US3742756A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Access duct for pipelines
Assignee: WH Seager and Associated Ltd
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Filing: 1971-04-08
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Granted: 1973-07-03
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Expires: 1991-04-08
Abstract
Abstract A circular duct is mounted on the circumferential, bared surface of a buried, coated pipeline so that the duct and pipe surface combine to define a sealed, circumferential chamber. A vertical conduit, defining in and out ports, extends upward from the duct through the dirt fill over the line. The ports provide communication between the ground surface and the duct chamber. A steel tape, having an ultrasonic probe mounted thereon, can be threaded through the assembly to bring the probe into contact with the pipe wall to take wall thickness readings. Scales on the tape serve to locate the position of the hidden probe.
Inventors
- 👤 W Seager
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 18:00
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N29/00; G01N29/22; G01N29/26; G01N29/265; G01B; G01B17/00; G01B17/02; G01N29/223; G01N2291/00; G01N2291/02; G01N2291/028; G01N2291/02854; G01N2291/26; G01N2291/263; G01N2291/2634
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
In combination: a tubular member having a normally inaccessible outer surface within an enclosing medium; and a permanent assembly for providing access to a circumferential bared segment of the member, said assembly comprising: an opensided duct attached and sealed to the bared segment, said duct combining with the bared segment to define a chamber extending around the circumference of the member, tubular access means connected with the duct and communicating with the chamber, said access means extending outwardly from the duct through the enclosing medium to provide exteriorly available access into and out of the chamber from the exterior of the enclosing medium; and means associated with the chamber at the access means for directing a member inserted through the access means into the chamber and from the chamber back into the access means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
In combination: a tubular member having a normally inaccessible outer surface within an enclosing medium; and a permanent assembly for providing access to a circumferential bared segment of the member, said assembly comprising: an opensided duct attached and sealed to the bared segment, said duct combining with the bared segment to define a chamber extending around the circumference of the member, tubular access means connected with the duct and communicating with the chamber, said access means extending outwardly from the duct through the enclosing medium to provide exteriorly available access into and out of the chamber from the exterior of the enclosing medium; and means associated with the chamber at the access means for directing a member inserted through the access means into the chamber and from the chamber back into the access means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the tubular member is a buried, coated pipeline.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination as set forth in claim 2 wherein: one or more bands, associated with contracting means, are coextensively positioned on the duct to tightly clasp it to the pipeline.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
143 words
An assembly for providing access to the normally inaccessible outer surface of an enclosed pipe and testing the same which comprises: a circular duct, having an inwardly opening, groove-forming portion, adapted to be fitted around the pipe to define a circumferential chamber in combination with the outer surface of the pipe; a socket member, extending outwardly from the duct, defining a passageway extending from its outer end and communicating with the groove; tubular means, defining in and out ports, adapted to connect with the socket member to provide access into and out of the chamber through the tubular means; and a flexible tape-like member passing through the chamber, socket member and tubular means, and carrying a test probe within the chamber, and accessible exteriorly of the tubular means for manipulation to selectively position the probe relative to the circumference of the enclosed pipe.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
143 words
An assembly for providing access to the normally inaccessible outer surface of an enclosed pipe and testing the same which comprises: a circular duct, having an inwardly opening, groove-forming portion, adapted to be fitted around the pipe to define a circumferential chamber in combination with the outer surface of the pipe; a socket member, extending outwardly from the duct, defining a passageway extending from its outer end and communicating with the groove; tubular means, defining in and out ports, adapted to connect with the socket member to provide access into and out of the chamber through the tubular means; and a flexible tape-like member passing through the chamber, socket member and tubular means, and carrying a test probe within the chamber, and accessible exteriorly of the tubular means for manipulation to selectively position the probe relative to the circumference of the enclosed pipe.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein: the duct is transverly split whereby it may be easily slipped onto the pipe.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein: the duct comprises a U-shaped, longitudinal central portion and a pair of longitudinal side flanges which are each integral with one side wall of the central portion.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of positioning an ultrasonic probe against the normally inaccessible surface of an enclosed pipe having an access assembly mounted thereon, said assembly comprising a circumferential duct, attached to said surface, to provide a duct chamber around the pipe and a conduit member providing communication with the duct chamber and extending through the pipe enclosure, which comprises: inserting one end of a semi-rigid, elongate member, such as a steel tape, having the probe mounted on its inner surface intermediate its ends, through the conduit member, around the duct chamber and out through the conduit member to substantially encircle the pipe with the ends of the elongate member juxtaposed exteriorly of the conduit member; sliding the member through the assembly to position the mounted probe at a pre-determined position; and manipulating the two ends of the elongate member, exteriorly of the conduit member to bring the probe into firm contact with the pipe surface.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of positioning an ultrasonic probe against the normally inaccessible surface of an enclosed pipe having an access assembly mounted thereon, said assembly comprising a circumferential duct, attached to said surface, to provide a duct chamber around the pipe and a conduit member providing communication with the duct chamber and extending through the pipe enclosure, which comprises: inserting one end of a semi-rigid, elongate member, such as a steel tape, having the probe mounted on its inner surface intermediate its ends, through the conduit member, around the duct chamber and out through the conduit member to substantially encircle the pipe with the ends of the elongate member juxtaposed exteriorly of the conduit member; sliding the member through the assembly to position the mounted probe at a pre-determined position; and manipulating the two ends of the elongate member, exteriorly of the conduit member to bring the probe into firm contact with the pipe surface.
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) | 1976-07-02 | 1977-01-01 | 1977-07-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-02 | 1981-01-01 | 1981-07-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-02 | 1985-01-01 | 1985-07-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |