Patent ID: 6109112
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: F41H,G01H,G01V

Abstract:
A prodding implement for determining acoustic characteristics of objects comprising:an acoustically transmitting probe having a detecting end and a coupling end;an acoustic transducer having a first end, for generating an acoustic emission, and for receiving an acoustic wave and generating an electrical signal in dependence thereon;an electrically insulating acoustic coupler for operatively connecting the probe and the acoustic transducer including;a first receiving end for receiving the coupling end of the probe and having an internal probe contact surface for contacting the coupling end of the probe when received and lateral support means for surrounding a portion of the coupling end of the probe, a second receiving end for receiving the first end of the transducer and having lateral support means for surrounding portion of the transducer and an internal transducer contact surface opposite and acoustically contacting the internal probe contact surface;sealing means for contact between the coupling end of the probe and the internal probe contact surface and between the first end of the transducer and the internal transducer contact surface for acoustically transparent coupling of the coupling end of the probe to the internal probe contact surface and of the first end of the transducer to the internal transducer contact surface; andprocessor means for comparing known acoustic wave patterns to a received wave pattern,wherein acoustic coupling is provided over the internal probe and transducer contact surfaces, substantially without distorting acoustic wave transmission.