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US 2006/0213388 A1Published application
Self-righting, bi-directional pipe caster
AssigneeGas Technology Institute
InventorJames Louis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for transporting a payload along the inside of a substantially horizontal pipe. The apparatus includes vertically aligned upper and lower roller elements which are relationally pivotably connected to each other, both of which contact the inside surface of the pipe into which the apparatus is inserted. The apparatus further includes a steering pendulum which enables the apparatus to maintain a substantially vertical orientation as it is pushed or pulled through the pipe.
Claims15
An apparatus for transporting a payload along an inside of a substantially horizontal pipe, the apparatus comprising:
- a rollable upper pipe tracking contactor and a rollable lower pipe tracking contactor, said upper pipe tracking contactor vertically spaced apart from said lower pipe tracking contactor;
- relational pivot means for pivotably connecting said upper pipe tracking contactor with said lower pipe tracking contactor;
- at least one elongated lever element having weighted ends, said at least one elongated lever element in non-fixed contact with said lower pipe tracking contactor;
- and
- horizontal stabilization means for maintaining said elongated lever element in a substantially horizontal orientation.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.