Abstract: One embodiment provides a system, including: an inspection platform configured to move through underground infrastructure; an imaging device coupled to the inspection platform; the imaging device comprising a camera housing that arranges an array of four or more cameras in a predetermined configuration; the camera housing comprising a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture houses a respective camera therein with a viewing axis offset about 30 degrees to about 120 degrees from a viewing axis of an adjacent camera within the array; and circuitry that operates the imaging device to capture a plurality of images using the four or more cameras; where the circuitry captures the plurality of images for a composite image of an interior region of the underground infrastructure, and where the region is larger than a single viewing field of any of the four or more cameras. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Provided is a wellbore tractor and method for operating a well system. The wellbore tractor, in one aspect, includes a base member, and one or more turbines fixed to the base member for rotating the base member in a first rotational direction based upon a first direction of fluid flow. The wellbore tractor, according to this aspect, further includes one or more wellbore engaging devices radially extending from the base member, the one or more wellbore engaging devices contactable with a surface of a wellbore for displacing the base member and one or more turbines axially downhole as the one or more turbines rotate in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for repairing a defect in a nuclear reactor are provided. The apparatus includes a body for insertion in a tubular structure, the body includes: an end effector having a weld torch operable to deposit weld material by forming molten weld droplets and depositing the weld droplets the tubular structure. A drive unit includes a brace for selectively anchoring against said tubular structure; at least one linear actuator for moving the apparatus relative to the brace; and a rotational actuator coupled to rotate the weld torch. The method includes inserting a repair apparatus into tubular structure of the nuclear reactor; moving the repair apparatus to a defect location; depositing a protective weld layer over the defect by sequentially depositing weld droplets atop a weld pool on the tubular structure, wherein the protective weld layer bonds to the tubular structure surrounding the defect.

Abstract: A system includes an inspection robot having an input sensor comprising a laser profiler and a plurality of wheels structured to engage a curved portion of an inspection surface, wherein the laser profiler is configured to provide laser profiler data of the inspection surface; a controller, comprising: a profiler data circuit structured to interpret the laser profiler data; determine a feature of interest is present at a location of the inspection surface in response to the laser profiler data; and wherein the feature of interest comprises a shape description of the inspection surface at the location of the feature of interest.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A motorized apparatus includes an articulated body assembly, a plurality of wheels coupled to the articulated body assembly, and at least one maintenance device coupled to the articulated body assembly. The articulated body assembly includes a first body and a second body. The articulated body assembly includes a joint coupling the first body to the second body. The first body is pivotable relative to the second body about a pivot axis extending through the joint. At least one wheel is transitionable between a first position and a second position. The motorized apparatus also includes a motor drivingly coupled to the plurality of wheels and configured to move the articulated body assembly relative to a surface. The motorized apparatus further includes at least one magnet coupled to the at least one wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle for travelling along a linear route guideway, comprising a body configured to accommodate cargo, equipment or passenger(s); traction engines on the body of the vehicle configured to orient the body within relative to the linear route guideway; and a controller for actuating at least one of the traction engines as a function of a desired orientation of the vehicle relative to the linear route guideway. A controller system for a vehicle for travelling along a linear route guideway is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes an inspection robot having a plurality of input sensors, the plurality of input sensors distributed horizontally relative to an inspection surface and configured to provide inspection data of the inspection surface at selected horizontal positions; a controller, comprising: a position definition circuit structured to determine an inspection robot position of the inspection robot on the inspection surface; a data positioning circuit structured to interpret the inspection data, and to correlate the inspection data to the inspection robot position on the inspection surface; and wherein the data positioning circuit is further structured to determine position informed inspection data in response to the correlating of the inspection data with the inspection robot position.

Abstract: A movement-synchronized wellbore inspection system and a movement-synchronization control method thereof are disclosed. The wellbore inspection system comprises a rope-climbing robot, a wire rope, a ground wire rope moving device, a ground wire rope moving track, an underground wire rope moving device, an underground wire rope moving track, an inertial sensor and a control device. An upper end of the wire rope is connected to the ground wire rope moving device, and an lower end of the wire rope passes through the rope-climbing robot and is then connected to the underground wire rope moving device. The control device controls the underground and ground wire rope moving devices to move in synchronization, and then the inertial sensor carried on the rope-climbing robot detects posture data of the wire rope and transmits the data to the control device.

Abstract: A device to inspect a pipeline includes a device housing, a plurality of motors, a plurality of wheels, an inertial measurement unit, and a controller. The plurality of motors is coupled to the device housing. The plurality of wheels extends from the device housing. Each wheel is rotatably coupled to a respective motor. The inertial measurement unit is configured to provide a signal corresponding to an orientation of the device housing relative to the pipeline. The controller is configured to independently control operation of each motor of the plurality of motors based on the signal provided by the inertial measurement unit to maintain the device housing within a desired orientation range relative to the pipeline. Because the controller can independently control each motor of the device, the device can advance along a pipeline with minimal human intervention.

Abstract: A sensor transportation apparatus comprises at least one engagement structure to connect the sensor transportation apparatus to the sensor assembly, a pair of wheels arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sensor assembly when the transportation apparatus is connected to the sensor assembly, and an orientation structure comprising the pair of wheels and an orientation projection extending between the pair of wheels. Lateral extremities of the pair of wheels and the orientation projection together define a curve extending circumferentially around a portion of the circumference of the elongate sensor assembly. A rotational centre of the curve is offset from a central axis of the elongate sensor assembly and a rotational axis of the pair of wheels is above the central axis of the elongate sensor assembly when the sensor transportation apparatus is substantially horizontal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a fluid conduit in a hydrocarbon production installation. The method comprises providing a composite pipe having a cleaning head coupled to a first end, and introducing the first end of the composite pipe and the cleaning head into a fluid conduit to be cleaned. Fluid is circulated between an annulus between an interior wall of the fluid conduit and the composite pipe, through a fluid circulation path defined by the cleaning head. The method comprises running the first end of the composite pipe and the cleaning head into the fluid conduit and cleaning at least one substance from the fluid conduit. An aspect of the invention relates to methods comprising circulating a heavy fluid through the fluid circulation path to reduce the effective weight of the pipe in the fluid conduit, and another aspect relates to a method comprising generating at least one pressure pulse in fluid in the fluid circulation path while imparting a pulling force or a pushing force on the pipe.

Abstract: An inflation mechanism adapted to a robotic device is provided. The inflation mechanism includes a regulating unit and a control unit. The regulating unit includes an inflatable air bag, a pressure detecting unit and a pressure adjusting unit. The inflatable air bag is arranged on a body surface of the robotic device. The pressure detecting unit is coupled to the inflatable air bag for detecting an internal pressure of the inflatable air bag. The pressure adjusting unit is coupled to the inflatable air bag for adjusting the internal pressure of the inflatable air bag. The control unit is coupled to the regulating unit. The control unit processes a signal received from the pressure detecting unit, and determines and controls the pressure adjusting unit to adjust the internal pressure of the inflatable air bag according to a set condition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a single-drive bidirectional-crawling pipe-cleaning robot, including a front body assembly, a transmission assembly, and a rear body assembly. The transmission assembly is driven by a single power source, and a transmission effect of a connecting rod mechanism, a gear mechanism, and an equal-dwell cam mechanism is used to implement alternate retraction and support of the front body assembly and the rear body assembly in a radial direction and a telescopic motion in an axial direction between the front body assembly and the rear body assembly and at the same time implement synchronous rotation of a dredging cutter head, so as to implement bidirectional crawling and pipe cleaning work of the robot along a pipe.

Abstract: A pipe pig is provided with linked wheels, and at least a central wheel of the linked wheels is pivotally linked to adjacent wheels through a spring loaded connection that biases the central wheel out of straight line alignment with the adjacent wheels. The pipe pig may be used to negotiate tight bends in a pipe and carry sensing electronics.

Abstract: A driving device for a carriage includes a motor, a speed reducer, and a mecanum wheel. The speed reducer decelerates the power input from the motor and outputs a decelerated power. The mecanum wheel is rotated by the decelerated power output from the speed reducer. The speed reducer includes a speed reducing unit, a carrier, and a case. The speed reducing unit receives the power from the motor. The carrier supports the speed reducing unit. The case is rotatable relative to the carrier. The mecanum wheel is fixed on the case or the carrier.

Abstract: A cable rod guiding device including a housing assembly, an arm assembly, a camera assembly, and a control assembly. The cable rod guiding device is mounted to a cable rod to be maneuvered within an obstructed space. The housing assembly includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion. The control assembly includes a motor housed in the second portion to control an articulating arm of the arm assembly. The camera assembly includes a camera to provide a view of the obstructed space to detect and overcome obstructions along the obstructed space through which the cable rod guiding device is maneuvered through. Upon the detection of an obstruction, the obstruction is avoided or overcome through the usage of the articulating arm being controlled by a user and the control assembly. Allowing the user to safety, efficiently, and effectively pass cable through the obstructed space with minimal effort.

Abstract: An apparatus for hydrodemolishing the inside surfaces of an inclined pipe, particularly suited to contiguous pipe sections with access ports between the sections. The fluid supply hose is fed to the hydrodemolition rig inside the pipe from the same side as the winch that controls the movement of the rig. The rig is moved upstream in a scarifying pass, then downstream in a cleaning pass for each section and re-staged at each access port.

Abstract: A motorized apparatus for use in maintaining a turbine assembly includes a body configured to move through the turbine assembly. The motorized apparatus also includes at least one maintenance device coupled to the body. The motorized apparatus further includes a drive system configured to move the body relative to the turbine assembly. The drive system includes a motor and a steering component. The steering component is configured to steer the motorized apparatus relative to the turbine assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an elongated resin molded article having a hollow structure including: using an elongated elastic core including a composite of an elastic body and a continuous yarn; molding a resin material on an outer peripheral surface of the elastic core; and then exerting tensile force on the elastic core and extracting the elastic core in a lengthwise direction so as to obtain the elongated resin molded article having the hollow structure. An elongated resin molded article having a hollow structure, including a curved portion and a branched portion in combination, wherein the resin molded article has a composite structure in which a resin material is reinforced with a braided continuous fiber across an entire length thereof including the curved portion and the branched portion.

Abstract: A sensor carrier module for use in a pipeline pig may include a plurality of skids arranged about an axis of the sensor carrier module, and a flexible section. Each skid typically includes an upstream end, a downstream end, and at least one sensor between the upstream end and the downstream end. Each sensor may be configured to sense a parameter of a wall of a pipeline. The flexible section may be attached to the downstream ends of the skids and to a flange. The flexible section may include wheels configured to roll along the interior surface of the pipeline as the sensor carrier module passes through the pipeline, and a force system to apply a radial force that urges the wheels to interface with the interior surface of the pipeline.

Abstract: An in-line inspection tool for a pipeline includes a body that is propelled through the pipeline and a plurality of sensor assemblies mounted to the body. The sensor assemblies are distributed circumferentially about a central axis of the body with each sensor assembly configured to move through a range of radial positions in a respective radial direction. A first sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor assemblies includes a first elongate arm, a first sensor carried by the first arm, and a first spacer that extends from the first arm. A second sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor assemblies includes a second elongate arm and a second sensor carried by the second arm. The first spacer contacts the second arm and maintains an expected circumferential spacing between the first arm and the second arm over the range of radial positions as the body is propelled through the pipeline.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and components for an omnidirectional traction module for use in a robot, such as a crawler robot used in in situ gap inspection in a machine, such as a generator, an electric motor, or a turbomachine. The traction module may include an outer frame and a rotating frame rotatably mounted within the outer frame. At least one drive system may be mounted within the rotating frame. The at least one dive system may have a fixed orientation within the rotating frame. An actuator may be operatively connected to the rotating frame to controllably rotate the rotating frame to a desired orientation for robot travel.

Abstract: An improved tool for delivery of a testing element to a limited access location within a nuclear containment includes a rotation apparatus having a connection element that is configured to have an aperture that is formed generally centrally therein. The aperture is structured to receive therein a cable that extends from a testing element, which that avoids the need to use slip rings or similar devices to permit the testing element to carried on a pivotable and rotatable structure. Moreover, an improved submersible machine is structured to carry the tool to a limited access location within a nuclear containment.

Abstract: A magnetic robot crawler designed to efficiently adhere and traverse a ferrous surface partially or fully underwater, regardless of orientation. The crawler includes a vehicle body, a plurality of drive wheel assemblies, and a plurality of gearmotors. The vehicle body houses the necessary electronical components. The drive wheel assemblies are peripherally and externally mounted to the vehicle body in order to support the vehicle body. Each of the drive wheel assemblies is torsionally coupled to a corresponding gearmotor. Each of the drive wheel assemblies includes a tubular housing, a wheel, an annular cavity, and a semi-annular magnet. The wheel is rotatably mounted to the vehicle body through a tubular housing and is torsionally coupled to the corresponding gearmotor through a magnetic coupling. The annular cavity laterally traverses into the wheel and receives the semi-annular magnet. The semi-annular magnet stays stationary while the wheel turns about the semi-annular magnet.

Abstract: Provided herein is an active joint module, and a robot for inspecting pipelines having the active joint module, the active joint module including a frame unit; a first bracket connected to one side of the frame unit in a rotatable manner, and to which a first module is coupled; a second bracket connected to another side of the frame unit in a rotatable manner, and to which a second module is coupled; and a bracket rotating unit supported to the frame unit, and is configured to rotate the first bracket and second bracket independently from each other in response to receiving an operating signal, and to unconstrain rotation of the first bracket and second bracket in response to there being no operating signal received.

Abstract: A repeatably reconfigurable robot, comprising at least two printed circuit board (PCB) rigid sections, at least one PCB flexible section coupled to the at least two PCB rigid sections, at least one wheel, hybrid wheel propeller, wheel and propeller, or hybrid wheel screw propeller rotatably coupled to at least one of the at least two PCB rigid sections and at least one actuator coupled to the at least two PCB rigid sections, wherein the at least one actuator folds and unfolds the repeatably reconfigurable robot.

Abstract: A mold for coating a pipeline section with molten coating material from an injection molding machine, wherein the mold Includes a shell of impervious material reinforced by an exoskeleton of non-distensible material. An assembly for supporting a mold including a plurality of mutually separable shell bodies for coating a pipeline section, wherein the assembly includes motorized opening and closing of the shell bodies in a straight line. An assembly for supporting a bent pipeline section wherein the assembly includes a base and a pair of arms extending from the base, wherein each arm includes a respective clamping collar for clamping a bent pipe section between the arms. A vehicle for induction heating a bent pipeline section, wherein the vehicle includes a helical induction coil; and wheels arranged to guide movement of both ends of the induction coil through a tubular inside face of a bent pipeline section.

Abstract: A feeding device is for a rotatable downhole tool. The feeding device is provided with several feeding wheels lying in a plane which is slanted relative to a plane which is perpendicular to the center axis of the downhole tool. A method is for feeding a downhole tool axially by the use of the feeding device, when working a portion of a surrounding pipe body.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a head section having a selectively actuated first plurality of claws, a tail section having a selectively actuated second plurality of claws, and a linear actuator operably coupling the head section to the tail section. The linear actuator is configured to be selectively extended and retracted. The vehicle is configured to move forward within an enclosed space by extending the linear actuator, while the first plurality of claws is not actuated and the second plurality of claws is actuated, then retracting the linear actuator, while the first plurality of claws is actuated and the second plurality of claws is not actuated.

Abstract: A system and method for pipeline maintenance may include a payload and a transport module having the payload attached thereto. The transport module may include a plurality of movable arms each having at least one respective wheel. At least some of the wheels may be drive wheels which are operable in a first orientation to drive the transport module linearly along a length of a pipeline, and are further operable in a second orientation to drive the transport module circumferentially around an inner surface of the pipeline. At least some of the arms are operable to move the payload in a generally radial direction toward and away from an interior surface of the pipeline.

Abstract: An in-pipe moving apparatus for passing through a pipe bent in any direction without control of the attitude of the apparatus is provided. The in-pipe moving apparatus may include at least three sets of tire-integrated wheel units arranged in series in a traveling direction and at least two sets of joint sections that pivotably link the at least three sets of tire-integrated wheel units to each other. Each of the at least three sets of tire-integrated wheel units includes a tire-integrated wheel, a drive section, a first frame fixed to the drive section, and at least one second frame pivotably attached to the drive section. A bending generator is provided between one of the first frames and one of the second frames in the at least three sets of tire-integrated wheel units and imparts tension for causing the first frames and the second frames to have a V-like bent shape.

Abstract: A travelling device for an apparatus for rehabilitating pipelines, including an adjustable undercarriage and a support device to which the undercarriage is fastened. The undercarriage includes a plurality of wheel sets, each wheel set having at least two wheels, wherein the wheels of a wheel set are rotatably mounted on a wheel holding element. The wheel holding element includes a spacer positioned intermediate the at least two wheels, the spacer configured so that the wheels of the wheel sets do not jam in the pipeline when moving the device.

Abstract: A serpentine body includes a first portion, a first wheel coupled to the first portion, a second portion, a second wheel coupled to the second portion, and at least one sensor coupled to the first portion and/or the second portion. The first wheel is rotatable in a first direction. The second wheel is rotatable in a second direction opposite the first direction when the first wheel rotates in the first direction.

Abstract: A pipe crawler for crawling inside a pipe having an inside wall includes a front leg assembly that has front legs and feet. It also includes a rear leg assembly that has rear legs and feet. The rear leg assembly is disposed at a distance from the front leg assembly. A midsection operably couples the front leg assembly to the rear leg assembly and is configured to extend and contract the distance between the front leg assembly and the rear leg assembly. A plurality of lever arms are pivotably coupled between the front legs and their corresponding assemblies. The lever arms, in response to a force applied in an orientation traveling from the front of the pipe crawler to the rear of the pipe crawler, are configured to redirect a portion of the force into a normal force between the feet and the pipe inside wall.

Abstract: An intraductal power vehicle operated inside a tubular tunnel having an inner circumference includes at least a main vehicle body, a power wheel, an elastic wheel, an auxiliary wheel and a drive module. The main vehicle body extended between a first and a second end faces along a central axis has a vehicle circumference. The power wheel is mounted to a first circumferential portion of the vehicle circumference. The elastic wheel is mounted to a second circumferential portion of the vehicle circumference. The second circumferential portion and the first circumferential portion are separated to opposing sides of the central axis. The auxiliary wheel is located on the vehicle circumference at a position closer to the second end face than the power wheel and the elastic wheel. The drive module for driving at least one of the power wheel and the auxiliary wheel is located inside the main vehicle body.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an in-pipe traveling apparatus and a traveling module is provided, having a simple structure but capable of operating with a short overall traveling path and setting a large drive force for forward and backward traveling operation. The In one embodiment, the in-pipe traveling apparatus includes at least three traveling modules capable of passing through a pipe. Each of the traveling modules includes a traveling module body, a pair of traveling wheels provided in the traveling module body on one side thereof in a traveling direction, a drive member that drives the pair of traveling wheels in such a way that the traveling wheels rotate, a connection member that connects the traveling module to another traveling module in a bendable manner in a pitching direction, and a swing member that causes the adjacent traveling module to swing in a yawing direction.

Abstract: A wellbore workstring. The workstring comprises a tubular string and a plurality of robots coupled to the tubular string. The robots establish a wireless communication network within a wellbore and deploy actuators to move themselves relative to the tubular string.

Abstract: A self propelled propulsion device suitable for pushing, pulling or articulating other tools or equipment around bends within a pipe. The device comprises a first part and a second part, the first part being coupled to the second part by articulating means. The device also comprises a hydraulic system and a control unit. The hydraulic system is operable to returnably separate the first and second part of the device from each other. The hydraulic system further comprises a plurality of pipeline engaging means positioned along an exterior surface of the device which are operable by the hydraulic system to be engagable with the interior surface of the pipeline. The control unit is in communication with the hydraulic system to control the movement of the pipeline engaging means and the first and second parts such that the device is moveable within the pipeline.

Abstract: For ultrasonic measurement of pipe seam peaking, optionally with simultaneous ultrasonic wall thickness measurement using ultrasonic probes mounted on sensor holders on a sensor mount, it is proposed to use a sensor mount with sensor holders mounted on movable skids, which are pressed outward by spring elements and bear against the internal pipe surface, and skids having a large skid breadth greater than the seam peak breadth measured in the pipe's circumferential direction in the region of a measured seam peak, and sensor holders equipped with sensors only in a measuring region situated half way between two skid contact surfaces, wherein the measuring region breadth is less or equal to half of the skid breadth such that the stand off deviation of the sensors resulting in the seam peak region remains below a threshold value.

Abstract: An actively driven spiral pipeline robot is disclosed, comprising: a body, a power device, a driving shaft, an axle, a driving wheel carrier mounted at one end of the body, and a variable diameter mechanism disposed on the driving wheel carrier. The axle is disposed on the variable diameter mechanism. A driving wheel is fixedly mounted on the axle. The driving shaft and the axle are connected via a connector. The driving shaft is further connected with an output shaft of the power device via a transmission device. The present invention has following beneficial effects: a scope of application of the robot is expanded, an operation is stable, and an axial force is large. In addition, an axial position of the robot is adjusted by controlling an operation of the driving wheel, and an adjustment precision is high.

Abstract: A hull robot includes a turbine subsystem actuatable by fluid moving past the hull, a drive subsystem for maneuvering the robot about the hull, and an adjustment subsystem for either the turbine subsystem or the drive subsystem. A controller is configured to operate the adjustment subsystem to adjust the position of the turret subsystem relative to the drive subsystem until fluid flowing past the hull results in an optimal flow of fluid with respect to the turbine subsystem.

Abstract: A cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) liner inspection system used to inspect a resin level in a CIPP liner that has been impregnated with resin using an inspection chamber having an optical sensor. The CIPP liner inspection system is also used to identify zones within an installed CIPP liner having lower mechanical strength due to inadequate distribution of resin using a robotic unit having an optical sensor. The optical sensor measures an optical property, which is used to determine a resin level or a mechanical property based on predetermined correlations between the optical property and the resin level and predetermined correlations between the optical property and the mechanical property.

Abstract: The kit includes a hub having a central axis and a perimeter. The perimeter comprises a plurality of flat spoke faces extending therearound. A spoke assembly is releasably couplable to each spoke face. Each spoke assembly is aligned with an adjacent spoke assembly to form a spoke. A method of assembling the wheel assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A robot for cleaning and inspecting conduits has a synchronizing mechanism, which extends all driving units simultaneously and with a constant normal force applied to the conduit wall. The robot may be equipped with adapters for conduits with rectangular cross section, and with extension bars for conduits with large diameters. Further, the robot may be equipped with sensors monitoring the robot status, these include a sensor of the synchronizing mechanism position, inclinometer and gyroscope. Data from these sensors may be displayed on a monitor. The movement of the robot inside the conduit and therefore the speed of individual tracks is controlled by the operator by three control elements: direction of turning, diameter of bend and speed of motion. The robot is also able to travel backwards inside the conduit automatically based on stored information about forward movement.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for orienting an object according to a given spatial orientation. The device comprises a frame and a supporting member connected to the frame and adapted for supporting at least a portion of the object. The device for orienting an object comprises a plurality of fluid actuated devices for displacing the supporting member with respect to the frame. Each of the fluid actuated devices is actuatable between a first position wherein the device has a first length and a second position wherein the device has a second length. The device for orienting comprises an actuation mechanism comprising a plurality of actuating valves for actuating the corresponding fluid actuated device; wherein an actuation of at least one of the fluid actuated devices enables to displace the supporting member with respect to the frame, thereby orienting the object according to the given spatial orientation.

Abstract: Provided is an in-pipe inspection robot which moves along a path in a pipe to inspect suspected areas such as cracks in the pipe. An in-pipe inspection robot in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which two or more operating units having a plurality of arms, which move forward and backward in a radial direction of a pipe, are connected to each other to move in a straight direction or to be bent relative to each other by means of a flexible link mechanism.

Abstract: A self propelled autonomous pipeline tool for use in straight pipe comprising a first part and a second part, a hydraulic system comprising at least one hydraulic piston and means for operating the piston, and a control unit. The hydraulic system is operable to returnably separate the first and second part of the device from each other. The hydraulic system further comprises a plurality of pipeline engaging means positioned along an exterior surface of the device which are operable by the hydraulic system to be engagable with the interior surface of the pipeline. The control unit is in communication with the hydraulic system to control the movement of the pipeline engaging means and the first and second parts such that the pipeline tool is moveable within a straight pipeline. The pipeline tool further comprises a communications module which enables the pipeline tool to utilize ELF communications.

Abstract: A circulated pneumatic tube transit system is used to transport passengers/cargo along a pair of pneumatic tubes, which are positioned along each other. Capsules are movably suspended within the tubes by either a maglev system or wheels. The capsules travel in opposite directions in each tube so that the system provides back and forth transportation between two destinations. A fluid loop mechanism cycles a volume of air through the tubes as a means to propel the capsules through each tube. A series of fluid loop mechanism can be air multipliers as the volume of air cycles through the tubes. Two one-directional valves are located at opposite ends of the tubes and are used to transfer the kinetic energy for an arriving capsule within one tube into kinetic energy for a departing capsule within the other tube.

Abstract: An inspection assembly for inspecting a hollow member, with a probe head, which includes at least one sensor, and a flexible shaft connected to the probe head to transmit motive force. The shaft encloses at least one wire operatively connected to the probe head for sensory operation of the sensor. The shaft has a first part adjacent to the probe head and a second part distal therefrom. The first part is relatively more flexible that the second part. The shaft has an improved ability to follow a torturous path of the hollow member and for aiding in kink prevention of the shaft. In one aspect, the first part is made of polymer material and has a reduced-diameter and corrugations. Optionally, at least one non-metallic retrieval cable is enclosed within the shaft and connected to the probe head for transmitting a pulling force to the probe head.