A pipeline sphere is shown which houses an electronics package. The sphere is formed as a hollow elastomeric body having a predetermined wall thickness and an initially void interior. A carrier tube is positioned within the initially void interior of the sphere and is supported by oppositely arranged carrier plates which are themselves embedded within oppositely arranged end openings of the sphere. A removable inflation valve is contained in one of the valve plates at a first end of the carrier tube. The carrier tube has a plurality of apertures formed through its wall to enable inflating or deflating the sphere. One electronics package that can be used is an electrical tracking device.

An autonomous robotic active gas-carrying pipeline testing system includes a remotely controlled robot assembly movable within the stream of gas flowing in the pipeline, wherein said gas flow exhibits dynamic flow energy, a miniature rotary turbine responsive to the gas flow, an electrical generator responsive to the turbine, a battery responsive to the generator, drive tow means responsive to the generator for moving the assembly, wherein the system is capable of harvesting said dynamic flow energy for either or both charging the battery and/or operating the drive tow means.

An autonomous robotic active gas-carrying pipeline testing system includes a remotely controlled robot assembly movable within the stream of gas flowing in the pipeline, wherein said gas flow exhibits dynamic flow energy, a miniature rotary turbine responsive to the gas flow, an electrical generator responsive to the turbine, a battery responsive to the generator, drive tow means responsive to the generator for moving the assembly, wherein the system is capable of harvesting said dynamic flow energy for either or both charging the battery and/or operating the drive tow means.

A sensor apparatus is provided in which both an optical interrogator and an optical waveguide are embedded in the same component made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The optical interrogator and the optical waveguide thus form a unit with the component made of fiber-reinforced plastic, in which they are embedded. The optical interrogator and the optical waveguide are arranged in this case protected in the same component made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The optical waveguide does not have to be led out of this component and into the interrogator. The risk of damage to the optical waveguide is thus significantly reduced.

A sensor apparatus is provided in which both an optical interrogator and an optical waveguide are embedded in the same component made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The optical interrogator and the optical waveguide thus form a unit with the component made of fiber-reinforced plastic, in which they are embedded. The optical interrogator and the optical waveguide are arranged in this case protected in the same component made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The optical waveguide does not have to be led out of this component and into the interrogator. The risk of damage to the optical waveguide is thus significantly reduced.

The invention is embodied in a crawler that measures alignment, distance, grade, and vertical deflection of underground conduits (pipelines). The crawler drives through the conduit and collects data that can be used to inspect and evaluate whether the construction meets the grade and alignment according to the construction documents and specifications and spot locations of culvert deflections from material defect and/or bedding deficiencies.

The preferred crawler can be moved into and out of a conduit via remote control. The preferred crawler comprises a deck for carrying electronic sensors, a battery, and other devices. A computer located on the deck communicates with the electronic sensors and the other devices. Most importantly, the preferred crawler comprises at least one wheel that rides on the invert of the conduit. The guide wheel is a key element of the invention because having at least one wheel ride on the invert provides a referential location for other measurements.

The invention is embodied in a crawler that measures alignment, distance, grade, and vertical deflection of underground conduits (pipelines). The crawler drives through the conduit and collects data that can be used to inspect and evaluate whether the construction meets the grade and alignment according to the construction documents and specifications and spot locations of culvert deflections from material defect and/or bedding deficiencies.

The preferred crawler can be moved into and out of a conduit via remote control. The preferred crawler comprises a deck for carrying electronic sensors, a battery, and other devices. A computer located on the deck communicates with the electronic sensors and the other devices. Most importantly, the preferred crawler comprises at least one wheel that rides on the invert of the conduit. The guide wheel is a key element of the invention because having at least one wheel ride on the invert provides a referential location for other measurements.

Apparatus and method for detecting flaws in a wall of a metallic pipe containing a fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes: a plurality of sensors distributed around an inner circumference of the metallic pipe, for sensing magnetic field signals from the metallic pipe; a collapsible supporting structure, including a plurality of supporting petals, at a front side of the plurality of sensors for supporting the apparatus; a sail mounted on and extended from bottom ends of the plurality of supporting petals, when the plurality of supporting petals are in an extended state, the sail is expanded to form a shape capable for containing the fluid; a processing module receiving sensed data from the plurality of sensors; and one or more battery modules for electrically powering the plurality of sensors and the processing module.

Apparatus and method for detecting flaws in a wall of a metallic pipe containing a fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes: a plurality of sensors distributed around an inner circumference of the metallic pipe, for sensing magnetic field signals from the metallic pipe; a collapsible supporting structure, including a plurality of supporting petals, at a front side of the plurality of sensors for supporting the apparatus; a sail mounted on and extended from bottom ends of the plurality of supporting petals, when the plurality of supporting petals are in an extended state, the sail is expanded to form a shape capable for containing the fluid; a processing module receiving sensed data from the plurality of sensors; and one or more battery modules for electrically powering the plurality of sensors and the processing module.