Video inspection system for hazardous environments
First Claim
1. A video inspection system for hazardous environments, comprising:
- a. a housing, sealable so as to contain a pressurized gas therein, having a view opening therein and further including;
i. a means for introducing pressurized gas into said housing, connected to said housing; and
ii. a transparent lens, sealingly affixed across said view opening;
b. a camera means for recording visual images through said view opening, mounted within said housing; and
c. a power supply, for powering said camera means, mounted within said housing and operatively connected to said camera means.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A video inspection system for hazardous environments is provided, comprising a housing, sealable so as to contain a pressurized gas therein, having a view opening therein and further including a valve for introducing pressurized gas into the housing, connected to the housing; and a transparent lens, sealingly affixed across the view opening; a camera for recording visual images through the view opening, mounted within the housing; and a power supply, for powering the camera, mounted within the housing and operatively connected to the camera. A method for operating the above system is also provided, including the steps of substantially purging undesirable gases from the interior of the housing; sealing the housing, eliminating external connections thereto; introducing non-flammable gas to the interior of the housing until the pressure in the housing reaches a desired level; and operating the camera within the housing. The system may also be operated as a portable lighting system without the camera.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A video inspection system for hazardous environments, comprising:
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a. a housing, sealable so as to contain a pressurized gas therein, having a view opening therein and further including; i. a means for introducing pressurized gas into said housing, connected to said housing; and ii. a transparent lens, sealingly affixed across said view opening; b. a camera means for recording visual images through said view opening, mounted within said housing; and c. a power supply, for powering said camera means, mounted within said housing and operatively connected to said camera means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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- 9. A video inspection system for hazardous environments according to claim further comprising a lighting means for directing light through said view opening, mounted within said housing and directed through said view opening.
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15. In a video inspection system for hazardous environments, comprising a housing, sealable so as to contain a pressurized gas therein, having a view opening therein and further including a means for introducing pressurized gas into said housing, connected to said housing and a transparent lens, sealingly affixed across said view opening;
- a camera means for recording visual images through said view opening, mounted within said housing; and
a power supply, for powering said camera means, mounted within said housing and operatively connected to said camera means, a method for video inspection of hazardous environments, comprising the steps of;a. substantially purging undesirable gases from the interior of said housing; b. sealing said housing, eliminating external connections thereto; c. introducing non-flammable gas to the interior of said housing until the pressure in said housing reaches a desired level; and d. operating said camera means within said housing. - View Dependent Claims (16)
- a camera means for recording visual images through said view opening, mounted within said housing; and
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17. In a video inspection system for hazardous environments, comprising a housing, sealable so as to contain a pressurized gas therein, having a view opening therein and further including a means for introducing pressurized gas into said housing, connected to said housing and a transparent lens, sealingly affixed across said view opening;
- a camera means for recording visual images through said view opening, mounted within said housing;
a power supply, for powering said camera means, mounted within said housing and operatively connected to said camera means; and
a purge gas tank mounted within said housing and containing pressurized non-flammable gas, a method for preventing explosion when said video inspection system is operating in a hazardous environment should a leak develop in said housing, comprising the steps of;a. substantially purging undesirable gases from the interior of said housing; b. sealing said housing, eliminating external connections thereto; c. introducing non-flammable gas to the interior of said housing until the pressure in said housing reaches a desired level; d. operating said camera means within said housing; and e. switching off power to said camera means when the pressure in said housing falls below a first threshold level; and f. releasing gas from said purge gas tank when the pressure in said housing falls below said threshold level to a second threshold level.
- a camera means for recording visual images through said view opening, mounted within said housing;
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18. A video inspection system for hazardous environments, comprising:
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a. a housing, sealable so as to contain a pressurized gas therein, having a view opening therein and further including; i. a means for introducing pressurized gas into said housing, connected to said housing; and ii. a transparent lens, sealingly affixed across said view opening; b. a lighting means for directing light through said view opening, mounted within said housing and directed through said view opening. c. a power supply, for powering a lighting means, mounted within said housing and operatively connected to said lighting means. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification