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:
Apr. 20, 2010
Filed:
Sep. 09, 2005
Aydin Akdeniz, Redmond, WA (US);
Jeffrey R. Kollgaard, Kent, WA (US);
Matthew C. Malkin, Seattle, WA (US);
Aydin Akdeniz, Redmond, WA (US);
Jeffrey R. Kollgaard, Kent, WA (US);
Matthew C. Malkin, Seattle, WA (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting and monitoring bolted joints of metallic and composite structures for defects such as delamination and fatigue cracking are provided that incorporate ultrasonic transducers with load bearing washers. These active washers may be used for inspecting and monitoring a structure beneath such load bearing fasteners as bolts and nuts. Active washers may be used for continuous, periodic, and controlled inspections of bolted joints. Ultrasonic transducers may be permanently applied to a surface of a washer or recessed in a cavity on a surface of the washer. Inspection signals may be transmitted from ultrasonic transducers into a structure and reflected in pulse-echo application or received by another active washer on the opposing side of the structure in a through-transmission application.