| Patent Number |
Title Of Patent |
Date Issued |
| RE39206 |
Absolute property measurement with air calibration |
July 25, 2006 |
| An instrument and method for providing accurate and reproducible measurement of absolute properties of a material under test without using conductivity or crack calibration standards. The instrument has a sensor designed to minimize unmodeled parasitic effects. To accomplish this, the |
| 7589526 |
Surface mounted sensor arrays having segmented primary windings |
September 15, 2009 |
| One of the issues with planar eddy-current sensors is the placement of the current return for the primary winding. Often the ends of the primary winding are spatially distant from one another, which creates an extraneous and large inductive loop that can influence the measurements. A |
| 7533575 |
Quasistatic magnetic and electric field stress/strain gages |
May 19, 2009 |
| Magnetic or electric field sensors are mounted against a material surface and used for stress, strain, and load monitoring of rotating components such as vehicle drive trains. The stationary sensors are mounted at multiple locations around the component and used assess the stress on the |
| 7528598 |
Fastener and fitting based sensing methods |
May 5, 2009 |
| Damage and usage conditions in the vicinity of fasteners in joined structures are nondestructively evaluated using the fasteners themselves. Sensors or sensor conductors are embedded in the fasteners or integrated within the fastener construct, either in the clearance gap between the |
| 7526964 |
Applied and residual stress measurements using magnetic field sensors |
May 5, 2009 |
| Methods are described for the use of conformable eddy-current sensors and sensor arrays for characterizing residual stresses and applied loads in materials. In addition, for magnetizable materials such as steels, these methods can be used to determine carbide content and to inspect for |
| 7518360 |
Hybrid wound/etched winding constructs for scanning and monitoring |
April 14, 2009 |
| Combined wound and micro-fabricated winding constructs are described for the inspection of materials and the detection and characterization of hidden features or flaws. These constructs can be configured as sensors or sensor arrays that are surface mounted or scanned over conducting |
| 7467057 |
Material property estimation using non-orthogonal responsive databases |
December 16, 2008 |
| Precomputed databases of sensor responses are used to convert measurement data into properties of interest, for example, conductivity or lift-off. These databases of responses may be generated prior to data acquisition and provide sensor response values that span appropriate ranges for t |
| 7451657 |
Material condition monitoring with multiple sensing modes |
November 18, 2008 |
| Methods are described for assessing material condition. These methods include the use of multiple source fields for interrogating and loading of a multicomponent test material. Source fields include electric, magnetic, thermal, and acoustic fields. The loading field preferentially ch |
| 7451639 |
Engine blade dovetail inspection |
November 18, 2008 |
| A set of curved components, such as the dovetail region of engine blades, are inspected by mounting each component into a circular carousel in a vertical orientation and rotating the carousel to move each component toward and away from an inspection site. The inspection site clamps a |
| 7411390 |
High resolution inductive sensor arrays for UXO |
August 12, 2008 |
| For the inspection of materials and the detection and characterization of hidden objects, features, or flaws sensors and sensor arrays are used to image form two-dimensional images suitable for characterizing the hidden features. Magnetic field or eddy current based inductive and giant |
| 7385392 |
Eddy current sensing arrays and system |
June 10, 2008 |
| An apparatus that measures electrical impedance. The apparatus includes a signal generator controlled by a master microcontroller, a plurality of data acquisition channels, each channel containing a microcontroller, a host computer that processes and stores measured values, and a com |
| 7348771 |
Method for verifying sensor condition |
March 25, 2008 |
| Sensor condition verification may be performed on electromagnetic sensors and sensor arrays mounted to a material surface. The sensors typically have a periodic winding or electrode structure that creates a periodic sensing field when driven by an electrical signal. The sensors can be |
| 7289913 |
Local feature characterization using quasistatic electromagnetic sensors |
October 30, 2007 |
| 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 generat |
| 7280940 |
Segmented field dielectric sensor array for material characterization |
October 9, 2007 |
| The condition of insulating and semiconducting dielectric materials is assessed by a sensor array that uses electric fields to interrogate the test material. The sensor has a linear array of parallel drive conductors interconnected to form a single drive electrode and sense conductors |
| 7230421 |
Damage standard fabrication with attached sensor |
June 12, 2007 |
| Reference standards or articles having prescribed levels of damage are fabricated by monitoring an electrical property of the article material, mechanically loading the article, and removing the load when a change in electrical properties indicates a prescribed level of damage. The e |
| 7188532 |
Self-monitoring metals, alloys and materials |
March 13, 2007 |
| Observability of damage precursor, damage and usage states, or event occurrence may be enhanced by modifying component materials to include self-monitoring materials or by processing test material to alter the surface properties. The properties of the self monitoring materials, such |
| 7183764 |
Method for inspecting a channel using a flexible sensor |
February 27, 2007 |
| Described are methods for pressurizing elastic support structures or balloons in sensor probes used for the inspection of components having areas of limited access. When inflated, the balloons press flexible sensors against the surface of the material under test. When deflated, the b |
| 7161351 |
Hidden feature characterization using a database of sensor responses |
January 9, 2007 |
| Quasistatic sensor responses may be converted into multiple model parameters to characterize hidden properties of a material. Methods of conversion use databases of responses and, in some cases, databases that include derivatives of the responses, to estimate at least three unknown m |
| 7161350 |
Method for material property monitoring with perforated, surface mounted sensors |
January 9, 2007 |
| Material condition monitoring may be performed by electromagnetic sensors and sensor arrays mounted to the material surface. The sensors typically have a periodic winding or electrode structure that creates a periodic sensing field when driven by an electrical signal. The sensors can be |
| 7106055 |
Fabrication of samples having predetermined material conditions |
September 12, 2006 |
| Fabrication of samples having material conditions or damage representative of actual components inspected by nondestructive testing involves sensors placed near or mounted on the material surface, such as flexible eddy current sensors or sensor arrays, to monitor the material condition w |
| 7095224 |
Process control and damage monitoring |
August 22, 2006 |
| A process control method is described which uses measurements from magnetic field sensors to monitor the condition of material, such as from a heat treatment process. The sensors can be single element sensors or sensor arrays, can be used to periodically inspect selected locations, m |
| 6995557 |
High resolution inductive sensor arrays for material and defect characterization of welds |
February 7, 2006 |
| A sensor that characterizes welds in materials. The sensor includes a meandering drive winding with at least three extended portions and at least one sensing element placed between an adjacent pair of extended portions. A time varying electric current is passed through the extended p |
| 6992482 |
Magnetic field sensor having a switchable drive current spatial distribution |
January 31, 2006 |
| Magnetic field sensor probes are disclosed which comprise primary or drive windings having a plurality of current carrying segments. The relative magnitude and direction of current in each segment are adjusted so that the resulting interrogating magnetic field follows a desired spatial |
| 6952095 |
Surface mounted and scanning spatially periodic eddy-current sensor arrays |
October 4, 2005 |
| Inductive sensors measure the near surface properties of conducting and magnetic material. A sensor may have primary windings with parallel extended winding segments to impose a spatially periodic magnetic field in a test material. Those extended portions may be formed by adjacent po |
| 6798198 |
Fluid supports for sensors |
September 28, 2004 |
| Pressurized elastic support structures or balloons are used to press flexible sensors against the surface a material under test. Rigid support elements can also be incorporated into the inspection devices to maintain the basic shape of the inspection structure and to facilitate positioni |
| 6784662 |
Eddy current sensor arrays having drive windings with extended portions |
August 31, 2004 |
| An apparatus for the nondestructive measurements of materials. Eddy current sensing arrays are described which provide a capability for high resolution imaging of test materials and also a high probabilitity of detection for defects. These arrays incorporate layouts for the sensing e |
| 6781387 |
Inspection method using penetrant and dielectrometer |
August 24, 2004 |
| Described is an inspection method for detecting defects in dielectic test materials using a penetrant material and a dielectric sensor. The penetrant material provides differing dielectric properties from test material and improves the dielectric contrast between defects substantiall |
| 6727691 |
High resolution inductive sensor arrays for material and defect characterization of welds |
April 27, 2004 |
| A sensor that characterizes welds in materials. The sensor includes a meandering drive winding with at least three extended portions and at least one sensing element placed between an adjacent pair of extended portions. A time varying electric current is passed through the extended p |
| 6657429 |
Material condition assessment with spatially periodic field sensors |
December 2, 2003 |
| Inductive sensors measure the near surface properties of conducting magnetic materials. The sensors generally include parallel winding segments to induce a spatially periodic magnetic field in a material under test. The sensors may provide a directionally dependent measure with measu |
| 6486673 |
Segmented field dielectrometer |
November 26, 2002 |
| A dielectrometer with a sensor face that carries an excitation electrode driven with a varying voltage. At least two sensing electrodes and a guard electrode are also carried by the sensor face. The sensing electrodes are adapted for single or multiple penetration depth measurements into |
| 6433542 |
Apparatus and method for obtaining increased sensitivity, selectivity and dynamic range in prope |
August 13, 2002 |
| Apparatus and methods are disclosed which provide increased sensitivity, selectivity and dynamic range for non-contact measurement of actual physical and/or kinematic properties of conducting and magnetic materials. The apparatus and methods are based upon various methods for increasing |
| 6420867 |
Method of detecting widespread fatigue and cracks in a metal structure |
July 16, 2002 |
| An apparatus and a method of detecting wide spread fatigue damage (WFD) on aircraft using the absolute conductivity of the metal. A meandering winding magnetometer (MWM) having a plurality of parallel spaced linear conductor elements are placed in proximity to the aircraft. An electr |
| 6380747 |
Methods for processing, optimization, calibration and display of measured dielectrometry signals |
April 30, 2002 |
| A method is disclosed for processing, optimization, calibration, and display of measured dielectrometry signals. A property estimator is coupled by way of instrumentation to an electrode structure and translates sensed electromagnetic responses into estimates of one or more preselected |
| 6377039 |
Method for characterizing coating and substrates |
April 23, 2002 |
| A system for characterizing coatings and substrates of a material under test. A sensor is positioned against a coated sample which is to be measured to obtain phase and magnitude measurements. Penetration depth of the magnetic waves of the sensor is a function of frequency. Measurements |
| 6351120 |
Test circuit on flexible membrane with adhesive |
February 26, 2002 |
| A meandering winding magnetometer (MWM) includes a meandering primary winding and at least one sensing winding or coil on a membrane to be pressed against a test surface. The membrane may be supported on a flexible carrier which is translatable into a probe. Abutments in the probe pr |
| 6252398 |
Apparatus and methods for obtaining increased sensitivity, selectivity and dynamic range in prop |
June 26, 2001 |
| Apparatus and methods are disclosed which provide increased sensitivity, selectivity and dynamic range for non-contact measurement of actual physical and/or kinematic properties of conducting and magnetic materials. The apparatus and methods are based upon various methods for increasing |
| 6198279 |
Test material analysis using offset scanning meandering windings |
March 6, 2001 |
| A meandering winding magnetometer (MWM) includes a meandering primary winding and at least one sensing winding or coil on a membrane to be pressed against a test surface. The membrane may be supported on a flexible carrier which is translatable into a probe. Abutments in the probe pr |
| 6188218 |
Absolute property measurement with air calibration |
February 13, 2001 |
| An instrument and method for providing accurate and reproducible measurement of absolute properties of a material under test without using conductivity or crack calibration standards. The instrument has a sensor designed to minimize unmodeled parasitic effects. To accomplish this, the |
| 6144206 |
Magnetometer with waveform shaping |
November 7, 2000 |
| A detection apparatus discriminates between metallic mines and other buried objects by detecting the depth of the object, the size, the shape and the orientation of the object and the electrical properties of the object. A magnetometer sensor detects objects containing metal located belo |
| 5990677 |
Apparatus and methods for obtaining increased sensitivity, selectivity and dynamic range in prop |
November 23, 1999 |
| Apparatus and methods are disclosed which provide increased sensitivity, selectivity and dynamic range for non-contact measurement of actual physical and/or kinematic properties of conducting and magnetic materials. The apparatus and methods are based upon various methods for increasing |
| 5966011 |
Apparatus for measuring bulk materials and surface conditions for flat and curved parts |
October 12, 1999 |
| A meandering winding magnetometer (MWM) includes a meandering primary winding and at least one sensing winding or coil on a membrane to be pressed against a test surface. The membrane may be supported on a flexible carrier which is translatable into a probe. Abutments in the probe pr |
| 5793206 |
Meandering winding test circuit |
August 11, 1998 |
| A meandering winding magnetometer (MWM) includes a meandering primary winding and at least one sensing winding or coil on a membrane to be pressed against a test surface. The membrane may be supported on a flexible carrier which is translatable into a probe. Abutments in the probe pr |
| 5629621 |
Apparatus and methods for obtaining increased sensitivity, selectivity and dynamic range in prop |
May 13, 1997 |
| Apparatus and methods are disclosed which provide increased sensitivity, selectivity and dynamic range for non-contact measurement of actual physical and/or kinematic properties of conducting and magnetic materials. The apparatus and methods are based upon various methods for increasing |
| 5453689 |
Magnetometer having periodic winding structure and material property estimator |
September 26, 1995 |
| Apparatus and methods are disclosed which provide increased sensitivity, selectivity and dynamic range for non-contact measurement of actual physical and/or kinematic properties of conducting and magnetic materials. The apparatus and methods are based upon various methods for increasing |
