Patent ID: 9143740
Filing Date: 2015-09-22
Classification: G01M,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for integrating electro-scan into a video camera based sewer defect identification vehicle, including the steps of: identifying a vehicle configured for video camera based visual sewer defect identification including a video camera, a signal transmitting cable having multiple conductors with the camera coupled thereto, a spool for cable storage, a cable deployment distance sensor, a camera signal evaluation station including access to data from the distance sensor, a signal interconnection between the spool and the camera signal evaluation station and a camera signal pathway extending from the camera through at least a portion of the cable and then through the signal interconnection to the camera signal evaluation station; providing an electro-scan sewer defect identification probe; exchanging the camera for the probe relative to the cable; providing an electro-scan probe signal evaluation station including access to data from the distance sensor, the electro-scan probe signal evaluation station located on the vehicle; providing a grounding element and coupling it to ground; transitioning the signal interconnection to be located between the spool and the electro-scan probe signal evaluation station; defining an electric leak detection signal pathway extending from the probe through at least a portion of the cable and then through the signal interconnection to the probe signal evaluation station along with reference to the grounding element; wherein said exchanging step includes providing the camera signal transmitting cable with a free end adapted to extend more distant from the vehicle than an attachment end opposite the free end, the free end of the cable including a cable coupling thereon adapted to be removably attached to either the camera or the probe; wherein said transitioning step includes a yoke between an output of the signal interconnection and the camera signal evaluation station; disconnecting the yoke; attaching the yoke to the electro-scan probe signal evaluation station; and coupling the probe to a haul line routed along the sewer line and spaced from the input manhole.