WO2006127095A1

WO2006127095A1 - Simultaneously clean and inspect sewer pipes

Info

Publication number: WO2006127095A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/009680
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Stoneman
Original assignee: Thomas Stoneman
Priority date: 2005-05-25
Filing date: 2006-03-17
Publication date: 2006-11-30
Also published as: EP1893358A1

Abstract

A method and a system for simultaneously cleaning and inspecting a sewer pipe (117) by sending a jet propelled camera (115) skid down the sewer pipe (117) on the initial cleaning pass.

Description

SIMULTANEOUSLY CLEAN AND INSPECT SEWER PIPES

BACKGROUND

This invention pertains to devices and methods for inspection, debris and blockage removal, and flushing of pipes (i.e. sewers), closed chambers, or conduits using a jet nozzle unit to push a camera and/or obstruction removal device along a pipe.

It is well known in the sewer cleaning and flushing art to direct a hydraulic jet nozzle unit into the pipe and deliver water under pressure to it through a hose, with rearwardly-directed jets of water causing advance of the jet nozzle unit and pressure hose along the sewer. Rewinding of the pressure hose causes retraction of the jet nozzle unit with the jets of water flushing material ahead of the water jets along the sewer as the jet nozzle unit retracts.

It is also known in the art to inspect sewers for leaks, obstructions, and debris, after cleaning the sewer pipes. Such known systems include either a film camera or, more commonly, a TV camera which is moved along the sewer and which is connected to a receiver above ground, whereby an observer/operator may watch the receiver to see obstructions, debris, and leaks as they are imaged by the TV camera. In such systems, the camera may be moved between adjacent manholes by a cable structure, such as shown in Latall, U.S. Pat. No. 3,739,089, with the TV camera being mounted on a skid, such as shown in Latall, U.S. Pat. No. 3,715,484. The camera units which are propelled by cable require an initial leading of the cable along the sewer to an adjacent manhole and thus complicate the use thereof. It is also known in the art to have a camera unit mounted on a self-propelled carriage, having a motor, which is P C TVlJ S Q 15 / p <°l B B O supplied by an electric line or battery-powered to propel me carriage and the camera along a pipe. The latter type of unit is slow, expensive, and heavy and may involve the use of electric lines which could be hazardous in a water environment.

It is also known in the art, as shown in Van Norman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,107,738, to have a skid mounted camera attached to a jet nozzle which pushes the camera skid along the sewer for inspection. This has always required multiple passes because it has been done only after the dirty and possibly obstructed sewer has been cleaned and flushed by a jet nozzle without a camera unit attached to it. The present inventor is aware of no instance, outside the present invention, where a camera skid has been sent down a pipe on the initial cleaning pass. The process of first jet cleaning a pipe, then inspecting the pipe, then jet cleaning the pipe again if needed, can be time and equipment intensive. The camera lens of such an apparatus may often become obscured with water, mist, or debris. It is known that a pan and tilt camera which is capable of looking to the sides may be used. The present inventor knows of no prior art which weighs less than 150 pounds or which allows such a camera skid to go faster than 80 feet per minute. Although, some manufacturers, such as BBAK, advertise the benefit of additional cleaning which occurs during inspection with a jet nozzle propelled camera ~ listing as an advantage "Cleaning during TV inspections" - - none teach sending such a camera down a dirty pipe for the initial cleaning pass.

Furthermore, competitors teach away from simultaneous jet cleaning and videoing of a dirty pipe, and say it can't be done, even after a request from a customer who insisted that the present invention could do so. The conventional wisdom is that a skid mounted camera won't go through debris and obstructions or won't do so without sustaining significant damage. Competitors, such as Sewer Equipment R CoCmpTan/yu ofs Amoeeπic/a,q alw^«3a6yse jetD c₁lean fi .rs ₊t, _Λ then d ,o vi .d,eo i .magi .ng a _Λfter t ,he sewer pipe has been cleaned out. No competitor known to the inventor will even consider simultaneously jet cleaning and videoing a dirty pipe, even after being told that the present invention can do so.

It is known in the prior art to use rotary devices to remove obstructions from pipes, but these devices advance slowly up the pipe at about 3 feet per minute. It is not known to the inventor in the prior art to advance such a device at over 80 feet per minute through unobstructed pipe to reach the obstruction, remove it quickly, and then proceed quickly on up the pipe cleaning and removing debris and obstructions as needed.

Traditionally, operation of such a water jet propelled camera is complicated by having two separate lines to manage- the water line and the camera cable. Attempts have been made to join the cables together and place them on a single reel, but problems arise when the elastic pressure hose stretches far more than the relatively inelastic TV cable. One means of dealing with the stretch differential has been to cast both lines side-by-side in resin which can be wound on a reel. This addresses the stretching differential, but introduces added cost, weight, and stiffness associated with the resin. A recent advance made by the present inventor, Thomas Stoneman, involves running the video line coaxially through the water line and attaching the ends of the lines together with a one piece grommet and epoxy. SUMMARY

The Jet Eye camera skid is fitted to a remotely operated, self-propelling jet nozzle unit, such as those used in flushing sewers, which directs a pressurized fluid rearward as a means for advancing the camera skid rapidly forward through a sewer line, pipe line, closed chamber and/or conduit.

Features of the invention disclosed herein are the light weight, speed, and ruggedness of the camera skid. The heaviest Jet Eye camera skid weighs less than 75 lbs, while the lightest weight achieved by competitors is 150 lbs. The Jet Eye camera skid can travel up to 200 feet per minute, substantially greater than the 80 feet per minute achieved by competitors. The Jet Eye is so rugged, it is able to withstand being thrown against concrete walls and floors and can ram through obstructions in a dirty pipe without damage to the skid or camera.

Another feature of the invention is that the skid can have rows of friction reducing wheels oriented so that, with the additional feature that the camera is self leveling, the skid functions equally well regardless of its axial orientation.

Another feature of the invention is that interchangeable heads- a light head for additional illumination and mechanical heads to aid in removing obstructions- which add to the versatility of the skid can be swapped out in under a minute.

Another feature of the invention is that the video line can run coaxially through the water line and the ends of the lines can be fastened together with a two piece grommet which does not require epoxy. This arrangement simplifies operation by simultaneously:

1. eliminating the need for a separate TV cable reel,

2. solving problems associated with differential stretching in the TV cable and the pressure hose, and also

3. providing for rapid, easy replacement of either the TV cable or the pressure hose, allowing substitution of different types and sizes of TV cables (i.e. fiber optics) and pressure hoses and assuring that hose damage can be quickly and easily remedied.

A further feature of the invention is that said camera is oriented to be air-blast cleaned due to air flow resulting from the venturi effect of flow in the pipe. Thus, operation of the device results automatically in cleaning of the camera lens such that the view is always unobstructed, with no effort required on the part of the operator. This effect can be increased by opening manholes in front of the camera skid. Also, a pan & tilt camera which remotely articulates and retracts into a rugged sleeve can be mounted in the same manner to take advantage the venturi effect.

An additional, rearward looking camera may also be mounted on the skid so that the operator can see in both directions.

An object of the invention is to provide a combined method of rapid inspection and cleaning of dirty, possibly obstructed pipe in a single pass by jetting down the pipe at well over 80 feet per minute with hydraulic jet propulsion means for advancing a lightweight rugged skid with a camera, and simultaneously cleaning using jet nozzles P CT/ U S Q₁B / O ^!9 S SjDi _t <y adjusting the flow rate as needed to clean.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combined method of rapid inspection, cleaning, and debris and obstruction removal in a dirty, possibly obstructed pipe in a single pass by directing a pressurized fluid rearward and jetting a lightweight rugged camera skid at over 80 feet per minute down the pipe, said lightweight rugged skid having a camera mounted on it and removing obstructions by ramming said obstructions with the camera skid, then proceeding quickly on up the pipe cleaning and removing debris and obstructions as needed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combined method of rapid inspection, cleaning, and debris and obstruction removal in a dirty, possibly obstructed pipe in a single pass by directing a pressurized fluid rearward and jetting a lightweight rugged camera skid at over 80 feet per minute down the pipe, said lightweight rugged skid having a camera and rotary debris removal tools mounted on the skid and simultaneously cleaning and removing obstructions as needed by using a rotary obstruction removal device and then proceeding quickly on up the pipe cleaning and removing debris and obstructions as needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Drawing IA depicts the Jet Eye camera skid jetting down a dirty pipe, approaching debris which is obstructing the pipe. p Dr caw Ting/ I yB s dep oic ets / the o J ^«e3t E isy ee c oamera s _Λki.d_Λ camera s _Λki.d_Δ striking and breaking through an obstruction in the pipe.

Drawing 1C depicts the Jet Eye camera skid jetting over the obstruction, further breaking the obstruction up.

Drawing ID depicts the Jet Eye camera skid continuing to jet down the pipe as the jets break the obstruction up further and clear the loosened debris from the pipe.

Drawing IE depicts the Jet Eye camera skid now completely past where the obstruction was and shows clean pipe behind the jet eye.

Drawing IF depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with labeled parts.

Drawing 2 A depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a light-head attachment jetting down a dirty pipe.

Drawing 2B depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a light-head attachment striking and breaking through an obstruction in the pipe.

Drawing 2C depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a light-head attachment jetting over the obstruction, further breaking the obstruction up. p DracwTing/' 2uDs deqpicets/ thαe Jrøet Eeyee cαamera s _tki-d_i wi .th a light-head attachment continuing to jet down the pipe as the jets break the obstruction up further and clear the loosened debris from the pipe.

Drawing 2E depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a light-head attachment now completely past where the obstruction was and shows clean pipe behind the jet eye.

Drawing 2F depicts the Jet Eye camera skid and a light-head attachment with labeled parts.

Drawing 3 A depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a blade attachment jetting down a dirty pipe.

Drawing 3B depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a blade attachment striking and breaking through an obstruction in the pipe.

Drawing 3C depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a blade attachment jetting over the obstruction, further breaking the obstruction up.

Drawing 3D depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a blade attachment continuing to jet down the pipe as the jets break the obstruction up further and clear the loosened debris from the pipe.

Drawing 3E depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a blade attachment now completely past where the obstruction was and shows clean pipe behind the jet eye. Drawing 3F depicts the Jet Eye camera skid and a blade attachment with labeled parts.

Drawing 4 A depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a rotary flail attachment jetting down a dirty pipe.

Drawing 4B depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a rotary flail attachment striking and breaking through an obstruction in the pipe.

Drawing 4C depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a rotary flail attachment jetting over the obstruction, further breaking the obstruction up.

Drawing 4D depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a rotary flail attachment continuing to jet down the pipe as the jets break the obstruction up further and clear the loosened debris from the pipe.

Drawing 4E depicts the Jet Eye camera skid with a rotary flail attachment now completely past where the obstruction was and shows clean pipe behind the jet eye.

Drawing 4F depicts the Jet Eye camera skid and a rotary flail attachment with labeled parts. DESCRIPTION

Figure IF is a cutaway view of a pipe 117 which shows the Jet Eye camera skid inside. Hose 101 is a fluid pressure hose with a TV cable 111 running coaxially through the center of it. The hose 101 connects to the two piece grommet 103. The two piece grommet 103 connects the TV cable 111 coaxially to the fluid pressure hose 101 and attaches to the jet nozzle 105. The design of the two piece grommet 103 allows the fluid pressure hose and the TV hose to be quickly and easily attached, detached, and reattached; facilitating easy replacement of the fluid pressure hose 101, the TV cable 111, or the two piece grommet 103. This adds versatility by, for example, allowing the operator to easily change the size of the fluid pressure hose 101 or the type of TV cable 111 and facilitates replacement of worn or damaged parts. The fluid pressure hose 101 delivers fluid under pressure to jet nozzle 105 which expels the fluid rearward to generate forward thrust and simultaneously clean and flush debris from the pipe 117. The jet nozzle 105 is attached to the Jet Eye camera skid frame 107 which can be manufactured to be extremely strong and lightweight by machining it from a solid aluminum billet. To reduce friction and absorb shock while jetting, wheels 109, such as those used on inline skates, are mounted on the frame 107. A stainless steel camera sleeve 113 is attached to the front of the frame 107. The camera sleeve 113 provides protection to the self orienting camera 115 which is mounted within it. After the TV cable 111 runs coaxially through the fluid pressure hose 101 and exits the two piece grommet 103, it runs along the frame 107, then into the camera sleeve 113 where it connects to the camera 115. Figures IA, IB, 1C, ID, and IE show the process of jetting a Jet Eye camera skid through a dirty pipe 117 to simultaneously clean and inspect the pipe 117.

Figure IA shows the Jet Eye camera skid jetting rapidly through a dirty pipe 117 just before reaching an obstruction. If there are no obstructions, the Jet Eye camera skid operator can save time by jetting full speed, up to 200 feet per minute.

Figure IB shows the Jet Eye camera skid striking the obstruction transferring unmatched kinetic energy to the obstruction at impact. This unprecedented method of use is possible due to the ruggedness and speed of the Jet Eye camera skid. It is significant that such a maneuver is universally considered to be folly by camera skid operators throughout the industry and operators of typical camera skids refuse to do so, yet the steel camera sleeve 113 and overall design of the present invention prevents damage to the Jet Eye.

Figure 1C shows the Jet Eye camera skid breaking through the obstruction, dislodging it and breaking it up. Note that if the Jet Eye camera skid fails to break through on the first attempt, the operator can simply back it up by reeling in the hose 101 and try again, ramming the obstruction repeatedly like a jack hammer until the obstruction gives way.

Figure ID shows the Jet Eye camera skid passing by the pieces of the obstruction as the fluid jets from the jet nozzle 105 blast away the obstruction debris and flush out the pipe 117. Figure IE shows the Jet Eye camera skid continuing rapidly down the pipe 117, leaving the pipe 117 clean and unobstructed behind it. When the operator completes his pass and reels the camera skid back in he will be able to check this and remove any remaining debris. The operator may also play back recorded video and watch in slow motion and zoom in for a closer inspection.

Figure 2F is a cutaway view of a pipe 117 which shows the same Jet Eye camera skid from figure IF, but with an LED light head attachment 119 to provide additional illumination inside the pipe 117. Hose 101 is a fluid pressure hose with a TV cable 111 running coaxially through the center of it. The hose 101 connects to the two piece grommet 103. The two piece grommet 103 connects the TV cable 111 coaxially to the fluid pressure hose 101 and attaches to the jet nozzle 105. The design of the two piece grommet 103 allows the fluid pressure hose and the TV hose to be quickly and easily attached, detached, and reattached; facilitating easy replacement of the fluid pressure hose 101, the TV cable 111, or the two piece grommet 103. This adds versatility by, for example, allowing the operator to easily change the size of the fluid pressure hose 101 or the type of TV cable 111 and facilitates replacement of worn or damaged parts. The fluid pressure hose 101 delivers fluid under pressure to jet nozzle 105 which expels the fluid rearward to generate forward thrust and simultaneously clean and flush debris from the pipe 117. Thejet nozzle 105 is attached to the Jet Eye camera skid frame 107 which can be manufactured to be extremely strong and lightweight by machining it from a solid aluminum billet. To reduce friction and absorb shock while jetting, wheels 109, such as those used on inline skates, are mounted on the frame 107. A stainless steel camera sleeve 113 is attached to the front of the frame 107. A rugged LED light head attachment 119 is securely and IP¹ C T/ U S O 6 / O 9 G 8 O removably mounted on camera sleeve 113. The camera sleeve 113 provides protection to the self orienting camera 115 which is mounted within it. After the TV cable 111 runs coaxially through the fluid pressure hose 101 and exits the two piece grommet 103, it runs along the frame 107, then into the camera sleeve 113 where it connects to the camera 115.

Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E show the process of jetting a Jet Eye camera skid with a light head attachment through a dirty pipe 117 to simultaneously clean and inspect the pipe 117. The process is like the one depicted in Figures IA, IB, 1C, ID, and IE, with the addition of a rugged LED light head attachment 119 to the camera skid.

Figure 2 A shows the Jet Eye camera skid with a light head attachment 119 jetting rapidly through a dirty pipe 117 just before reaching an obstruction. If there are no obstructions, the Jet Eye camera skid operator can save time by jetting full speed, up to 200 feet per minute.

Figure 2B shows the Jet Eye camera skid with the rugged light head attachment 119 striking the obstruction. This unprecedented method is possible due to the ruggedness and speed of the Jet Eye camera skid, transferring unmatched kinetic energy to the obstruction at impact. The addition of the rugged light head attachment to the Jet Eye camera skid does not foreclose such harsh use and in fact provides additional protection to the Jet Eye. P V, Ii 1! P ¹¹ Ii IIJnLi₁ '¹ ILIt "^"I f.,, il l! O

Figure 2C shows the Jet Eye camera skid with the rugged light head attachment 119 hammering through the obstruction, dislodging it and breaking it up. Note that if the Jet Eye camera skid with the light head attachment fails to break through on the first attempt, the operator can simply ram the obstruction repeatedly until the obstruction gives way.

Figure 2D shows the Jet Eye camera skid with the rugged light head attachment 119 passing by the pieces of the obstruction as the fluid jets from the jet nozzle 105 blast away the obstruction debris and flush out the pipe 117.

Figure 2E shows the Jet Eye camera skid with the light head attachment 119 continuing rapidly down the pipe, leaving the pipe 117 clean and unobstructed behind it. When the operator completes his pass and reels the camera skid back in he will be able to check the pipe 117 again for leaks and debris, aided by the additional illumination from the light head attachment, and remove any remaining debris.

Figure 3F is a cutaway view of a pipe 117 which shows the same Jet Eye camera skid from figure IF, but with a blade attachment 121 to aid in removing obstructions from the pipe 117. Hose 101 is a fluid pressure hose with a TV cable 111 running coaxially through the center of it. The hose 101 connects to the two piece grommet 103. The two piece grommet 103 connects the TV cable 111 coaxially to the fluid pressure hose 101 and attaches to the jet nozzle 105. The design of the two piece grommet 103 allows the fluid pressure hose and the TV hose to be quickly and easily attached, detached, and reattached; facilitating easy replacement of the fluid pressure hose 101, the TV cable 111, or the two piece grommet 103. This adds versatility by, for pcT/yspe/Ogieeo ., example, allowing the operator to easily change the size of the fluid pressure hose 101 or the type of TV cable 111 and facilitates replacement of worn or damaged parts. The fluid pressure hose 101 delivers fluid under pressure to jet nozzle 105 which expels the fluid rearward to generate forward thrust and simultaneously clean and flush debris from the pipe 117. The jet nozzle 105 is attached to the Jet Eye camera skid frame 107 which can be manufactured to be extremely strong and lightweight by machining it from a solid aluminum billet. To reduce friction and absorb shock while jetting, wheels 109, such as those used on inline skates, are mounted on the frame 107. A stainless steel camera sleeve 113 is attached to the front of the frame 107. A rugged blade attachment 121 is securely and removably mounted on camera sleeve 113 to aid in obstruction removal. Several blades 131 are securely and removably (so that they can be replaced) mounted on the blade attachment 121. The camera sleeve 113 provides protection to the self orienting camera 115 which is mounted within it. After the TV cable 111 runs coaxially through the fluid pressure hose 101 and exits the two piece grommet 103, it runs along the frame 107, then into the camera sleeve 113 where it connects to the camera 115.

Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E show the process of jetting a Jet Eye camera skid with a blade attachment 121 through a dirty pipe 117 to simultaneously clean and inspect the pipe 117. The process is like the one depicted in Figures IA, IB, 1C, ID, and IE, with the addition of a rugged blade attachment 121 to the camera skid.

Figure 3 A shows the Jet Eye camera skid with a blade attachment 121 jetting rapidly through a dirty pipe 117 just before reaching an obstruction. If there are no obstructions, the Jet Eye camera skid operator can save time by jetting full speed, up to 200 feet per minute.

Figure 3B shows the Jet Eye camera skid with the rugged a blade attachment 121 striking the obstruction. This unprecedented method is possible due to the ruggedness and speed of the Jet Eye camera skid, transferring unmatched kinetic energy to the obstruction at impact. The addition of the rugged a blade attachment 121 to the Jet Eye camera skid helps the Jet Eye penetrate tough obstructions.

Figure 3 C shows the Jet Eye camera skid with the rugged a blade attachment 121 hammering through the obstruction, dislodging it and breaking it up. Note that if the Jet Eye camera skid with the blade attachment 121 fails to break through on the first attempt, the operator can simply ram the obstruction repeatedly until the obstruction gives way.

Figure 3D shows the Jet Eye camera skid with the rugged blade attachment 121 passing by the pieces of the obstruction as the fluid jets from the jet nozzle 105 blast away the obstruction debris and flush out the pipe 117.

Figure 3E shows the Jet Eye camera skid with the blade attachment 121 continuing rapidly down the pipe, leaving the pipe 117 clean and unobstructed behind it. When the operator completes the pass and reels the camera skid back in he will be able to check the pipe 117 again for leaks and debris. ₊

t₁he same Jet Eye camera skid from figure IF, but with a rotary flail attachment 129 to aid in removing obstructions from the pipe 117. Hose 101 is a fluid pressure hose with a TV cable 111 running coaxially through the center of it. The hose 101 connects to the two piece grommet 103. The two piece grommet 103 connects the TV cable 111 coaxially to the fluid pressure hose 101 and attaches to the jet nozzle 105. The design of the two piece grommet 103 allows the fluid pressure hose and the TV hose to be quickly and easily attached, detached, and reattached; facilitating easy replacement of the fluid pressure hose 101, the TV cable 111, or the two piece grommet 103. This adds versatility by, for example, allowing the operator to easily change the size of the fluid pressure hose 101 or the type of TV cable 111 and facilitates replacement of worn or damaged parts. The fluid pressure hose 101 delivers fluid under pressure to jet nozzle 105 which expels the fluid rearward to generate forward thrust and simultaneously clean and flush debris from the pipe 117. The jet nozzle 105 is attached to the Jet Eye camera skid frame 107 which can be manufactured to be extremely strong and lightweight by machining it from a solid aluminum billet. To reduce friction and absorb shock while jetting, wheels 109, such as those used on inline skates, are mounted on the frame 107. A stainless steel camera sleeve 113 is attached to the front of the frame 107. A fluid pressure tube 125 is connected to the jet nozzle 105 and then securely and removably mounted on camera sleeve 113 by a custom clamp 127. The rotary flail attachment 129 is connected to the fluid pressure tube 125. Some of the pressurized fluid from hose 101 goes through the jet nozzle 105 and the fluid pressure tube 125 to power the rotary flail attachment. On the rotary attachment 129 are mounted several chain flails 131 which can chew through debris and obstructions when the rotary flail 129 spins. The camera sleeve 113 provides protection to the self orienting camera 115 which is i mpo cun Tte/d w Uith Bin u it 6. A /ft oer ⁽9 the ε T eV o cable 111 runs coaxially through the fluid pressure hose 101 and exits the two piece grommet 103, it runs along the frame 107, then into the camera sleeve 113 where it connects to the camera 115.

Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E show the process of jetting a Jet Eye camera skid with a flail attachment 129 through a dirty pipe 117 to simultaneously clean and inspect the pipe 117. The process is like the one depicted in Figures IA, IB, 1C, ID, and IE, with the addition of a rotary flail attachment 129 to the camera skid.

Figure 4 A shows the Jet Eye camera skid with a flail attachment 129 jetting rapidly through a dirty pipe 117 just before reaching an obstruction. Where there are no obstructions, the Jet Eye camera skid operator can save time by jetting full speed, up to 200 feet per minute while the rest of the industry would creep along with a rotary flail at 3 feet per minute through the entire stretch of pipe.

Figure 4B shows the Jet Eye camera skid with the rotary a flail attachment 129 chewing through the obstruction. The Jet Eye camera skid operator can adjust the speed of the skid as needed to demolish the obstruction.

Figure 4C shows the Jet Eye camera skid with the rotary a flail attachment 129 passing over the broken up debris.

Figure 4D shows the Jet Eye camera skid with the rotary a flail attachment 129 passing by the dislodged pieces of the obstruction as the fluid jets from the jet nozzle 105 blast away the obstruction debris and flush out the pipe 117. P I ^' O "3 IB S

Figure 4E shows the Jet Eye camera skid with the a rotary flail attachment 129 continuing rapidly down the pipe, leaving the pipe 117 clean and unobstructed behind it. When the operator completes his pass and reels the camera skid back in he will be able to check the pipe 117 again for leaks and debris.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations to be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for simultaneously cleaning and inspecting a sewer pipe using a jet propelled camera skid, said jet propelled camera skid having a camera for remote inspection and fluid jets for cleaning and propulsion, said method comprising: a. sending said jet propelled camera skid down said sewer pipe on an initial cleaning pass; and b. simultaneously inspecting said sewer pipe remotely with said camera.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the speed of said camera skid is adjusted as needed to allow said fluid jets to clean said sewer pipe while continuing to inspect said sewer pipe.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the speed of said camera skid is adjusted from below 100 feet per minute up to over 200 feet per minute.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said camera skid is used to ram and dislodge obstructions.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the initial step of mounting a light head attachment fixedly and removably onto the front of said camera skid.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the initial step of mounting a rugged blade attachment fixedly and removably onto the front of said camera skid to allow said blade attachment to cut through obstructions.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein a rotary device is mounted to the front of said camera skid and said method comprises the additional step of using said rotary device to attack obstructions on said initial cleaning pass.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein a protruding tap cutter is mounted to the front of said camera skid and said method comprises the additional step of using P C T/.U SO 6 /O¹Qi BBD , , , said protruding tap cutter to cut through obstructions on said initial cleaning pass.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein a rotary flail attachment is mounted onto the front of said camera skid within the field of view of said camera, and said method further comprises the steps of reducing the speed of said camera skid as necessary upon encountering an obstruction and using said rotary flail attachment to break up said obstruction, and increasing the speed of said camera skid to traverse unobstructed stretches of sewer pipe.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein a rotary cutter attachment is mounted onto the front of said camera skid within the field of view of said camera, and said method comprises the additional steps of reducing the speed of said camera skid as necessary upon encountering an obstruction, using said rotary cutter attachment to cut through said obstruction, and increasing the speed of said camera skid to traverse unobstructed stretches of sewer pipe.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising opening manholes forward of said jet propelled camera kid to increase airflow relative to said camera lens and enhance the effect of said airflow to air blast clean said the lens of said camera.

12. A sewer cleaning and inspection system comprising: a skid comprising a frame, a camera sleeve fixedly connected to the forward end of said frame, a TV camera mounted within said camera sleeve, a fluid jet nozzle connected to said frame and directed rearward, and a grommet connected to said frame; a flexible umbilical comprising a fluid pressure hose connected to said jet nozzle through said grommet, a TV cable running coaxially through said pressure hose and through said grommet and connecting to said TV camera; and P C T/ US OB/ O 9 B BO _{1 ^ 11} . a remote operator station capable of allowing an operator to control the play of said umbilical and the flow of fluid through said pressure hose to said jet nozzle and observe video from said TV camera.

13. The sewer cleaning and inspection system of claim 12 wherein said grommet is a two piece grommet, facilitating replacement of said fluid pressure hose, said TV cable, or said grommet.

14. The sewer cleaning and inspection system of claim 12 wherein said skid further comprises a set of three friction reducing wheels mounted to said frame in a circular array around the perimeter of said skid.

15. The sewer cleaning and inspection system of claim 12 wherein said skid further comprises a set of three friction reducing wheels mounted on wheel extensions mounted to said frame in a circular array around the perimeter of said skid.

16. The sewer cleaning and inspection system of claim 12 wherein said skid further comprises a light head attachment removably mounted to said camera sleeve to illuminate the field of view of said TV camera.

17. The sewer cleaning and inspection system of claim 12 wherein said skid further comprises a rugged blade attachment removably mounted to said camera sleeve.

18. The sewer cleaning and inspection system of claim 12 wherein said TV camera is self orienting such that an upright view is generated.

19. The sewer cleaning and inspection system of claim 12 wherein said skid further comprises a rearward facing camera mounted to said frame, capable of attachment to said TV cable.

20. The sewer cleaning and inspection system of claim 12 wherein said TV camera is capable of extension beyond said camera sleeve to perform pan, tilt, and zoom functions and is capable of retraction back into said camera sleeve.

21. The sewer cleaning and inspection system of claim 12 wherein said skid further comprises buoyant pontoons mounted to said frame.

22. A sewer cleaning and inspection system comprising: a skid comprising a frame, a camera sleeve fixedly connected to the forward end of said frame, a TV camera mounted within said camera sleeve, a fluid jet nozzle connected to said frame and directed rearward, and a grommet connected to said frame; a flexible umbilical comprising a fluid pressure hose connected to said jet nozzle through said grommet, a TV cable running coaxially through said pressure hose and through said grommet and connecting to said TV camera; a remote operator station capable of allowing an operator to control the play of said umbilical and the flow of fluid through said pressure hose to said jet nozzle and observe video from said TV camera; and a rotary device mounted to said camera sleeve.