On Railroad Rails Patents (Class 73/636)
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Publication number: 20040093949Abstract: There is described apparatus for inspecting a non axi-symmetric elongate body comprising: at least one exciter array having a plurality of wave exciters operable to couple to an exterior surface of said elongate body; a driver unit operable to generate driving signals to excite said plurality of wave exciters wherein each driving signal to a respective wave exciter of said array is weighted with respect to driving signals to other wave exciters in said array such that a guided acoustic wave mode is excited; a receiving unit having a plurality of wave exciters in said array such that a guided acoustic wave mode is excited; a receiving unit having a plurality of wave receivers capable of receiving reflected guided acoustic waves; an analysis unit operable to analyse received waves to assess a condition of said non axi-symmetric elongate body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventor: David N Alleyne
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Patent number: 6604421Abstract: This invention relates to a nondestructive flaw detection method, especially an ultrasonic flaw detection method for detecting rail flaws, as well as the wheel transducer and flaw detection system for implementing the method. According to the method, a solid coupling medium couples ultrasonic waves. The wheel transducer according to the invention includes a tire made of ultrasonic wave permeable materials, probes combining ultrasonic emitter/receiver, a sliding plate and the means for reducing friction between the sliding plate and the bottom of the tire of the wheel transducer while flaw detection. The sliding plate is fixed on the fixed axle of the wheel transducer. The probes combining ultrasonic emitter/receiver are mounted on the sliding plate. While flaw detection, the sliding plate compels the wall of the tire of the wheel transducer to flat press on the surface of rails to be detected.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Gang Li
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Patent number: 6571636Abstract: A wheel-type inspection device includes within the wheel structure a sensor head. The sensor head carries both ultrasonic transducers and a surface tracking structure maintained at fixed distance relative to the transducers. In operation, the surface tracking structure remains against the inner surface of the tire and thereby maintains a fixed distance between the transducers and the surface of the work piece under inspection. As a result, reflected sound energy analysis need not compensate for variations in distance between the transducers and the work piece because no such variations in distance occur under the disclosed device.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: CF&I Steel, L.P.Inventor: Paul H. McWhorter
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Patent number: 6553838Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting anomalies, defects or electromagnetic properties of electrically conductive and magnetically permeable materials by using a magnet to partially saturate the material, thereby lowering its permeability, and sending a second, higher frequency oscillating electromagnetic wave into the material. The oscillating magnetic flux field permeating into the electrically conductive material induces eddy waves. As the apparatus passes over the material, the properties of the induced eddy currents, and the corresponding magnetic flux field induced by such eddy currents, changes as the properties of the material change. These changes can be the result of defects or anomalies in the material or in connecting welds.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Em-Tech LLCInventor: Bijan K. Amini
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Patent number: 6536553Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an underground abject includes a container in contact with the ground surface; a medium disposed in the container; at least one acoustic sensor disposed in the medium in the container; and an output device connected to the acoustic sensor. A portion of the container in contact with the ground is substantially acoustically transparent and conforms to contours of the ground. The acoustic impedance of the medium in the container is substantially the same as the acoustic impedance of the ground. A method of detecting an underground object includes receiveing reflected acoustic noise with at least one acoustic sensor immersed in a medium, the mediukm being desposed in a container in contact with a ground surface; converting the reflected acoustic noise to electrical signals; and, using an output device, converting teh eletrical signals to a form that can be sensed by a human to determine if the undergroung object has been detected.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Michael V. Scanlon
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Patent number: 6516668Abstract: An ultrasonic aligning device for laterally aligning a rail testing device with respect to a rail has an ultrasonic transducer formed of an array of closely spaced ultrasonic elements, with center to center distances between elements being selected to determine incremental lateral positions of the array relative to the rail. The ultrasonic elements are selectively actuated to cause the generation of ultrasonic beams towards the base portion of the rail. Reflections from the base portion are detected to produce reflection signals representative of the incidence of the ultrasonic beam onto said base portion. The reflection signals are processed by a reflection analyzer for a determination of the lateral offset of the ultrasonic array relative to the rail. A position signal indicative thereof is produced and used to laterally displace the array to achieve a desired lateral alignment of the rail testing device with the rail.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Harsco Track Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert Mark Havira, Joseph S. Bakach, Jr.
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Patent number: 6513384Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring the lift of a transport infrastructure road level and industrial floors. The apparatus comprises a wheel borne by a chassis pivotally mounted on a trailer towed by a vehicle. An unbalanced member causes the wheel to vibrate. The vertical acceleration of the chassis and of the wheel and the angle of the centrifugal force of the unbalanced member with the vertical, are continuously measured. The total force applied by the wheel, the chassis and the unbalanced member is calculated from the measurements of the accelerations, as is the deflection of the road level by double integration of the acceleration of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Laboratoire Central des Ponts e ChausseesInventors: Alain Quibel, Michel Froumentin, Jacques Marignier, Maurice Leroy, Guy Morel
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Patent number: 6459656Abstract: The present invention relates to an information generating apparatus for transmitting and receiving elastic waves through a rail for a train. The information generating apparatus comprises elastic wave transmitting means for transmitting elastic waves to said rail, elastic wave receiving means for receiving elastic waves transmitted from said elastic wave transmitting means through said rail, and information generating means for generating information that is necessary for controlling/monitoring associated elements of a control system for performing control operations on said train, based on an elastic wave reception signal received by said elastic wave receiving means. The information generating means has detection means for detecting presence/absence of said train in said rail, based on a reception condition of an elastic wave received by said elastic wave receiving means and for generating information representing presence/absence of said train in said rail.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Futsuhara, Masayoshi Sakai, Toshihito Shirai, Akira Morisada, Hitoshi Nozawa, Katsuichi Inose
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Patent number: 6434207Abstract: Nuclear fuels are taken from a nuclear reactor pressure vessel, a rail for running is mounted under the reactor pressure vessel drain piping in parallel with a horizontal portion of the reactor pressure vessel drain piping inside a pedestal positioned on the lower side of the reactor pressure vessel, an inspection apparatus is mounted on the rail, and the inspection apparatus is moved along the rail to inspect the reactor pressure vessel drain piping, whereby the reactor pressure vessel drain piping can be surely inspected while reducing radiation exposure to an inspector.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yuuichirou Mizumachi, Makiko Miyauchi, Masakazu Hisatsune, Fuminobu Takahashi
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Patent number: 6424150Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for implementing magnetostrictive sensor techniques for the nondestructive evaluation of railroad rails. The system includes magnetostrictive sensors specifically designed for application in conjunction with railroad rails and trains that generate guided waves in the railroad rails which travel therethrough in a direction parallel to the surface of the railroad rail. Similarly structured sensors are positioned to detect the guided waves (both incident and reflected) and generate signals representative of the characteristics of the guided waves detected that are reflected from anomalies in the structure such as transverse defects. The sensor structure is longitudinal in nature and generates a guided wave having a wavefront parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sensor, and which propagates in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sensor. The generated guided waves propagate in the rail within the path of the propagating wave.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Hegeon Kwun, Glenn M. Light
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Patent number: 6401044Abstract: An installation for the automatic evaluation of the condition of the rolling band on wheels of moving trains. It comprises a rail beam (1) for each railway line (8), a guard-rail to assure wheel guidance, feelers (P1, P2, P3, P4) intended to come into contact with the wheels passing over them, feeler holders fitted on the rail beam, to ensure wheel-feeler contact, ultrasonics equipment (12) to transmit ultrasonic pulses towards the wheels and to generate the corresponding ultrasonic plots, a local processor (13) to control the ultrasonics equipment and to receive the ultrasonic plot signals generated, a computer (14) connected to the local processor to manage the ultrasonics equipment, and an antenna (15) connected to the computer to identify the compositions of train measurements. The invention is useful to detect cracks in the rolling band of railway vehicle wheels.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignees: Patentes Talgo, S.A., Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientificasInventors: Alberto Ibanez Rodriguez, Luis Gomez-Ullate Alvear, Jose Javier Anaya Velayos, Eugenio Villanueva Martínez, Monserrat Parrilla Romero, Carlos Fritsch Yusta, Teresa Sánchez Martín, Angel Luis Sanchez Revuelta, Jose Antonio Martos Navarro, Antonio Lupianez Garcia
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Publication number: 20020033049Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting anomalies, defects or electromagnetic properties of electrically conductive and magnetically permeable materials by using a magnet to partially saturate the material, thereby lowering its permeability, and sending a second, higher frequency oscillating electromagnetic wave into the material. The oscillating magnetic flux field permeating into the electrically conductive material induces eddy waves. As the apparatus passes over the material, the properties of the induced eddy currents, and the corresponding magnetic flux field induced by such eddy currents, changes as the properties of the material change. These changes can be the result of defects or anomalies in the material or in connecting welds.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventor: Bijan K. Amini
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Patent number: 6347550Abstract: An ultrasonic test process and device intended for testing a preferably cylindrical specimen (2), such as railway wheel, which is capable of displacement along a support, such as a rail (10). The ultrasonic test device comprises at least one ultrasonic probe (14) disposed in the support (10) which emits acoustic waves in the direction of the specimen. The acoustic waves are reflected by defects in the specimen (2) and received again by a probe. The test device is designed to reliably and non-destructively test the volume and surface of the specimen (2) as it rolls over the support (10). In the process of the invention a number (m) of probes (14) are controlled so that the ultrasonic waves have a preferably horizontal polarization and are emitted into the specimen (2) at a predetermined angle (66) relative to the running surface (8) of the rail (10).Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandtzen Forschung E.V.Inventors: Michael Kroening, Juergen Salzburger, Friedhelm Waite
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Publication number: 20010045130Abstract: A flaw detection system using acoustic Doppler effect for detecting flaws in a medium wherein there is relative motion between the medium and system includes a transducer, spaced from the medium to be inspected, for introducing to and sensing from the medium an acoustic signal that propagates in the medium at a predetermined frequency; and a detector, responsive to the sensed propagating acoustic signal, for detecting in the sensed acoustic signal the Doppler shifted frequency representative of a flaw in the medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Shi-Chang Wooh
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Publication number: 20010032513Abstract: An ultrasonic aligning device for laterally aligning a rail testing device with respect to a rail has an ultrasonic transducer formed of an array of closely spaced ultrasonic elements, with center to center distances between elements being selected to determine incremental lateral positions of the array relative to the rail. The ultrasonic elements are selectively actuated to cause the generation of ultrasonic beams towards the base portion of the rail. Reflections from the base portion are detected to produce reflection signals representative of the incidence of the ultrasonic beam onto said base portion. The reflection signals are processed by a reflection analyzer for a determination of the lateral offset of the ultrasonic array relative to the rail. A position signal indicative thereof is produced and used to laterally displace the array to achieve a desired lateral alignment of the rail testing device with the rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Robert Mark Havira, Joseph S. Bakach
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Patent number: 6292432Abstract: The present invention relates to an information generating apparatus for transmitting and receiving elastic waves through a rail for a train. The information generating apparatus comprises elastic wave transmitting means for transmitting elastic waves to said rail, elastic wave receiving means for receiving elastic waves transmitted from said elastic wave transmitting means through said rail, and information generating means for generating information that is necessary for controlling/monitoring associated elements of a control system for performing control operations on said train, based on an elastic wave reception signal received by said elastic wave receiving means. The information generating means has judgment means for making a judgment on presence/absence of rupture in said rail, based on a reception condition of an elastic wave received by said elastic wave receiving means compared with a predetermined condition and for generating information representing presence/absence of rupture in said rail.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Futsuhara, Masayoshi Sakai, Toshihito Shirai, Akira Morisada, Hitoshi Nozawa, Katsuichi Inose
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Publication number: 20010020390Abstract: A flaw detection system using acoustic Doppler effect for detecting flaws in a medium wherein there is relative motion between the medium and system includes a transducer, spaced from the medium to be inspected, for introducing to and sensing from the medium an acoustic signal that propagates in the medium at a predetermined frequency; and a detector, responsive to the sensed propagating acoustic signal, for detecting in the sensed acoustic signal the Doppler shifted frequency representative of a flaw in the medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: September 13, 2001Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Shi-Chang Wooh
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Patent number: 6131460Abstract: An ultrasonic one pass inspection system for determining the presence, location, and size of flaws in laminated structure such as an "I" stiffener in a single inspection cycle. The exemplary system includes an immersion tank, six (6) single probes, 184 transducers, four (4) motor assemblies, two (2) encoder assemblies, a collection tank, and a recirculation assembly. The probes are designed to match the shape of the stiffener. Two (2) motors fore and two (2) motors aft of the immersion tank, produce information related to the position of the stiffener with respect to the position of the transducer. The position encoder is spring-loaded against the stiffener.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Troy W. Brunty, Fred D. Young
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Patent number: 6055862Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1997Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Herzog Services, Inc.Inventor: George D. Martens
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Patent number: 6031790Abstract: The present invention relates to an information generating apparatus for transmitting and receiving elastic waves through a transmission medium and for generating information which is necessary for controlling/monitoring associated elements of a control system.Elastic waves are transmitted and received by using the movement path (2, 111, 112, 211, 211') of a mobile unit (1, 151, 213) as a transmission medium. Based on a change in the level of a received elastic wave or on reception conditions, such as propagation time, of elastic waves, information on the timing of starting a sounding operation in a railroad crossing, information on the presence/absence of a mobile unit on a movement path, information on the presence/absence of rupture in a movement path or information for automatically controlling a train is generated.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: The Nippon Signal Co. Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Futsuhara, Masayoshi Sakai, Toshihito Shirai, Akira Morisada, Hitoshi Nozawa, Katsuichi Inose
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Patent number: 5970438Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing rails for structural defects, the rails being associated with a railroad track include providing and using a first rail traveling vehicle for movement along a segment of rails followed by a second rail traveling vehicle for disposition behind the first rail traveling vehicle along the rails for testing with the first rail traveling vehicle having a first digital computer and a first analog computer and the second rail traveling vehicle having a second computer for display of data associated with the rails. A first modem assembly is provided in the first vehicle with a second modem assembly being provided in the second vehicle in communication with the first modem whereby data may be exchanged between the rail traveling vehicles. During testing, the first rail traveling vehicle transmits complete digital and analog rail structural and defect location information data to the second computer for analysis and action by the operators of the second vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Sperry Rail ServiceInventors: Robin Clark, Jeff Boyle, Spencer Morgan, Alastair Veitch
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Patent number: 5903517Abstract: The present invention relates to a moving body control apparatus wherein operating control flexibility and system maintainability are improved by carrying out moving body travel control by transfer of ultrasonic wave signals between moving bodies, without intervention of a ground apparatus. An ultrasonic wave transmission apparatus (1) is provided on one train (A), and an ultrasonic wave reception apparatus (10) and a signal processing circuit (13) are provided on another train (B). The timing of transmission and reception of ultrasonic wave signals is synchronized by timing signal generating circuits (2, 11) on the respective trains, and the ultrasonic wave signals are transmitted and received via a metal transmission medium (30). The reception side train (B) measures the transmission time for the ultrasonic wave signal by means of the signal processing circuit (13), and based on the measurement result generates information necessary for train travel control.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: The Nippon Signal Co., LTD.Inventors: Koichi Futsuhara, Masayoshi Sakai
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Patent number: 5804731Abstract: An ultrasonic device for continuously detecting and/or measuring in situ internal defects of a railway rail includes at least one ultrasonic sensor (15) subjected to a pressure tending to move it in the direction of the rail. The sensor presses against the rail through a smooth web 17 made of a synthetic material that is pervious to ultrasounds.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Speno International SAInventor: Jean-Pierre Jaeggi
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Patent number: 5777891Abstract: An ultrasonic real-time inspection method which is user-friendly in an interactive environment to provide ease of operation, as well as a combination of consistency, thoroughness, and speed of operation in flaw detection not achievable by other methods. The method offers significantly increased pattern recognition capability, which provides greater automation potential and reduced missed detection and false alarm rates.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Dapco Industries IncInventors: Dominick Pagano, Brian Mackay, James Norris
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Patent number: 5627508Abstract: A self-propelled remotely controlled pilot vehicle adapted for use on raiad tracks to monitor hazardous conditions and obstacles on the railroad tracks. The pilot vehicle precedes a train along the railroad tracks at a distance which will allow the train to come to a complete stop in the event the pilot vehicle encounters a hazardous condition on the track. The pilot vehicle is equipped with a sensor array which measures a variety of different parameters such as the presence of noxious gases, moisture in the atmosphere or at ground level, and breakage in one or both rails of the track. The pilot vehicle is also equipped with a television camera which provides a visual image of the railroad track ahead of the pilot vehicle to the engineer of the train.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1996Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Guy F. Cooper, Robert F. Anderson
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Patent number: 5578758Abstract: An ultrasonic railhead investigating apparatus is described wherein a side looking transducer is used with a lens to focus the beam in a manner whereby rail defects in the sides of rail head are more readily detected. In one form of the invention a side rail investigating transducer is provided with a curved emitting surface and so located as to place the focused acoustic beam between a side of the rail and the rail center. The curved emitting surface can be part of a cylindrical surface aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the rail or a spherically shaped emitting surface to provide a conically shaped beam for investigating the side of a rail.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1995Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: Pandrol Jackson Technologies, Inc.Inventors: R. Mark Havira, Anthony Iorfino
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Patent number: 5574224Abstract: A continuous nondestructive process for controlling the rails on a railway line by ultrasounds is carried out by the emission of ultrasounds at successively different points along the rail which are spaced apart by a measured value. For each echo, the acoustic distance between the point of emission and the point of reflection of the beam of ultrasounds is determined, and then a bidirectional map of the echoes is established by correlation. Finally, this echo map is compared to a mask having a window, of which the shape, the orientation and the dimensions are determined by the characteristic features of the rail to be examined and by the type of defect looked for, only those echoes which appear in this window being then taken into consideration.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: Speno International S.A.Inventor: Jean-Pierre Jaeggi
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Patent number: 5522265Abstract: A shoe (1) is provided which includes two housings designed for receiving ultrasonic probes (2) of which the vertical position with respect to the track is adjustable via two pressure cylinders (9). The shoe (1) is connected via two pressure cylinders (13) to a frame (12, 22, 23) designed for mounting under a railway vehicle. The shoe (1) is guided and driven along the track by deformable rings (14). Conduits (15, 16) are arranged in the body of the shoe (1) in such a manner as to allow the supply of a fluid in front of the probes (2) and the recovery of one part of this fluid behind said probes (2). Cleaning shoes (30, 30') and high pressure sprayers (31, 31') clean the track in front of the measuring carriage.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1995Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Assignee: Speno International SAInventor: J. P. Jaeggi
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Patent number: 5419196Abstract: An ultrasonic rail flaw detection system and technique are described for the detection of flaws in the sides of rail heads. An ultrasonic transducer is oriented, sized, and so-located so as to produce an ultrasonic beam within the head whereby at least a portion of the beam will intersect a lower side corner independent of the curvature of the rail head running surface and the amount of head wear. The presence of premature reflections or the or absence of reflections can be used to detect flaws such as vertical fractures in the rail head. The side-looker is so oriented as to produce a beam in the rail head that lies within 45.degree. to 75.degree. of the normal to the rail surface. The side-looker can further be so located that its beam does not interfere with or be interfered by beams from other transducers used to investigate the rail and mounted in the same wheel assembly as the side-looker.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1993Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: Pandrol Jackson Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Havira, Anthony Iorfino
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Patent number: 5386727Abstract: A system and method for dynamically and non-destructively measuring the longitudinal stresses in a rail of a continuous rail track includes an ultrasonic transmitter which transmits a signature coded pulse pattern through a rail which pulse pattern is altered by the rail section dependent upon the longitudinal stress within the rail. The altered pulse pattern is then received and a data processor, in conjunction with a rail height detector, a rail temperature detector, and a rail splice detector, dynamically determines the longitudinal stresses in the rail as a function of the received pulse characteristics and calculates the stress free temperature (SFT) of the rail. A rail marker marks portions of the rail having unacceptable SFT values. Stress and related rail data are recorded on a data log. A position sensor provides milepost positions to three decimal places.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1993Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Assignee: Herzog Contracting CorporationInventor: Donald S. Searle
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Patent number: 5341683Abstract: A system and method for dynamically and non-destructively measuring the longitudinal stresses in a rail of a continuous rail track includes an ultrasonic transmitter which transmits coded focused shear pulses through a rail which are subsequently received by a linear array of sensors. A displacer adjusts the separation between the transmitter and the sensors to maximize the signal intensity received by a centrally located one of the sensors. A data processor, in conjunction with a rail height detector, a rail temperature detector, and a rail splice detector, dynamically determines the longitudinal stresses in the rail as a function of the velocity of propagation of the pulses, the stress free temperature (SFT) of the rail, and activates a rail marker to mark portions of the rail having unacceptable longitudinal stresses. Stress and related data is recorded on a data log. A video camera provides observed rail separation data to the data processor.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1992Date of Patent: August 30, 1994Inventor: Donald S. Searle
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Patent number: 5339692Abstract: An ultrasonic rail web centerline detector locates the web centerline (18) of a longitudinal rail (12) having a head (80), a base (82), and a web therebetween. The detector includes an ultrasound sensor (14) acoustically coupled to the head (80) of the rail (12) for transmitting ultrasound energy through the rail (12) and for generating electrical signals corresponding to received reflected ultrasound energy. A controller (16) responsive to the electrical signals generates control signals representative of a lateral and angular displacement of the ultrasound sensor (14) with respect to the web centerline (18) of the rail. The position of the ultrasound sensor is adjusted as a function of the control signals representative of the lateral and angular displacement. The ultrasound sensor includes a center transceiver (30) and side transceivers (32, 34) which are acoustically coupled to the head (80) of the rail (12).Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1992Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Assignee: Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc.Inventors: John J. Shoenhair, Alex Ivachev
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Patent number: 5265831Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an impact sound, such as a sound caused by a railroad vehicle approaching a construction location. The apparatus comprises an arrangement for detecting impact sound or vibrations with a receiver mounted at the rail, for example, and, further, an evaluation circuit for processing the vibrations and triggering a warning signal when the intensity of the receiver-output signal continuously increases, for example, when the intensity in a predetermined frequency range passes through predetermined threshold values during predetermined times. Thus, an approaching railroad vehicle can be positively detected by monitoring a continuously increasing sound or vibration which is propagated in the rails.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1991Date of Patent: November 30, 1993Inventor: Bruno Muller
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Patent number: 5031458Abstract: A portable ultrasonic inspection probe (400) for determining the presence, location, and size of flaws in a laminated structure such as a composite "I" stiffener (30'). The probe includes a shoe assembly (402) having a plurality of shoes (52', 54', 56', 58') that are arranged for coordinated movement relative to the "I" stiffener and house a plurality of ultrasonic transducers that produce inspection information related to the "I" stiffener. The shoes are biased by spring assemblies (64' and 66') toward the web 34' and flange 32' and flange 32' of the "I" stiffener. A fore drive (404) and an aft drive (406) are mounted on the shoe assembly and spring loaded to engage the "I" stiffener so as to cause translational movement of the shoe assembly when energized. The shoe assembly may be moved by either one or both of the drives. A position encoder (408) produces information related to the position of the probe as it is moved along the "I" stiffener.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1989Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Fred D. Young, James E. Cook
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Patent number: 5020371Abstract: The invention relates to a method for positioning with precision a member displaced along a rail transversely with respect to the symmetry axis of the head of the rail. According to this method, one emits through the head of the rail two ultrasound beams which are practically perpendicular to the fish plates of this rail. One receives the echoes of these beams reflected by the fish plates. One forms a regulation or adjusting signal which is a function of the time difference between the emission and the reception of its echo for each of the two ultrasound beams and uses this regulating signal to elaborate a control signal for the transverse positioning of the member.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1989Date of Patent: June 4, 1991Assignee: Speno International S.A.Inventor: Romolo Panetti
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Patent number: 4932618Abstract: Sonic transponders mounted on a train and the track upon which it rolls transmit and receive sonic vibrations along the track. Information currently being transmitted electrically may also be thus transmitted sonically. Since the track interferes with the sonic vibration more than it does with an electrical signal, the condition of the track may also be determined.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1989Date of Patent: June 12, 1990Assignee: Rockwell International CorporationInventors: Joe L. Davenport, Dominic L. Simard
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Patent number: 4795606Abstract: An inspection system for detecting leakage from for example the primary vessel (11) of a nuclear reactor includes a camera (29) carried by an umbilical cable (28) which can be fed through a duct assembly (22) comprising a series of tubular sections (23) connected endwise by flexible bellow (24). A guide track (18) extends around the top of the vessel (11) and each duct section (23) is provided with wheels (25) which engage the track (18). A curved guide tube (17) feeds the duct sections (23) from a vertical entry position (15) in the roof (13) into a horizontal track-engaging disposition. The track (18) includes spaced flanges (20b, 21b) through which the umbilical cable can extend and depend downwardly into the annular space between the primary vessel (11) and a surrounding guard vessel (12).Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1986Date of Patent: January 3, 1989Assignee: National Nuclear Corporation Limited Booths HallInventors: Peter Fenemore, Reginald L. Boak
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Patent number: 4700574Abstract: An ultrasonic beam is made to penetrate into the rail from the median surface (A) of the rolling table of the rail along a direction forming in horizontal projection an angle (.alpha..sub.1) comprised between 10.degree. and 25.degree. with the longitudinal axis of the rail and in vertical projection an angle (.alpha..sub.2) with the symmetric plane of the rail comprised between 60.degree. and 80.degree.. The echoes reflected by a displaced oval flaw are detected either directly or indirectly.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1986Date of Patent: October 20, 1987Assignee: Matix IndustriesInventor: Jean-Pierre Turbe
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Patent number: 4689995Abstract: A device for inspecting a rail 2 of a railway track comprises a truck 1 running on the rail and carried by a railway vehicle. The truck carries at least one ultrasonic emitter and/or receiver probe 7, 8 in contact with the upper surface of the rail. At least one probe 8 is displaceable on a slide 6 while another probe 7 is fixed to the truck 1. The device comprises a jack 9 for displacing the probe 8 as a function of variations of the energy received by the receiver probe to compensate for fluctuations in the height of the rail.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1985Date of Patent: September 1, 1987Assignee: Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer FrancaisInventor: Jean Pierre Turbe
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Patent number: 4662224Abstract: Apparatus for the inspection of track rails. The device comprises a truck (4) capable of displacement on the track, and comprises at least two ultrasound emitter and/or receiver probes (V, O.sub.1, O.sub.2) emitting in different directions, applied against the rolling plane of the rail (1) and at least an ultrasound prove (SA) provided at the vicinity of the rail, laterally offset, emitting an ultrasound beam to the side of the rail web. Application particularly to the detection and recognition of rail fish-plates.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1985Date of Patent: May 5, 1987Assignees: Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais, Matix IndustriesInventor: Jean-Pierre Turbe
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Patent number: 4578665Abstract: A self-propelled remotely controlled satellite car precedes a train along train tracks. The satellite car is remotely controlled to travel a predetermined distance ahead of the train. The satellite car is equipped with a sensor array which measures a variety of different parameters such as sound level, temperature, the presence of noxious gases, moisture, orientation with respect to the direction of the force of gravity and vibration level. The satellite car may be equipped with a television camera. Information gathered by the satellite car is transmitted back to the train to enable the train engineer to be apprised of conditions existing on the tracks ahead of the train in order to have time to react to potential hazards. Position indicators disposed along the tracks transmit position information to the satellite car to permit the satellite car to correlate measured information with expected information.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1984Date of Patent: March 25, 1986Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Patent number: 4487071Abstract: Rail testing apparatus, particularly useful at the point of manufacture, for detecting flaws in railroad rails. A number of transducers transmit ultrasonic sound waves into a rail under test and receive the associated echo signals. The apparatus advantageously divides the rail into a plurality of measured rail segments and the amount of amplification applied to the associated echo signals may be varied over each rail segment, thus providing the ability to selectively increase or decrease the sensitivity of the testing apparatus. The amplified echo signals are selectively applied to detection apparatus with a positive and negative gating scheme to increase system accuracy and reliability.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1982Date of Patent: December 11, 1984Assignee: Dapco Industries, Inc.Inventors: Dominick A. Pagano, Kevin S. Morris
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Patent number: 4468966Abstract: A track inspection car supported on railroad track by flanged wheels mounted on a truck, and having means for engaging a tractor-truck at one end and wheels with highway tires at the other. The wheels are relatively vertically displaceable by selectively inflating pneumatic springs for converting the car from on-track operation to an off-track trailer-truck configuration. A pair of ultrasonic sensor probes are mounted on the wheel truck coupled to a computer in the car. The car also includes an on-track driving motor, a driver station, a computer operators station, an observer's station, and a water supply for creating a fluid acoustical coupling between the sensors and the rails.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1982Date of Patent: September 4, 1984Assignee: Jackson Jordan, Inc.Inventor: Bruce W. Bradshaw
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Patent number: 4457178Abstract: Beams of ultrasound are transmitted into a rail. The transmission alternates between vertical and oblique beams. Transmission of the beams and reception of ultrasonic echoes is accomplished by a probe which includes a two channel ultrasonic transducer. The echoes are displayed simultaneously on two linear arrays of LED's which are arranged to resemble the relationship between a vertical beam and an oblique beam.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1982Date of Patent: July 3, 1984Assignee: Matix Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Turbe, Bruno Meignan
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Patent number: 4429576Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus for inspecting a test piece includes an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting test signals into the test piece, for receiving associated response signals reflected back thereto, and for generating a defect signal when a response signal indicates an abnormal condition in the test piece. A control signal generator generates a control signal at predetermined intervals of distance of movement of the transducer relative to the test piece while the transducer generates test signals at a frequency independent the control signal frequency. A principal counter counts the control signals and generates an alarm signal when its count exceeds a value indicating that sufficient defect signals have been generated during movement of the transducer over a predetermined distance to confirm the presence of an unacceptable abnormal condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1981Date of Patent: February 7, 1984Assignee: Dapco Industries, Inc.Inventor: James R. Norris
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Patent number: 4291579Abstract: Inspection device for testing vessels surrounded by a wall having an inner and an outer surface including a movable testing device and a track for guiding the testing device. The guiding track extending from a portion disposed in the vicinity of the vessel between the wall and the vessel, through a U-shaped portion over the wall and ending at a rest position for the testing device on the outer surface of the wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1979Date of Patent: September 29, 1981Assignee: Kraftwerk Union AktiengesellschaftInventors: Dietgar Figlhuber, Johannes Gallwas, Robert Weber, Jakob Weber
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Patent number: 4235112Abstract: A laterally movable ultrasound transducer, comprising the sensor of a rail fault detection device, is automatically centered on the rail as the detection device moves along the rail. The sensor includes a pair of ultrasound receiving transducers positioned to either side of a transducer which generates and receives ultrasonic energy. Signals provided by the receiving transducers are compared and any difference therebetween employed to control the lateral position of the sensor with respect to the rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1979Date of Patent: November 25, 1980Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of TransportationInventor: Willard D. Kaiser
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Patent number: 4222275Abstract: A system for non-destructively acquiring and processing information about a test piece includes an array of ultrasonic transducers each adapted to transmit ultrasonic energy into the test piece and to receive ultrasonic energy transmitted back thereto to produce a response signal capable of representing deviation from the expected condition of the test piece. The transducers are mounted on a carriage to be transported relative to the test piece and a transducer control sequentially pulses the transducers while so transported to ultrasonically inspect the test piece and produce a set of response signals representing the inspection. A plurality of transducer monitors, one for each transducer, sequentially monitor each of the response signals and an analogue-to-digital converter converts each monitored response signal to a single set of digital data.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1978Date of Patent: September 16, 1980Assignee: Dapco Industries, Inc.Inventors: Howard A. Sholl, John T. Marshall
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Patent number: 4174636Abstract: A system and method for performing ultrasonic inspection of a length of test material with ultrasonic transducing means emitting a beam of ultrasonic energy from within sealed wheel means containing a coupling fluid therein and having a flexible cylindrical surface member transparent to the ultrasonic beam and arranged for rolling contact along the test material. The system and method are characterized by spaced leading and trailing wheel means arranged for rolling contact along the length of test material. Ultrasonic transducer means in each of the leading and trailing wheel means are oriented so that a beam of ultrasonic energy emitted from the transducer means in one wheel means will enter the test material, be reflected from the bottom surface thereof, and be directed to and received by the transducer mean in the other wheel means.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1977Date of Patent: November 20, 1979Inventor: Dominick A. Pagano
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Patent number: 4165648Abstract: A system and method for performing ultrasonic inspection of a length of test material with ultrasonic transducing means emitting a beam of ultrasonic energy from within sealed wheel means containing a coupling fluid therein and having a flexible cylindrical surface member transparent to the ultrasonic beam and arranged for rolling contact along the test material. The system and method are characterized by spaced leading and trailing wheel means arranged for rolling contact along the length of test material. Ultrasonic transducer means in each of the leading and trailing wheel means are oriented so that a beam of ultrasonic energy emitted from the transducer means in one wheel means will enter the test material, be reflected from the bottom surface thereof, and be directed to and received by the transducer means in the other wheel means.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1977Date of Patent: August 28, 1979Inventor: Dominick A. Pagano