Patent ID: 7055389

Claim:
An apparatus for examining the internal structure of an object by reflection mode scanning acoustic microscopy, the apparatus comprising: a jig adapted to controllably move an acoustic transducer assembly in at least two dimensions over a surface of an object and adapted to removably attach to the object, wherein the object is substantially disposed in air; an acoustic transducer assembly having a first end coupled to the jig and a second end, the second end adapted emit an acoustic signal that pings a portion of the surface and adapted to receive an acoustic signal that is a reflection of the emitted acoustic signal; and a fluid retainer attached to the second end of the acoustic transducer assembly, the fluid retainer defining a body having a generally solid exterior surface with a generally hollow interior, the fluid retainer defining a longitudinal length with a first and second opposed open ends, each open end in communication with the hollow interior of the fluid retainer, wherein the first open end is adapted to attach to the second end of the acoustic transducer assembly, the second end of the fluid retainer defining a pliable opening adapted to conform to contours of the surface of the object, wherein the fluid retainer is essentially impermeable to fluid retained in the hollow interior of the fluid retainer.