The Boeing Company
Methods, apparatus, and systems for inspecting holes in transparent materials

Abstract:

Methods, systems, and apparatus for detection of a condition in a hole defined by a transparent material that is at least partially enclosed by one or more substantially opaque materials. The method may include positioning a light source in a first hole in the transparent material, directing light from the positioned light source through the transparent material and toward a second hole that is adjacent to the first hole. A prism may be positioned so that the light transmitted from the light source through the machined inner surface of the second hole is visible through a viewing face of the prism. By observing the transmitted light, a surface condition of the machined inner surface of the second hole may be determined.