Spring assemblies with variable flexilibility for use with push-cables and pipe inspection systems
AssigneeSeescan, Inc.
InventorsEric M. Chapman, Mark S. Olsson, James F. Kleyn
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims31
A push-cable system, comprising:
- a push-cable having a proximal end and a distal end;
- and
- a spring assembly coupled to the distal end of the push-cable, comprising:
- an outer coiled spring having a proximal end and a distal end;
- and
- an inner coiled spring nested at least partially within the outer coiled spring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.