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Method & Apparatus for Remote Cleaning & Inspection of Underwater Structures

a technology for underwater structures and cleaning methods, applied in underwater equipment, special-purpose vessels, vessel construction, etc., can solve the problems of complex rovs, high cost, and require a skilled operator to fly, and achieve the effects of less complex design, less expensive construction, and less complexity

Inactive Publication Date: 2012-11-01
PANNING DONALD CHRISTOPHER
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a simple and affordable underwater vehicle that can be easily controlled and operated by untrained personnel. It uses a single thruster for position control and a propulsion system to engage guidance bars and clean the underwater element. The vehicle can also be attached to a platform for use in high water velocity areas. The technical effects of this invention include improved efficiency, reduced complexity, and increased accessibility for inspection and maintenance."

Problems solved by technology

ROV's are complex, expensive, and require a skilled operator to fly them.

Method used

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  • Method & Apparatus for Remote Cleaning & Inspection of Underwater Structures
  • Method & Apparatus for Remote Cleaning & Inspection of Underwater Structures
  • Method & Apparatus for Remote Cleaning & Inspection of Underwater Structures

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Embodiment Construction

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[0027]This invention consists of a control station used to power and operate an underwater inspection vehicle (apparatus) that will clean and video graph an underwater element (method). Note: the terms “element” and “structure” will be used interchangeably for this application to reference a pier, pile, column, etc.

[0028]The inspection vehicle will house a rotary brush, video camera with optional clear-water box, lateral guidance bars and a propulsion system of jets, thrusters, or propellers.

[0029]The inspection vehicle will be lowered and raised, up and down the structure from a top-side (boat or structure) mounted davit. As the inspection vehicle moves down the element, the rotary brushes remove marine growth and the video camera sends an image of the cleaned area to a monitor at the control station where the image will be viewed and / or recorded.

[0030]Both the control station and inspection vehicle should be constructed of metal, preferably aluminum due to its corrosion resistanc...

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PUM

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Abstract

An underwater structure inspection vehicle that uses a rotating brush to clean the structure for camera inspection. Unlike underwater vehicles currently being used that are positioned by thrusters, this vehicle will be positioned in three different planes by three different means. The first is by mechanically raising and lowering it. The second is by a propulsion system pushing it into the structure. The third is by lateral guidance bars being engaged by the rotating forces of the propulsion system. In areas of high water velocity, an optional back-side platform may be used to assist the propulsion system by locking the vehicle onto the structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Provisional Patent Application #61 / 517,950—Method & apparatus for remote cleaning and inspection of underwater structures, Filing Date 4 / 28 / 2011, is the prior filed co-pending provisional patent application.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]General class 73—Measuring & Testing / Sub-class 865.8—Inspecting. This invention relates specifically to the inspection of the underwater portions of piers, piles and columns.[0004]Structural elements (or portions of structural elements) that support bridges, docks, wharves, piers, etc. and are submerged below the surface of a body of water need to be periodically inspected for defects. Visual inspection by divers is the most common method; however in certain situations, the use of a remotely operated underwater veh...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B63G8/08
CPCB63B59/08B63G8/001
Inventor PANNING, DONALD CHRISTOPHER
Owner PANNING DONALD CHRISTOPHER
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