Patent ID: 8261623
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. An inline tool tracking system for tracking an inline tool traveling along and through a pipe or conduit, said tracking system comprising: a detection and communication device operable to detect an inline tool as the inline tool passes generally at or near said detection and communication device, wherein said detection and communication device, responsive to detection of an inline tool, generates a detection output, said detection output including data indicative of the detection of the inline tool and a geographical location of the detection and communication device; a control remote from said detection and communication device, said control operable to wirelessly receive said detection output of said detection and communication device, wherein said control, responsive to receipt of said detection output, processes said detection output, and wherein said control generates a control output responsive to said processing of said detection output, said control output being indicative of the detection of the inline tool and the geographical location of the detection and communication device; a tracking vehicle movably disposed at a geographical region associated with the pipe or conduit and drivable by a driver of said tracking vehicle; a display device associated with said tracking vehicle, wherein said display device is operable to receive an input indicative of said control output and to display information indicative of the detection of the inline tool and the geographical location of the detection and communication device, wherein said display device is operable, responsive at least in part to receipt of said input, to display said information for viewing by a user of said display device while the inline tool is traveling along and through the pipe or conduit; and wherein the driver of said tracking vehicle drives said tracking vehicle towards said detection and communication device at least in part responsive to said display device displaying the information indicative of the detection of the inline tool and the geographical location of the detection and communication device.