Patents by Inventor Christopher L. Mares

Christopher L. Mares has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6722202
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a structure are provided in which probes including respective sensing elements, such as ultrasonic transducers, are disposed proximate the opposed surfaces of a structure, but only one of the probes need be driven. In this regard, a tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. The apparatus and method can therefore inspect structures in which one surface is inaccessible. The probes may permit liquid to be bubbled between the ultrasonic transducer and the structure in order to couple the ultrasonic signals. By utilizing a bubbled liquid as a couplant, the apparatus and method may operate in an ultrasonic array mode. Additionally, the probes may include at least one contact member, such as a plurality of wheels, for contacting the structure in order to maintain the desired orientation and spacing of the probes relative to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James C. Kennedy, Christopher L. Mares, Mark A. Negley