Patents by Inventor Walter J. Bantz

Walter J. Bantz 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).

  • Aspherical curved element transducer to inspect a part with curved entry surface
    Patent number: 6237419
    Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection element and method of fabrication are provided for ultrasonic inspection of curved surface parts. Various points on a transducer are located. These points include the location where a ray starts, to the desired focal point in the material being inspected. The path of the ray is through a water medium and a water-metal boundary. These points are fitted onto a cylindrical surface. The ray is back propagated until it is focused at the desired focal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ui W. Suh, Douglas E. Ingram, Richard E. Klaassen, Walter J. Bantz
  • Inspection of the internal portion of objects using ultrasonics
    Patent number: 4594897
    Abstract: A transducer assembly and a system application wherein said transducer assembly may be used in the inspection of iron, steel, aluminum, as well as plastic materials as a homogeneous object in the form of a sheet, slab or bloom. Inspection is through use of ultrasonic acoustic energy propagated through ambient air. A coupling medium in the form of matching layers efficiently couple the transducer assembly to the ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Bethlehem Steel Corporation
    Inventor: Walter J. Bantz