The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Oct. 12, 2021

Filed:

Dec. 03, 2018
Applicant:

Mistras Group, Inc., Anchorage, AK (US);

Inventors:

Kelly Morris, Anchorage, AK (US);

Elliott Morris, Anchorage, AK (US);

John Musgrave, Anchorage, AK (US);

Assignee:

Mistras Group, Inc., Anchorage, AK (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G01N 21/954 (2006.01); B64C 39/02 (2006.01); G05D 1/00 (2006.01); G06K 9/32 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G01N 21/954 (2013.01); B64C 39/024 (2013.01); G05D 1/0088 (2013.01); G06K 9/32 (2013.01); B64C 2201/123 (2013.01); G01N 2021/9542 (2013.01);
Abstract

Systems and methods for robotic inspection of above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler having a plurality of motors that are individually controllable for improved positioning on the pipeline to facilitate image acquisition. Embodiments may also include mounting systems to house and carry imaging equipment configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such mounting systems may be adjustable to account for different sizes of pipes (e.g., 2-40+ inches), and may be configured to account for traversing various pipe support structures. Still further, mounting systems may include quick-release members to allow for removal and re-mounting of imaging equipment when traversing support structures. In other aspects, embodiments may be directed toward control systems for the robotic crawler which assist in the navigation and image capture capabilities of the crawler.


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