Apparatus for acoustically inspecting a workpiece
US5469744A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N29/28
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for acoustically inspecting a workpiece has a tubular member with a membrane sealing an end of the tube to form a first chamber. An acoustic transducer assembly is mounted in the tubular member. An adapter secured to the tubular member is adapted to contact the workpiece and space the membrane from the workpiece and form a second chamber. In operation, the transducer generates an acoustic wave that travels through coupling fluid disposed in the chambers to strike the workpiece. The acoustic wave is reflected from the workpiece, received by the transducer assembly, and a corresponding electrical signal is sent to a processor for evaluation. Additional features include a fluid conduit providing the independent coupling fluid, a spacer that accommodates workpiece surface variations while maintaining acoustic coupling with the workpiece, and a vacuum housing that removes excess coupling fluid from around the inspection apparatus and workpiece mating surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.