Patent ID: 8286491
Filing Date: 2012-10-16
Classification: G01B,G01N

Abstract:
1. An ultrasonic probe apparatus suitable for inspecting a test object with a hollow longitudinal shape, and with a flowing liquid medium passing through the test object internally during an inspection session, the probe apparatus comprising: a transducer having an ultrasonic coupling face and configured to emit ultrasonic pulses and to receive corresponding echo signals; an acoustic mirror attached to a rotatable member and configured to guide the ultrasonic pulses and the echo signals between the test object and the transducer; a turbine coupled with the rotatable member and configured to be acted upon by the liquid medium to rotate said member and said mirror; and liquid channels associated with the turbine and configured to cause the liquid medium to flow through a zone immediately in front of the ultrasonic coupling face, in a manner effective to drive air bubbles away from said zone.