Ultrasonic probe and method for operating the same
First Claim
1. An ultrasonic probe for ulrasonically testing screws, comprising:
- a) an ultrasonic transducer array having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers whereby said ultrasonic transducers are selectively operated as transmitters and receivers;
b) coupling bodies of solid material each being acoustically coupled to a respective one of said ultrasonic transducers;
c) each of said coupling bodies having a free coupling surface facing away from said respective ultrasonic transducer, said coupling surfaces shaped to accommodate the surface of a head of a screw to be tested; and
d) means for centering said coupling surfaces on the head of the screw.
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Accused Products
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.
57 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An ultrasonic probe for ulrasonically testing screws, comprising:
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a) an ultrasonic transducer array having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers whereby said ultrasonic transducers are selectively operated as transmitters and receivers; b) coupling bodies of solid material each being acoustically coupled to a respective one of said ultrasonic transducers; c) each of said coupling bodies having a free coupling surface facing away from said respective ultrasonic transducer, said coupling surfaces shaped to accommodate the surface of a head of a screw to be tested; and d) means for centering said coupling surfaces on the head of the screw. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for operating an ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer array having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers selectively operating in transmission and reception modes, coupling bodies of solid material each being associated with a respective one of the ultrasonic transducers, and each of the coupling bodies having a free coupling surface facing away from the respective ultrasonic transducer and being adapted to a shape of a surface of a head of a screw, and the method which comprises:
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a) placing and centering the coupling surfaces on the surface of the head of the screw; and b) operating different ultrasonic transducers in at least one of the transmission and reception modes in each of a plurality of measuring steps, for locating and characterizing a flaw in the material of the screw. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for operating an ultrasonic probe, which comprises:
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a) placing solid coupling bodies on respective ultrasonic transducers of a transducer array with free coupling surfaces of the coupling bodies facing away from the respective ultrasonic transducers and being shaped to accommodate the shape of a surface of a head of a screw; b) placing and centering the coupling surfaces on the surface of the head of the screw; and c) operating different ultrasonic transducers 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.
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Specification