Controllable Caliper
First Claim
1. A tool for measuring a physical dimension of an object, comprising:
- a. a first rail;
b. a first jaw and a second jaw disposed about the first rail, at least one of the first or second jaws being adjustable in a predetermined plane with respect to the other of the jaws along the first rail;
c. a positioner operatively connected to the adjustable jaw, the positioner adapted to effect movement of the adjustable jaw;
d. a measurement sensor operatively in communication with the positioner, the measurement sensor adapted to measure a predetermined physical dimension of an object disposed in-between the jaws;
e. a pressure balancing compensator;
f. a data link connector; and
g. a power source link connector.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An embodiment of the invention is directed to an electronic caliper which combines positioning and measurement in one unit without the use of hydraulics for subsea use. In certain embodiments, several attachments can be affixed to accommodate a range of measurement tasks. In a preferred embodiment, one jaw is adjustable and the other, or opposing, jaw is fixed, e.g. by bolting it on to a mounting structure. The jaws typically allow for the removal and replacement of other attachments. In another embodiment, the unit communicates to computer software for position control, precise indication and clamping for adjustment. In a preferred embodiment, computer software displays all feedback via laptop computer on surface. The caliper is maneuvered to a position proximate an object and used to measure a predetermined physical characteristic of the object. The measurement can be displayed, e.g. at the surface, using a computer with control software.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A tool for measuring a physical dimension of an object, comprising:
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a. a first rail; b. a first jaw and a second jaw disposed about the first rail, at least one of the first or second jaws being adjustable in a predetermined plane with respect to the other of the jaws along the first rail; c. a positioner operatively connected to the adjustable jaw, the positioner adapted to effect movement of the adjustable jaw; d. a measurement sensor operatively in communication with the positioner, the measurement sensor adapted to measure a predetermined physical dimension of an object disposed in-between the jaws; e. a pressure balancing compensator; f. a data link connector; and g. a power source link connector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A tool for measuring a physical dimension of a subsea object without the use of hydraulics, comprising:
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a. a first rail; b. a first jaw and a second jaw disposed about the first rail, at least one of the first or second jaws being adjustable in a predetermined plane with respect to the other of the jaws along the first rail; c. an electronic positioner operatively connected to at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw; d. a positioning sensor operatively in communication with the electronic positioner; e. a measurement sensor operatively in communication with the electronic positioner; f. a pressure balancing compensator; and g. a data/power link to ROV. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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18. A method of obtaining a measurement of a physical dimension of a device located subsea, comprising:
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a. maneuvering a tool for measuring a physical dimension of an object to a position proximate the object, the tool comprising a set of jaws; b. positioning an opened set of the jaws about the object; c. sending a signal from a position control module to a linear actuator operatively in communication with a position controller operatively in communication with at least one of the set of jaws; d. changing a state [extends/retracts] of the linear actuator to a state [location] using a stepper motor translated to linear motion through a lead screw; e. stopping the linear actuator, once jaws have made contact across dimension of interest; f. relaying the location of the jaws through the position control module; and g. displaying the location at the surface through a computer with the control software. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification