construction - all-purpose space exploration vehicle

摘要

The invention is directed to a vehicle adapted to be inserted within a pipeline or conduit, such as a buried gas main, having pipeline characteristic sensing means mounted upon the vehicle for sensing the pipe deflection in a vertical plane, leaks, cracks, corrosion or other pipeline characteristics. The vehicle is self-propelled and is self-steering. Self-steering is accomplished by means of a gravity operated sensing device which will maintain the vehicle in a predetermined vertical orientation at all times. Traction of the vehicle drive wheels is augmented by friction producing means engaging the upper region of the pipe and biasing the drive wheels into firm engagement with the pipe lower region inner surface. Control of the vehicle and recording of the pipeline characteristics is achieved remotely through electric conductors affixed to the vehicle.