Apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus 101 for providing access to an interior of an object such as a pressurised pipe P, the apparatus comprising: a body member 110 having an internal barrel that may be provided in fluid communication with an interior of the object P; a hollow piston 120 slidable axially within the internal barrel, the apparatus provided with a conduit orifice (176SA) adapted to allow a conduit 7 to be disposed therethrough so as to pass into the apparatus 101 to an interior barrel of the piston 120 and to pass through the barrel of the piston 120 from a first end 121 of the piston 120 to a second end 122, wherein the apparatus 101 has a flexible finger portion 130 defining a passageway through which the conduit 7 may pass from the internal barrel of the piston through the finger portion, the apparatus being configured to allow the second end 132 to be translated axially towards the object by axial translation of the hollow piston 120, the apparatus having flex control means 101L, 125 operable to cause the finger portion 130 to flex in a direction orthogonal to the direction of axial translation of the hollow piston 120.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to equipment for gaining and providing access to pipes, conduits, containers, and other such vessels that may be used to hold fluids. In particular but not exclusively the invention relates to equipment for allowing access to the inside of such vessels whilst such vessels are under pressure, without requiring the vessel to be drained or isolated. BACKGROUND In the oil and gas industry it is frequently required to gain access to pipework to carry out inspection or repair work. This often involves a requirement to gain access inside the pipework. In this, and in other industries, it can be inconvenient and expensive to empty, or otherwise decommission the pipe to carry out such work, and so there is a requirement to be able to access the inside of such pipes while they are in use. The fluids being transported or stored in the pipes are generally under pressure. Tools exist for allowing access to vessels under pressure, these generally being known in the industry as retrievers. Retrievers comprise a mechanism that is attachable, or in some cases permanently attached, to a vessel, generally via valve, that essentially comprise a fixed shaft along with a moveable portion, e.g., a rod, with appropriate seals being located therebetween, wherein the moveable portion is able to be fed into a hole in the vessel (via the valve if fitted). Known retrievers have the disadvantage that the insertion mechanism makes it difficult to insert items such as cameras having long leads attached thereto. It is an aim of the present invention to address disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the invention may be understood with reference to the appended claims. Aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus and a method. In an aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided apparatus for providing access to an interior of an object such as a pressurised pipe or the like, the apparatus comprising: a body member, the body member having an internal barrel that may be provided in fluid communication with an interior of the object; a hollow piston slidable axially within the internal barrel, the apparatus being provided with a conduit orifice adapted to allow a conduit to be disposed therethrough so as to pass into the apparatus to an interior barrel of the piston and to pass through the barrel of the piston from a first end of the piston to a second end distal the first, wherein the apparatus has a flexible finger portion provided at the second end of the piston, the finger portion defining a passageway through which the conduit may pass from the internal barrel of the piston through the finger portion from a first end of the finger portion to a second end distal the first, the finger portion having a port at the second end arranged to allow egress of the conduit from the finger portion into the object, the apparatus being configured to allow the second end of the finger portion to be translated axially towards the object by axial translation of the hollow piston, the apparatus having flex control means operable to cause the finger portion to flex in a direction orthogonal to the direction of axial translation of the hollow piston, optionally in order to control a direction along which a conduit is fed from the apparatus. In a further aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided apparatus for providing access to an interior of an object such as a pressurised pipe or the like, the apparatus comprising: a body member, the body member having an internal barrel that may be provided in fluid communication with an interior of the object; a hollow piston slidable axially within the internal barrel, the apparatus being provided with a conduit orifice adapted to allow a conduit to be disposed therethrough so as to pass into the apparatus to an interior barrel of the piston and to pass through the barrel of the piston from a first end of the piston to a second end distal the first, wherein the apparatus has a flexible finger portion provided at the second end of the piston, the finger portion defining a passageway through which the conduit may pass from the internal barrel of the piston through the finger portion from a first end of the finger portion to a second end distal the first, the finger portion having a port at the second end arranged to allow egress of the conduit from the finger portion into the object, the apparatus being configured to allow the second end of the finger portion to be translated axially towards the object by axial translation of the hollow piston, the apparatus having flex control means operable to cause the finger portion to flex in a direction orthogonal to the direction of axial translation of the hollow piston in order to control a direction along which a conduit is fed from the apparatus. It is to be understood that the apparatus may therefore allow a conduit to be introduced into an object such as a pressurised pipeline or vessel through a piston by sliding the first end of the piston through an opening in an object such as a pipe, vessel or fitting coupled thereto in order to deliver the conduit to the internal volume of the object. In some embodiments, this may permit an inspection camera to be introduced into the object such as a gas storage or transport pipe or vessel under pressure without disturbing substantially a pressure of gas within the pipe or vessel. Embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that a conduit may be introduced into an object such as a pressurised pipeline or vessel through a piston and flexible finger portion by sliding the hollow piston such that the flexible finger portion at least passes through an opening in an object such as a pipe, vessel or fitting coupled thereto in order to deliver the conduit to the internal volume of the object. In some embodiments, this may permit an inspection camera to be introduced into the object such as a gas storage or transport pipe or vessel under pressure without disturbing substantially a pressure of gas within the pipe or vessel. Embodiments of the invention allow a direction of travel of the conduit within the object to be controlled by appropriate flexing of the finger portion. This feature facilitates a reduction in damage to the conduit and / or object due to contact between the conduit and object as the conduit is fed into the object. For example, an object inspection device such as a camera, for inspecting the object, may be fed into the object by means of the present apparatus. The inspection device may be provided at one end of the conduit, and introduced into the object by axial sliding of the hollow piston. The inspection device may be fed within the object by a user, for example along a pipeline, by feeding the conduit through the conduit orifice of the apparatus. It is to be understood that, in the case that the object is a pipeline such as a pipeline carrying pressurised gas such as pressurised natural gas, sliding contact between the conduit and pipeline may take place. By providing apparatus with the finger portion, the direction in which the conduit is fed within the apparatus may be controlled, reducing an angle of incidence with which the inspection device and, subsequently, the conduit, contacts a sidewall of the pipeline. This may reduce an amount of damage suffered by the inspection device, conduit and / or pipeline sidewall as the conduit is fed into the pipeline. Sealing means may be provided between the conduit and conduit orifice. Optionally, the flex control means is operable automatically to cause the finger portion to flex as the piston is moved axially. This feature has the advantage that an operator is not required separately to control flexing of the finger. Rather, flexing of the finger occurs automatically as the piston is translated. Optionally, the flex control means is configured to cause the finger portion to flex as the piston is moved axially toward the object beyond a predetermined axial position. The apparatus may comprise an elongate flexible line coupled at a first longitudinal position to the finger portion and a second longitudinal position to anchor means of the apparatus, a length of the line being selected wherein as the piston is moved axially toward the object, optionally beyond the predetermined axial position, the anchor means causes the line to tauten and resist further axial translation of the piston, causing the finger to flex. Thus, it is to be understood that in some embodiments the position at which the finger flexes may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the line. The longer the line, the further the piston must be translated before the line becomes taut and flexing of the finger begins. The first longitudinal position may be a first free end of the elongate flexible line. The second longitudinal position may be a second free end of the elongate flexible line opposite the first. Optionally, the anchor means is provided by the body member of the apparatus, the line being coupled to the body member. Optionally, the line is coupled to the body member via a resiliently extensible member. The presence of the resiliently extensible member has the advantage that an amount of tension in the line may be increased more gradually than in the absence of the resiliently extensible member. Consequently, the piston must be translated further in order to cause the finger to flex by a given amount. This feature may be useful in facilitating greater control of the amount of flexing of the finger before an operator commences feeding of the conduit through the apparatus. Optionally, the resiliently extensible member comprises a spring, optionally a coil spring. It is to be understood that other resiliently extensible members may be employed in addition or instead, such as an elastic material, such as an elastic cord. Optionally, the line is coupled to the body member substantially directly or via a substantially inextensible member. The apparatus may have flex control means operable to cause the finger portion to flex whilst the piston is held at a desired axial position. Optionally, the flex control means comprises an elongate flexible line coupled at a first longitudinal position to the finger portion and a second longitudinal position to tension control means, the tension control means being operable by an operator to control an amount of tension in the elongate flexible line thereby to cause the finger to flex. The tension control means may be operable to control the amount of tension in the flexible line by an operator by means of a manual control such as a rotatable knob or movable lever. Alternatively, or in addition, the tension control means may be operable to control the amount of tension in the flexible line by an operator by means of an actuator such as an electrical actuator, optionally an electrical motor. The apparatus may be configured to allow the piston to be translated such that at least a portion of the piston at the second end of the piston projects out from the body portion. Optionally, the port at the second end of the flexible finger portion is rounded thereby to increase an area of contact between a conduit and the port as a conduit is fed therethrough. This feature has the advantage that damage to the conduit due to contact between the port and conduit may be reduced. Optionally, the port comprises a removable port portion defining an aperture through which the conduit) passes from the flexible finger portion into the object. Optionally, the removable port portion is formed from a material that is softer than a material from which the finger portion is formed thereby to further reduce damage to the conduit as it is fed through the port. Optionally, the piston is rotatable axially with respect to the body of the apparatus by a user. The apparatus may comprise one or more handles arranged to facilitate axial and / or rotational movement of the piston by a user. Optionally, the piston comprises the conduit orifice. The conduit orifice may comprise a conduit sealing means, arranged to provide a seal between the apparatus and the conduit, preventing or reducing the escape of fluids within the pressurised volume. The conduit orifice may conveniently be located at a second end of the piston, or in a head unit coupled to a second end of the piston. The head unit may be adapted to have conveniently interchangeable parts, such as seals, collars etc. rendering it suitable for conduits of different diameters. The payload preferably has a diameter, or other planform dimension, greater than that of the conduit orifice in the head for allowing passage of the conduit. Such an arrangement ensures that the payload cannot be blown out of the orifice under pressure from the fluid within the pipe, or accidentally withdrawn from the orifice. This feature has the advantage that leakage of pressurised fluid from within the apparatus through the conduit orifice due to withdrawal of the conduit from the apparatus through the conduit orifice may be substantially prevented. Advantageously the diameter of the conduit may be small compared to the overall diameter of the piston. It will be appreciated that, when in use in an object such as a pipe under some positive pressure, there will be a force attempting to push the conduit, and hence any devices attached thereto out of the orifice. This force is proportional to the planform, or sectional area of the conduit; a thinner conduit will be easier to work with from the point of view of this pressure, in that it will have, when used in a pipe with a positive pressure differential, a reduced force pushing it from the pipe. It is to be understood that some embodiments of the apparatus may equally be employed with objects under negative pressure, such as vacuum pipelines, vessels, chambers or other objects. The conduit sealing means may comprise means for providing a pressure seal between the conduit and the apparatus. The seal may comprise, at least in part, a compliant material such as foam rubber. The compliant material may be arranged to fit around the conduit, substantially surrounding it when seen in planform view. The sealing means may further comprise an adjustable clamping mechanism arranged to provide a variable degree of pressure to the seal. The degree of friction imparted to the conduit may therefore be varied by altering the degree of pressure applied to the compliant material. The compliant material may have an orifice formed therein adapted to substantially match the diameter of the conduit, and into which the conduit is arranged to fit. A cut may be formed in the compliant material to allow the conduit to be located in the orifice thereof. The cut may run axially along the material. Alternatively, the cut may be arranged to have a longer path, by providing the cut with a circumferential component to its path. The cut may have a helical path. Thus, the cut may not lie in a plane lying axially along the orifice. By cutting the compliant material in this manner the surface area of the cut is increased over a straight axial cut, and so any escape pathways for fluids are increased in length. This provides for a more effective seal. Furthermore, if an axial force is applied to compress the seal, the cut surfaces may be urged together, reducing escape of fluid. The sealing means may further comprise of resilient material located at one or both ends of the compliant material. The clamping mechanism may be arranged to apply a variable pressure to the resilient material, thereby compressing the compliant material. By increasing the pressure on the seal, the compliant material will tend to press more firmly against the associated conduit, increasing the friction thereon. An increase in pressure will also tend to increase the effectiveness of the seal, so reducing any leakage of fluids from or into the object, depending on whether the object is under positive or negative pressure. The compliant material may comprise anything suitable, such as rubber or foam rubber. The resilient material may comprise anything suitable, such as nylon, or another polymer material. A lubricant may be employed between the components making up the seal, and between the seal and the conduit. The seal means may comprise a plurality of separate seals. The seals may be stacked to provide greater sealing efficiency. The number of seals used in an apparatus may be tailored according to an expected pressure to be encountered within the pipe. The seals may be stacked in a spaced arrangement. Venting means may be arranged to vent fluids present within one or more spaces between the seals. The venting means may be arranged to vent the fluids to the external atmosphere, or to a recovery vessel, where the object is under positive pressure. The apparatus may comprise means for adjusting a degree of friction between the seal and a conduit. The seal may comprise a compliant material adapted to surround a conduit. Advantageously the body may be adapted to be connected to a fitting already mounted to the object. The fitting may incorporate a valve that, when closed, isolates the apparatus from the contents of the object, and when open, allows entry of the piston into the object. The piston diameter is preferably chosen to enable the piston to pass through a standard sized valve, for the standard being employed in a given region of use. Optionally, the flexible finger is adapted to receive a cutting element at the second end thereof, wherein the cutting element is adapted to be suitable for cutting through an associated object. Optionally, the flexible finger has a cutting element located at the second end thereof, wherein the cutting element is adapted to be suitable for cutting through an associated object. It is to be understood that this feature allows the apparatus to cut through an object such as a pipe made of suitably soft material, such as a plastics pipe. Thus, an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention may be deployed onto a fitting attached to an object such as a pipe where no hole has yet been cut into the pipe. The cutting portion of the piston may thus be used to cut a hole through which the piston, and the device to be inserted into the pipe, can pass. In an alternative embodiment, the piston may be adapted to receive a cutting element at the second end thereof, wherein the cutting element is adapted to be suitable for cutting through an associated object. Thus, when it is required to cut an aperture in an object such as a pipe P, the flexible finger may be removed and the cutting element attached to the piston instead, in order to cut the hole and install a valve means such as a valved access port to the object. Once the valved access port has been applied and the hole cut, the apparatus may be removed from the port, the cutting element replaced by the flexible finger, and the apparatus reattached to the valved port. In some embodiments, the second end of the piston may be provided with a cutting element and the piston allow the flexible finger to be attached to the piston without removing of the cutting element, which may for example be provided by a sharp or sharpened tip of the piston. Optionally, the cutting element is adapted to cut through the object as the piston is rotated about its axis, optionally wherein the cutting element is arranged to cut a hole into the object to allow the flexible finger to pass therethrough. In some embodiments the apparatus may be arranged to allow a conduit to be fed into the apparatus through the conduit orifice to allow a payload item coupled to the conduit to be fed into the object to which the apparatus is connected. The payload item may be arranged to be provided in electrical or optical communication with a device external to the apparatus via the conduit as the item enters the object, for example a pipe, and travels through the pipe. The item may for example comprise a detector device such as a camera configured to feed data back to apparatus external to the apparatus via the conduit. The conduit may therefore comprise one or more electrical cables. The conduit may, alternatively, or additionally, comprise one or more power cables, optical fibres, and / or hoses for the transfer of fluids, depending upon the particular task being carried out, and depending upon the payload being used. The apparatus may be configured to allow the conduit to be fed into the piston and the conduit may be sufficiently resistant to buckling to allow the payload item to be propelled along a pipe or vessel. For example, the payload may comprise a camera system, with a camera head, comprising a lens and sensor. The camera may take an electrical power signal, via the conduit, from an external power supply. The camera may be arranged to provide a signal back through the conduit for viewing on a suitable display. Optionally, the camera system may be adapted to reside, when retracted, within the piston flexible finger or piston. The payload may alternatively or additionally comprise anything else suitable, e.g. an illuminator, an acoustic transducer, a hose nozzle, alone or in combination. This feature allows a payload of the apparatus such as a device comprising a detector to be introduced into a pressurised volume such as a pipeline containing pressurised gas or liquid in a convenient manner. The apparatus may further include a payload portion connected to a conduit. Optionally, the payload portion comprises a camera system. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pipe, vessel or fitting for attachment to a pipe or vessel having apparatus according to any preceding aspect coupled thereto. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a retriever, the retriever comprising apparatus according to any preceding claim, the method comprising: providing the apparatus in fluid communication with an interior of an object such as a pipe or vessel; and introducing a flexible finger of the apparatus into the object. Optionally, the method comprises orienting the piston to align an egress port of the flexible finger thereof towards a desired direction, and optionally feeding a conduit through the flexible finger such that the conduit, in turn, pushes on a payload attached thereto, moving the payload away from the flexible finger and, as more conduit is fed into the piston, pushing the payload along an interior of the object. Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives, and in particular the individual features thereof, set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, may be taken independently or in any combination. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. For the avoidance of doubt, it is to be understood that features described with respect to one aspect of the invention may be included within any other aspect of the invention, alone or in appropriate combination with one or more other features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: FIGURE 1 diagrammatically illustrates a cross-sectional profile view of an embodiment of the invention, mounted on a pipeline and with the apparatus in an extended or deployed condition or configuration; FIGURE 2 diagrammatically illustrates a cross-sectional profile view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, mounted on a pipeline and with the apparatus in a retracted condition or configuration; FIGURE 3 diagrammatically illustrates a close-up sectional view of a seal unit of the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIGURE 4 shows the flexible finger protruding from a base of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the camera module removed for clarity; FIGURE 5 shows the seal unit of the apparatus of FIG. 1 prior to coupling of the seal unit to the housing; FIGURE 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the seal unit and housing showing the bayonettype arrangement of the coupling between the housing and seal unit of the apparatus; FIGURE 7 shows the apparatus in the extended configuration, with only part of the flexible finger and seal unit shown FIGURE 8 shows cross-sectional side views of the apparatus attached to a cylindrical pipe as viewed orthogonal to a cylinder axis of the pipe and normal to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, with the apparatus (a) in the retracted condition of FIG. 2 immediately following attachment of the apparatus to an access port of the pipe, (b) after opening a valve associated with the access port and sliding the flexible finger of the apparatus into the access port, and (c) after sliding the flexible finger of the apparatus through the access port and into the pipe, with the apparatus in the fully extended position of FIG. 1, the piston being at its position of maximum extent of travel with respect to the housing of the apparatus; FIGURE 9 shows 3D views of the apparatus (a) with the apparatus in the extended configuration of FIG. 1 and (b) with the apparatus in the retracted configuration of FIG. 2; and FIGURE 10 illustrates (a) a seal, (b) an end cap and (c) a seal similar to that shown in (a), for use in embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A first embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention is shown in FIG 1. The apparatus 101 has major components comprising a hollow body member or body 110, a hollow piston 120 having first and second ends 121, 122 and a hollow flexible finger 130 provided at the second end 122 of the piston 120. The body 110 has an internal barrel within which the piston 120 is movable axially. The flexible finger 130 has first and second free ends 131, 132, the first end 131 being provided at the second end 122 of the piston 120. The body 110 has a base 110B at one end thereof that is attached to a cylindrical body tube 110C of the body 110. The body tube 110C is attached to the base 110B by means of a threaded bore 110T provided in the base 110B and a corresponding screw thread provided at one end of the body tube 110C, the base 110B allowing attachment of the apparatus 101 to a pipe fitting 5, which is in turn fitted onto a pipeline P. A head portion 110H of the body 110 is provided at an end of the body tube 110C opposite the base 110B. The piston 120 comprises a cylindrical tube located coaxially within the body tube 110C that also slides within the head portion 11 OH. In the present embodiment, the head portion 110H is a cylindrical component formed from the same stainless-steel material as the body tube 110C although in some embodiments it may be formed from a different material. A passageway is provided through the head portion 110H to permit the piston 120 to pass through the head portion 11 OH. The head portion 11 OH has first and second opposite ends 110H1, 110H2, the second end 110H2 being coupled to the body tube 110C by means of a threaded bore provided in the second end 110H2 which connects to a corresponding external thread provided on an outer wall of the body tube 110C. The head portion 11 OH of the body 110 has a pair of axially spaced gas-tight seals 11 OS therewithin that provide a seal between the piston 120 and head portion 110H, the piston 120 being provided in sliding contact with the seals 11 OS. That is, the seals 11 OS are arranged to allow the piston 120 to be slidable with respect to the seals 110S whilst preventing egress of gas from within the body 110 to the ambient environment external to the apparatus 101. The apparatus 101 has a seal unit 170 (FIG. 1-3, see below) provided at the first end 121 of the piston 120 in order to provide a seal between the piston 120 and conduit 7. The seal unit 170 enables conduit 7 to be fed into the apparatus 101 by sliding through the seal unit 170 whilst the internal volume of the apparatus 101 is in fluid communication with the pipeline P. Flexible finger As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the flexible finger 130 has a body portion comprising four tubular elements 135A, 135B, 135C, 135D. A first tubular element 135A is fixedly coupled to the second end 122 of the piston 120, in the present embodiment by means of screw fixing elements although other coupling means may be useful such as rivets, welding, an adhesive or other suitable means. A second tubular element 135B is pivotably coupled to the first tubular element 135A by means of a first hinge means 135HA. A third tubular element 135C is pivotably coupled to the second tubular element 135B by means of a second hinge means 130HB. A fourth tubular element 135D is pivotably coupled to the third tubular element 135C by means of a third hinge means 135HC. In the present embodiment, the hinge means 135HA, 135HB, 135HC comprises a pin element that passes through corresponding apertures formed in corresponding free ends of the tubular elements 135A-D to be connected, forming a hinge axis that is substantially perpendicular to a tube axis of each tubular element 135A-D. In some alternative embodiments, the flexible finger 130 is integrally formed with the piston 120 from the same tubular member. In some embodiments, the flexible finger 130 is integrally formed by forming cuts in the hollow tubular member from which the piston 120 is formed, to define the tubular elements, whereby a wall of the tubular member forms the hinge means between tubular elements, in the manner of a living hinge. In the present embodiment, the outer diameters of the piston 120 and flexible finger 130 are substantially the same. This diameter is smaller than that of the inside diameter of the body tube 110C, to allow the piston 120 and flexible finger 130 to fit within the body tube 110C. In the present embodiment, the inner and outer diameters of the piston 120 and flexible finger 130 are 40mm and 50mm, respectively, whilst the inner and outer diameters of the body tube 110C are 60mm and 70mm, respectively. Other values of inner and outer diameters of the flexible finger 130, piston 120 and body tube 110C may be useful. For example, in some embodiments the outer diameters of the piston 120 and flexible finger 130 may be from 10mm to 100mm. Other outer diameters may be useful. In some embodiments the outer diameter of one or both of the piston 120 and flexible finger 130 may be less than 10mm. In some embodiments the outer diameter of one or both of the piston 120 and flexible finger 130 may be greater than 100mm. The apparatus 101 is arranged to allow the piston 120 and flexible finger 130 to be moved between the deployed condition shown in FIG. 1 and the retracted condition shown in FIG. 2 by axial sliding of the piston 120. As shown in FIG. 2, in a retracted condition of the apparatus the piston 120 and flexible finger 130 are provided substantially entirely within the body 110. FIG. 1 shows the apparatus 101 in an extended or deployed condition in which the piston 120 has been slid to a position in which the flexible finger 130 and second end 122 of the piston 120 are located outside the body 110 (in an extended condition of the apparatus 101). It is to be understood that, in the present embodiment, the seals 110S also allow the piston 120 to rotate axially within the body tube 110C, enabling the flexible finger 130 to be rotated in a corresponding manner as described in more detail below. As noted above, the piston 120 and flexible finger 130 are hollow, each defining a passageway therethrough to permit a length of conduit 7 to be fed from the seal unit 170, via the piston 120, to the second end 132 of the flexible finger 130 and to be fed out from the second end 132 of the finger 130. The second end 132 of the flexible finger 130 has an egress port 130P to permit the conduit 7 to pass out from the apparatus 101 and into the pipeline P or other object with which the apparatus 101 is in fluid communication. The port 130P includes a hole (or aperture or orifice) defined by a wall of the flexible finger 130 at the second end 132 of the flexible finger 130. The flexible finger 130 is provided with a guide element 130G (FIG. 1) at the second end 132 through which the conduit 7 passes in order to guide egress of the conduit 7 from the finger 130. The conduit 7 is able to slide through an aperture or orifice that is formed through the guide element 130G, in sliding contact with the guide element 130G, as conduit 7 exits the finger 130. In the present embodiment, the guide element 130G is provided with coupling means in the form of an external screw thread at one end that may be coupled to the second end 132 of the flexible finger 130 by screwing into a corresponding threaded bore provided at the second 132 of the flexible finger 130. Other coupling means may be useful in some embodiments such as a bayonet-type coupling means. In some embodiments the guide element 120G is formed from a plastics material, in some embodiments polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). However, other materials may also be useful such as Delrin (RTM), Nylon or a hardened steel. It is to be understood that the guide element 120G may be readily replaced when it becomes worn by unscrewing the worn guide element 120G. In the present embodiment, the base 11 OB, body tube 110T, piston 120, the four tubular elements 135A-D and hinge means 135HA-HD of the flexible finger 130 are formed from a stainless-steel material although other materials, such as aluminium or an aluminium alloy, may be useful for forming one or more of these components in some embodiments. The guide element 130G is formed from a material that is softer than the material from which the fourth tubular element 135HD of the flexible finger 130 is formed, in order to reduce damage due to sliding contact between the flexible finger 130 and conduit 7 as the conduit 7 emerges from the second end of the flexible finger 132. In the present embodiment the guide element is formed from a plastics material, in the present embodiment polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). However, other materials may also be useful such as Delrin (RTM), Nylon or a hardened steel. It is to be understood that the guide element 130G may be readily replaced when it becomes worn by unscrewing the worn guide element 130G. Head The head portion 11 OH of the body 110 is provided with a threaded bore 11 OHB in a sidewall thereof to which is coupled a gas-tight side chamber 125. The side chamber 125 is in fluid communication with the inner volume of the apparatus 101 defined at least in part by the body tube 110C (which is in turn arranged to be provided in fluid communication with the object to which the apparatus 101 is provided). The side chamber 125 has a length of tube 125T that is closed at a second end 125T2 by means of an end cap 125C that forms a gastight seal to the tube 125T and coupled at a first end 125T1 opposite the second end to an elbow 125E. The elbow 125E is in turn coupled to the head portion 11 OH of the body 110 by means of the threaded bore 110HB and a corresponding external screw thread on the elbow 125E. The tube 125T of the side chamber 125 has a coil spring 125C provided therein that is constrained to remain within the tube 125T. A diameter of the coil spring is similar to that of an internal diameter of the tube 125T, but sufficiently small to allow the spring 125C to readily contract and expand longitudinally. A slidable block or ‘slider’ 125B of cylindrical section is provided within the tube 125T between the coil spring 125C and second end 125T2, the slider 125B being substantially coaxial with the tube 125T and having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the inner diameter of the tube 125T. The slider 125B is slidable within the tube 125T along a longitudinal axis of the tube 125T. The slider 125B has a passageway 125BP disposed therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the slider 125B, and thus in turn substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the tube 125T. An elongate flexible line 101L is provided within the tube 125T. The line 101L has a first free end coupled to a cylindrical stopper 125S. The stopper 125S has a diameter larger than that of the passageway 125BP through the slider 125B, the stopper 125S being provided between the slider 125B and the second end 125T2 of the tube 125T. The line 101L passes from the stopper 125S through the passageway 125BP through the slider 125B, through an interior volume of the coil spring 125C, and via the elbow 125E into the head portion 110H. The line 101L then passes through the interior volume of the piston 120 to the flexible finger 130, being fixedly coupled at its second free end, opposite the first, to the fourth tubular element 135D. In some embodiments, the line 101L pass through the flexible finger 130 via passageways formed in a wall of one or more of the tubular elements 135A-D. In some embodiments, passageways are formed in each of the tubular elements 135A-D. In some embodiments, passageways are formed in each of the second to fourth tubular elements 135B-D. The presence of one or more such passageways facilitates management of the location of the line 101L during manipulation of the flexible finger 130. The one or more passageways, where provided, may be located such that the line 101L passes through the finger portion 130 along a path that is disposed substantially diametrically opposite the corresponding hinge means 135HA-HC. The coil spring 125C is arranged to urge the slider 125B and thereby the stopper 125S away from the first end 125T1 of the tube 125T towards the second end 125T2. It is to be understood that, in the embodiment shown, when the apparatus 101 is in the retracted condition as shown in FIG. 2, the coil spring causes the slider 225B to assume a position substantially adjacent the second end 125T2 of the tube 125 and the line 101L is held under light or substantially no tension. When the piston 120 is subsequently slid to move the seal unit 170 towards the body tube 110T, the line 101L is drawn through the body tube 110T, and the stopper 125S begins to move axially from the second end 125T2 of the side chamber tube 125 towards the first end 125T1. The coil spring therefore begins to compress and a tensile stress is introduced into the line 101L. The apparatus 101 is configured such that, when the piston 120 reaches a predetermined position, a tensile force imposed on the line 101L by the coil spring 125C is sufficient to cause the flexible finger 130 to begin to bend laterally, the line 101T being disposed within the finger 130 diametrically opposite the hinge means 135HA-D in the illustrated embodiments, although other arrangements may be useful. With the piston 110 substantially at its maximum distance of travel, as shown in FIG. 1, the flexible finger 130 reaches its position of maximum lateral flexing or bending. Thus, where the flexible finger 130 is introduced to a pipeline along a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the pipeline, the finger 130 may bend as it is introduced into the pipeline such that the second end 132 points in a direction that is more parallel or coincident to the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. The line 101L thus provides flex control means for controlling flexing or bending of the finger 130. Seal unit The seal unit 170A is illustrated in enlarged view in FIG. 3 and also shown in FIG. 5-7. The seal unit 170 has a cylindrical body portion 170C formed from a stainless-steel material, the body portion 170C having first and second opposite ends 171, 172 axially spaced from one another. The body portion 170C is coupled at its second end 172 to the first end 121 of the piston 120 by means of a threaded bore 1706 provided at the second end 172 of the seal unit 170 and a corresponding external screw thread provided on the first end 121 of the piston 120. The body portion 170C has a pair of handles 170H proximate the second end 172 of the body portion 170C to facilitate manual manipulation of the piston 120 by a user. A pin element 170P protrudes radially from the seal unit 170 proximate the second end 172 of the body portion 170C a sufficient distance to allow the seal unit 170 to form a bayonet-type coupling to the body 110. The pin element 170P engages with corresponding arms 110HA of the head 110H of the body 110 to form the bayonet-type coupling, FIG. 1 showing the apparatus 101 following the making of such a coupling. This coupling enables the piston 120 to be locked in a substantially fixed axial position with respect to the body 110 once the flexible finger 130 has been introduced into the object such as a pipeline P. As noted above, the apparatus 101 is shown in this locked configuration in FIG. 1. The apparatus is provided with a cap member 175C in the form of a cylinder having an external thread. The cap member 175C has a pair of handles 175H at a first end to facilitate screwing of a second, opposite end of the cap member 175C into an internal threaded bore formed in the first end 171 of the body portion 170C. The second end of the cap member 175C provides a pressure bearing portion 175CB that is arranged to apply pressure to a first sealing means 174S in the form of a compliant elastic plug seal 174S that fits snugly within the bore of the body portion 170C of the seal unit 170. The plug seal 174S has an axial passageway 174SP therethrough to facilitate passage of the conduit 7 therethrough. In the present embodiment the plug 174S is formed from an elastomeric material, in the present embodiment a natural rubber, although other materials may be useful such as synthetic rubber, a foam material, polyurethane, silicone or any other suitable material. Thus, it is to be understood that the cap member 175C provides an adjustable clamping mechanism for varying the pressure applied to the seal 174S, to vary the pressure between seal 174S, the body portion 170C and the conduit 7. This in turn varies an amount of frictional force opposing sliding of the conduit into and out from the apparatus 101. In some embodiments, the cap member 175C is formed in two diametrically opposite halves that, when brought together, form a barrel around the conduit 7 before the cap member 175C is screwed into the first end 171 of the body portion 170C. It is to be understood that, with the conduit 7 disposed substantially coaxially through the seal unit 170, rotation of the cap member 175C to screw the cap member 175C into the body portion 170C causes the pressure bearing portion 170CB to contact the first seal 174S and apply axial pressure thereto, compressing the seal axially against a seat or shoulder 170S formed in the body portion 170C and preventing further axial movement of the seal 174S. Compression of the seal 174S causes radial expansion of the seal 174S due to the Poisson effect, compressing the seal 174S radially between the conduit 7 and body portion 170C of the seal unit 170. The feature that the cap member 175C may be screwed onto the body portion 170C of the seal unit 170 allows the seal 174S to be replaced or cleaned more conveniently. A pair of handles 175H are provided on diametrically opposite sides of the cap member 175C to allow the cap member 175C to be screwed onto the body portion 170C to compress the first seal 174S. A second sealing means 176S is provided in the form a compliant elastic plug seal 176S that fits snugly within a bore of the cap member 175C of the seal unit 170 as shown in FIG. 3. The second seal 176S has an axial passageway therethrough to facilitate passage of the conduit 7 therethrough and provides a seal between the conduit 7 and cap member 175C and external atmosphere. The second seal 176S is formed from the same or similar elastomeric material to the first sealing means 174S. The purpose of the second seal 176S is to prevent egress from the apparatus 101 of any gas that leaks past the first seal 174S. Payload In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a camera module 180 is attached to the conduit 7 at the free end of the conduit 7 that emerges from the flexible finger 130. The camera module 180 has a body 184 and a head 182 rotatably coupled to the body 184. The head carries a camera unit, the camera unit including a lens and image sensor. The camera may be any suitable camera such as a digital or analogue camera. In the present embodiment the image sensor of the camera is a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensor although other sensors may be useful such as one or more CCD (charge coupled device) sensors. The head 182 is arranged to be rotatable about an axis normal to a longitudinal axis of the body 184 as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1. In the position shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the head 182 is rotated slightly anticlockwise with respect to a forward-looking orientation, the forward-looking orientation being an orientation in which the camera unit within the head 182 is arranged with its optic axis substantially coincident with and along a cylinder axis of the body 184. In the present embodiment the head 182 is rotatable by around 30 degrees clockwise and 30 degrees anticlockwise with respect to the forwardlooking orientation. Other angular ranges of rotation may be useful in some embodiments. In some embodiments the head may be substantially fixed and not rotatable with respect to the body 184. In some embodiments the camera may be provided within the body 184 with no head 182 provided. In the embodiment shown, the head 182 has a light source (not shown) comprising an array of light emitting diodes that surrounds a lens of the camera unit. The conduit 7 is flexible, but is sufficiently rigid to enable it to be pushed along pipework without unduly buckling. The conduit 7 runs from the back of the body 184 of the camera module 180, through the guide element 130G, flexible finger 130, piston 120, head 110H and seal unit 170, emerging from the seal unit 170 to ambient atmosphere through conduit orifice 176SA, and on to a spool (not shown). The conduit 7 contains internal wiring that carries a power signal to power the camera module 180, including the light source, and also carries a video signal generated by the camera module 180 that may be viewed or recorded by suitable equipment. In the present embodiment, the apparatus 101 is suitable for use with conduit 7 having a diameter in the range of approximately 3-20mm according to the application with which it is to be used, although other diameters may be useful. It is to be understood that a suitable sized guide element 130G and first and second seals 174S, 176S may be selected according to the chosen conduit diameter so as to form a suitably gas-tight seal. It is to be understood that other payloads may be employed in addition to or instead of a camera such as water extraction tooling. In some embodiments the conduit 7 may have a hollow portion such as a hollow core in addition to or instead of electrical and / or optical cabling for allowing fluid flow from within a pipeline P or other object to a reservoir external to the apparatus 101. This may allow extraction of liquid such as water from within a pipeline P or other object. As noted above, FIG. 2 shows the apparatus 101 with the piston 120 and flexible finger 130 in a retracted position in which they are contained within the housing 110 of the apparatus 101. In use, the base 110B of the apparatus 101 is coupled to an access port 5 associated with an object to be accessed such as a pipeline P. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the access port 5 is a pipe filling 5 that has been previously attached to the pipeline 5. The pipeline P has an aperture PA cut therein which is covered by the access port 5. The access port 5 includes an isolation valve 5V that isolates the interior of the pipeline P from the external, ambient environment under normal circumstances (i.e., when the apparatus 101 is not mounted onto the port 5), preventing any escape of gas. Once a gas-tight seal has been formed between the base 11 OB of the apparatus 101 and the port 5, the isolation valve 5V may be opened, causing an internal volume of the apparatus 101 to become fluidly connected to the internal volume of the pipeline P. The piston 120 of the apparatus 101 may then be slid, by manipulation of the handles 170H of the seal unit 170, towards the head 11 OH of the body 110 of the apparatus 101, causing the flexible finger 130 to be translated through the access port 5 and into the interior of the pipe P. As described above, the apparatus 101 is configured to cause the line 101L of the apparatus to become taut and to cause bending of the finger portion 130 once the finger portion has been translated axially a sufficient distance to avoid interference between the finger portion 130 and the access port 5. FIG. 8 shows cross-sectional side views of the apparatus 101 attached to the pipe P, which is cylindrical, as viewed orthogonal to a cylinder axis of the pipe and normal to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus 101, with the apparatus (a) in the retracted condition of FIG. 2 immediately following attachment of the apparatus to the access port 5 of the pipe P, (b) after opening the valve 5V associated with the access port 5 and sliding the flexible finger 130 of the apparatus 101 into the access port 5, and (c) after sliding the flexible finger 130 of the apparatus 101 through the access port and into the pipe P, with the apparatus 101 in the fully extended position of FIG. 1, the piston 120 being at its position of maximum extent of travel with respect to the housing 11 OH of the apparatus 101. FIG. 9 shows 3D views of the apparatus (a) with the apparatus in the extended configuration of FIG. 1 and (b) with the apparatus in the retracted configuration of FIG. 2. It is to be understood that, during this process of feeding conduit 7 through the apparatus 101 into the pipe P, the positive pressure within the pipe P will tend to oppose entry of the camera module 180 into the pipe P. However, the conduit’s relatively small diameter means that, with reasonable pressures being present within the pipe P, such as those commonly present in gas pipes, this force is low enough to be easily overcome by the operator. In some embodiments, locking means such as a clamp or other means may be provided to clamp the position of the conduit 7 with respect to the apparatus 101. Once an inspection has been completed, or if the camera module 180 needs to be withdrawn so that it can be sent down the pipe P in the opposite direction, the conduit 7 is withdrawn from the apparatus 101, which pulls the camera module 180 back along the pipe P, and ultimately to the free end of the flexible finger 130. As the diameter of the camera module 180 is larger than that of the conduit 316 it is prevented from being accidentally pulled through orifice in the guide element 130G. If a further inspection were required in the opposite direction to the first, then, after withdrawal of the camera module 180, the piston 120 would be rotated to position the flexible finger 130 in the correct direction, and the conduit 7 fed through the seal unit 170 once more as described above to move the camera module 180 to the required location within the pipeline P. Otherwise, if the inspection were complete, then the flexible finger 130 and any portion of the piston 120 protruding into the pipeline P would be withdrawn from the pipeline P, and up through the isolation valve 5V into the housing 110. The isolation valve 5V would then be closed. At this point the piston flexible finger 130, piston 120, and internal volume of the apparatus 101 are still at the positive pressure of the pipe P. The void between the first and second seals 174S, 176S may also be at an elevated pressure. This positive pressure can be dissipated by opening a vent valve 101V provided in the body portion 170C of the seal unit 170 adjacent the handles 170H, as shown in FIG. 6, to expose the inside of the housing 110 to atmospheric pressure. In the embodiment shown, the vent valve 101V is provided at a location that is circumferentially midway between the handles 170H, which are themselves diametrically opposite one another. Similarly, unscrewing of the seal unit cap member 175C from the body portion 170C of the seal unit 170 will enable relief of pressure in the void between the seals 174S, 176S. It is to be understood that appropriate safety precautions would be taken according to the nature of the fluid inside the piston 120. For example, the fluids may be captured in a suitable fluid container attachable to the vent. The base 110B may then be safely unscrewed from the pipe fitting 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a compliant elastic plug seal 174S is provided as noted above, that fits snugly within the bore of the body portion 170C of the seal unit 170, the seal 174S being compressed by the cap member 175C that provides an adjustable clamping mechanism for varying the pressure applied to the seal 174S, to vary the pressure between seal 174S, the body portion 170C and the conduit 7. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 the plug seal 174S is a unitary component in the form of a hollow cylinder having a longitudinal cut through a wall thereof parallel to a cylinder axis of the seal 174S. FIG. 10(a) illustrates a seal 674S according to an alternative design, for use in embodiments of the present invention. The seal 674S comprises a compliant elastic material 640 as its main sealing component, which is a foam rubber cylindrical block 640 in this example. On either end of the foam rubber block sits a layer of thin rubber sheet 641, 64T, and forming the end blocks of the seal are a pair of nylon end caps 642, 642’. The end caps 642, 642’ each provide a resilient surface able to withstand pressure applied by the cap member 175C as described in relation to FIG. 3, and countered by the seat or shoulder 1708 formed in the body portion 170C. An orifice 674SP runs through each component and is adapted to house the conduit 7, and defines an axis of the seal 674S. As an axial pressure is applied to the seal 674S in use, the end caps 642, 642’ transmit force to the foam rubber block 640, compressing it. As the block 640 compresses axially, it will tend to push outwards in the plane orthogonal to the axis as a consequence of the Poisson effect. Thus, it will push against the conduit 7 and sidewall of the body portion 170C, providing, within design limits, a better seal as the axial force is increased. The foam block 640, rubber layers 641, 641’ and end caps 642, 642’ are separate components in the present examples, being assembled together when required, for example in the field. Each is provided with means for allowing their fitting around a conduit. FIG. 10(b) shows an end cap 742 similar to end cap 642 of the embodiment of FIG. 10(a) that has been disassembled allowing it to be fitted to a conduit. The end cap comprises a generally circular (in assembled configuration) disk that has a generally “T” shaped piece 743 arranged to be slidably inserted or removed from the remaining portion 744. Web portions 745, 745’ on sliding piece 743 are adapted to engage with corresponding slots 746, 746’ on the remaining piece 744. FIG. 10(c) shows a foam rubber sealing member 740 similar to that of member 640 shown in FIG 10(a). The sealing member 740 is of a cylindrical form, with orifice 774SP, for receiving a conduit, running along the axis. A cut 740C in the foam provides access for the conduit to the orifice 741 when assembling the seal. The cut 740C runs in a generally helical path along the axis of the member 740. By having a cut path that is not purely axial, the surface area of the cut region is increased, which acts to increase the length of any leakage path that may exist when the seal is assembled. Also, axial pressure on the sealing member 740 will act to push the cut portions together in such an arrangement, improving the seal performance, whereas this would not occur if the cut ran straight down the axis of the member 740 as shown by dashed line 740C’. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the apparatus has been described in the sense of it being operated in an upright, vertical manner, with the head at the top, and the base at the bottom, with the words, “upper” and “lower”, “up” and “down” etc. being used in this context. This is purely for convenience of explanation, and it will be appreciated by a normally skilled person that the apparatus may be employed in various orientations according to particular requirements. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, means “including but not limited to”, and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Claims

1. An apparatus (101) for providing access to an interior of an object such as a pressurised pipe (P) or the like, the apparatus comprising:a body member (110), the body member (110) having an internal barrel that may be provided in fluid communication with an interior of the object (P);a hollow piston (120) slidable axially within the internal barrel,the apparatus (101) being provided with a conduit orifice (176SA) adapted to allow a conduit (7) to be disposed therethrough so as to pass into the apparatus (101) to an interior barrel of the piston (120) and to pass through the barrel of the piston (120) from a first end (121) of the piston (120) to a second end (122) distal the first (121),wherein the apparatus (101) has a flexible finger portion (130) provided at the second end (122) of the piston (120), the finger portion (130) defining a passageway through which the conduit (7) may pass from the internal barrel of the piston (120) through the finger portion (130) from a first end (131) of the finger portion to a second end (131) distal the first, the finger portion (130) having a port (130G) at the second end arranged to allow egress of the conduit (7) from the finger portion (130) into the object (P),the apparatus (101) being configured to allow the second end (132) of the finger portion (130) to be translated axially towards the object (P) by axial translation of the hollow piston (120),the apparatus (101) having flex control means (101L, 125) operable to cause the finger portion (130) to flex in a direction orthogonal to the direction of axial translation of the hollow piston (120) in order to control a direction along which a conduit (7) is fed from the apparatus (101).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the flex control means is operable automatically to cause the finger portion to flex as the piston is moved axially.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the flex control means is configured to cause the finger portion to flex as the piston is moved axially toward the object beyond a predetermined axial position.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3 comprising an elongate flexible line coupled at a first longitudinal position to the finger portion and a second longitudinal position to anchor means of the apparatus, a length of the line being selected wherein as the piston is moved axially toward the object, optionally beyond the predetermined axial position, theanchor means causes the line to tauten and resist further axial translation of the piston, causing the finger to flex.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the anchor means is provided by the body member of the apparatus, the line being coupled to the body member.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the line is coupled to the body member via a resiliently extensible member.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the resiliently extensible member comprises a spring, optionally a coil spring.

8. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the line is coupled to the body member substantially directly or via a substantially inextensible member.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim having flex control means operable to cause the finger portion to flex whilst the piston is held at a desired axial position.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the flex control means comprises an elongate flexible line coupled at a first longitudinal position to the finger portion and a second longitudinal position to tension control means, the tension control means being operable by an operator to control an amount of tension in the elongate flexible line thereby to cause the finger to flex.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim configured to allow the piston to be translated such that at least a portion of the piston at the second end of the piston projects out from the body portion.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the port (130G) at the second end of the flexible finger portion (130) is rounded thereby to increase an area of contact between a conduit and the port as a conduit is fed therethrough.

13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the port (130G) comprises a removable port portion (130G) defining an aperture through which the conduit (7) passes from the flexible finger portion (130) into the object (P).

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the removable port portion (130G) is formed from a material that is softer than a material from which the finger portion (130) is formed thereby to further reduce damage to the conduit (7) as it is fed through the port (130G).

15. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the piston (120) is rotatable axially with respect to the body (110) of the apparatus by a user.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising one or more handles (170H) arranged to facilitate axial and / or rotational movement of the piston by a user.

17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the piston comprises the conduit orifice (176SA).

18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the flexible finger is adapted to receive a cutting element at the second end thereof, wherein the cutting element is adapted to be suitable for cutting through an associated object.

19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the flexible finger has a cutting element located at the second end thereof, wherein the cutting element is adapted to be suitable for cutting through an associated object.

20. An apparatus according to claim 18 or claim 19 wherein, in use, the cutting element is adapted to cut through the object as the piston is rotated about its axis, optionally wherein the cutting element is arranged to cut a hole into the object to allow the flexible finger to pass therethrough.

21. An apparatus according to any preceding claim further including a payload portion connected to a conduit.

22. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claim 21 wherein the payload portion comprises a camera system.

23. A pipe, vessel or fitting for attachment to a pipe or vessel having apparatus according to any preceding claim coupled thereto.

24. A method of operating a retriever, the retriever comprising apparatus according to any preceding claim, the method comprising:providing the apparatus in fluid communication with an interior of an object such as a pipe or vessel; and5 introducing a flexible finger of the apparatus into the object.

25. A method according to claim 24 comprising orienting the piston to align an egress port of the flexible finger thereof towards a desired direction, and optionally feeding a conduit through the flexible finger such that the conduit, in turn, pushes on a payload attached 10 thereto, moving the payload away from the flexible finger and, as more conduit is fed into the piston, pushing the payload along an interior of the object.Application No: GB2403796.2Examiner: Contract Unit ExaminerClaims searched: 1-25Date of search: 16 October 2024Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X Y X: 1-3, 9, 11, 12, 15-18,21, 23-25 Y: 22 US6889703 B2 (WRC PLC) column 1, line 12 - line 18, column 1, line 54 - column 2, line 23, column 10, line 42 - column 12, line 46; figures 1, 5 X,Y X: 23 Y: 22 US9127803 B2 (KRYWYJ DANIEL; JD7 LTD) column 2, line 24 - column 7, line 65; figures 3-9 v A 23 US9395027 B2 (BAUGH BENTON) column 3, line 30 - column 6, line 38; figures X 23 US3306581 A (MILLER JOSEPH R) column 3, line 12 - column 5, line 56; figuresCategories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:International Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From F16L 0055 / 46 01 / 01 / 2006 F16L 0055 / 38 01 / 01 / 2006 F16L 0101 / 30 01 / 01 / 2006

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