Abstract: An elongation measuring device 10 measures an elongation in a timing belt 4 included in a driving device 1 provided with a drive roller 2. The elongation measuring device 10 is provided with an encoder 11 and a microphotosensor 12. A present angular position of the drive roller 2 measured at a present-stage measuring cycle and a past angular position of the same measured at a past-stage measuring cycle. The difference between the present and the past angular position is due to the elongation of the timing belt 4. An elongation in the timing belt 4 is estimated on the basis of the difference between the present and the past angular position. Time when the timing belt 4 may possibly break is forecast on the basis of the elongation in the timing belt. The worn out timing belt 4 is replaced with a new one before the same breaks.

Abstract: A complex pendulum system biomass sensor having a plurality of pendulums. The plurality of pendulums allow the system to detect a biomass height and density. Each pendulum has an angular deflection sensor and a deflector at a unique height. The pendulums are passed through the biomass and readings from the angular deflection sensors are fed into a control system. The control system determines whether adjustment of machine settings is appropriate and either displays an output to the operator, or adjusts automatically adjusts the machine settings, such as the speed, at which the pendulums are passed through the biomass. In an alternate embodiment, an entanglement sensor is also passed through the biomass to determine the amount of biomass entanglement. This measure of entanglement is also fed into the control system.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shape measuring system is provided with a measuring unit having a three-dimensional measurement range and adapted to measure the three-dimensional shape of a measurement object in a noncontact manner, a measurement range shifting unit for shifting the position of the measurement range of the measuring unit, a shape calculating unit for calculating the overall three-dimensional shape of the measurement object from a plurality of measurement data obtained by shifting the measurement range relative to the measurement object, and a judging unit for setting judgment areas in specified peripheral areas within the measurement range and judging the presence or absence of any unmeasured area of the measurement object outside the measurement range based on measurement data corresponding to the judgment areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting articles of glassware at a plurality of angularly spaced inspection stations includes a conveyor that moves articles of glassware to and from inspection stations, a drive roller that rotates articles of glassware at at least one inspection station, and an inspection device spaced from an inspection station and adapted to inspect an article of glassware as it is moved by the conveyor and caused to pass by the inspection device.

Abstract: An installation for non-destructive inspection makes use simultaneously of sensors responsive to different physical characteristics. In an example, a sensor support, e.g. a kind of carriage having running wheels via which it comes into contact with the surface to be inspected, is fitted with two types of sensor, namely an eddy current sensor and at least one ultrasound sensor.

Abstract: An air gap inspection device. The air gap inspection device may include a substantially rigid rail, a cart positioned on the rail, a drive system for maneuvering the cart along the rail, and an inspection head positioned on the cart.

Abstract: A system incorporating a robot to inspect ferrous surfaces. Preferably, the robot is an articulated device having a tractor module for motive power and steering, a power module for electrical power and communications and additional motive power, and a third module for cleaning and inspection. The robot uses sensors and generates and transmits signals to a computer through a tether and receives direction from an operator via the computer and tether. The computer continuously monitors the location of the robot and supports the robot during deployment. In a specific application, the robot travels the interior of a tank on a set of magnetized wheels. Prior to inspection, the tank surface is cleaned of deposits by rotary cutters and rotary brushes on the third module. The robot obtains thickness measurements via onboard ultrasonic transducers that contact the cleaned surface. A method for implementing inspection of ferrous surfaces is also described.

Abstract: Local features such as cracks in materials are nondestructively characterized by measuring a response with an electromagnetic sensor and converting this response into a selected property using a database. The database is generated prior to data acquisition by using a model to generate a baseline response or field distribution for the sensor and combining these results with another model, which may be simpler than the first model or provide a local representation of the field perturbations around a feature, which is evaluated multiple times over a range of values of the selected property. In addition, the presence of a feature may be detected by converting the sensor response into a reference parameter, such as a lift-off factor that reflects the sensor position relative to a material edge, and using this parameter to determine a reference response that can be compared to the measured response.

Abstract: The present invention discloses various methods in which a quality of a diffusion media for use in a fuel cell assembly can be qualitatively evaluated. The material constant, an internal contact angle, a ratio of high and low energy pores, and an external contact angle can be calculated for the diffusion media and compared to a predetermined standard to evaluate the quality of the diffusion media.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for sensing data relating to a structure (14), including an inspection site sensor system having at least one microprocessor (16) coupled to the structure. At least one sensor (12) for sensing data is connected to each of the at least one microprocessors that compare the data to a standard. A user interface (18) is coupled to the microprocessor (16) for presenting the comparison, and a wireless transmitter (20) is coupled to the microprocessor (16) for transmitting at least one of the data and the comparison to a management site (22). The management site (22) includes a receiver (24) for receiving the transmitted at least one of the data and the comparison, a microprocessor (26) coupled to the receiver (24); and a user interface (28) coupled to the microprocessor (26).

Abstract: A media thickness detector includes a driving force transmission part for removing vibration generated from a driving source. A sensing roller feeds media by receiving the driving force through the driving force transmission part. Sensing bearings are installed on bearing holders and rotate about a central shaft under an elastic force so that they are brought into close contact with the sensing roller. A damper member is connected to the central shaft at a position between the bearing holders and absorbs vibration generated in the central shaft. A thickness sensor detects the thickness of media passing between the sensing bearings and the sensing roller based on a rotating amount of the bearing holders.

Abstract: There is provided a method that includes, (a) monitoring a pressure on a fluid being conveyed through an intake tube into a chamber by a pump, (b) determining a deviation of the pressure from a predefined value, (c) determining a blockage of the intake tube based on the deviation, and (d) determining an amount of an adjustment of a parameter of the pump to compensate for the blockage.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a thickness of a film in motion. The apparatus comprises a roller for receiving and supporting the film in motion, the roller being adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation. The apparatus also comprises a position detector for detecting when the roller is in a specific angular position as the roller rotates about the axis of rotation. The apparatus further comprises a measurement unit aligned with a specific portion of the roller and coupled to the position detector. The measurement unit is responsive to a detection of the roller being in the specific angular position to measure the thickness of the film.

Abstract: A working apparatus has: a working equipment for doing works on a structure; an operation mechanism adapted to actively move the working equipment relative to the structure; and an adhering/traveling module coupled to the operation mechanism and adapted to adhere to the structure so as to have the weight of the working apparatus borne by the structure and travel/move on the structure for positioning. With this arrangement, the working apparatus can perform accurate positioning operations in a narrow environment and complex scanning operations by means of various pieces of the working equipment such as inspection sensors, and can secure a large working area within a short period of time and reduce the overall working hours.

Abstract: A steering lock system includes at least an ignition switch and a locking mechanism capable of inhibiting the turning of a steering shaft. In a state in which the steering lock system is retained by a retaining means on a support table, a movable table is moved toward the support table, a turnable shaft which includes a key chuck means retaining a key at its tip end is rotatably driven by a driving means, thereby rotatably driving a rotor of the steering lock system. By examining the change in the switching mode of the ignition switch in accordance with the turning of the rotor by a switch signal checking means and examining the operational state of the locking mechanism by a locking operation examining means, the inspection can be conducted continuously and automatically on the operation of at least the ignition switch and the locking mechanism of the steering lock system.

Abstract: A method of inspecting or utilizing tools in the underwater environment of a nuclear reactor vessel, a spent fuel pool or equipment pit includes floating a platform for transporting inspection devices and/or tools over an underwater target site and deploying the devices or tools to the underwater target site. The platform may be coupled to a boom whose opposite end is carried by a cart movable about a floor area surrounding the pool. Alternatively, the platform may be independently movable along the water surface by thrusters.

Abstract: By measuring ultralow moisture permeation through a barrier material sample at a temperature substantially above ambient, definitive values are produced on an accelerated basis that can be used to accurately predict long term daily performance of that barrier material. The sample is heated to a desired test temperature where there is controlled access to both its upstream and downstream surfaces, and HTO vapor is then supplied at predetermined relative humidity to the upstream surface by fracturing a glass ampoule containing not more than 10 millicuries of specific radioactivity for each test. Radioactive gas permeating from the downstream surface is collected by circulating a very slow flow of dry carrier gas past the downstream surface, which stream flows to an ionization chamber containing a beta-particle radiation monitor.

Abstract: A rupture disc status monitoring system is provided for a manufacturing process. An embodiment of the system comprises at least one section of enclosure material having a flow path for a given substance upon rupture of a rupture disc associated with a vessel containing a given substance in a manufacturing process. The section may have an integrated hollow node or port extending from one wall of the section into the flow path. In the case of the node, the node may have walls of the same thickness as the wall of the section of the enclosure surrounding the flow path. The system may further provide at least one detector located in the node or port to detect a parameter associated with a rupture disc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the status of at least one steam trap includes at least one monitor including at least one sensor for sensing at least one process condition of the steam trap; at least one means for calculating an average of the at least one monitored process condition; and, at least one transmitter for transmitting at least one signal responsive to the averaged monitored process condition.

Abstract: The pipeline locator/coordinate mapping device is a tool to be utilized for the location of pipeline coordinate data points via a Cartesian coordinate system. The device will initiate from a known origin or datum with horizontal, X coordinate; longitudinal, Y coordinate; and vertical, Z coordinate respectively being equal to zero. As the device traverses internally through the pipeline, away from the origin or datum, a time increment will correspond to the recorded data, pressures and accelerations, and hence allow the positional coordinate points along the pipeline to be derived in three dimensional space for incremental positions versus time. By analysis of the data displacements from the origin or datum in succession, the pipeline may be located and mapped in an as-built position from a frame of reference, i.e. longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates along the earth.

Abstract: A sensor carrier for an in-tube inspection scraper has setting places for installation of monitoring sensors responsive to any diagnostic parameters of a pipeline being inspected. The carrier includes a set of kinematically interconnected sensor supports that are subjected to an elastic force in the radial direction from the carrier axis. The supports are made as elastic ring-shaped elements or as rows of interconnected elements adjoining the pipe wall or are fixed on elastic components such as rings or sectors of sleeves, and/or are connected to a housing capable of bending. Installed on the supports between the sensors and the internal surface of the pipeline are elastic gaskets. The carrier allows one to increase the efficiency of the flaw detection in pipelines having defects of geometry in the cross section.

Abstract: A test fixture facilitates the laboratory testing of windshield wiper blades for vehicles. The test fixture includes a base frame on which are mounted a number of windshield wiper arms oriented generally parallel for engagement with a stainless steel test surface. Positionally adjustable supports are mounted on the base frame to configure the test surface by varying the curvature of the test surface, as well as the overall length thereof, to permit simulation of a large variety of automotive windshields for test purposes. The test fixture also includes a wiper arm mounting device that can be manipulated to vary the wiper arm load to the wiper blade on the test surface. Adjustments in the spring force exerted on the wiper blade allow variances in the application of a biasing force on the wiper blade in conjunction with changes in the attack angle.

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: A performance testing apparatus for a heat pipe includes an immovable portion having a cooling structure defined therein for cooling the heat pipe. A movable portion is capable of moving relative to the immovable portion and has a cooling structure defined therein for cooling the heat pipe. A receiving structure is defined between the immovable portion and the movable portion for receiving the heat pipe therein. A concavo-convex cooperating structure is defined in the immovable portion and the movable portion to ensure the receiving structure being capable of precisely receiving the heat pipe. Temperature sensors are attached to the immovable portion and the movable portion to detect a temperature of the heat pipe. An enclosure encloses the immovable portion and the movable portions therein, and defines a space for movement of the movable portion relative to the immovable portion.

Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention is a system including a pest control device and a magnetic field source external to the pest control device. The pest control device has a bait operable to be consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit, and a monitoring circuit coupled to the pest sensing circuit. The monitoring circuit includes a device responsive to a magnetic field provided by the magnetic field source to output status information about the pest sensing circuit.

Abstract: The specification discloses a robot for inspection adapted to travel virtually unlimited distances through small-diameter enclosed spaces such as conduits or ducts, preferably using a fluid-driven screw-drive propulsion system. The robot preferably includes a drive module having a plurality of wheels inclined at an angle greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, a driver module having a plurality of wheels aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and a power module. The driver module is preferably connected to the drive module such that the drive and driver modules are capable of providing the locomotive motion of the robot. The power module preferably provides the power to the drive and driver modules.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a lateral conduit from a main conduit including a frame, an upper push rod drive assembly and a lower push rod drive assembly. The upper push rod drive assembly includes an upper track having a plurality of upper attachments mounted thereto for engaging the push rod. The lower push rod drive assembly includes a lower track having a plurality of lower attachments mounted thereto for engaging the push rod. The push rod is held between the upper and lower attachments and in a preferred embodiment, some of the upper attachments, some of the lower attachments and the push rod move with a linearly synchronized motion.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates generally to mailpieces and more particularly, a hazardous material detector for detecting hazardous material in a mail stream. The present invention is directed, in general to detector for collecting sample (s) of hazardous materials from a mail processing device. The mailpiece generally comprises an envelope comprising a front side and a back side; holes formed in at least one of the front side or the back side of the envelope; a hazardous material test strip for detecting the presence of hazardous material in contact with the test strip; whereby when hazardous materials are detected by the hazardous material test strip a physical change occurs to the hazardous material test strip and the physical change can be viewed through at least one hole formed in the at least one of the front side or the back side of the envelope. The detector helps to quickly determine whether hazardous materials are present in the mail stream.

Abstract: A device for the axial and rotational movement of a sample is disclosed comprising a mount member for mounting the sample, which is rotatable about and movable along an axis, characterised in that the mount member has a helical screw thread which produces the movement along said axis simultaneously with the rotation. A sample may be scanned or machined whilst being axially and rotationally moved. The screw thread may be disengageable perphaps by relative movement of co-operating screw threads into and out of engagement with each other by a lever to allow movement of the mount member along the axis without rotation when desired. The screw thread on one of the members may be formed from a piece or layer of a deformable material, which deforms to form a mating screw thread upon being brought into engagement with the screw thread on the other member. Also desclosed is a method of scanning a sample.

Abstract: There is disclosed a conduit inspection apparatus of a type adapted to be located within and transported along a conduit such as a duct, and a method of inspecting a conduit. In one embodiment, the conduit inspection apparatus (10) comprises a body (18) adapted for location within a conduit such as a duct (14), a centralization assembly (16) for centralizing the body (18) within the duct (14), a transportation assembly (20) for transporting the body (18) along the duct (14), and a data coupling (24) for data communication between the body (18) and a control station (22). In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus (10) includes a fluid applicator (78a) for supplying a fluid to a surface of the duct (14), the fluid applicator (78a) including a rotary member in the form of an atomiser (166) for imparting a force on the fluid to direct the fluid towards a surface of the duct (14).

Abstract: A content use monitoring system is provided for monitoring use of blister packaged contents. The monitoring device comprises an integrated circuit (14), battery (16) and piezo-electric foil (18) or other transducer that can be attached to a existing blister package, in physical contact with their backing, via adhesive. When a content is expelled from a blister through the backing, the piezo-electric foil (18) or other transducer is deformed, generating an electrical signal. The integrated circuit (14) monitors the piezo-electric foil circuit for such signals, analyses them, and if they meet the programmed specifications, the time and other characteristics of the event are recorded in the integrated circuit's memory. The content use data can later be downloaded for analysis, education or clinical purposes via either a remote or contact reader.

Abstract: Disclosed is a segment (15) of a sensor-supporting element for a scraper-type device, which comprises at least two pairs of runners (16a, 16b) that are arranged essentially parallel behind each other. A support plate (20) receiving sensors (21) is disposed between at least one pair of runners (16). The segment (15) can be combined with other such segments (15) so as to form a sensor-supporting element.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a pressurized container having an auxiliary device are provided. The system includes a sensor operable to provide a signal representative of at least one operating condition of the pressurized container. The system also includes a control operable to receive the signal from the sensor and generate a warning when the sensed operating condition will impact the operation of the auxiliary device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for scanning and detecting defects in sewer and similar pipelines that eliminate the need to stop and pan-and-tilt areas of concern. In the method of the invention, a pipeline (15) inspection probe (10) of the apparatus of the invention comprising a CCD camera (14) with fish-eye lens (12) travels through the pipeline (15) on a self-propelled tractor automatically collecting data and transmitting it to a computer to provide a real-time display of the pipeline (15) interior with quasi three-dimensional information for effective and quick data analysis and management. The data includes digitized forward views and unfolded 360 degree laid-flat side-san (22) views of the pipeline (15) interior. Additionally, the digitized data may be stored for further analysis, tabulation, and for use with pipeline infrastructure maintenance software.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring deformation of a surface of a pipe. The apparatus has a central portion to which a detector section is mounted. At each side, guides are connected to the housing via arms. The housing has a platform below which an inverted U-shaped section is provided, with the platform forming the base of the U. At the rear of this section a wheel is rotatably mounted on an axle. Forward of this, and also within the U-shaped section is mounted a further U-shaped section. This is pivotally mounted at its rear end by means of a pin such that its forward end is free to move vertically. The forward end has mounted within it a further wheel on an axle. Projecting upwards from the second U-shaped section is a rod which passes through a hole in platform. Around the lower portion of the rod is provided a spring which biases the detector downwards and away from the platform. The rod moves vertically with the wheel as it passes over bumps in the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe-inspection system (100) is provided. The system (100) is made up of a transmission cluster (104) incorporating a transmission unit (800) between first and second wheeled guidance units (400), and a reception cluster (104?) incorporating a reception unit (1400) between third and fourth wheeled guidance units (400). Each wheeled guidance unit (400) contains a plurality of wheels (416) radially disposed in each of a plurality of planes (420, 426, 432). Transmission unit (800) contains a transmission device (1004). Reception unit (1400) contains a reception device (1604). The system (100) is compatible with RFEC inspection techniques to inspect a pipeline (102), where transmission and reception devices (1004, 1604) are an RFEC transmitter and receiver, respectively. A lead line (106) is attached to the first guidance unit (400) to move the system (100) in a forward direction (108).

Abstract: A sliding pipe plug for working on and testing pipes is presented. The sliding pipe plug includes a center portion and a gasket disposed about the central portion. When towed through the pipe, the sliding pipe plug maintains a substantial seal against water flowing through the pipe. In some embodiments, a flexible gasket can be utilized to allow for substantial sealing while the sliding pipe plug is traversing obstacles in the pipe. The sliding pipe plug according to the present invention can be utilized in pipes where conventional plugs are inconvenient. For example, in FELL testing a sewage line, a sliding pipe plug can be attached to a sonde cable and the testing can proceed without plugging and surcharging all of the section of pipe to be tested. In some embodiments, the sliding pipe plug includes a break-away section that allows the seal against water flowing through the pipe to be broken when the sliding pipe plug is pulled in a direction opposite the towing direction.

Abstract: A modular split-axis stage is used to inspect and/or repair large flat glass media suitable for LCD/TFT applications. Low-precision air table sections are detachably mounted to a centrally located, high-precision granite inspection/repair section. Glass media held by a vacuum contact is transported on air cushions from the up-web air table to the central inspection/repair section. Vacuum nozzles integrated with porous medium pads precisely control the height of the flexible media above the central section during inspection or repair. Embodiments includes structures in which the media is either stationary or moving during inspection/repair. A first media can be loaded/unloaded while a second media is undergoing inspection or repair in a pipelined operational mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for inspecting material arranged within an annular recess such as weld beads, particularly weld beads between the shroud, core plate and support structures within a boiling water nuclear reactor (BWR). The apparatus comprises a track support, a generally arcuate track, a carriage, a sensor support and a sensor. The track is configured to correspond and align generally with an inner surface of a shroud or other encompassing structure with the sensor support and sensor configured to be extended into and then moved horizontally along the annular recess. The sensor may be configured with a plurality of sensor elements, such as ultrasonic transducers or eddy current sensors that may be configured to analyze different properties or different regions relative to the sensor location.

Abstract: A device for inspecting submersed plant parts is particularly suited for ultrasonic inspection of screws in the core baffle of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel. The device includes a remote-controlled underwater vehicle that is provided at its end face with a carrier that can be pivoted about a pivot axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the underwater vehicle, and is provided with a holding device for an inspection head that is arranged on the carrier spaced apart from the pivot axis.

Abstract: A device for inspecting the inside of an underground pipe line which makes it possible to search for cavities on the outside of the underground pipe over the entire internal peripheral surface of the underground pipe, that is, not only upward of the underground pipe, but also toward both sides and downward thereof, to obtain detailed images of the inner peripheral surface of the pipe line without using a complex mechanism, and to display patterns of cracks and irregularities on the inner peripheral surface of the underground pipe by three-dimensional convergence images. The device comprises a pipe line internal self-propelled vehicle and an on-ground control unit, and the pipe line internal self-propelled vehicle is provided with a radar antenna, a camera equipped with a fisheye lens, a gyro, a laser sensor, and an infrared encoder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for supporting sales and maintenance activities of steam traps by a seller of the traps to a customer. The system utilizes an aggregating system which effects a step of inputting stored diagnostic result data and model confirmation result data from a diagnostic device which has diagnosed a working condition of each of a plurality of existing steam traps installed in a customer's plant. Based on the diagnostic result data, a first total steam loss amount due to malfunction of steam traps is calculated, the first total steam loss amount comprising aggregation of steam leak amounts of all the existing steam traps. Based on the model confirmation result data, a second total steam loss amount is calculated, which comprises aggregation of differences between inherent steam leak amounts of the existing steam traps under their normal working conditions and inherent steam leak amounts of recommended steam traps under their normal working conditions.

Abstract: A bearing vibration measuring apparatus is an apparatus of measuring vibration of a bearing. The bearing vibration measuring apparatus detects a vibration component generated from the bearing in a state of pressing one of an inner ring and an outer ring of the bearing in an axial direction while relatively rotating other of the inner ring and the outer ring to detect a defect of the bearing based on the vibration component. The bearing vibration measuring apparatus includes a driving mechanism elongated and contracted for inclining the inner ring or the outer ring.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a pipe weld from within a pipe through use of magnetic particle imaging “MPI” includes an apparatus having a head unit that carries a wire wheel brush for cleaning an inspection area along an inner diameter of a pipe weld, and an MPI medium dispenser for spraying an MPI medium upon the inspection area, both controlled by an operator. The head unit also includes a video inspection device controlled by the operator and used for viewing at least portions of the inspection area after being sprayed with the MPI medium and when under the influence of a magnetic field to determine if the weld has any defects. The head unit is connected to a drive unit. The drive unit includes a frame having a longitudinal axis and mounted on a set of drive wheels, and a set of support wheels spaced axially from the drive wheels.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a voltage differential in a current-carrying pipe using a propulsion vehicle. The system may be adapted for use with a pipeline pig or other propulsion device, which is configured to determine the electric current in a pipeline with nominal noise while the apparatus is moving. One aspect of the present invention is a pig which is outfitted with electrical contacts. These electrical contacts may optionally consist of rotating steel brushes and/or rotating steel knives. The pig includes data logging capabilities which may record location and voltage data. A pig according to the present invention optionally may include electromechanical devices which reduce electrical noise.

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: A substrate processor that processes and inspects a substrate. A substrate handler moves a substrate within the substrate processor. A processing chamber receives the substrate from the substrate handler, and processes the substrate using damaging material that is retained to some extent by the substrate. An inspection tool receives the substrate from the substrate handler after the substrate has been processed. A controlled environment surrounds at least a portion of the inspection tool and the substrate. A purge gas supply provides a purge gas at a flow rate. A moisture control unit adjusts the purge gas to a relative humidity, and gas inlets direct the purge gas into the controlled environment.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus 2 comprises: a base 10 fixed onto the rotary table 83; a rotational angular position detector 35 having first and second members 36 and 37 mounted in relatively rotatable fashion about a preset rotational center axis, one member being provided with a scale and the other with a reading device, wherein the first member 36 is mounted fixedly on the base 10; a restraining mechanism 55 which engages with the second member 37 of the rotational angular position detector 35 and thereby restrains rotation of the second member 37, while allowing the base 10 and the rotational angular position detector 35 to move in vertical direction; and a ring-shaped detection member 49 mounted perpendicularly on the base 10 by orienting center axis at right angles to the upper surface of the rotary table 83 and accommodating therein the rotational angular position detector 35.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting rubbing inferiority of an alignment film of a liquid crystal display device by spraying moisture particles, the apparatus including a moisture storing unit for storing moisture, and a moisture particle generating unit for pelletizing moisture ejected from the moisture storing unit and spraying on a substrate.

Abstract: A metal ring inspection method of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) V-belt for inspecting end face defects in a belt laminated band composed of a plurality of metal ring stacked layers in which a first process is executed which grasps the outer periphery surface of the belt laminated band from both sides to firmly touch the inner periphery surface and removes crowning from the metal rings; a second process is executed which applies a sliding force in the width direction relative to each metal ring constituting the belt laminated band to expose the belt laminated band end face in a different tiered shape; and subsequently a third process is executed which inspects the belt laminated band end face defects exposed in the different tiered shape.