An inspection system for performing an inspection of an end region of a part is provided. The inspection system includes a robotic assembly positioned along a side of the part. The inspection system includes an ultrasonic probe coupled to the robotic assembly and positioned in proximity to the end region of the part. The ultrasonic probe is moved by the robotic assembly along a path to inspect the end region of the part. During the inspection, the ultrasonic probe transmits a signal towards the end region of the part and receives a reflected signal from the end region of the part. The inspection system provides, as a single system, for inspection of both a body of the part and the end region of the part.

A through-transmission ultrasonic (TTU) inspection system for ultrasonic inspection of a part, such as an aircraft component. The TTU inspection system may include a first end effector and/or a second end effector. The first end effector may be positioned on a first surface of the part and the second end effector may be positioned on a second surface of the part, opposite the first surface. The first and/or second end effector may also include an acoustic coupling medium encircled by a plurality of pins independently movable toward and away from a housing of the first and/or second end effector, such that the pins may follow local part contours along the first surface at all times, while retaining the acoustic coupling medium between the first surface and a transducer in the housing of the first and/or second end effector.

A through-transmission ultrasonic (TTU) inspection system for ultrasonic inspection of a part, such as an aircraft component. The TTU inspection system may include a first end effector and/or a second end effector. The first end effector may be positioned on a first surface of the part and the second end effector may be positioned on a second surface of the part, opposite the first surface. The first and/or second end effector may also include an acoustic coupling medium encircled by a plurality of pins independently movable toward and away from a housing of the first and/or second end effector, such that the pins may follow local part contours along the first surface at all times, while retaining the acoustic coupling medium between the first surface and a transducer in the housing of the first and/or second end effector.

An ultrasound probe is described that comprises a transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasound. The probe also includes a coupling element, such as a spherical ball of self-lubricating or hydrogel material, for contacting and acoustically coupling to an object to be inspected. The ultrasound probe also includes an analyser that is arranged to analyse the ultrasound signal received by the transducer and thereby determine if there is contact between the coupling element, and the surface of an object. The probe can thus be used for internal (ultrasound) inspection of objects as well as measuring the position of points on the surface of the object. The probe may be mountable to a coordinate measuring machine or other moveable platforms.

An ultrasound probe is described that comprises a transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasound. The probe also includes a coupling element, such as a spherical ball of self-lubricating or hydrogel material, for contacting and acoustically coupling to an object to be inspected. The ultrasound probe also includes an analyser that is arranged to analyse the ultrasound signal received by the transducer and thereby determine if there is contact between the coupling element, and the surface of an object. The probe can thus be used for internal (ultrasound) inspection of objects as well as measuring the position of points on the surface of the object. The probe may be mountable to a coordinate measuring machine or other moveable platforms.

An ultrasonic matrix phased array inspection system can include a plurality of curved matrix phased array probes surrounding a test chamber through which a longitudinal test object passes. Fluid injectors can provide a rotating fluid jacket around the longitudinal test object to ultrasonically couple the plurality of curved matrix phased array probes to the longitudinal test object. The plurality of curved matrix phased array probes can remain in a fixed position during inspection and can inspect the longitudinal test object by transmitting ultrasonic sound waves at various angles to identify flaws of any orientation.

An ultrasonic matrix phased array inspection system can include a plurality of curved matrix phased array probes surrounding a test chamber through which a longitudinal test object passes. Fluid injectors can provide a rotating fluid jacket around the longitudinal test object to ultrasonically couple the plurality of curved matrix phased array probes to the longitudinal test object. The plurality of curved matrix phased array probes can remain in a fixed position during inspection and can inspect the longitudinal test object by transmitting ultrasonic sound waves at various angles to identify flaws of any orientation.

A sheet-forming apparatus including a crucible for holding a melt of material and a solid sheet of the material disposed within the melt, a crystallizer disposed above the crucible and configured to form the sheet from the melt, and an ultrasonic measurement system disposed adjacent the crystallizer, the ultrasonic measurement system comprising at least one ultrasonic measurement device including a waveguide coupled to an ultrasonic transducer for directing an ultrasonic pulse through the melt.

A sheet-forming apparatus including a crucible for holding a melt of material and a solid sheet of the material disposed within the melt, a crystallizer disposed above the crucible and configured to form the sheet from the melt, and an ultrasonic measurement system disposed adjacent the crystallizer, the ultrasonic measurement system comprising at least one ultrasonic measurement device including a waveguide coupled to an ultrasonic transducer for directing an ultrasonic pulse through the melt.

An ultrasonic probe apparatus and an ultrasonic imaging apparatus are disclosed. The ultrasonic probe apparatus includes: an ultrasonic transducer configured to output an electrical signal upon receiving ultrasonic waves; a sound absorption unit, one surface of which is an installation surface of the ultrasonic transducer and is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer; a first electronic circuit electrically connected to the sound absorption unit; and a substrate connection unit disposed between the sound absorption unit and the first electronic circuit, configured to electrically interconnect the first electronic circuit and the sound absorption unit. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes the above ultrasonic probe and a main body.