Underwater robotic venting and inspection system
US8757084B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved inspection apparatus includes a control apparatus, a tractor apparatus comprising a tractor and a drive mechanism connected together, the drive mechanism being connected with the control apparatus, a tether apparatus disposed on the tractor and being movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, and a buoy apparatus. The buoy apparatus is connected with the tether apparatus and includes a buoy and a camera apparatus, the buoy in a condition submerged in a fluid applying a buoyant force to the camera apparatus whereby in the deployed position of the tether apparatus the buoy apparatus is in an elevated position situated relatively higher in a vertical direction than in the retracted position of the tether apparatus wherein the buoy apparatus is in another position situated relatively lower in the vertical direction, the camera apparatus being structured to provide a visual output signal to the control apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.