aeroprobe scanner

7/28/2019 Aeroprobe Scanner

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TOOL DETECTION SYSTEM

A misplaced tool can be the greatest threatto aircraft safety and flight readiness. The

AEROPROBE Tool Detection System is apotent weapon in the fight against toolForeign Object Damage (FOD) in the aircraftmanufacturing or maintenance environment .

The total responsibility for aircraft safety and reliabilityrests on the aircraft technician teams shoulders. Thepressure of quickly returning an aircraft to the flight line isoften intense on maintenance personnel, whether militaryor commercial and that pressure can lead to mistakes.Errors like misplacing a tool can keep an aircraftgrounded; for critical extra hours; until that tool is found.

The Aeroprobe has been developed by and for aircratechnicians to reduce the time spent locating misplaced toolswhich, if not found, could lead to serious damage. Since th

Aeroprobe can quickly detect tools lodged in critical areaswhere visual inspection isnt possible, down time and risk otool FOD is greatly reduced.

With minimal training, Aeroprobe can be integrated into youpresent aircraft technicians safety program to minimizeaircraft downtime and danger of tool FOD.

If aircraft safety is your responsibility, Aeroprobe can relievesome of the pressure of your job, helping you keep youaircraft in the sky.

Designed to supplement visual inspection, the AEROPROBE is a totally integrated

system for locating misplaced tools in and around aircraft. It consists of the following:

ACTIVATORThe activator sensitizes the existing technicians hand tools. No special tools need to bepurchased, nor do tools need to be sent away to be treated. The technician simply passesthe tools over the activator and they are treated. The activator comes in a foam paddedhigh impact case as shown in the picture to the left.

VALIDATORThe Validator is used to verify that a tool has sufficient sensitivity fordetection.

DETECTOR & PROBE ASSEMBLYThe detector is a state of the art portable electronic unit used to pinpoint the

location of misplaced tools. It is powered by both rechargeable batteries, anda back up system of replaceable standard 9 volt batteries. The sensingProbe is lightweight, small enough to fit into confined areas, yet provides widearea scanning capability.

HEADSETA quality headset is used to receive the audio signal from the Detectorindicating the presence of a sensitized tool. This headset will normally blockout most background noise and still allow the operator to detect the tool.

DETECTOR CARRYING CASEThe Detector Carrying Case is made of a strong weather resistant materialwith a removable clear vinyl cover so that the Detector can be used in mostany condition. The case straps to the operators waist with an adjustable webbelt, and has a storage pocket for the Probe when the unit is not in use.

HIGH IMPACT CARRYING CASEThe Detector storage case is made of a high impact polyethylene material.

Each component of the Aeroprobe is protected in a pre cut foam pocket formaximum storage and shipping protection. The case holds the balance of

the components of the Aeroprobe including the detector, probe, headset,cords and validator for easy transport.

ADDUCENT TECHNOLOGY, INCFormerly FOD Technology.

P.O. Box 1057, Rohnert Park, CA 94927(707) 478-8136, Service/Sales (800) 648-0656FAX (707) [email protected]


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BENEFITS OF USING THE AEROPROBE TOOLFINDER

The following are some of the benefits our customers have indicated they have derived after

implementing the Aeroprobe() Tool Detection system."SAVED MANPOWER HOURS SEARCHING FOR MISPLACED TOOLS"

Numerous hours can be expended searching for misplace tools. With the hu-man factor in maintaining aircraft, it is inevitable mechanics will misplace handtools. One installation reported at least a 60% drop in man hours searchingfor tools.

"REDUCES DOWNTIME OF AIRCRAFT"

An FA-18 aircraft was delivered to a new location and the paperwork indicateda two week search had been conducted earlier for a possiblemissing tool.The crew at the new location used the AEROPROBEand the tool was lo-cated within 10 minutes.

"TOOLFINDERPREVENTED TEAR DOWNDuring a change out of a fuel cell on a FA-18A a mechanic dropped a 2" fas-tener removal tool in the fuselage in the wing joint area. To retrieve it manycomponents would have to be disassembled at an estimated time of 50 to 60hours. To stay on schedule and to get the job done the maintenance officerused the AEROPROBEfrom outside the aircraft to pinpoint the location ofthe tool through the cowling. Using the AEROPROBE, the technician thenguided a magnetic tool retriever to the location of the dropped tool. The toolwas recovered using this technique within 1.5 hours. A savings of 50 + hoursof substantial tear down of the aircraft and saved critical aircraft downtime.

"PREVENTS DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT"

At the end of a day shift an inventory was performed and it was determinedthat a 4" phillips head screwdriver was missing. Flight line maintenance wasperformed on a number of aircraft that day, so all personnel were required toperform a standard misplaced tool search. After a short time the maintenanceofficer directed a team to use the AEROPROBEtool finder. With the AERO-PROBE, they located the tool that was hidden from sight behind the Z barlocated inside the engine bay door on a F404 engine in Just 5 minutes! Theestimated cost avoidance to the engine was $2.5 million.

PO Box 1057, Rohnert Park, CA 94927 (800) 648-0656E-mail [email protected]


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P.O. Box 1057, Rohnert Park, CA 94927(800) 648-0656 FAX (707) 584-1955

AEROPROBE OPERATION & PERFORMANCE

Recommended Usage

The proper use of the Aeroprobe audible tool detection system can enhance existing tool controland accountability programs. The Aeroprobe Tool Detection System should be made available for

use by any aircraft maintenance technician, as availability can compromise accountability. Use the

Aeroprobe early in the tool search and save valuable time, increase your find rate, and prevent tool

FOD. The Toolfinder augments a tool search by providing the audible search capability for locatinghard to find tools hidden in or behind aircraft structures or tools that blend in making them hard to see.The Aeroprobe is used to find misplaced tools in cockpits, engines, airframe and AGE equipment .

Additionally, use the Aeroprobe to assist in tool recovery/extraction or to locate unwanted

magnetism for degaussing.

Detection Process

The Aeroprobe tool Detection System employs a highly sensitive gradiometer designed to detect

magnetically conditioned tools while ignoring most aircraft structures. Detect tools through aircraftstructures. Scan large areas of a fuselage or wing quickly or probe cavities in the cockpit or engine to

detect hidden-hard to see tools. Most aircraft structures and components are non ferrous, such as

titanium, aluminum, magnesium, composites and etc. and do not retain a magnetic field nor will they

shield the magnetic field given off by a treated tool. While looking for a tool, the operator mayencounter varying amounts of magnetic clutter ( existing magnetic fields) produced by ferrous

materials and magnetic components on the aircraft. In these areas the operator would decrease probe

sensitivity to maximize directional detection. With some practice an operator can detect the difference

between most tools and other inherent or stray magnetic clutter on the aircraft. When in doubt usethe process of elimination. The skill of the operator will increase with experience.

Magnetism

Approximately 98% of routine aircraft technicians hand tools have Ferro magnetic properties. Testson a number of rollaway tool boxes found that on average 20% to 50% of the tools had a measurable

amount of magnetism of .5 gauss or more. Because of this, the Aeroprobe has located tools on

aircraft where none of the tools had been previously treated. To ensure maximum detection, all toolsare passed over the Aeroprobe Activator so that all the tools will have a slight magnetic field. Most

treated tools will hold the charge indefinitely; however, since the normal usage of tools may result in

some loss of magnetism or some tools may be of inferior quality, it is recommended that the Validatorbe used to check the sensitivity of the tools during your semi-annual inspection. Any tool not

registering a good charge should be re-activated or replaced with a quality tool. Since aircraft avionics

components are shielded by design to operate in intense electromagnetic fields (i.e. Lightning strikes;

MIL-STD-461, RTCA160C), the relatively low level of magnetism in activated tools should not haveany harmful effects on sensitive aircraft equipment. We do not recommend the use of activated tools

where strictly prohibited such as an avionic shop..


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LEADERS IN FOD PREVENTION

Implementation

Proper implementation of the Aeroprobe is very important!! Installations that are receivingmaximum benefit from the use of the Aeroprobe system have found that:

1. Every maintenance or manufacturing activity should have at least one system or more depending

on the size of the facility.2. Maintenance personnel must be made aware of the use and availability of the Aeroprobe.

3. The Aeroprobe should be used soon after visual and tactile senses fail to find a misplaced tool

(10 to 15 minutes).4. Management must establish standard operating procedures for the use of the Aeroprobe.

5. Aircraft technicians and supervisors should be certified at least annually by viewing the

training video, reviewing the operation manual and working with the Aeroprobe for a givenamount of time.

Range Of Operation

The range of detection by the Aeroprobe varies depending on the strength of the field emitted from

the tool. The strength of the field is determined by the size, shape and carbon content of a tool.Although larger or high carbon tools have been detected up to 30, the average working range of the

probe is 16. Smaller tools may have a detection range within 4 to 10 inches depending on the quality

of the tool. It is important to note that the probe detects in all directions from the full length of theprobe (see the shaded area of diagram # 1). The Aeroprobe offers the critical advantage of allowing

the operator the ability to hear a tool that is hidden among or behind components and other structures.

Diagram #1Depicts the average detection area (cu. in.) of the Probe.

Note for a 6 detection that the area is the shape of a rounded end tube approx. 12 in diameter by 24 long.

PROBE PROBE

32 Approx.6

24A rox.

6 12

16

A rox. 44

LENGTH WISE SECTION CROSS SECTIONShowing area of detection Showing area of detectionfor 6 radius & 16 radius for 6 radius & 16 radius

ADDUCENT TECHNOLOGYP. O. Box 1057, Rohnert Park, CA 94927

(800-648-0656) - FAX (707) 584 -1955


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AEROPROBE TECHNICAL DATA (CONTINUED)

Interface .... Probe ............... Audio connector, 3 pin.Headset ............ 1/4 Stereo jackBattery Charge IEC 320/VI A/C connector, 3 prongExternal Power Dual Drawer 9 volt DC battery

Display Battery Charge LED bar graph 10 segment multicolorStatus 3 Red (low), 4 yellow, 3 green (high)

Charge ........... LED, Green. Illuminates during internal batterycharging. Blinking when batteries are fullycharged.

Power ............. LED, Red. Illuminates while unit is powered onvia internal or external batteries

Aux. Battery 2 LEDs, Yellow, Illuminates LEFT LEDReversed If left external battery is installed incorrectly

relative to positive and negative terminal.Illuminates RIGHT LED if left external battery is

installed incorrectly relative to positive andnegative terminals.

Enclosure ............................. High Impact Plastic

Environmental .................... Operation StorageAmbient Temperature -15 to 55 C -20 to 60CAmbient Humidity 10% to 95% 10% to 95%(non-condensing)

PROBE ASSEMBLY PR-2Dimensions............................ 15 3/4 Length x 3/4 diameter

Weight .................................. .75 lbs.Sensing Coil ........................ 384 Hz (Passive)

HEADSET HS-1Weight .................................. 1.2 lbs.Format .................................. StereoImpedance ........................... 8 OHMSNoise Reduction Rating ...... 24 DB

BELT CARRYING HARNESS BH-1Material ................................. vinyl coated nylon

Weight ................................... .55 lbs.Belt sizes .............................. 48 maximum

SHIPPING CASE SC-3Dimensions............................ 20 1/4 x 8 1/4 x 17 1/2Weight ................................... 11.5 lbs.Material ................................ High impact polyethylene

LEADERS IN FOD PREVENTIONS


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To Our Par t ners i n FOD Pr event i on,

Thank you f or your i nt erest i n t he Aeroprobe t ool detect i on/ r ecover y sys t em.Pl ease f i nd encl osed f or your r evi ew, pr oduct i nf or mat i on r egar di ng t hi suni que audi bl e t ool l ocat or / ext r act or syst em. The et er nal pr obl em of ai r craf tt echni ci ans mi spl aced and unaccount ed l ost t ool s cost assembl y andmai nt enance oper at i ons i n pr oduct i vi t y, qual i t y, r esour ces and saf et y. TheAeropr obet echnol ogy i s desi gned t o enhance a tool cont r ol pr ogr am. Addi ngt he capabi l i t y t o hear a l ost t ool and r ecover i t qui ckl y i s i nval uabl e.

Those usi ng t hi s t echnol ogy have r eport ed subst ant i al cont r i but i ons t oqual i t y pr oduct i on and t he saf ety goal s of 0 acci dent and Oper at i onal Ri skManagement ( ORM) pr ogr ams, by aggr essi vel y t arget i ng t hi s prevent i on ef f ort

at t he human f act or of human er r or .

I n ai r cr af t mai nt enance and assembl y an unr ecover ed l ost t ool can t el l achi l l i ng story of t he ext r eme cost s of t ool FOD. Now, empowered wi t h thi st ool r ecover y t echnol ogy, t ool sear ch operat ors usi ng t he Aeropr obe syst emhave not onl y f ound l ost t ool s but saved cost l y t ool sear ch t i me, downt i me,t ear down and ser i ous t ool FOD damage! Duri ng a mi spl aced / l ost t ool sear ch,t he real advant age of usi ng the audi bl e t ool r ecover y syst em i s addi ng thecapabi l i t y of hear i ng a mi spl aced/ l ost t ool , even t hr ough t he ski n of anai r craf t . Wher e a vi sual and t act i l e sear ch may f ai l , t he audi bl e capabi l i t ycan qui ckl y dr aw at t ent i on t o a speci f i c ar ea of a mi spl aced t ool .

Wi t h the human f act or at t he f oundat i on of mai nt ai ni ng the hi ghl y t echni cal

and expensi ve ai r craf t of t oday, t ool s wi l l be dr opped, mi spl aced andunr ecovered. Management , wi t h thi s t echnol ogy, can now empower t echni ci ans t or educe cost s, and enhance qual i t y, pr oduct i on ef f i ci ency and account abi l i t yby pr ovi di ng a f r ont - l i ne def ense agai nst human er r or. That hel ps keep yourschedul ed ai r craf t - f l yi ng t ool FOD f r ee. As one cust omer st at ed, I f t he useof t he Aer opr obe ( Tool Recover y System) saves one l i f e or ai r craf t i t haspai d f or i t sel f many t i mes f ol d.

I f ai r craf t saf et y and pr oduct i on ef f i ci ency ar e your concer ns why not j oi nother pr oact i ve cust omer s t hat ar e doi ng ever yt hi ng they can to hel p thepr of essi onal t echni ci an keep pr oduct i on on t ar get and hel p ensur e saf eai r wor t hy ai r craf t . For f ur t her pr oduct i nf or mat i on or appl i cat i on assi st ancepl ease cal l me at ( 800) 648- 0656.Si ncer el y,

Gene Mi t chel lAdducent Technol ogy, I nc.

aeroprobe scanner

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