Remote inspection device

#The present disclosure relates generally to borescopes and video scopes.

#Borescopes and video scopes for inspecting visually obscured locations are typically tailored for particular applications. For instance, some borescopes have been tailored for use by plumbers to inspect pipes and drains. Likewise, other types of borescopes have been tailored for use by mechanics to inspect interior compartments of machinery being repaired. Special features and functions associated with these applications have driven up the cost for these types of devices. Absent from the marketplace is a simplified, inexpensive and yet versatile inspection device which may be marketed to the general public.

#The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary inspection device;

#FIGS. 2A and 2B are exploded views of exemplary imager housings of the inspection device;

#FIG. 2C is a diagram depicting an exemplary piping structure for guiding light through the imager housing;

#The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

#FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a remote inspection device 10. The remote inspection device 10 is generally comprised of three primary components: a display housing 12, an imager housing 14 and a flexible cable 16 interconnecting the display housing 12 to the imager housing 14. The flexible cable 16 may be bent or curved as it is pushed into visually obscured areas, such as pipes, walls, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible cable 16 is a ribbed cylindrical conduit having an outer diameter in the range of 1 cm. The conduit can be made of either a metal, plastic or composite material. Smaller or larger diameters may be suitable depending on the application. Likewise, other suitable constructions for the flexible cable 16 are also contemplated by this disclosure.

#The imager housing 14 is coupled to a distal end of the flexible cable 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the imager housing 14 is a substantially cylindrical shape that is concentrically aligned with the flexible cable 16. However, it is envisioned that the imager housing 14 may take other shapes. In any case, an outer diameter of the cylindrical imager housing 14 is preferably sized to be substantially equal to or less than the outer diameter of the flexible cable 16.