# US 9,038,473 B2 · Energy absorbent ultrasonic inspection system with laser pointer

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- Number: US 9,038,473 B2
- Document ID: US9038473B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/335,425
- Filed: 2011-12-22
- Published: 2013-06-27
- Granted: 2015-05-26
- Earliest claimed: 2011-12-22
- Assignees: United Technologies Corporation
- Applicants: Karl M. Gruca, Jr.; Jeffrey A. Umbach
- Inventors: Karl M. Gruca, Jr.; Jeffrey A. Umbach
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9038473B2

## CPC

- G01N 29/048: {Marking the faulty objects}
- G01N 2291/0289: Internal structure, e.g. defects, grain size, texture
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)

## Abstract

A system is provided for inspecting a workpiece that includes a workpiece defect and a workpiece surface. The system includes a laser pointer connected to an ultrasonic inspection system. The ultrasonic inspection system includes an ultrasonic transducer that directs sound waves to the workpiece defect, where the sound waves contact the workpiece surface at a workpiece surface location. The laser pointer directs a laser beam against the workpiece surface to visually annunciate the workpiece surface location.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A system for inspecting a workpiece, comprising:
an ultrasonic inspection system comprising an ultrasonic transducer that directs sound waves to the workpiece, wherein the sound waves contact the workpiece surface at a first workpiece surface location; and
a laser pointer connected to the ultrasonic inspection system, wherein the laser pointer directs a laser beam against the workpiece surface to visually annunciate the first workpiece surface location;
wherein the laser beam is one of a plurality of laser beams directed from the laser pointer against the workpiece surface by the laser pointer, wherein each laser beam contacts the workpiece surface at a respective second workpiece surface location, and wherein the first workpiece surface location is centered between the second workpiece surface locations.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the laser pointer comprises a water-resistant laser pointer.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the laser pointer comprises a laser pointer housing mounted to the ultrasonic transducer.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The system of claim 3, wherein the laser pointer further comprises a plurality of lasers connected to the laser pointer housing, and arranged circumferentially around the ultrasonic transducer.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is connected to a manipulator system.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The system of claim 5, wherein the manipulator comprises a robotic multi-axis manipulator system.

### Claim 7

A system for non-contact inspecting a workpiece that includes a workpiece surface, comprising:
a manipulator system;
an ultrasonic inspection system comprising an ultrasonic transducer that is connected to the manipulator system, that directs sound waves into the workpiece, and that senses reflected sound waves to detect a workpiece defect, wherein the sound waves intersect the workpiece surface at a first workpiece surface location; and
a laser pointer connected to the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the laser pointer directs a laser beam against the workpiece surface to visually mark the first workpiece surface location associated with and indicative of the workpiece defect;
wherein the laser beam is one of a plurality of laser beams directed against the workpiece surface by the laser pointer, wherein each laser beam contacts the workpiece surface at a respective second workpiece surface location, and wherein the first workpiece surface location is located between the second workpiece surface locations.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The system of claim 7, wherein the laser pointer comprises a water-resistant laser pointer.

### Claim 9 (depends on 7)

The system of claim 7, wherein the laser pointer comprises a plurality of lasers connected to a laser pointer housing, and arranged circumferentially around the ultrasonic transducer.

### Claim 10 (depends on 7)

The system of claim 7, wherein the manipulator system comprises a robotic multi-axis manipulator.