Hub connection for pipeline inspection device
AssigneeMilwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
InventorsSamuel J. Krohlow, Christopher J. Turner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pipeline inspection device, including 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.
Claims17
A pipeline inspection device, comprising:
- a rotatable drum housing a cable, the cable extendable into a pipe;
- a camera positioned on an end of the cable;
- a hub selectively coupled to the drum, the hub including a first mechanical engagement member and a first electrical connection;
- a plurality of electrical components housed within the hub, the plurality of electrical components including a processor and a wireless communication module, the wireless communication module configured to transmit images captured by the camera;
- and
- a core configured to selectively couple the hub to the drum, the core including a second mechanical engagement member and a second electrical connection, the second mechanical engagement member selectively engageable with the first mechanical engagement member, the second electrical connection selectively engageable with the first electrical connection,
- wherein the hub is removable from the drum and couplable to a second drum, the second drum having a different shape or size from the drum.
A pipeline inspection device, comprising:
- a rotatable drum housing a cable, the cable extendable into a pipe, the drum rotatable about an axis;
- a camera positioned on an end of the cable;
- a hub selectively coupled to the drum, the hub including a first electrical connection on a first side of the hub and a battery receptacle on a second side of the hub opposite the first side;
- a plurality of electrical components housed within the hub, the plurality of electrical components including a processor and a wireless communication module, the wireless communication module configured to wirelessly transmit images capture by the camera;
- and
- a core positioned along the axis of the drum and configured to couple the hub to the drum, the core including a second electrical connection selectively engageable with the first electrical connection;
- wherein the hub is removable from the drum and couplable to a second drum, the second drum having a different shape or size from the drum.
A pipeline inspection device, comprising:
- a reel including a rotatable drum and a stand rotatably supporting the drum;
- a cable housed within the drum, the cable extendable into a pipe;
- a camera positioned on an end of the cable;
- a hub selectively coupled to the reel, the hub including
- a first mechanical engagement member selectively engageable with a second mechanical engagement member of the reel to couple the hub to the reel,
- a first electrical connection selectively engageable with a second electrical connection of the reel when the hub is coupled to the reel, and
- a battery receptacle positioned on a side of the hub opposite the first electrical connection, the battery receptacle configured to removably receive a battery;
- and
- a plurality of electrical components housed within the hub, the plurality of electrical components including a processor and a wireless communication module, the wireless communication module configured to transmit images capture by the camera;
- wherein the hub is removable from the reel and couplable to a second reel, the second reel being having a different shape or size from the reel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.