Sensor based micro-cleaning of buried infrastructure
US7993469B1 · kind B1 · utility
10Cited by
8References
23Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB08B9/0933
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods and tools for cleaning pipes or pipe networks based on characteristics of pipes and debris in the pipes. A mobile platform includes a cleaning head and a sensor head. The platform implements a cleaning plan and senses characteristics of the pipe and debris. The cleaning plan is incrementally updated based on the sensed characteristics, and can be automatically updated using software. Many different cleaning tasks can be accomplished using the present platforms including agitation of sediment, pulverization of large debris, and movement of debris to facilitate removal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.