Apparatus and method for in-line charging of a pipeline tool
US9728817B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01M50/204
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for electrically charging a rechargeable power source of a pipeline tool while the tool is located within a pipeline comprises a power module including a charging power source, an insertion module including an insertion mechanism having a charging plug for mating with a charging socket of the pipeline tool and a drive assembly operable to extend and retract the charging plug, and a power line electrically connecting the charging power source to the charging plug. The charging power source, power line, and charging plug may be enclosed by a pressure barrier and brought into pressure equalization with the pipeline, wherein the power line does not cross the barrier. The charging power source may include batteries or a generator. If a generator is employed and a pressure barrier must be maintained, a magnetic coupling may be used to transmit kinetic energy across the barrier for input to the generator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.