Sensor transport system for combination flash butt welder
US5777229A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/267
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automated sensor transport system for non-destructive inspection of a weld through the use of ultrasonic waves produced by an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT). The system includes: a computer control unit; a transport apparatus having a first EMAT for producing an ultrasonic SH shear wave and a second EMAT for receiving an ultrasonic SH shear wave reflected from a weld and a calibration means. The computer control unit, which is in electrical communication with a welding apparatus, the transport apparatus and a data acquisition unit, coordinates the weld test with completion of the weld. An edge detection sensor, which is affixed to the transport apparatus is used to automatically position the transport apparatus for a weld scan and to signal completion of the scan. The system includes an electrostatic shield to protect the second EMAT from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. Other new and improved electronic features permit the computer control unit to be remotely located from the transport apparatus and the welding apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.