US3778170A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Borescope guide tube
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1972-11-02
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Granted: 1973-12-11
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Expires: 1992-11-02
Abstract
Abstract An inspection assembly for inspecting the interior of a gas turbine engine, or similar complicated structure, is shown to include a guide tube which is insertable through a number of aligned access ports in the engine. The guide tube is designed to direct the distal tip of a suitable inspection device, such as a fiber optic borescope, to appropriate internal areas for inspection. The tube includes a curved section, which is formed of material with a built-in ''''memory,'''' i.e., will retain its initial curvature when in its free state, but also is sufficiently flexible to permit straightening such that extremely small access ports may be provided in the device being inspected. A novel method of using such apparatus is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 C Howell
- 👤 R Drew
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 00:33
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B23/00; G02B23/24; G02B23/2476
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
An inspection device for an apparatus like a gas turbine engine, said device comprising: a hollow guide tube having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, said inner diameter being sized so as to accept a suitable inspecting apparatus, said tube including a first, generally straight portion adapted to extend from a first area easily accessible to an operator to a second area internal of the apparatus being inspected, directing means associated with said tube for directing a distal portion of the inspecting apparatus to an appropriate area to be inspected, said directing means being characterized by the fact that said means have a memory and sufficient flexibility whereby said directing means may be readily straightened for insertion from said first area to said second area and said directing means will return to its initial configuration upon reaching said second area.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
An inspection device for an apparatus like a gas turbine engine, said device comprising: a hollow guide tube having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, said inner diameter being sized so as to accept a suitable inspecting apparatus, said tube including a first, generally straight portion adapted to extend from a first area easily accessible to an operator to a second area internal of the apparatus being inspected, directing means associated with said tube for directing a distal portion of the inspecting apparatus to an appropriate area to be inspected, said directing means being characterized by the fact that said means have a memory and sufficient flexibility whereby said directing means may be readily straightened for insertion from said first area to said second area and said directing means will return to its initial configuration upon reaching said second area.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
An inspection device as recited in claim 1 wherein said directing means comprise a curved portion of tubing, said curved portion extending from one end of said straight portion of said guide tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
An inspection device as recited in claim 2 in combination with means for straightening said curved portion, said straightening means comprising a rigid rod having an outer diameter adapted to fit within said inner diameter of said tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
An inspection device as recited in claim 2 wherein said tube is formed of urethane.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
An inspection device as recited in claim 4 further characterized in that said curved portion includes at least two bends.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
An inspection device as recited in claim 1 wherein said directing means comprise a coiled spring.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
An inspection device as recited in claim 1 wherein said directing means comprise a leaf spring.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
74 words
A method of inspecting internal components of gas turbine engines or similar apparatus, said method comprising the steps of: inserting straightening means inside a curved guide tube; inserting the straightened guide tube through access ports in the apparatus being inspected, removing the straightening means from the guide tube thereby enabling said guide tube to assume its initial curved configuration, and inserting a suitable inspecting device into the guide tube and inspecting the internal components.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
74 words
A method of inspecting internal components of gas turbine engines or similar apparatus, said method comprising the steps of: inserting straightening means inside a curved guide tube; inserting the straightened guide tube through access ports in the apparatus being inspected, removing the straightening means from the guide tube thereby enabling said guide tube to assume its initial curved configuration, and inserting a suitable inspecting device into the guide tube and inspecting the internal components.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method recited in claim 8 including the further step of rotating the guide tube and the inspecting device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method recited in claim 8 including the further steps of removing the inspecting device, reinserting the straightening means and removing ghe straightened guide tube from the access ports, inserting through the same access ports a second guide tube having a curvature different from the curvature of the first guide tube, reinserting the inspecting device, and inspecting other internal components.
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) | 1976-12-10 | 1977-06-11 | 1977-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-10 | 1981-06-11 | 1981-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-10 | 1985-06-11 | 1985-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |