Device for pipe inspection and method of using same

• US 9,482,681 B2
• Filed: 08/14/2013
• Issued: 11/01/2016
• 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
• Primary Examiner(s): Larkin, Daniel S
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ray, Jamar
• Application Number:
  US13/967,023
• Publication Number:
  US 20130327162A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,175 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 device, comprising:

a sensor portion, wherein the sensor portion comprises a plurality of sensing devices; and

a chassis portion connected to the sensor portion, wherein the chassis portion comprises;

a tether;

a winch assembly in contact with the tether, comprising;

a drive motor;

a clutch; and

a capstan drum in contact with the tether and coupled to the drive motor via the clutch;

a payout assembly in contact with the tether; and

a spindle assembly in contact with the tether;

wherein rotation of the drive motor in a predetermined direction causes at least one drive key to retreat radially inward within an outer diameter of the clutch.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the payout assembly comprises:

an encoder magnet;

a roller in contact with the tether and magnetically coupled to the encoder magnet; and

an encoder chip magnetically coupled to the encoder magnet.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the spindle assembly comprises:

a drive motor;

a levelwind system in contact with the tether; and

a tether spindle in contact with the tether and coupled to the drive motor.