U.S. patent application number 11/378416 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-20 for pipeline traverse apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pierson Construction Corporation. Invention is credited to John M. Ardente, James M. Garrison.
Application Number | 20070214994 11/378416 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38516401 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070214994 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ardente; John M. ; et
al. |
September 20, 2007 |
Pipeline traverse apparatus
Abstract
An apparatus (20) configured to effect personnel traverse though
a pipeline (22) is presented. This apparatus (20) is suitable for
pipelines (22) having an inner diameter (24) of not less than
fifteen inches and not greater than thirty-six inches. The
apparatus (20) is made up of a frame (26), a platform (28), a
single drive wheel (40), and a pair of guidance wheels (72). An
electric motor (48) is supported by a motor bracket (50) affixed to
the frame (26). The motor (26) is coupled to the drive wheel (40)
by a drive belt or chain (52). Each of the guidance wheels (72) has
a plane of rotation (80), and is configured to contact an interior
surface (36) of the pipeline (22) at a contact point (82) within
that plane of rotation (80) when that plane of rotation (80) is
substantially perpendicular to the interior surface (36) of the
pipeline (22). This allows the apparatus (20) to automatically
follow the curvature of the pipeline (22) during traverse.
Inventors: |
Ardente; John M.; (Queen
Creek, AZ) ; Garrison; James M.; (Apache Junction,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MESCHKOW & GRESHAM, P.L.C.
5727 NORTH SEVENTH STREET, SUITE 409
PHOENIX
AZ
85014
US
|
Assignee: |
Pierson Construction
Corporation
|
Family ID: |
38516401 |
Appl. No.: |
11/378416 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
104/138.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 61/06 20130101;
E03F 7/12 20130101; F16L 55/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
104/138.1 |
International
Class: |
B61B 13/10 20060101
B61B013/10 |
Claims
1. An apparatus configured to effect traverse through a pipeline,
said apparatus comprising: a platform; a motor coupled to said
platform; a drive wheel coupled to said platform, coupled to said
motor, having a plane of rotation substantially parallel to an axis
of said pipeline, and configured to contact an interior surface of
said pipeline at a contact point within said plane of rotation; and
a plurality of guidance wheels coupled to said platform, wherein
each of said guidance wheels has a plane of rotation substantially
parallel to said axis of said pipeline and canted relative to said
plane of rotation of said drive wheel, and wherein each of said
guidance wheels is configured to contact said interior surface of
said pipeline at a contact point within said plane of rotation.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said planes of
rotation of said drive wheel and each of said guidance wheels are
substantially radial relative to said pipeline.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said apparatus
additionally comprises a front axle; and each of said guidance
wheels is coupled to said front axle.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein: said front axle
comprises a plurality of pivoting parts; and each of said guidance
wheels is rotationally coupled to one of said pivoting parts of
said front axle.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein: each of said
pivoting parts of said front axle is configured to pivot so as to
allow said plane of rotation of said guidance wheel rotationally
coupled to said pivoting part to be substantially parallel to said
axis of said pipeline and substantially radial relative to said
pipeline.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said front axle
additionally comprises a fixed part coupled to said platform and
coupled between said first and second pivoting parts.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a
frame, wherein said platform is affixed to said frame.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 additionally comprising a
motor bracket affixed to said frame and configured to support said
motor.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said platform is
configured to support an operator; and said platform comprises: a
first section configured to support said operator's chest and arms;
a second section configured to support said operator's abdomen; and
a third section configured to support said operator's legs.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 additionally comprising a
housing enshrouding said motor and said drive wheel and bifurcating
said third section of said platform.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said housing
extends above and bifurcates said third section of said
platform.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 additionally comprising a
cushion coupled to said second section of said platform.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a
speed control coupled to said platform and electrically coupled to
said motor.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a
direction control coupled to said platform and electrically coupled
to said motor.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising a
rear axle, wherein: said rear axle is coupled to said platform; and
said drive wheel is rotationally coupled to said rear axle.
16. An apparatus configured to effect traverse though a pipeline,
said apparatus comprising: a platform; a motor coupled to said
platform; and only three wheels configured to contact an inner
surface of said pipeline, said three wheels comprising: a drive
wheel coupled to said platform and coupled to said motor; and a
pair of guidance wheels coupled to said platform.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein: said pipeline has
an inner diameter of not less than fifteen inches and not greater
than thirty-six inches; said platform has a width; and said width
is not greater than eighty percent of said inner diameter of said
pipeline.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein: said drive wheel
has a plane of rotation and contacts said interior surface of said
pipeline at a point of contact within said plane of rotation; and
each of said pair of guidance wheels has a plane of rotation and
contacts said interior surface at a contact point within said plane
of rotation.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein each of said planes
of rotation of said drive wheel and each of said guidance wheels is
substantially radial relative to said pipeline.
20. An apparatus configured to effect traverse though a pipeline
having an inner diameter of not less than fifteen inches and not
greater than thirty-six inches, said apparatus comprising: a
platform having a width not greater than eighty percent of said
inner diameter of said pipeline; a motor bracket affixed to said
platform; a motor supported by said motor bracket; a drive wheel
coupled to said platform, coupled to said motor, and having a plane
of rotation substantially radial to said pipeline; and a pair of
guidance wheels coupled to said frame, wherein each of said
guidance wheels has a plane of rotation substantially radial
relative to said pipeline.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pipeline
traverse apparatuses. More specifically, the present invention
relates to the field of apparatuses to effect the traverse of
personnel through a pipeline.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is often desirable for an individual to traverse a
pipeline for the purpose of inspection or repair, or to simply pass
from one point to another along the pipeline. To this end, pipeline
traverse apparatuses for larger pipelines have been developed,
typically in the form of a small car or sled.
[0003] A problem arises, however, in the traverse of small
pipelines, e.g., those not greater than thirty-six inches in
diameter. Such pipelines leave little room for both the individual
and the apparatus to carry him/her.
[0004] Obviously, it is impossible to traverse a pipeline having a
diameter smaller than the breadth of the individual involved. For
this reason, personnel for the traverse of small pipelines are
desirably small in stature. Even then, however, no traverse
apparatus small enough to fit into a small pipeline with an
attendant operator, and at the same time provide sufficient control
to be practical has been devised.
[0005] One problem exists in that a small pipeline has a steeply
curving interior surface. Conventional traverse apparatuses, when
scaled down for use within such a pipeline, tend to crawl up the
interior surface. This necessitates that the operator constantly
correct the steering of the apparatus to prevent turning over
within the pipeline. This necessity for constant correction makes
the traverse slow and tiresome.
[0006] Another problem exists in that a small pipeline, having a
steeply curving interior surface, provides an unstable surface for
a typical four-wheeled traverse apparatus. Such an apparatus would
constantly be tipping onto three of the four wheels whenever the
apparatus is not exactly coincident with the axis of the pipeline.
This is especially prevalent whenever the pipeline is itself not
perfectly straight.
[0007] The inherent tipping of a conventional four-wheel apparatus
would mean that one of the driving wheels would often fail to
contact the interior surface of the pipeline. This would result in
a loss of drive traction and, in the case of apparatuses having
differential drive systems, a possible loss of drive power in
toto.
[0008] What is desired, therefore, is a pipeline transit apparatus
capable of effective use within a pipeline having an inner diameter
of not greater than thirty-six inches, that does not tend to crawl
up the interior surface of the pipeline, and that is stable within
the pipeline at all times.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention
that a pipeline traverse apparatus is provided.
[0010] It is an advantage of the pipeline traverse apparatus that
canted guidance wheels allow traverse of an operator through the
pipeline when an inner diameter of the pipeline is between fifteen
and thirty-six inches, inclusive.
[0011] It is another advantage of the pipeline traverse apparatus
that it has a pair of guidance wheels and a single drive wheel and
therefore maintains stability in pipelines having diameters not
greater than thirty-six inches even when the pipeline is
curved.
[0012] The above and other advantages of the present invention are
carried out in one form by an apparatus configured to effect
traverse through a pipeline. The apparatus includes a platform, a
motor coupled to the platform, a drive wheel coupled to the
platform, coupled to the motor, having a plane of rotation
substantially parallel to an axis of the pipeline, and configured
to contact an interior surface of the pipeline at a contact point
within the plane of rotation, and a plurality of guidance wheels
coupled to the platform, wherein each of the guidance wheels has a
plane of rotation substantially parallel to the axis of the
pipeline and canted relative to the plane of rotation of the drive
wheel, and wherein each of the guidance wheels is configured to
contact the interior surface of the pipeline at a contact point
within the plane of rotation.
[0013] The above and other advantages of the present invention are
carried out in another form by an apparatus configured to effect
traverse though a pipeline having an inner diameter of not less
than fifteen inches and not greater than thirty-six inches. The
apparatus incorporates a platform having a width not greater than
eighty percent of the inner diameter of the pipeline, a motor
coupled to the platform, and only three wheels configured to
contact an inner surface of the pipeline. The three wheels are a
drive wheel coupled to the platform and coupled to the motor, and a
pair of guidance wheels coupled to the platform.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when
considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference
numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a side view depicting a pipeline traverse
apparatus within a cutaway section of pipeline in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a front view depicting the pipeline traverse
apparatus of FIG. 1 within a section of pipeline in accordance with
a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a top view depicting the pipeline traverse
apparatus of FIG. 1 within a cutaway section of pipeline in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show side, front, and top views,
respectively, depicting a pipeline traverse apparatus 20 within a
section of pipeline 22 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. The following discussion refers to FIGS. 1,
2, and 3.
[0019] Pipeline traverse apparatus 20 is configured to allow a
human operator to traverse pipeline 22 when pipeline 22 has an
inner diameter 24 of fifteen to thirty-six inches substantially
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 25 of pipeline 22. Fitting
both a human being and a traverse apparatus into such a small
pipeline has always been a problem.
[0020] Pipeline traverse apparatus 20 is made up of a frame 26 to
which is affixed a platform 28 to support the operator. Platform 28
has a width 29, substantially perpendicular to pipeline axis 25,
not greater than eighty percent of inner diameter 24 of pipeline
22, i.e., twelve to twenty-four inches, depending upon the inner
diameter 24 of the specific pipeline 22 in which apparatus 20 is to
be used. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
platform 28 has a width 29 of fifteen inches, thereby providing a
comfortable support of an operator of normal stature while
permitting traverse of pipelines 22 having inner diameters of
eighteen to thirty-six inches.
[0021] Platform 28 also has a length 30, substantially parallel to
pipeline axis 25, of approximately thirty-six inches. A platform 28
of this size will provide comfortable support for an operator of
normal stature. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that this specific length 30 of platform 28 is not a requirement of
the present invention, and that other lengths 30 may be used
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0022] Platform 28 is divided into three sections. A first section
31 is configured to support the operator's chest and arms. A second
section 32 is configured to support the operator's abdomen and
hips. A third section 34 is configured to support the operator's
legs, more specifically, the operator's thighs. This leaves the
operators head free to move, thereby enabling the operator to look
either ahead, behind, or at any specific portion of pipeline 22 as
required. This also leaves the operator's feet free so his/her toes
may touch an interior surface 36 of pipeline 22 to aid in guidance
and control.
[0023] For comfort, it is desirable that the abdominal section 32
of platform 28 have a cushion 38. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the use of cushion 38 is not a requirement of the
present invention.
[0024] Apparatus 20 is propelled though pipeline 22 by a drive
wheel 40. In the preferred embodiment of the Figures, apparatus 20
<employs only one wheel 40 to support the third section of
platform 28, and that one wheel is drive wheel 40 for apparatus 20.
Drive wheel 40 is desirably a pneumatic wheel having a tread 42
configured to optimize friction between drive wheel 40 and pipeline
interior surface 36. Alternatively or additionally, drive wheel 40
may be formed of a material to optimize friction.
[0025] A rear axle 44 is affixed to frame 26. Drive wheel 40 is
then rotationally coupled to rear axle 44. This leaves drive wheel
40 free to turn and propel apparatus 20 in ether a forward or
reverse direction through pipeline 22.
[0026] Drive wheel 40 has a plane of rotation 45. Drive wheel 40 is
substantially transversely centrally located relative to frame 26
and platform 28. This allows drive wheel 40 to contact interior
surface 36 of pipeline 22 at a contact point 47 with plane of
rotation 45 that is coincident with a lowest point of interior
surface 36, i.e., along a track 46 at the very bottom of interior
surface 36. Drive-wheel plane of rotation 45 is therefore
substantially vertical and intersects pipeline axis 25.
[0027] Drive wheel 40 is driven by an electric motor 48. Electric
motor 48 is desirably supported by a motor bracket 50 affixed to
frame 26. Drive wheel 40 is desirably coupled to electric motor 48
by a belt or chain 52. Those skilled in the art will appreciate
that the use of belt or chain 52 is not a requirement of the
present invention, and that other methods coupling drive wheel 40
to electric motor 48 may be used without departing from the spirit
of the present invention.
[0028] A speed control 54 is located upon or adjacent to chest and
arm section 31 of platform 28 and electrically coupled to electric
motor 48. Speed control 54 allows an operator to control the speed
of electric motor 48 and, through belt or chain 52, the speed of
drive wheel 40. This in turn controls the speed at which apparatus
20 traverses pipeline 22. In the preferred embodiment of the
Figures, speed control 54 consists of a rheostat 56 with a handle
58 upon its shaft. Rotating handle 58 varies the speed of apparatus
20 in a manner similar to that of a conventional motorcycle
throttle.
[0029] Similarly, a direction control 60 is located upon or
adjacent to chest and arm section 31 of platform 28 and
electrically coupled to electric motor 48. Direction control 60
allows an operator to control the direction of electric motor 48
and, through belt or chain 52, the direction of drive wheel 40.
This in turn controls the direction in which apparatus 20 traverses
pipeline 22. In the preferred embodiment of the Figures, direction
control 60 is a simple switch having "Forward", "Off," and
"Reverse" positions.
[0030] For safety, a braking control 62 is desirably also located
upon or adjacent to chest and arm section 31 of platform 28.
Braking control 62 is coupled via a brake cable (not shown) to a
brake caliper assembly 64 and a brake disk 66.
[0031] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that speed control
54, direction control 60, and braking control 62 are not
requirements of the present invention. Other methods may be used to
control the speed, direction, and stopping of apparatus 20 without
departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0032] Desirably, electric motor 48 and drive wheel 40 are
substantially transversely centrally located within frame 26 and
platform 28. This allows electric motor 48, drive wheel 40, and
associated components to be placed within a housing 68 extending
above and bifurcating leg section 34 of platform 28. In operation,
an operator would lay upon platform 28 with one leg on each side of
housing 68. Each part of leg section 34 of platform 28 supports one
of the operator's legs above the knee, allowing the lower part of
the leg to move so that the foot may contact interior surface 36
for assurance and control. The vertical distance above platform 28
required to accommodate electric motor 48 and drive wheel 40 is
shared with the operator's legs resting upon leg section 64. This
results in an efficient use of space, particularly with drive wheel
40 at the lowest point in pipeline 22.
[0033] In the preferred embodiment of the Figures, electric motor
48 is powered by a battery or batteries (not shown) contained in
battery compartment 70 affixed to frame 26 under abdominal section
32 of platform 28, i.e., under cushion 38.
[0034] At the front of apparatus 20 are a pair of guidance wheels
72. Guidance wheels 72 serve to guide apparatus 20 and its
attendant operator through pipeline 22 as discussed hereinafter.
Guidance wheels 72 work with drive wheel 40 to guide apparatus 20
and its attendant operator through pipeline 22.
[0035] Guidance wheels 72 are not operator steerable. That is,
apparatus 20 does not incorporate a steerage mechanism to control
guidance wheels 72. Rather, the configuration of guidance wheels 72
(discussed hereinafter) allows guidance wheels 72 to automatically
guide apparatus 20 through pipeline 22.
[0036] Desirably, guidance wheels 72 are pneumatic wheels, and may
have a tread (not shown) or be formed of a material to facilitate
straight-line tracking through pipeline 22.
[0037] Each of guidance wheels 72 is rotationally coupled to a
front axle 74. A fixed axle part 76 of front axle 74 is affixed to
frame 26. Pivotally coupled to each end of fixed part 76 is a
pivoting axle part 78. Guidance wheels 72 are rotationally coupled
to pivoting axle parts 78.
[0038] Each of guidance wheels 72 has a plane of rotation 80. Each
pivoting axle part 78 is pivoted so that each guidance wheel 72
contacts interior surface 36 of pipeline 22 at a contact point 82
within its plane of rotation 80.
[0039] The planes of rotation 80 of guidance wheels 72 are canted
relative to plane of rotation 45 of drive wheel 40, while remaining
substantially parallel to pipeline axis 25. When properly pivoted,
each plane of rotation 80 passes through pipeline axis 25, i.e., is
substantially radial relative to pipeline 22. Each guidance wheel
72 rolls along a track 84 of that guidance wheel 72 on interior
surface 36 of pipeline 22.
[0040] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of
pivoting axle parts 78 to effect perpendicularity between planes of
rotation 80 of guidance wheels 72 and interior surface 36 of
pipeline 22 is not a requirement of the present invention. Other
methods of making planes of rotation 80 substantially radial
relative to pipeline 22 may be used without departing from the
spirit of the present invention.
[0041] Because guidance wheels 72 are substantially radial relative
to pipeline 22, and because apparatus 20 is tricyclic in nature,
apparatus 20 will automatically track pipeline 22 along tracks 46
and 84, constantly self-correcting for any tendency to climb
interior surface 36 of pipeline 22.
[0042] In the preferred embodiment of the Figures, apparatus 20 has
a headlamp 88 to illuminate pipeline 22. Headlamp 88 is desirably
coupled to the battery (not shown) through direction control 60 so
that, when motor 48 is powered, headlamp 88 is also powered. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that headlamp 88 is not a
requirement of the present invention.
[0043] In summary, the present invention teaches an apparatus 20 to
traverse a pipeline 22. Apparatus 20 is suitable for use in
pipelines having an inner diameter 24 of fifteen to thirty-six
inches. Apparatus 20 is configured to track along pipeline 22 while
automatically correcting for the curvature of interior surface 36
of pipeline 22.
[0044] Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have
been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may
be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention
or from the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *