Adapter for measuring instrument
An adapter apparatus includes a generally cylindrical adapter body 14 including a channel 16 extending axially therethrough, the adapter body having an interior surface bounding the channel, and an exterior surface 18 , a generally circular external cross section and an interior cross section which is adapted to engage at least one object 10 , the external surface being formed from a material which is capable of supporting a scanning or testing apparatus at a constant distance from the origin of the circle forming the external cross section.
1. An adapter apparatus comprising a generally cylindrical adapter body including a channel extending axially therethrough, said adapter body having an interior surface bounding said channel, and an exterior surface, a generally circular external cross section and an interior cross section which is adapted to engage at least one object, the external surface being formed from a material which is configured to support a scanning or testing apparatus at a constant distance from the origin of the circle forming the external cross section.
2. The adapter apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the adapter body comprises at least one material within a skin or shell formed of a different material.
3. The adapter apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the exterior surface is smooth or contoured.
4. The adapter apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the exterior surface provides a means by which a scanning apparatus may be moved axially along said adapter body.
5. The adapter apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the interior surface of said adapter body has a circular cross section.
6. The adapter apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the interior surface of said adapter body has a non-circular cross section.
7. The adapter apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising inserts or blocks which are adapted to fit between the interior surface of the adapter and the object to be scanned.
8. The adapter apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the interior surface comprises a material which is compliant or deformable.
9. The adapter apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the adapter comprises two or more portions which may be assembled around the object to form a complete adapter.
10. The adapter apparatus according to claim 1 , comprising at least two modular lengths, which may be joined together to form a longer length of adapter.
11. A method of scanning an object comprising the steps of attaching an adapter to the object then placing a scanning apparatus adjacent an external surface of said adapter and carrying out a scanning operation using said scanning apparatus, wherein said adapter is an adapter according to claim 1 .
12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein said scanning operation involves causing radiation to pass through said object and detecting a portion of said radiation.
13. The adapter apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the exterior surface is smooth or contoured.