Molded coating system and induction-heating vehicle for bent pipeline sections
A molding and handling system for factory-applied coatings to pipeline sections that uses impervious shell mold bodies reinforced by an external exoskeleton and motorized straight-line opening/closing. The system includes an assembly of separable shell bodies, clamping arms for bent pipe sections, and a self-guided vehicle carrying a helical induction coil and wheels to pass the coil ends along the inside face of a bent pipeline section for induction heating. Intended users are pipeline coating contractors and factory coaters of welded steel pipe lengths.
(57) What the patent covered
This write-up was generated by AI from the patent's text and may contain mistakes, so check it against the original patent before relying on it.
The principal independent claim covers a vehicle that carries a helical induction coil plus two wheel chassis (one near each coil end) where each chassis includes bearings; articulation in those bearings together with elasticity in the coil permits the vehicle to conform to the inner profile of a bent pipeline section as the coil ends are guided through the pipe interior.
Distinguishing feature: Combining a helical induction coil mounted on a two-chassis wheeled vehicle with articulated bearings and an elastic coil to permit guided movement through a bent pipe interior.
Novelty 4/5. Induction heating coils and coil guides for straight pipes were common; the patent emphasized a guided wheeled vehicle and articulation to adapt a helical coil to bent internal profiles, which is a new approach to heating bent sections.
Manufacturing
Fabricated steel chassis and wheel assemblies; wound helical copper induction coil (possibly water-cooled) mounted between chassis with elastic support; machining and assembly of bearings and articulated mounts; on-site assembly and testing.
Materials: Steel wheel chassis and bearings, copper or water-cooled copper alloy induction coil, steel structural frame for vehicle, elastomeric or spring elements in coil support.
Manufacturability 3/5. Requires wound induction-coil fabrication, bearing-equipped wheeled chassis and articulation; moderate precision machining and access to coil-winding and water-cooling fittings, plus mechanical assembly.
Market demand
No demand check has been run for this patent. Likely search terms: pipeline induction heating vehicle, helical induction coil pipe heater, bent pipe induction coil guide. The links in the sidebar open these searches.
Buyers: Pipeline coating contractors and factory coaters of welded steel pipe lengths.
Before manufacturing
No related continuation or divisional patents in force were found. Design patents, trademarks and unrelated patents may still cover the product.
Patent has lapsed; practical issues include sourcing water-cooled induction coils and sealed bearings for internal pipe travel, and ensuring mechanical guides fit varied pipe diameters and bend radii.
About 1.5% of lapsed patents are later revived by their owners. This page is a research lead, not legal advice. Obtain a freedom-to-operate opinion before manufacturing.