Measuring and testing – Vibration – By mechanical waves
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-19
2001-01-30
Noori, Max (Department: 2855)
Measuring and testing
Vibration
By mechanical waves
C073S598000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06178819
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus for evaluating partially completed welds and more particularly, to an inspection apparatus which has an ultrasonic sensor which can be optimally adjusted relative to a partially completed weld such that it may effectively inspect the weld to detect welding flaws and advise an operator of same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The prior art is replete with various welding devices which are utilized for joining metal substrates together under various operational and environmental conditions. For example, and as discussed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/066,723, the inventor has disclosed a technique whereby ultrasonic sensors may be moved generally laterally outwardly relative to the opposite sides of a partially completed weld such that the weld may be thoroughly inspected to determine the presence of assorted welding flaws. In the event that welding flaws are detected, welding operations are normally suspended until the flaw is corrected. This inspection technique greatly facilitates the successful completion of welding operations, while simultaneously reducing the costs of conducting same by substantially reducing time delays normally associated in correcting flaws detected late in the welding process. For example, if a flaw is detected in a given area of the weld once the welding device has passed several times over the same area, significant time delays and expenses are experienced as workers remove the overlying welding material, as by grinding or the like, to uncover the flaw and correct same. The teachings of co-pending application Ser. No. 09/066,723 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,722 which relates to another technique for inspecting partially completed welds are both incorporated by reference herein.
While the prior art devices and methods have operated with varying degrees of success, there have been shortcomings which have detracted from their usefulness. For example, the prior art devices which have been developed have often been difficult or impossible to install on existing welding devices, and once installed, have often been perceived as interfering with some aspects of the welding device's operation. Still further, the often harsh environment in which these welding devices operate have impeded the commercial introduction of same. For example, in welding operations conducted in offshore environments, inspection devices are required to operate on substrates having significant amounts of surface corrosion or scale. In this environment it is often difficult to establish an effective ultrasonic contact with the substrate, or further to confirm the presence of a specific type of welding flaw.
In addition to the foregoing, the prior art devices have been perceived as difficult to operate, and even more difficult to install and maintain.
Therefore, it has long been known that it would be desirable to provide an inspection apparatus for evaluating partially completed welds which provides the benefits which may be derived from related prior art devices and practices, while substantially avoiding the shortcomings, and detriments individually associated therewith.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved inspection apparatus for evaluating a partially completed weld.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus which includes a coupling member, which in one form of the invention, is affixed to an automated movable welder, and which is operable to position the inspection apparatus in an optimal trailing relationship relative to the movable welder.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus which includes a frame member mounting a movable ultrasonic sensor, and a drive assembly which is coupled in driving relation relative to the ultrasonic sensor, and which effectively positions the ultrasonic sensor in an operable location relative to the partially completed weld.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus which includes a coupling member which in one form of the invention effectively permits the ultrasonic sensor to move along a given path of travel into and out of engagement with a supporting surface over which the movable welder operates.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus which includes two ultrasonic sensors which are positioned on the opposite sides of a partially completed weld, and wherein in one first form of the invention, the pair of ultrasonic sensors move in unison together, and in an alternative form of the invention, the two ultrasonic sensors move independently of each other.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus which includes an ultrasonic sensor which is mounted in a rotatable tire and which rests in ultrasonic contact with a supporting surface over which the movable welder operates, and wherein the rotatable tire facilitates the transmission of ultrasonic energy to and from the underlying supporting surface.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus which includes an ultrasonic sensor which is rendered operable to both emit and receive ultrasonic energy.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus which includes a heat dissipation assembly which, in an alternative form of the invention, substantially prevents heat from damaging or impairing the operation of the ultrasonic sensor.
Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus which includes a dispenser which, in an alternative form of the invention, applies a material to the ultrasonic sensor to facilitate the transmission of ultrasonic energy to the underlying supporting surface.
Yet, another aspect of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus which includes a shield which protects the ultrasonic sensor from damage occasioned by welding debris which is produced during welding operations.
Further aspects and advantages are to provide an improved inspection apparatus for the purposes described and which is economical, reliable, and convenient to operate, and which further avoids the perceived shortcomings associated with the prior art devices and practices.
These and other objectives and advantages are achieved in an inspection apparatus for evaluating a partially completed weld which has opposite sides and which is used in combination with an automated movable welder which moves across a supporting surface comprising:
a coupling member mounted on the welder;
a frame member mounted on the coupling member;
an ultrasonic sensor mounted on the frame member and disposed in ultrasonic sound transmitting relation relative to the partially completed weld; and
a drive assembly for adjusting the position of the ultrasonic sensor relative to the partially completed weld.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4012946 (1977-03-01), Patsey
patent: 4368644 (1983-01-01), Wentzell et al.
patent: 4375165 (1983-03-01), Sterke
patent: 5423219 (1995-06-01), Yaginuma et al.
Johnson Jonn A.
Larsen Eric D.
Smartt Herschel B.
Bechtel BWXT Idaho LLC
Noori Max
Wells St John Roberts Gregory & Matkin
LandOfFree
Inspection apparatus for evaluating a partially completed weld does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Inspection apparatus for evaluating a partially completed weld, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Inspection apparatus for evaluating a partially completed weld will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2479581