Thomas A Michaels

US Patent:

6871560, Mar 29, 2005

Filed:

Feb 14, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/076946

Inventors:

Gary D. Shives - Brunswick OH, US
Paul S. Sirocky - Brook Park OH, US
Thomas E. Michaels - Tucker GA, US

Assignee:

UCAR Carbon Company Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

G01N009/24

US Classification:

73866, 73633, 73641

Abstract:

A system is provided for ultrasonic inspection of cylindrical carbon articles, such as electrodes of the type utilized in electric arc steel making furnaces. An inspection station is provided for receiving the electrode in a fixed longitudinal location and for rotating the electrode about the longitudinal axis of the electrode. Master and slave robots are provided, and each carries a pair of transducers arranged to engage the electrode at circumferentially spaced positions about the electrode. Each pair of transducers is carried on a yoke. The inspection station rotates the electrode while the master and slave robots o each carry their associated pair of transducers along approximately one half the length of the electrode.