Patent ID: 6215303
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
A system for detecting a defect in a wire comprising:a means for sending an alternating current signal into the wire and which generates a magnetic field thereby wherein said wire is fed from a supply reel, through a wire guide to a take-up reel, and wherein said sending means comprises: a power source which produces the current signal; and a set of pressure contact points which conduct the current signal from the power source to said wires as it flows through the wire guide;a means for displaying an output signal; a superconducting magnetic field sensor that produces an output signal when sensing the magnetic field around the wire, said output signal having recognizable characteristics of magnetic anomalies when defects are present in the wire wherein said superconducting magnetic field sensor is enclosed in a dewar which provides an electrical connection between the superconducting magnetic field sensor and a lock-in amplifier which amplifies the output signal of the superconducting magnetic field sensor for the displaying means; and a superconducting open-ended cylindrical shield that shields the superconducting magnetic field sensor from any undesirable environmental signals that could contaminate readings.