Patent ID: 7954380

Claim:
A system for ultrasonically inspecting a drill bit for subterranean drilling comprising: an ultrasonic probe including at least one ultrasonic transducer configured for at least one of emitting ultrasonic waves and detecting ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic probe being configured for insertion within an internal longitudinal bore of an earth-boring rotary drill bit; a longitudinal probe-positioning mechanism operably coupled with the ultrasonic probe and configured for changing a longitudinal position of the ultrasonic probe relative to the earth-boring rotary drill bit, the longitudinal probe-positioning mechanism comprising: a fixed member disposed outside the longitudinal bore of the rotary drill bit, the fixed member extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the internal longitudinal bore of the rotary drill bit; and a cantilevered support member movably coupled to the fixed member, the cantilevered support member comprising: a first portion movably coupled to the fixed member and extending laterally from the fixed member; and a second portion extending generally perpendicularly relative to the first portion and having a free end coupled to the ultrasonic probe; a rotational probe-positioning mechanism operably coupled with the ultrasonic probe and configured for changing a rotational position of the ultrasonic probe relative to the earth-boring rotary drill bit; and a computer device for receiving data acquired from the ultrasonic probe.