Serpentine tube inspection positioning spine
US5159849A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 3, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32041
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A serpentine tube inspection positioning spine formed from a plurality of identical links. Each link has a convex first end and concave second end spaced along the longitudinal axis of the link whereby adjacent links may be mated together. An axially extending bore in each link receives a continuous cable maintained under tension by a spring attached to one end of the cable. This places pressure on the links that serves to maintain the mated links in a rigid straight configuration while under compressive forces during insertion into a tube to be inspected. The resilience of the spring also allows pivoting of adjacent links for travelling through a bend in the tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.