Indoors positioning and navigation systems and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, a system for inspecting or maintaining a storage tank includes a vehicle having: at least one sensor for determining properties of a storage tank and a navigation system. The navigation system includes an acoustic transmitter carried by the vehicle and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor configured to at least partially determine a location of the vehicle with respect to the storage tank. The vehicle also includes a propulsion unit configured to move the vehicle within the storage tank, and an acoustic receiver fixed with respect to the storage tank. The vehicle moves inside the storage tank in concentric arcs with respect to the acoustic receiver.
Operating parameters are selected for inspecting a structure. Selecting the operating parameters includes exciting broadband ultrasonic guided waves in a multilayered structure, acquiring data corresponding to the sensed broadband ultrasonic guided waves in the multilayered structure, selecting one or more narrow frequency bands based on the acquired data, and inspecting the multilayered structure using ultrasonic guided waves in the one or more narrow frequency bands. In some examples, the data is acquired by an inspection tool capable of sensing the broadband ultrasonic guided waves in the multilayered structure.
Systems and methods for detecting corrosion in pipes are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting corrosion in an object includes an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) having a ferromagnetic core and a plurality of permanent magnets arranged peripherally around the ferromagnetic core. The permanent magnets are arranged to produce a magnetic field through the ferromagnetic core. The apparatus also includes a coil between the ferromagnetic core and the object.
Systems and methods for printed multifunctional skin are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a smart device includes providing a structure, placing a sensor over an outer surface of the structure, and placing conductive traces over the outer surface of the structure. The conductive traces electrically connect the sensor to electronics.
B29C 67/00 - Shaping techniques not covered by groups , or
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
B29C 64/112 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using individual droplets, e.g. from jetting heads
B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
B64D 45/00 - Aircraft indicators or protectors not otherwise provided for
G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
G01L 1/22 - Measuring force or stress, in general by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress using resistance strain gauges
B29C 70/88 - Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts characterised primarily by possessing specific properties, e.g. electrically conductive or locally reinforced
B64C 3/26 - Construction, shape, or attachment of separate skins, e.g. panels
G01K 1/14 - Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations
Indoors positioning and navigation systems and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, a system for inspecting or maintaining a storage tank includes a vehicle having: at least one sensor for determining properties of a storage tank and a navigation system. The navigation system includes an acoustic transmitter carried by the vehicle and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor configured to at least partially determine a location of the vehicle with respect to the storage tank. The vehicle also includes a propulsion unit configured to move the vehicle within the storage tank, and an acoustic receiver fixed with respect to the storage tank. The vehicle moves inside the storage tank in concentric arcs with respect to the acoustic receiver.
Indoors positioning and navigation systems and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, a system for inspecting or maintaining a storage tank includes a vehicle having: at least one sensor for determining properties of a storage tank and a navigation system. The navigation system includes an acoustic transmitter carried by the vehicle and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor configured to at least partially determine a location of the vehicle with respect to the storage tank. The vehicle also includes a propulsion unit configured to move the vehicle within the storage tank, and an acoustic receiver fixed with respect to the storage tank. The vehicle moves inside the storage tank in concentric arcs with respect to the acoustic receiver.
Indoors positioning and navigation systems and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, a system for inspecting or maintaining a storage tank includes a vehicle having: at least one sensor for determining properties of a storage tank and a navigation system. The navigation system includes an acoustic transmitter carried by the vehicle and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor configured to at least partially determine a location of the vehicle with respect to the storage tank. The vehicle also includes a propulsion unit configured to move the vehicle within the storage tank, and an acoustic receiver fixed with respect to the storage tank. The vehicle moves inside the storage tank in concentric arcs with respect to the acoustic receiver.
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
G01S 15/02 - Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems using reflection of acoustic waves
8.
INDOORS POSITIONING AND NAVIGATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Indoors positioning and navigation systems and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, a system for inspecting or maintaining a storage tank includes a vehicle having: at least one sensor for determining properties of a storage tank and a navigation system. The navigation system includes an acoustic transmitter carried by the vehicle and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor configured to at least partially determine a location of the vehicle with respect to the storage tank. The vehicle also includes a propulsion unit configured to move the vehicle within the storage tank, and an acoustic receiver fixed with respect to the storage tank. The vehicle moves inside the storage tank in concentric arcs with respect to the acoustic receiver.
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
G01M 3/04 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
G01S 15/02 - Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems using reflection of acoustic waves
9.
Corrosion rate monitoring using ultrasound, and associated systems and methods
Systems and methods for determining rate of corrosion in pipes and other structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for measuring a rate of corrosion progress in a specimen includes: generating a first initial pulse into the specimen by an ultrasonic transducer, and acquiring a first reflected waveform from the specimen. The first reflected waveform includes a first reflection of the first waveform and a second reflection of the first waveform. The method also includes generating a second initial pulse into the specimen by the ultrasonic transducer. The first initial pulse and the second initial pulse are separated by a time period. The method also includes acquiring a second reflected waveform from the specimen. The second reflected waveform includes a first reflection of the second waveform and a second reflection of the second waveform.
Systems and methods for printed multifunctional skins are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an aerodynamic apparatus includes an aerodynamic structure having a first surface exposed to an outside environment, and a second surface exposed to an inside environment. A printed sensor is carried by the first surface of the aerodynamic structure, electronic components are carried by the second surface of the aerodynamic structure, and at least one printed conductive trace is carried by the first surface and the second surface. The printed conductive trace electrically connects the printed sensor with the electronics.
B29C 67/00 - Shaping techniques not covered by groups , or
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
Systems and methods for detecting corrosion in pipes are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting corrosion in an object includes an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) having a ferromagnetic core and a plurality of permanent magnets arranged peripherally around the ferromagnetic core. The permanent magnets are arranged to produce a magnetic field through the ferromagnetic core. The apparatus also includes a coil between the ferromagnetic core and the object.
Growth of single crystal epitaxial films of the perovskite crystal structure by liquid- or vapor-phase means can be accomplished by providing single-crystal perovskite substrate materials of improved lattice parameter match in the lattice parameter range of interest. Current substrates do not provide as good a lattice match, have inferior properties, or are of limited size and availability because cost of materials and difficulty of growth. This problem is solved by the single-crystal perovskite solid solutions described herein grown from mixtures with an indifferent melting point that occurs at a congruently melting composition at a temperature minimum in the melting curve in the pseudo-binary molar phase diagram. Accordingly, single-crystal perovskite solid solutions, structures, and devices including single-crystal perovskite solid solutions, and methods of making single-crystal perovskite solid solutions are described herein.
C30B 11/14 - Single-crystal-growth by normal freezing or freezing under temperature gradient, e.g. Bridgman- Stockbarger method characterised by the seed, e.g. its crystallographic orientation
C30B 15/36 - Single-crystal growth by pulling from a melt, e.g. Czochralski method characterised by the seed, e.g. its crystallographic orientation
C30B 19/12 - Liquid-phase epitaxial-layer growth characterised by the substrate
C30B 25/06 - Epitaxial-layer growth by reactive sputtering
13.
Printed multifunctional skin for aerodynamic structures, and associated systems and methods
Systems and methods for printed multifunctional skin are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a smart device includes providing a structure, placing a sensor over an outer surface of the structure, and placing conductive traces over the outer surface of the structure. The conductive traces electrically connect the sensor to electronics.
H05K 3/12 - Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which conductive material is applied to the insulating support in such a manner as to form the desired conductive pattern using printing techniques to apply the conductive material
B64D 45/00 - Aircraft indicators or protectors not otherwise provided for
G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
G01L 1/22 - Measuring force or stress, in general by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress using resistance strain gauges
B29C 70/88 - Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts characterised primarily by possessing specific properties, e.g. electrically conductive or locally reinforced
B64C 3/26 - Construction, shape, or attachment of separate skins, e.g. panels
G01K 1/14 - Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations
B29C 64/112 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using individual droplets, e.g. from jetting heads
Systems and methods for determining rate of corrosion in pipes and other structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for measuring a rate of corrosion progress in a specimen includes: generating a first initial pulse into the specimen by an ultrasonic transducer, and acquiring a first reflected waveform from the specimen. The first reflected waveform includes a first reflection of the first waveform and a second reflection of the first waveform. The method also includes generating a second initial pulse into the specimen by the ultrasonic transducer. The first initial pulse and the second initial pulse are separated by a time period. The method also includes acquiring a second reflected waveform from the specimen. The second reflected waveform includes a first reflection of the second waveform and a second reflection of the second waveform. In some embodiments, the rate of corrosion is determined by: aligning the first reflection of the first waveform and the first reflection of the second waveform, determining a time difference between the second reflection of the first waveform and the second reflection of the second waveform, and based on the time difference, determining the rate of corrosion progress using a speed of ultrasound through the specimen.
Systems and methods for inspection of pipelines are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) transceiver (TRX) for inspecting a pipe includes a multichannel EMAT transmitter (TX) having multiple collocated transmitter coils. The EMAT TX can generate forward-propagating ultrasound waves and backward-propagating ultrasound waves. The forward-propagating ultrasound waves have higher amplitude than the backward-propagating ultrasound waves. The EMAT TRX also includes a multichannel EMAT receiver (RX) having multiple receiver coils that can receive the ultrasound waves transmitted by the EMAT TX through the pipe.
Growth of single crystal epitaxial films of the perovskite crystal structure by liquid- or vapor-phase means can be accomplished by providing single-crystal perovskite substrate materials of improved lattice parameter match in the lattice parameter range of interest. Current substrates do not provide as good a lattice match, have inferior properties, or are of limited size and availability because cost of materials and difficulty of growth. This problem is solved by the single-crystal perovskite solid solutions described herein grown from mixtures with an indifferent melting point that occurs at a congruently melting composition at a temperature minimum in the melting curve in the pseudo-binary molar phase diagram. Accordingly, single-crystal perovskite solid solutions, structures, and devices including single-crystal perovskite solid solutions, and methods of making single-crystal perovskite solid solutions are described herein.
C30B 11/14 - Single-crystal-growth by normal freezing or freezing under temperature gradient, e.g. Bridgman- Stockbarger method characterised by the seed, e.g. its crystallographic orientation
C30B 15/36 - Single-crystal growth by pulling from a melt, e.g. Czochralski method characterised by the seed, e.g. its crystallographic orientation
C30B 19/12 - Liquid-phase epitaxial-layer growth characterised by the substrate
C30B 25/06 - Epitaxial-layer growth by reactive sputtering
17.
ELECTROMAGNETIC ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER (EMAT) FOR CORROSION MAPPING
Systems and methods for detecting corrosion in pipes are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting corrosion in an object includes an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) having a ferromagnetic core and a plurality of permanent magnets arranged peripherally around the ferromagnetic core. The permanent magnets are arranged to produce a magnetic field through the ferromagnetic core. The apparatus also includes a coil between the ferromagnetic core and the object.
G01N 29/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object - Details
Systems and methods for detecting corrosion in pipes are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting corrosion in an object includes an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) having a ferromagnetic core and a plurality of permanent magnets arranged peripherally around the ferromagnetic core. The permanent magnets are arranged to produce a magnetic field through the ferromagnetic core. The apparatus also includes a coil between the ferromagnetic core and the object.
G01N 29/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object - Details
Systems and methods for specimen inspection using ultrasonic wave generation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for inspecting a solid object using ultrasound includes: a pulser having pulser ports for outputting electrical signals. The apparatus also includes a switching array for receiving the signals from the pulser ports as individual channels, and routing the signals to individual elements of a transmitter array. The apparatus also includes the transmitter array, where each element of the transmitter array generates ultrasound in the solid object in response to the signal received from the switching array.
Growth of single crystal epitaxial films of the perovskite crystal structure by liquid- or vapor-phase means can be accomplished by providing single-crystal perovskite substrate materials of improved lattice parameter match in the lattice parameter range of interest. Current substrates do not provide as good a lattice match, have inferior properties, or are of limited size and availability because cost of materials and difficulty of growth. This problem is solved by the single-crystal perovskite solid solutions described herein grown from mixtures with an indifferent melting point that occurs at a congruently melting composition at a temperature minimum in the melting curve in the pseudo-binary molar phase diagram. Accordingly, single-crystal perovskite solid solutions, structures, and devices including single-crystal perovskite solid solutions, and methods of making single-crystal perovskite solid solutions are described herein.
Operating parameters are selected for inspecting a structure. Selecting the operating parameters includes exciting broadband ultrasonic guided waves in a multilayered structure, acquiring data corresponding to the sensed broadband ultrasonic guided waves in the multilayered structure, selecting one or more narrow frequency bands based on the acquired data, and inspecting the multilayered structure using ultrasonic guided waves in the one or more narrow frequency bands. In some examples, the data is acquired by an inspection tool capable of sensing the broadband ultrasonic guided waves in the multilayered structure.
Systems and method for active control of stationary vortices for aerodynamic structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for active control of vortices over a solid surface includes: generating vortices proximate to the solid surface; sensing locations of vortices by printed skin sensors; and maintaining the vortices in their fixed spanwise positions with respect to the solid surface by actuation of printed skin actuators.
Systems and methods for non-destructive testing of specimens are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) includes an electro-permanent magnet (EPM) configured to controllably apply a biasing magnetic flux to a target location. The EPM includes a hard magnet, and a soft magnet at least partially enclosing the hard magnet. The EPM also includes a magnetizing coil having a plurality of turns at least partially encircling the soft magnet. The magnetizing coil is configured to controllably magnetically bias the soft magnet when a current is applied to the magnetizing coil.
Systems and methods for inspection of pipelines are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) transceiver (TRX) for inspecting a pipe includes a multichannel EMAT transmitter (TX) having multiple collocated transmitter coils. The EMAT TX can generate forward-propagating ultrasound waves and backward-propagating ultrasound waves. The forward-propagating ultrasound waves have higher amplitude than the backward-propagating ultrasound waves. The EMAT TRX also includes a multichannel EMAT receiver (RX) having multiple receiver coils that can receive the ultrasound waves transmitted by the EMAT TX through the pipe.
Systems and methods for inspection of pipelines are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) transceiver (TRX) for inspecting a pipe includes a multichannel EMAT transmitter (TX) having multiple collocated transmitter coils. The EMAT TX can generate forward-propagating ultrasound waves and backward-propagating ultrasound waves. The forward-propagating ultrasound waves have higher amplitude than the backward-propagating ultrasound waves. The EMAT TRX also includes a multichannel EMAT receiver (RX) having multiple receiver coils that can receive the ultrasound waves transmitted by the EMAT TX through the pipe.
Systems and methods for detecting corrosion under insulation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting corrosion in an object includes an electrically conductive excitation unit disposed around the object, and a source of electrical power connected to the excitation unit. The source of electrical power causes an alternating current in the excitation unit. The apparatus also includes a carrier that carries the excitation unit, and a magnetic sensor unit that is carried by the carrier or by the excitation unit. The sensor detects changes in magnetic flux.
G01N 27/90 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables for investigating the presence of flaws using eddy currents
F16L 11/127 - Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with arrangements for particular purposes, e.g. specially profiled, with protecting layer, heated, electrically conducting electrically conducting
F16L 55/07 - Arrangement or mounting of devices, e.g. valves, for venting or aerating or draining
F16L 57/02 - Protection of pipes or objects of similar shape against external or internal damage or wear against cracking or buckling
G01B 7/24 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge using change in magnetic properties
An apparatus configured to measure at least one physical characteristic of a threaded surface (e.g., an internally threaded surface) of an object is provided. The apparatus uses optical triangulation to perform non-contact characterization of the threaded surface. The apparatus can be used to characterize various aspects of the threaded surface, including generating the measurements required to produce a longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the threaded surface.
A method of inspecting a pipe for flaws includes emitting ultrasonic waves, controlling the emission of the ultrasonic waves, receiving reflections of the ultrasonic waves, and determining at least one characteristic of one or more flaws. The ultrasonic waves are emitted in a helical pattern through the pipe from an array of ultrasonic transducer elements. The emission of the ultrasonic waves from the array is controlled such that the ultrasonic waves are emitted at a plurality of helical angles within a range of helical angles. The reflections of the ultrasonic waves are caused by impingement of the ultrasonic waves on the one or more flaws. The at least one characteristic of the one or more flaws is determined based on the received reflections of the ultrasonic waves.
Systems and methods for printed multifunctional skin are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a smart device includes providing a structure, placing a sensor over an outer surface of the structure, and placing conductive traces over the outer surface of the structure. The conductive traces electrically connect the sensor to electronics.
B29C 67/00 - Shaping techniques not covered by groups , or
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
B64D 45/00 - Aircraft indicators or protectors not otherwise provided for
G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
G01L 1/22 - Measuring force or stress, in general by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress using resistance strain gauges
B29C 70/88 - Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts characterised primarily by possessing specific properties, e.g. electrically conductive or locally reinforced
B64C 3/26 - Construction, shape, or attachment of separate skins, e.g. panels
G01K 1/14 - Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations
B29C 64/112 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using individual droplets, e.g. from jetting heads
B29L 31/34 - Electrical apparatus, e.g. sparking plugs or parts thereof
Operating parameters are selected for inspecting a structure. Selecting the operating parameters includes exciting broadband ultrasonic guided waves in a multilayered structure, acquiring data corresponding to the sensed broadband ultrasonic guided waves in the multilayered structure, selecting one or more narrow frequency bands based on the acquired data, and inspecting the multilayered structure using ultrasonic guided waves in the one or more narrow frequency bands. In some examples, the data is acquired by an inspection tool capable of sensing the broadband ultrasonic guided waves in the multilayered structure.
An apparatus configured to measure at least one physical characteristic of a threaded surface (e.g., an internally threaded surface) of an object is provided. The apparatus uses optical triangulation to perform non-contact characterization of the threaded surface. The apparatus can be used to characterize various aspects of the threaded surface, including generating the measurements required to produce a longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the threaded surface.
Growth of single crystals of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and other perovskites is accomplished by liquid phase epitaxy onto a substrate of suitable structural and lattice parameter match. A solvent and specific growth conditions for stable growth are required to achieve the desired proportions of Zr and Ti.
A system includes a substrate having a surface and a circuit with a plurality of conductive paths disposed adjacent (e.g., directly on or separated by a thin layer). The circuit is configured to detect an interruption or alteration of conduction of one or more of the plurality of conductive paths due to a flaw in the substrate. The circuit is further configured to identify the interrupted or altered one or more of the plurality of conductive paths based on one or more electrical characteristics of the circuit.
G01B 7/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
An apparatus configured to measure at least one physical characteristic of an threaded surface (e.g., an internally threaded surface) of an object is provided. The apparatus uses optical triangulation to perform non-contact characterization of the threaded surface. The apparatus can be used to characterize various aspects of the threaded surface, including generating the measurements required to produce a longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the threaded surface.
An apparatus configured to measure at least one physical characteristic of a threaded surface (e.g., an internally threaded surface) of an object is provided. The apparatus uses optical triangulation to perform non-contact characterization of the threaded surface. The apparatus can be used to characterize various aspects of the threaded surface, including generating the measurements required to produce a longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the threaded surface.
In some embodiments, an inspection system for measuring at least a portion of the threaded surface of an internally threaded component includes at least one measuring probe, a component retention device that allows positioning of the internally threaded component relative to the measuring probe and a processing device in signal communication with the measuring probe to receive threaded surface data therefrom.
Nondestructive examination is performed on a composite aircraft component including a composite body and a conductive medium. The conductive medium is substantially more conductive than the composite body. The nondestructive examination includes applying an electromagnetic field that penetrates the composite body and heats the conductive medium, and creating a thermal image of the conductive medium to reveal conductivity information about the conductive medium.
