Abstract: Internal pipe inspection apparatus is disclosed having a novel collapsible centralizer mechanism for an in-line pipe inspection head. The inspection apparatus is insertable into different size pipelines through a small, lateral service opening. The apparatus includes a compact inspection pipe head having a viewing assembly for imaging the interior of the pipe. The head is sized to pass through a standard lateral service opening substantially less in diameter than the diameter of the pipe. Various collapsible centralizing members are described for positioning the pipe inspection head viewing assembly substantially concentric with an axis of the pipe. The novel centralizers include multiple bendable support legs which are pivotally connected at different points to the inspection device such that each leg forms a substantially sinusoidal shape when extended and each leg collapses close to the inspection head and trailing ferrules when retracted for insertion into (or removal from) the pipe.

Abstract: Internal pipe inspection apparatus and an in-line pipe head are disclosed. The inspection apparatus is insertable into either a four inch or six inch pipeline through a standard service size opening. The apparatus includes a compact pipe head having a viewing assembly for imaging the interior of the pipe. The head is sized to pass through the standard lateral service opening, the opening being substantially less in size than the diameter of the pipe. A flexible steel snake is connected to the head for manually moving and rotating the head within the pipe once the head is positioned therein. The apparatus is intrinsically safe for inspection of a live natural gas main. Various centralizing member embodiments are disclosed for positioning the pipe head viewing assembly substantially concentric with the axis of the pipe.