US 5,969,275 A · Probe with replaceable centering feet

Abstract

An eddy current probe with a probe body having at least one eddy current coil is centered on a probe shaft by a pod with a plurality of replaceable centering feet which allows abraded centering feet to be replaced while the balance of the probe is retained and reused. Typically, the probe body is sandwiched between a pair of such centering pods. The replaceable pods comprise matching halves, divided longitudinally, that fit together over the shaft. Each of the centering pods is retained against the body probe by means of a retaining cap threaded on the probe shaft against the joined pod halves urging the pod against the probe body. The pod extends into an annular trepan in the probe body to secure the pods at that end. A face within the retaining cap normal to the shaft or slanted acutely toward the probe and overhanging the pod retains the pod in position around the shaft at the retaining cap end.

Claims14

Dependent claims

An apparatus disposed to center a probe body traveling in a tube, the improvement comprising

a shaft with said probe body secured thereon,
a replaceable pod insertable on the shaft and adapted to center the shaft and probe body in said tube, the pod comprising two matching pod halves joining around the shaft and together combining to form a cylinder around the shaft, said god being removable from the shaft radially by separating upon release from the shaft into said pod halves,
means for removably securing the pod on the shaft.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Probe with replaceable centering feet

Life of this patent

Probe with replaceable centering feet

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14