Patent ID: 9664651
Date: 2017-05-30
CPC Classifications: G01N

Claim:
1. An ultrasonic detection assembly for detecting a characteristic in a test object, the ultrasonic detection assembly including: a phased array probe positioned in proximity to a peripheral surface of the test object, the phased array probe including a plurality of adjacent transducer elements collectively configured to provide an at least one inspection surface extending substantially parallel to a direction along which the test object extends, each transducer being operatively configured to emit a respective beam into the test object so as to provide a pattern of constructive interference such that the phased array probe is providing a single, rotationally symmetric sound beam into the test object, the phased array probe being configured to provide for a rotational symmetry that exists over a complete steering range of the phased array probe; and a controller operatively connected to the phased array probe for causing each transducer to emit the respective beam into the test object so as to provide the pattern of constructive interference such that the phased array probe is providing a single, rotationally symmetric sound beam into the test object, and for moving the rotationally symmetric sound beam over a complete steering range of the phased array probe.