Bent tube inspection probe with a rotary inspection head
US5313838A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 1991 |
| Grant date | May 24, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N27/902
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This probe comprises a cable (4) and a probe head (6) fixed to one end of the cable and having an inspection head (18) provided with transmission-reception means (22, 24) for inspection signals from a tube (2), a support (20) on which the inspection head is mounted in rotary manner, a motor (66) for rotating the inspection head, an encoder associated with the motor for determining the circumferential extent of faults which the tube may have, and a rotary collector (10) between the motor and the support in order to ensure a mechanical connection between the motor and the inspection head and the transmission of control signals for the said means (22, 24) and signals supplied by the latter. Articulated mechanical connections (14, 16) are provided between the motor and the collector and between the collector and the inspection head. A sheath which is flexible in flexion and rigid in torsion join together the support, the stator of the motor and the stator of the collector and prevents circumferential displacements thereof. Application to the inspection of heat exchanger tubes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.