Apparatus and method for use in inspecting a joint

An apparatus for use in inspecting a longitudinally extending joint between first and second plate edge portions having surfaces extending in opposite directions from the joint, said apparatus comprising:

• a base;
• first surface means connected with said base for engaging the first plate edge portion adjacent to a first side of the joint;
• second surface means connected with said base for engaging the second plate edge portion adjacent to a second side of the joint, said first and second surface means being movable to a relationship which is a function of the spatial relationship between the first and second plate edge portions;
• and
• positioning means connected with said base for engaging the joint to locate said first and second surface means relative to the joint in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the joint.

An apparatus for use in inspecting a joint between first and second plate edge portions having surfaces extending in opposite direction from the joint, said apparatus comprising:

• a base;
• first surface means fixedly connected with said base for engaging the surface of the first plate edge portion;
• second surface means fixedly connected with said base for engaging the surface of the second plate edge portion;
• third surface means connected with and movable relative to said base and first surface means for engaging the surface of the first plate edge portion;
• fourth surface means connected with and movable relative to said base and second surface means for engaging the surface of the second plate edge portion;
• and
• means connected with said base and said third and fourth surface means for providing an output which is a function of the positions of said third and fourth surface means relative to said base.

An apparatus for use in inspecting a joint between first and second plate edge portions having surfaces extending in opposite directions from the joint, said apparatus comprising:

• a base;
• a plurality of probe legs connected with said base and having surface means for engaging the surface of said first and second plate edge portions, at least one of said plurality of probe legs being retractable from an initial position to a retracted position;
• alignment means connected with said base and having surface means for engaging opposite sides of the joint to position said plurality of probe legs relative to the joint;
• signal generator means connected with said one of said plurality of probe legs for generating a signal which varies as a function of an extent of retraction of said one of said plurality of probe legs from its initial position.

A method for use in inspecting a longitudinally extending joint between first and second plate edge portions having surfaces extending in opposite directions from the joint, said method comprising the steps of:

• engaging the first plate edge portion with a first probe leg;
• engaging the first plate edge portion with a second probe leg;
• moving the second probe leg relative to the first probe leg after engaging the first plate edge portion with the second probe leg;
• generating a first signal which varies as a function of the extent of movement between said first and second probe legs;
• engaging the second plate edge portion with a third probe leg;
• engaging the second plate edge portion with a fourth probe leg;
• moving the fourth probe leg relative to the third probe leg after engaging the second plate edge portion with the fourth probe leg;
• and
• generating a second signal which varies as a function of the extent of movement between said third and fourth probe legs.