Patent ID: 9297789
Filing Date: 2016-03-29
CPC Classification: G01N

Claim Text:
1. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe for in situ ultrasonic monitoring of a material undergoing a cure process, the probe comprising: an ultrasonic transducer for generating, transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a waveguide for guiding the ultrasonic waves and having a proximal end in contact with the ultrasonic transducer and a distal end for contacting the material undergoing the cure process, the waveguide comprising: a first portion extending from the proximal end; a reference segment of the waveguide for reflecting a portion of the ultrasonic wave back to the ultrasonic transducer as a reference ultrasonic wave signal for use to recalibrate the probe and account for non-cure related ultrasonic wave variances during the cure process; a second portion extending from the reference to a tip at the distal end of the waveguide; wherein the tip further comprises a lip located on the circumference of the tip; and wherein the lip extends intermittently about the circumference of the tip; a waveguide for guiding the ultrasonic waves whose proximal end in contact with the ultrasonic transducer is easily separated from the ultrasonic transducer.