Method and means for determining change in pipe diameter

A sensing assembly for determining the location of a change in diameter of a lateral pipe along the length of the lateral pipe used in connection with a sewer system from a remote location, comprising:

• an imaging device for acquiring imaging data inside the lateral pipe;
• an imaging cable operatively connected to the imaging device and configured to transport imaging data to the remote location;
• a sensing device operatively connected to the imaging device and at least partially forward of the imaging device, the sensing device comprising a plurality of flexible arms extending radially outwardly;
• wherein the diameter of the sensing device is equal to a predetermined diameter at a beginning of the lateral pipe and the imaging device acquires imaging data of the sensing device in and along the lateral pipe.

A method of repairing a section of a wall of a lateral pipe, comprising:

• determining the location of a change in diameter of the lateral pipe by providing a diameter sensing assembly comprising an imaging device and a sensing device positioned at least partially forward of the imaging device, the sensing device comprising a plurality of flexible arms extending radially outwardly, and acquiring imaging data of the sensing device in relation to the wall of the lateral pipe as the assembly moves through the pipe;
• assembling a liner assembly, comprising a bladder tube and a liner tube impregnated with a resinous material capable of curing and hardening, based on the number and location of changes in diameter along the length of the section of lateral pipe;
• inserting the liner assembly into the lateral pipe, wherein the diameter of the liner assembly matches the diameter of the lateral pipe along the length of the section of lateral pipe being repaired;
• pressing the liner tube against a wall of the lateral pipe;
• allowing the resinous material to cure and harden;
• and
• removing the bladder tube from the lateral pipe to leave the liner tube cured in place in the lateral tube along a length of the section of the wall of the lateral pipe.