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Differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe

  • US 9,297,789 B2
  • Filed: 09/20/2012
  • Issued: 03/29/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/09/2008
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe for in situ ultrasonic monitoring of a material undergoing a cure process, the probe comprising:

  • an ultrasonic transducer for generating, transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves;

    a waveguide for guiding the ultrasonic waves and having a proximal end in contact with the ultrasonic transducer and a distal end for contacting the material undergoing the cure process, the waveguide comprising;

    a first portion extending from the proximal end;

    a reference segment of the waveguide for reflecting a portion of the ultrasonic wave back to the ultrasonic transducer as a reference ultrasonic wave signal for use to recalibrate the probe and account for non-cure related ultrasonic wave variances during the cure process;

    a second portion extending from the reference to a tip at the distal end of the waveguide;

    wherein the tip further comprises a lip located on the circumference of the tip; and

    wherein the lip extends intermittently about the circumference of the tip;

    a waveguide for guiding the ultrasonic waves whose proximal end in contact with the ultrasonic transducer is easily separated from the ultrasonic transducer.

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