US 12,216,092 B2
Ultrasonic testing probe, couplant delivery system, and ultrasonic testing apparatus
Jacques L. Brignac, Simsbury, CT (US); George R. Rowland, Winsted, CT (US); Glenn G. Hart, Jr., Suffield, CT (US); and Bruce A.P. Farver, Windsor Locks, CT (US)
Assigned to Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, Cranberry Township, PA (US)
Appl. No. 17/755,568
Filed by Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, Cranberry Township, PA (US)
PCT Filed Oct. 29, 2020, PCT No. PCT/US2020/057932
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date May 2, 2022,
PCT Pub. No. WO2021/087095, PCT Pub. Date May 6, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/929,278, filed on Nov. 1, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2022/0365039 A1, Nov. 17, 2022
Int. Cl. G01N 29/265 (2006.01); G01N 29/04 (2006.01); G01N 29/22 (2006.01); G01N 29/26 (2006.01); G01N 29/28 (2006.01)
CPC G01N 29/265 (2013.01) [G01N 29/043 (2013.01); G01N 29/225 (2013.01); G01N 29/262 (2013.01); G01N 29/28 (2013.01); G01N 2291/102 (2013.01); G01N 2291/106 (2013.01); G01N 2291/2636 (2013.01)] 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An ultrasonic testing probe operable to perform an ultrasonic inspection on a workpiece, the workpiece having an interior region, the ultrasonic testing probe comprising:
a support:
an ultrasonic testing element that is structured to generate an ultrasonic output that is directed toward the workpiece and to receive an ultrasonic input from the workpiece that is responsive to the ultrasonic output, the ultrasonic testing element being movably situated on the support;
a motor apparatus structured to be electrically connected with a control apparatus, the motor apparatus comprising a motor that is being connected with the ultrasonic testing element and is structured to rotate the ultrasonic testing element with respect to the support; and
a bladder that is structured to be movable between an initial state and an expanded state, the bladder in the expanded state being structured to be engaged with the workpiece within the interior region and to center the support in the interior region; and
wherein the support comprises a seal that is structured to engage an end of the workpiece, and wherein the bladder is situated on the support at a location spaced from the seal, the ultrasonic testing element being situated between the seal and the bladder.