Ultrasonic probe deployment device for increased wave transmission and rapid area scan inspections
US8087298B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 3, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/044
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An ultrasonic probe deployment device in which an ultrasound-transmitting liquid forms the portion of the ultrasonic wave path in contact with the surface being inspected (i.e., the inspection surface). A seal constrains flow of the liquid, for example preventing the liquid from surging out and flooding the inspection surface. The seal is not rigid and conforms to variations in the shape and unevenness of the inspection surface, thus forming a seal (although possibly a leaky seal) around the liquid. The probe preferably is held in place to produce optimum ultrasonic focus on the area of interest. Use of encoders can facilitate the production of C-scan area maps of the material being inspected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.