Patent ID: 8212553
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: F22B,G01N,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A mode switching circuit structured to operate with an eddy current probe testing apparatus, said eddy current probe testing apparatus having a signal producing device, an output device, a ground bus, and an eddy current probe, said signal producing device structured to produce at least one test signal having a frequency, said output device structured to convert at least one output signal to a displayable format, said eddy current probe structured to operate in an first mode and a second mode to detect defects in a body having a surface, said eddy current probe having a first coil and a second coil, said first coil extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to said body surface, said second coil extending in a in a plane substantially perpendicular to said body surface and to said first coil, said first coil having a first terminal and a second terminal, said second coil having a first terminal and a second terminal, said mode switching circuit comprising: a switch assembly having a plurality of switches; a conductor assembly having a plurality of conductors, wherein selected conductors are structured to provide electrical signals from said signal producing device to said first coil and said second coil, and, selected conductors are structured to provide electrical signals from said first coil and said second coil to said output device; wherein selected conductors of said plurality of conductors are coupled to, and in electronic communication with, at least one switch of said plurality of switches, each said switch further coupled to, and in electrical communication with at least one of said first coil and said second coil; and wherein said switch assembly is structured to have said plurality of switches rapidly move between a first configuration, wherein said eddy current probe acts in a driver pick-up mode, and a second configuration, wherein said eddy current probe acts in an impedance mode, whereby said eddy current probe acts in both modes concurrently.