# US 8,770,867 B2 · Lifting unit for pipe inspection systems

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 8,770,867 B2
- Document ID: US8770867B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/035,024
- Filed: 2013-09-24
- Published: 2014-01-23
- Granted: 2014-07-08
- Earliest claimed: 2011-03-24
- Assignees: iPEK International GmbH
- Applicants: iPEK International GmbH
- Inventors: Christian James Dümig; Alexander Kreutzer
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8770867B2

## CPC

- F16L 55/40: of the body
- G01M 3/005: {using pigs or moles (G01M3/246, G01M3/2823 take precedence)}
- G01M 3/38: by using light (G01M3/02 takes precedence)
- G01M 5/0025: {of elongated objects, e.g. pipes, masts, towers or railways (G01M5/0058 takes precedence)}
- G01M 5/0091: {by using electromagnetic excitation or detection}
- G01M 11/081: {by using a contact-less detection method, i.e. with a camera}
- G03B 17/561: {Support related camera accessories}
- G03B 37/005: {Photographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe, (G03B37/02 - G03B37/06 take precedence; instruments for performing medical examinations of cavities or tubes of the body by photographic inspection A61B1/00)}
- F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- G01M: TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G03B: APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR (optical parts of such apparatus G02B; photosensitive materials or processes for photographic purposes G03C; apparatus for processing exposed photographic materials G03D)

## Abstract

A lifting unit for pipe inspection systems for lifting a head unit, comprising a base support with a connection module for connection to a connection unit of a carriage, a lifting system with at least one lifting arm and a drive unit for deflecting the lifting arm relative to the base support via a rotation axis, as well as a head unit with a connection module for connection of inspection units, in particular cameras and illumination systems, wherein connectors of the carriage are at least partially lead to the connection module of the head unit.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A lifting unit for pipe inspection systems for lifting a head unit comprising:
a base support with a connection module for connection to a connection unit of a carriage,
a lifting system with at least one lifting arm, and
a drive unit for deflecting the lifting arm relative to the base support via a rotation axis, as well as a head unit with a connection module for connection of inspection units, in particular, cameras and illumination systems,
wherein signals at the electrical control and supply terminals of the carriage are at least partially directed to corresponding terminals of the connection module of the head unit.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The lifting unit of claim 1, wherein the connection module of the head unit comprises terminal leads corresponding to terminal leads in the connection unit of the carriage.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The lifting unit of claim 1, wherein the drive unit for deflecting the lifting arm comprises a motor, which is located in one of at least two lifting arms.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The lifting unit of claim 1, wherein the drive unit for deflecting the lifting arm is carried out electrically, and the drive unit is supplied with power by the connection unit of the carriage.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The lifting unit of claim 1, wherein the drive unit for deflecting the lifting arm is carried out mechanically by a shaft, which is driven by a connector at the carriage.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The lifting unit of claim 1, wherein the connection module of the base support and the connection module of the head unit comprise a plug, preferably a quick lock.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The lifting unit of claim 1, comprising at the head unit, preferably in the upper region, at least one additional connector for reception and control of auxiliary modules, preferably of additional illumination modules.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

A carriage for a pipe inspection system comprising:
a connector for reception of a control and supply cable in the rearward region, and
a connection unit in the front part, preferably for reception of a pivotable camera head, wherein the carriage comprises mounts for a lifting unit according to claim 1.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The carriage of claim 8, wherein the connection module of the base support provides control and power supply cables, by means of which besides the pivotable camera head, also the drive unit and further modules connected to the lifting unit may be controlled.

### Claim 10 (depends on 8)

The carriage of claim 8, further comprising a camera and an illumination device in the rearward region of the carriage, preferably respectively adjacent to the connection for the supply cable.