Patent ID: 8018228
Filing Date: 2011-09-13
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A flexible array probe suitable for being conformed to test surfaces of contoured three-dimensional objects, the array probe comprising: a plurality of sensing elements; a base formed of a flexible material, the base having a surface for being placed against and/or moved across the test surfaces; the flexible base having a first direction and at least one linear bending region extending substantially along the first direction, the bending region being fanned so that deformation in the material of the base on a first side of the bending region are substantially prevented from being transmitted to a second side of the base, across the bending region, wherein the bending region includes at least one longitudinal cut in the base along the first direction; wherein the base is constructed to be bent along the first direction and along bending axes which extend at angles relative to the first direction; and the sensing elements being fastened onto the base straddling the at least one bending region.