Pipeline inspection device
US11118719B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 2021 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/72
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device to inspect a pipeline includes a device housing, a plurality of motors, a plurality of wheels, an inertial measurement unit, and a controller. The plurality of motors is coupled to the device housing. The plurality of wheels extends from the device housing. Each wheel is rotatably coupled to a respective motor. The inertial measurement unit is configured to provide a signal corresponding to an orientation of the device housing relative to the pipeline. The controller is configured to independently control operation of each motor of the plurality of motors based on the signal provided by the inertial measurement unit to maintain the device housing within a desired orientation range relative to the pipeline. Because the controller can independently control each motor of the device, the device can advance along a pipeline with minimal human intervention.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.