Patent classifications
F16L55/44
MODULAR ROBOT FOR PIPELINE ISOLATION AND TESTING
A modular isolation robot includes a motor configured to drive at least a first wheel, wherein the first wheel is configured to contact an interior surface of a pipe. The robot further includes a first rubber expander configured to selectively expand from a first state to a second state, wherein a diameter of the rubber expander in the second state is equal to an inner diameter of the pipe, and at least a first interchangeable module, wherein the first interchangeable module is configured to house an electronic component. A system for performing maintenance operations within a pipeline includes a first modular isolation robot and a second modular isolation robot.
Cutter capable of cutting away obstructions disposed on the insides of pipes ranging in diameter from approximately eight inches to approximately fifteen inches or from approximately twelve inches to approximately twenty-four inches
A cutter is provided for cutting through obstructions disposed in the interior of pipes ranging in size from approximately 8″ to approximately 15″ in diameter or from approximately 12″ to approximately 24″ in diameter. The cutter has been reduced in size relative to known root cutters to be capable of being used with smaller-diameter pipes, but is sufficiently powerful to cut through obstructions, such as mineral deposits, for example, that known flexible cutters capable of being used with these smaller-diameter pipes are incapable of cutting through.
TOOL FOR INTERVENTION ON THE WALL OF A FLUID PIPE, WITH MOTORIZED ROLLERS
A tool for intervention on the wall of a fluid pipe, comprising a duct segment through which the fluid is intended to flow when the tool is in the pipe, and at least first and second modules for creating seals between the wall of the pipe and the duct segment, to isolate the fluid circulating in an outer part of a section of the pipe, between the first and second seal creation modules.
The tool includes motorized rollers for moving the tool in the pipe and a module for determining the location of the tool in the pipe.
Stents and methods for repairing pipes
Example aspects of a stent for repairing a pipe and a method for repairing a pipe are disclosed. The stent for repairing a pipe can comprise a spring comprising a metal wire and defining a tubular structure, the spring defining an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a void, an axis extending through the void; and a sealing layer defining a sleeve, the sealing layer wrapped around a circumference of the spring and engaging the outer surface of the spring; the stent configurable in a compressed configuration, wherein the spring is compressed, and an expanded configuration, wherein the spring is expanded
Intelligent maintenance and repair robot for small diameter and small flow oil and gas pipelines and method thereof
An intelligent maintenance and repair robot for small diameter and small flow oil and gas pipelines, including a frame, a speed control mechanism, a braking mechanism, an anchoring mechanism, and a sealing mechanism; the speed control mechanism is composed of a motor, rotor, etc; the braking mechanism is composed of a braking rubber cylinder and a first extrusion ring; the anchoring mechanism is composed of a rubber conical cylinder, slips, etc; and the sealing mechanism is composed of a sealing rubber cylinder and a second extrusion ring. The second extrusion ring is driven by a hydraulic rod to press the sealing rubber cylinder, causing it to expand and block the pipe wall to achieve sealing. The intelligent maintenance and repair robot inside the pipeline has the characteristics of good speed control response, wide speed range, strong ability to pass bends, stable braking process, and high sealing reliability.
Intelligent maintenance and repair robot for small diameter and small flow oil and gas pipelines and method thereof
An intelligent maintenance and repair robot for small diameter and small flow oil and gas pipelines, including a frame, a speed control mechanism, a braking mechanism, an anchoring mechanism, and a sealing mechanism; the speed control mechanism is composed of a motor, rotor, etc; the braking mechanism is composed of a braking rubber cylinder and a first extrusion ring; the anchoring mechanism is composed of a rubber conical cylinder, slips, etc; and the sealing mechanism is composed of a sealing rubber cylinder and a second extrusion ring. The second extrusion ring is driven by a hydraulic rod to press the sealing rubber cylinder, causing it to expand and block the pipe wall to achieve sealing. The intelligent maintenance and repair robot inside the pipeline has the characteristics of good speed control response, wide speed range, strong ability to pass bends, stable braking process, and high sealing reliability.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUE FOR THIN-WALL PRESSURE VESSELS
A device for applying a layer of material within a thin-walled pressure vessel may include one or more maneuvering actuators configured to direct the device within the thin-walled pressure vessel, an applicator operatively coupled to the one or more maneuvering actuators, and a controller operatively coupled to the one or more maneuvering actuators and the applicator, the controller is configured to control the one or more maneuvering actuators and the applicator. The applicator may include an expander configured to apply pressure along a portion of an inner wall of the thin-walled pressure vessel, a receptacle configured to secure the material to the device and position the material along the inner wall of the thin-walled pressure vessel, and a bonder configured to bond the material along the inner wall of the thin-walled pressure vessel.
PIPE REPAIR DEVICE
A pipe repair device includes a body defining a first body end, a second body end, and a middle body section therebetween; a foldable arm pivotably attached to the body to radially reposition the foldable arm relative to the body, the foldable arm comprising a first segment and a second segment, the first segment extending between the body and the second segment, wherein the second segment is substantially parallel to the body; and a locomotion subsystem configured to drive the pipe repair device through a pipe, the locomotion subsystem mounted to the second segment of the foldable arm and configured to engage an inner surface of the pipe.
Automatically adjustable tool for holding a spray painting instrument for painting an infernal surface of a pipe
Disclosed herein is a tool for holding a spray painting instrument, such as a painting gun for painting an internal surface of a pipe. In particular, the inventive tool is ideal for painting the interior of curves and angles in a pipe and is capable of moving through and uniformly painting up to 90 degree angles of pipes or hollow tubes. The tool has a hollow central tube for carrying a spray-painting gun and at least two projections extending outwardly from an outer surface of the hollow tube. A retracting arm assembly is provided on each projection. Each retracting arm assembly includes first and second retracting arms and a corresponding force exertion mechanism. In operation, when the tool is inserted inside the pipe, each retracting arm touches the internal surface of the pipe due to an outward force exerted thereon. The tool is movable inside the pipe and adjusts automatically to different pipe diameters. The tool can be used manually or in an automated fashion to push and pull the paint gun and paint the interior of a pipe.
Pipe repair device
A pipe repair device includes a body defining a first body end, a second body end, and a middle body section therebetween; a pivotable arm attached to the body, wherein the pivotable arm is pivotable relative to the body to radially reposition the pivotable arm relative to the body; a locomotion subsystem configured to drive the pipe repair device through a pipe, the locomotion subsystem mounted to the pivotable arm and configured to engage an inner surface of the pipe; and a stent mounted to the body, the stent comprising a sealing layer and a spring.