Patent Publication Number: US-7581988-B2

Title: Detachable coupling for a remote inspection device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/645,276 filed on Dec. 22, 2006 which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application No. 60/848,586 filed on Sep. 29, 2006 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/480,329 filed on Jun. 30, 2006. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to borescopes and video scopes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Borescopes and video scopes for inspecting visually obscured locations are typically tailored for particular applications. For instance, some borescopes have been tailored for use by plumbers to inspect pipes and drains. Likewise, other types of borescopes have been tailored for use by mechanics to inspect interior compartments of machinery being repaired. Special features and functions associated with these applications have driven up the cost for these types of devices. Absent from the marketplace is a simplified, inexpensive and yet versatile inspection device which may be marketed to the general public. 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a detachable coupling for selectively attaching first and second cables of a remote inspection device. The detachable coupling includes a first ferrule component provided over the first cable and having an end cap extending over an end of the first cable. The first ferrule component is an electrical insulator. The detachable coupling further includes a first casing engaging the first ferrule component, the first casing and the first ferrule component being secured to the first cable. The first ferrule component provides a seal to inhibit fluid communication between the first casing and the first cable and electrically isolates the first casing from the first cable. The detachable coupling also includes a first electrical connector supported within the first casing and electrically connected to wires in the first cable. The detachable coupling includes a second ferrule component provided over the second cable and having an end cap extending over an end of the second cable, The second ferrule component is an electrical insulator. The detachable coupling further includes a second casing engaging the second ferrule component, the second casing and the second ferrule component being secured to the second cable. The second ferrule component provides a seal to inhibit fluid communication between the second casing and the second cable and electrically isolates the second casing from the second cable. The detachable coupling also includes a second electrical connector supported within the second casing and electrically connected to wires in the second cable. The first and second casings engage and inhibit relative rotation therebetween, and the first and second electrical connectors engage and electrically connect the wires of the first and second cables. 
     The present disclosure further provides another detachable coupling for selectively attaching first and second cables of a remote inspection device. The detachable coupling includes a first assembly attached to the first cable and a second assembly attached to the second cable. The first assembly includes a ferrule component provided over the first cable. The ferrule component has a generally cylindrical main body and an end cap extending over an end of the first cable. The ferrule component further has at least one protrusion extending from an outer surface of the main body. The ferrule component is an electrical insulator and is deformable. The first assembly further includes a casing engaging and deforming the ferrule component. The casing has a generally cylindrical portion extending over the ferrule component. The cylindrical portion has an inside surface with at least one recess complementary to the at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion and the at least one recess engage to inhibit relative axial movement between the ferrule component and the casing. The ferrule component and the casing are secured to the first cable. The ferrule component provides a seal to inhibit fluid communication between the casing and the first cable and electrically isolates the casing from the first cable. The first assembly also includes an electrical connector supported within the casing and electrically connected to wires in the first cable. The first and second assemblies selectively engage so as to inhibit relative rotation therebetween and to electrically connect the wires in the first cable to wires in the second cable. 
     The present disclosure further provides a remote inspection device. The remote inspection device includes an imager housing including an imaging device, a display housing including a display device and a portable power source, and a first cable having a first end coupled to the imager housing and a second end coupled to the display housing. The first cable has a plurality of wires and an outer jacket. The wires operably connect the portable power source and the imaging device. The wires further operably connect the imaging device and the display device. The remote inspection device further includes a detachable coupling connecting the first cable and the imager housing. The detachable coupling includes a first assembly fixed to the first end said first cable and a second assembly coupled to the imager housing. The first assembly includes a first ferrule component provided over the first cable and having an end cap extending over the first end of the first cable. The first ferrule component is an electrical insulator. The first assembly further includes a first casing engaging the first ferrule component, the first casing and the first ferrule component being secured to the first cable. The first ferrule component provides a seal to inhibit fluid communication between the first casing and the first cable and electrically isolates the first casing from the first cable. The first assembly also includes a first electrical connector supported within the first casing and electrically connected to the wires. 
     The present disclosure further provides a method of assembling a detachable coupling for a remote inspection device. The method includes providing a first ferrule component on a first cable and disposing a first casing over the first ferrule component and the first cable. The method further includes deforming the first ferrule component with the first casing, the first ferrule component providing a seal between the first casing and the first cable to inhibit fluid communication therebetween. The method also includes supporting a first electrical connector in the first casing, electrically connecting wires in the first cable and the first electrical connector, filling a space within the first casing between the first cable and the first electrical component with an insulating material, and mating the first casing and the first electrical connector with a complementary assembly attached to a second cable, the first and second cables being mechanically and electrically connected. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary inspection device; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are exploded views of exemplary imager housings of the inspection device; 
         FIG. 2C  is a diagram depicting an exemplary piping structure for guiding light through the imager housing; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a imager housing having a sealable user adjustable focus mechanism; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional schematic view of the imager housing; 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  are perspective views of exemplary attachments for the imager housing; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view illustrating the engagement area for an exemplary attachment on the imager housing; 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary attachment coupled to the imager housing; 
         FIG. 6C  is a perspective view illustrating an alternative coupling means for attaching an attachment to the imager housing; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary display housing; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are fragmentary sectional views illustrating the coupling of the flexible cable to the display housing; 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram of the operational components which comprise the inspection device; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating a modular design for the inspection device; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  are cross-sectional view of a detachable coupling which may be used in the inspection device; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a secondary connector which may be used with the inspection device; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another exemplary detachable coupling; 
         FIGS. 14A-14F  are cross sectional views illustrating the assembly process for the detachable coupling; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the detachable coupling; 
         FIGS. 16A-16B  are perspective views of a portion of another exemplary detachable coupling; and 
         FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view illustrating the portion of the detachable coupling of  FIG. 16B . 
     
    
    
     The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a remote inspection device  10 . The remote inspection device  10  is generally comprised of three primary components: a display housing  12 , an imager housing  14  and a flexible cable  16  interconnecting the display housing  12  to the imager housing  14 . The flexible cable  16  may be bent or curved as it is pushed into visually obscured areas, such as pipes, walls, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible cable  16  is a ribbed cylindrical conduit having an outer diameter in the range of 1 cm. The conduit can be made of either a metal, plastic or composite material. Smaller or larger diameters may be suitable depending on the application. Likewise, other suitable constructions for the flexible cable  16  are also contemplated by this disclosure. 
     The imager housing  14  is coupled to a distal end of the flexible cable  16 . In the exemplary embodiment, the imager housing  14  is a substantially cylindrical shape that is concentrically aligned with the flexible cable  16 . However, it is envisioned that the imager housing  14  may take other shapes. In any case, an outer diameter of the cylindrical imager housing  14  is preferably sized to be substantially equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the flexible cable  16 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 2A , the imager housing  14  is configured to house an imaging device  22  and one or more light sources  24 . The imaging device  22  is embedded in an outwardly facing end of the imager housing. In particular, the imaging device  22  is coupled to an end of a circuit board  21  which in turn slides into an internal cavity of the imager housing  14 . The imaging device  22  is operable to capture an image of a viewing area proximate to the outwardly facing end of the imager housing  14 . The imaging device  22  may be implemented using a charge-coupled device (CCD), a CMOS-based image sensor, a digital image sensor, or other types of commercially available imaging devices. Image data is focused onto the imaging device  22  by a lens assembly  23  positioned adjacent to the imaging device  22 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the imaging device  22  and lens assembly  23  provides a fixed focus at approximately four to ten inches from the end of the imager housing. However, it is envisioned that the inspection device  10  may provide an adjustable focus. For instance, a user adjusted focus mechanism  30  is shown in  FIG. 3 . Through a fine mechanical screw thread or any similar movement device, the lens assembly  23  can be moved axially nearer or farther from the imager  22 . This movement changes the focus of the imaging device. At the same time, a seal  31  must be provided to prevent foreign materials from entering the mechanism. In another instance, the imaging device and lens assembly may be replaced with an auto-focus camera module. In this instance, a more sophisticated processor and drive motor assembly is needed to drive the camera module. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2A , one or more light sources  24  for illuminating the viewing area are also electrically connected to the circuit board  21 . In the exemplary embodiment, two light emitting diodes (LEDs) are disposed along the perimeter of the imaging device  22 . The LEDs protrude outwardly from the circuit board such that the imaging device  22  and lens assembly  23  is recessed between the two LEDs as shown in  FIG. 4 . The LEDs may optionally be connected to a separate circuit board residing in the camera head. Alternatively, the LEDs  24  may be recessed behind the imaging device  22  and/or lens assembly, such that light from the LEDs is transferred or piped to an emitting point which extends above and beyond the imaging device  22 . An exemplary piping structure is shown in  FIG. 2C . In either instance, recessing the imaging device and lens assembly behind the light emitting point reduces the amount of backscattered or interfering light from the LEDs. 
     A transparent cap  26  encloses these components within the imager housing  14 . For instance, the cap  26  may be made of an acrylic material that enables light to project from the LEDs into the viewing area and return from the viewing area to the imaging device. Other types of durable transparent material may be used in place of acrylic. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the protruding LEDs is encased by a nipple  27  formed in the cap  26 . To sufficiently illuminate the viewing area, each LED should preferably project light proximate to the view angle of the imager at a 60 degree view angle away from the image housing  14 . LEDs having such a view angle may be used. However, LED&#39;s having a 132 degree view angle provide a more inexpensive alternative. In this case, the ends of the nipples  27  may be curved to form a lens which focuses the light from the LEDs to a 60 degree view angle as shown in  FIG. 4 . Thus, the cap  26  may also serve as a lens for the light sources. The cap  26  is preferably ultrasonically welded to the outwardly facing end of the imager housing  14 , thereby creating a sealed enclosure; otherwise, techniques for sealing the cap to the imager housing are also contemplated. An alternative embodiment for the imager housing  14  is shown in  FIG. 2B . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the imager housing  14  couples to the flexible cable  16  by way of a threaded sleeve  29  integrally formed at one end of the imager housing  14 . The threaded sleeve  29  on the imager housing screws into a grooved portion from along an interior surface of a coupling formed on the distal end of the flexible cable. The sleeve and coupling each provide an axial passageway for a plurality of wires that are electrically connected between the circuit board in the imager housing and the display housing. The plurality of wires may or may not be further encased in a protective cable. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5A-5C , an attachment  51  may be removably coupled to the imager housing  14 . The attachment  51  is generally comprised of a finger portion  53  which extends in parallel to the axis of the cylindrical imager housing and beyond an outwardly facing end of the housing, and a clip  52  that attaches to the cylindrical housing. A distal end of the finger portion  53  may be further configured to retrieve or otherwise manipulate objects proximate to the end of the imager housing  14 . For instance, the attachment  51  may be configured with a hook as shown in  FIG. 5A  or with a magnet as shown in  FIG. 5B . In another instance, the attachment may be a mirror as shown in  FIG. 5C . Other configurations, such as a loop, lance, or cutting device, are also contemplated by this disclosure. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the imager housing provides an engagement area for the attachment  51  as shown in  FIG. 6A . The engagement area is comprised of an annular recess  62  formed in the outer surface of the imager housing. Within the annular recess, two opposing cutaways  62  are also formed, where each cutaway  62  defines a recessed rectangular planar surface  63  having a longitudinal axis  64  in parallel with the axis of the cylindrical imager housing. A radial surface  66  is formed between the two opposing cutaways. The clip  52  is further defined as a cylindrical band  54  having a radial gap  55  formed therein, such that the radial gap  55  of the clip  52  is slightly larger than the remaining radial surface  66 . In addition, the annular recess  62  is sized to receive the cylindrical band  54  of the clip. The engagement area may further include a locking groove  67  formed in the radial surface thereof and extends in parallel to the axis of the cylindrical imager housing. The locking groove  67  is sized to receive the finger portion  53  of the attachment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6B , the attachment  51  is coupled to the imager housing  14  by sliding the cylindrical band  54  over the recessed portion of the housing  14  and into the annular recess  62 . Recessed into the annular recess prevent the attachment from sliding forward or backwards along the imaging housing. The attachment  51  is then rotated 90 degrees around the axis of the housing until the finger portion  53  of the attachment  51  is recessed into the locking groove, thereby preventing attachment  51  from rotating about. The spring load of the band pulls the finger portion into the locking groove  67  to further prevent detachment from the imager housing. It is understood that the clip mechanism is a non-limiting example of how the attachment may be removably coupled to the imager housing.  FIG. 6C  illustrates a threaded coupling between the attachment  51  and the imager housing  14 . Other coupling means, such as magnetic, are also contemplate by this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the display housing  12  is coupled to a proximate end of the flexible cable  16 . In an exemplary embodiment, the display housing  12  is in the shape of a pistol. Specifically, the display housing  12  includes a handle portion  71  configured to be grasped by an operator of the device and a protruding portion  72  extending away from the user when grasped by the user, such that the protruding portion forms an obtuse angle relative to the handle portion of the housing display. Other handheld configurations for the display housing also fall within the broader aspects of this disclosure. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a threaded male connector  82  formed on the proximate end of the flexible cable  16  is used to couple the cable to the display housing  12  as best seen in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . In this case, a knurled nut  84  is fixed with the nut retainer  86 . The male connector  82  is screwed into the knurled nut  84 , thereby coupling the flexible cable  16  to the nut retainer  86 . The nut retainer is then attached into the protruding portion of the display housing  12 . Other types of connections are contemplated by this disclosure. 
     Returning to  FIG. 7 , the display housing  12  is configured to support the remaining operational components of the inspection device. In the exemplary embodiment, the operational components include a display device  73 , an interface board  74 , a power switch  75  and a power source  76  (i.e., 4 AA alkaline batteries). The display device  73  is preferably orientated towards the operator as the operator grasps the handle portion  71  of the device. Although a liquid crystal display is presently preferred, it is understood that other types of display devices, such a cathode ray tube or a LED display, may also be used. 
     Operational aspects of the inspection device are better understood from a schematic provided in  FIG. 9 . The power switch  75  is interposed between the power source  76  and the remaining operational components. When actuated by an operator to an ON position, power is supplied from the power source  76  to the interface board  74 . The interface board  74  in turn powers the display device  73  and the imaging device  22 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the power switch  75  is further operable to control the intensity of the LEDs. To do so, power is also supplied to an LED interface board  91 . The LED interface board  91  in turn sends a control signal to the LEDs based on the setting of the power switch  75 . As the dial is rotated further away from an ON position, the intensity of the LEDs is increased. In this way, the operator can adjust the illumination of the viewing area, thereby improving the quality of the acquired images. Alternative embodiments of the inspection device may employ other user actuated controls. For example, the inspection device may include controls for the contrast of the display device, on-screen display or for a zoom function of the imaging device. 
     Once powered on, the imaging device  22  begins capturing images and transmitting the image data as a video signal to a video decoder  92  residing on the interface board  74 . The video decoder  92  decodes the video signal and passes it through another interface to the display device  73 . The display device  73  is then operable to display the video images to the operator. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the imager housing is connected by a four wire twisted pair cable to the display housing. Functions for each wire are specified as follows: a power wire for delivering electrical power to the imaging device, a video wire for transporting the captured image data (e.g., a NTSC signal) from the imager back to the interface board, a control signal for varying the intensity of the light source and a ground connection. It is envisioned that more or less wires may be needed to support different functionality. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the inspection device may provide an image self-righting feature. As the camera head is pushed into inspection areas, it may get twisted so that the images displayed to the operator are disoriented. To orientate the images, an accelerometer is placed in the imager housing. The accelerometer is operable to report the position of the camera head in relation to a sensed gravity vector. Given the position data and the image data, a microprocessor residing in the display housing can apply a known rotation algorithm (e.g., rotation matrix) to the image data. In this way, the image data is always presented upright to the operator. 
     In another aspect of this disclosure, the remote inspection device may be designed to be modular as shown in  FIG. 10 . In general, the more expensive processing components, such that the LCD, are disposed in the display housing; whereas, lesser expensive components are used to construct the imager housing. Modularity enables the lesser expensive components to be interchanged or replaced as needed. 
     For example, a detachable coupling between the imager housing and the flexible cable enables imager housings of varying sizes to be used with the same display housing. The flexibility allowed by the modularity of this device also allows the cost efficient manufacture of easily replaceable imager heads that could be fixed at any desired spherical orientation in regard to the central axis of the cable or the imager head. A first imager head  14 ′ may be constructed as described above with the imaging device orientated along the central axis of the imager head; whereas, a second imager head  14 ″ provides an imaging device orientated at 90 degrees to the central axis of the imager head. Imager heads have other orientations are also contemplated. 
     Likewise, a second detachable coupling between the display housing and the flexible cable enables the use of different types of cables while retaining the same imager housing. Depending on the application, cables may vary in length from 3 feet to more than 50 feet and may vary in diameter from less than an inch to a couple of inches in diameter. Moreover, different cables may have different flexibilities, stiffnesses, spring tensions, obedient cable properties, tape measure material similarities, fish-tape or fish-stick similarities, push-cable similarities, etc. It is envisioned that the remote inspections device may be sold as a kit having a display housing  12 , at least one imager head  14  and a set of different cables having different constructs. Additional imager heads may be included in the kit or sold individually. 
     Given an adaptable display housing, users may configure the inspection device to meet their particular needs. For a first task, a first type of cable attachment along with a particular image head may be selected and coupled to the display housing. For a different task, the user may detach the image head and attach an image head which provides a different function. Alternatively, the user may also need to replace the cable attachment. In this case, the user further detaches the first type of cable attachment and attaches a second type of cable attachment having a different construct than the first type of cable attachment. For example, the second type of cable attachment may have a different length, diameter, or flexibility than the first type of cable attachment. The user then selects and attaches a suitable image head to the second type of cable attachment. In this way, the more expensive display housing may be configured with different and less expensive components tailored to a particular task. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate an exemplary detachable coupling  110  which may be interposed between the imager housing  14  and the flexible cable  16 . On the camera side, a cylindrical sleeve  29  having an outer threaded portion protrudes from the housing. A male connector  112  is fixed within an axial passageway of the threaded sleeve. The male connector  112  is in turn electrically connected via the applicable wires to the imaging device and light sources. On the other hand, a corresponding female connector  114  is coupled to the distal end of the flexible cable  16 . Likewise, the female connector  114  is electrically connected to wires which extend through the flexible cable  16  to the display housing. By plugging the male connector  112  into the female connector  114 , the imager housing  14  is electrically connected to the flexible cable  16 . 
     To provide a sealed coupling, a cylindrical coupling  116  is also disposed on the distal end of the flexible cable  16 . The cylindrical coupling  116  further provides an internal grooved portion  117  which mates with the threaded portion of the sleeve on the imager housing. To complete the coupling, the cylindrical coupling  116  is slid over the female connector and screwed onto the threaded portion of the sleeve, thereby encasing the electrical connection within the coupling. An O-ring  119  or other sealing component is preferably disposed between the inner surface of the cylindrical coupling and the outer surface of the flexible cable. A detachable coupling having a similar construction may be interposed between flexible cable and the display housing. Moreover, it is envisioned that other types of detachable couplings may be employed to achieve the modularity. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a secondary connector  120  may be interposed between the imager housing  14  and the flexible cable  16  as shown in  FIG. 12 . The secondary connector  120  is designed to be more flexible than the flexible cable, thereby providing strain relief as the imager housing is snaked into an inspection area. In the exemplary embodiment, a corrugated outer surface of the secondary connector  120  provides its flexibility. On the camera side, a cylindrical sleeve having an outer threaded portion protrudes from the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, one end of the secondary connector  120  is overmolded around the cylindrical sleeve to form a coupling between the image housing  14  and the secondary connector. The other side of the secondary connector can be constructed in manner described above for coupling to the flexible cable. Again, this type of secondary connector may also be interposed between the other end of the flexible cable and the display housing. 
       FIGS. 13-15  illustrate another exemplary detachable coupling  200  and the assembly thereof. According to the principles of the present disclosure, coupling  200  may be used to interconnect different components of inspection device  10 . By way of non-limiting example, coupling  200  can attach imager housing  14  and flexible cable  16  as illustrated. 
     In this exemplary illustration of flexible cable  16 , wires  220  are covered by an outer jacket  222 , and an end  224  is defined. It should be understood that, according to the principles of the present disclosure, flexible cable  16  can have a variety of components and configurations. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 14A-14D , coupling  200  includes a deformable ferrule or ferrule component  202 , an exterior metal connector or casing  206 , and an electrical connector  208  in a first assembly of components associated with flexible cable  16 . It is to be understood that, according to the principles of the present disclosure, coupling  200  and the components thereof (e.g. ferrule components, casings, and electrical connectors) can vary in many ways. Accordingly, it should be understood that the descriptions herein of coupling  200  and the components thereof are exemplary in nature. 
     Exemplary ferrule  202  has a generally annular shape and is disposed around flexible cable  16  with an inside surface  230  engaging outer jacket  222 . Ferrule  202  further includes an end cap  232  engaged with end  224  of flexible cable  16 . Wires  220  extend through an aperture  234  in end cap  232 . End cap  232  provides for a fixed position of ferrule  202  along the length of flexible cable  16 . Furthermore, end cap  232  provides for simple assembly of ferrule  202  and flexible cable  16 , as ferrule  202  is disposed on flexible cable  16  until end  224  engages end cap  232 . 
     Additionally, ferrule  202  includes an outside surface  236  configured to engage with casing  206 . Outside surface  236  can have a diameter D 1  sized to provide an interference fit with casing  206 , as explained in more detail herein. Ferrule  202  also has a sloped end surface  238  at the end thereof opposite end cap  232 . As explained in more detail herein, sloped end surface  238  helps facilitate the movement of coupling  200  through confined spaces. Furthermore, ferrule  202  has protrusions  240  extending from outside surface  236 . As illustrated in the Figures, protrusions  240  can be in the form of ridges or splines extending around outer surface  236 . As explained in more detail herein, protrusions  240  engage with complementary features of casing  206  to prevent relative axial movement therebetween. As used herein, the term “axial movement” refers to movement along the length of components of coupling  200 . 
     Ferrule  202  is preferably comprised of an electrically insulating material such as plastic or nylon. As explained herein, in combination with other components of coupling  200 , ferrule  202  electrically isolates coupling  200  from flexible cable  16  and, thus, the remainder of inspection device  10 . Furthermore, as a diameter D 1  of outside surface  236  can be sized to provide an interference fit with casing  206 , ferrule  202  can be made of a deformable material. 
     Exemplary casing  206  includes a cylindrical portion  250  which is disposed over ferrule  202  and flexible cable  16 . Cylindrical portion  250  of casing  206  and ferrule  202  have a sealed engagement to prevent fluid communication therebetween (e.g., to provide a watertight seal). The engagement of ferrule  202  and cylindrical portion  250  also provide a sealed engagement between ferrule  202  and flexible cable  16 . Therefore, coupling  200  is watertight between flexible cable  16  and cylindrical portion  250  of casing  206 . For example, ferrule  202  can be press fit into cylindrical portion  250 , as an inside surface  252  of cylindrical portion  250  can have a diameter D 2  smaller than the diameter D 1  of a complementary portion of outside surface  236  of ferrule  202 . As such, casing  206  can deform ferrule  202 . Furthermore, casing  206  has a plurality of recesses  254  formed in inside surface  252  complementary to protrusions  240 . Ferrule  202  is swaged into casing  206  so that protrusions  240  extend into recesses  254 . The engagement of protrusions  240  and recesses  254  prevent relative axial movement between ferrule  202  and casing  206 . As illustrated in the Figures, recesses  254  can be in the form of grooves extending around inside surface  252 . 
     Casing  206  further includes a main portion  260  having an inside surface  262  and an outside surface  264 . As described in more detail herein, inside surface  262  is configured to support electrical connector  208 . Furthermore, as explained in more detail herein, a sloped portion  266  of outside surface  264  helps facilitate the movement of coupling  200  through confined spaces. Main portion  260  also has a tab  268  extending therefrom. Tab  268  is configured to prevent relative rotation within coupling  200 , as explained in more detail herein. 
     Exemplary electrical connector  208  is disposed within casing  206  and supported by inside surface  262 . For example, electrical connector  208  can be sized to have an interference fit with a portion of inside surface  262  to hold electrical connector  208  in place during assembly. Prongs  280  extend from electrical connector  208  and are electrically connected to wires  220 . For example, wires  220  are soldered to electrical connector  208 . Furthermore, electrical connector  208  isolates wires  220  and prongs  280  from casing  206 . It should be understood that electrical connector  208  can have a variety of components and configurations and can be connected to wires  220  in a variety of ways. 
     Additionally, exemplary casing  206  can include a tap  282  proximate electrical connector  208 . Referring to  FIGS. 14C-14D , a set screw  284  is disposed within tap  282 . Set screw  284  is tightened to engage electrical connector  208  and to help secure electrical connector  208  relative to casing  206 . 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 14C , a space  290  is defined within casing  206  and between ferrule  202  and electrical connector  208  as these components are assembled together. Wires  220  extend through space  290  from end  224  of flexible cable  16  to electrical connector  208 . Referring to  FIG. 14D , space  290  can be filled or backpotted with an insulating or backpotting material  292 . Casing  206  includes an aperture  294  in communication with space  290 . Set screw  284  engages electrical connector  208  to hold electrical connector  208  in place, and insulating material  292  is inserted through aperture  294  and fills space  290 . 
     Insulating material  292  reduces and/or eliminates the airspace between ferrule  202  and electrical connector  208 . Insulating material  292  electrically isolates the wires  220  extending through space  290  from casing  206  and serves as an adhesive to help hold electrical connector  208  in place. Furthermore, insulating material  292  increases the waterproofing, vibration resistance, and durability of coupling  200 . According to the principles of the present disclosure, insulating material  292  can be made of a variety of materials. By way of non-limiting example, insulating material  292  can be a foam, epoxy, or glue. As such, insulating material  292  can be configured to harden in space  290 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 14E ,  14 F, and  15 , coupling  200  can have a second assembly of components associated with a cable segment  300  of imager housing  14  similar to the first assembly of components associated with flexible cable  16 . Accordingly, it should be understood that the descriptions herein equally apply to similar components, unless otherwise noted. 
     Coupling  200  has a ferrule  302  engaged with cable segment  300 , a casing  306  disposed over ferrule  302 , and an electrical connector  308  supported within casing  306  in the second assembly of components. A space  310  is defined within casing  306  and between ferrule  302  and electrical connector  308 . Space  310  is filled with insulating material  312  through a aperture  314  in casing  306 . 
     In contrast to casing  206  of the first assembly of coupling  200 , casing  306  does not include a tab extending therefrom. Rather, as shown in  FIG. 15 , casing  306  has a recess  320  formed therein. Recess  320  is complementary to tab  268  of casing  206  and receives tab  268  when the two assemblies of coupling  200  are mated together. With tab  268  disposed in recess  320 , casings  206 ,  306  are inhibited from rotating relative to one another. This connection provides for torque resistance within the coupling  200 . 
     Casing  306  also includes a threaded tap  322  and a set screw  324  disposed within tap  322 . Similar to tap  282  and set screw  324  described herein, tap  322  is proximate electrical connector  308 , and set screw  324  is tightened to engage electrical connector  308  and to help secure electrical connector  308  relative to casing  306 . 
     Electrical connector  308  includes holes  330  formed herein. Holes  330  are electrically connected to wires  332  of cable segment  300 . Holes  330  have a complementary size and configuration to prongs  280  of electrical connector  208 . Holes  330  receive prongs  280  when the two assemblies of coupling  200  are mated together. Thereby, wires  220  of flexible cable  16  and wires  332  of cable segment  300  are electrically connected. Furthermore, the ferrules, electrical connectors, and insulating material together electrically isolate casings  206 ,  306  from the wires and, therefore, the rest of inspection device  10 . 
     Both wires  220  of flexible cable  16  and wires  332  of cable segment  300  are coiled together. This configuration provides flexibility to the length of the electrical connection. Therefore, when flexible cable  16  or cable segment  300  is bent during use, or otherwise when a variation in connection length is needed during assembly, both wires  220  and  332  can accommodate a variety of connection lengths. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14F , coupling  200  further includes a sleeve  340  disposed over and engaged with casings  206 ,  306 . In particular, a threaded portion  342  on an inside surface  344  of sleeve  340  engages a complementary threaded portion  348  on outside surface  236  of casing  206 . Furthermore, a shoulder  352  on inside surface  344  of sleeve  340  engages a complementary shoulder  356  in casing  306 . Therefore, sleeve  340  can be tightened onto casing  206  while engaging casing  306  to secure the two assemblies of coupling  200  together. 
     Sleeve  340  can also have sealed engagements with casings  206 ,  306 . In particular, a first sealing member  360  is supported by casing  206  and engages inside surface  344  of sleeve  340 . Additionally, a second sealing member  362  is supported by casing  306  and also engages inside surface  344  of sleeve  340 . These sealed engagements between casings  206 ,  306  and sleeve  340 , together with the engagements between the casings and the ferrules and the ferrules and the cables, make coupling  200  watertight. 
     Sleeve  340  further includes a sloped surface  370  proximate an end thereof. Sloped surface  370 , together with sloped portion  266  of outside surface  264  of casing  206  and with the sloped surfaces of the ferrules, facilitates the movement of coupling  200  through confined spaces. For example, if the coupling  200  is maneuvering through a confined space such as an angled plumbing fitting, the sloped surfaces inhibit coupling  200  from engaging an edge or other protrusion in a manner which would impede or prevent further travel of coupling  200 . 
     Coupling  200  can vary in many ways. The components thereof can have a variety of configurations and can include a variety of materials. Accordingly, it should be understood that the description of coupling  200  herein is exemplary in nature. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16-17 , another exemplary deformable ferrule or ferrule component  402  is illustrated. It should be understood that ferrule  402  can be included in a coupling according to the principles of the present disclosure such as is described herein with regard to ferrules  202 ,  302 . 
     Ferrule  402  is disposed over a cable  410 . Cable  410  has an outer jacket  422 . Outer jacket  422  does not extend to an end  424  of cable  410 . As such, an inner component  426  is exposed. Furthermore, wires (not shown) can extend through cable  410 . Ferrule  402  has a generally annular shape and is disposed around cable  410  with an inside surface  430  engaging outer jacket  422  and inner component  426 . Ferrule  402  further includes an end cap  432  engaged with end  424 . An aperture  434  is provided in end cap  432  so that wires (not shown) of cable  410  can extend therethrough. 
     Ferrule  402  also includes an outside surface  436 . Outside surface  436  is configured to engage with a casing component in a similar way as described herein with respect to ferrules  202 ,  302 . Ferrule  402  also has a sloped end surface  438  at the end thereof opposite end cap  432 . As explained herein, such sloped surfaces help facilitate movement through confined spaces. Additionally, ferrule  402  has a single protrusion  440  extending from outside surface  436 . Similar to protrusions  240  of ferrule  202  described herein, protrusion  440  engages with a complementary feature of a casing or similar component to prevent relative axial movement therebetween. As illustrated in the Figures, protrusion  440  can be in the form of a ridge or spline extending around outer surface  436 . 
     Ferrule  402  is overmolded onto cable  410 . In particular, ferrule  402  is molded into shape over cable  410  so that a portion of inside surface  430  engages outer jacket  422  and another portion of inside surface  430  engages inner component  426  with projections  442  extending from inside surface  430  into grooves  444  of inner component  426 . Therefore, ferrule  402  and cable  410  have a sealed engagement which inhibits fluid communication therebetween. Ferrule  402  is also secured along to the axial direction of cable  410 . Furthermore, ferrule  402  is formed with a key portion  446  complementary to a key portion  448  of inner component  426 . The key portions engage and inhibit relative rotation of ferrule  402  and inner component  426 . As such, the key portions inhibit the effects of rotational torque on the assembly. 
     It should be understood that ferrule  402  can otherwise be similar ferrules  202 ,  302  described herein. For example, ferrule  402  can be comprised of an insulating material such as plastic or nylon. Furthermore, ferrule  402  can be a deformable material. As such, ferrule  402  can be sized so as to provide an interference fit with a casing or similar component. Additionally, a casing or similar component can be disposed over and engaged with ferrule  402  such that ferrule  402  provides a seal between cable  410  and the casing or similar component and such that ferrule  402  electrically isolates cable  410  and the casing or similar component.