Apparatus and method for performing non-destructive inspections of large area aircraft structures
January 15, 2019. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesMechanized scanning, display and recording ultrasonic weld inspection system Positioning device for scanner Two-dimensional scanner apparatus Weld scanner guide and magnetically susceptible track Apparatus for inspecting articles Ultrasonic system for determining the profile of solid bodies Mechanical contour follower Patent #: 5576492 InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 231668 filed on 01/15/1999US Classes:73/633Having transducer scanning meansExaminersPrimary: Kwok, HelenAttorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassG01N 029/04AbstractA surface scanner for conducting non-destructive inspection of complex surface structures and configurations. The scanner includes two flexible tracks, each fitted with a motor driven tractor assembly. A rigid beam track spans the two flexible tracks. The rigid beam track is coupled to each flexible track tractor assembly by articulating joints that permit movement at the joints along at least three independent axes. The rigid beam supports a third motorized tractor. This third tractor supports a compliant thruster assembly that deploys gimbaled mechanical impedance, ultrasonic and eddy current inspection probes. The movement of the scanner is controlled by a scan control system that includes both hardware and software for controlling the movement of the scanner over the surface to be inspected. The software also includes a teach mode that permits an operator to preprogram the scan pattern for the surface to be inspected using a global coordinate system, referencing points on the surface and the data display using an identical coordinate system. The scanner also includes a data acquisition and analysis system that control scanner functions and operations.Other References
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