Abstract: In some examples, a machine learning model may be trained to denoise an image. In some examples, the machine learning model may identify noise in an image of a sequence based at least in part, on at least one other image of the sequence. In some examples, the machine learning model may include a recurrent neural network. In some examples, the machine learning model may have a modular architecture including one or more building units. In some examples, the machine learning model may have a multi-branch architecture. In some examples, the noise may be identified and removed from the image by an iterative process.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic inspection of composite parts includes providing a composite part to be inspected with a plurality of layers, determining the runtime and/or attenuation of an ultrasonic signal propagating through the composite part to be inspected, providing the runtime and/or attenuation of the ultrasonic signal propagating through a reference composite part, subtracting the runtime and/or attenuation of the ultrasonic signal in the reference composite part from the runtime and/or attenuation of the ultrasonic signal in the composite part to be inspected, or vice versa, and determining from the result of the subtraction one or more missing and/or additional layers in the inspected composite part. The difference of the runtime and/or attenuation of the ultrasonic signal in the inspected composite part relative to the reference composite part, and/or the difference of the thickness between the composite part and the reference part, is/are visualized.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a probe for non-destructively inspecting a hat stiffener. The probe comprises a body, which comprises an inspection surface and a slot formed in the inspection surface. The probe also comprises an ultrasonic-sensor assembly that is fixed to the body and open to the inspection surface via the slot. The probe further comprises a surface-engagement assembly, which comprises a first foot and a second foot. The surface-engagement assembly is movably coupled to the body such that the first foot and the second foot are on opposite ends of the slot of the body and the first foot and the second foot are movable relative to the body and the ultrasonic-sensor assembly.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanning device includes at least one pair of cylindrical rollers. The axes of each pair of cylindrical rollers are parallel to each other. A liquid for transmitting the ultrasound is stored in each cylindrical roller. In use, a pair of cylindrical rollers rotate around their respective axes in reverse directions, the test subject passes between the pair of cylindrical rollers and is tested by ultrasound. The ultrasonic scanning device can be applied in the field of lithium-ion battery testing. The internal flaws and health status of the lithium-ion battery can be determined by acquiring an ultrasonic image in the test subject. The device of the present invention has a simple structure and an ingenious conception, and is ready-to-use and less expensive, which is successfully applied in the field of lithium-ion battery testing.

Abstract: A vehicle for traversing a surface using magnetic attachment is provided. The vehicle includes a chassis body and wheels attached to the chassis body. At least one magnetic module is attached via a resilient member to the chassis body. Each magnetic module includes a magnet and an offset member that provides an approximately constant offset between the surface and the magnet. The resilient member transfers a magnetic attractive force that is normal to the surface between the magnetic attracting module and the chassis body. The vehicle can traverse uneven surfaces without magnetically decoupling.

Abstract: A three-dimensional mechanical ultrasound probe includes a base; a transducer for emitting an ultrasonic signal; a driven wheel with a hole, the driven wheel being connected to the transducer, the transducer being swung by the driven wheel; a motor fixed on the base; and a transmission system connected to the motor and a first rope, the transmission system being driven by the motor, the first rope being driven by the transmission system, wherein the first rope is connected to the transmission system and a rope adjusting dowel; and wherein the adjusting dowel is pivotably inserted into the hole of the driven wheel.

Abstract: A system for determining the angular position of a synchronous motor includes an encoder with a friction wheel engaging a rotating surface of the motor. The friction wheel is spun by the rotation of the motor, and the encoder generates a signal corresponding to the angular position of the friction wheel. An independent, sensor is provided to generate a pulse once per revolution of the motor. The independent sensor detects the presence of a target on the rotating surface of the motor and generates the pulse when the target is proximate to the sensor. A controller receives the signal corresponding to the angular position of the friction wheel as well as the pulse generated by the independent sensor to determine the angular position of the motor. The controller compensates the angular position of the motor each time the pulse is generated, correcting accumulated position error.

Abstract: An inspection arrangement and an associated method for inspecting an elongate object. The arrangement includes a housing providing an interior space. The housing has an entrance and exit that are aligned. The arrangement includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensor arrays disposed to direct ultrasonic sensory pluses. Each sensor array has a plurality of ultrasonic sensors with each ultrasonic sensor positioned to direct a respective ultrasonic sensory pulse in a respective direction. The arrangement includes a fluid delivery device that delivers a coupling fluid into the interior space. The coupling fluid transmits the ultrasonic sensory pluses to the elongate object. The arrangement includes a plurality of redirecting elements associated with the plurality of ultrasonic sensor arrays. Each redirecting element is positioned such that ultrasonic sensory pluses from the respective ultrasonic sensor array proceed through the respective redirecting element and are redirected along a different direction.

Abstract: An ultrasound inspection roller provided with a wheel, a sensing system and a support for holding the sensing system inside the wheel, a wedge connected to the ultrasound sensing system at one end and provided with a curved profile at its other end facing the wheel, adapted to the curvilinear shape of the wheel, and a liquid of a density higher than 9.9*102 kg/mm3 placed inside the wheel such that the sensory system, the wheel and the wedge are acoustically coupled. The roller allows the early detection of problems during manufacturing of composites and the performance of corrective measures in real time, and assures a good coupling between the transducers and the material to be inspected in dry conditions.

Abstract: A rolling search unit including an ultrasonic device and a heat exchanger mounted within a fluid-filled tire may be utilized to perform ultrasonic testing on an underlying railroad rail. The ultrasonic device may transmit or receive ultrasonic beams into or from the railroad rail, and the heat exchanger may be utilized to maintain the temperature of the fluid within the tire at a preferred level or within a preferred range. In such a manner, the results of testing obtained using the rolling search unit may be standardized regardless of the ambient temperature in the environment where the testing is being performed, and regardless of any heat gained or lost by the rolling search unit during operation.

Abstract: A system comprising a tractor vehicle, at least one trailer vehicle and a skin between and in contact with the tractor and trailer vehicles. One of the vehicles is disposed in a non-inverted position above the skin and the other is inverted and below the skin. The trailer vehicle comprises one or more magnets, while the tractor vehicle comprises one or more magnets magnetically coupled to each opposing magnet on the trailer vehicle. The vehicles may have mutually opposing permanent magnets in one-to-one relationship. Alternatively, each permanent magnet on the trailer vehicle could be opposed by one or more electro-permanent magnets on the tractor vehicle. The system further comprises means for maintaining the magnetic attraction force within a range as the vehicles move along a portion of the skin having a varying thickness.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe carrier includes a base, a first side arm having a first end thereof attached to the base and a second end thereof extending outwardly from the base on one side of a tube, and a second side arm having a first end thereof attached to the base and a second end thereof extending outwardly from the base on an opposite side of the tube, at least a portion of the first and second side arms being biased towards each other to removably secure the carrier around at least a portion of a circumference of the tube. An ultrasonic probe is attached to the base, and the carrier and ultrasonic probe are rotatable around the tube to scan at least one of: the circumference of the tube and a weld disposed around the circumference of the tube.

Abstract: A three-dimensional mechanical ultrasound probe includes a base; a transducer for emitting an ultrasonic signal; a driven wheel with a hole, the driven wheel being connected to the transducer, the transducer being swung by the driven wheel; a motor fixed on the base; and a transmission system connected to the motor and a first rope, the transmission system being driven by the motor, the first rope being driven by the transmission system, wherein the first rope is connected to the transmission system and a rope adjusting dowel; and wherein the adjusting dowel is pivotably inserted into the hole of the driven wheel.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a transducer apparatus is provided that includes a core section, a transducer disposed in the core section, the transducer configured to transmit or receive signals and a tubular member mounted to the core section for relative rotation, wherein a fluid is disposed in the tubular member. The apparatus further includes a weight reduction device disposed inside the tubular member to occupy a volume inside the tubular member, wherein the weight reduction device is configured to provide a transmission path from the transducer to the tubular member via the fluid.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe apparatus for detecting flaws in a tubular includes a probe house. The probe house has an axial axis, a central cavity lying along the axial axis, and a bottom face adapted for placement on the tubular. The bottom face of the probe house has an opening in the middle. A probe support is disposed within the central cavity and rotatable about the axial axis of the probe house. An ultrasonic probe is mounted on the probe support and has a scanning face exposed to the opening of the bottom face of the probe house. The scanning face is tiltable relative to a selected plane of the tubular by rotation of the probe support about the axial axis of the probe house.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting samples that may include a curvature that varies from sample to sample comprises a scanning element, a feed mechanism, and a pivot mechanism. The scanning element transmits and receives a signal to and from the sample as the sample passes by, thereby building an image or profile of the sample. The feed mechanism includes a drive motor coupled to a series of pulleys and belts that form an open-ended chain. The pulleys rotate when driven by the drive motor and are coupled to an array of rollers that rotate as well to propel a inspection sample past the scanning element. The pivot mechanism includes a series of primary and secondary links that also form an open-ended chain. The primary links are coupled to the rollers and the combination pivots in unison to form an arc that matches the curvature of the sample in order to maintain a fixed distance between the sample and the scanning element.

Abstract: A scanner device for performing nondestructive testing of a tube includes an ultrasonic probe, a waveguide (wedge) secured relative to the probe, and an encoder secured relative to the probe. The waveguide has a surface contoured in relation to a radius of a tube to be inspected, and the encoder provides a signal indicative of a location of the probe relative to the tube as the probe, waveguide, and encoder are moved in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the tube. In one example, the tube is part of a waterwall, and the surface of the waveguide extends substantially from a web on one side of the tube to a web on the opposite side of the tube. The waveguide may be removably secured relative to the probe such that the waveguide can be replaced with a waveguide having a different surface contour in relation to a different radius of a different tube to be inspected.

Abstract: A three-dimensional mechanical ultrasound probe includes a base; a transducer for emitting an ultrasonic signal; a driven wheel with a hole, the driven wheel being connected to the transducer, the transducer being swung by the driven wheel; a motor fixed on the base; and a transmission system connected to the motor and a first rope, the transmission system being driven by the motor, the first rope being driven by the transmission system, wherein the first rope is connected to the transmission system and a rope adjusting dowel; and wherein the adjusting dowel is pivotably inserted into the hole of the driven wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonic inspection of an object. A tire is mounted for rolling along the surface of the object. It contains a liquid and a transducer assembly. The transducer assembly is positioned in the tire adjacent a portion of the surface of the tire in contact with the object. The liquid and the surface of the tire in contact with the object provide an acoustic bridge between the transducer assembly and the object. An electric signal processing system is connected to the transducer assembly. It generates electric signals which are converted to acoustic signals in the transducer assembly to place acoustic signals in the object. Acoustic signals returned from the object are converted to electric signals by the transducer assembly, and are processed in the electric signal processing system to indicate flaws in the object.

Abstract: The invention is objected to enable the provision of an vessel steel plate measuring device capable of measuring the thickness of vessel steel plate, even in the case of a vessel having a vessel mirror part formed by a spherical or conical curved surface such as a reactor (reaction vessel) and various kinds of obstructions at a vessel barrel. The structure of the device is characterized in that a supporting point member 20 is detachably provided from a supporting point set at the central axis of the vessel mirror part 1a of a reactor 1, and a traveling carrier 6 traveling on a steel plate of the vessel mirror part 1a and having plural ultrasonic probes 7 mounted thereon is connected to one end of a turning radius regulating member 19 rotatively provided around the supporting point member 20.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting samples that may include a curvature that varies from sample to sample comprises a scanning element, a feed mechanism, and a pivot mechanism. The scanning element transmits and receives a signal to and from the sample as the sample passes by, thereby building an image or profile of the sample. The feed mechanism includes a drive motor coupled to a series of pulleys and belts that form an open-ended chain. The pulleys rotate when driven by the drive motor and are coupled to an array of rollers that rotate as well to propel a inspection sample past the scanning element. The pivot mechanism includes a series of primary and secondary links that also form an open-ended chain. The primary links are coupled to the rollers and the combination pivots in unison to form an arc that matches the curvature of the sample in order to maintain a fixed distance between the sample and the scanning element.

Abstract: A centering apparatus for internal nondestructive testing of a tube to be inspected includes an elongated shaft member coupled to an inspection probe; a plurality of fingers, pivotally attached at a first end thereof to a mounting surface affixed to the shaft member, the plurality of fingers circumferentially surrounding the shaft member; and an expansion mechanism, disposed between the plurality of fingers and the shaft member, the expansion mechanism configured to selectively and outwardly extend a second end of the plurality of fingers with respect to a longitudinal axis of the shaft member, so as to bring the second end of the plurality of fingers into contact with an inner surface of the tube to be inspected, thereby centering the inspection probe within the tube.

Abstract: A head for ultrasonic inspection with a semidry coupling system involving a roller (4) and an ultrasound scanner that rolls on the surface (5) of the part to be inspected, includes a first frame (1) to which the roller (4) is connected and pivots around a stationary axis (4a) in a direction that is perpendicular to the probe's movement; a second frame (2) from which linear vertical guides (6) emerge and is connected in an oscillatory manner to the first frame (1) through an oscillating axis (11a) that is perpendicular to the stationary axis (4a): a third frame (3) that slides vertically through the linear guides (6); and at least two actuators of vertical adjustment (9) anchored to the third frame (3) and to the second frame (2), their corresponding laterally aligned pivotal axes (10), connected to the first frame (1) in a rotating manner and parallel to and lower from the plane of the stationary axis (4a) and the respective ends of the stationary axis (4a).

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting samples that may include a curvature that varies from sample to sample comprises a scanning element, a feed mechanism, and a pivot mechanism. The scanning element transmits and receives a signal to and from the sample as the sample passes by, thereby building an image or profile of the sample. The feed mechanism includes a drive motor coupled to a series of pulleys and belts that form an open-ended chain. The pulleys rotate when driven by the drive motor and are coupled to an array of rollers that rotate as well to propel a inspection sample past the scanning element. The pivot mechanism includes a series of primary and secondary links that also form an open-ended chain. The primary links are coupled to the rollers and the combination pivots in unison to form an arc that matches the curvature of the sample in order to maintain a fixed distance between the sample and the scanning element.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided which use a sensor holder, which is configured to support one or more curved linear inspection sensors and may be constructed from rapid prototyping, such as stereolithography. Integrated curved linear ultrasonic transducer inspection apparatus, systems, and methods provide fast and efficient methods of constructing custom inspection devices and inspecting otherwise difficult-to-inspect curved radius features of structures, such as a corner of a hat stringer.

Abstract: An apparatus including a linear array transducer coupled to an upper housing of the apparatus and positioned above a tapered chamber. The tapered chamber configured to maintain a column of couplant between the linear array transducer and a structure to be inspected as the linear array transducer is positioned over an edge of the structure.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a radius area of composite parts with an ultrasonic inspection system, the system includes at least one ultrasonic probe, an upper sliding surface, a lower sliding surface, an adjustable guide rail, and an adjustable encoder wheel rotatably coupled to a rotary encoder, is provided. The method includes generating a high frequency sound wave using the probe including a radius of curvature extending from a center point, the sound wave travels partially through the part, adjusting the guide rail to align the center point of the probe with a center axis of a part corner portion, sliding the part through the inspection system to inspect the corner portion using the sound wave by rotating the wheel and rotary encoder such that the arcuate distance of the part is recorded, adjusting the wheel to avoid any apertures defined within the part, and processing the sound wave information.

Abstract: The invention is objected to enable the provision of an vessel steel plate measuring device capable of measuring the thickness of vessel steel plate, even in the case of a vessel having a vessel mirror part formed by a spherical or conical curved surface such as a reactor (reaction vessel) and various kinds of obstructions at a vessel barrel. The structure of the device is characterized in that a supporting point member 20 is detachably provided from a supporting point set at the central axis of the vessel mirror part 1a of a reactor 1, and a traveling carrier 6 traveling on a steel plate of the vessel mirror part 1a and having plural ultrasonic probes 7 mounted thereon is connected to one end of a turning radius regulating member 19 rotatively provided around the supporting point member 20.

Abstract: Noise discrimination in signals from a plurality of sensors is conducted by enhancing the phase difference in the signals such that off-axis pick-up is suppressed while on-axis pick-up is enhanced. Alternatively, attenuation/expansion are applied to the signals in a phase difference dependent manner, consistent with suppression of off-axis pick-up and on-axis enhancement. Nulls between sensitivity lobes are widened, effectively narrowing the sensitivity lobes and improving directionality and noise discrimination.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided which use a sensor holder constructed from rapid prototyping, such as stereolithography, and which is configured to support one or more linear inspection sensors. Rapid prototype integrated linear ultrasonic transducer inspection apparatus, systems, and methods provide fast and efficient methods of constructing custom inspection devices.

Abstract: An apparatus rides along a rail of a railroad track. A transmitter transmits ultrasonic guided waves bidirectionally along the rail while the apparatus and transmitter are moving along the railroad track. A sensor detects flaws in response to the transmitted ultrasonic guided waves while the apparatus, transmitter and sensor are moving along the railroad track. An electronic coupler operatively couples the sensor to monitoring equipment.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is provided in which an elongate array of transducers is disposed within an elongate coupling element which is mounted for rotation about an axle. The profile of the coupling element is chosen so as to provide a substantially uniform contact force with a surface over a predetermined area. To achieve this the radius of the coupling element varies along its length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for guiding the movement of a transducer of an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for acquiring a 3-dimensional ultrasound image. A pair of guide rails is disposed near both side-ends of the transducer and is disposed apart therefrom by predetermined gaps. Slots are formed lengthwise at side surfaces of the guide rails. Each slot has a bottom wall and a side wall. Bearings coupled to the both side-ends of the transducer are received in the slots and roll on the bottom walls of the slots. First magnets are fixed to the both side-ends of the transducer and second magnets are fixed to the side walls of the slots along the overall length of the slots. The first magnets are received in the slots and are disposed opposite to the second magnets so that repulsive forces are generated therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided which use magnetically coupled probes disposed proximate opposite surfaces of a structure to locate, move, position, and hold a pulse echo ultrasonic transducer of one of the probes for non-destructive inspection, such as measuring a remote bondline thickness of a joint of a composite sandwich structure. The pulse echo ultrasonic sensor is included in a tracking probe, and the position of the tracking probe and pulse echo ultrasonic sensor are controlled by movement and positioning of a magnetically coupled driven probe in a leader-follower configuration. The tracking probe may be initially placed in a remote location using a detachable, and possibly deformable, placement rod.

Abstract: A hat stringer inspection device permits continuous inspection of hat stringers as one or more probes are moved along the length of the hat stringer. Probes may be magnetically coupled to opposing surfaces of the structure, including, for example, where one of the probes is positioned inside the hat stringer and the probes are magnetically coupled across the surface of the hat stringer. The device may be autonomous with a feedback-controlled motor to drive the inspection device along the hat stringer. Magnetic coupling is also used to re-orient the position and/or alignment of the probes with respect to changes in the hat stringer or shapes, sizes, and configurations of hat stingers.

Abstract: A hat stringer inspection device permits continuous inspection of hat stringers as one or more probes are moved along the length of the hat stringer. Probes may be magnetically coupled to opposing surfaces of the structure, including, for example, where one of the probes is positioned inside the hat stringer and the probes are magnetically coupled across the surface of the hat stringer. The device may be autonomous with a feedback-controlled motor to drive the inspection device along the hat stringer. Magnetic coupling is also used to re-orient the position and/or alignment of the probes with respect to changes in the hat stringer or shapes, sizes, and configurations of hat stingers.

Abstract: Spot and seam weldments in sheet metal components are inspected by a method in which a focused ultrasonic beam is directed into the weldment from the outside surface together with measuring the motion of the ultrasonic beam over the weldment. Reflected ultrasonic waves are received and signals indicative thereof are produced and processed or displayed as image forms that are easily recognized by an operator. This data is displayed as an A-Scan where a predetermined time window is established on the display, based on the time-of-flight difference between the outer surface, the weld interface or interfaces and the inner or opposite surface of the component. Certain ultrasonic signals are indicative of the degree of complete fusion in the weld zone and provide data relative to the total fused thickness and to defects either in the sheet metal or in the weld.

Abstract: In a method and a device for the ultrasonic monitoring of overlapping welded joints between a first sheet and a second sheet pulses are irradiated at an angle of between 15 and 80° into the first sheet by a first rotating probe head. The rotating probe head is arranged on a mount and has a tire rotating about the axle, coupled to the ultrasound transmitter and rolling along the first sheet, parallel to the overlapping welded joint. On ultrasound investigation of the overlapping welded joint the impulses transmitted to the second sheet are received by a second receiving rotating probe head, of similar construction to the first rotating probe head.

Abstract: A sensor device (11) for a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, has at least one sensor (15) for the detection of forces inside the vehicle seat. The vehicle seat has at least one bearing area between two components that are mobile relative to one another, and the sensor device (11) is installed in the bearing area.

Abstract: In a method and a device for the ultrasonic monitoring of overlapping welded joints between a first sheet (44) and a second sheet (46 pulses are irradiated at an angle of between 15 and 80° into the first sheet (44) by means of a first rotating probe head (28), which a) is arranged on a mount (20), b) has a tyre (80) rotating about the axle body (50), coupled to the ultrasound transmitter (58) and rolling along the first sheet (44), parallel to the overlapping welded joint (78). On ultrasound investigation of the overlapping welded joint (78) the impulses transmitted to the second sheet (46) are received by means of a second receiving rotating probe head (30), of similar construction to the first rotating probe head (28).

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for signal analysis enable “pass/fail” determinations to be made with respect to noisiness of a mechanical or electrical system under test, particularly the presence of bumps and nicks in gear train systems under test. In a process aspect, for a gear system, a torque input is applied. A first signal responsive to the torque applied to the gear system under test is produced, which is converted to digital data responsive to a first correlation between the first signal and time. Peaks in the digital data are measured to determine whether they exceed a predetermined threshold magnitude. The peaks that exceed the predetermined threshold magnitude are subjected to harmonic analysis, the results being compared to gear tooth harmonics to determine whether the peaks constitute an anomaly. Such an anomaly is a bump or a nick on a tooth of the gear system under test.

Abstract: The bonding of an elastomeric cover to a metal roll is tested by transmitting audible frequency waves through the compliant roll cover and receiving the waves at a transducer mounted to the underlying steel roll. The resulting signal may be analyzed by a technician listing to the audio frequencies transmitted. The audio range of frequencies employed may be about 5000 Hz. The elastomeric material such as rubber does not transmit sound without considerable loss of amplitude, whereas sound travels at high speed through steel with little attenuation. A sound transmitter is spirally scanned along the rubber-covered surface of the roll, transmitting into the steel roll directly beneath the sound transmitter and throughout the roll. Sound is detected at a transducer mounted at the roll ends. Any failure or significant variation in the roll/cover bond is detected by the effect on the quality of sound transmitted through the rubber steel interface.

Abstract: Ultrasonic techniques are applied to the measurement of wooden members to identify splits in wooden members. Multiple angularly displaced measurements allow detection of splits at arbitrary angles.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ultrasonic inspection of an object. A tire is mounted for rolling along the surface of the object. It contains a liquid and a transducer assembly. The transducer assembly is positioned in the tire adjacent a portion of the surface of the tire in contact with the object. The liquid and the surface of the tire in contact with the object provide an acoustic bridge between the transducer assembly and the object. An electric signal processing system is connected to the transducer assembly. It generates electric signals which are converted to acoustic signals in the transducer assembly to place acoustic signals in the object. Acoustic signals returned from the object are converted to electric signals by the transducer assembly, and are processed in the electric signal processing system to indicate flaws in the object.

Abstract: The invention is a carriage type sonic or ultrasonic testing apparatus for flaw and deterioration detection testing in a structure, especially concrete. The apparatus detects both location and type of flaw in a structure. The carriage unit incorporates a rolling pond feature which includes: i) foam-covered tracks and rollers, this soft foam material in addition to its primary function prevents vibration of the transducers while traversing rough surfaces such as weathered concrete. The tracks and rollers form a water-tight seal with each other and the specimen surface; ii) an air-removal brush assembly which maintains contact with a specimen surface to facilitate transmission and reception of ultrasonic energy into and out of a test specimen; iii) an ultrasonic isolator element and optional wave absorbers; and iv) the ultrasonic transducer suspension system. A transducer water bed is continuously maintained while the system is in motion across the concrete.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructive inspection of complex structures employs a portable laser based ultrasonic transducer 600 output to rapidly detect and size flaws in such structures, including the radii of composites, laminates, and complex skin/substructure assemblies, such as airplane wings. A fiber optic delivery system 610A is employed with the laser based ultrasonic transducer 600 and a thermoelastic medium to rapidly and accurately access the radii of complex structures in the field without the need for liquid or gel couplants, with the thermoelastic expansion of the test piece 680 producing mechanical stresses that initiate detectable sound waves regardless of the angle of the laser based ultrasonic transducer 600 output with respect to the test piece 680. A MAUS III scanning device may be employed to detect these sound waves and provide accurate information as to the detected flaws.

Abstract: A acoustical imaging scanning head includes a roller driven optical encoder. The encoder and its shaft are isolated in a non-magnetic housing. The encoder shaft and a roller driven drive shaft are provided with permanent magnets on facing steel discs on opposite sides of a relatively thin wall of a non-magnetic housing. The encoder is sealed in a chamber in such housing and is totally isolated from the surrounding environment, including the drive shaft. The position and arrangement of the magnets maintains the ability to rotate the encoder shaft to produce electrical pulses proportional to the encoder shaft rotation.

Abstract: A scanner head for ultrasonic imaging of structures generates a display through an ultrasonic transceiver. The scanner head includes a transducer adapted to engage the surface of the structure. Rollers are positioned fore and aft the transducer, and one roller drives a position increment signal generator which drives the transceiver and display circuitry. A couplant delivery system includes nozzles bracketing the transducer in the direction of movement of the scanner head. The flow is controlled by a single valve on top of the head. In this manner, couplant in the desired amount is delivered correctly and concurrently as scanning proceeds.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a u/s test device for nondestructive testing of a workpiece moving relative thereto by the pulse echo method, having a fluid coupling between the ultrasonic oscillator and the surface of the work material. At least two test heads are provided whose sound beam axes intersect at a point in the region of the workpiece and a travel path in the form of a chamber is provided for guiding the fluid medium. To reduce susceptibility to interference and to achieve high test performance, a separately guided travel path extending along a determined length of the chamber and forming a duct (12-20) is associated with each test head (1-9), the axes of the travel path being aligned with the respective sound beam axis.

Abstract: A portable, remotely-controlled inspection crawler for use along the walls of tanks, vessels, piping and the like. The crawler can be configured to use a vacuum chamber for supporting itself on the inspected surface by suction or a plurality of magnetic wheels for moving the crawler along the inspected surface. The crawler is adapted to be equipped with an ultrasonic probe for mapping the structural integrity or other characteristics of the surface being inspected. Navigation of the crawler is achieved by triangulation techniques between a signal transmitter on the crawler and a pair of microphones attached to a fixed, remote location, such as the crawler's deployment unit. The necessary communications are established between the crawler and computers external to the inspection environment for position control and storage and/or monitoring of data acquisition.