Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit that is lowered into vertically supported pipe filled with seawater. The apparatus includes a pipe weld location detector module carried by the inspection unit. The apparatus also includes a rotating time of flight diffusion (TOFD) module and a non-rotating wall thickness module carried by the inspection unit. The module includes a pair of rotatably mounted weld volume inspection transducers rotatable by an operator and adapted to inspect for and obtain data on weld volume defects. The TOFD module has a fluid carrier positioned within the TOFD module and contains an acoustic fluid. The non-rotating wall thickness module also contains an acoustic liquid and includes a plurality of fixedly mounted wall inspection transducers adapted to obtain data on wall thickness of a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an organic electroluminescence element defect inspection apparatus wherein the apparatus brings in an optical image of a substrate to be inspected and detects a pattern defect of an organic luminescent layer on the substrate to be inspected. The above is performed after an organic luminescent layer is formed on a substrate in a method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescence element. The organic electroluminescence element includes at least one or more organic luminescent layers having a luminescence area, an anode which injects a hole into the organic luminescent layer and a cathode which injects an electrode into the organic luminescent layer on a substrate. And an optical source for obtaining an optical image from a substrate to be inspected is infra-red radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides, as one aspect, an apparatus for inspecting a sensor module including at least one held sensor in a housing having a plurality of outer surfaces. The held sensor detects acceleration or angular velocity. The apparatus includes a holding unit that has an apparatus-side surface and holds the housing in a state where one of the outer surfaces of the housing serving as a housing-side surface contacts the apparatus-side surface, a driving unit that moves the holding unit, a first obtaining unit that, in a state where the housing-side surface contacts the apparatus-side surface, obtains an output from the held sensor, at least one reference sensor that has a detection axis and is provided such that a direction of the detection axis matches a direction of a reference axis of the held sensor, and a second obtaining unit that obtains an output from the reference sensor.

Abstract: A control module including means for controlling an article, means for regulating at least one parameter of the article control means, and means for driving the article towards the control means. More specifically, the module is movable and includes a releasable means of connection with a fixed frame. Preferably the drive means includes a carousel having at least one cell for housing the article, for example a glass bottle.

Abstract: A substrate inspection device includes a substrate rotating device for holding a substrate on a holding surface and causing rotation, a disk having a disk body rotatably supported on a base and three lift cams fixed to an upper side of the disk body and formed with cam faces that are inclined surfaces inclined in the rotational direction, and a lifter having a lifter body with a support surface on which the substrate is mounted and guiding in the vertical direction and lifter driven sections respectively projecting to and fixed to a lower side of the lifter body, where lower sides of the lifter driven sections respectively contact the cam faces in a sliding manner at contact points, and if the contact points are moved to an upper side of the inclined surfaces the support surface becomes higher than the holding surface.

Abstract: An inspection device 1 is provided to inspect a headrest return prevention mechanism 50 that prevents return of a headrest at a position supporting the head of a seated person by moving forward at a rear collision. The headrest return prevention mechanism 50 is provided with a bracket 52 and an engagement piece 51 which can return to a normal position again after being displaced from the normal position to a fixed position. The inspection device 1 comprises a base 11, a clamp mechanism 12 that fixes the bracket 52 to the base 11, a load applying mechanism 13 that applies a load to the engagement piece 51 so as to displace it from the normal position to the fixed position, a displacement sensor 14 that measures the fixed position when the engagement piece 51 is displaced from the normal position to the fixed position, and a computer 15 that determines whether the engagement piece 51 has been displaced to a predetermined fixed position or not based on the fixed position measured by the displacement sensor 14.

Abstract: A method to diagnose weld integrity in a welding process includes monitoring a weld indentation characteristic, comparing the monitored weld indentation characteristic to a threshold weld indentation characteristic, and identifying a discrepant weld when the weld indentation characteristic comparison shows the monitored weld indentation characteristic violates the threshold weld indentation characteristic.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection tool has a spirally arranged series of blocks, with each block having a magnet and at least one magnetic flux sensor. An axially extending support may be provided which terminates in mounts and the series of blocks may be mounted between the mounts. The support may be arranged so as to permit bending of said series of blocks but resist torsion of said series of blocks. A supporting tendon may extend from a second of the mounts through a first opening in each block around a tendon supporting pulley of the first of the mounts and back through a second opening in each block to the second mount. A compression spring surrounding each arm of the tendon between the tendon support and the series of blocks. The magnet of each block may be arranged such that a like pole of each magnet is at one side of the series of blocks. The poles of each magnet may be longitudinally elongated and the longitudinally elongated poles may be directed along an axis of said tool.

Abstract: A pore diffusion type flat membrane separation apparatus X including a plurality of flat membranes 7 and a plurality of flat plate-like supports 1 arranged alternately with each other, each flat membrane 7 defining a plurality of pores and configured to separate a predetermined dispersed substance contained in a solution by a pore diffusion technique, each flat plate-like support 1 having a flow conduit 2 on one or both faces thereof. A ratio between a spatial volume of the flow conduit 2 and a membrane area of the flat membrane 7 is set from 0.04 to 0.4 cm. The flat plate-like support 1 includes, in at least two positions in a lateral face thereof water conduits 3 in communication with the flow conduit 2, so that flow directions of the solution in the flow conduits 2 of upper and lower flat plate-like supports 1 across the flat membrane 7 may be substantially same directions. The flat plate-like support 1 and the flat membrane 7 can be assembled with and disassembled from each other.

Abstract: A probe for inspecting a bore includes a housing dimensioned for insertion into the bore and a plurality of stabilization legs having a first end attached to the housing and a second end extendable from the housing. The stabilization legs are configured to contact the inner surface of the bore. A plurality of sensor arms is extendable from the housing and is rotatable relative to the stabilization legs. A motor provides for rotating the sensor arms relative to the stabilization legs.

Abstract: Devices and methods facilitate inspections, repairs, and other operations within vessels without human entry into the vessels, and without introducing contaminants that could reduce the purity of materials held in the vessels below predetermined minimum levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of automotive heat exchanger assemblies, and, in particular, assemblies with cores with headers and end tanks and/or male and female connections. The present invention also relates to a method of making a positive leak path to determine leaks prior to employment of heat exchanger assembles. The present invention further relates to a method of determining whether or not a leak seal is temporary by providing a positive leak path at the point of assembly or initial evaluation or testing a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A micromovement measuring device records creeping and dynamic infraprocesses both of natural and artificial origin, including seismic processes or infrasound and gravitational waves. The device has a sensitivity for measuring in a wide dynamic range. The device includes a measuring element, a sensitive element, a membrane, a signal conditioner, a fixing electromagnet, and a pulling electromagnet. The pulling electromagnet is located on the membrane which increases the range of the measurable movements. A hermetic housing prevents the formation of oxides or similar films at the working surfaces of the measuring and sensitive elements. A method of converting movement to electric signals is performed by the device, which takes an electronic field emission current to be a characteristic of quantization, and so movements in the range of Angstroms may be recorded.

Abstract: Robotic external pipeline crawler system employs the use of logic control to provide a system capable of constantly and accurately maintaining a position at the vertex of the pipe. This apex positioning can be maintained as it traverses the length of the pipe being inspected. This system is adaptable to both straight and curved pipe, multiple pipe diameters, and will substantially reduce set up time and vertical pipeline support crossing time. The crawler system also employs an advanced bracketry system which allows quick disconnecting and auxiliary powered movement allowing for decreased cycle time across pipe supports. The unique tire interface allows for additional surface area contact making extreme environmental conditions possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the contactless detection of flat objects, particularly in sheet form, such as paper, films, foils, plates and similar flat materials or packs. In said methods and devices, e.g. in the printing industry there is a need for bringing about a reliable, precise detection of single, missing or multiple sheets, particularly double sheets of the flat objects.

Abstract: A quality inspection system and method for identifying faulty battery plates is provided, wherein the plates comprise lead grids that have undergone a pasting process. In various embodiments, the quality inspection system includes a first scanner positioned to sequentially scan a first surface of each of a plurality of the battery plates, after the lead grids have undergone the pasting process. The first scanner scans the first surface of each plate for anomalies and communicates scanned first surface data to a processing center. The processing center analyzes the first surface data and determines an integrity status of the first surface, i.e., whether anomalies exist in the first surface. If anomalies exist in the first surface of any plate the respective plate can be discarded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a formed article comprising forming an upper surface of a glass material that has been positioned on a forming surface of a mold to obtain the formed article by heating the glass material to a temperature permitting deformation to bring a lower surface of the glass material into tight contact with the forming surface. Glass having upper and lower surfaces being spherical in shape is employed as the glass material, a mold having a forming surface being a free-form surface other than a spherical surface is employed as the mold, the upper surface of the glass material is formed into a roughly offset surface relative to the forming surface of the mold. The present invention permits the manufacturing of formed articles of desired shape with high precision by hot sag molding method. The present invention also permits the easy and simple determination of the surface shapes of molds and glass materials employed in hot sag molding method.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for marine deployment according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a floatable housing adapted to be deployed by a marine vehicle. The floatable housing may be adapted to be launched from a marine vehicle and rise to the surface. Assets, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may be deployed from the surfaced floatable housing.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the quality of a fiberglass mat. The method includes the steps of dyeing a test specimen of the fiberglass mat, scanning the test specimen with an optical detector to collect color data and comparing the color data to a predetermined standard to determine if the fiberglass mat is within the desired product specification.

Abstract: A breakaway unit sits atop a base plate of a coordinate measuring machine via a breakaway coupling system. A crash detection system including at least one crash detection sensor mounted on the breakaway unit and a crash detection controller stops the machine when vertical movement of the breakaway unit exceeds a threshold. Should collision occur, the breakaway coupling system allows the breakaway unit to separate from the base plate, preventing damage to instruments mounted thereon. The kinematic coupling system preferably comprises tooling balls engaging respective vee cones, vee grooves, and/or flats.

Abstract: An inspecting apparatus of a microstructure having a movable section 16a with its both sides supported includes a chuck top 9 for holding a wafer 8 in which the microstructure is formed so as to make a main surface of the wafer 8 into a convexly or concavely curved shape having a nearly uniform curvature radius. The apparatus includes a shape changing unit for changing the curvature radius of the shape of the main surface of the wafer 8. The shape changing unit is a temperature controlling unit for changing a shape of a top surface of a chuck top 9, on which the substrate is mounted, according to a temperature. A transfer tray whose top surface, on which the wafer 8 is mounted, formed into a convexly or concavely curved shape may be interposed between the wafer 8 and the chuck top 9 whose top surface is flat.

Abstract: A method for use in a system for diagnosing the causes of manufacturing defects involves process characterization. A set of forms is identified for a workpiece and for a piece of manufacturing equipment that acts upon the workpiece. The forms for the workpiece are preferably a hierarchic set of geometric forms. Each such geometric form corresponds to an aspect of the action of the manufacturing equipment upon the workpiece. A plurality of measurements is made on a defective workpiece following the hierarchical order of forms. The measurements are compared to a reference datum, and a deviation from the datum is computed. If the deviation exceeds a preselected threshold, an alert condition results, attributable to the action of the manufacturing equipment. Targeted adjustment corresponding to the action that caused the defect can then be made to the equipment.

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 method for pipeline rehabilitation grout coverage inspection according to embodiments of the present invention includes installing a tubular liner within a pipeline by filling a space between the tubular liner and the pipeline with grout, creating a heat transfer across the tubular liner, and observing an inside of the tubular liner with an infrared camera to detect an infrared signal differential between areas of the tubular liner in contact with the grout and areas of the tubular liner not in contact with the grout. Observing and inspecting the inside of the tubular liner may be accomplished simultaneously with rounding of the liner and smoothing of the grout by harnessing an infrared camera to a swab and advancing the swab with chilled compressed air to cool the liner, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: The instant application relates to an X-ray sensitive battery separator for a secondary lithium battery and a method for detecting the position of a separator in a secondary lithium battery. The X-ray sensitive battery separator includes a microporous membrane having an X-ray detectable element. The X-ray detectable element constitutes less than 0.1% by weight of the microporous membrane. The method for detecting the position of a separator in a battery includes the following steps: (1) providing a battery including an X-ray sensitive battery separator; (2) subjecting the battery to X-ray radiation; and (3) thereby detecting the position of said separator in said battery.

Abstract: A method for measuring an integrated circuit (IC) structure by measuring an imprint of the structure, a method for preparing a test site for the above measuring, and IC so formed. The method for preparing the test site includes incrementally removing the structure from the substrate so as to reveal an imprint of the removed bottom surface of the structure in a top surface of the substrate. The imprint can then be imaged using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The image can be used to measure the bottom surface of the structure.

Abstract: A system for the nondestructive evaluation of aircraft comprising a plurality of positional transmitters forming a perimeter around a test airplane and an inspection station within the perimeter. The inspection station includes a moveable cart, a nondestructive testing device coupled the cart, and a computer coupled to the cart and nondestructive testing device. The computer configured to receive aircraft positional data from positional receivers mounted on an aircraft and overlay a model of the aircraft on the received aircraft positional data to determine a coordinate system for the aircraft. The computer is further operable to determine the location of the cart from data received from onboard positional receivers, the location of the cart referenced to the coordinate system for the aircraft.

Abstract: Inspection of rolling stock (e.g., rail vehicles) traveling along a set of rails is performed using devices that are placed in a housing that is attached to the set of rails. The housing conforms to standard width, height, and load bearing requirements for a railroad tie. As such, the housing can be readily installed and allows for the continued use of standard railroad maintenance equipment. One or more sensing devices are attached to the housing and acquire evaluation data on component(s) of the rail vehicle, such as the wheels. A computing device can evaluate a condition of the component(s) using the evaluation data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting the walls of an underground pipe from inside the pipe in which an inspection apparatus having a circular planar platform having a plurality of lever arms having one end pivotably attached to one side of the platform, having a pipe inspection device connected to an opposite end, and having a system for pivoting the lever arms is inserted into the underground pipe, with the inspection apparatus oriented with the planar platform disposed perpendicular to the pipe axis. The plurality of lever arms are pivoted toward the inside wall of the pipe, contacting the inside wall with each inspection device as the apparatus is conveyed along a length of the underground pipe.

Abstract: Vacuum insulator includes core member and jacket which covers core member. Jacket is decompressed its interior and core member includes a glass-fiber laminated unit. The glass fiber is formed of reinforced glass-fiber which is low brittle and its fiber strength is reinforced. This structure allows improving the heat insulating performance as well as lowering the material cost of vacuum insulator.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for monitoring the condition of components, such as components of airframes, and in particular devices, methods, and systems for detecting faults and warning of faults in components using transmission mechanisms, such as optically or electrically conductive material incorporated in the construction of the components, added to a laminate material.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a structure are provided. The system includes a data system that is capable of providing information indicative of at least a portion of the structure. The system also includes a flexible display that is positioned proximate to the structure and in communication with the data system. The flexible display is capable of displaying an image indicative of at least a portion of the structure based on the information provided by the data system.

Abstract: An inline tool tracking system for tracking an inline tool traveling along a pipe includes a detection and communication device operable to detect an inline tool as it passes generally near the device. The detection and communication device is operable to generate a detection output, which includes data indicative of the detection of the tool and a geographical location of the device. A control is operable to wirelessly receive the detection output and to process the detection output. The control generates a control output responsive to the processing, and the control output is indicative of the detection of the tool and the geographical location of the detection and communication device. A display device receives an input indicative of the control output and displays the information indicative of the detection of the tool and the geographical location of the detection and communication device to a user of the display device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a pressurized container is provided. The system includes a non-reclosing pressure release device and an activating mechanism configured to open the non-reclosing pressure release device. The activating mechanism is activated by a control, based on a signal received by the control from a sensor. The activating mechanism may be selected from a group including actuators, pyrotechnic devices, and solenoids. The system may also include a non-reclosing pressure release device that may be configured to inject a fluid into the pressurized container. The activating mechanism may be operated by a trigger. The non-reclosing pressure release device may be designed to open automatically in the event that the activating mechanism fails to respond.

Abstract: A robotic ultrasonic inspection vehicle is provided with one or more transducers which are driven by a long, broadband excitation pulse for insonifying a sample subject to inspection. The long, broadband excitation pulse can be chirped. The robotic vehicle also can include a drive circuit for coupling the excitation pulse to the transducer. Data associated with the excitation pulse is used to gate off the drive circuitry at an appropriate time. The robotic vehicle may traverse a combustion prone region and therefore electrical parameters may be limited to intrinsically safe levels. However electrical parameters may safely be converted to higher levels so long as the conversion is inhibited to occur only after the vehicle has left a combustion prone region and entered a region of minimal risk of combustion.

Abstract: Inspection of objects, such as semiconductor wafers, can be performed using a diluted scan wherein not all of an inspected area is actually imaged. Instead, a dilution plan can be devised based on the desired amount of area to be skipped and the particular parameters of the inspection, such as the size of each unit area to be imaged or not imaged and the distribution features of the wafer. When the same area is inspected in multiple wafers, the wafers can be inspected in sets using a dilution plan whereby a wafer (or inspected area) can be statistically inspected using diluted scans of the set of wafers. Similarly a die or group of dies of a specified type can be statistically inspected using diluted scans of a set of dies (or group of dies). When statistical inspection is used, the end results of such inspections, such as defect densities and distributions, can be corrected to account for inaccuracies that may be introduced when certain portions are imaged more often than others due to the dilution plan.

Abstract: A fuel cell system 1 has an impurity removal member 24 for removing impurities from a fluid discharged from a fuel cell 10, and the impurity removal member 24 is located in an exhaust passage 19 for the fluid discharged from the fuel cell 10 to flow through. The fuel cell system 1 includes: a physical quantity detection means 30 for detecting the physical quantities relating to the impurity removal member 24; and a deterioration determination means 40 for determining the degree of deterioration of the impurity removal member 24 based on the physical quantities detected by the physical quantity detection means 30.

Abstract: A container screening system that uses multiple orthogonal sensors for detecting hazardous materials, such as liquid explosives and precursors of liquid explosives, in sealed containers. The container screening system comprises a first sensor that detects materials inside the container using a first detection technology, a second sensor that detects materials insider the container using a second detection technology, and a data processing unit that processes data from the first and second sensors and generates a screen result. The system reduces false positives and increases probability of detection by matching the relative strengths and weaknesses of each technology.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conditioning chamber device for metallurgical samples, adapted to be attached to an instrument having an examination chamber operable in an ultra high vacuum condition, and to be brought to an ultra high vacuum condition while attached to the instrument; and comprises (i) at least one vacuum pump means; (ii) a sample retaining means; (iii) at least one fracturing means adapted to prepare on a sample a surface suitable for metallurgical analysis; (iv) a drying means adapted for slow drying of a sample in an ultra high vacuum condition; and (v) a transporting means to transport the sample after surface preparation through a connecting means into the examination chamber.

Abstract: An in-line pipe inspection tool has a sensor carrier carrying a plurality of sensor for monitoring the pipe. In order to permit the sensor carrier and hence the sensors, to conform to changes in the diameter of the pipe being inspected, the sensor carrier is a part cylindrical body which is resiliently flexible. However, to stop one part of the sensor carrier twisting torsionally relative to another part, a bracing unit is fixed to one part the sensor carrier and engages another part of the sensor carrier to resist said torsional twisting.

Abstract: For leak testing closed containers (9) which are filled with a filling product containing at least one liquid component the container is introduced in a test cavity (1) which is evacuated at least down to vapour pressure of that liquid component. The pressure in the surrounding of the container (9) and thus within test cavity (1) is monitored. Monitoring is performed by a vacuum pressure sensor (7), whereas lowering pressure surrounding the container (9) is performed by a vacuum pump (5). Leakage is detected by monitoring a pressure change in the surrounding of the container which is due to evaporation of liquid emerging from a leak and being evaporated in the low pressure surrounding.

Abstract: A device for measuring the location of a conductor within an insulating sheath using three measuring planes, in which at least one measuring plane is able to locate the conductor and at least one is able to locate the periphery of the outer sheath.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting of objects that includes a pathway network that has a plurality of pathways and one or more branch points. A fluid composition including one or more objects can be transported through the pathway network, where one or more of the objects are analyzed and sorted at one or more branch points based on the analysis of the objects.

Abstract: A reactor for treating a material in a medium. It includes a body (2) in which is defined a reaction area (10) capable of containing a reaction medium, at least one inlet for introducing the reaction medium into the reaction area, one outlet for discharging effluents out of the reaction area. A protective casing (8) positioned inside the body (2) delimits the reaction area (10). It is spaced apart from the body in order to delimit a confinement area (12) isolating the reaction area of the body. The reaction area and the confinement area are sealably isolated from each other.

Abstract: A system for measuring a voltage differential in a current-carrying pipe using a propulsion vehicle for conveying the system inside the pipe, the system including a first contact for maintaining electrical contact with the pipe as the vehicle moves through the pipe; a second contact positioned in a spaced apart relationship from the first contact for maintaining electrical contact with the pipe as the vehicle moves through the pipe; and an AC voltage reading device connected to the first contact and the second contact for measuring the AC voltage between the first contact and the second contact as the vehicle moves through the pipe.

Abstract: A method includes scanning a test socket after removal of a device under test to generate scan data. The scan data is compared to reference data. A presence of at least a portion of a pin in the test socket is identified based on the comparison. A test system includes a test socket, a scanner, and a control unit. The test socket is operable to receive devices under test. The scanner is operable to scan a test socket after removal of a device under test to generate scan data. The control unit is operable to compare the scan data to reference data and identify a presence of at least a portion of a pin in the test socket based on the comparison.

Abstract: A device for detecting labels on a carrier material conveyed through a detection plane includes an optical sensor and an ultrasonic sensor. Each sensor is arranged to detect labels. Switching elements selectively activate one of the sensors.

Abstract: The higher the reading of relative density, liquid weight per unit volume, of pieces of produce such as fruits, the juicier the piece of produce is. By comparing a number of pieces of produce of the same type and species and ranking them, the juiciest pieces of produce may be easily selected and purchased by a shopper. An arrangement of linkages and a sliding spring element creates a device with two inputs, one input being proportional to the volume of the produce based on a representative diameter, and the other input being an approximation of the weight of the produce based on the deflection of a spring. The two inputs are mechanically combined to create one output indicative of density, and thus juiciness, and a pointer is employed whose deflection is proportional to the quotient of the weight and volumetric inputs of each piece of produce tested by the shopper.

Abstract: A sensor chip of an electrical signal detection type, comprises a semiconductor sensing device, the sensor chip being detachable with respect to an inspection device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting and for displaying the position of components of vehicle couplings comprising: a display device; having its own voltage source, and; sensor mechanisms. The displaying mechanisms can be attachable to or adjacent to the vehicle coupling. At least two sensor mechanisms are provided of which at least one mechanism is situated at a distance from the display mechanisms.