Kenneth M Guthrie

US Patent:

RE331600, Feb 6, 1990

Filed:

Nov 25, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/125578

Inventors:

Kenneth R. Guthrie - Orlando FL
James R. Martin - Orangevale CA

Assignee:

Cues, Inc. - Orlando FL

International Classification:

H04N 718

US Classification:

73 405R

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. Electrical power and video signals for the miniature camera are transmitted through a cable disposed within the push rod.

US Patent:

44846029, Nov 27, 1984

Filed:

Jan 17, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/458628

Inventors:

Kenneth R. Guthrie - Orlando FL

Assignee:

Cues, Inc. - Orlando FL

International Classification:

F16L 5512

US Classification:

138 93

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. The disclosure includes a method of detecting and sealing leaks, in which an inflatable tube is used to provide a means to enter the branch, and to seal the branch away from its junction with the main pipe.