Patent ID: 7671338

Claim:
An apparatus for inspecting features extending from a cavity within a structure to an outer surface of the structure, the apparatus comprising: a thermal imaging device comprising a lens; a positioning system for supporting the thermal imaging device and operable to position the lens at a desired position and orientation with respect to one of the features; a heating component supported by the positioning system and operable to heat an area of the outer surface around the one of the features; a first source of gas; a flow controller connected to the first source of gas and operable to supply a pressure regulated flow of gas; a chiller receiving the pressure regulated flow of gas and providing a pressure regulated flow of cooled gas into the cavity and to the one of the features; and a programmable control in electrical communications with the thermal imaging device, the positioning system, the heating component, the flow controller and the chiller and operable to first heat the outer surface around the one of the features and thereafter cause the pressure regulated of cooled gas to flow into the cavity, the control being further operable to cause the thermal imaging device to capture and save thermal images of the outer surface including the one of the features.