US4194218A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inspection apparatus for underground channels
Assignee: KANTOOL KK
•
Filing: 1978-12-29
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Granted: 1980-03-18
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Expires: 1998-12-29
Abstract
Abstract An inspection apparatus for underground channels such as sewer pipes and conduits for communication or electric cables and many other conduits for various utilities. The apparatus has a television camera which is adjustable in its position in accordance with the size of an underground channel, and a reversible motor which rotates V belts to advance and retract the apparatus in the underground channels. The television camera and the movement of the apparatus is controlled at a remote place.
Inventors
- 👤 Kiyoshi Hasegawa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 04:16
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03F; E03F7/00; E03F7/12; E02; E02D; E02D1/00; E02D1/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
An inspection apparatus for underground channels comprising a chassis which has pulleys at the end portions thereof, endless V belts engaged with said pulleys, a reversible motor having a driving shaft, a television camera at one end portion of said chassis, means for adjusting the position of said television camera in accordance with the size of said channels, and cable means for remotely operating and controlling said television camera and said reversible motor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
An inspection apparatus for underground channels comprising a chassis which has pulleys at the end portions thereof, endless V belts engaged with said pulleys, a reversible motor having a driving shaft, a television camera at one end portion of said chassis, means for adjusting the position of said television camera in accordance with the size of said channels, and cable means for remotely operating and controlling said television camera and said reversible motor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, in which said apparatus comprises further means for adjusting the tensile strength of said V belts.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
102 words
The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, in which said means for adjusting the position of the television camera includes a shaft which has a first spiral groove portion and second spiral groove portion, a first block threadedly engaged with and movable along said first spiral groove portion, a second block threadedly engaged with and movable along said second spiral groove portion, link members, and a camera holder, said link members being connected to said camera holder and said blocks, whereby when said shaft is rotated, said blocks move in the opposite direction to thereby shift the position of said camera holder.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, in which said chassis has a first saddle and second saddle, said first and second saddles having rollers which contact said V belts, said first and second saddles being pivotable about the central portion thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, in which a plurality of illuminators are disposed around a lens of said television camera.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-03-18 | 1983-09-17 | 1984-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-03-18 | 1987-09-17 | 1988-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-03-18 | 1991-09-17 | 1992-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |