Pipeline inspection apparatus
US4372658A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 1982 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B37/005
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Pipeline inspection apparatus is provided including a camera unit and associated illumination means, preferably a strobe flash unit, for recording on photographic film the rectangular images corresponding to generally rectangular internal surface portions of a pipe for detection of defects, a viewing axis of the camera being normal to the axis of the pipe. Weight means are provided for operating in a manner such as to establish a viewing axis in predetermined angular relation to a vertical plane through the axis of a horizontal pipe. In one embodiment, the device is supported by resilient cups for movement through the pipe and the entire device is rotatable under the influence of the weight means. In another embodiment, at least the optical portion of the camera unit is rotatably supported and connected to the weight means. Magnetic flaw detection means are provided for triggering the camera unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.