Patent ID: 8794083
Filing Date: 2014-08-05
Classification: F16L,F22B,G01D,G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
1. An inspection assembly for insertion inspection of an elongate hollow member, the inspection assembly including: a probe head including any and all sensors for sensing at least one characteristic of the elongate hollow member as the probe head is moved internally within the elongate hollow member, the probe head having an elongation length that encompasses the any and all sensors; and a flexible shaft connected to the probe head and transmitting a motive force to an entirety of the probe head to move the probe head within the elongate hollow member, the flexible shaft not containing any sensors, the flexible shaft enclosing at least one wire operatively connected between the probe head and at least one component external to the elongate hollow member for sensory operation of the at least one sensor, and the flexible shaft having a first part adjacent to the probe head and a second part distal from the probe head and coupled to the first part of the flexible shaft, each of the first and second parts of the flexible shaft having elongation lengths that are greater than the elongation length of the probe head, the first part of the flexible shaft being relatively more flexible that the second part of the flexible shaft.