Patent ID: 8981771
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: B64F,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for inspecting a metallic structure for an inconsistency within 0.1 inch from a head of a fastener in the metallic structure, the method comprising: aligning a longitudinal axis, of a first waveguide mounted on a housing, substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a second waveguide mounted on the housing; maintaining a distance, between an edge of the first waveguide and an edge of the second waveguide, substantially equal to a diameter of the head of the fastener; moving the housing along an axis that substantially intersects a center point of the head, the first waveguide passing the head on one side of the axis and the second waveguide passing the head on an opposite side of the axis; sending, from the first waveguide, a first signal into a first location in the metallic structure; sending, from the second waveguide, a second signal into a second location in the metallic structure at substantially a same time as the first signal is sent; receiving at the first waveguide a first response to the first signal and at the second waveguide a second response to the second signal; comparing the first response with the second response to form a comparison; and determining whether the inconsistency is present using the comparison.