Pipe inspection device
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An inspection device for use in scanning the interior of a pipe, comprising:
- a cylindrical housing defining a central axis,a first end portion mounted at one end of the housing coaxially therewith,a second end portion mounted at the other end of the housing coaxially therewith,a scanning probe journalled in said second end portion for rotation about said central axis, the probe extending axially from the second end portion,drive means mounted within the housing, said drive means being coupled to the probe for effecting rotation thereof, andmeans for centering the device coaxially within a pipe, said means comprising;
a plurality of identical spider arms pivotally connected to the device for pivotal movement about respective pivotal axes parallel to and spaced symmetrically about said central axis,a drive motor mounted within the housing, andcoupling means connected between the motor and the spider arms for effecting pivotal movement of the arms, said motor being capable of selectively extending and retracting said spider arms between radially extended and retracted positions and said coupling means constraining the spider arms to move pivotally in unison between said radially extended and retracted positions.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An inspection device for use in scanning the interior of a pipe at a remote location is accurately centered within the pipe at the required location by two spiders. Each spider has three sickle-shaped arms which can be extended and retracted between operative and inoperative positions. The six spider arms are interconnected by a crank mechanism which ensures that all the arms move in unison between their limit positions.
12 Citations
7 Claims
-
1. An inspection device for use in scanning the interior of a pipe, comprising:
-
a cylindrical housing defining a central axis, a first end portion mounted at one end of the housing coaxially therewith, a second end portion mounted at the other end of the housing coaxially therewith, a scanning probe journalled in said second end portion for rotation about said central axis, the probe extending axially from the second end portion, drive means mounted within the housing, said drive means being coupled to the probe for effecting rotation thereof, and means for centering the device coaxially within a pipe, said means comprising; a plurality of identical spider arms pivotally connected to the device for pivotal movement about respective pivotal axes parallel to and spaced symmetrically about said central axis, a drive motor mounted within the housing, and coupling means connected between the motor and the spider arms for effecting pivotal movement of the arms, said motor being capable of selectively extending and retracting said spider arms between radially extended and retracted positions and said coupling means constraining the spider arms to move pivotally in unison between said radially extended and retracted positions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
Specification