US4423636A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Articulated test probe mechanism with fluid bearing in test roll gap
Assignee: Bethlehem Steel Corp
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Filing: 1981-12-08
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Granted: 1984-01-03
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Expires: 2001-12-08
Abstract
Abstract A nondestructive eddy current or ultrasonic articulated probe mechanism automatically detects rolling mill roll surface defects for use with a defect test system. The articulated probe mechanism is mounted on a traversing roll grinder carriage, is automatically positioned over the test roll, and has a probe head with controlled fluid bearing, air or liquid, to automatically maintain probe head-to-test roll gap. One or multiple eddy current, or ultrasonic, probes in the head generate anomoly test signals which, together with a probe head temperature sensor signal, are suitable for processing in an appropriate test instrument.
Inventors
- 👤 Arcade J. Plante
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 00:51
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N29/00; G01N29/22; G01N29/223; G01N27/00; G01N27/72; G01N27/82; G01N27/90; G01N27/9093
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A nondestructive probe mechanism for testing roll surface conditions of a rolling mill roll rotatable in a test fixture and operable with a grinder carriage moveable substantially parallel to and lengthwise of the test roll longitudinal axis, said probe mechanism comprising: (a) articulated probe structure means mountable on the grinder carriage, said structure means comprising: 1. a carriage-mounted base member with upright support, 2. a spindle rotatable about the upright support, 3. a moveable support arm pivotally attached to the spindle with a free end positionable over at least the test surface, 4. a universal mount on the free end of the support arm providing attachment means with at least one axis of movement, 5. a nondestructive test probe housing attached to the universal mount attachment means and wherein a probe sensor of either eddy current or ultrasonic design generates an anomoly test signal when aligned with the test roll surface, and
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A nondestructive probe mechanism for testing roll surface conditions of a rolling mill roll rotatable in a test fixture and operable with a grinder carriage moveable substantially parallel to and lengthwise of the test roll longitudinal axis, said probe mechanism comprising: (a) articulated probe structure means mountable on the grinder carriage, said structure means comprising: 1. a carriage-mounted base member with upright support, 2. a spindle rotatable about the upright support, 3. a moveable support arm pivotally attached to the spindle with a free end positionable over at least the test surface, 4. a universal mount on the free end of the support arm providing attachment means with at least one axis of movement, 5. a nondestructive test probe housing attached to the universal mount attachment means and wherein a probe sensor of either eddy current or ultrasonic design generates an anomoly test signal when aligned with the test roll surface, and
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
129 words
said probe housing being modified to include pressurized fluid bearing means capable of maintaining a probe housing-to-test roll gap; (b) means for automatically positioning the test probe housing including: 1. first and second fluid pressure responsive means cooperating with the spindle and the support arm to position the probe housing in a safe retracted position related away from the test roll, a probe test up position and a probe test down position over the test roll surface, all in response to corresponding position control signals, 2. a first pressurized fluid source adjusted to maintain a constant fluid bearing roll gap, and 3. a second pressurized fluid source for said fluid pressure responsive means; (c) control means for producing the corresponding position control signals in response initially to a command.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
129 words
said probe housing being modified to include pressurized fluid bearing means capable of maintaining a probe housing-to-test roll gap; (b) means for automatically positioning the test probe housing including: 1. first and second fluid pressure responsive means cooperating with the spindle and the support arm to position the probe housing in a safe retracted position related away from the test roll, a probe test up position and a probe test down position over the test roll surface, all in response to corresponding position control signals, 2. a first pressurized fluid source adjusted to maintain a constant fluid bearing roll gap, and 3. a second pressurized fluid source for said fluid pressure responsive means; (c) control means for producing the corresponding position control signals in response initially to a command.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the control means includes a test control panel initiated by an operator for controlling automatic probe housing positioning.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the control means includes a test control panel initiated by an operator for controlling automatic probe housing positioning and another control panel initiated by the same operator for controlling test roll rotation and carriage movement.
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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) | 1987-01-02 | 1987-07-04 | 1988-01-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-02 | 1991-07-04 | 1992-01-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-02 | 1995-07-04 | 1996-01-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |