Patents Assigned to Scan Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5007291
    Abstract: Pipe inspection apparatus comprising transducers for transmitting pulsed beams of ultrasonic energy longitudinally, transversely and obliquely into the wall of the pipe for detection of flaws. The apparatus includes a motor driven chuck 18 for rotating the transducers about the a pipe P and motor driven roller 12 for axial movement of the pipe whereby the transducers move in a helical scanning path. A control system 60 maintains the axes of the pipe and circle array of transducers in coincidence and with hydraulic controls 80 maintains each transducer at fixed distance to the pipe for sonically coupling thereto by a flowing liquid whereby a shear wave is generated by each beam in the tubular wall. The transducers comprise multiple pairs, the members of which are diametrically opposed and transmit in opposite directions, for transmitting longitudinally at angles of 12.degree., 27.degree. and 42.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Scan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Walters, Carroll R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5001658
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring the lengths of individual pipes in a disassembled pipe string and automatically computing and recording the individual lengths and their cumulative total. The system 20 includes a measuring tape 21 on a spool 22 journalled for rotation as the tape is withdrawn therefrom and a system operations controller 48. The controller comprises a shaft encorder 50 for generating an encoded signal of voltage pulses representing the angular rotation of the spool and microprocessor 60 for converting the encoded signal to a data signal representing the length of a pipe P, the pipe number in order of sequence of measurement, and a cumulative total of individual pipe lengths. The data signals are transferable to a memory storage 64 by manual switch from which they are coupled to a visual display 70 and are retrievable for recording by a printer 72.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Scan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Walters
  • Patent number: 4948933
    Abstract: A portable electrode arc cutting tool 11 for cutting internal and external precision notches in a work surface in which the tool is releasably attachable to the work surface and a calibrated feed control (14,112,185) is used to bring a surface configured electrode member (68,101,173) into close proximity to the work surface. Thereafter, upon the application of arc discharges of electrical current between the electrode member and the work surface and use of a cooling and flushing fluid, the electrode member cuts a precision depth notch in the work surface in an embodiment for internal use within pipe. The tool includes releasable attachment means (12,91,141) for stabilizing the tool within the bore of the pipe. In a tool used for external cutting of notches, the tool is releasably attached to an outer work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Scan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Carroll R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4916394
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting shoe 10 for sensing coils 31 of a pipe inspection apparatus. The mounting shoe 10 comprises a base member 12 with a recess 14 in a surface thereof in which the magnetic sensing coils 31 are mounted. A thin shim 40 of magnetically transparent material is removably supported on the base member 12 in covering relationship to the sensing coils 31 whereby the coils are protected from abrasive contact with the exterior surface of a pipe to be inspected. A pair of adjustable contact members 51 are mounted on opposite sides of the recess 14 and provided with contact surfaces 51b positioned to engage the exterior surface of a pipe while supporting the magnetic sensing coils protected by the shim in an optimum sensing range from the surface of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Scan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Carroll R. Thompson