Patent ID: 6951134

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 to 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 nozzle defining a body having a generally solid exterior surface, a generally hollow interior, and at least three openings extending from the hollow interior to the exterior, wherein a first opening of the at least three openings is adapted to receive a fluid stream and communicate the fluid stream into the interior of the nozzle, wherein a second opening to the at least three openings is adapted to communicate fluid of the fluid stream from the interior of the nozzle thereout, wherein a third opening of the at least three openings is adapted to couple to the acoustic transducer assembly, whereby the fluid of the fluid stream is an acoustic medium that carries acoustic signals between the second end of the transducer and the second opening of the nozzle when the interior of the nozzle is generally filled with the fluid.