Remotely operable apparatus and method for determining the distance and angular orientation between two structurally unconnected members
US4528757A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 1984 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B5/14
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A remotely operable apparatus and method for determining from a remote location the distance and angular orientation between two structurally unconnected members, such as two sections of a subsea pipeline, is disclosed. The apparatus of the invention comprises generally two remotely releasable guide posts disposed, respectively, in known spaced relationships to the two structurally unconnected members and a remotely operable measuring template. The remotely operable measuring template is adapted to telescope axially and includes two ball and socket joints to compensate for misalignment or differences in elevation between the guide posts. In practicing the method of the invention, the remotely operable measuring template is positioned over and firmly attached to the guide posts. All movable joints of the template are then locked and the guide posts are remotely released. The guide posts may then be retrieved to the remote location in the same spaced relationship as originally disposed. The distance and angular orientation between the guide posts may then be measured at the remote location and the distance and angular orientation between the two structurally unconnected members may b…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.