Method and apparatus for detecting leaks and other defects on sewers and the like channels
US4913558A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 1988 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M3/005
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Defects in an underground channel, such as a sewer, are detected by an infrared scanning device (preferably an infrared video camera) moved internally along the channel. The scanning device senses temperature deviations which mark defects in the channel, as, for example, deviations due to the inflow of cool extraneous water into a sewer. The scanning device is in communication with an above-ground central unit which processes the scanning device output and displays and/or records thermal representations of the defect. The central unit also monitors the location (distance travelled) of the scanning device so that the locations of defects may be determined.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.