Patent US3602997A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3602997A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Ablator densiometer and void detector
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1969-03-10
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Granted: 1971-09-07
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Expires: 1989-03-10
Abstract
Abstract A spring-tensioned plunger movable across a surface such as a cellular ''''honeycomb'''' panel, for detecting voids, weak areas, porous areas; and means for measuring the depth of the weakened area in terms of plunger penetration.
Inventors
- 👤 Albert G Henderson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 04:04
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N15/00; G01N15/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
214 words
A void detector for locating and measuring the depth of voids and weakened areas below the surface of a workpiece of low density material comprising, a cylindrical barrel having elongated slots in the sidewall thereof, a plunger slidably mounted in the lower end of said barrel, a collar positioned around the outside of said barrel concentric to said plunger, trim screws extending through said collar and slots in said barrel to threadably engage said plunger, an adjustable spacer element positioned in the upper end of said barrel, other screws extending through slots in said barrel and threadably engaging said spacer to adjust the position thereof relative to said barrel, a straight elongated tube fixedly secured to the lower end of said barrel for penetrating the surface of the workpiece, a needle secured at its inward end to said plunger and slidable in said tube, a ball mounted on the outer end of said needle, the diameter of said ball being approximately equal to the outer diameter of said tube, tensioned means for biasing said needle outwardly and means for measuring the outward travel distance of said ball from the outward end of said tube, thereby indicating the depth of the void and weakened area beneath the surface of the workpiece of low density material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
214 words
A void detector for locating and measuring the depth of voids and weakened areas below the surface of a workpiece of low density material comprising, a cylindrical barrel having elongated slots in the sidewall thereof, a plunger slidably mounted in the lower end of said barrel, a collar positioned around the outside of said barrel concentric to said plunger, trim screws extending through said collar and slots in said barrel to threadably engage said plunger, an adjustable spacer element positioned in the upper end of said barrel, other screws extending through slots in said barrel and threadably engaging said spacer to adjust the position thereof relative to said barrel, a straight elongated tube fixedly secured to the lower end of said barrel for penetrating the surface of the workpiece, a needle secured at its inward end to said plunger and slidable in said tube, a ball mounted on the outer end of said needle, the diameter of said ball being approximately equal to the outer diameter of said tube, tensioned means for biasing said needle outwardly and means for measuring the outward travel distance of said ball from the outward end of said tube, thereby indicating the depth of the void and weakened area beneath the surface of the workpiece of low density material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-06 | 1975-03-08 | 1975-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-06 | 1979-03-08 | 1979-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-06 | 1983-03-08 | 1983-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |