Spring assemblies with variable flexibility for use with push-cables and pipe inspection systems
AssigneeSeescan, Inc.
InventorsMark S. Olsson, Eric M. Chapman, James F. Kleyn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Push-cables and associated apparatus and systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a push-cable assembly for use with a pipe inspection system may include a push-cable element having a proximal end and a distal end, with a spring assembly having varying flexibility coupled to or near the distal end. The spring assembly may include an outer coiled spring having a proximal and a distal end, and an inner coiled spring nested at least partially within the outer coiled spring. A camera head and/or other elements such as a cutting or jetting apparatus may be coupled at or near the distal end.
Claims9
A pipe inspection system apparatus, comprising:
- a push-cable having a proximal end and a distal end;
- a spring assembly disposed about the distal end of the push-cable, the spring assembly comprising:
- an elongate outer coiled spring having a variable flexibility along its length, wound in a first direction, the outer coiled spring having a plurality of lengthwise sections including at least a front section having a first cross-sectional area and a rear section having a second cross-sectional area different from the first cross-sectional area;
- and
- an inner coiled spring wound in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the inner coiled spring is shorter than the outer coiled spring and the inner coiled spring is nested within at least a portion of the outer coiled spring;
- and
- one or more connecting wires disposed at least partially within the spring assembly;
- wherein the front section of the outer coiled spring has a higher flexibility than the rear section.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.