Patent ID: 8727666

Claim:
A pipeline insertion system comprising: at least one controller, an insertion device operative to receive a portion of a pipeline, wherein the insertion device includes: an insertion device frame; a movable clamp device in slidable engagement with the insertion device frame, wherein the at least one controller is operatively configured to cause the movable clamp device to change between a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state the movable clamp device is operative to clamp at least one portion of the pipeline and prevent relative movement between the movable clamp device and the pipeline, wherein in the second state the movable clamp device is operative to release the at least one portion of the pipeline and permit relative movement between the movable clamp device and the pipeline; at least one drive, wherein the at least one controller is operatively configured to cause the at least one drive to move the movable clamp device between a first position and a second position along the insertion device frame; a plurality of housing segments, wherein each housing segment includes at least one bore therethrough for receiving portions of the pipeline; a plurality of support frames, wherein each support frame includes a channel therethrough with at least one bearing mounted therein for receiving portions of the pipeline in operatively sliding connection with the at least one bearing, wherein the support frames are respectively positioned between the bores of adjacent housing segments, such that the bores of the housing segments and the channels of the support frames are aligned to receive the pipeline extending in a substantially straight line therethrough; and wherein the at least one controller is operatively configured to cause the movable clamp device to change to the first state and to cause the at least one drive to move the movable clamp device from the first position to the second position in order to move portions of the pipeline within the housing segments and support frames, wherein the at least one controller is operatively configured to cause the movable clamp device to change to the second state and to cause the at least one drive to move the movable clamp device from the second position to the first position without moving the pipeline relative to the housing segments and support frames.