Apparatus and method for inspecting a fusion joint
US11467130B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/267
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for inspecting a fusion joint is provided. The apparatus includes a processor, an ultrasound (“US”) probe in communication with the processor, and a database comprising classification rules. The processor is configured to generate an initial set of US scanning positions about the fusion joint based on information of at least one of the US probe and the fusion joint; measure, via the US probe, a US pulse-echo spectrum from at least two of the initial US scanning positions; compare each measured US pulse-echo spectrum with one or more known US pulse-echo spectrums; classify each measured US pulse-echo spectrum according to the classification rules; and evaluate an aggregate of measured US pulse-echo spectrums to determine if the fusion joint is defective.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.