Methods and devices for automated work in pipes based on impedance control
US8170715B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB08B9/049
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods and tools for automatically performing work within a pipe or pipe network based on sensed impedance information. A robot, which may be tethered or un-tethered, includes a computer controller and a work tool for performing work within the pipe. With or without impedance-based calibration, the robot senses environmental and tool-based impedance characteristics and determines, using said software, ways in which the current work performance can be altered or improved based on the impedance information. The operation of the work tool is then altered in line with the control software. Many different types of work related to the inspection, cleaning and rehabilitation of pipes can be accomplished with the present robots including reinstating laterals after lining, cutting or clearing debris, sealing pipe joints and/or other heretofore manual pipe-based processes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.