Ultrasonic probe and method for operating the same

Abstract

An ultrasonic probe for ultrasonically testing screws includes an ultrasonic transducer array having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasonic transducers selectively operate as transmitters and receivers. Coupling bodies of solid material are each acoustically coupled to a respective one of the ultrasonic transducers. Each of the coupling bodies have a free coupling surface facing away from the respective ultrasonic transducer. The coupling surfaces are adapted to the shape of the surface of a head of a screw to be tested. The coupling surfaces are centered on the head of the screw. A method for operating an ultrasonic probe includes placing and centering the coupling surfaces on the surface of the head of the screw. Different ultrasonic transducers are operated in at least one of transmission and reception modes in each of a plurality of measuring steps, for locating and characterizing a flaw in the material of the screw.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.