US3774030A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Defect detecting and indicating means for non-destructive testing
Assignee: Magnaflux Corp
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Filing: 1972-06-02
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Granted: 1973-11-20
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Expires: 1992-06-02
Abstract
Abstract Defect detecting and indicating means for magnetic particle or penetrant systems in which defect indications are produced on the surface of a part. In one arrangement, radiant energy is impinged uniformly on a substantial area of the part which may be viewed while in another, the surface is scanned by a small flying spot of radiant energy, detector means being responsive to energy reflected back from the surface. In both arrangements a source of coherent radiation is used, preferably a laser, a fluorescent material is associated with the magnetic particles or the penetrant which absorbs energy at the wavelength of the radiation and emits in a different spectral range. A filter which rejects at the wavelength of the radiation may be used in front of the detector or for direct viewing. In the flying spot arrangement, signals developed may be applied to a television monitor and/or to a digital registering and pattern recognition system operative to develop an indication independent of defect position.
Inventors
- 👤 Connor D O
- 👤 B Graham
- 👤 D Prine
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 05:34
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/88; G01N21/89
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
236 words
In a system for non-destructive testing of a part, testing means for producing on a surface of the part indications of inhomogeneities of the part, said indications being in the form of concentrations of a fluorescent material in patterns corresponding to the form of the inhomogeneities of the parts, said fluorescent material having a peak absorption characteristic at a first wavelength and having a peak emission characteristic at a second wavelength substantially longer than said first wavelength, laser and scanning means for producing a narrow concentrated beam of parallel light rays impinged on a small spot on said surface of the part and for effecting movement of said spot over an area of said surface of the part in a certain scanning pattern, the size of said spot being substantially independent of variations in distance between said laser and scanning means and the part, said coherent light having a wavelength substantially equally to said first wavelength to cause said fluorescent material to produce high energy emissions at said second wavelength when impinged by said narrow concentrated beam, photoelectric detector means for responding to said high energy emissions at said second wavelength and to produce electrical pulse signals in response to scanning movements of said spot across said indications and imaging means coupled to said scanning means and responsive to said electrical signals to produce images having patterns corresponding to the patterns of inhomogeneities in the part.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
236 words
In a system for non-destructive testing of a part, testing means for producing on a surface of the part indications of inhomogeneities of the part, said indications being in the form of concentrations of a fluorescent material in patterns corresponding to the form of the inhomogeneities of the parts, said fluorescent material having a peak absorption characteristic at a first wavelength and having a peak emission characteristic at a second wavelength substantially longer than said first wavelength, laser and scanning means for producing a narrow concentrated beam of parallel light rays impinged on a small spot on said surface of the part and for effecting movement of said spot over an area of said surface of the part in a certain scanning pattern, the size of said spot being substantially independent of variations in distance between said laser and scanning means and the part, said coherent light having a wavelength substantially equally to said first wavelength to cause said fluorescent material to produce high energy emissions at said second wavelength when impinged by said narrow concentrated beam, photoelectric detector means for responding to said high energy emissions at said second wavelength and to produce electrical pulse signals in response to scanning movements of said spot across said indications and imaging means coupled to said scanning means and responsive to said electrical signals to produce images having patterns corresponding to the patterns of inhomogeneities in the part.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
In a system as defined in claim 1, said imaging means being operative to respond to a series of signals corresponding to an indication lying in a straight line in one direction on said surface of the part.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
In a system as defined in claim 2, said imaging means comprising a television picture tube, deflection circuit means associated with said tube, means for synchronizing the operation of said deflection circuit means and the scanning movement of said spot, and means for applying signals from said detector means to said picture tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
In a system as defined in claim 2, said imaging means comprising digital processing means including storage means for storing a series of signals from an indication lying in a straight line in one direction on said surface of the part.
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) | 1976-11-19 | 1977-05-21 | 1977-11-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-19 | 1981-05-21 | 1981-11-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-19 | 1985-05-21 | 1985-11-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |