Patent · US Active

Angle beam ultrasonic probe for internal hex socket bolts

US9689845B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by

14References

16Claims

0Family size

Assignee

AREVA GMBH · US

Inventors

Michael Hacker · Sinsheim, DE
Michael W. Key · Lynchburg, US

Key dates

Filing date	May 15, 2013
Grant date	Jun 27, 2017
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Jan 5, 2035

Classification

Technology area (CPC G)Physics
CPC primaryG01N2291/2691
WIPO fieldMeasurement
WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A tool for inspecting the integrity of fasteners in their environment of use and methods of performing such inspections are disclosed and claimed. The tool includes a probe that matches the internal socket by which the fastener is coupled to the workpiece. The probe contains ultrasonic transducers on flat portions corresponding to flat portions of the socket. The transducers induce angled ultrasonic beams into the fastener to detect flaws therein. The beams are angled so they can be directed to the areas of interest at the head to shank region of the fastener. The presence of a defect such as a crack is determined based on the reply/echoes of the imparted ultrasonic beams.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.