Method and apparatus for inspecting lateral lines
US4651558A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 1985 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M3/38
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Detecting and locating leaks in building service lateral sewer pipelines is accomplished under remote control by inserting a lateral inspection television camera into the lateral pipeline from a main sewer pipeline. The lateral inspection camera is stored in a generally cylindrical launcher mechanism having a camera port opening through which the lateral camera may be projected and retracted using a hollow elongated and flexible push rod. The launcher is moved longitudinally in the main pipeline, along with a main television camera, until an entrance opening to a service lateral pipeline is viewed via the main camera. The launcher mechanism may also be rotated in order to properly align the camera aperture with the entrance to the lateral pipeline. The lateral camera can be propelled into the lateral pipeline by means of motor driven pinch rollers in the launcher mechanism pushing the push rod. Electrical power and video signals for the miniature camera are transmitted through a cable disposed within the push rod. An electronic switch is disposed in the launcher mechanism and is selectively actuable from a remote control station to effect alternative transmission of the lateral cam…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.