Patent ID: 8143885
Filing Date: 2012-03-27
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An inspection system for detecting flaws on a metal bar having an axis moving along a movement path, comprising: a first flaw detection apparatus at a first position along said path configured to generate a first output signal indicative of eddy currents induced in said bar as it moves through said first position; a second flaw detection apparatus at a second position along said path and disposed in a predetermined relationship with said first apparatus, said second apparatus being configured to generate a second output signal corresponding to one or more images of said bar as it moves through said second position; a synchronizing mechanism configured to synchronize said first and second output signals as a function of an axial position of said bar based on said predetermined relationship; a processing unit responsive to said first and second output signals for detecting first flaws and second flaws, respectively, and cross-referencing a selected one of the said first and second output signals with another one of the said first and second output signals.