Retrieving magnetically attracted objects from substantially inaccessible cavities
US11161253B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2019 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01F7/206
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes: an electromagnetic shaft, an expandable balloon coupled to a first end of the shaft, and a fluid reservoir. A conduit also extends between the fluid reservoir and an interior of the balloon. The apparatus also includes a selectively magnetizable fluid, at least a portion of which is contained in the fluid reservoir, and a pump for selectively transferring the magnetizable fluid from the fluid reservoir to the balloon. A pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the magnetizable fluid, and a controller for controlling the pump are further included. Moreover, at least a portion of the shaft is flexible. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.