US 12,730,083 B2 · Bend navigating insertion tool for pipes

Abstract

A probe provides one end of an electrically conductive path with a ground stake defining a second end. The probe is supported on a tip of a cable rotatably supported by a snake, with the snake including a conductor routed toward the ground stake. A voltage source and a current sensor are located upon said electrically conductive path. The probe is fed by action of the snake along an underground pipe to be scanned. The current sensor senses current flow between the probe within the underground pipe and the ground stake. Analysis of the current flowing in this electric circuit allows for determining if underground pipe material includes lead, based at least partially on electrical conductivity of pipe segments through which the probe passes. A tool is provided to assist in navigating a sharp bend near where the probe enters the pipeline.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An insertion tool for navigating pipe bends, the tool comprising:

an elongate rod having a greater length between a proximal end and a distal end than a width perpendicular to a centerline of said rod extending between said proximal end and said distal end;
a hollow core within said rod;
said hollow core extending at least from an entry to a port;
said port located closer to said distal end of said rod than to said proximal end of said rod;
said port located on a sidewall of said hollow core lateral to said centerline;
and
a lateral deflection surface within said hollow core and adjacent to said port, said lateral deflection surface angled to bend an elongate flexible object passing through said hollow core and towards said distal end in a direction angled laterally away from said centerline and out of said port.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Bend navigating insertion tool for pipes

Life of this patent

Bend navigating insertion tool for pipes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20