Measuring apparatus

Claim 2

Measuring apparatus for making measurements within a downwardly extending channel, the apparatus comprising an elongated probe, a probe support means for suspending the probe within the channel at successive stepwise points therealong, an electrical conductor associated with the probe support means, a measurement indicator connected to the conductor exteriorly of the channel, the probe including an anchorage means for the probe support means, a track which extends parallel and stationary relative to to the longitudinal axis of the probe, a carriage captive on the track and movable therealong, a measuring transducer mounted on said carriage and having an electrical output connected electrically to the conductor and means for moving the carriage along the track to take measurements while the probe is stationary.

Claim 3

Measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the probe comprises end members between which said track extends, for limiting the movement of said carriage, and an anchorage means for the cable on the carriage.

Claim 4

Measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the probe includes end members between which said track extends, for limiting the movement of said carriage, a plurality of measuring transducers mounted on the carriage, each of said transducers having an electrical output, channel wall gripping means mounted on the probe and extensible into engagement with the channel wall to support the probe from the wall while the carriage is moved along the track.

Claim 5

Measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the probe has freely pivoted grippers mounted thereon, the grippers arranged to rock into a partially extended position in sliding engagement with the channel wall when the probe support means is under tension and to rotate into a fully extended position when the tension is relaxed thereby to support the probe from the channel wall.

Claim 6

Measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the probe support means is a cable and a drum is provided for the cable on a trolley external to the channel, the trolley providing a mounting for the measuring indicator.

Claim 7

Measuring apparatus for making measurement within a downwardly extending channel by means of transducers lowered into the channel on a probe which is suspended by a cable which also transmits electrical outputs from the transducers to an indicator remote from the probe, the probe including pivotal grippers which are biased into sliding contact with the channel wall and extensible to grip the channel wall to support the probe, a track, a carriage carrying transducers and captive on the track, first and second end members limiting the movement of the carriage, an anchorage for the cable on the carriage and an electrical connection between the transducers and the cable, the carriage supporting feeler arms biased into contact with the channel wall and operatively coupled to a transducer on the carriage, said transducer yielding an electrical output in accordance with the movements of the feeler arms.

Claim 8

Measuring apparatus for making measurement within a downwardly extending channel by means of transducers lowered into the channel on a probe which is suspended by a cable which also transmits electrical outputs from the transducers to an indicator remote from the probe, the probe including pivotal grippers which are biased into sliding contact with the channel wall and extensible to grip the channel wall to support the probe, a track, a carriage carrying transducers and captive on the track, first and second end members limiting the movement of the carriage, an anchorage for the cable on the carriage and an electrical connection between the transducers and the cable, the carriage supporting feeler arms biased into contact with the channel wall and operatively coupled to a transducer on the carriage, said transducer yielding an electrical output in accordance with the movements of the feeler arms.

Claim 9

Measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the probe is a slotted tubular body, the interior face of which forms a track for a captive carriage, and end members defining the limits of movement of the carriage.

Claim 10

Measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the transducer comprises a variable electrical resistance having a slider arm movable in accordance with the movements of the feeler arm.

Claim 11

Measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the transducer comprises a member which undergoes mechanical strain to a degree which varies in accordance with the movements of the feeler arm and an electrical resistance strain gauge applied to said member to yield the electrical output.

Claim 12

Measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the first end member has a first extensive piece, said first extension piece providing a mounting for the pivotal grippers.

Claim 13

Measuring apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the second end member has a second extension piece, said second extension piece providing a mounting for a set of steady rollers for spacing the probe from the channel wall.