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:
Apr. 15, 1986
Filed:
Jul. 30, 1984
Timothy H Wentzell, South Windsor, CT (US);
Combustion Engineering, Inc., Windsor, CT (US);
Abstract
A tool (100) for scanning the inner surface (110) of a pipe (106), comprising a scanning section (112) interacting with a centering section (114). The scanning section includes an axle member (128) having strut members (130) rigidly connected thereto and projecting diametrically outwardly for urging inspection probe sleds (126) against the pipe surface. The centering section (114) includes a slide cylinder (124) coaxially disposed about the axle member (128), and having rigidly connected actuating members (120) projecting diametrically outward for contacting the pipe inner wall with sufficient force to center and support the tool within the pipe. Locking means (146) are provided within the actuating member (120) for selectively engaging the axle member (128) to lock the longitudinal position of the strut member (130) relative to the actuating member (120). A positioning device (102) is connected to the axle member (128) whereby in a first mode of operation the scanning section (112) can be rotated or moved longitudinally relative to the supporting base provided by the centering section (114). In a second mode of operation, the actuating members (120) are disengaged from the pipe surface (110) and the axle member (128) is locked to the slide cylinder (124) by means of a piston (140), and locking rod (142,146). In the lock mode, the tool (100) can be relocated within the pipe (106). The tool provides centering and support even in pipe elbows, such that the probe sleds can traverse and closely follow the entire contoured pipe surface (110).