Patent ID: 6246235
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An inspection system for an elongated ferromagnetic article having two end portions comprising:(a) a first magnetizing station comprising a first flux field amplifier comprising a multi-stranded cable for inducing magnetic lines of force transverse to a first end portion of said elongated ferromagnetic article, a first coil for inducing magnetic lines of force longitudinal to said first end portion of said elongated ferromagnetic article, and a first particle spray apparatus for spraying magnetic particles on said first end portion of said elongated ferromagnetic article,(b) a first inspection zone for inspecting said first end portion of said elongated ferromagnetic article,(c) a second magnetizing station comprising a second flux field amplifier comprising a multi-stranded cable for inducing magnetic lines of force transverse to a second end portion of said elongated ferromagnetic article, a second coil for inducing magnetic lines of force longitudinal to said second end portion of said elongated ferromagnetic article, and a second particle spray apparatus for spraying magnetic particles on said second end portion of said elongated ferromagnetic article, and(d) a second inspection zone for inspecting said second end portion of said elongated ferromagnetic article.