Patent ID: 7836767

Claim:
A non-destructive inspection apparatus for inspecting samples that may include a curvature that varies from sample to sample, the apparatus comprising: a scanning element, operable to transmit a signal to a sample and receive a signal from the sample; a feed mechanism, operable to guide the sample past the scanning element, the feed mechanism including: a plurality of pulleys and a plurality of belts that form an open-ended chain, wherein each belt provides a link between two pulleys, a drive motor, coupled to the plurality of pulleys and the plurality of belts such that the drive motor can drive the series of pulleys to rotate generally synchronously and in the same direction, an array of rear elements including an array of rear shafts, an array of rear gears, and an array of rear rollers, wherein each rear element includes a rear shall rigidly attached to a rear gear and a rear roller, and an array of front elements including an array of front shafts, an array of front gears, and an array of front rollers, wherein each front element includes a front shaft rigidly attached to a front gear and a front roller, such that the array of rear gears contacts the array of front gears such that rotation of the array of rear elements in one direction causes rotation of the array of front elements in the opposite direction; and a pivot mechanism, operable to adapt the feed mechanism to the curvature of the sample in order to maintain a constant distance between the scanning element and the sample, the pivot mechanism including a plurality of primary links operable to pivot in response to the shape of the sample.