Method and means for determining change in pipe diameter
US8873806B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 2012 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2021/9542
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A diameter sensing assembly is provided for determining the location of a change in diameter in a pipe from a remote location outside of the pipe. The assembly includes an imaging device operatively connected to an imaging cable and a diameter sensing device operatively connected to a sensing cable. The sensing device is positioned generally forward of the imaging device, and includes a plurality of flexible arms that are rigid enough to stay horizontal, but flexible enough to bend or depress easily. The two cables are connected to one another such that the entire assembly is able to be moved through a pipe at a constant speed. Marks are placed on one of the cables to determine the length to the change in diameter, and the length of portions of pipes having different diameters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.