OPTICAL INSPECTION SCOPE WITH DEFORMABLE, SELF-SUPPORTING DEPLOYMENT TETHER

摘要

Non-destructive evaluation optical inspection systems include video cameras or other reflective-photonic optical instruments, such as laser profilometers or 3D white light laser dimensional scanners, which are incorporated in a camera head. The camera head is coupled to a distal end of a self-supporting and shape-retaining elongate deformable deployment tether. The deployment tether is bendable, for insertion through cavities of power generation machines and orientation of the camera head field of view on the internal area of interest. The deployment tether is capable of being deformed repeatedly, for inspection of different areas of interest. In some embodiments, interchangeable camera heads are selectively coupled to the deployment tether, so that a kit or family of different optical inspection instruments are available to carry out multiple types of inspections within a single or multiple types of power generation machinery.

主权项

1. A video inspection scope system, comprising:
a self-supporting and shape-retaining, elongate deformable tubular deployment tether having distal and proximal ends, the tether constructed of a metallic inner tube, defining a lumen therethrough, that is radially circumscribed by a polymeric outer layer that is bonded thereto; a camera head, coupled to the distal end of the deployment tether; and a video camera coupled to the camera head, for capturing video images.