Patent ID: 7819798

Claim:
An apparatus for storing an insertion tube of a borescope and endoscope device, said apparatus comprising: a storage carousel including a rotatable cavity bounded by at least one inner surface that includes an inner surface of a base and an inner surface of a peripheral barrier, where said rotatable cavity is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation and configured to accommodate storage of an insertion tube having a proximal end and distal end, where said storage is performed without said insertion tube being fixably attached to said storage carousel, and where said storage carousel is configured to allow said proximal end to be located outside of said rotatable cavity while a remaining portion of said insertion tube is stored inside of said rotatable cavity; and a frame providing mechanical support to a pivot shaft and including an insertion port, where said insertion port extends through said frame and is configured to guide a transfer of said insertion tube either towards or away from said rotatable cavity; where said at least one inner surface is configured to make physical contact and to generate a frictional force between said insertion tube and said at least one inner surface so that said transfer of said insertion tube towards or away from said rotatable cavity causes said rotatable cavity to rotate; and where said storage carousel is located within a case, said case storing components of a borescope or endoscope device.