A system comprising a computer readable storage device readable by the system, tangibly embodying a program having a set of instructions executable by the system to perform the following steps for indication confirmation for detecting a sub-surface defect, the set of instructions comprising: an instruction to initialize a transducer starting location and a transducer orientation responsive to a prior determination of a potential flaw location; an instruction to optimize an observation point of the transducer responsive to the transducer starting location and the transducer orientation responsive to a flaw response model; an instruction to move the transducer to the observation point location and orientation; an instruction to collect the scan data at the observation point location and orientation; and an instruction to analyze the scan data to extract a measure of the flaw response model; and an instruction to update the flaw response model.

Multi-centric radius focusing is used to inspect a radiused surface of a radiused part having a varying radius without mechanically adjusting the array sensor. A plurality of focal laws are designed to electronically steer and focus ultrasound at respective focal points corresponding to centers of curvature of a simulated radiused surface having a varying radius. The mechanical probe that carries the array sensor is located to two physical places that are outside of the radiused area and have a spatial relationship that varies less than the radius of the radiused surface varies. As the probe is moved along the radiused part, the probe maintains the array sensor at a constant location relative to the radiused part. As the array sensor scans the radiused part, the array sensor is electronically adjusted to focus at the respective focal points in sequence.

An ultrasonic-based welder qualification system is disclosed. The ultrasonic-based welder qualification system provides an inclusive inspection cabinet for welder qualification coupons with a development path for machine learning assisted analysis according to relevant codes/standards. Advanced Ultrasonic do not require permitting and the close loop system will provide pre-programmed procedures for auto-examination capabilities. The system can include a roller assembly for supporting a coupon, and a gantry assembly for positioning ultrasonic probes on the coupon. The gantry assembly can include vertical drive members and a horizontal drive member movable along the vertical drive members. The ultrasonic probes can be movably associated along the horizontal drive member. The system can utilize machine learning to analyze weld data for providing rapid weld qualification information. A portable cabinet can house all the components for providing rapid transport to sites.

Weld seam testing chain for testing a weld seam by means of ultrasound on two plastic tubes welded together at the ends, comprising standard chain links, wherein the standard chain links are hooked together to form the weld seam testing chain, and the chain can be lengthened or shortened individually, a sensor receptacle for accommodating the ultrasonic sensor, and an adjusting unit for the fine adjustment of the weld seam testing chain length, wherein the standard chain links have a hook on one side and a hook receptacle on the opposite side, thereby enabling the individual chain links to be hooked together.

A measurement device includes: a first measurement unit, disposed at a first opposing position facing a portion of a sheet-like measurement target, that measures a first physical property of the measurement target by causing the measurement target to vibrate with an ultrasonic wave; a second measurement unit, disposed at a second opposing position facing another portion of the measurement target in a state in which the first measurement unit is facing the first portion, that pinches and restrains the other portion in a thickness direction and measures a second physical property other than the first physical property of the measurement target; and a disposed unit disposed between the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit in an intersecting direction with respect to the thickness direction of the measurement target.

An inspection robot, and methods and a controller thereof are disclosed. An inspection robot may include an inspection chassis including a plurality of inspection sensors and coupled to at least one drive module to drive the robot over an inspection surface. The inspection robot may also include a controller including an inspection data circuit to interpret inspection base data, an inspection processing circuit to determine refined inspection data, and an inspection configuration circuit to determine an inspection response value in response to the refined inspection data. The controller may further include an inspection response circuit to, in response to the inspection response value, provide an inspection command value while the inspection robot is interrogating the inspection surface.

Various embodiments of a bio-inspired robot operable for detecting crack and corrosion defects in tubular structures are disclosed herein.

A coupling shoe for attachment to a transducer module to couple ultrasound transmitted by the transducer module into a target object, the coupling shoe comprising a transducer engaging portion; a couplant chamber arranged to hold couplant; and a flexible membrane at least partially defining a probe surface for facing the target object through which couplant from the couplant chamber can seep for coupling ultrasound transmitted by the transducer module into the target object.

An ultrasonic testing probe operable to perform an ultrasonic inspection on a workpiece, the workpiece having an interior region. The testing probe comprises a support; an ultrasonic testing element that is structured to generate an ultrasonic output that is directed toward the workpiece and to receive an ultrasonic input from the workpiece that is responsive to the ultrasonic output, the ultrasonic testing element being movably situated on the support; a motor apparatus structured to be electrically connected with a control apparatus, the motor apparatus comprising a motor that is connected with the ultrasonic testing element and is structured to rotate the ultrasonic testing element with respect to the support; and a bladder that is structured to be movable between an initial state and an expanded state, the expanded bladder structured to be engaged with the workpiece within the interior region and to center the support in the interior region.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has a flight-only mode with a motor only rotating propellers and not rotating on-board wheels to configure the UAV to fly away from a surface of a structure, and a crawling-only mode in which the UAV is configured to crawl on the surface due to the motor only rotating the wheels while not rotating the propellers. In the flight-only mode, a clutch disengages a motor from the wheels so that the motor only engages the propellers to fly to lift from the surface. In the crawling-only mode, the clutch disengages the motor from the propellers so that the motor only engages the wheels to move the UAV on the surface.