Patent Description:
Pipeline inspection devices can be used to determine the location of obstructions in underground pipes or find damaged areas that affect the integrity of pipe systems. Generally, a pipeline inspection device includes a cable that can be pushed down a length of the pipe. The end of the cable may include an imaging device, such as a video camera, to help identify an obstruction or damage within the pipe. The end of the cable may also include a location device, such as a sonde, to transmit the location of the end of the cable. The location device allows a user to find the end of the cable and dig down towards the pipe at the proper location where the obstruction might be.

According to its title and abstract <CIT>, comprised in the state of the art according to Art. <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC, discloses a pipeline inspection device including a cable having a camera disposed on a distal end of the cable, where the camera and the cable are configured to be directed into a conduit. A first drum includes a rear wall, a front wall, and a side wall defining an interior, where the front wall has an opening providing access to the interior, and where the cable is disposed at least partially within the first drum. A stand supports the first drum, where the first drum is rotatably coupled to the stand. A hub houses electrical components of the pipeline inspection device. The hub is removably received in the interior of the first drum via the opening, where the hub is selectively removable from the first drum and insertable into an interior of a second drum.

According to its title and abstract_<CIT> discloses a pipe inspection system including a (replaceable) cable storage drum and a housing configured to removably receive and rotatably support the cable storage drum. A push-cable with a plurality of conductors is stored in the cable storage drum. A camera head is connected to a distal end of the push-cable. A slip-ring assembly has first and second mating portions that when mated provide conductive paths between the plurality of conductors at a proximal end of the push-capable and a display device. The first portion of the slip-ring assembly is mounted on the housing and the second portion of the slip-ring assembly is mounted on the removable cable storage drum. The system connection cable joining the inspection system with a display unit is removable and may be replaced with cables compatible with various alternate image display systems.

According to the invention, a pipeline inspection device according to claim <NUM> is provided. The pipeline inspection device comprises a rotatable drum housing a cable, where the cable is extendable into a pipe, a camera positioned on an end of the cable, and a hub housing electrical components of the pipeline inspection device and including a battery housing. A stand includes a mounting assembly having a first portion rotatably supporting the drum and a second portion supporting the hub within an interior of the drum, the second portion including a core, where the hub is removably coupled to the mounting assembly via the core. The hub is removably coupled to the mounting assembly by a first engagement member on the hub and a second engagement member on the core.

The second engagement member is formed by a side wall of the core. The first engagement member includes a latch having a hook that selectively grips the side wall. The hook is received within a space between two arms extending radially outward from the side wall of the core.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings, but is solely defined by the appended claims.

The invention disclosed herein provides a pipeline inspection device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, which can be used to view the interior of the pipe, conduit, etc., such as a buried sewer pipeline to locate obstructions, blockages, and defects in the pipe. Specifically, a user can use the pipeline inspection device <NUM> to observe the interior of a pipe, often from a distance away from the closest access port to the sewer pipeline. To view the interior of the pipe, a cable <NUM> is directed down an access port of the pipe and through the sewer pipeline. The cable <NUM> includes an image capturing device (e.g., a camera <NUM>) and/or a locator device <NUM> (e.g., a sonde) connected at a distal end thereof, for viewing the interior of the pipeline.

The pipeline inspection device <NUM> includes a reel <NUM> for housing the cable <NUM> and a hub <NUM> for housing a power source and other electronic components for operating the pipeline inspection device <NUM>. The cable <NUM> is stored on the reel <NUM> in a wound configuration, but can be unwound and inserted into a length of a pipe under inspection. The hub <NUM> provides power to the components of the reel <NUM> in order to operate the pipeline inspection device <NUM>. As discussed in in greater detail below, the hub <NUM> is removably coupled to the reel <NUM>. In some embodiments, the hub <NUM> can be interchangeably used with two or more different reels <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate one embodiment of the reel <NUM>. The reel <NUM> includes a drum <NUM> for housing the cable <NUM> and a stand <NUM> for supporting the drum <NUM>. The drum <NUM> includes a closed end defined by a back wall, and an open end defined by a front wall <NUM>. A side wall <NUM> extends around the perimeter of the drum <NUM> between the front wall <NUM> and the back wall <NUM>. Together, the back wall <NUM>, the side wall <NUM>, and the front wall <NUM> define an interior <NUM> of the drum <NUM> that houses the cable <NUM>. The front wall <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that provides access to the interior <NUM> of the drum <NUM>. As will be discussed in further detail below, the hub <NUM> can be inserted into the drum <NUM> via the opening <NUM>. Once inside the drum <NUM>, the hub <NUM> is positioned so that the cable <NUM> is wound around the hub <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> rotates about an axis extending through the back wall <NUM> and the opening <NUM> of the front wall <NUM>. The cable <NUM> is stored within the interior <NUM> and is wound about the axis of the drum <NUM>. The drum <NUM> can be different sizes in order to accommodate different size or lengths of cables <NUM>. Because the cable <NUM> is stiff (e.g., a push cable), the cable <NUM> exerts an outward force towards the walls of the drum <NUM>, and particularly, towards the side wall <NUM>. As the cable <NUM> is pulled out of the drum <NUM>, the drum <NUM> can rotate in a first direction about the axis of the drum <NUM>. Conversely, as the cable <NUM> is pushed back into the drum <NUM>, the drum <NUM> can rotate in a second direction that is opposite the first direction about the axis of the drum <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drum <NUM> includes ribs on the inside of the drum <NUM> to provide for increased frictional engagement with the cable <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> is supported above the ground by the stand <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate a first embodiment of a stand <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a second embodiment of the stand <NUM>. It should be understood that some of the features of the stand <NUM> are interchangeable from one embodiment to the other. The stand <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a center support <NUM> extending upward from the base <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the base <NUM> includes one or more feet <NUM> that contact the ground. In other embodiments, one of more of the feet <NUM> can be replaced with wheels <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The center support <NUM> includes one or more handles to help maneuver and operate the pipeline inspection device <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the center support <NUM> includes a first handle <NUM> extending in forward direction above the drum <NUM>. In other embodiments, the handle <NUM> may be oriented in a different direction. For example, in some embodiments, the handle <NUM> may extend backwards, away from the drum <NUM> or may extend in a vertical direction. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the center support <NUM> includes a first handle 98b extending in a forward direction above the drum <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In addition, the center support <NUM> in <FIG> also includes a second handle <NUM> extending vertically. In the illustrated embodiment, the second handle <NUM> is an extendable handle, such as a telescoping handle, that may be extended to a greater length.

Additionally, the center support <NUM> also includes a monitor mount <NUM> (shown in both <FIG>), which can be used to support a monitor or other components of the pipeline device <NUM>. The monitor and display will be described in greater detail herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as <FIG>, the center support may include a backpack plate <NUM> that enables a user to carry the reel <NUM> on his/her back. For example, the backpack plate <NUM> can be coupled to backpack straps or a full backpack to enable a user to carry the reel <NUM> as a backpack. In the illustrated embodiment, the backpack plate <NUM> is removably attached to the center support <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, the drum <NUM> and the hub <NUM> are supported on the stand <NUM> by a mounting assembly <NUM>. The mounting assembly <NUM> includes a rotatable portion <NUM> and a fixed portion <NUM>. The drum <NUM> is mounted on the rotatable portion <NUM> of the mounting assembly <NUM>, while the hub <NUM> is mounted to the reel <NUM> via the fixed portion <NUM> of the mounting assembly <NUM>. The mounting assembly <NUM> includes a mounting plate <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, a slip ring <NUM>, and a core <NUM>. The rotatable portion <NUM> of the mounting assembly <NUM> includes the mounting plate <NUM> and (a portion of) the slip ring <NUM>, which are rotatably fixed relative to one another. Thus, the drum <NUM>, the mounting plate <NUM>, and the slip ring <NUM> rotate together relative to the stand <NUM>. The fixed portion <NUM> (which may also be referred to as a stationary portion) of the mounting assembly <NUM> includes the shaft <NUM> and the core <NUM>. The hub <NUM> is attached to the core <NUM> and, thus, remains rotatably fixed (i.e., stationary) relative to the stand <NUM>.

More specifically, the shaft <NUM> is coupled to the center support <NUM> of the stand <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> provides a cantilevered support for the drum <NUM> above the base <NUM> of the stand <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> is fixed to the back wall <NUM> of the drum <NUM>. In some embodiments, the mounting plate <NUM> is integral with the back wall <NUM> of the drum <NUM>. The slip ring <NUM> is supported on the shaft <NUM> and engages with the back wall <NUM> of the drum <NUM>. The slip ring <NUM> allows for transmission of electrical signals, while allowing the drum <NUM> to rotate relative to the reel <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> and the slip ring <NUM> rotatably support the drum <NUM> on the shaft <NUM>. The core <NUM> is coupled to a distal end of the shaft <NUM> and extends into the interior <NUM> of the drum <NUM>. The core <NUM> supports the hub <NUM> when the hub <NUM> is inserted into the interior <NUM> of the drum <NUM> via the opening <NUM> on the front wall <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the core <NUM> has a generally polygonal front face <NUM> with a side wall <NUM> extending around the perimeter of the face <NUM>. The core <NUM> also includes a plurality of engagement members <NUM> that enable the hub <NUM> to be removably coupled to the reel <NUM>. The engagement members <NUM> are sized and shaped to engage with corresponding engagement members <NUM> on the hub <NUM>.

Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the core <NUM> includes a first type of engagement member <NUM> in the form of a flattened portion <NUM> formed along the side wall <NUM> of the core <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the core <NUM> includes a first flattened portion 160a formed along a bottom of the core <NUM> and a second flattened portion 160b formed along a top of the core <NUM>. The flattened portions <NUM> help to create a secure engagement between the core <NUM> and the hub <NUM>. In addition, when the hub <NUM> is coupled to the stand <NUM>, the flattened portions <NUM> help prevent rotation of the hub <NUM> relative to the core <NUM>. In other embodiments, the core <NUM> can include fewer or additional flattened portions <NUM>.

The core <NUM> also includes a second type of engagement member <NUM> in the form of a pair of arms <NUM> extending radially outward from the side wall <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, one pair of arms <NUM> extends from a left side of the core <NUM> and another pair of arms <NUM> extends from a right side of the core <NUM>. A space <NUM> is formed between each pair of arms <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, the space <NUM> is sized and shaped to receive one of the engagement members <NUM> on the hub <NUM>.

In addition, the core <NUM> includes a third type of engagement member <NUM> in the form of a recess <NUM>. The core <NUM> includes at least one recess <NUM> that aligns and engages with a portion of the hub <NUM>. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the core <NUM> includes the recess <NUM> on the face <NUM> of the core <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is sized and shaped to receive an engagement member <NUM> on the hub <NUM>. In some embodiments, the core <NUM> may include a projection and the hub may include a recess sized and shaped to receive the projection.

In other embodiments, the core <NUM> can include additional or fewer engagement members <NUM>. In addition, the core <NUM> may include engagement members <NUM> of different types that are suitable to provide a coupling mechanism for the hub <NUM> to be secured to the core <NUM>. For example, the core <NUM> may include various projections and/or recesses on the core <NUM> to correspond to engagement members <NUM> on the hub <NUM>. In one embodiment, the core <NUM> includes a projection extending radially outwardly from the side wall <NUM>. In another embodiment, the core <NUM> includes three projections: one projection extending in a downward direction towards the ground when the reel <NUM> is in an upright position, and two projections extending in an upward direction when the reel <NUM> is in an upright position. When the hub <NUM> is coupled to the core <NUM>, the projections prevent the hub <NUM> from rotating relative to the drum <NUM> and stand <NUM>. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the projections may replace the flattened portions <NUM>. In other embodiments, the projections <NUM> may be replaced with recesses that receive projections <NUM> on the hub <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the core <NUM> also includes electrical connections <NUM> (e.g., terminal blocks) that engage with electrical connections <NUM> on the hub <NUM>. More specifically, the core <NUM> includes two electrical connections <NUM> disposed on the face <NUM> of the core <NUM>. In other embodiments, different types of electrical connections <NUM> may be used. The core <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> for receiving and protecting the electrical connections <NUM>. The housing <NUM> projects from the face <NUM> of the core <NUM> and includes two openings <NUM> for receiving the two electrical connections <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings <NUM> are each formed by two side walls <NUM> and a back wall <NUM> forming a U-shape. The openings <NUM> are oriented in opposed directions and share the back wall <NUM>. In other embodiments, the housing <NUM> can have different sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of electrical connections <NUM>. The core <NUM> supports the hub <NUM> on the reel <NUM> such that the electrical connections <NUM> on the core <NUM> engage with the electrical connections <NUM> on the hub <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the hub <NUM> includes a cylindrical body <NUM> that is received within the interior <NUM> of the drum <NUM> and supported on the reel <NUM>. The cylindrical body <NUM> is defined by a front end <NUM>, a rear end <NUM>, and an outer wall <NUM> extending around the perimeter of the hub <NUM> between the front end <NUM> and the rear end <NUM>. The cylindrical body <NUM> defines a housing for maintaining the electrical components of the pipeline inspection device <NUM>. The hub <NUM> includes a power source and other electrical components for operating the pipeline inspection device <NUM>. For example, the hub <NUM> includes a battery <NUM> (<FIG>) and the electrical connections <NUM> that engage with the electrical connections <NUM> on the core <NUM>. The electrical components of the hub <NUM> may also include a processor <NUM> (or controller), a memory source <NUM>, a video processor <NUM>, a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a Wi-Fi hub, a Bluetooth module), etc. In other embodiments, the hub <NUM> may include more or fewer of these electrical components. In some embodiments, the body <NUM> is air and/or water tight in order to protect the electrical components.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front end <NUM> of the hub <NUM> includes a battery housing <NUM> for receiving the battery <NUM>. The battery <NUM> is removable from the battery housing <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. In some embodiments, the battery <NUM> may be a rechargeable power tool battery back, such an 18V Li-ion battery pack. The battery housing <NUM> includes a cover <NUM> that can be opened and closed to insert and remove the battery <NUM>, respectively. The cover <NUM> is attached to the front end <NUM> by a hinge (not shown) and a latch <NUM>. The hub <NUM> also includes a channel <NUM> extending through the cylindrical body <NUM> from the outer wall <NUM> to the front end <NUM>. When the hub <NUM> is inserted in the drum <NUM>, the channel <NUM> receives the cable <NUM> and helps guide the cable <NUM> into or out of the drum <NUM>. The hub <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> provided on the front end <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. The handle <NUM> extends outwardly from the front end <NUM> of the hub <NUM> and can be used to maneuver the hub <NUM> into the opening <NUM> of the drum <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub <NUM> also includes a rim <NUM> that extends around the perimeter of the cylindrical body <NUM> for mating with the opening <NUM> of the drum <NUM>. When the hub <NUM> is received within the drum <NUM>, the rim <NUM> engages with the edge of the opening <NUM> to help align the hub <NUM> relative to the drum <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the rear end <NUM> of the hub <NUM> has a cavity <NUM> configured to receive the core <NUM> of the reel <NUM> so that the hub <NUM> can be supported within the interior <NUM> of the drum <NUM>. Specifically, the cavity <NUM> is formed by a back wall <NUM> and a peripheral wall <NUM> extending around the perimeter of the back wall <NUM>. The core <NUM> is received within the cavity <NUM> with the face <NUM> of the core <NUM> aligned with the back wall <NUM> of the hub <NUM>, and the side wall <NUM> of the core <NUM> aligned with the peripheral wall <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> includes the electrical connections <NUM> that engage with the electrical connections <NUM> on the core <NUM>. The electrical connections <NUM> are molded into the back wall <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connections are receivers for receiving the terminal blocks <NUM> on the core <NUM>. In other embodiments, the electrical connections <NUM> may not be integral with the back wall <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the cavity <NUM> of the hub <NUM> also includes the engagement members <NUM> that engage with the engagement members <NUM> on core <NUM> of the reel <NUM>. As mentioned, the engagement members <NUM> secure the hub <NUM> to the reel <NUM> and help align the hub <NUM> and maintain a solid connection between the hub <NUM> and the reel <NUM>.

The peripheral wall <NUM> defines a first type of engagement member <NUM> in the form of a flattened portion <NUM>. The flattened portion <NUM> formed in the peripheral wall <NUM> of the hub <NUM> is sized and shaped to correspond to the flattened portion <NUM> formed in the side wall <NUM> of the core <NUM>. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the hub <NUM> includes a first flattened portion 156a corresponding to the first flattened portion 160a on the core <NUM>, and a second flattened portion 156b corresponding to the second flattened portion 160b on the core <NUM>. As mentioned, the flattened portions <NUM>, <NUM> help prevent rotation of the hub <NUM> relative to the stand <NUM>.

The cavity <NUM> also houses a second type of engagement member <NUM> in the form of one or more latches <NUM> that engage with the core <NUM> to secure the hub <NUM> to the reel <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub <NUM> includes two latches <NUM>, however, in other embodiments a greater or fewer number of latches <NUM> may be used. The latches <NUM> are received within the space <NUM> between the pair of arms <NUM> on each side of the core <NUM>, and clamp on to the side wall <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, the latches <NUM> are movable between a locked position, in which the latches <NUM> are engaged the core <NUM>, and an unlocked position, in which the latches <NUM> are disengaged from the core <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> includes a trigger <NUM> that activates the latches <NUM> on the rear end <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>. Pressing the trigger <NUM> rotates the latches <NUM> from the locked position to the unlocked position. In the illustrated embodiment, pressing the trigger <NUM> rotates the latches <NUM> outwardly to the unlocked position. The latches <NUM> are biased inwardly towards the locked position such that releasing the trigger <NUM> causes the latches <NUM> to automatically rotate towards the locked position.

With reference to <FIG>, each latch <NUM> includes a plurality of linkages <NUM> that work together to adjust the latches <NUM> between the locked and unlocked positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the latches <NUM> each include a first linkage 216a with a hook <NUM> configured to engage the core <NUM>. Specifically, the hooks <NUM> can grip an engagement member <NUM> of the core <NUM> to couple the hub <NUM> within the interior <NUM> of the drum <NUM>. The first linkage 216a is rotatable about a pivot point <NUM> between the locked and unlocked positions. A second linkage 216b causes rotation of the first linkage 216a. The second linkage 216b is actuated by the trigger <NUM> to cause rotation of the first linkage 216a to release the hook <NUM> from the core <NUM> of the reel <NUM>.

The hub <NUM> also includes a third type of engagement member <NUM> in the form of a protrusion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the cavity <NUM> of the hub <NUM> includes at least one protrusion <NUM> that is shaped to align with the recesses <NUM> (<FIG>) on the core <NUM>. For example, the hub <NUM> includes a square protrusion <NUM> that is received within the square recess <NUM> on the face <NUM> of the core <NUM>. In some embodiments, the protrusion <NUM> defines a pocket that receives a sensor for monitoring the amount of cable <NUM> that has been extended from the drum <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, the hub <NUM> may also include additional protrusions or recesses corresponding to protrusions and recesses on the core <NUM>.

To couple the hub <NUM> to the stand <NUM>, the hub <NUM> is inserted into the interior <NUM> of the drum <NUM> and the core <NUM> is received within the cavity <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. The contact between the engagement members <NUM> on the hub <NUM> and the engagement members <NUM> on the core <NUM> help orient the hub <NUM> and guide the hub <NUM> onto the core <NUM>. As previously mentioned, the hub <NUM> is removable from the drum <NUM> and may be attached to two different sized reels <NUM>. Pipes typically come in two different sizes: a <NUM> to <NUM> inch (<NUM> to <NUM>) diameter pipe and a <NUM> to <NUM> inch (<NUM> to <NUM>) diameter pipe. Each of the two types of pipes requires a different diameter camera and cable. The smaller pipe (i.e., <NUM> to <NUM> inch (<NUM> to <NUM>) pipe) requires a smaller diameter camera and cable that is more flexible, while the larger pipe requires a larger diameter camera and cable. Each of the smaller diameter camera and cable and the larger diameter camera and cable requires a corresponding large or small sized reel and cable drum, which are part of correspondingly sized pipeline inspection devices. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub <NUM> may be removably detached and interchangeably attached to each of the drums of the different sized pipeline inspection devices, such that a user only needs a single hub <NUM> containing the electronics (e.g., the video processor, the battery, the wireless communication module (Wi-Fi hub), etc.) that can be used with either of the reels <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a mounting assembly <NUM> (<FIG>) and a hub <NUM> (<FIG>) according to another embodiment. With reference to <FIG>, the mounting assembly <NUM> includes a rotatable portion <NUM> and a fixed portion <NUM>. A drum is mounted on the rotatable portion <NUM> of the mounting assembly <NUM>, while the hub <NUM> is mounted to the reel <NUM> via the fixed portion <NUM> of the mounting assembly <NUM>. The mounting assembly <NUM> includes a mounting plate <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, a slip ring <NUM>, a disk <NUM>, and a core <NUM>. The rotatable portion <NUM> of the mounting assembly <NUM> includes the mounting plate <NUM>, (a portion of) the slip ring <NUM>, and the disk <NUM>. Thus, mounting plate <NUM>, the slip ring <NUM>, and the disk <NUM> are rotatably fixed relative to one another, and rotate together with the drum <NUM>. The fixed portion <NUM> of the mounting assembly <NUM> includes the shaft <NUM> and the core <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> and the core <NUM> are rotatably fixed relative to one another and relative to the stand <NUM>.

The shaft <NUM> is coupled to a center support of a stand. The shaft <NUM> provides a cantilevered support for the drum above a platform of the stand. The mounting plate <NUM> is fixed to the back wall of the drum. In some embodiments, the mounting plate <NUM> is integral with the back wall of the drum. The slip ring <NUM> is disposed within a space <NUM> formed by the back wall of the drum. The slip ring <NUM> allows for transmission of electrical signals, while allowing the drum to rotate relative to the reel. The mounting plate <NUM> and the slip ring <NUM> rotatably support the drum on the shaft <NUM>.

The disk <NUM> also rotates with the drum. The disk <NUM> includes magnets <NUM> that rotate with the disk <NUM> and the drum as the cable is unwound from the drum. The magnets <NUM> are used in conjunction with a sensor <NUM> on the hub <NUM> to measure how much cable has been unwound. Specifically, as the drum rotates, the magnets <NUM> rotate about the axis of the drum. The sensor <NUM> (e.g., a Hall sensor) is located on the stationary hub <NUM> along the axis. As the magnets <NUM> rotate, the sensor <NUM> can monitor <NUM> the movement of the magnets <NUM> to determine how much cable has been extended from the drum.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the core <NUM> is coupled to a distal end of the shaft <NUM>. The core <NUM> does not rotate with the drum, but rather, is fixed relative to the shaft <NUM> and the stand. The core <NUM> supports the hub <NUM> when the hub <NUM> is inserted into the interior <NUM> of the drum via an opening on the front wall <NUM>. The core <NUM> also includes electrical connections <NUM> that engage with electrical connections <NUM> on the hub <NUM>. The core <NUM> includes a plurality of engagement members <NUM> that enables the hub <NUM> to be removably coupled to the reel.

In the illustrated embodiment, the core <NUM> has a generally circular face <NUM> with a side wall <NUM> extending around the perimeter of the face <NUM>. One of the engagement members <NUM> is formed along the side wall <NUM> on a top side of the core <NUM>. Specifically, one of the engagement members <NUM> is formed by a flattened portion <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>. The hub <NUM> can grip the core <NUM> along the flattened portion <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>. The flattened portion <NUM> also prevents the hub <NUM> from rotating relative to the core <NUM> and the stand. In addition, the core <NUM> includes another engagement member <NUM> in the form of a recess <NUM> that aligns and engages with a portion of the hub <NUM>. The recesses <NUM> help secure the hub <NUM> to the reel and maintain a slide electrical connection between the two. In other embodiments, the core <NUM> may include additional engagement members <NUM> for coupling to the hub <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the hub <NUM> includes a cylindrical body <NUM> that is received within an interior of the drum. The cylindrical body <NUM> is defined by a front end <NUM>, a rear end <NUM>, and an outer wall <NUM> extending around the perimeter of the hub <NUM> between the front end <NUM> and the rear end <NUM>. The rear end <NUM> of the hub <NUM> has a cavity <NUM> that includes various engagement members <NUM> that engage with the core <NUM> of the reel. The engagement members <NUM> secure the hub <NUM> to the reel and help align the hub <NUM> and maintain a solid connection between the hub <NUM> and the reel.

The cylindrical body <NUM> defines a housing for maintaining the electrical components of the pipeline inspection device <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the front end <NUM> of the hub <NUM> includes a battery housing <NUM> for receiving a battery. The battery is removable from the battery housing <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. The battery housing <NUM> includes a cover <NUM> that can be opened and closed to insert and remove the battery, respectively. The cover <NUM> is attached to the front end <NUM> by a hinge <NUM> and a latch <NUM>. The hub <NUM> also includes a channel <NUM> extending through the cylindrical body <NUM> to receive the cable and helps guide the cable into or out of the drum.

In addition, the hub <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> provided on the front end <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. The handle <NUM> extends outwardly from the front end <NUM> of the hub <NUM> and can be used to maneuver the hub <NUM> into the opening of the drum. The handle <NUM> includes a trigger <NUM> (<FIG>) that activates a latch <NUM> on the rear end <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>. The latch <NUM> is one of the engagement members <NUM> disposed within the cavity <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. The latch <NUM> is configured to engage with the engagement member <NUM> on the core <NUM> of the mounting assembly <NUM> of the reel. Pressing the trigger <NUM> rotates the latch <NUM> from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the illustrated embodiment, pressing the trigger <NUM> rotates the latch <NUM> upward into the unlocked position. The latch <NUM> is biased towards the locked position such that releasing the trigger <NUM> causes the latch <NUM> to rotate automatically downward and into the locked position.

The hub <NUM> also includes various other engagement members <NUM> that help align and support the hub <NUM> within the drum. The cavity <NUM> of the hub <NUM> includes at least one protrusion <NUM> that is shaped to align with the recesses <NUM> on the core <NUM> of the mounting assembly <NUM>. For example, the hub <NUM> includes a square protrusion <NUM> that is received within the square recess <NUM> on the face <NUM> of the core <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> defines a pocket that receives the sensor <NUM> for monitoring movement of the magnets <NUM> to help determine the amount of cable that has been extended from the drum. In some embodiments, the core <NUM> and the hub <NUM> may include more or fewer recesses <NUM> and protrusions <NUM>, respectively, to help align the hub <NUM> with the drum. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub <NUM> also includes an engagement member <NUM> in the form of a rim <NUM> that extends around the perimeter of the cylindrical body <NUM> for mating with the opening of the drum. When the hub <NUM> is received within the drum, the rim <NUM> engages with the edge of the opening to help align the hub <NUM> relative to the drum. In the illustrated embodiment, the rim <NUM> further includes a hook <NUM> to help grip the edge of the opening in the drum. In the illustrated embodiment, the hook <NUM> is arcuate and extends along a bottom edge of the rim <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a hub <NUM> according to yet another embodiment. The hub <NUM> includes a cylindrical body <NUM> for maintaining the electrical components of a pipeline inspection device. A front end <NUM> of the hub <NUM> includes a battery housing <NUM> for receiving a battery. The front end <NUM> also includes two handles <NUM>. The handles <NUM> are spaced apart such that one handle <NUM> is on each side of the battery housing <NUM>. The handles <NUM> are generally parallel to one another and extend in a vertical direction when the hub <NUM> is received within the drum.

A rear end <NUM> of the hub <NUM> is configured to receive a core of a stand to support the hub <NUM> on the stand. Specifically, the hub <NUM> includes a plurality of engagement members <NUM> that engage with the core <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the hub <NUM> includes a cavity <NUM> configured to receive the core. Inside of the cavity <NUM> are two engagement members <NUM> in the form of hooks <NUM>. The hooks <NUM> can selectively grip the core to removably couple the hub <NUM> to the core. The hooks <NUM> are moved between a locked and an unlocked position by buttons <NUM> on the front end <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. The hooks <NUM> are disposed within recesses <NUM> (another engagement member <NUM>). The recesses <NUM> help align the hub <NUM> with the core to prevent rotation of the hub <NUM> relative to the core. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two buttons <NUM>, each corresponding to one of the hooks <NUM>. When the buttons <NUM> are squeezed inwardly, the hooks <NUM> are disengaged from the core. The hooks <NUM> are biased to a locked position such that releasing the buttons <NUM> automatically moves the hooks <NUM> towards the locked position.

<FIG> illustrate a brake assembly <NUM> for selectively limiting the rotational speed of the drum <NUM> relative to the stand <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the brake assembly <NUM> is disposed on the center support <NUM> of the stand <NUM> behind the back wall <NUM> of the drum <NUM>. The brake assembly <NUM> includes a disc <NUM>, a brake pad <NUM>, and an actuator <NUM>. The disc <NUM> is rotatably fixed relative to the drum <NUM> such that the disc <NUM> rotates with the rotation of the drum <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the disc <NUM> is rotatably fixed relative to the drum <NUM> by a plurality of interlocking teeth. Specifically, the disc <NUM> includes a first plurality of teeth <NUM> extending radially inward. The drum <NUM> includes a second plurality of teeth <NUM> extending radially outward from a cap <NUM> disposed on the back wall <NUM> of the drum <NUM>. The engagement between the first plurality of teeth <NUM> and the second plurality of teeth <NUM> maintain the rotational orientation of the disc <NUM> relative to the drum <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first plurality of teeth <NUM> are evenly spaced around an inner circumference of the disc <NUM>, and the second plurality of teeth <NUM> are evenly spaced around an outer circumference of the cap <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the teeth <NUM>, <NUM> on one or both of the cap <NUM> and the disc <NUM> may be unevenly spaced or may not extend around the entire circumference. Likewise, one or both of the cap <NUM> and the dis may include a greater or fewer number of teeth.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the brake pad <NUM> is selectively engagable with the disc <NUM> to limit rotation of the disc <NUM>, and thereby, limiterotation of the drum <NUM>. The brake pad <NUM> may selectively exert a frictional force against the disc <NUM> in order to slow rotation of the drum or bring the drum to a complete stop. The amount of frictional force between the brake pad <NUM> and the disc <NUM> determines the degree to which the rotation of the drum is limited. The brake pad <NUM> is movable relative to the disc <NUM> by an actuator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is operable to move the brake pad <NUM> between a first position corresponding to a first frictional force against the disc <NUM>, and a second position corresponding to a second frictional force against the disc <NUM>. The second frictional force is greater than the first frictional force, and therefore, the rotational speed of the drum <NUM> is slower when the brake pad <NUM> is in the second position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator <NUM> is a rotatable knob with a threaded shaft <NUM>. The brake pad <NUM> is coupled to the end of the shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is threadably engaged with a caliper <NUM>. The caliper <NUM> includes an annular recess <NUM> that receives the brake pad <NUM> and the disc <NUM>. In particular, the disc <NUM> can rotate within the annular recess <NUM> of the caliper <NUM>. The brake pad <NUM> is movable towards and away from the disc <NUM> within the space provided by the recess of the caliper <NUM>. Rotation of the actuator <NUM> threads the shaft <NUM> into or out of the caliper <NUM> to adjust the position of the brake pad <NUM> within the annular recess <NUM>. Accordingly, rotation of the actuator <NUM> moves the brake pad <NUM> towards or away from the disc <NUM> to either increase or decrease the frictional force between the brake pad <NUM> and the disc <NUM>. The greater the frictional force between the brake pad <NUM> and the disc <NUM>, the slower the rotational speed of the drum <NUM>. Therefore, the brake assembly <NUM> can be used to control the speed of the drum <NUM> (i.e., slow the speed of the drum to various rotational speeds) or to inhibit the drum <NUM> from rotating all together.

With reference to <FIG>, the pipeline inspection device <NUM> includes a dedicated monitor <NUM> and a monitor mount <NUM> for removably coupling the dedicated monitor <NUM> to the reel <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the monitor mount <NUM> extending upwards from the center support <NUM>. The monitor mount <NUM> includes an insert member <NUM> that can be removably received within a receptacle <NUM> (<FIG>) of the dedicated monitor <NUM>. Specifically, the dedicated monitor <NUM> can be selectively coupled to the monitor mount <NUM> by sliding the dedicated monitor <NUM> onto the insert member <NUM>. The insert member <NUM> has a generally rectangular shape with oppositely facing front and rear faces, top and bottom faces, and side faces. The insert member <NUM> also includes detent members <NUM> disposed on the side faces. The detent members <NUM> are biased away from one another, for example by springs. When the insert member <NUM> member is received within the receptacle <NUM>, the detent members <NUM> snap into recesses <NUM> in the receptacle <NUM> to hold the dedicated monitor <NUM> on the monitor mount <NUM>. To release the dedicated monitor <NUM>, a user can squeeze buttons <NUM> disposed on the side faces of the insert member <NUM> to overcome the spring bias of the detent members <NUM> and retract the detent members <NUM> out of the recesses <NUM>.

The monitor mount <NUM> rotatably supports the dedicated monitor <NUM> to provide rotation of the monitor <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the monitor mount <NUM> enables the dedicated monitor <NUM> to be rotated about three axis of rotation. Specifically, the monitor mount <NUM> includes a pivot mount <NUM> and a ball and socket mount <NUM>. The pivot mount <NUM> provides rotation of the monitor <NUM> about a first axis <NUM>. The ball and socket mount <NUM> provides rotation of the monitor <NUM> about a second axis <NUM> and a third axis <NUM>. Furthermore, both the pivot mount <NUM> and the ball and socket mount <NUM> include locking members <NUM> that help maintain the monitor <NUM> in the desired rotation.

<FIG> illustrate various views of the dedicated monitor <NUM>. The dedicated monitor <NUM> is a monitor <NUM> that is specifically designed for use with the pipeline inspection device. In other words, the dedicated monitor <NUM> is a monitor <NUM> that is not capable of being used as an independent computer or with other devices. Rather, the dedicated monitor <NUM> is specifically designed to be used only with the pipeline inspection device. The dedicated monitor <NUM> includes the receptacle <NUM>, which is sized and shaped to receive the insert member <NUM> of the monitor mount <NUM>. Specifically, the receptacle <NUM> is positioned on the bottom of the dedicated monitor <NUM>, and has a generally rectangular shape that is complimentary to the size and shape of the insert member <NUM>. The receptacle <NUM> also includes recesses <NUM> for engaging with the detent members <NUM> on the insert member <NUM>. When the dedicated monitor <NUM> is coupled to the monitor mount <NUM>, the dedicated monitor <NUM> is supported above the stand <NUM>, and can be rotated to a desired orientation.

The dedicated monitor <NUM> includes a display screen <NUM> for showing images (both pictures and videos) captured by the camera <NUM> and a cover <NUM> to protect the display screen <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the dedicated monitor <NUM> also includes features to help make the dedicated monitor <NUM> more versatile in how it is being used. For example, in addition to being able to couple the dedicated monitor <NUM> to the monitor mount <NUM> on the stand <NUM>, the dedicated monitor <NUM> can be carried around a worksite by a user or rested on other surfaces. Specifically, the dedicated monitor <NUM> includes a handgrip <NUM> on the back side of the dedicated monitor <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the dedicated monitor <NUM> includes two handgrips <NUM>, one on each side, so that the dedicated monitor <NUM> can be held in either hand. The handgrips <NUM> are designed to be large enough to be grasped by a user wearing gloves. The dedicated monitor <NUM> also includes a stand <NUM> on the back side of the dedicated monitor <NUM> to support the dedicated monitor <NUM> on other surfaces around the worksite. The stand <NUM> extends from a rear of the dedicated monitor <NUM> at a non-perpendicular angle so that the dedicated monitor <NUM> is supported on a surface at a comfortable viewing angle.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the dedicated monitor <NUM> includes a wireless communication module <NUM>. The dedicated monitor <NUM> can communicate wirelessly with the hub <NUM> to receive the images captured by the camera <NUM>. Specifically, the wireless communication module <NUM> of the hub <NUM> can be selectively connected to the wireless communication module <NUM> of the dedicated monitor <NUM>. Accordingly, the dedicated monitor <NUM> can be operated while coupled to the monitor mount <NUM> or when removed from the monitor mount <NUM>. In some embodiments, the dedicated monitor <NUM> may include an onboard battery <NUM> housed within the dedicated monitor <NUM>. In other embodiments, the dedicated monitor <NUM> may be powered by the hub <NUM>. For example, the dedicated monitor <NUM> may be plugged into the hub <NUM> (directly, or indirectly via the reel <NUM>) to receive power from the battery <NUM> housed within the hub <NUM>.

The hub <NUM> can receive images captured by the camera and send them to the dedicated monitor <NUM> to show on the display screen <NUM> for an operator to view. Specifically, the hub <NUM> can receive the images (pictures and video) captured by the camera <NUM> and can process the images prior to transferring the images to the dedicated monitor <NUM>. For example, the hub <NUM> can compress the images, rotate images, enhance the images, or conduct other processing before wirelessly transferring the images to the dedicated monitor <NUM>.

The hub <NUM> can also wirelessly communicate with a smart device <NUM>, such as a smart phone, laptop computer, or tablet computer to display the images captured by the camera <NUM>. The smart device <NUM> is a different computing device from the dedicated monitor <NUM>, and can be used for other purposes apart from the pipeline inspection device. Specifically, the smart device <NUM> includes a display screen <NUM> configured to display the images and a wireless communication module <NUM> configured to connect to the wireless communication module <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. The smart device <NUM> may also include a processor <NUM>, a memory source <NUM>, a video processor <NUM>, and a battery <NUM>. Additionally, the smart device <NUM> may include an application with a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to display the images captured by the camera <NUM>. The hub <NUM> can process the images prior to transferring the images to the smart device <NUM>. In addition, the smart device <NUM> may be able to further process the images via the application.

In some embodiments, the hub <NUM> may be in wireless communication with both the dedicated monitor <NUM> and the smart device <NUM> simultaneously. For example, the images captured by the camera <NUM> may be simultaneously displayed on the dedicated monitor <NUM> and the smart device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the hub <NUM> may only be in wireless communication with one of the dedicated monitor <NUM> and the smart device <NUM> at the same time. For example, the hub <NUM> may be configured to automatically decouple from the dedicated monitor <NUM> when a wireless connection is made between the hub <NUM> and the smart device <NUM>. Likewise, the hub <NUM> may be configured to automatically decouple from the smart device <NUM> when a wireless connection is made between the hub <NUM> and the dedicated monitor <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A pipeline inspection device (<NUM>), comprising:
a rotatable drum (<NUM>) housing a cable (<NUM>), the cable extendable into a pipe;
a camera (<NUM>) positioned on an end of the cable;
a hub (<NUM>) housing electrical components of the pipeline inspection device; and
a stand (<NUM>) including a mounting assembly (<NUM>) having a first portion (<NUM>) rotatably supporting the drum and a second portion (<NUM>) supporting the hub within an interior (<NUM>) of the drum, the second portion including a core (<NUM>), the hub being removably coupled to the mounting assembly via the core,
wherein the hub is removably coupled to the mounting assembly by a first engagement member on the hub and a second engagement member on the core; and
wherein the second engagement member is formed by a side wall (<NUM>) of the core (<NUM>), and wherein the first engagement member includes a latch (<NUM>) having a hook (<NUM>) that selectively grips the side wall, and
wherein the hook is received within a space (<NUM>) between two arms (<NUM>) extending radially outward from the side wall (<NUM>) of the core (<NUM>).