DEVICE FOR PIPE INSPECTION AND METHOD OF USING SAME

• US 20130332088A1
• Filed: 08/14/2013
• Published: 12/12/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RedZone Robotics, Inc.
• Original Assignee: RedZone Robotics, Inc.
• Inventors: Atwood, Christopher C., Juchniewicz, Richard P., Kratzer, Eric, Slifko, Adam, Johns, Philip Jake
• Granted Patent: US 9,739,792 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/34
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/12 Arrangement, location, or adaptation of driving sprockets
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/244 Moulded in one piece, with either smooth surfaces or surfaces having projections, e.g. incorporating reinforcing elements
• CPC Class Codes: E03F 7/12 Installations enabling inspection personnel to drive along sewer canals
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00 Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 901/44 inspection

Abstract

A device is described that includes a sensor portion and a chassis portion. The sensor portion includes a plurality of sensing devices. The chassis portion is connected to the sensor portion and includes a first track and a second track. The second track is positioned adjacent the first track. The first and second tracks cooperate to substantially cover an entire width of the chassis portion.

Claims

1. A method, implemented by a device, for inspecting an interior of a pipe, the method comprising:

a) traversing the pipe; and

b) capturing data associated with an interior of the pipe while the pipe is being traversed, wherein steps (a)-(b) are performed by the device while a manhole through which the device gained access to the pipe is closed.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the traversing is performed automatically by the device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the capturing is performed automatically by the device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the traversing and capturing are performed by an autonomous mobile robot.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the traversing starts a period of time after the device gained access to the pipe.