US3678271A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Marking and detection of subsurface defects in multi-layer hose structures
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
•
Filing: 1969-10-09
•
Granted: 1972-07-18
•
Expires: 1989-10-09
Abstract
Abstract Subsurface defects in multi-layer hose structures are marked as to location and extent with a tape having an axial stripe of radioactive salts thereon which is subsequently detected with scintillation counters that are connected to circuits and controls which mark or remove the faulty section of the hose structure after completion of the hose. The radioactivity of the salt is capable of being detected through the subsequent layers of the hose structure which cover the tape as the manufacture of the hose continues after the defect is coded with the tape.
Inventors
- 👤 John J Groezinger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 21:59
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21H; G21H5/00; G21H5/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A self-sticking marking and tracing tape for marking subsurface defects in multi-layer hose structures and the like comprising two layers of adhesive faced tape assembled in registry to form a laminate through utilization of one of said adhesive faces, one of said tape layers having a continuous stripe of radioactive salts of uniform radioactivity along its length disposed on its surface which is contiguous to the other tape layer in said laminate, said stripe centrally disposed wherein said stripe of said radioactive salts is encapsulated between said two layers, said laminate having at least one adhesive face.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
A self-sticking marking and tracing tape for marking subsurface defects in multi-layer hose structures and the like comprising two layers of adhesive faced tape assembled in registry to form a laminate through utilization of one of said adhesive faces, one of said tape layers having a continuous stripe of radioactive salts of uniform radioactivity along its length disposed on its surface which is contiguous to the other tape layer in said laminate, said stripe centrally disposed wherein said stripe of said radioactive salts is encapsulated between said two layers, said laminate having at least one adhesive face.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The marking and tracing tape as defined in claim 1 wherein the half life of the radioactive salts in the stripe is less than 60 days.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of tagging subsurface defects as to location and extent in multi-layer hose structures and the like which are covered over by subsequent layers of the structure comprising: placing a strip of a self sticking two layer laminated tape having a continuous stripe of radioactive salts of uniform radioactivity along its length disposed on its center line along said defect at the time it occurs, said strip having a length substantially coextensive with the length of said defect; subsequently detecting the location of said tape by its radioactive emissions coming through overlying layers of the structure when the structure has been completed; and indexing the outer surface of said structure to correspond with underlying position of said strip of tape by detection of the beginning and end positions of said stripe of radioactive salt.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of tagging subsurface defects as to location and extent in multi-layer hose structures and the like which are covered over by subsequent layers of the structure comprising: placing a strip of a self sticking two layer laminated tape having a continuous stripe of radioactive salts of uniform radioactivity along its length disposed on its center line along said defect at the time it occurs, said strip having a length substantially coextensive with the length of said defect; subsequently detecting the location of said tape by its radioactive emissions coming through overlying layers of the structure when the structure has been completed; and indexing the outer surface of said structure to correspond with underlying position of said strip of tape by detection of the beginning and end positions of said stripe of radioactive salt.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method defined in claim 3 wherein the indexing is accomplished by applying a visual mark co-extensive with the stripe to the outer surface of the structure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method defined in claim 4 wherein the visual mark is paint sprayed on the exterior surface of the structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method defined in claim 3 wherein the indexing is accomplished by removing the portion of the structure containing the strip of tape by cutting through the structure at both ends of the continuous stripe of radioactive salts.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method defined in claim 3 wherein the detection of the underlying position of the strip of tape is accomplished by passinG the finished structure through a circular array of scintillation detectors, recording the beginning and end points of the underlying stripe of radioactive salts on said strip and subsequently indexing the exterior surface of the structure as it moves beyond said detectors by use of said recording of said points to control the indexing means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-18 | 1976-01-17 | 1976-07-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-18 | 1980-01-17 | 1980-07-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-18 | 1984-01-17 | 1984-07-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |