Patent ID: 7891248

Claim:
An apparatus for measuring wall thicknesses of objects, the apparatus comprising: a coordinate measuring machine comprising a probe holder and an object support, the coordinate measuring machine being configured to provide relative movement between the probe holder and the object support in three dimensions; and an ultrasonic test probe which is held by the probe holder; whereby, in use, the coordinate measuring machine brings the transducer of the ultrasonic test probe into contact with a position on a surface of an object at the object support so that the probe can measure an object wall thickness at the probe contact position wherein an angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the angle of the ultrasonic test probe when it is brought into contact with said surface so that the measured wall thickness is along a line perpendicular to said surface, wherein a system is provided for delivering couplant to the face of the ultrasonic test probe before the test probe is brought into contact with the object, and wherein the couplant is carried in a reservoir which is mounted to the ultrasonic test probe.