receive a scanning device. The support frame is configured to be positionable in: a collapsed condition in which the mounting member and the moveable member are disposed substantially acutely with each other and an operational condition in which the mounting member and the moveable member are disposed substantially orthogonal with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Kollgaard
  • Publication number: 20100110414
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, method and computer accessible medium can be provided which can facilitate a determination of at least one characteristic of a structure. For example, it is possible to use at least one first arrangement which can be structured to provide at least one first transmitted radiation along a first axis and at least one second transmitted radiation along a second axis. The first and second transmitted radiations can impact the structure and generate respective first and second returned radiation. The first and second axis can be provided at a predetermined angle with respect with one another which is greater than 0. Further, at least one second arrangement can be provided which can be configured to receive data associated with the first and second returned radiations, and determine at least one relative velocity between the structure and the first arrangement along the first and second axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Max Colice, Brett E. Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney, Jinyong Ha, Milen Shishkov
  • Publication number: 20100107768
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting a flaw in a fibre-reinforced component, in particular delamination in a bearing region of a hole, by means of at least one probe, wherein an ultrasound field is emittable and detectable by means of the at least one probe. The ultrasound field is coupled according to the invention to the component at an angle of incidence ? of greater than 0° from a normal of an upper side of a component. The oblique radiation enables a higher degree of resolution to be achieved when detecting delamination in the bearing region of holes. Further variants of the device operate using at least one linear probe received in a self-positioning holder. The rotating linear probe is composed of a plurality of individual vibrator elements which are arranged at regular intervals behind one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Stefan Elze, Rudolf Henrich, Wilfried Pieles, Ingrid Pieles
  • Patent number: 7698948
    Abstract: Encoded transmission and reception which reduces time side lobe are realized while suppressing increase of circuit scale. Transmission signals corresponding to a composite modulation code sequence composed from two or more modulation code sequences are outputted as transmission signals. A reception means demodulates reception signals stepwise by two or more demodulators. The demodulator can be thereby divided into two or more stages, and therefore with a circuit scale corresponding to the sum of the operation circuit numbers of two or more demodulators, time side lobe reduction effect can be obtained at a level equivalent to that obtainable with a circuit scale corresponding to the product of the operation circuit numbers of two or more demodulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Katsunori Asafusa, Ryuichi Shinomura
  • Patent number: 7694567
    Abstract: Sonic excitation is used to locate, without contact, an object or defect beneath a surface. Defects may include, for example, damage and flaws in load bearing concrete structures wrapped in plastic, fiberglass or composite sheathing, while buried objects amenable to detection include landmines or above-ground mines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert Haupt, Ken Rolt
  • Patent number: 7694568
    Abstract: Noncontaminating and nondestructive testing of a shaped polysilicon body for a material defect is accomplished by exposing the shaped polysilicon body to ultrasound waves, and the ultrasound waves are registered by an ultrasound receiver after they have passed through the shaped polysilicon body or reflected therein, so that material defects in the polysilicon are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Wacker Chemie AG
    Inventors: Andreas Hegen, Matthaeus Schantz, Bruno Lichtenegger
  • Patent number: 7694566
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for representing echo signals that are obtained with the aid of an ultrasonic test apparatus used for non-destructively testing a test piece. Said ultrasonic test apparatus comprises a probe, especially an angled probe, a monitor with a display device for representing the received echo signals in an cross-sectional image such that at least one front face and a back wall of the test piece can be recognized. A flaw is detected from different arrangements of the angular probe, represented, and an error signal is determined. The test images are stored and then represented in a superimposed manner in an evaluation image such that the first and the second error signal can be recognized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: GE Inspection Technologies, GmbH
    Inventor: Wolf Kleinert
  • Publication number: 20100071471
    Abstract: An obstacle detection apparatus for detecting an obstacle in its surroundings is disclosed. The system includes: an ultrasonic sensor for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic wave; an obstacle detection section for performing an obstacle detection operation to determine whether the obstacle actually exists, wherein the obstacle detection section determines that the obstacle actually exists when a first voltage level associated with the ultrasonic wave received in the obstacle detection operation exceeds a determination threshold; a noise monitoring section configured to perform a noise monitoring operation to determine a noise level, wherein, the noise monitoring section recognizes a second voltage level associated with the ultrasonic wave received in the noise monitoring operation as the noise level; and a determination threshold setting section configured to set the determination threshold based on the second voltage level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Muneaki Matsumoto, Taketo Harada, Norifumi Matsukawa
  • Patent number: 7679996
    Abstract: A system and method for sensing proximity of an object includes a signal generator, which generates a plurality of signals. A transducer is in communication with the signal generator to receive the plurality of signals from the signal generator. The transducer is capable of transforming a plurality of signals from the signal generator into a plurality of ultrasonic waves. The plurality of ultrasonic waves includes a first ultrasonic wave and a second ultrasonic wave, wherein the first ultrasonic wave and the second ultrasonic wave are formed out of phase. The plurality of ultrasonic waves are directed toward and reflected by the object. The transducer receives the plurality of ultrasonic waves reflected by the object, which become a plurality of received ultrasonic waves. An analog to digital converter is in communication with the transducer. The received plurality of ultrasonic waves reflected by the object is communicated to the analog to digital converter by the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Ray Gross
  • Patent number: 7677103
    Abstract: Method and systems for non-destructive testing of a gas or liquid filled object at atmospheric pressure or high pressure. The method includes steps of: providing an acoustic pulse reflectometry (APR) system having a wideband transmitter, a pressure sensor and a short mixed wave tube, performing at least one calibration to obtain at least one calibration parameter; attaching the object to the APR system and performing a measurement to obtain an object test result and processing the object test result and the at least one calibration parameter to obtain an object impulse response that reflects a status of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Acousticeye Ltd.
    Inventors: Noam Amir, Tal Pechter
  • Publication number: 20100058871
    Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus is provided in which the size of the apparatus can be made compact by using laser light, the degradation and deformation of the inspected object is prevented, and a broad range of inspections can be carried out. An ultrasonic inspection apparatus (1) is provided with a laser apparatus (5) that irradiates laser light and a volumetric inspection ultrasonic wave transmitter (17) having a transmitting diaphragm (39) that is irradiated by the laser light emitted by the laser apparatus (5) and that generates ultrasonic waves (C); and the ultrasonic inspection apparatus (1) carries out volumetric inspections by irradiating the ultrasonic waves (C) that are generated by the transmitting diaphragm (39) of the ultrasonic wave transmitting portion (17) to the inspected object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Takeishi, Masanori Shimazaki, Masahiro Yui, Tomoyuki Hirayama
  • Publication number: 20100043558
    Abstract: A Tuned Resonant Insert TRI (1), is disclosed for Non Destructive Testing (NDT) which eliminates the need for a couplant, either solid or liquids including demineralized water and oils. The TRI (1) applies a tip force on a uni-morph or bi-morph ceramic with a range of 0.03 lbf to 4.0 lbf. The frequency range is 1 kHz to 6 MHZ. The preferred material type for the tip is Ultem. The length and diameter of the tip is sized to achieve optimal tip acoustical resonance for use with specific material and can range from 0.620 to 1.200 inches for the length and 0.100 to 0.400 inches for the diameter. A probe housing will house at least one TRI (1) and, in different embodiments “n” TRI (1) units. Constant force tip contact minimizes acoustical impedance at the tip to material interface, allowing for increased sensitivity without the use of a couplant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Rolly E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7665363
    Abstract: Ultrasonic head for pulse-echo multichannel inspection applied to flat and curved surfaces, which is connected to a displacement system (3), and which comprises a chassis (1) housing a tilting frame (4) joined to said chassis via a first point of rotation (1a) and a second point of rotation (1b) which define a main tilting axis (1c) around which the tilting frame (4) rotates, said tilting frame (4) presenting a set of feeler-carriers (2) in its central opening (4h) which carry an array of ultrasonic feelers (12), said array of feel-carriers (2) being able to rotate around at least one axis of rotation (5, 5a, 5b) transverse to the main tilting axis (1c) in an independent movement to that made by the tilting frame (4), the tilting frame (4) being able to be divided into two secondary frames (6, 8) which rotate independently of the rotation of the tilting frame (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus Espana, S.L.
    Inventors: Ester Baños Capilla, Alvaro Espada Tejedor
  • Publication number: 20100024557
    Abstract: A ultrasonic device detecting a direction to an object includes: a transmitting element of a ultrasonic wave; first and second receiving elements; a diffraction wave phase detector; an initial phase memory for an initial phase of a diffraction wave; a sound speed detector; a phase correction amount calculator calculating a phase shift caused by a sound speed change and calculating a phase correction amount based on the phase of the diffraction wave, the initial phase and the phase shift; a phase correction element correcting a phase of the reflection wave based on the phase correction amount; and a direction detector for detecting the direction to the object based on a difference between corrected phases of the reflection wave received by the first and second receiving elements, a distance between the first and second receiving elements, and a wavelength of the transmission ultrasonic wave corresponding to a sound speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicants: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitsuyasu Matsuura, Toshiki Isogai, Ayako Okamoto, Hiromi Ariyoshi, Yasuyuki Okuda
  • Patent number: 7654144
    Abstract: In a nondestructive testing apparatus for testing normality of a blade root in a steam turbine installed in a nuclear plant or a thermal plant, an ultrasonic probe and an encoder can be mounted at the outside by only removing a casing of the steam turbine, without the necessity of withdrawing a turbine rotor, so that an automatic testing can be performed by rotating the steam turbine. Since the testing result can be digitally stored, reliability of the testing is improved. Furthermore, size of the testing apparatus is highly reduced for a tester to conveniently carry and install the testing apparatus alone. As a result, installation time and the whole testing time can be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Electric Power Corporation
    Inventors: Byung Sik Yoon, Yong Sik Kim, Hee Jong Lee, Se Kyoung Kim, Seung Han Yang
  • Publication number: 20100014554
    Abstract: Cloud point monitoring systems for determining a cloud point temperature value for diesel fuel are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a cloud point monitoring system receives diesel fuel in the tubular conduit and propagates a sound wave through the diesel fuel. The cloud point monitoring system further determines a cloud point temperature value indicative of a cloud point of the diesel fuel based on a phase shift of the sound wave propagating through the diesel fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: William C. Albertson
  • Publication number: 20090320600
    Abstract: There is provided a flaw detection testing method applied to a slot dovetail portion of a turbine generator rotor shaft. The flaw detection testing method includes an angle determining step of determining a slot angle of the slot dovetail portion using a variable-angle ultrasonic probe, a flaw detection performing step of, on the basis of a determination result in the angle determining step, using an angle ultrasonic probe or a phased array probe to perform flaw detection to detect a flaw in the slot dovetail portion, and a flaw depth measuring step of, when the flaw is detected in the flaw detection performing step, using an angle ultrasonic probe to measure a depth of the flaw from a surface of the slot dovetail portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Hiroaki Koinuma, Koji Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 7632229
    Abstract: A system and method for range dependent weighting in ultrasound imaging. The system includes a transducer array, a data acquisition system, and an imaging processor. The transducer array receives a first ultrasound beam having a first focal depth. The data acquisition system receives a first ultrasound imaging signal from the array. The first signal includes first image data based on at least the first ultrasound beam. The imaging processor combines a first data contribution from the first image data with at least second image data from a second ultrasound imaging signal to create a spatially compounded image. The first data contribution is based on at least the focal depth of the first beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Washburn, Feng Lin
  • Publication number: 20090301203
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for non-destructive inspection of a three-dimensional wall, the tool including a plurality of juxtaposed non-destructive inspection sensors. The sensors are mounted on a support for moving the set of sensors in common relative to the wall. The support is deformable for each of the sensors so that the sensors are movable relative to one another. Also provided are a constraint element for constraining the application face of each sensor to press individually against the wall and a sliding element for causing the application face of each sensor to slide against the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ROBOPLANET
    Inventor: Marc Brussieux
  • Publication number: 20090301204
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a new method for estimating and imaging the spatial and temporal mechanical behavior of materials in responses to a mechanical stimulus. This method is designed to work in inherently noisy applications, such as the imaging of the time-dependent mechanical behavior of biological tissues in vivo and using a preferred hand-held configuration of scanning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Raffaella Righetti, Jonathan Ophir
  • Publication number: 20090277271
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a micromechanical sensor for analyzing liquid samples and an array of such sensors. The invention also concerns a method for sensing liquid samples and the use of longitudinal bulk acoustic waves for analyzing liquid phase samples micromechanically. The sensor comprises a body and a planar wave guide portion spaced from the body. At least one electro-mechanical transducer element are used for excitation of longitudinal bulk acoustic waves to the wave guide portion in response to electrical actuation and for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals. The wave guide portion is provided with a sample-receiving zone onto which the sample can be introduced. By means of the invention, the sensitivity of micromechanical liquid sensors can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: VALTION TEKNILLINEN TUTKIMUSKESKUS
    Inventors: Heikki Seppa, Kirsi Tappura, Jussi Tuppurainen, Tomi Mattila, Ari Alastalo, Hannu Helle, Aarne Oja
  • Patent number: 7614305
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic detector for detecting an ultrasonic wave, an acoustic matching member joined to the ultrasonic detector, a housing in which the ultrasonic detector and the acoustic matching member are accommodated, a vibration isolator located between the acoustic matching member and an inner side wall of the housing to damp an unwanted vibration from outside, and a cushion member located between the ultrasonic detector and an inner bottom wall of the housing to absorb external force applied to the ultrasonic sensor The cushion member is not in contact with the acoustic matching member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuo Yoshioka, Makiko Sugiura, Yasuyuki Okuda, Takahiko Yoshida, Kazuaki Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20090260442
    Abstract: Inspecting a loss in section such as corrosion, rust and abrasion due to physical factor generated in an inside face of a drum securely and rapidly with a simple structure and specifying a generation position thereof. A drum inspecting apparatus for inspecting a loss in section generated in an inside face of a drum 1 from an outer face side, comprising an inspection ultrasonic wave device for inspection by detecting a position having a reduced thickness generated in the inside face of the drum 1 and estimating a range thereof with lateral ultrasonic wave, wherein the inspection ultrasonic wave device has a plurality of ultrasonic probes 2a for generating ultrasonic wave for the inspection of a side plate of the drum 1, attached to a top plate circumferential outer edge portion 11a or a bottom plate circumferential outer edge portion 12a of the drum 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Toru Hara
  • Publication number: 20090260422
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a circuit device. The circuit device determines that the receiving device receives an ultrasonic wave reflected from an object, when an output voltage of the receiving device is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The circuit device includes a humidity detection section configured to detect an ambient humidity of the transmitting and receiving devices and a threshold adjustment section configured to calculate, based on the detected ambient humidity, a sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave that is received by the receiving device after propagating over a round-trip distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object. The threshold adjustment section reduces the first threshold, when the output voltage corresponding to the calculated sound pressure is less than a second threshold that is greater the first threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.
    Inventors: Makiko Sugiura, Yasuyuki Okuda, Takaaki Kawai, Takahiko Yoshida, Hisanaga Matsuoka, Toshiki Isogai, Mitsuyasu Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20090251687
    Abstract: The surface detection system includes a source of an optical interrogating signal (44) which accompanies a droplet spray in an oral cleaning device directed to an oral surface (46). The interrogating optical signal is reflected from the oral surface which the spray impacts and detected (48). A selected characteristic of the reflected signal, such as intensity, is indicative of the nature of the oral surface, such as either gum tissue or a tooth surface. The detected reflected signal is then processed to determine the nature of the oral reflecting surface. The processor (50) then provides a resulting output signal which can be used to either warn the user concerning the nature of the oral surface or to change the characteristics of the spray appropriately according to the surface (51).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Paulus Cornelis Duineveld, Joseph W. Grez
  • Publication number: 20090249878
    Abstract: For an ultrasonic sensor at least one sensitivity parameter or sensitivity characteristics curve may be adjusted as a function of the air humidity and/or temperature in such a way that a predefined range or a range section may be reliably reached. Such a sensor makes it possible to reliably detect curbs, and to locate parking spaces, including curb detection under varying weather conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Petko Faber, Christian Danz
  • Publication number: 20090241674
    Abstract: The present invention aims to obtain a rotary machine having a function to stably measure an amount of wear of a sliding surface in a sliding bearing with a high degree of accuracy. The present invention provides a rotary machine including: a shaft rotated by torque transmitted from a driving source; a bearing for supporting the shaft; an oil film portion formed between the shaft and the bearing; an ultrasound sensor to propagate an ultrasound pulse toward the sliding surface or the reference step surface provided opposite to the ultrasound sensor installation surface and to receive the ultrasound pulse reflected by the oil film portion; and a diagnostic unit to drive the ultrasound sensor to compare a prestored intensity of the ultrasound pulse in the oil film portion and an intensity of the ultrasound pulse reflected by the oil film portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomonaga OYAMADA, Youichi INOUE
  • Publication number: 20090235750
    Abstract: A capacitive ultrasonic device is capable of detecting an object and providing information regarding an orientation of the object. The capacitive ultrasonic device includes a power source configured to generate a voltage signal, an array of sensor elements, each of the sensor elements being configured to generate an ultrasonic wave during a first period of the voltage signal and detect whether a wave is reflected from the object during a second period of the voltage signal when the voltage signal is applied thereto, and a control unit configured to activate a first portion of the array of sensor elements through the power source, and activate a second portion of the array of sensor elements when at least one of the first portion of the sensor elements detects a wave reflected from the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ming-Wei CHANG, Hsu-Cheng DENG, Tsung-Ju GWO
  • Publication number: 20090229365
    Abstract: A method of analyzing ultrasonic inspection data from turbine wheel or bucket dovetail fingers for a crack about a ledge thereof with the turbine wheel or bucket having a number of adjacent holes therethrough. The method may include inserting an ultrasonic probe into a first hole, rotating an ultrasonic beam of the ultrasonic probe to scan the adjacent holes, scanning each adjacent hole, and determining the presence of the crack in the ledge by the failure to receive a signal from one or more of the adjacent holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Edward Lee Bentzel
  • Publication number: 20090223294
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting ultrasonic flaw detection of an object processes an echo signal received from the object being tested in at least three signal channels, wherein the echo signal is scaled to different degrees along each channel to increase and extend the dynamic range of an associated A/D converter system, in a manner which dispenses with the need for using numerous analog high pass and low pass filters and a variable gain amplifier. This reduces complexity and avoids performance limitations. The digital to analog converters sample the differently scaled input signal and a selection circuit selects the output of the digital output obtained from that analog to digital converter which has the highest gain, but which has not overflowed. The digital outputs are seamlessly merged to produce an output that can be displayed as a scan display which shows the location of faults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew THOMAS
  • Publication number: 20090223295
    Abstract: A medium fatigue detection apparatus and a medium fatigue detection method detect fatigue of a sheet-like medium. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic sending device for oscillating ultrasonic waves as burst waves, an ultrasonic receiving device, and a sensed intensity detector. The ultrasonic sending device and ultrasonic receiving device are arranged to oppose each other and allow a sheet-like medium to pass between them. The ultrasonic waves sent from the ultrasonic sending device are incident on a principal surface of the sheet-like medium at a predetermined incident angle ?. Fatigue of the medium is detected by measuring a variation in sensed intensity of the ultrasonic waves having passed through the sheet-like medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chikashi KONDO
  • Publication number: 20090189278
    Abstract: The waveform signals of ultrasonic waves reflected by a plurality of interfaces in a measurement object are received, the waveform signal of a reflected wave on a reference interface inside the measurement object is detected based on the amplitudes of the received waveform signals, and evaluation is made on the bonded condition of an interface to be measured based on the waveform signal of the reflected wave on the reference interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Shinsuke KOMATSU, Yoichiro UEDA
  • Publication number: 20090178485
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting ultrasonic flaw detection of an object processes an echo signal received from the object being tested in at least three signal channels, wherein the echo signal is scaled to different degrees along each channel to increase and extend the dynamic range of an associated A/D converter system, in a manner which dispenses with the need for using numerous analog high pass and low pass filters and a variable gain amplifier. This reduces complexity and avoids performance limitations. The digital to analog converters sample the differently scaled input signal and a selection circuit selects the output of the digital output obtained from that analog to digital converter which has the highest gain, but which has not overflowed. The digital outputs are seamlessly merged to produce an output that can be displayed as a scan display which shows the location of faults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew THOMAS
  • Patent number: 7552641
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for protecting an acoustic liner having a perforated facesheet from water leakage during a through-transmission ultrasonic (TTU) inspection using an ultrasonic squirter system. The testing method utilizes a repositionable mask that covers the openings in the perforated facesheet. The repositionable mask utilizes a pressure sensitive adhesive that adheres to the surface of the perforated facesheet. The repositionable mask can be removed after completing a TTU inspection and can be reused for subsequent TTU tests with minimal adverse effects on the mask or on the facesheet. For ease in handling, the repositionable mask may be configured with a semi-rigid backing carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kevin L. Obrachta