Patent ID: 7640810
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A system for non-destructive inspection of a structure, comprising: a motion control system comprising a robot control system, wherein the robot control system comprises a robotic arm; an extension coupler attached to the robotic arm, the extension coupler having an extendable and retractable distal end; and an inspection probe attached to the distal end of the extension coupler, configured for traveling over holes and off edges of the structure, and comprising at least one pulse echo ultrasonic transducer configured for inspecting the structure as the inspection probe and transducer are moved over the structure by at least one of the motion control system and extension coupler, wherein the extension coupler is configured to extend and retract the first end to which the inspection probe is attached for applying pressure to the inspection probe to press the inspection probe against the structure, and wherein the extension coupler is configured to temporarily lock the extended or retracted position of the inspection probe with respect to the extension coupler when the inspection probe passes over one or more of the edge of the hole, over the hole, over the edge of the structure, and past the edge of the structure, thereby preventing the inspection probe from extending past the surface of the structure into the hole or off the edge of the structure by the pressure applied to the inspection probe by the extension coupler.