Abstract: An apparatus for detecting flaws using supersonic waves measures a thickness of a test object or a position of a cavity inside the test object by employing pair of ultrasonic probes. By changing a relative position of one ultrasonic probe to that of the other ultrasonic probe, a plurality of waveform data of ultrasonic reception signals is acquired. Each acquired waveform data is added per corresponding unit of time. Since a surface wave component of each waveform data has a shifted phase due to the difference in arrival time, a level of the surface wave component is offset and thus minimized through addition of the waveform data.

Abstract: A transducer assembly and method for the ultrasonic inspection of tubing. An elastic membrane is used to form a reservoir of ultrasonic fluid coupled to ultrasonic transducers with the membrane conforming to the surface of the tubing being inspected. Guide wheels maintain the membrane out-of-contact with the tubing during relative rotational movement of the assembly and tubing during inspection. Water is introduced between the membrane and the tubing to provide ultrasonic coupling of the tubing to the transducers through the fluid of the reservoir.

Abstract: An ultrasonic 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, five (5) single probes, 188 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 stringer. Two (2) motors fore and two (2) motors aft of the immersion tank, produce information related to the position of the stringer with respect to the position of the transducer. The position encoder is spring-loaded against the stringer.

Abstract: A multizone ultrasonic inspection apparatus and method of employing the apparatus for inspecting titanium billets is provided, in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers having focal zones of increasing depth are positioned to examine a cylindrical billet of titanium through the thickness of the billet. The focal zones partially overlap the adjacent focal zones, thus assuring complete examination through the thickness of the entire billet. The reflected signals from the transducer receivers are processed into digital form in order to be used in generating an image of the billet undergoing inspection, and to be used in storing the image data in, for example, a hard disk or an optical disk.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting internal defects in a workpiece are disclosed which uses time inversion to invert echo signals received by a transducer from the workpiece with respect to the signal shape and its time distribution and retransmits the inverted signal onto the workpiece. The method involves transmitting an unfocused ultrasonic beam onto the workpiece, receiving an echo signal from the workpiece, storing the first echo signal and inverting the first echo signal from each transducer with respect to the signal shape and time sequence. The inverted signal is transferred to a memory and the aforementioned procedure is carried out for each of the inspection zones n on the workpiece. The stored, inverted first echo signals are then transmitted onto the workpiece, each inverted signal being transmitted onto the inspection zone n from which the non-inverted first echo signal was received.

Abstract: An improved system for measuring the velocity of ultrasonic signals within the plane of moving web-like materials, such as paper, paperboard and the like. In addition to velocity measurements of ultrasonic signals in the plane of the web in the machine direction, MD, and a cross direction, CD, generally perpendicular to the direction of the traveling web, therefor, one embodiment of the system in accordance with the present invention is also adapted to provide on-line indication of the polar specific stiffness of the moving web. In another embodiment of the invention, the velocity of ultrasonic signals in the plane of the web are measured by way of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers carried by synchronously driven wheels or cylinders, thus eliminating undue transducer wear due to any speed differences between the transducers and the web.

Abstract: A data acquisition and display apparatus for an ultrasonic camera includes an ultrasonic scanning head for scanning an ultrasonic field of view in two dimensions. A timing and digitizing apparatus for digitizing ultrasonic signals from the ultrasonic scan head has a digitized output. An interface is coupled between the timing and digitizing apparatus and a graphics engine and first and second digital signal processors. A graphics processor is coupled to the graphics data line. The system also includes an image processor and computer controller which controls the graphics and digital signal processors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonically testing sheet material comprising rotating at least one ultrasonic sensor, mounted on a rotatable test head, about an axis of rotation substantially normal to the plane of the sheet material as it moves therepast.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic process for testing, by immersion, the soundness of a metal piece (26) using at least one transducer (21) emitting ultrasonic waves focused in the piece (26). There are a plurality of transducers (21) used. Each of the transducers having in the tested piece (26) a focal spot at -6 dB, the section of which, perpendicular to the axis of propagation of the waves is less than 40 mm2. The focal spots of the transducers (21) being distributed depending on the depth to be tested of the piece (26). Additionally, the invention describes a process to guarantee the soundness of the interior of a piece (26), in particular a bar made of a titanium alloy (26) of a diameter of between about 50 and 400 mm for use in aeronautics.

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

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detection device including a transmitting ultrasonic transducer for producing multiple shear wave skips between inner and outer surfaces of a test object, a plurality of receiving transducers positioned ahead of and parallel to at generally the same incident angle as the transmitting ultrasonic transducer, and a processor electrically connected to the receiving transducers so as to produce a humanly perceivable indication of the reflected energy. The receiving transducers serve to receive energy of the shear wave as reflected from discontinuities in the object. Each of the receiving transducers is electronically isolated from the other receiving transducers. The receiving transducers are connected to a single channel of the processor. A fixture is provided having a first opening for detachably receiving the transmitting ultrasonic transducer and a plurality of receiving openers receiving the receiving transducers therein.

Abstract: Columns, walls and other solid structures of concrete, wood, masonry or other materials are non-destructively tested by acoustic signals transmitted from a carriage. The carriage has a frame which is wheel mounted to move over the surface of the test candidate. An internally-mounted piezoelectric crystal roller as an acoustic signal generator or receiver is suspended from the carriage with two degrees of spring freedom to allow accommodation of irregularities in the test candidate surface. The assembly including the piezoelectric crystal roller and its flexible mounting are configured as a replaceable module relative to the carriage frame. The same carriage is useable as an echo type acoustic scanner or, in combination with other devices or carriages, as either an acoustic transmitter or receiver although inclusion of elements to perform both functions within the same carriage is contemplated.

Abstract: Ultrasonic inspection of composite products such as curved components of airplane engine nacelles utilizes guide wheels and rollers to support and control the nacelle component or panel and permit rotation of the nacelle panel about its longitudinal axis. The nacelle panel is passed through an inspection zone which contains an ultrasonic inspection assembly comprising ultrasonic transmitting transducers and ultrasonic receiving transducers mounted on opposite sides of the nacelle panel. The ultrasonic inspection assembly is mounted to be moved along a frame by a drive assembly whereby the ultrasonic inspection assembly is translated across the width of the nacelle panel. The nacelle panel is rotated about its axis in small incremental rotational steps by a cable driven by a motor drive assembly. After each incremental rotational movement of the nacelle panel, the ultrasonic inspection assembly is translated across the width of the nacelle panel to inspect the portion aligned with the frame.

Abstract: A non-destructive, non-invasive arrangement is provided for detecting defects, such as voids, or poorly adhering layers in solid objects and laminated materials. A sensing signal is emitted by one transducer and received by two others. All of the sensors are disposed in a housing unit. The difference between the received signals is used to indicate a defect in the work piece proximate one of the transducers.

Abstract: A plurality of reaction containers each being charged with an agitation ball made of a magnetic material are circularly arranged on a reaction disk so as to be supplied with a reagent and a sample. The reaction disk is driven reciprocatingly at a small amplitude for a predetermined time so as to cause the reaction containers to be vibrated arcuately each time a new reaction container is supplied with the reagent. As a result of the vibration of the reaction containers, the agitation balls in the respective reaction containers vigorously move to agitate the reaction solutions in the respective reaction containers. A photometric device is disposed so as to apply a light to the reaction container thereby to allow a fluorescent or absorbance photometric measurement. In the reaction container brought to the photometric measuring position, the agitation ball is attracted to the wall of the reaction container so as to be kept away from the path of light in the photometric device.

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

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the coagulation characteristics of whole blood samples is provided with disposable parts for contacting the blood. The pin has a blood-compatible plastic sleeve surrounding a metal stem which weights the pin assembly so it sinks into the blood sample. The metal stem also engages into the pin suspension apparatus of the instrument. A blood-compatible plastic cup receives the blood sample to be tested, and is surrounded by a metal collar to transfer heat to the cup for the time required for a test. The plastic surfaces which contact the blood sample are slightly roughened, to a matte finish, to improve adhesion so as to approximate the results obtained with stainless steel pins and cups.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wave is applied to an anisotropic sample material in an initial direction and an angle of flux deviation of the ultrasonic wave front is measured from this initial direction. This flux deviation angle is induced by the unknown applied load. The flux shift is determined between this flux deviation angle and a previously determined angle of flux deviation of an ultrasonic wave applied to a similar anisotropic reference material under an initial known load condition. This determined flux shift is then compared to a plurality of flux shifts of a similarly tested, similar anisotropic reference material under a plurality of respective, known load conditions, whereby the load applied to the particular anisotropic sample material is determined. A related method is disclosed for determining the fiber orientation from known loads and a determined flux shift.

Abstract: The detection of sound emitted from a source in a dynamic environment of ambient background noise employs a sufficiently distributed array of sound intensity probes enclosing a sound source is adapted to collect measurements over the same time interval in a non-specific acoustic environment. Each probe in the array is comprised of a pair of mutually spaced microphones generally unmatched in their gain and phase response. A multi-channel fourier spectrum analyzer is used to provide a direct signal processing determination of sound intensity at each probe from pressure measurements taken at each microphone. Their computation is corrected to compensate for gain and phase mismatch between each microphone pair using independently derived probe calibration factors. These correction factors are linearly applied to the sound intensity determination at each probe of the array.

Abstract: An apparatus for predicting milk coagulum cut-time in a cheese making process includes a light source, a sensor or detector for sensing diffuse reflectance of light from said milk and a controller for analyzing the diffuse reflectance and accurately predicting the cut-time to significantly enhance overall yield. More specifically, the apparatus includes an optical probe which may be suspended over the milk or attached to a wall of a fermentation vessel in which the milk is contained. A method for predicting milk coagulum cut-time includes the steps of (a) directing light from a light source toward milk undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis; (b) sensing diffuse reflectance of that light from the milk; (c) analyzing the sensed diffuse reflectance profile and (d) signaling the cut-time. The sensing occurs at between 400 to 6000 nm. Specific mathematical formulae for the analyzing steps are also disclosed.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a device for ultrasonic inspection of cylindrical objects. A transmitting ultrasonic transducer generates ultrasonic waves that are acoustically irradiated into the respective object via a coupling medium. At least three ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a row next to one another along a line. The outer ultrasonic transducers are receiving ultrasonic transducers. The other ultrasonic transducers are transmitting or transmitting/receiving ultrasonic transducers. The line is inclined against the longitudinal axis of the object by an angle which is between 0.degree.and 45.degree..

Abstract: Quantification of blood plasma fibrinogen content is made in a sample of anticoagulated whole blood contained in a sampling tube. The tube is a transparent centrifuge tube which contains a sample constituent layer-elongating float. The blood sample is centrifuged in the tube containing the float, and various cell constituent measurements are made. The centrifuged sample is then heated and recentrifuged to cause the precipitated fibrinogen to layer out on top of the float remote from the buffy coat band in the plasma layer. The thickness of the fibrinogen band is then measured, whereby quantification of the fibrinogen content of the blood sample can be made by a precalibrated instrument.

Abstract: The aggregation pattern of particles is determined by obtaining luminous intensity curves representative of the particle aggregation pattern, obtaining a first threshold face by cutting the curves with a plane positioned at a first given height, obtaining a second threshold face by cutting the curves with a plane positioned at a second given height and determining the particle aggregation pattern by calculating the ratio of the area of the first threshold face to the area of the second threshold face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for estimating the pour point of a hydrocarbon oil. The pour point of hydrocarbon oil gives an indication of its low temperature properties, and is determined according to the time-consuming procedures set out in the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) test D-97. The present invention generally provides a convenient means to estimate the pour point of a hydrocarbon oil, by directing a flow of pressurized gas towards a sample of the oil, and determining the warmest temperature at which the gas flow does not cause a substantial surface wave on the oil surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in vitro bleeding time determination. Blood is placed in a tube having a window covered with a clot promoting material having a slit. The time required before blood stops flowing through the slit is recorded, and is the bleeding time. It is preferred that the clot-promoting material be nylon fabric impregnated with collagen and blood clot promoting proteins.

Abstract: Various ultrasonic transducer assemblies are disclosed in which each assembly includes a pair of ultrasonic transducers for emitting or receiving an ultrasonic wave, respectively, and wherein the ultrasonic transducers include a concave shaped ultrasonic transducer and a flat shaped ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer assemblies realize excellent magnitude of accuracy, resolving power, versatility and simplicity in handling. In addition, various ultrasonic acoustic microscopes are disclosed incorporating the aforementioned ultrasonic transducer assemblies and realizing the same results thereof.

Abstract: A device for the measurement of time at which the physical state of a fluid medium is modified, comprises a vertical cup which contains the fluid and the necessary reagents, and in which a ferromagnetic ball is placed and is driven in rotation by an external magnetic field. The cup has at its lower part an annular travel path for the ball and it comprises a detection device which delivers an electric signal whenever the ball passes in front of it which is associated with a measurement unit determining the variation of the time interval between two consecutive passages of the ball.

Abstract: So as to control parts of any form, such as panels made of a composite material, a control head (10) is used comprising a small bar made of an elastic material, aligned ultrasonic transducers (18) being placed in said control head which functions by reflected light. The small bar bears contact blocks (22,24) which are brought into support on the surface of the part to be controlled, which has the effect of deforming the small bar and orientating each of the transducers perpendicular to the surface. As regards parts having a non-uniform shape, a uniform quality of the control is thus ensured, the same applying for a reduction of the control time. A precise control of the evolution of the structure of parts during production is also rendered possible. Advantageously, the transducers are mounted on the small bar so as to be disassembled, said mounting being effected by means of wedging members, such as screws and metal wire clips.

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

Abstract: The scanning device for ultrasonic control of articles comprises a suspension assembly (7) for mounting ultrasonic transducers on a motion mechanism (6) of the scanning device. The assembly (7), in its turn, includes flexible members (8) positioned above a surface (4) of an article (2) under inspection, having ultrasonic transducers (1) fixedly mounted thereon and contained within a housing (3), a beam (9) extending above the flexible members (8) and mechanically connected therewith, two self-aligning supports (10), each including two parts, that is, an arcuate member (16) and rollers (17) so arranged with respect to each other that their relative displacement takes place about a rolling axis (15) common to both supports (10), extending along the surface (4) of the article (2), and two rockers (11) operatively connected to the beam (9) and to the motion mechanism (6).

Abstract: A flow device for use in a hemorrhaging time measuring apparatus comprises a housing through which the blood to be tested flows under a suction effect. In its interior the housing has a separating wall which is arranged transversely with respect to the direction of flow of the blood through the housing and which has at least one aperture therein. Disposed upstream of the aperture is a suction tube for sucking the blood through the housing. The suction tube extends into a cavity within the housing which is upstream of the aperture in the separating wall, with the downstream end of the tube disposed in the vicinity of the aperture. The blood is sucked into the device under a constant suction effect and thrombus formation takes place in the region of the aperture.

Abstract: A disposable blood holding cassette for haemostatic measurements. A single unit is provided having a blood sample container with three separate pressurized blood sample reservoirs. A waste blood collection reservoir is connected to the blood sample container, and connected thereto via first, second and third blood sample tubes. A punching station is provided to accurately punch first and second of the blood sample tubes, simulating haemostasis function in vitro. Measurements may be made of the haemostatic and thrombolytic function of recently sampled blood. The entire device is disposable, isolating any contaminated blood from clinical personnel.

Abstract: The method comprises during a drilling operation wherein the drilling fluid is set moving and the drill string is stationary, monitoring the pressure of the drilling fluid pumped into the drill string depending on the volume of liquid pumped in the drill string and determining, from the pressure curve, a physical property linked to the thixotropy of the drilling fluid. An advantage of the invention is that the highest point of the pressure curve indicating the start of the fluid flow into the well is easily visible, and its maximum value can be measured to find the gel strength specific value.

Abstract: During conditioning of a suspension to be dewatered through incorporation of flocculant, the optimum dewaterability depends on the amount of added flocculant and on the mixing energy expended. According to the invention, the sludge flocs present or formed in the suspension after incorporation of the flocculant are determined metrologically, and the amount of flocculant and/or the mixing energy expended and/or the location of flocculant addition is controlled as a function of the floc number, size and/or structure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An instrument for testing the viscoelastic characteristics of fluids, such as blood, exhibits improved temperature regulation of the blood sample under test, includes probe drive circuitry to simplify calibration and signal conditioning, incorporates resonant frequency monitoring to detect mechanical noise disturbances, and provides automated analysis of a graphical signature, over time, of the viscoelastic characteristics of the blood sample, including a visual indication to the user of the activated clotting time period (ACT) and the rate of clot formation (RATE) of the blood sample under test, thereby improving the accuracy of the test results and simplifying operation of the instrument to permit its use by surgical personnel.

Abstract: Pipe inspection apparatus comprising transducers for transmitting pulsed beams of ultrasonic energy longitudinally, transversely and obliquely into the wall of the pipe for detection of flaws. The apparatus includes a motor driven chuck 18 for rotating the transducers about the a pipe P and motor driven roller 12 for axial movement of the pipe whereby the transducers move in a helical scanning path. A control system 60 maintains the axes of the pipe and circle array of transducers in coincidence and with hydraulic controls 80 maintains each transducer at fixed distance to the pipe for sonically coupling thereto by a flowing liquid whereby a shear wave is generated by each beam in the tubular wall. The transducers comprise multiple pairs, the members of which are diametrically opposed and transmit in opposite directions, for transmitting longitudinally at angles of 12.degree., 27.degree. and 42.degree.

Abstract: For determining a solidification degree of a carrier impregnated with a reaction resin, a sample of the impregnated carrier is mounted on a holder, the sample is immersed into a fluid which is neutral relative to the carrier and has a temperature at which the reaction resin solidifies, the sample is moved in the fluid, and an energy required for moving the sample in the fluid is measured.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the internal force characteristics of a blood sample (12) during clotting has been developed. The blood sample (12) is held between a cup (10) and a plate (16). The plate (16) is connected to a force displacement transducer (22). As the clot forms, platelets contract and exert an inward pulling force on the plate (16). This inward pulling force is sensed by the transducer (22) which outputs a corresponding voltage signal. The voltage signal is amplified (24) and recorded on strip chart paper (28). The voltage signal (32) can be directly translated into force parameters by first calibrating the instrument with standard weights. It has been found that the maximum force measurements are obtained under controlled temperature, ionic strength and calcium concentration conditions which approximate those of the blood while in the body. A particular feature of the invention includes a water jacket (14) which is used to maintain the temperature of the blood sample (12) at 37.degree. C.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a method for measurement of viscosity change in blood or the like comprising steps of disposing a sensor including of an endothermic or exothermic element in blood or the like, stimulating blood or the like so as to cause a viscosity change therein and detecting the viscosity change by continuously measuring any one of changes occurring respectively in an average temperature .theta.w or a surface temperature .theta.s of the sensor containing therein the endothermic or exothermic element, a differential temperature .theta.w-.theta..infin. or .theta.s-.theta..infin. between a temperature .theta..infin. of blood or the like and .theta.w or .theta.s, a kinematic viscosity .nu. of blood or the like and a heat transfer coefficient on the sensor surface.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for determining the gel time of thermoset resins by using a disposable vial, a disposable spindle for insertion into the vial, a locking collar releasably secured to the disposable vial for mounting the vial in a permanent sample cup and holding it against rotation with respect thereto, and a spindle adaptor releasably receiving the disposable spindle for mounting same to the spindle mount of a conventional viscometer. The thermoset resin is located in the disposable vial along with the disposable spindle. The permanent sample cup including the disposable vial and its contents is located in a heater and the spindle adaptor is secured to the spindle mount of the viscometer. The viscometer is operated and the gel time is determined as the length of time it takes until the viscosity of the heated resin sample begins to increase sharply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for determining the time of modification of the physical state of a fluid medium of the kind in which a ferromagnetic ball is placed in the bottom of a cup containing the fluid to be studied and driven with a periodic movement under the effect of an external magnetic field and in which the modifications of the movements of this ball, due to the modification, are detected. The method is characterized by the fact that the ball always follows at each period the same imposed path and in that the amplitude variations and/or the frequency of its movement are detected.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a filtration simulator. More specifically, this invention is directed to a Dynamic Filtration Simulator (DFS) and method of determining the interaction and effect on liquid flow of additives to paper stock in a papermaking machine, which comprises:(a) admixing one or more additives to be tested with paper stock in a slurry tank to form an aqueous paper stock slurry;(b) pumping said slurry from step (a) to a filtration means comprising permeable filter material, the interior of said filtration means being in fluid communication with an exit pipe which is in fluid communication with said slurry tank, whereby aqueous slurry permeates said filter material to form a permeate and said permeate flows through said exit pipe back to said slurry tank;(c) measuring the pressure and volume flow of the aqueous paper stock slurry into the filtration means; and(d) measuring the pressure and volume flow of the aqueous permeate.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring the coagulation of blood. The principle thereof is to detect, at the beginning of coagulation, the stopping of a stream of corpuscles established in a measurement tube (1), the detection being accomplished by means of photoelectric cells or similar (15, 16). A processor (17) allows the measurement of the coagulation rate to be made automatically and displayed. The corpuscles may be microscopic gas bubbles (12) or gains of a powder having a high degree of wettability.

Abstract: Blood clotting time measuring apparatus has a temperature controlled cabinet with at least one measuring channel for receiving a measuring cell (17) containing a blood sample, the clotting time of which is to be measured. The cabinet includes clamping means (18) for retaining the measuring cell in said measuring channel. A magnetic stirrer (16, 16a) is mounted in the cabinet proximate to the measuring channel and has a metal ball (23) positionable in the measuring cell and magnetically operable with the stirrer. A photo optical turbidity detector has a light source (15) and a light detector (14) forming a photo optical path (32) containing the measuring cell. The light source receives an operating voltage which is at least half the rated voltage of said source. The light detector is connected to a measured value means (27) having two threshold value limiting means.

Abstract: A device and a method for analyzing the elastic and/or viscous properties of gels or liquid is presented. The device has a member which moves reciprocally when driven by an electrical motor. A sensing member is provided which contacts the gel or liquid to analyze the properties of the gel or liquid. The sensor member is pivotably connected to the movable member through a connection, which on one hand puts the sensing member in motion upon movement of the movable member; but also allows relative movement of the sensing member and the movable member with respect to each other. A sensor apparatus is provided for delivering information pertaining to the resistance exerted by the gel or liquid on the sensing member upon movement of the movable member. A control unit, timer and switch are used to provide variable adjustment of the distance the electrical motor moves the movable member during the analysis process.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanning system utilizing a selectively rotatable reflector permitting selective use of multiple transducers mounted around the periphery of a water jet for flaw detection in composite materials.

Abstract: One or more dimensions of a workpiece, such as sheet material, are determined by passing the material between opposing linear arrays of ultrasonic transmitting and receiving transducers. The dimension of the sheet material is a function of the number of receiving transducers which receive a transmitted signal as compared to the number of receiving transducers which no longer receive a transmitted signal due to blockage of the signal by the sheet material. The strength of the signal is a function of the amount the receiving transducer is blocked by the workpiece, which in turn is a function of the position of an edge of the workpiece relative to the receiving transducer. A more accurate determination of the workpiece dimensions is obtained by establishing various threshold levels of signal strength and by comparing the receiver signal to these threshold levels.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection probe for locating and sizing flaws in the radius region (20) and adjacent areas of a laminated structure (10), such as a composite "T" stiffener (30). The probe includes a plurality of shoes (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58) that are arranged for coordinated movement relative to the part under inspection. Each shoe includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers that are arranged in predetermined adjacent relationships to one another and operated in timed sequence in one or more through-transmission, pulse echo or loss-of-back modes to effect an ultrasonic scan in one direction through the part while the transducers are moved together in another direction along the part. Inspection of the radius region is effected using combinations of angular pulse echo inspection (PEF, PEA, LL45P, RL45P), "radius-to-radius" through-transmission inspection at an angle through the radius region (RTT, RTR, L37.5T, L37.5R, U37.5T, U37.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring the aggregation of blood platelets or the coagulation of blood, the apparatus including a capillary tube for drawing blood, a piston in communication with the capillary tube and connected to a motor means for linear displacement thereof, a pressure sensor in the space located between the drawn blood and piston, and a computing means or microprocessing means for comparing the sensed pressure from the pressure sensor with a predetermined value, and providing a measured regulating output to the motor means. The method for measuring the aggregation of blood platelets and coagulation of blood includes the steps of drawing blood into the capillary tube of the moveable piston until the desired pressure is achieved within the capillary tube, and allowing the computing means to then maintain by adjustment of the piston position the pressure within the capillary tube.