A method and system for the ultrasonic non-destructive testing of joints in plastic pipes using A-scans. A hand-held ultrasonic transducer is used to perform an A-scan and a comparison made on a response from the interface region of the joint used to determine a quality of the joint. Levels of result can provide a binary output to give an indication of whether or not a defect is present in the joint. Comparison techniques are described. Tests for coupling efficiency and performance are described making the system useable by an unskilled technician. The system finds application in fault detection on electro-fusion welds in plastic pipe joints.

A system is disclosed that increases the efficiency of a weld inspector by reducing the amount of weld data that needs to be examined for any non-destructive (NDT) phased array and time-of-flight, diffraction ultrasonic testing of welds. The system reads ultrasonic testing data from an NDT scan of a series of metal welds and creates a table of target weld indications ranked by a series of filters representative of predetermined exclusion and significance criteria. The invention acts as a weld analysis concentrator by focusing the attention of an inspector on potential weld flaws that merit their attention, thereby increasing the efficiency of the inspector. The process typically reduces 95% to 98% of the ultrasonic weld testing data that must be reviewed by the inspector, while retaining flaw indications necessary for an inspector's competent review in conformity with various code requirements and regulations.

Device, system and method for emission and reception of ultrasonic signal to and from a test material, wherein the device comprising one or more wheel assemblies (1) wherein each wheel assembly (1) further comprising: one or more transducers (20) arranged partially or completely embedded in a coupling medium/partial or complete inner ring (52, 21), the wheel assembly is further comprising an orbital outer ring (23), and wherein the coupling medium/partial or complete inner ring (52, 21) is connected to an axle (22) in anon-rotating manner and the one or more transducers (20) are fixedly pointing towards the test material (15), and the interface between the inward facing surface (26) of the orbital outer ring (23) and/or the outward facing surface (25) of the coupling medium/partial or complete inner ring (52, 21) comprises a low friction material having an acoustic impedance in the same order as that of the orbital outer ring (23).

In an anti-biofouling context, an anti-biofouling system (20) is provided, which is configured to emit anti-biofouling light in an activated state thereof and to be applied to an object (10). Further, the anti-biofouling system (20) comprises a sensor system (30) that is configured to obtain measurement data relating to at least one structural feature of an anti-biofouling arrangement (1) including both the anti-biofouling system (20) and the object (10) in an actual case of the anti-biofouling system (20) being in place on the object (10). By having the sensor system (30) as mentioned in the anti-biofouling system (20), it is achieved that one or more structural aspects of the anti-biofouling arrangement (1) may be checked/monitored without a need for providing separate means for fulfilling such functionality.

A phased array transducer apparatus includes a plurality of Phases Array Subassemblies (PASAs) that are arranged in three pairs in a single housing. The PASAs are each oriented at a compound angle with respect to a component under test in an environment such as a nuclear environment. The phased array transducer apparatus is carried into the environment by a tool, and the positioning of the PASAs on the phased array transducer apparatus results in the outputting of ultrasonic beams in various directions that avoids the need for the housing to be reoriented on the tool in order to complete an inspection of the object under test.

Provided is a method of manufacturing an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint, which is constructed by forming a cup section having track grooves, and a shaft section, and by welding a cup member and a shaft member, the method including: forming the cup member and the shaft member of medium carbon steel; preparing a cup member having a cylindrical portion and a bottom portion integrally formed by forging, and a joining end surface in a machining step; preparing a shaft member having a joining end surface formed in a machining step; bringing the joining end surface of the cup member and the joining end surface of the shaft member into abutment against each other; welding the cup member and the shaft member by radiating a beam; and performing, after the welding, an ultrasonic flaw detection-inspection step.

A water environment robotic system and method has a buoyancy configuration which can be selectively altered. The system includes an underwater robotic vehicle and a buoyancy module that is configured to be repeatedly, selectively buoyantly engaged and buoyantly disengaged with the underwater robotic vehicle. A tether is connected to the buoyancy module and a motor is operatively connected to the tether and is configured to extend and retract the tether and buoyancy module. The tether can be extended and retracted to extend and retract the buoyancy module. Extending and retracting the buoyancy module can buoyantly engage or buoyantly disengage the buoyancy module with the underwater robotic vehicle according to the arrangement of the system. By engaging and disengaging the buoyancy module, the buoyancy of the underwater robot can be selectively altered.

Systems and methods for securing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to a subsea structure during cleaning, maintenance, or inspection of the structure surface are provided. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a pair of grasping hooks that are raised and lowered when driven by a motorized drive. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a rigid holder having a mechanical stop and connected to a swing arm, the swing arm configured to rotate inward, but not outward beyond the mechanical stop. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a plurality of linked segments in series, each connected at a plurality of pivot points. A pair of wires passes through the plurality of linked segments and connects to a pair of pulleys that extend or retract the wires, thereby rotating the plurality of linked segments.

A two-part, selectively dockable robotic system having counterbalanced stabilization during performance of an operation on an underwater target structure is provided. The robotic system includes a first underwater robotic vehicle that is sized and shaped to at least partially surround the underwater target structure. A second underwater robotic vehicle is sized and shaped to at least partially surround the underwater target structure and selectively dock with the first underwater robotic vehicle. The first and second robotic vehicles include complimentary docking mechanisms that permit the vehicles to selectively couple to each other with the underwater target structure disposed at least partially therebetween. One robot includes a tool that can act upon the target structure and the other robot includes a stabilization module that can act upon the target structure in an opposite manner in order to counterbalance the force of the tool.

A water environment robotic system and method has a buoyancy configuration which can be selectively altered. The system includes an underwater robotic vehicle and a buoyancy module that is configured to be selectively buoyantly engaged and buoyantly disengaged with the underwater robotic vehicle. A tether is connected to the buoyancy module and a motor is operatively connected to the tether and is configured to extend and retract the tether and buoyancy module. The tether can be extended and retracted to extend and retract the buoyancy module. Extending and retracting the buoyancy module can buoyantly engage or buoyantly disengage the buoyancy module with the underwater robotic vehicle according to the arrangement of the system. By engaging and disengaging the buoyancy module, the buoyancy of the underwater robot can be selectively altered.