Self-orienting, two-wheel pipe crawler
US8464642B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L55/28
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for conveying a payload through a pipe having the ability to automatically self-stabilize and orient itself inside the pipe by controlling two pipe tracking contactors so as to maintain contact between the pipe tracking contactors and the pipe wall and maintain the apparatus in a functional orientation. The apparatus includes tilt sensor arrays for continuously monitoring the position of the apparatus with respect to the pipe wall, variable speed drive motors operably connected with the pipe contactors for rotating the contactors, tilt motors operably connected with the pipe tracking contactors to enable movement of the contactors between a non-functional orientation and a functional orientation, and a controller for controlling the motors based upon information provided by the tilt sensor arrays.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.