System and method for pipeline maintenance
US9869420B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L2101/30
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for pipeline maintenance may include a payload and a transport module having the payload attached thereto. The transport module may include a plurality of movable arms each having at least one respective wheel. At least some of the wheels may be drive wheels which are operable in a first orientation to drive the transport module linearly along a length of a pipeline, and are further operable in a second orientation to drive the transport module circumferentially around an inner surface of the pipeline. At least some of the arms are operable to move the payload in a generally radial direction toward and away from an interior surface of the pipeline.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.