Area of Invention
Materials technology and manufacturing processes

Description of Invention
Method and apparatus for measuring the wall thickness of a sheath or tube during manufacturing

Technology Synopsis
An ultrasonic method to measure silver sheath thickness in silver sheathed, ceramic powder core High Temperature superconductor (HTS) wires and an associated sensor system which is designed and developed for continuous on-line, real-time measurement during wire drawing.

Patent Protection
U.S. Patent 5,974,885, Method and Apparatus for Measuring Silver Sheath Thickness During Drawing of High Temperature Superconducting Wire

Potential Commercial Applications
Provides basis for controlling and continuously monitoring the quality of high temperature superconducting wire.

Status of Invention
Technology has been demonstrated in a pilot scale operation at CTC. Licensee would have access to the technical capabilities of CTC, on a fee basis, including materials, process modeling, and process design and control expertise.