In-pipe passive centering mechanism with radial probe or tool deployment mechanism
US12116849B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 2021 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 20, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L2101/30
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An in-pipe apparatus for pipe inspection or maintenance is provided. The apparatus includes: a rotational deployment mechanism to rotationally deploy a probe or tool about an inner circumference of a pipe with respect to an axis of rotation; a radial deployment mechanism to radially deploy the probe or tool in a radial direction from the axis of rotation toward a target point on the inner circumference; and a passive centering mechanism to passively align the axis of rotation with the axis of the pipe. In some embodiments, the rotational deployment mechanism includes a motor to rotate the radial deployment mechanism about the axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a longitudinal deployment mechanism to longitudinally deploy the probe or tool along the pipe axis, with the passive centering mechanism passively maintaining alignment of the axis of rotation with the pipe axis during the longitudinal deployment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.