Articulated test probe mechanism with fluid bearing in test roll gap

A nondestructive probe mechanism for testing roll surface conditions of a rolling mill roll rotatable in a test fixture and operable with a grinder carriage moveable substantially parallel to and lengthwise of the test roll longitudinal axis, said probe mechanism comprising:

• (a) articulated probe structure means mountable on the grinder carriage, said structure means comprising:
• 1. a carriage-mounted base member with upright support,
• 2. a spindle rotatable about the upright support,
• 3. a moveable support arm pivotally attached to the spindle with a free end positionable over at least the test surface,
• 4. a universal mount on the free end of the support arm providing attachment means with at least one axis of movement,
• 5. a nondestructive test probe housing attached to the universal mount attachment means and wherein a probe sensor of either eddy current or ultrasonic design generates an anomoly test signal when aligned with the test roll surface, and
• 6. said probe housing being modified to include pressurized fluid bearing means capable of maintaining a probe housing-to-test roll gap;
• (b) means for automatically positioning the test probe housing including:
• 1. first and second fluid pressure responsive means cooperating with the spindle and the support arm to position the probe housing in a safe retracted position related away from the test roll, a probe test up position and a probe test down position over the test roll surface, all in response to corresponding position control signals,
• 2. a first pressurized fluid source adjusted to maintain a constant fluid bearing roll gap, and
• 3. a second pressurized fluid source for said fluid pressure responsive means;
• (c) control means for producing the corresponding position control signals in response initially to a command.