Patent ID: 6848312

Claim:
A system for inspecting a joint in a composite structure that includes first and second panels that are connected thereby defining the joint, wherein the second panel at least partially extend outwardly from the first panel at the joint, and wherein the composite structure further includes filler disposed at the joint, said system comprising: a transmitting transducer disposed proximate an input side of the second panel, said transmitting transducer being capable of transmitting an ultrasonic signal into the second panel such that at least a portion of the ultrasonic signal reflects off of the first panel at the joint and exits an output side of the second panel, wherein the input and output sides are on opposite sides of the second panel and are located on a common side of the first panel; a receiving transducer disposed proximate the output side of the second panel, said receiving transducer being capable of receiving the reflected portion of the ultrasonic signal; and a processing element in electrical communication with the transmitting and receiving transducers, wherein the transmitting and receiving transducers are capable of being guided along a length and a height of the joint such that the processing element is capable of identifying a defect in the composite structure based upon a relationship of the reflected portion of the ultrasonic signal received by said receiving transducer to a predetermined threshold.