Patent ID: 6742392
Filing Date: 2004-06-01
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A method of inducing ultrasonic waves into a railroad rail including a rail web, a first edge of the rail web coupled longitudinally to a rail base and a second opposing edge of the rail web coupled longitudinally to a rail head, the rail web includes a first side extending from the rail base to the rail head, and a second side opposite the first side, said method comprising:locating at least one magnetic exciter adjacent to the rail, the at least one magnetic exciter including an emitting face and a longitudinal axis extending perpendicularly through the emitting face; discharging an energy storage circuit through the at least one magnetic exciter such that only a magnetic pulse enters the rail at a location of the exciter; and controlling the magnetic pulse shape to induce ultrasonic waves into a railroad rail.