Patents by Inventor Michael W. Key

Michael W. Key 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).

  • Angle beam ultrasonic probe for internal hex socket bolts
    Patent number: 9689845
    Abstract: A tool for inspecting the integrity of fasteners in their environment of use and methods of performing such inspections are disclosed and claimed. The tool includes a probe that matches the internal socket by which the fastener is coupled to the workpiece. The probe contains ultrasonic transducers on flat portions corresponding to flat portions of the socket. The transducers induce angled ultrasonic beams into the fastener to detect flaws therein. The beams are angled so they can be directed to the areas of interest at the head to shank region of the fastener. The presence of a defect such as a crack is determined based on the reply/echoes of the imparted ultrasonic beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: AREVA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Hacker, Michael W. Key
  • Angle Beam Ultrasonic Probe for Internal Hex Socket Bolts
    Publication number: 20130305826
    Abstract: A tool for inspecting the integrity of fasteners in their environment of use and methods of performing such inspections are disclosed and claimed. The tool includes a probe that matches the internal socket by which the fastener is coupled to the workpiece. The probe contains ultrasonic transducers on flat portions corresponding to flat portions of the socket. The transducers induce angled ultrasonic beams into the fastener to detect flaws therein. The beams are angled so they can be directed to the areas of interest at the head to shank region of the fastener. The presence of a defect such as a crack is determined based on the reply/echoes of the imparted ultrasonic beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Michael G. Hacker, Michael W. Key