Systems and methods for maintaining pipes
US11796116B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2020 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L2101/30
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for use in maintaining a pipe having a sidewall is provided. The system includes a motorized apparatus sized to fit within the pipe and configured to travel along the pipe through an interior cavity. The motorized apparatus includes a plurality of leg assemblies coupled circumferentially around a body assembly. The body assembly includes an actuator assembly coupled to each leg assembly and configured to independently actuate each leg assembly to adjust a position of each leg assembly. The body assembly also includes at least one sensor configured to collect information associated with the position of each leg assembly. The body assembly also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the motorized apparatus and configured to receive the information from the sensor, and to determine at least one of a pipe diameter and a pitch of the motorized apparatus based on the information from the at least one sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.