US4172379A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for inspecting a pipeline for leaks
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1978-03-03
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Granted: 1979-10-30
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Expires: 1998-03-03
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the gain of an ultrasonic device for inspecting a pipeline for leaks. The ultrasonic device is designed to pass through the interior of a pipeline and record noise produced by fluids leaking from the pipeline. The response of the device is adjusted automatically by controlling the gain of the amplification in response to the strength of a signal received from an ultrasonic generator positioned outside the pipeline.
Inventors
- 👤 Alfred VAN Tilburg
- 👤 Robert C. Lohman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 10:30
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/04; G01M3/24; G01M3/243; G01M3/246; G01M3/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
An improved apparatus for inspecting a pipeline for leaks, said apparatus being adapted to be transported through the pipeline by fluid flow to detect, amplify and record ultrasonic vibrations caused by fluid leaking from the pipeline, the improvements comprising: an amplifier, said amplifier having a variable gain; circuit means disposed on the apparatus to receive and detect a frequency modulated coded acoustical signal, said coded acoustical signal being supplied from an external source acoustically coupled to said pipeline; and additional circuit means coupled to said circuit means and responsive to the amplitude of said coded acoustic signal to adjust the gain of said amplifier.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
An improved apparatus for inspecting a pipeline for leaks, said apparatus being adapted to be transported through the pipeline by fluid flow to detect, amplify and record ultrasonic vibrations caused by fluid leaking from the pipeline, the improvements comprising: an amplifier, said amplifier having a variable gain; circuit means disposed on the apparatus to receive and detect a frequency modulated coded acoustical signal, said coded acoustical signal being supplied from an external source acoustically coupled to said pipeline; and additional circuit means coupled to said circuit means and responsive to the amplitude of said coded acoustic signal to adjust the gain of said amplifier.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said amplifier has a variable gain of at least 50 dB.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said circuit means comprises a filter disposed to pass the carrier frequency of the coded signal, a detector-rectifying circuit disposed to detect the code signal in the signal passed by the filter and a second filter disposed to pass the frequency of the code signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 3 and in addition said carrier frequency being in the ultrasonic range and said code signal being in the sonic range.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-10-29 | 1983-04-30 | 1983-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-10-29 | 1987-04-30 | 1987-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-10-29 | 1991-04-30 | 1991-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |