Patent ID: 6020918
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: G01N,G03B

Abstract:
An apparatus for inspecting pipe interiors, the apparatus comprising:a tubular housing comprising an interior in which a forwardly directed camera is mounted, a front end that is connected to at least one forwardly directed light, a rear end, and an exterior, the exterior comprising an upper portion that is connected to a guide leg,the guide leg comprising a first section and a second section, the first section of the leg being pivotally attached to the upper portion of the exterior of the housing at a bracket disposed at a mid-point of the housing, the first section of the leg extending longitudinally and rearwardly along the exterior of the housing and at least partially through a slot disposed in the rear end of the housing, the second section of the leg being connected to the first section of the leg for limited pivotal movement with respect to the first section and at an upwardly directed angle so that the second section is directed rearwardly and upwardly from the rear end of the housing,the upper portion of the exterior of the housing further comprising a guide through which the first section of the leg passes, the guide limiting the upward and downward pivotal movement of the first section of the leg and substantially limiting the pivotal movement of the first section of the leg to movement within a plane defined by an axis of the housing and the bracket, the first section of the leg comprises a proximal end that is pivotally attached to the housing at the bracket and a distal end that is pivotally attached to the second section of the leg, the distal end of the first section comprising two spaced apart walls, the second section of the leg being disposed between and pivotally attached to the two spaced apart walls, the distal end of the first section further comprising a front pin extending through both walls in front of the second section of the leg and a rear pin extending through both wall behind the second section of the leg, the front and rear pins being spaced apart so that the second section of the leg is able to pivot to a limited extent with respect to the first section of the leg and an elastic member extending between and is attached to the first section of leg and the second section of the leg with the guide and front pin disposed therebetween, the elastic member biasing the second section of the leg against the front pin but permitting pivotal movement of the second leg between the front and rear pins.