The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 24, 2002
Filed:
Dec. 20, 1999
Kenneth J. Watts, Jefferson County, AL (US);
David M. Winslett, Hueytown, AL (US);
U.S. Pipe & Foundry Company, Fairfield, AL (US);
Abstract
A non-destructive testing method and apparatus for determining the microstructure of ferrous metal objects, such as cast iron pipe. A sonic wave is induced into the metal object by magnetostriction. A sensor assembly captures the acoustic energy induced in the metal object and sends a signal output to signal processing electronics. The electronics amplify the signal. The amplified signal is then captured by the data acquisition system and analyzed by the data analysis system. The data analysis system may calculate the energy of the acoustic wave or calculate the time from the initial induction of the sonic wave to the Villari reversal point to determine nodularity of the metal object.