Patent ID: 7304474
Filing Date: 2007-12-04
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An inspection device for the detection of a flaw in a component under inspection, comprising: a magnetic field generator to create a test magnetic field directed into the component to induce eddy currents within the component; at least first and third sensors that detect magnetic field signals effected by the eddy currents encountering the flaw in the component and received by the first and third sensors, wherein the first and third sensors generate at least two signals indicative of the detected magnetic field signals, wherein the first and third sensors are oriented in a common direction substantially parallel to a portion of the component under inspection, but offset from one another in a direction substantially orthogonal to the portion of the component under inspection; a second sensor oriented in a direction substantially orthogonal to the portion of the component under inspection, the second sensor configured to detect magnetic field signals effected by the eddy current encountering the flaw in the component and to generate a signal indicative of the detected magnetic field signals; and a processing element that receives and processes the signals from the first, second and third sensors to determine a curl of the magnetic field signals.