Mark C Phalin

US Patent:

55764924, Nov 19, 1996

Filed:

Jan 26, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/378702

Inventors:

Mark C. Phalin - Enfield CT

Assignee:

United Technologies Corporation - Hartford CT

International Classification:

G01N 2926
G01N 2924

US Classification:

73634

Abstract:

A mechanical contour follower is disclosed for maintaining a transducer ninety degrees to a workpiece surface, with respect to longitudinal and transverse axes of the workpiece surface, and for keeping the transducer at a constant distance from the workpiece surface during an ultrasound inspection of the workpiece (these conditions being referred to as keeping the transducer normal to the workpiece surface). In a particular embodiment, the mechanical contour follower comprises a plunger post slideably secured to a bridge assembly of an ultrasound inspection apparatus; a support frame affixed to the plunger post, having opposed first and second pivot arms; a gimballed mounting means, having an outer ring pivotally secured to opposed pivot ends of the first and second pivot arms, and having an inner disk pivotally secured within the outer ring to produce a gimbal effect; a transducer barrel affixed to a support surface of the inner disk; and a tracking surface of the inner disk opposed to the support surface of the inner disk. The gimbal effect allows a transducer secured within the transducer barrel to remain at ninety degrees to the workpiece surface with respect to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the workpiece surface, and the slidable plunger post enables the transducer to float in a vertical axis, and thereby remain a constant distance from the workpiece surface, so that the transducer automatically remains normal to the workpiece surface throughout an inspection of the workpiece.