Peripheral ultrasonic sensing array system and method
First Claim
1. A system for detecting a liquid or gas leak in a substantially enclosed object, said system comprising:
- an ultrasonic transmitter positioned in said enclosed object for producing ultrasonic frequency sound waves;
a frame adapted to support a template having a cutout silhouette, said template having a plurality of ultrasonic sensors positioned around the internal perimeter of said cutout silhouette for detecting said ultrasonic frequency sound waves and producing ultrasonic frequency signals;
an analog-to-digital converter for converting said ultrasonic frequency signals to digital data; and
a computer terminal coupled to said digital to analog converter for receiving, analyzing and storing said digital data.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved system and method for detecting leaks in substantially enclosed objects such as automobiles, airplanes, tanks, etc. uses an ultrasonic transmitter and an array of ultrasonic sensors positioned around the inner periphery of a cut out silhouette that corresponds to an outline of the objects under test. The silhouette is mounted in a frame that is designed to minimize ultrasonic reflections and preserve any amplitude information received by the ultrasonic sensors. As the objects are passed through the frame, ultrasonic amplitude readings obtained from the sensors are processed to determine if they are representative of a defective or leaking object. The position of the leak is determined by examining the amplitude of the individual sensor readings. The system is particularly well adapted for use in detecting defects in automobiles on an assembly line without interrupting the assembly process or damaging the car.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A system for detecting a liquid or gas leak in a substantially enclosed object, said system comprising:
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an ultrasonic transmitter positioned in said enclosed object for producing ultrasonic frequency sound waves; a frame adapted to support a template having a cutout silhouette, said template having a plurality of ultrasonic sensors positioned around the internal perimeter of said cutout silhouette for detecting said ultrasonic frequency sound waves and producing ultrasonic frequency signals; an analog-to-digital converter for converting said ultrasonic frequency signals to digital data; and a computer terminal coupled to said digital to analog converter for receiving, analyzing and storing said digital data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification