US 2014/0360289 A1 · Nondestructive Inspection System for Difficult to Access Areas

Abstract

A method for inspecting an object. A support structure physically associated with a first sensor and a second sensor is moved to an area for inspection. The support structure is in a first configuration and the first sensor and the second sensor are positioned about an axis extending through the support structure when the support structure is in the first configuration. The support structure is changed from the first configuration to a second configuration. The first sensor and the second sensor are configured to generate information when the support structure is in the second configuration.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus comprising:

a sensor;
a tool;
and
a support structure physically associated with the sensor and the tool, wherein the support structure is configured to change between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the support structure with the sensor and the tool are configured to move through an opening in an object when the support structure is in the first configuration.

1 more element

A method for inspecting an object, the method comprising:

moving a support structure physically associated with a first sensor and a second sensor to an area for inspection, wherein the support structure is in a first configuration and the first sensor and the second sensor are positioned about an axis extending through the support structure when the support structure is in the first configuration;
and
changing the support structure from the first configuration to a second configuration, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are configured to generate information when the support structure is in the second configuration.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

13/915,121Filed 11 Jun 2013

Published

11 Dec 2014

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

G01D 11/30
Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable: supports specially adapted for an instrument; Supports…
G01N 21/954
Characterised by the material or shape of the object to be examined: inspecting the inner surface of hollow bodies, e.g. bores
G01N 29/225
Details , e.g. general constructional or apparatus details: supports, positioning or alignment in moving situation
G01N 29/265
Arrangements for orientation or scanning by relative movement of the head and the sensor: by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material

Nondestructive Inspection System for Difficult to Access Areas

Life of this patent

Nondestructive Inspection System for Difficult to Access Areas

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20