Roller mechanism using an array of ultrasound elements to interrogate wood properties

• Main Authors: Schafer, Mark E, McIntyre, Raymond W, Knauer, Michael K
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 03.02.2004

The present invention relates to the use of ultrasound testing to detect anomalies in wooden members. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of a roller device housing an ultrasonic transducer element array for the ultrasound testing of wooden members. The present invention provides a method, system, and an apparatus for detecting anomalies in a wooden member. The apparatus includes a first roller device comprising a first array of transducers, and a second roller device comprising a second array of transducers. A first transducer in the first array of transducers communicates with more than one transducer in the second array of transducers. The apparatus may be designed such that the wooden member may pass between the first roller device and the second roller device. In addition, the first array of transducers and the second array of transducers maintain an orientation perpendicular to the moving direction of the wooden member as the first roller device and the second roller device roll along the wooden member. Each of the transducers operate in an ultrasonic frequency range. Also, each transducer in the first array of transducers is acoustically isolated from each other transducer.