Camera guide for video pipe inspection system
US6862945B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/8806
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A guide for a video pipe inspection system that includes a camera head and a tubular coil spring having a central axis. A guide member with radially extending fins is configured to surround the tubular spring. At least one pin is removably engageable with the guide member and the tubular coil spring to retain the guide member in position with respect to the tubular coil spring. The straight segments of a pair of opposing U-shaped pins can be inserted into grooves in the guide member so that they extend between adjacent coils of the tubular coil spring. In alternate form, the guide member may include an inner capture ring assembly that receives the pins. An outer yoke assembly surrounds, and is freely rotatable about, the inner capture ring assembly and includes a pair of axles for rotatably supporting a pair of wheels that engage an interior wall of the pipe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.