WOODS QUINTON ENCOMBE (ZA)
BUYS PETRUS HENDRIK (ZA)
BEER DEON DE (ZA)
AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 1 1 October 2013 (1 1.10.2013) 1 . An inspection module for inspecting an internal side wall of a vertically erected structure, the module including a carrier for supporting a controller with an associated power source configured to control the operation of at least one data recording mechanism which includes at least one range finder configured to determine the distance from the module to an internal side wall of a vertically erected structure in which the module is deployed to inspect and to relay distance measurements to the controller, and with the module being securable to a hoist. 2. A module as claimed in claim 1 in which the module is securable to the hoist by means of a hook for a cable at an operatively upper end of the module. 3. A module as claimed in claim 0 or 2 in which the power source comprises a battery carried by the carrier. 4. A module as claimed in any one of claims 0 to 3 in which the battery comprises a lithium ion battery pack. 5. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the data recording mechanism includes at least one recording device comprising a camera configured to record images of the surroundings of the module, operatively recording images of the internal side wall of a vertically erected structure in which the module is deployed to inspect. 6. A module as claimed in claim 5 in which the data recording mechanism includes a plurality of cameras. 7. A module as claimed in claim 5 or 6 in which the cameras are configured to record video images. 8. A module as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 in which the cameras comprise one or more or a combination of high definition, thermal imaging, infra-red cameras, and multi quantifying cameras, operatively for use in optical surface inspection and making use of defect detection technology associated with the module. 2/12 9. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 in which the data recording mechanism includes any one or more of sonar, ultrasound, electromagnetic and depth detection devices. 10. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 in which the data recording mechanism is carried by a collar rotatably secured to the carrier. 1 1 . A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 which includes at least one light associated with the data recording mechanism. 12. A module as claimed in claim 1 1 which includes a light associated with each device of the data recording mechanism. 13. A module as claimed in claim 1 1 or 12 in which each light provides illumination in excess of 1 100 lux. 14. A module as claimed in claim 1 1 to 13 which includes a plurality of lights arranged in a collar located adjacent to the data recording mechanism. 15. A module as claimed in claim 1 1 to 13 which includes a plurality of lights arranged in a collar located above and below the data recording mechanism. 16. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 which includes communication means comprising at least a data signal transmitter. 17. A module as claimed in claim 16 in which the data signal transmitter comprises a data signal transmitter and receiver, alternatively data input and output ports accessible by means of cables having complimentary plugs, the cable preferably being heat and chemically shielded which is connected to the controller. 18. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 which includes data storage means carried by the carrier for storage of data recorded by the data recording mechanism. 19. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 in which the range finder comprises a laser range finder. 3/12 20. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 which includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced apart range finders. 21 . A module as claimed in claim 20 in which each range finder is secured proximate a camera, alternatively integrated with a camera. 22. A module as claimed in claim 19 to 21 in which the range finders continuously relay distance measurements to the controller. 23. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 which has an elongate body with a circular cylindrical cross section and having a longitudinal axis extending from its operative top to its operative bottom. 24. A module as claimed in claim 23 in which the data recording mechanism devices are directed radially away from the longitudinal axis of the module towards the internal side wall of a vertically erected structure in which the module is deployed to inspect. 25. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24 which includes a laser range finder in the operatively bottom end of the module aligned with the longitudinal axis and directed away from the operatively bottom end of the module and which is configured to determine the distance to a base of a vertically erected structure in which the module is deployed for inspection and to relay distance measurements to the controller. 26. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25 which includes a cover substantially surrounding the entire carrier. 27. A module as claimed in claim 26 in which the cover is comprised of a set of panels removably securable around the carrier. 28. A module as claimed in claim 27 in which the cover panels are sealed over the module. 29. A module as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28 in which the cover is abrasion resistant and insulated against heat transfer. 4/12 30. A module as claimed in claim 28 or 29 in which the module includes a pressurised gas source associated with it, preferably an inert gas source, and a pressure sensor connected to the controller to determine gas pressure within the module and to control the gas source to release gas to maintain a predetermined gas pressure within the module. 31 . A module as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30 in which the cover includes observation apertures covered with transparent shields over the data recording mechanism devices. 32. A module as claimed in claim 31 in which the shields are heat resistant. 33. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32 which includes rotational stabilising means. 34. A module as claimed in claim 33 in which the stabilising means includes a plurality of pivotally adjustable rudders extending from the module, the rudders being equidistantly spaced apart around the circumference of the module. 35. A module as claimed in claim 34 in which the rudders are located proximate the operative bottom end of the module. 36. A module as claimed in claim 34 or 35 which includes four rudders. 37. A module as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 36 in which the stabilising means includes a steering gyroscope configured to effect rotation of the module around its longitudinal axis and is connected to the controller for control thereof. 38. A module as claimed in claim 37 in which the stabilising means includes also a sensing gyroscope configured to measure rotation of the module around its longitudinal axis and connected to the controller to relay rotational movement measurements to the controller which is configured to control the steering gyroscope in response to measurements from the sensing gyroscope. 39. A module as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 38 in which the stabilising means includes a magnetic stabiliser. 5/12 40. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 39 which includes a set of rotatable blades secured to a shaft that extend from the operative top end of the module. 41 . A module as claimed in claim 40 in which the shaft is connected to a generator connected to the battery operatively to charge the battery upon rotation of the shaft by the blades as a result gas flow over the blades. 42. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 41 which includes attachment means for repair apparatus comprising a turret from which a nozzle rotatably and pivotally extends, the nozzle being in fluid communication with a pressurised supply of fluidic repair material, and the repair apparatus is operatively connected to the controller for control thereby. 43. A module as claimed in claim 42 which includes a closable port configured to receive a feed pipe secured to the supply of fluidic repair material, and the port is removably connectable to the nozzle. 44. A module as claimed in claim 43 in which the port is connectable to the nozzle of the repair module by means of a fluid conduit contained within the module. 45. A module as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 44 in which the fluidic repair material comprises one or more of gunite, shotcrete, sprayable concrete, water, blasting grit and compressed air. 46. A module as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 45 in which at least part of the cover of the module is removable to expose attachment means for the repair apparatus, including a mounting bracket and a fluid conduit connector. 47. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 41 which includes attachment means for repair apparatus comprising a rotatable and pivotable welding torch. 48. A module as claimed in claim 47 in which at least part of the cover of the inspection module is removable to expose a mounting bracket for the welding torch. 6/12 49. A module as claimed in claim 47 or 48 which includes a cover complementary to the remainder of the cover of the inspection module with the removable portion removed. 50. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 49 in which the vertically erected structure comprises a smoke stack, cooling tower or chimney. 51 . An inspection system for inspecting an internal side wall of a vertically erected structure comprising a module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 50, a remote controller with an associated power source remotely located from the module configured to communicate through the communication means with the module controller to control the operation of the data recording mechanism, and a hoist with a cable secured to the hook of the module and a hoist controller to controllably lower and raise the module within the structure, for inspection thereof through operation of the data recording mechanism. 52. A system as claimed in claim 51 which includes a movable support securable over a rim of a side wall of a vertically erected structure in which the module is deployed for inspecting it, the support including drive means to controllably move the support around the rim. 53. An inspection module for inspecting an internal wall of a conduit, the module including a carrier for supporting at least one data recording mechanism, an associated power source, and propulsion means comprising a set of driven tracked wheels controllable by a controller carried by the carrier and configured to provide, within a conduit, longitudinal forward and reverse motion. 54. A module as claimed in claim 53 which includes a plurality of sets of tracked wheels secured to an extension from the carrier and equidistantly spaced around the module, each set of tracked wheels arranged longitudinally in line with a longitudinal axis of the module. 55. A module as claimed in claim 54 in which the module includes four sets of tracked wheels. 56. A module as claimed in claim 54 or 55 in which each wheel set is provided with pressure and extension sensors, configured to measure the extent and pressure with 7/12 which each wheel set is extended towards and against a surface within a conduit the module is deployed to inspect, and the pressure and extension measurements are relayed to the controller to control the extent and pressure to which each wheel set is extended from the carrier to ensure sufficient traction between the tracked wheels on each wheel set and the surface against which it is extended for controlled forward and backwards motion and to control the alignment of the module within the conduit. 57. A module as claimed in claim 53 to 56 in which the power source comprises a battery carried by the carrier. 58. A module as claimed in claim 57 in which the battery comprises a lithium ion battery pack. 59. A module as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 58 in which the data recording mechanism includes at least one recording device comprising a camera configured to record images of the surroundings of the module, operatively recording images of an internal side wall of a conduit in which the module is deployed to inspect. 60. A module as claimed in claim 59 in which the data recording mechanism includes a plurality of cameras. 61 . A module as claimed in claim 59 or 60 in which the cameras are configured to record video images. 62. A module as claimed in any one of claims 59 to 61 in which the cameras comprise one or more or a combination of high definition, thermal imaging, infra-red cameras, and multi quantifying cameras, operatively for use in optical surface inspection and making use of defect detection technology associated with the module. 63. A module as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 62 in which the data recording mechanism includes any one or more of sonar, ultrasound, electromagnetic and depth detection devices. 64. A module as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 63 in which the data recording mechanism is carried by a collar rotatably secured to the carrier. 8/12 65. A module as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 64 which includes at least one light associated with the data recording mechanism. 66. A module as claimed in claim 65 which includes a light associated with each device of the data recording mechanism. 67. A module as claimed in claim 65 or 66 in which each light provides illumination in excess of 1 100 lux. 68. A module as claimed in claim 65 to 67 which includes a plurality of lights arranged in a collar located adjacent to the data recording mechanism. 69. A module as claimed in claim 65 to 68 which includes a plurality of lights arranged in a collar located above and below the data recording mechanism. 70. A module as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 69 which includes communication means comprising at least a data signal transmitter. 71 . A module as claimed in claim 70 in which the data signal transmitter comprises a data signal transmitter and receiver, alternatively data input and output ports accessible by means of cables having complimentary plugs, the cable preferably being heat and chemically shielded which is connected to the controller. 72. A module as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 71 which includes data storage means carried by the carrier for storage of data recorded by the data recording mechanism. 73. A module as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 72 in which the data recording mechanism includes at least one laser range finder which is configured to determine the distance from the module to an internal side wall of an internal side wall of a conduit in which the module is deployed to inspect and to relay distance measurements to the controller. 74. A module as claimed in claim 73 which includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced apart range finders. 9/12 75. A module as claimed in claim 74 in which each range finder is secured proximate a camera, alternatively integrated with a camera. 76. A module as claimed in claim 73 to 75 in which the range finders continuously relay distance measurements to the controller. 77. A module as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 76 which has an elongate body with a circular cylindrical cross section and having a longitudinal axis extending from its operative front to its operative rear. 78. A module as claimed in claim 77 in which the data recording mechanism devices are directed radially away from the longitudinal axis of the module towards the internal side wall of a vertically erected structure in which the module is deployed to inspect. 79. A module as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 78 which includes a cover substantially surrounding the entire carrier. 80. A module as claimed in claim 79 in which the cover is comprised of a set of panels removably securable around the carrier. 81 . A module as claimed in claim 80 in which the cover panels are sealed over the module. 82. A module as claimed in any one of claims 79 to 81 in which the cover is insulated against heat transfer. 83. A module as claimed in claim 81 or 82 in which the module includes a pressurised gas source associated with it, preferably an inert gas source, and a pressure sensor connected to the controller to determine gas pressure within the module and to control the gas source to release gas to maintain a predetermined gas pressure within the module. 84. A module as claimed in any one of claims 79 to 83 in which the cover includes observation apertures covered with transparent shields over the data recording mechanism devices. 85. A module as claimed in claim 84 in which the shields are heat resistant. 86. A module as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 85 which includes attachment means for repair apparatus comprising a turret from which a nozzle rotatably and pivotally extends, the nozzle being in fluid communication with a pressurised supply of fluidic repair material, and the repair module is connectable to the controller for control thereby. 87. A module as claimed in claim 86 which includes a closable port configured to receive a feed pipe secured to the supply of fluidic repair material, and the port is removably connectable to the nozzle. 88. A module as claimed in claim 87 in which the port is connectable to the nozzle by means of a fluid conduit contained within the module. 89. A module as claimed in any one of claims 86 to 88 in which the fluidic repair material comprises one or more of gunite, shotcrete, sprayable concrete, water, blasting grit and compressed air. 90. A module as claimed in any one of claims 86 to 89 in which at least part of the cover of the inspection module is removable to expose attachment means for the repair apparatus, including a mounting bracket and a fluid conduit connector. 91 . A module as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 90 which includes attachment means for repair apparatus comprising a rotatable and pivotable welding torch. 92. A module as claimed in claim 91 in which at least part of the cover of the inspection module is removable to expose a mounting bracket for the welding torch. 93. A module as claimed in claim 90 or 92 in which the repair apparatus includes a cover complementary to the remainder of the cover of the module with the removable portion removed. 94. An inspection system for inspecting an internal wall of a conduit comprising an inspection module as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 93, a remote controller with an associated power source remotely located from the module configured to communicate through communication means with the module controller to control the operation of the data recording mechanism and motion of the module within the conduit. 95. A system as claimed in claim 94 in which the communication means comprises an electrical or wireless communication link between the remote controller and the module. 96. A method of internally inspecting a side wall of a vertically erected structure comprising securing suspension means on a rim of the structure, suspending an inspection module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 50 from the suspension means, lowering the module into the structure and recording images of the side wall of the structure using a data recording mechanism carried by the module, and directing the module out of the structure. 97. A method as claimed in claim 96, which includes receiving at a remote control unit connected to and in communication with the module data feedback from the recording mechanism relating to the structure, and providing directional and rotational stability control instructions to the module. 98. A method as claimed in claim 97 in which the suspension means comprises a hoist with a hoist control operable by the remote controller. 99. A method as claimed in any one of claims 96 to 98 which includes directing the module to a part of the internal side wall thereof to be repaired, and operating the repair apparatus to repair the designated repair site. 100. A method of internally inspecting an internal wall of a conduit comprising directing an inspection module as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 93 into the conduit, and recording images of the wall of the conduit using a data recording mechanism carried by the module, and directing the module out of the structure. 101 . A method as claimed in claim 100, which includes receiving at a remote control unit connected to and in communication with the module data feedback from the recording mechanism relating to the structure, and providing directional and rotational stability control instructions to the module. 12/12 . A method as claimed in any one of claims 100 to 101 which includes directing the module to a part of the internal side wall thereof to be repaired, and operating the repair apparatus to repair the designated repair site. |
Next Patent: REAL-TIME PCR DETECTION OF STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES