US3665187A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Equipment for radiography of pipelines and closed vessels
Assignee: NAT RES DEV
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Filing: 1968-12-24
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Granted: 1972-05-23
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Expires: 1988-12-24
Abstract
Abstract A pipeline crawler in the form of a self-propelled vehicle is controlled by a radiation detector carried on the vehicle. The vehicle carries a powerful radiation source and a movable shield for the source which is normally in the closed position. On energization of the detector from a weak radiation source placed outside the pipe the vehicle is stopped by the activation of its brakes and the radiation shield opens to expose the source. A timing mechanism operates to close the shield, release the brakes and restart the vehicle after a predetermined time.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen Stein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 06:36
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N23/00; G01N23/02; G01N23/06; G01N23/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A pipeline crawler comprising: a self propelled vehicle designed to travel within a pipe, positive frictional braking means for the vehicle, a radiation detector carried by the vehicle and energized from a source outside the pipe to cause operation of the posiTive braking means and thereby positively stop the vehicle at a predetermined position relative to such a source, and a radiation shield means provided for the detector and which shield is positioned next to the detector to substantially prevent energization of the detector except at a predetermined position relative to an external source.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
A pipeline crawler comprising: a self propelled vehicle designed to travel within a pipe, positive frictional braking means for the vehicle, a radiation detector carried by the vehicle and energized from a source outside the pipe to cause operation of the posiTive braking means and thereby positively stop the vehicle at a predetermined position relative to such a source, and a radiation shield means provided for the detector and which shield is positioned next to the detector to substantially prevent energization of the detector except at a predetermined position relative to an external source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The crawler as claimed in claim 1 in which the positive frictional braking means comprises: a plurality of brake blocks, and actuating means for forcing the blocks radially outwardly against the internal surface of the pipe.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The crawler as claimed in claim 1 in which the vehicle is articulated and comprises two parts coupled together by a universal joint, one part carrying drive means and the other part carrying a pipeline inspection device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The crawler as claimed in claim 1 in which the crawler carries a radiation source for pipeline inspection.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
The crawler as claimed in claim 4 in which a movable shield is provided for the radiation source which has a closed position completely shielding the source and an open position exposing the source, the shield being normally in the closed position, and in which energization of the radiation detector causes movement of the shield into the open position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The crawler as claimed in claim 5 in which timing means are provided for returning the shield to the closed position after being in the open position for a predetermined time.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The crawler as claimed in claim 1 in which the vehicle is driven by castor wheels sprung radially outwardly.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-23 | 1975-11-22 | 1976-05-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-23 | 1979-11-22 | 1980-05-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-23 | 1983-11-22 | 1984-05-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |