Abstract: An elongated remotely controlled pan and tilt television camera, ideally suitable for inspecting pipeline interiors, is able to be constructed with extremely small transverse dimensions due to compact packaging of control mechanisms disposed in the camera front end inside an optical dome. An outer gimbal is rotatable (i.e., panned) relative to the camera front end and is in the form of a frame within which an inner gimbal is mounted to be rotatable (i.e., tilted) relative to the outer gimbal. A lens, a lens focus control motor and a tilt motor are all mounted on the inner gimbal so as to be movable therewith. The pan motor is positionally fixed in the camera housing and rotates the outer gimbal by means of a drive cable and pulley secured to the outer gimbal. A CCD detector is located remotely from its associated electronics circuitry on a CCD circuit board secured to the inner gimbal so that the detector is movable with the lens and receives an optical image therefrom.

Abstract: Detecting and locating leaks in building service lateral sewer pipelines is accomplished under remote control by inserting a lateral inspection television camera into the lateral pipeline from a main sewer pipeline. The lateral inspection camera is stored in a generally cylindrical launcher mechanism having a camera port opening through which the lateral camera may be projected and retracted using a hollow elongated and flexible push rod. The launcher is moved longitudinally in the main pipeline, along with a main television camera, until an entrance opening to a service lateral pipeline is viewed via the main camera. The launcher mechanism may also be rotated in order to properly align the camera aperture with the entrance to the lateral pipeline. The lateral camera can be propelled into the lateral pipeline by means of motor driven pinch rollers in the launcher mechanism pushing the push rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and sealing leaks in a sewer branch pipe including a packer member which travels along the main sewer pipe by remote control. When the packer is correctly located, the main pipe region surrounding the branch entrance is sealed off. The packer is rotated until a slot in the packer is orientated to the branch. An inflatable tube in the packer is then inflated, causing the tube to elongate and enter the branch. The remote end of the tube forms a seal against the inside of the branch so that the area of the branch near the junction with the main pipe is included in the sealed off area. Fluid can be pumped into the sealed off space to detect if a leak is present; in which case a sealant fluid is pumped into the space. Afterwards, the tube can be deflated and retracted and the traveller repositioned at the next branch.