Detachable, quick disconnect system for nondestructive testing components

A connector system for attaching a probe to a probe shaft mating assembly comprising:

• a probe shaft mating assembly comprising a connector body, a plunger chamber located within said connector body, a spring located within said plunger chamber, a locking ball channel extending through said connector body from said plunger chamber to the outer surface of said connector body, a locking ball located within said locking ball channel, and a plunger located within said plunger chamber adjacent to said spring, wherein said outer surface of said plunger is stepped such that said locking ball is in contact with the outer surface of a larger diameter portion of said plunger when said plunger is in said first position, and said locking ball is in contact with the outer surface of a smaller diameter portion of said plunger when said plunger is in said second position;
• a probe comprising a probe body, a probe shaft chamber located within the probe shaft facing end of said probe body, and a locking ball receiver located in said probe body adjacent to said probe shaft chamber;
• a key channel extending at least partially through said probe, wherein said key channel provides access for an elongated object to contact said plunger when said probe and said probe shaft mating assembly are interlocked;
• a gland located within a probe head chamber located between the distal end of said key channel and a probe nose channel that extends from said probe head chamber to the distal end of said probe, wherein said gland is comprised of a plurality of compressed elastomeric members that provide a waterproof seal to said key channel while allowing said elongated object to extend through said gland;
• wherein the diameter of said probe shaft chamber is larger than that of said probe shaft mating assembly such that when said plunger and said spring are moved from a first position to a second position, said spring is compressed and said locking ball moves inwardly towards said plunger chamber and below the outer surface of said connector body allowing the probe facing end of said probe shaft mating assembly to enter said probe shaft chamber, and when said plunger and spring are moved from said second position to said first position, said spring is uncompressed and said locking ball moves towards the surface of said connector body, extending beyond the outer surface of said connector body such that said locking ball engages said locking ball receiver and fixes said probe to said probe shaft mating assembly.