Apparatus for projecting devices through tubes and conduits

Apparatus for storing and selectively projecting a flexible lance therefrom, said apparatus comprising a drum storage means for storing said lance in a plurality of wound coils thereon with a distal end of said lance being adapted to project from said apparatus, drive means enabling rotation of said drum storage means about a rotation axis to extend said distal end from said drum storage means or to retract said distal end towards said drum storage means, said apparatus being characterized by restraining means located circumferentially around said drum storage means to engage and maintain said lance in position on said drum storage means when withdrawn thereon, said apparatus being further characterized by guide means having a proximal end adjacent said drum storage means and a distal end spaced from said proximal end, said guide means defining a path from said proximal end to said distal end through which said flexible lance passes during extension from or withdrawal onto said storage means, said guide means being mounted for bodily movement in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of said storage means in response to rotation of said storage means whereby said path at said proximal end of the guide means remains coincident with the direction of said flexible lance as it is extended from or as it is withdrawn onto said drum storage means, and said drum storage means further including a circumferential region formed from an elastomeric material with a spirally formed groove in an outer peripheral surface thereof, said groove having a width such that said lance is positionable in said groove with an interference fit.