A pattern recognition technique has been applied to data obtained in a turbulent channel flow. Theusignal patterns are recognized using several simple criteria, but simultaneously, other signals are processed. A newly designed probe provides, in addition to simultaneousu,v, andwsignals, vorticity signals, &ohgr;zand &ohgr;y, and a signal which can be interpreted as the instantaneous turbulence production,uv(∂U/∂y). The ensemble averaged results provide insight into the vorticity dynamics and turbulence production characteristics of organized structures. The instantaneous turbulent production results show that ejection‐type motions are the principal turbulent energy producers and that the interesting dynamics occur during the acceleration phase of the recognized pattern. A partial model of the flow which explains the results is offered.