The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 22, 2019
Filed:
Sep. 05, 2017
General Electric Technology Gmbh, Baden, CH;
GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH, Baden, CH;
Abstract
An inspection apparatus, including an extendable structure, an inspection probe, a drive, a sensor, and a processor. The extendable structure includes an end fixed to the inspection probe and insertable into a gap defined between a first surface and a second surface. The extendable structure is configured to maintain physical contact with the first surface as the end transitions across the first surface. The drive is configured to position the inspection probe. The current sensor is coupled to the drive and configured to measure a drive load over a period of time the inspection probe transitions across the first surface. The processor is coupled to the sensor and is configured to receive a signal associated with the drive load corresponding to movement of the inspection probe, and determine an operating condition of the extendable structure based on the drive load signal.