Single actuation probe or tool deployment mechanisms for in-pipe applications
US10724669B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 8, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L2101/30
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An in-pipe inspection or maintenance apparatus comprises: a single rotational and radial deployment mechanism to both rotationally deploy a probe or tool about an inner circumference of a pipe with respect to the axis of the pipe and radially deploy the probe or tool to first and second target points on the inner circumference; and a single actuator to automatically actuate the rotational and radial deployment mechanism to perform both the rotational and radial deployments of the probe or tool. The rotational and radial deployment mechanism is further configured to: rotate the probe or tool and radially extend the probe or tool to the first target point in response to the single actuator actuating the rotational and radial deployment mechanism; and rotate the probe or tool from the first target point to the second target point in response to the single actuator further actuating the rotational and radial deployment mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.