An inspection system configured for "no-blow" use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation
An inspection system configured for "no-blow" use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
대표청구항▼
What is claimed is: 1. An inspection system for inspecting a pressurized gas pipeline, the inspection system comprising: an elongate flexible guide member; a first conduit having first and second ends, the first conduit being configured for sealed insertion into the pipeline such that the first end
What is claimed is: 1. An inspection system for inspecting a pressurized gas pipeline, the inspection system comprising: an elongate flexible guide member; a first conduit having first and second ends, the first conduit being configured for sealed insertion into the pipeline such that the first end is outside the pipeline, the second end is inside the pipeline, and escape of gas from inside the pipeline is inhibited as the second end is inserted into the pipeline, the first conduit being further configured to receive the guide member therein, thereby facilitating entry of the guide member into the pipeline; a second conduit configured for sealed attachment to the pipeline at an opening in the pipeline, and further configured to receive the first conduit therein, thereby facilitating entry of the first conduit into the pipeline through the opening; a first seal cooperating with the first conduit and the guide member to inhibit gas from the pipeline from escaping through an inside of the first conduit; a second seal cooperating with the first and second conduits for effecting the sealed insertion of the first conduit into the pipeline; a transition member adjacent the second end of the first conduit for facilitating a change in direction of the guide member as the guide member enters the pipeline from within the first conduit; and a camera attached to the guide member and configured to pass through the first conduit and into the pipeline. 2. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first conduit has a generally round cross section defining an outer diameter, thereby allowing the first conduit to be inserted through a generally round entry hole in the pipeline, and wherein the transition member is attached to the first conduit and configured to not extend beyond the outer diameter of the first conduit, thereby allowing the first conduit to be inserted into the pipeline through the entry hole without interference from the transition member. 3. The inspection system of claim 2, wherein the first conduit includes an open channel proximate the second end, the transition member forming one end of the channel. 4. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the transition member has a first surface and a second surface generally opposite the first surface, the first surface being configured to provide a contact surface for the camera as the camera leaves the first conduit and enters the pipeline, at least a portion of the second surface being generally convex, thereby increasing contact between the second surface and a generally concave interior surface of the pipeline. 5. The inspection system of claim 1, the pipeline defining a first longitudinal axis, and wherein the first conduit defines a second longitudinal axis, and the first conduit is configured for insertion into the pipeline such that the first and second longitudinal axes form an oblique angle with each other, thereby further facilitating entry of the guide member into the pipeline. 6. The inspection system of claim 1, further comprising a motor operable to move the guide member through the first conduit and into the pipeline, the motor being disposed proximate the first end of the first conduit to facilitate remote feeding of the guide member through the first conduit. 7. The inspection system of claim 1, further comprising an automatically deploying and retracting positioning system disposed between the camera and one end of the guide member for positioning the camera away from an inner surface of the pipeline. 8. The inspection system of claim 7, wherein the positioning system includes: a plurality of flexible arms, each of the arms being deployable in a direction away from the camera toward the inner surface of the pipeline, and a biasing member configured to exert a force on one end of each of the arms, thereby facilitating the automatic deployment of the arms. 9. The inspection system of claim 8, wherein one end of each of the arms is pivotally attached to the biasing member adjacent one end of the biasing member, thereby facilitating axial movement of the one end of the biasing member when an inward force is applied to the arms. 10. The inspection system of claim 1, further comprising: a reel for dispensing and retracting the guide member; and a monitor in communication with the camera and attached to the reel for remotely providing images captured by the camera.
연구과제 타임라인
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
이 특허에 인용된 특허 (28)
Beckstead Jeffrey A. ; Nordhauser Steven R., 360 degree/forward view integral imaging system.
Moore Joseph P. (Clinton) Kudarauskas Andrew J. (Liverpool) Kliszczewicz Theodore J. (Liverpool) Allen John E. (Altamont NY) Fisk Allan T. (Needham MA) Lichtman Philip R. (Newton MA) Avarbock Gerald , Internal pipe inspection system.
McNulty George R. (4709 Lake Rd. Sheffield Lake OH 44054) Luff Charles E. (3909 Easton Rd. Norton OH 44203), Means for introducing inspection equipment in active pipelines.
Love Robert G. (Duncan OK) Shelton Robert Q. (Duncan OK) McCalla ; Jr. Joseph B. (Corpus Christi TX), Method and apparatus for perforating and slotting well flow conductors.
Seto,Ichiro; Tsuchiya,Fumiaki; Yagi,Isaburo; Azuma,Katsuhiko; Kishibe,Nobuyasu; Aso,Koji; Ueda,Yasuhiro, Method and structure for laying communication cable in underground line, and members used for laying.
Penza, G. Gregory; Kodadek, Robert E.; Passaretti, Michael; Feldman, Eric S.; Antanavige, David; Lagosz-Sinclair, Benjamin, Launch system for a pressurized pipeline.
※ AI-Helper는 부적절한 답변을 할 수 있습니다.