Patent US3848461A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3848461A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rotary ultrasonic testing apparatus
Assignee: British Steel PLC
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Filing: 1973-05-30
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Granted: 1974-11-19
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Expires: 1993-05-30
Abstract
Abstract Rotary ultrasonic testing apparatus of the kind used for example in testing steel tubes and including an ultrasonic probe assembly mounted for rotation so as to transcribe a close pitched helix about the body to be tested, in which the probe assembly is mounted for rotation on hydrostatic bearings.
Inventors
- 👤 M Hetherington
- 👤 P Atkinston
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 21:27
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N29/00; G01N29/22; G01N29/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
Rotary ultrasonic testing apparatus including an ultrasonic probe assembly mounted for rotation so as to transcribe a closepitched helix about a tubular body to be tested, said probe assembly being mounted for rotation on a hydrostatic liquid bearing, said liquid bearing including at least one bearing surface having at least one recess and a liquid inlet opening into the recess for supplying liquid under pressure into the recesss, and a non-recessed bearing surface against which the recessed bearing surface is arranged to abut, llquid being forced in use by the supply pressure over the edges of the recess so as to provide a low friction bearing film between the recessed surface and the non-recessed surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
Rotary ultrasonic testing apparatus including an ultrasonic probe assembly mounted for rotation so as to transcribe a closepitched helix about a tubular body to be tested, said probe assembly being mounted for rotation on a hydrostatic liquid bearing, said liquid bearing including at least one bearing surface having at least one recess and a liquid inlet opening into the recess for supplying liquid under pressure into the recesss, and a non-recessed bearing surface against which the recessed bearing surface is arranged to abut, llquid being forced in use by the supply pressure over the edges of the recess so as to provide a low friction bearing film between the recessed surface and the non-recessed surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the recessed bearing surface is provided with a plurality of recesses, the liquid inlets of which are connected to a common source of liquid under pressure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
155 words
Rotary ultrasonic testing apparatus including an ultrasonic probe assembly mounted for rotation so as to transcribe a close pitched helix about a tubular body to be tested, said probe assembly being mounted for rotation on a hydrostatic liquid bearing; in which said liquid bearing includes a stationary cylindrical member having at least one recess in the outer peripheral surface thereof; a Rotatable annular sleeve fitting around the stationary cylindrical member, the inner surface of the annular sleeve being non recessed and abutting the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member, and the ultrasonic probe assembly being mounted upon the rotatable annular sleeve; and a liquid inlet to the recess in the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member for supplying liquid under pressure into the recess whereby in use the liquid under pressure provides a low friction bearing film between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member and the inner surface of the sleeve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
155 words
Rotary ultrasonic testing apparatus including an ultrasonic probe assembly mounted for rotation so as to transcribe a close pitched helix about a tubular body to be tested, said probe assembly being mounted for rotation on a hydrostatic liquid bearing; in which said liquid bearing includes a stationary cylindrical member having at least one recess in the outer peripheral surface thereof; a Rotatable annular sleeve fitting around the stationary cylindrical member, the inner surface of the annular sleeve being non recessed and abutting the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member, and the ultrasonic probe assembly being mounted upon the rotatable annular sleeve; and a liquid inlet to the recess in the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member for supplying liquid under pressure into the recess whereby in use the liquid under pressure provides a low friction bearing film between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member and the inner surface of the sleeve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein a plurality of recesses are provided equi-spaced around the outer peripheral surface of the stationary cylindrical member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein four recesses are provided equi-spaced around the outer peripheral surface of the stationary cylindrical member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein each recess is generally rectangular in plan configuration.
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) | 1977-11-18 | 1978-05-20 | 1978-11-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-18 | 1982-05-20 | 1982-11-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-18 | 1986-05-20 | 1986-11-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |