Inspection probe for inspecting irregularly-shaped tubular members for anomalies
US5254944A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 1992 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N27/902
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Inspection probe for inspecting a tubular member for anomalies, the tubular member having an inside surface that may be irregularly-shaped. The inspection probe includes an enclosure sized to be slidably received along the inside surface of the tubular member. The enclosure has a cavity therein and a housing disposed in the cavity. A spring is disposed in the cavity of the enclosure for outwardly biasing the housing toward the inside surface of the tube. A swivel body is pivotably mounted in the housing. The swivel body has a sensor pivotably mounted thereon for sensing anomalies (i.e., flaws and wall thinning) in the tube wall. Connected to the swivel body and to the sensor is a first pivot pin for pivoting the sensor about a first pivot point laying on a first axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. In addition, connected to the housing and to the swivel body is a second pivot pin for pivoting the swivel body about a second pivot point laying on a second axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. The sensor will continuously engage the inside surface of the tube, even though the inside surface may be irregularly-sha…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.