US3990301A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inspection device
Assignee: Rolls Royce PLC
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Filing: 1975-10-31
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Granted: 1976-11-09
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Expires: 1995-10-31
Abstract
Abstract An inspection device for inspecting regions of workpieces which are inaccessible to conventional inspection devices. The device comprises a body from which a plurality of abutting members are adapted to extend. The abutting members are interconnected by a tensionable roller chain which is adapted to maintain the abutting members in compression, thereby forming a substantially rigid column which may be provided an inspection probe. The thus formed rigid column may be disposed in angular disposition to the device body.
Inventors
- 👤 Athol Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 04:18
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/72; G01N27/82; G01N27/90; G01N27/9093; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20396; Y10T74/20402; Y10T74/20456
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
An inspection device comprising housing means, a series of abutting members adapted to extend from said housing means, flexible means interconnecting said abutting members, means adapted in operation to tension said flexible means so that said abutting members are held in compression to form a substantially rigid column, means adapted to maintain said substantially rigid column in angular disposition to said housing means and at least one inspection probe mounted on said substantially rigid column.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
An inspection device comprising housing means, a series of abutting members adapted to extend from said housing means, flexible means interconnecting said abutting members, means adapted in operation to tension said flexible means so that said abutting members are held in compression to form a substantially rigid column, means adapted to maintain said substantially rigid column in angular disposition to said housing means and at least one inspection probe mounted on said substantially rigid column.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
An inspection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said abutting members comprise part of a greater series of abutting members, the remainder of which are located within said housing means, means being provided to cause a greater or lesser proportion of the complete series to extend from said housing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
68 words
An inspection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means adapted to maintain said substantially rigid column in angular disposition to said housing means comprises a guide channel provided in said housing means, said guide channel being adapted to receive at least part of said series of abutting members and divide and maintain that part into two extents which are angularly disposed with respect to each other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
An inspection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said abutting members are each provided with a passage so disposed that together they define an elongate passageway adapted to contain said flexible means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
An inspection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said abutting members is provided with flat faces adapted to engage with the flat faces of adjacent abutting members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
An inspection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said abutting members are provided with means adapted to prevent relative rotation between said abutting members.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
An inspection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein means are provided for adjusting the tension in said flexible means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
An inspection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said flexible means comprises a roller chain.
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) | 1979-11-09 | 1980-05-10 | 1980-11-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-11-09 | 1984-05-10 | 1984-11-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-11-09 | 1988-05-10 | 1988-11-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |