Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for determining characteristics of substrates, such as the presence of contaminants, shape, as well as the spatial relationships between spaced-apart substrates. The spatial relationships include distance and angular orientation, between first and second spaced apart substrates. The technique includes forming a volume of fluid on the second substrate, with the volume of fluid having an area associated therewith. The volume of fluid is compressed between the first and second substrates to effectuate a change in properties of the area, defining changed properties. The changed properties are sensed, and the characteristics of the first and second substrates are determined as a function of the changed properties.

Abstract: A non-destructive plastic butt weld inspection method in which the weld bead 42 is removed from an exterior surface of a weld zone region 44 of a butt weld and the weld zone region 44 is heated to a temperature sufficient to visualize the weld zone 44. After heating, defective joints are readily identified by the appearance of a bond line 40 in the weld zone 44 while satisfactory joints merely show the weld zone 44 with no evidence of a bond line 40. Surface irregularities such as ridges 46 and indentations 48 may also form in the weld zone during the heating step.

Abstract: A guide for a video pipe inspection system that includes a camera head and a tubular coil spring having a central axis. A guide member with radially extending fins is configured to surround the tubular spring. At least one pin is removably engageable with the guide member and the tubular coil spring to retain the guide member in position with respect to the tubular coil spring. The straight segments of a pair of opposing U-shaped pins can be inserted into grooves in the guide member so that they extend between adjacent coils of the tubular coil spring. In alternate form, the guide member may include an inner capture ring assembly that receives the pins. An outer yoke assembly surrounds, and is freely rotatable about, the inner capture ring assembly and includes a pair of axles for rotatably supporting a pair of wheels that engage an interior wall of the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supporting semiconductor wafer in a wafer processing system. The apparatus comprises at least two wafer support assemblies, defining respectively at least two wafer support levels and being mounted between opposing support beams; one or more supporting bases connected to or integral with each of the wafer support assemblies; and a motion unit coupled to the support beams.

Abstract: An obstacle detecting pig for preliminary inspection of a section of a pipeline travels through the section and determines if there are any restrictions that exceed industry guidelines or that might damage other pigs that require the full bore of the pipe. In a first embodiment, a disk-shaped segmented resilient member (14) is mounted in the body of the pig. Its outside diameter is smaller by a spacing (21) than the inside diameter of the pipeline (15). The spacing is set at the maximum tolerable size of the obstacle encountered. The deformation of the member (14) is transmitted by a linkage (22) to a slider (16) activating a switch system signaling that an obstacle has been encountered. A non-resiliently deformable checkup disk (19) may be provided at the rear end of the pig, to double check that a no-signal passage through the pipe is not due to failure of the switching system.

Abstract: A scanner assembly for dovetail inspection of the wheels of a turbine rotor includes a series of circumferentially pivotally connected links: a motor link, transmission links, an encoder link, an adjustable link, free links and a base link mounting a transducer. The motor link mounts a motor for driving rollers on the transmission links and rotating the scanner assembly about the rotor shaft. The encoder link mounts an encoder for determining the circumferential position of the transducer about the shaft. The adjustable link enables the assembly to be tightened or loosened about the rotor shaft. The free links and base link complete the circular scanner assembly about the shaft. A single scan for a full 360° investigates the plurality of hooks on the side of the wheel opposite the transducer.

Abstract: A method for measuring microgalvanically produced components having a three-dimensional, depth-lithographically produced structure, which provides a single- or multilayer component which is constructed using galvanic metal deposition, the metal being deposited around a structure of photoresist defining the desired orifice contour of the component; in the process, a photoresist region, which selectively interrupts the structure of the component to be manufactured, being incorporated during the microgalvanic production; at least the interrupting photoresist region being dissolved out of the interrupted component; and a contactless measuring of the orifice structure of the interrupted component being undertaken in the region of a previously existing resist edge of the photoresist region using a measuring device.

Abstract: A spectacle frame shape measuring apparatus includes a measurement element holding mechanism. The measurement element holding mechanism holds a measurement element in a substantially loadless state along a frame groove formed in the inner circumferential surface of a rim of a spectacle frame. The measurement element holding mechanism includes a rod, balance spring, and evacuating mechanism. The rod is vertically movable and has an upper end portion on which the measurement element is mounted. The balance spring pushes the rod upward to hold the measurement element at a loading position during shape measurement. The evacuating mechanism regularly evacuates the measurement element to an evacuation position, thereby performing three-dimensional measurement of a rim shape. A spectacle frame shape measuring apparatus holder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank and a method of fabricating and testing the liquid storage tank. The tank is collapsible for ease of transportation when not holding a liquid and includes a base portion and a top portion. The base portion has a bottom wall and a frusto-conical sidewall that is sealed to the bottom wall. The top portion is sealed to the sidewall, and has a flexible opening. The opening is linear in the preferred embodiment and is openable to draw liquid from the tank and closable to prevent contaminants from entering the tank. The bottom wall is substantially circular and the top portion includes two substantially semi-circular sections joined and overlapped along the straight edges to form an overlapped region. The sidewall includes generally triangular-shaped sections, and the sections are joined to one another with seams that extend in a slightly helical fashion about the tank. The opening includes a slit in the overlapped region and two L-shaped members.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pumping skid that may comprise a skid structure, a high volume pump, a battery of high-pressure pumps, a chemical water treating tank, a docking plate and a bouyancy compensator. More specifically, the skid is carried by a subsea vechicle (hereinafter “SV”) that provides the power to the pumps located on the skid to inject water/chemical, pressurize the water, dewater, and dry, the pipeline. The present invention may be part of the commissioning of a new or old pipeline or a new portion of a pipeline in which a purging of the line with a compressed gas and drying of the line is required. After commissioning, product flows through the pipeline.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and article of manufacture for detecting a physical condition in a pipeline. In one aspect, there is provided a method of detecting a physical condition in a pipeline by obtaining vibration data from the pipeline which is representative of the physical condition. In one embodiment, physical condition is any corrosion in the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the measurement of force variation in a tire (20) being tested on a tire uniformity machine. The apparatus includes a loadwheel assembly (500) including a rotatable loadwheel (510) connected to load sensors (530, 540) for detecting forces imposed on the loadwheel (510) by a tire (20) being tested. Vibration sensors (700, 702, 704) are associated with the loadwheel assembly (500) for detecting vibrations in the loadwheel (510) caused by forces other than the forces applied by the tire (20). Means is provided for subtracting the vibration induced forces from the tire (20) imposed forces in order to provide more precise tire uniformity data. The vibration sensors (700, 702, 704) which comprise accelerometers are used to determine vibration induced forces in the lateral and radial direction with respect to the loadwheel (510).

Abstract: A method for inspecting a component. The method includes coupling the component to a fixture such that the component is fixedly secured in position during machining of the component, and inspecting the component using an inspection tool while the component is coupled to the fixture.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus which enables the speed-up and high efficiency of an inspection as well as the flexibility to the modification of an assembly line. The present invention provides an inspection apparatus, which is directly connected to an assembly line and employed for inspections of a work (magnetic tape cartridge) after assembly, including: an arrival platform to which the work after assembly is carried in; an inspection table on which the work is inspected; a departure platform from which the work after inspection is carried out; a robot for moving the work which has completed inspections on the inspection table to the departure platform as well as moving the work carried in to the arrival platform to the inspection table; and a fixture for fixing the work moved to the inspection table while inspecting the work, wherein a plurality of inspections are performed in parallel while the work is fixed on the inspection table.

Abstract: A non-destructive plastic butt weld inspection method in which the weld bead 42 is removed from an exterior surface of a weld zone region 44 of a butt weld and the weld zone region 44 is heated to a temperature sufficient to visualize the weld zone 44. After heating, defective joints are readily identified by the appearance of a bond line 40 in the weld zone 44 while satisfactory joints merely show the weld zone 44 with no evidence of a bond line 40. Surface irregularities such as ridges 46 and indentations 48 may also form in the weld zone during the heating step.

Abstract: A sphere or pig detection switch assembly adapted for being mounted on a pipe through which the sphere or pig will run. The assembly includes an elongated, hollow main body portion presenting an elongated chamber therein. The body portion defines a detection zone positioned alongside the chamber and includes mounting structure for a detection element including a detection surface to be mounted adjacent said zone. The assembly also includes an elongated probe shaft disposed mainly within the chamber. The probe shaft includes a centrally disposed activation portion and is longitudinally moveable within the chamber from a first position with the activation portion spaced from the zone to a second position with the activation portion at the zone.

Abstract: A polyhedron inspection apparatus 10 includes a polyhedron inspection feeder 12 having a passage forming member 22 for inspecting a surface of cubic chip W. The polyhedron inspection feeder 12 is formed with a V-letter groove, and includes two rotating feed sections 25A and 25B arranged on the midway of the passage forming member 22. The rotating feed sections 25A and 25B are individually formed with grooves having V-letter type, U-letter type and V-letter type sectional shapes in succession. The passage forming member 22 is provided with a shooter 18 for moving the chip W one by one in a state of being estranged from each other, and further, is provided with cameras 13A to 13D for inspecting the surface of the chip W, and retrieve element 30 for retrieving the chip W in accordance with the inspection result.

Abstract: A processing system includes a plurality of chamber walls that define a sealed environment. A sensor is positioned in the sealed environment. In one embodiment, a power source, such as a photoelectric cell, is positioned within the environment. In another embodiment, a wireless transmission device is positioned within the sealed environment. Methods for monitoring the conditions within the sealed environment are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus rotates a sample to facilitate an accurate analysis of the sample. The apparatus includes a sample stage on which a plurality of samples are supported, a rotatable cap and a linearly movable plate for placing a selected one of the samples at an analysis position, and a rotating stage that supports the sample stage, rotatable cap and movable plate. The rotating stage is rotatable about an axis of rotation that intersects the analysis position. Once the selected sample is placed at the analysis position by the rotation of the cap and the linear movement of the plate, the selected sample is rotated by the rotating stage. The analysis process can be selectively or sequentially carried out with respect to the plurality of samples with a high degree of efficiency and without the associated drive mechanisms experiencing high loads.

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 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 method and apparatus are provided for installing tire pressure monitor sensors onto wheels and for assembling tires onto wheels having tire pressure monitor sensors. The method includes orienting a wheel to place a tire pressure monitor sensor in a predetermined location using an automated orientation system in order to prevent damage to the tire pressure monitor sensor during assembly of a tire onto the wheel. The orientation of the wheel is detected using signals emitted from the tire pressure monitor sensor in order to ensure that the tire pressure monitor sensor is in its proper predetermined location prior to assembling the tire onto the wheel. After the tire is assembled onto the wheel and is inflated, a signal from the tire pressure monitor sensor is then read in order to determine if the tire pressure monitor sensor is functioning and if the tire is properly inflated.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring the carbon content of fly ash consisting of a modified coaxial resonator including an elongated arch-shaped member and an elongated conductor mounted coaxially therein and a generator for generating vibrations of variable frequency therebetween and a device for measuring attenuations in the vibrations for deriving a measure of the carbon content of ash moving between the arch-shaped member and the elongated member.

Abstract: A method of replacing an existing underground pipe, especially a sanitary sewer line, uses a boring machine that advances a drill string of hollow rods through the existing pipe.

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 mechanical inspection sled which can be pushed through a pipeline using a series of connecting rigid rods. Mechanical measuring devices are mounted on the sled. These devices deflect when the pipe's internal diameter decreases. The deflection is visually observable by the user through a series of reflective indicators. The measuring devices are sufficiently pliable to allow the sled to pass beyond distorted areas and complete a full inspection of the pipeline. The measurement devices are adjustable to allow the sled to be used in many different pipe sizes. Because the device is purely mechanical, it is quite rugged and able to withstand harsh environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for transporting and inspecting semiconductor substrates (6), having at least three workstations (8, 10, 12), a changer (14), which has at least three arms (14a, 14b, 14c) which are designed to load the individual workstations (8, 10, 12) with semiconductor substrates (6). A measuring device (15) is assigned to the second workstation (10), determines the deviation of the current position of the semiconductor substrate (6) and makes it available to the arrangement (3) for the further inspection of the semiconductor substrate (6). In addition, the changer (14) is not equipped with means for exact positioning of the semiconductor substrates (6) in the workstations (8, 10, 12).

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 plurality of wheels inclined at an angle greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, a plurality of wheels aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and a power system for causing relative rotation of the sections bearing the pitched and non-pitched wheels. The robot may include internal fluid flow passages, notched wheels, multiple retractable wheels, and is configured so as to have an operating diameter less than six and preferably less than two inches.

Abstract: The invention is a device for inspecting an assembly including a surface coating containing magnetic radar-absorbing materials on a conductive surface. In detail, the device includes a first system for transmitting an electromagnetic signal to the assembly, which includes a first waveguide made of a conductive material coupled in series to a second waveguide made of a dielectric material. A second system is provided for receiving the portion of the electromagnetic signal reflected from the assembly, which includes a third waveguide made of a conductive material coupled in series to a fourth waveguide made of a dielectric material. Thus the electromagnetic signal is transmitted from the first waveguide to the second waveguide on to the assembly and the portion of the electromagnetic signal reflected off the assembly is received by the fourth-waveguide and transmitted to the third, waveguide.

Abstract: In order to improve a monitoring device for checking for a predefined position of a body or for checking for the presence of a body, comprising a pivotal checking element, a motor for driving the checking element and a control device for controlling the pivotal movement of the checking element, in such a manner that it is universally employable and, in particular, the exertion of too high a force on a body is prevented, it is proposed that the checking element be adapted to be pivoted commencing from a starting position through a transition region into a monitoring region in which the predefined position of the body lies or in which the presence of a body should be monitored, and that the control device limit the torque of the checking element in such a manner that the maximum possible torque in the monitoring region is reduced relative to that in the transition region.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an apparatus and method for inspecting a film carrier tape for mounting electronic component, in which film carrier tapes for mounting electronic component provided with a plurality of electronic component mounting portions in multiple stripes in a transverse direction are exactly used and, which can be inspected at a time, so that an inspection efficiency can be enhanced very greatly, and furthermore, the film carrier tapes for mounting electronic component are separated into individual stripes after the inspection and can be taken upon individual reels without a winding shift.

Abstract: An improved testing system for a manufactured rotary metal product having upper and lower surfaces. The testing system includes a gage frame with a fixed lower portion and a vertically movable gaging probe carrier in alignment with the lower portion configured for vertical movement between open and closed configurations to permit the loading and unloading of a product in the testing system. A shaft is provided for supporting the manufactured rotary metal product rotationally about a fixed axis within the gage frame, and at least one set of detectors is provided on each of the upper and lower gage frame portions to produce signals representative of the presence of predetermined characteristics on the upper and lower surfaces of the manufactured rotary metal product as the product is rotated.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electronic component sucking device and an electronic component testing apparatus using the same, the sucking device comprising a suction head having at its extremity an opening arranged to suck an electronic component when a negative pressure is applied thereto; a hold-down center rod having an aperture, a conduit through which passes a gas supplied or discharged through the opening of the suction head, and a hold-down portion at its extremity adapted to be inserted into the interior of the suction head; a coil spring for imparting a biasing force to the suction head and the hold-down center rod; and a link lever interposed between the suction head and the hold-down center rod; wherein when the hold-down center rod is subjected to a force pressing down against the biasing force of the coil spring, the link lever pushes the suction head upward so that the hold-down portion of the hold-down center rod protrudes from the suction head.

Abstract: A test printing portion with a pattern dimension smaller than a minimum printing pattern dimension is formed on a substrate, and a printing state of this test printing portion is inspected after printing. Based on inspection results of the test printing portion, acceptability of the printing state of the entire substrate is judged. The test printing portion is created on a periphery of the substrate outside the printing pattern area or an unprinted space inside the printing pattern area. A detection device detects the test printing portion, and inspects its printing state. Based on the inspection results, the acceptability of the printing state of the entire substrate is judged. This enables the printing state to be easily inspected at low cost while securing a necessary decree of accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for measuring the physical strength and ability of a solid sample, to resist breakdown into fines after repeated cycles of hydration and regeneration of temperatures in excess of 100° C. The test samples are evaluated using an accelerated degradation apparatus that subjects the sample to a predetermined number of timed cycles of wetting/drying under heat and vacuum, and the weight-percent of any fines produced by the degradation of the sample are measured and recorded after a prescribed number of cycles. Specific values are used for predicting potential useful service life, in years of samples from different commercial manufacturers of the same class of product; the resulting data can be used by manufacturers for more effective quality control of production batches.

Abstract: A comprehensive system for the cleaning, inspection, and testing of tubulars, particularly riser pipes, is provided. In a first aspect, a method of inspecting a tubular comprises cleaning, visually inspecting, corrosion mapping, and TOM testing the tubular. In another aspect, a specially designed or adapted tool is provided for each of the steps of the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for transporting and inspecting semiconductor substrates (6), having at least three workstations (8, 10, 12), a changer (14), which has at least three arms (14a, 14b, 14c) which are designed to load the individual workstations (8, 10, 12) with semiconductor substrates (6). A measuring device (15) is assigned to the second workstation (10), determines the deviation of the current position of the semiconductor substrate (6) and makes it available to the arrangement (3) for the further inspection of the semiconductor substrate (6). In addition, the changer (14) is not equipped with means for exact positioning of the semiconductor substrates (6) in the workstations (8, 10, 12).

Abstract: A pipeline surveying system including a pipeline pig can accurately provide a pipeline profile after correlation with a previously determined GPS survey. An inertial measurement unit located in the pig determines a pipeline profile as it travels through the pipeline and correlates the measured profile with the GPS survey.

Abstract: An obstacle detecting pig for preliminary inspection of a section of a pipeline travels through the section and determines if there are any restrictions that exceed industry guidelines or that might damage other pigs that require the full bore of the pipe. In a first embodiment, a disk-shaped segmented resilient member (14) is mounted in the body of the pig. Its outside diameter is smaller by a spacing (21) than the inside diameter of the pipeline (15). The spacing is set at the maximum tolerable size of the obstacle encountered. The deformation of the member (14) is transmitted by a linkage (22) to a slider (16) activating a switch system signaling that an obstacle has been encountered. A non-resiliently deformable checkup disk (19) may be provided at the rear end of the pig, to double check that a no-signal passage through the pipe is not due to failure of the switching system.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth. The depth is recorded as a second measurement value. The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: In a lubricant application system, a prescribed volume of lubricant is transferred from a lubricant discharge port (8) of a prescribed liquid volume discharge device to a rolling element (703) of a rolling bearing (700) in a state in which the lubricant discharge port (8) is positioned directly above and sufficiently close to the rolling element (703), whereby the lubricant is applied to the interior of the rolling bearing (700). Further, the application system inspects whether or not a prescribed volume of lubricant is injected from the discharge device for injecting a lubricant into the interior of a rolling bearing (700).

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: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing a leakage detecting method for use in an oxidizing system of forming an oxide layer so as to shorten leakage detecting time period. In one embodiment, a leakage detecting method for use in an oxidizing system of forming an oxide layer comprises performing oxidizing processes on a plurality of test wafers in a plurality of test runs under a specified operating condition in an oxidizing system having an oxidizing chamber to form oxide layers on the test wafers having a plurality of oxide thicknesses for the plurality of test runs by flowing an oxidizing gas through the oxidizing chamber containing the test wafers. An oxygen concentration of the oxidizing gas exiting the oxidizing chamber is measured in each of the plurality of test runs.

Abstract: A method for inspecting pipe, the method, in at least certain aspects, including detecting an inspection parameter in at least a first part of a pipe, the pipe having a length, a hollow body, an outer surface, and a generally circular pipe wall with an inner diameter and an outer diameter, locating at a first location the first part of the pipe with respect to the length of the pipe and with respect to the outer diameter of the pipe; and such a method for inspecting pipe which, in at least certain aspects, includes detecting at least a first part of a first imperfection of the pipe.

Abstract: In the present invention, a main chuck comprises a table for performing the delivery of a wafer W to and from a pincette and a plurality of lift pins for allowing the wafer W to rise from the surface of the table. At least one lift pin positioned on the side of the pincette is made longer and positioned higher than the other lift pins so as to permit the wafer W to be supported above the table in an inclined manner.

Abstract: A sample analyser for bulk materials such as sugar cane includes a shredding means which finelly divides the material and deposits a sample on an endless conveyor (2). The sample is compressed and its upper surface (30) is levelled, to ensure a fixed presentation height relative to the reading head of an analyser (48) such as an infrared spectrometer. A plate (20) may be used to control the presentation height of a moving sample. Alternatively, the sample may be deposited in compartments mounted on the conveyor, smoothed mechanically or manually, and then moved beneath the analyser (48). Each sample is placed on top of the remnant, if any, of a previous sample, thus preventing contamination of the upper surface (30) by the latter.

Abstract: In order to produce a monitoring device for checking for a predefined position of a body or for checking for the presence of a body, comprising a pivotal checking element, a motor for driving the checking element and a control device for controlling the pivotal movement of the checking element, wherein the pivotal movement is effected in a controlled manner, provision is made for the control device to specify the pivotal position of the checking element in dependence on the time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for inspecting a series of obstructed welds, such as those used in attaching the jet pump diffuser to a baffle plate using a jet pump adapter within a boiling water nuclear reactor (BWR). The apparatus comprises a support, a frame with holding mechanisms, a connector, a carrier and a sensor assembly and the method can comprise positioning the apparatus so that it partially surrounds the jet pump near the baffle plate attachment region and is temporarily held in place. The sensor assembly then positions a sensor adjacent an area of interest and the carrier is rotated along the frame to scan the sensor along the surface being inspected to acquire data regarding the quality or nature of the material, such as the quality of a weld.

Abstract: A guide for a video pipe inspection system that includes a camera head and a tubular coil spring having a central axis. A guide member with radially extending fins is configured to surround the tubular spring. At least one pin is removably engageable with the guide member and the tubular coil spring to retain the guide member in position with respect to the tubular coil spring. The straight segments of a pair of opposing U-shaped pins can be inserted into grooves in the guide member so that they extend between adjacent coils of the tubular coil spring. In alternate form, the guide member may include an inner capture ring assembly that receives the pins. An outer yoke assembly surrounds, and is freely rotatable about, the inner capture ring assembly and includes a pair of axles for rotatably supporting a pair of wheels that engage an interior wall of the pipe.

Abstract: With respect to production equipment for performing a plurality of production operations having different processing conditions in the same processing chamber, a contamination degree is determined previously, which is an index of how a product or the production equipment is contaminated in the production operations; a contamination degree of the product or the production equipment after processing the product in the production operations is set and recorded in a first storage apparatus; a plurality of products having the same contamination degree recorded in the first storage apparatus are grouped into one contamination group; the products are recorded in a second storage apparatus on the basis of the contamination group; and the execution of the processing in the production operations is designated on the basis of the contamination group recorded in the second storage apparatus.