Pipeline inspection vehicle
US5351564A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 1992 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L2101/30
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pipeline inspection vehicle comprises a body 18 an electromagnet 20 for generating magnetic flux, and two foil packs 24, 26 for conducting the flux into and out of the pipewall 10. An array of defect sensors is arranged around the body 18, each sensor being mounted on a respective assembly 28. Each assembly 28 comprises a steel sledge 40 which runs along the pipewall and which is secured to a sensor housing 42. A length of belting 44 is sandwiched between the two and end portions form a leading member 46 and a trailing member 48 linking the sledge to the vehicle. Each assembly 28 is positioned against a spring 64 which is also positioned against the vehicle. The assembly collapses out of the way when the vehicle traverses a sharp bend and the foil pack 24 is deflected to the right. The two members 46 and 48 both counteract the force of the spring 64 when the sledge crosses a void in the pipewall. However, only the leading member 46 is effective during normal running of the sledge along the pipewall to transfer the motion of the vehicle to the sledge.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.