Submersible ROV for cleaning and inspecting metal
AssigneeHoneywell Inc.
InventorsBrian P. Matthias, Richard C. Mursinna, Felixberto A. Galasan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A submersible ROV removes extraneous material from the surface of submerged metal with a cleaning tool and measures the thickness of the metal with an ultrasonic probe. A camera allows visual operation of the ROV. The cleaning tool and ultrasonic probe can reach areas of limited access making the ROV useful for inspecting the interior of holding tanks. A submersible, electrical power supply can be combined with the ROV to provide an intrinsically safe system which is particularly useful in environments where sparks pose a substantial hazard.
Claims5
A submersible, remotely operated device for cleaning and inspecting metal, said metal being underwater and said device being controlled from a surface location, comprising:
- means for removing extraneous material attached to a site on the surface of said metal;
- means for viewing said metallic surface, said viewing means being positioned so that said site can be viewed;
- means for measuring the thickness of said metal at said site, wherein said measuring means directs ultrasonic energy into said metal and makes physical contact with said metal in order to measure said thickness;
- carriage means for supporting said removing means, said viewing means and said thickness measuring means;
- means for releasably securing said carriage to said metallic surface;
- and
- means for moving said carriage in water, said means for moving including propellers.
A system for remotely cleaning and inspecting metal, said metal being underwater, comprising:
- a submersible, remotely operated vehicle including:
- means for removing extraneous material attached to a site on the surface of said metal;
- means for viewing said metallic surface, said viewing means being positioned so that said site can be viewed;
- means for measuring the thickness of said metal at said site, wherein said measuring means directs ultrasonic energy into said metal;
- carriage means for supporting said removing means, said viewing means and said thickness measuring means;
- means for releasably securing said carriage to said metallic surface;
- means for moving said carriage in water;
- and
- means for controlling said vehicle from a surface location, said controlling means including a fiber optic cable and wherein said control signals are directed along said fiber optic cable;
- and
- a submersible, electrical energy supply, including:
- means for producing a force in response to fluid pressure, said fluid pressure being the sole source of energy for said force producing means;
- means for converting said force to electrical energy;
- housing means for containing said force converting means, said housing being impermeable to water;
- and
- means for transmitting said electrical energy to said remotely operated vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.