Hand-held visual inspection device for viewing confined or difficult to access locations

• US 8,189,043 B2
• Filed: 03/06/2009
• Issued: 05/29/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/07/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Inventors: Schneider, Scott, Gray, Rick, Chan, Raymond Wai-Man, Tse, Desmond Wai-Nang, Badajos, Errol John U., Chow, Derek Chiu-Hing, Sanoner, Hugues Marie R. F., Fry, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Luu, Le
• Application Number:
  US12/399,755
• Publication Number:
  US 20090225159A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,180 Days
• Field of Search: 600/127, 600/131, 600/160, 600/162, 600/102, 600/104, 600/125, 606/1, 348/82
• US Class Current: 348/82
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00022 removable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00034 rechargeable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0004 for electronic operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00042 for mechanical operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0005 combining images e.g. side-by-side, superimposed or tiled
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00052 positioned at proximal end of the endoscope body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00066 Proximal part of endoscope body, e.g. handles A61B1/0052 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00105 characterised by modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00108 characterised by self-sufficient functionality for stand-alone use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00124 electrical, e.g. electrical plug-and-socket connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/005 Flexible endoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/051 Details of CCD assembly
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0676 at distal tip of an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0684 using light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/2484 Arrangements in relation to a camera or imaging device processing or control of video signals generated by an endoscope H04N23/60, H04N23/70
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/50 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/633 for displaying additional information relating to control or operation of the camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/65 Control of camera operation in relation to power supply
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 for receiving images from a single remote source
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/185 : from a mobile camera, e.g. for remote control
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A visual inspection device includes a body having a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion. The body defines a cavity. The device also includes a flexible cable having a first end portion coupled to the body and a second end portion, and a camera assembly coupled to the second end portion of the flexible cable. The camera assembly includes an image sensor and a light source. The image sensor is operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable. The device further includes a display supported by the support portion of the body. The display is electrically coupled to the flexible cable to display images captured by the image sensor. The device also includes a rechargeable battery pack removably coupled to the body.

Claims

1. A visual inspection device comprising:

a body including a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion, the body defining a cavity, the grip portion defining a first axis;

a flexible cable including a first end portion coupled to the body and a second end portion, the first end portion defining a second axis;

a camera assembly coupled to the second end portion of the flexible cable, the camera assembly including an image sensor and a light source, the image sensor operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable;

a display supported by the support portion of the body, the display electrically coupled to the flexible cable to display images captured by the image sensor, the display defining a display plane;

a battery terminal supported by the grip portion and positioned substantially within the cavity, the battery terminal being electrically connected to at least the image sensor, the light source, and the display; and

a rechargeable battery pack including a coupling mechanism that engages the body to releasably secure the battery pack to the body, a portion of the battery pack being insertable into the cavity to engage the battery terminal, the battery pack substantially enclosing the cavity and covering the battery terminal when the portion of the battery pack is positioned in the cavity, the battery terminal being generally exposed when the portion of the battery pack is removed from the cavity,

the first axis intersecting the display plane at a first angle between 5° and

25°

, the second axis intersecting the first axis at a second angle between 50° and

70°

, and the second axis intersecting the display plane at a third angle between 60° and

80°

, and

wherein the first angle is less than the second angle, and the second angle is less than the third angle.

2. The visual inspection device of claim 1, wherein the battery pack includes a receptacle, and wherein the receptacle receives the battery terminal to electrically connect the battery pack to the battery terminal.

3. The visual inspection device of claim 2, wherein the battery pack includes a casing supporting the receptacle and an outer housing coupled to the casing, wherein the casing is inserted into the cavity, and wherein the outer housing substantially encloses the cavity when the casing is positioned in the cavity.

4. The visual inspection device of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism of the battery pack includes a tab and the body includes a recess formed in the cavity, and wherein the tab engages the recess to releasably secure the battery pack to the body.

5. The visual inspection device of claim 4, wherein the coupling mechanism of the battery pack further includes an actuator, and wherein the actuator is operable to disengage the tab from the recess.

6. The visual inspection device of claim 1, wherein cavity is formed in an end of the grip portion substantially opposite the support portion.

7. The visual inspection device of claim 6, wherein the portion of the battery pack is inserted into the cavity along the first axis.

8. The visual inspection device of claim 7, wherein the battery pack includes at least one battery cell, a casing enclosing the battery cell, and an outer housing coupled to the casing, wherein the casing is inserted into the cavity, and wherein the outer housing defines a portion of the grip portion when the casing is positioned in the cavity.

9. The visual inspection device of claim 1, wherein the battery pack is a lithium-ion power tool battery pack.

10. A visual inspection device comprising:

a body including a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion, the body defining a cavity formed in an end of the grip portion substantially opposite the support portion, the grip portion defining a first axis;

a flexible cable including a first end portion coupled to the body and a second end portion, the first end portion defining a second axis;

a camera assembly coupled to the second end portion of the flexible cable, the camera assembly including an image sensor and a light source, the image sensor operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable;

a display supported by the support portion of the body, the display electrically coupled to the flexible cable to display images captured by the image sensor, the display defining a display plane;

a plurality of actuators supported by the grip portion to facilitate one-handed operation of the visual inspection device, the plurality of actuators controlling operation of at least the image sensor, the light source, and the display; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably coupled to the body, the battery pack including a casing insertable into the cavity and an outer housing coupled to the casing, the outer housing defining a portion of the grip portion when the casing is positioned in the cavity,

wherein the first axis intersects the display plane at a first angle, the second axis intersects the first axis as a second angle, and the second axis intersects the display plane at a third angle, and

wherein the first angle is less than the second angle, and the second angle is less than the third angle.

11. The visual inspection device of claim 10, wherein the display plane intersects the first axis at an acute angle such that the display is tilted toward the grip portion.

12. The visual inspection device of claim 10, wherein the casing of the battery pack is inserted into the cavity along the first axis.

13. The visual inspection device of claim 10, wherein the body further includes a stem extending from the body proximate the support portion, wherein the stem is coupled to the first end portion of the flexible cable, and wherein the second axis intersects both the first axis and the display plane at oblique angles.

14. The visual inspection device of claim 10, wherein the grip portion defines an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the plurality of actuators is supported on the upper surface and a recess is formed in the lower surface, and wherein the recess facilitates holding the grip portion.

15. The visual inspection device of claim 10, wherein the flexible cable is removably coupled to the body.

16. The visual inspection device of claim 10, wherein the camera assembly is securely fastened to the second end portion of the flexible cable.

17. The visual inspection device of claim 10, wherein the battery pack is a lithium-ion power tool battery pack.

18. The visual inspection device of claim 10, wherein the light source includes an LED positioned adjacent to the imaging device.

19. The visual inspection device of claim 10, wherein the display includes a liquid crystal display.

20. A visual inspection device comprising:

a body including

a support portion having an upper surface defining a display plane,

a grip portion extending from the support portion and having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface defining a recess to facilitate holding the grip portion, the grip portion defining a first axis extending longitudinally through the grip portion and intersecting the display plane at a first angle between about 5° and

about 25°

,

a stem extending from the body proximate the support portion, the stem defining a second axis that intersects the first axis at a second angle between about 50° and

about 70° and

intersects the display plane at a third angle between about 60° and

about 80°

,

wherein the first angle is less than the second angle, and the second angle is less than the third angle, and

a cavity formed in an end of the grip portion substantially opposite the support portion;

a flexible cable including a first end portion coupled to the stem and a second end portion;

a camera assembly coupled to the second end portion of the flexible cable, the camera assembly including an image sensor and a light source, the image sensor operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable;

a display supported by the support portion of the body such that the display is tilted toward the upper surface of the grip portion, the display electrically coupled to the flexible cable to display images captured by the image sensor; and

a rechargeable battery pack including a coupling mechanism that engages the body to releasably secure the battery pack to the body, a portion of the battery pack being insertable into the cavity.

21. The visual inspection device of claim 20, further comprising a battery terminal supported by the grip portion and positioned substantially within the cavity, wherein the battery terminal is electrically connected to at least the image sensor, the light source, and the display, wherein the battery pack substantially encloses the cavity and covers the battery terminal when the portion of the battery pack is positioned in the cavity, and wherein the battery terminal is generally exposed when the portion of the battery pack is removed from the cavity.

22. The visual inspection device of claim 21, wherein the battery pack includes at least one battery cell, a casing enclosing the battery cell, and an outer housing coupled to the casing, wherein the casing is inserted into the cavity, and wherein the outer housing substantially encloses the cavity and defines a portion of the grip portion when the casing is positioned in the cavity.

23. The visual inspection device of claim 22, wherein the casing is inserted into the cavity of the grip portion along the first axis.

24. The visual inspection device of claim 20, further comprising a plurality of actuators extending from the upper surface of the grip portion to facilitate one-handed operation of the visual inspection device, wherein the plurality of actuators controls operation of at least the image sensor, the light source, and the display.

25. The visual inspection device of claim 20, wherein the battery pack is a lithium-ion power tool battery pack.

26. A visual inspection device comprising:

a body including a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion, the body defining a cavity formed in an end of the grip portion substantially opposite the support portion, the grip portion defining an axis;

a flexible cable including a first end portion removably coupled to the body and a second end portion, the first end portion defining a second axis;

a camera assembly coupled to the second end portion of the flexible cable, the camera assembly including an image sensor and a light source, the image sensor operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable;

a display supported by the support portion of the body such that the display is tilted relative to the axis and toward the grip portion, the display defining a display plane, the display electrically coupled to the flexible cable to display images captured by the image sensor;

a battery terminal supported by the grip portion and positioned substantially within the cavity, the battery terminal being electrically connected to at least the image sensor, the light source, and the display;

a plurality of actuators supported by the body adjacent to the grip portion to facilitate one-handed operation of the visual inspection device, the plurality of actuators controlling operation of at least the image sensor, the light source, and the display; and

a rechargeable battery pack removably coupled to the body, the battery pack including

a casing insertable into the cavity along the axis,

a receptacle supported by the casing, the receptacle engaging the battery terminal to electrically connect the battery pack to the battery terminal, the receptacle and the casing substantially covering the battery terminal when the casing is positioned in the cavity, the battery terminal being generally exposed when the casing is removed from the cavity,

an outer housing coupled to the casing, the outer housing defining a portion of the grip portion and substantially enclosing the cavity when the casing is positioned in the cavity, and

a coupling mechanism coupled to the outer housing, the coupling mechanism engaging a portion of the body to releasably secure the battery pack to the body,

wherein the axis intersects the display plane at a first angle that is less than about 25°

, the second axis intersects the axis at a second angle that is less than about 70°

, and the second axis intersects the display plane at a third angle that is less than about 80°

, and

wherein the first angle is less than the second angle and the third angle.