Pipeline vehicle
US5878783A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 1, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L2101/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An in-pipe vehicle for carrying out at least one operation in a pipeline. The vehicle comprises a train of modules 11-16 interlinked by suspension units 17 to allow serpentine movement through pipe bends. The vehicle train has its own internal power supply and drive mechanism in respective modules. A detector module 14 determines the presence of a service junction and a manipulative module 13 allows the vehicle to be temporarily wedged in the pipeline whilst providing rotational movement to facilitate the desired operation at the junction. This can include drilling and welding of a service pipe to the main using appropriate modules.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.