Patent Number: 
Section: claims

1. A method of inspecting a pipe comprising the steps of:transporting a scanning assembly to the pipe;remotely wedging the scanning assembly between the pipe and an opposing surface to support the scanning assembly in a desired position;supporting the entire weight of the scanning assembly employing at least one hydraulically operated wedge extending from a first side of the scanning assembly and an arm extending from a second side of the scanning assembly; andscanning a surface of the pipe. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:positioning the scanning assembly at a desired location along the pipe; andextending the at least one hydraulically operated wedge and the arm to contact both the pipe and the opposing surface. 3. The method of claim 2 including the steps of:operating the at least one hydraulically operated wedge hydraulically; andoperating the arm pneumatically. 4. A method of inspecting a pipe, comprising:transporting a scanning assembly to the pipe;positioning the scanning assembly between the pipe and an opposing surface;supporting the entire weight of the scanning assembly employing a hydraulically-operated wedge extending from a first side of the scanning assembly and an arm extending from a second side of the scanning assembly; andscanning a surface of the pipe. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:hydraulically extending the hydraulically-operated wedge; andpneumatically extending the arm. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:engaging the pipe with the hydraulically-operated wedge; andengaging the opposing surface with the arm. 7. The method of claim 5, further comprising:engaging the opposing surface with the hydraulically-operated wedge; andengaging the pipe with the arm.