Rotary ultrasonic testing apparatus with hydraulic lifting units
View Patent ↗The present application provides a rotary testing apparatus for use with a work piece. The rotary testing apparatus may include a rotor, a probe, and a lifting unit for maneuvering the probe about the work piece. The lifting unit may include a hydraulic lifting mechanism and a counterweight mechanism.
1. A lifting unit for a probe used in a rotary ultrasonic testing apparatus, comprising:
a lifting unit base;
a counterweight mechanism;
a hydraulic lifting mechanism; and
a gear wheel positioned between the counterweight mechanism and the hydraulic lifting mechanism;
wherein the counterweight mechanism comprises a first rack, wherein the hydraulic lifting mechanism comprises a second rack, and wherein the gear wheel is positioned between the first rack and the second rack.
2. The lifting unit of claim 1 , wherein the lifting unit base comprises a base extension spring attached to the counterweight mechanism.
3. The lifting unit of claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic lifting mechanism comprises a hydraulic cylinder.
4. The lifting unit of claim 3 , wherein the hydraulic lifting mechanism comprises a cam plate in communication with the hydraulic cylinder for motion in a first direction.
5. The lifting unit of claim 4 , wherein the hydraulic lifting mechanism comprises a cam follower in communication with the cam plate for motion in a second direction.
6. The lifting unit of claim 5 , wherein the hydraulic lifting mechanism comprises a probe shoe attached to the cam follower for maneuvering the probe.