Underwater pipeline inspection crawler
US10589432B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2017 |
| Grant date | Mar 17, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/2675
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for underwater inspection including an inspection crawler are provided. The inspection crawler includes a housing having first and second sides, a power source, a controller, an inspection tool, at least two driving wheels, and a moveable center of gravity. A method for traversing a weld joint with the inspection crawler having a moving mass is also provided. In the method, the crawler is parked proximate to the joint, and the mass is slid along a slide rail to the second end of the crawler distal to the joint. The first end of the crawler is then propelled over the joint and the mass is slid to the center of the crawler. A center portion of the crawler is then propelled over the joint and the mass is slid to the first end of the crawler. The second end of the crawler is then propelled over the joint.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.