US 11,892,113 B2
Device and method for detecting leaks and healing pipelines using twin balls technology
Abdennour Seibi, Lafayette, LA (US); and Wadie Chalgham, Lafayette, LA (US)
Assigned to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA (US)
Filed by University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA (US)
Filed on Jul. 16, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/378,135.
Application 17/378,135 is a continuation of application No. 16/133,155, filed on Sep. 17, 2018, granted, now 11,098,836.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/560,237, filed on Sep. 19, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2022/0003351 A1, Jan. 6, 2022
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. F16L 55/1645 (2006.01); G01M 3/24 (2006.01); F16L 101/30 (2006.01); F16L 101/60 (2006.01)
CPC F16L 55/16455 (2013.01) [F16L 55/1645 (2013.01); G01M 3/243 (2013.01); G01M 3/246 (2013.01); F16L 2101/30 (2013.01); F16L 2101/60 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for detecting and healing leaks in pipes comprising:
at least two smart balls, each comprising:
an outer shell, comprising at least two openings;
a battery;
at least two blades;
a rotating axle;
a control system; and
a wireless communication mechanism;
wherein one of the at least two smart balls is a sensor ball; and
wherein one of the at least two smart balls is a healing ball.