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.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 20, 1979
Filed:
Apr. 18, 1977
Eugene F Sims, Houston, TX (US);
Trueman Dierlam, Houston, TX (US);
CRC-Crose International, Inc., Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
Apparatus is disclosed for transporting heavy equipment such as welding current generators, a prime mover therefor, and associated devices or supplies, on and along a pipeline, the pipeline serving as a monorail. The apparatus, of elongated construction along the pipeline, is supported at one end and propelled along the line by power driven traction means engaging the top part of the pipeline. The opposite end of the apparatus is supported on a pair of laterally spaced swivel mounted wheels which engage the sides of the pipeline laterally away from and somewhat below the top of the line. The latter wheels give lateral support and stability to maintain the apparatus in a substantially upright position on the pipeline. Sensing means, such as a pendulum, mercury switch means, or equivalent, detect incipient tilting or motion towards instability and are used to steer the swivel mounted wheels, either directly or indirectly. Indirect steering is accomplished through auxiliary side wheels which are directed to raise one side and lower the other of the apparatus to restore it to upright position when needed. Hydraulically operated pipe gripping means are provided to clamp the apparatus to the pipeline when it is not traveling, as during a welding operation.