Edward M Schaefer

US Patent:

42498104, Feb 10, 1981

Filed:

Feb 27, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/881148

Inventors:

Donald T. O'Connor - Barrington IL
Donald E. Lorenzi - Des Plaines IL
John J. Flaherty - Elk Grove Village IL
Edward Schaefer - Bellwood IL

Assignee:

Magnaflux Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G03B 3700

US Classification:

354 63

Abstract:

Pipeline inspection apparatus is provided including a camera unit and associated illumination means, preferably a strobe flash unit, for recording on photographic film the images of internal surface portions of a pipe for detection of defects. The camera unit is moved longitudinally within a pipeline by a drive unit which preferably includes electric motors energized from a self-contained battery unit. Important features relate to means for automatically reversing the drive of the apparatus after it has travelled a predetermined distance and to mechanical features for facilitating movement of the device through bends and the like.

US Patent:

43726585, Feb 8, 1983

Filed:

Feb 10, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/347541

Inventors:

Donald T. O'Connor - Barrington Hills IL
Donald E. Lorenzi - Des Plaines IL
John J. Flaherty - Elk Grove Village IL
Edward Schaefer - Bellwood IL

Assignee:

Magnaflux Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G03B 3700

US Classification:

354 63

Abstract:

Pipeline inspection apparatus is provided including a camera unit and associated illumination means, preferably a strobe flash unit, for recording on photographic film the rectangular images corresponding to generally rectangular internal surface portions of a pipe for detection of defects, a viewing axis of the camera being normal to the axis of the pipe. Weight means are provided for operating in a manner such as to establish a viewing axis in predetermined angular relation to a vertical plane through the axis of a horizontal pipe. In one embodiment, the device is supported by resilient cups for movement through the pipe and the entire device is rotatable under the influence of the weight means. In another embodiment, at least the optical portion of the camera unit is rotatably supported and connected to the weight means. Magnetic flaw detection means are provided for triggering the camera unit.