Apparatus and method for detecting pipeline defects
US7164476B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2021/9544
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method are disclosed for scanning and detecting defects in sewer and similar pipelines that eliminate the need to stop and pan-and-tilt areas of concern. In the method of the invention, a pipeline (15) inspection probe (10) of the apparatus of the invention comprising a CCD camera (14) with fish-eye lens (12) travels through the pipeline (15) on a self-propelled tractor automatically collecting data and transmitting it to a computer to provide a real-time display of the pipeline (15) interior with quasi three-dimensional information for effective and quick data analysis and management. The data includes digitized forward views and unfolded 360 degree laid-flat side-san (22) views of the pipeline (15) interior. Additionally, the digitized data may be stored for further analysis, tabulation, and for use with pipeline infrastructure maintenance software.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.