Ultrasonic probe deployment device for increased wave transmission and rapid area scan inspections

Patent · Tue Jan 03 00:00:00 EST 2012

OSTI ID:1035796

DiMambro, Joseph ^[1]; Roach, Dennis P ^[2]; Rackow, Kirk A ^[2]; Nelson, Ciji L ^[2]; Dasch, Cameron J ^[3]; Moore, David G ^[2]

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1. Placitas, NM
2. Albuquerque, NM
3. Boomfield Hills, MI

An ultrasonic probe deployment device in which an ultrasound-transmitting liquid forms the portion of the ultrasonic wave path in contact with the surface being inspected (i.e., the inspection surface). A seal constrains flow of the liquid, for example preventing the liquid from surging out and flooding the inspection surface. The seal is not rigid and conforms to variations in the shape and unevenness of the inspection surface, thus forming a seal (although possibly a leaky seal) around the liquid. The probe preferably is held in place to produce optimum ultrasonic focus on the area of interest. Use of encoders can facilitate the production of C-scan area maps of the material being inspected.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• Assignee: Sandia Corporation (Albuquerque, NM)
• Patent Number(s): 8,087,298
• Application Number: 12/401,321
• OSTI ID: 1035796
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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