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:
May. 07, 1996
Filed:
Oct. 11, 1994
Bruce W Maxfield, Oakland, CA (US);
Pamela C Fitzgerald, Berkeley, CA (US);
Industrial Sensors and Actuators, San Leandro, CA (US);
Abstract
Tank bottom inspection apparatus of the magnetic flux leakage type having a powered release mechanism for reducing the magnetic attraction of the apparatus to the tank bottom. The apparatus is wheeled over the tank bottom surface and includes a magnet assembly disposed over the surface for inducing magnetic flux in the material under inspection and a sensor assembly for detecting magnetic flux leakage from the material indicative of magnetic anomalies. A powered actuator permits the operator to retract the magnet assembly away from the surface, reducing the magnetic attraction to the surface and thereby reducing magnetic resistance to movement of the apparatus over the surface. The operator retracts the magnet assembly for maneuvering the apparatus over and around obstacles on the surface with greatly reduced magnetic attraction to the surface. The operator is then able to return the magnet assembly to a precise inspection position for continued inspection of the surface. In one embodiment an actuator is coupled to the magnet assembly so as to move the magnet assembly relative to the apparatus wheels, which remain in contact with the surface. In another embodiment the actuator may be extended to raise the front of the apparatus, including the front wheels, off the surface so as to displace the magnet assembly away from the surface, thereby providing enhanced maneuverability for avoiding obstacles and for positioning the apparatus for inspection of the surface.