Spring assemblies with variable flexibility for use with push-cables and pipe inspection systems
AssigneeSeescan, Inc.
InventorsEric M. Chapman, Mark S. Olsson, 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.
Claims20
A push-cable apparatus for use in pipe inspection, 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 spring having three sections of helical coil wound in a first direction, the three sections include a front section having an open coil configuration, a middle section having a closed coil configuration, and a rear section having a closed coil configuration, wherein the rear section is near to the distal end of the push-cable;
- and
- an inner coiled spring wound in a second direction opposite to the first direction and nested within the rear section of the outer coiled spring;
- wherein the spring assembly has a gradually decreasing flexibility from the front section to the rear section.
A pipe inspection system, comprising:
- a push-cable having a proximal end and a distal end;
- a camera head;
- and
- an elongate coiled spring coupling the camera head to the distal end of the push-cable, the elongate coiled spring having three sections including:
- a first section having an open coil configuration to provide a first flexibility;
- a second section having a closed coil configuration to provide a second flexibility;
- and
- a third section having a closed coil configuration, the third section including another coiled spring nested therein of diameter and length smaller than the elongate coiled spring to provide a third flexibility;
- wherein the first section is near to the camera head, the third section is near to the distal end of the push-cable, and the second section is in between the first and second sections;
- wherein each of the first, second and third flexibilities is different;
- and
- wherein the third flexibility is lesser than the second and first flexibilities.
A push-cable apparatus for use in pipe inspection, comprising:
- a push-cable having a proximal end and a distal end;
- an elongate outer coiled spring having a plurality of separate sections of coiled springs arranged in tandem, and joined by coupling elements;
- and
- wherein each individual section amongst the plurality of sections provides at least a first flexibility and a second flexibility, different from the first flexibility, along its length.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.