Patent ID: 6427602
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A pipe crawler apparatus comprising:a first pneumatic gripping unit for engaging an interior of a pipe, said first pneumatic gripping unit having a piston rod in operative communication with an air cylinder, a free end of the piston rod defining a circular groove; a cylindrical bearing, in communication with said circular groove, said cylindrical bearing in further communication with a cam surface defined by an adjacent support member, said support member pivotally connected to a frame, the frame defining an opening surrounding the piston rod, said support member defining a foot for selective engagement with an interior wall of a pipe; a second pneumatic gripping unit for engagement of an interior of a pipe, said second pneumatic engagement unit having a piston rod in operative communication with an air cylinder, a free end of the piston rod defining a circular groove; a cylindrical bearing, in communication with said circular groove, said bearing in further communication with a cam surface defined by an adjacent support member, said support member pivotally connected to a frame, the frame defining an opening surrounding said piston rod, said support member defining a foot for selective engagement with an interior wall of a pipe; and, a pneumatic cylinder positioned between the first pneumatic gripping unit and the second pneumatic gripping unit, said first and said second gripping units connected to the pneumatic cylinder along a respective first and second universal joint.