Ultrafast, Inc.

Christopher J Vecchio

Edward H Cully

Ian E Kibblewhite

Benjamin M Trapp

Donald E Kotas

David J Minor

A load-indicating device including a load-bearing member adapted to deform when stressed. Ultrasonic waves are directed into one end of the load-bearing member and ultrasonic echoes are received at the same end by ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving equipment. In one embodiment, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received using an ultrasonic transducer disposed on either the head or the opposite end of the load-bearing member. The head, the end, the shank or a combination thereof are contoured to reduce the influence of geometric variations and asymmetrical stress in the load-bearing member on the ultrasonic measurement. A method is also provided, which encompasses a model, by which preferred geometries of the contoured surfaces of the load-bearing member can be designed. Also provided are a method of making a load-bearing member including contouring at least one end of a load-bearing member, or the shank to reduce the influence of geometric variations and asymmetrical stress in the load-bearing member on ultrasonic measurement, and a method of identifying a contour on a load-bearing member that will provide accurate and reliable ultrasonic load measurements.

Minimizing the effect of bending on ultrasonic measurements in a

A method of measuring in a material a time-of flight of a signal having a first signal burst and a second signal burst, the first signal burst having a first set of cycles and the second signal burst having a second set of cycles. The method includes identifying a cycle in the second signal burst corresponding to a cycle in the first signal burst, to measure the time-of-flight of the signal.

Growing community of inventors

Broomall, PA, United States of America

Christopher J Vecchio