US4127815A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for marking an article following flaw detection using a fusible metal powder
Assignee: Ltv Steel Co Inc
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Filing: 1976-09-29
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Granted: 1978-11-28
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Expires: 1996-09-29
Abstract
Abstract An eddy current flaw detection apparatus which is particularly adapted for inspecting articles at elevated temperatures. A plurality of detectors are supported about at least a portion of a workpiece path of travel to detect and locate flaws in workpieces. A non-magnetic, metallic shield is between the detectors and the workpiece path. A cooling medium is applied to the heat shield to protect the detectors from the heat of a hot workpiece. The cooling medium is also used to purge foreign matter from the assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph P. Vild
- 👤 William I. Cleary
- 👤 Donald P. Fox
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 17:30
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/72; G01N27/82; G01N27/90; G01N27/9093
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A method of marking the location of a flaw in an article comprising the steps of: (a) heating the article; (b) inspecting the article for flaws; (c) locating an area with a flaw; (d) spraying a fusible powder onto the flaw while the article is at a temperature above the fusing point of the powder, the powder when fused being of a visibly different color than the wall of the article; and, (e) fusing the powder on the located area to visibly indicate the location of a detected flaw.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
A method of marking the location of a flaw in an article comprising the steps of: (a) heating the article; (b) inspecting the article for flaws; (c) locating an area with a flaw; (d) spraying a fusible powder onto the flaw while the article is at a temperature above the fusing point of the powder, the powder when fused being of a visibly different color than the wall of the article; and, (e) fusing the powder on the located area to visibly indicate the location of a detected flaw.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the powder is metallic.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said powder is aluminum.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
174 words
In a flaw detection apparatus for detecting defects in a workpiece processed at an elevated temperature on the order of 1200° Fahrenheit and above, the combination comprising: (a) a container for holding a quantity of metal powder fusible at such temperature; (b) a lid for the container to permit powder to be loaded into the container; (c) agitation means connected to the container for agitating powder disposed within the container to enable the the powder to be dispersed; (d) a nozzle in communication with the interior of the container and connectable to a source of gas under pressure to aspirate agitated powder disposed within the container and therefore to disperse the powder; (e) controls for regulating the flow of gas to the nozzle; and (f) circuitry connecting the flaw detection apparatus to the controls to permit the gas to be supplied to the nozzle in timed relationship with the detection of a defect so that a quantity of powder may be sprayed on the hot workpiece to mark the position of a detected defect.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
174 words
In a flaw detection apparatus for detecting defects in a workpiece processed at an elevated temperature on the order of 1200° Fahrenheit and above, the combination comprising: (a) a container for holding a quantity of metal powder fusible at such temperature; (b) a lid for the container to permit powder to be loaded into the container; (c) agitation means connected to the container for agitating powder disposed within the container to enable the the powder to be dispersed; (d) a nozzle in communication with the interior of the container and connectable to a source of gas under pressure to aspirate agitated powder disposed within the container and therefore to disperse the powder; (e) controls for regulating the flow of gas to the nozzle; and (f) circuitry connecting the flaw detection apparatus to the controls to permit the gas to be supplied to the nozzle in timed relationship with the detection of a defect so that a quantity of powder may be sprayed on the hot workpiece to mark the position of a detected defect.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the agitation means comprises: (a) an air tube disposed within the container and connectable to a source of gas under pressure; and (b) vibration means connected to the container for vibrating the container and, hence, powder disposed within the container.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of manufacture of steel pipe or other products comprising: (a) forming the product with a manufacturing process including the step of heating the product to temperatures of the order of 1200° Fahrenheit; (b) inspecting the product while hot with a defect-detecting mechanism to locate flows in the product; and (c) marking a detected defect by: (i) applying a fusible material while in a solid state to the product near the detected defect while the product is at a temperature above the fusing temperature of the material due to heat absorbed by the product during the heating step; and (ii) fusing the material to the product with such product-absorbed heat.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of manufacture of steel pipe or other products comprising: (a) forming the product with a manufacturing process including the step of heating the product to temperatures of the order of 1200° Fahrenheit; (b) inspecting the product while hot with a defect-detecting mechanism to locate flows in the product; and (c) marking a detected defect by: (i) applying a fusible material while in a solid state to the product near the detected defect while the product is at a temperature above the fusing temperature of the material due to heat absorbed by the product during the heating step; and (ii) fusing the material to the product with such product-absorbed heat.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 6, wherein the fusible material comprises aluminum powder.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-11-27 | 1982-05-29 | 1982-11-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-11-27 | 1986-05-29 | 1986-11-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-11-27 | 1990-05-29 | 1990-11-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |