U.S. patent application number 14/690285 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-02 for pipe inspection system with jetter push-cable.
This patent application is currently assigned to SeeScan, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is SeeScan, Inc.. Invention is credited to Eric M. Chapman, Mark S. Olsson, Justin W. Taylor, Matthew J. Thompson.
Application Number | 20170315065 14/690285 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57129704 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170315065 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Olsson; Mark S. ; et
al. |
November 2, 2017 |
PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM WITH JETTER PUSH-CABLE
Abstract
Pipe inspection systems including a push-cable, jetter, and
camera assembly are disclosed. A jetter nozzle may be configured to
spin and/or propel the camera head within a pipe or other cavity. A
cutter line may be attached to the camera head to clean
obstructions. A sonde may be coupled to a camera head to generate
magnetic field signals for use with a buried utility locator to
locate a pipe or other cavity into which the camera head is
deployed.
Inventors: |
Olsson; Mark S.; (La Jolla,
CA) ; Chapman; Eric M.; (Santee, CA) ; Taylor;
Justin W.; (Bend, OR) ; Thompson; Matthew J.;
(San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SeeScan, Inc. |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SeeScan, Inc.
San Diego
CA
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160305891 A1 |
October 20, 2016 |
|
|
Family ID: |
57129704 |
Appl. No.: |
14/690285 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13073919 |
Mar 28, 2011 |
9468954 |
|
|
14690285 |
|
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|
61318122 |
Mar 26, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F 7/12 20130101; B08B
9/0433 20130101; B05B 1/14 20130101; F16L 2101/30 20130101; F16L
2101/12 20130101; B08B 9/0495 20130101; B05B 13/0627 20130101; H04N
2005/2255 20130101; H04N 5/2258 20130101; G01N 21/954 20130101;
E03F 9/00 20130101; B05B 13/0636 20130101; H04N 5/2252
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 21/954 20060101
G01N021/954; B05B 13/06 20060101 B05B013/06; B08B 9/043 20060101
B08B009/043; B08B 9/049 20060101 B08B009/049; E03F 9/00 20060101
E03F009/00; B05B 1/14 20060101 B05B001/14; E03F 7/12 20060101
E03F007/12; H04N 5/225 20060101 H04N005/225 |
Claims
1. A pipe inspection system, comprising: a push-cable comprising a
hose having a central channel configured for transmitting fluid
under pressure through the push-cable structure and a stiffening
structure; a jetter nozzle coupled to a distal end of the
push-cable structure, the jetter nozzle configured to control a
flow of the pressurized fluid from the distal end of the
push-cable; a camera assembly including one or more imaging
sensors; and one or more lighting elements disposed in the camera
assembly.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the camera assembly includes a
hose connector mechanism at a first end and a nozzle connector
mechanism at a second end.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more lighting elements
comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs).
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a multi-axis
accelerometer disposed in the camera assembly.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the camera assembly includes a
plurality of imaging sensors and a camera element switching
circuit, wherein the camera element switching circuit selects an
output from one of the plurality of camera elements to provide an
orientation adjusted camera output, and wherein the orientation
adjusted camera output is selected based on information provided
from the multi-axis accelerometer.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising an operator controlled
switching circuit, wherein the operator controlled switching
circuit is configured to select, responsive to an operator provided
input, an output from one of the plurality of camera elements to
provide an operator selected camera output.
7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a multiplexer circuit
configured to multiplex ones of outputs from the plurality of
camera elements to provide a multiplexed camera output.
8. The system of claim 3, further comprising an extender coupled
between the distal end of the push-cable structure and the jetter
nozzle.
9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of spring
stiffeners configured to control the rigidity of sections of the
camera assembly and extender.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the jetter nozzle includes a
plurality of orifices.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of orifices are
configured at a predefined orientation in the jetter nozzle so as
to spin the jetter nozzle responsive to jetting of the pressurized
fluid.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of orifices are
configured in the jetter nozzle so as to propel the jetter nozzle
and push-cable within a pipe or cavity being cleaned.
13. The system of claim 11, further comprising a cutter line
assembly, wherein the plurality of orifices are configured at a
predefined orientation in the jetter nozzle so as to rotate a
cutter line within a pipe or cavity being cleaned.
14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sonde coupled to
the cable apparatus for generating a magnetic field signal for use
in locating a buried pipe or cavity.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
co-pending U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/073,919,
entitled PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM WITH JETTER PUSH-CABLE, filed on
Mar. 28, 2011, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/318,122,
entitled PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM WITH JETTER PUSH-CABLE, filed on
Mar. 26, 2010. The content of these applications is incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.
[0002] This application is also related to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/371,540, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,289,385, entitled HIGH
PERFORMANCE PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM filed on Feb. 13, 2009, and to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/679,092, entitled LIGHTWEIGHT
SEWER CABLE, filed on Feb. 26, 2007. The content of these
applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates generally to apparatus and systems
for inspecting and cleaning the interior of pipes and other
conduits or voids. More specifically, but not exclusively, this
invention relates to apparatus and systems for clearing
obstructions in pipes using pressurized fluid jetting, as well as
providing imaging within pipes to facilitate inspection and
cleaning.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Pipes are often prone to obstructions through a variety of
mechanical, structural, and/or environmental factors such as
structural damage, invasion by tree roots and/or other vegetation,
other blockages, build-up and corrosion, as well as other
blockages. Such factors are likely to influence the strategy
employed for clearing such obstructions.
[0005] Devices and methods for visualizing the interior of a pipe
are known in the art. For example, video pipe inspection systems
have been developed that include a video camera head at the end of
a cable that is manually forced down the pipe to display the pipe
interior on a video display. The pipe inspection is commonly
recorded using a video recorder (VCR) or digital video recorder
(DVR). Current pipe clearing systems, however, are limited in their
ability to deploy high pressure fluid to clear obstructions.
Further, current systems are limited in their ability to combine
imaging and/or other features in conjunction with high pressure
fluid obstruction removal. Accordingly, there is a need in the art
to provide improved apparatus and systems for facilitating
obstruction removal and/or providing associated imaging.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention relates generally to pressurized fluid
cleaning systems. For example, in one aspect, a camera assembly
having one or more camera and/or light source elements may be
mounted on a segment of a push-cable to observe a work area. For
example, the camera and light source elements may be used in
conjunction with a remote monitor, such as in proximity to an
operator, to examine the pipe or other cavity, display the work
area to be cleaned, and/or observe the cleaning process. The camera
and/or light source elements may be automatically controlled and/or
manually controlled by the operator. For example, Automatic control
may be used to provide an image or video signal from one or more of
the camera elements based on an orientation of the push-cable
within the pipe or cavity. Control signals may be provided from a
sensor such as an accelerometer.
[0007] Manual control may be used to allow an operator to select
one or more of the camera elements for viewing the interior of the
pipe or other cavity, such as by a switch, button, or other user
input mechanism. Images or video from the camera elements may be
multiplexed to provide multiple view of the interior of the pipe or
other cavity. A jetter nozzle may be configured to be
interchangeably coupled to the push-cable. For example, nozzles may
be configured to control the direction or flow rate of the
pressurized fluid, thereby adapting fluid output to use in varied
applications. For example, jetted fluid may be used to deploy the
push-cable and attached camera head within the pipe and/or to spin
the nozzle or other elements of the push-cable to clear
obstructions. The push-cable may be configured to accept
commercially provided nozzles or other customized or proprietary
nozzles.
[0008] In another aspect, a removable extender may be used to
connect the nozzle to the push-cable. The rigidity and length of
the removable extender may be configured in different ways
depending on a particular application.
[0009] In another aspect, the nozzle may be equipped with cutting
strands, such as flexible cutters, and/or with blades or other
cutting elements capable of rotating as a result from the force of
the fluid expelled from the nozzle. For example, as the push-cable
is fed to the work area, such as at the location of a blockage
within a clogged pipe, the flexible cutting strands and/or blades
may be used to remove the blockage.
[0010] Various additional aspects, features, and functions are
described below in conjunction with the appended Drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present application may be more fully appreciated in
connection with the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of an embodiment of a
pipe inspection and jetting system;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary isometric view of an
embodiment of a jetter push-cable;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an end-view schematic of the embodiment of a
jetter push-cable shown in FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of an effector end
with a camera assembly;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an end view of an embodiment of the annular camera
assembly shown in FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of an end
assembly;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side cutaway view of an embodiment of an
effector end;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a jetter
nozzle head;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
cutter-line jetter nozzle head;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an
alternative pipe inspection push jetter;
[0022] FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary isometric view of an
embodiment of an alternative jetter push-cable;
[0023] FIG. 12 is an end-view of the alternative jetter push-cable
embodiment shown in FIG. 11;
[0024] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the alternative jetter
push-cable embodiment shown in FIG. 11, with an end adaptor;
[0025] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the end adaptor embodiment
shown in FIG. 13;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the alternate jetter
push-cable embodiment along line 15-15 as shown in FIG. 13;
[0027] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a camera
and light module;
[0028] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a camera and
light module, a single cable, and a reinforced hose;
[0029] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the front bezel piece
embodiment of the camera and light module embodiment shown in FIG.
16;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the camera and light module
embodiment along line 19-19 as shown in FIG. 16;
[0031] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a lens/LED
window module; and
[0032] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the alternative pipe
inspection pushjetter embodiment shown in FIG. 10, with a large
spring and a small spring removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The following exemplary embodiments are provided for the
purpose of illustrating examples of various aspects, details, and
functions of the present invention; however, the described
embodiments are not intended to be in any way limiting. It will be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various aspects
may be implemented in other embodiments within the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0034] This application is related by common authorship and field
of application to U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,679, issued Aug. 17, 1999,
entitled VIDEO PUSH CABLE, and to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/679,092 Feb. 26, 2007, Olsson, entitled Lightweight Sewer Cable,
both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety.
[0035] The present invention relates generally to apparatus,
systems, and associated methods for inspecting and cleaning the
interior of pipes and other conduits or voids. More specifically,
but not exclusively, this invention relates to apparatus and
systems for clearing obstructions in pipes using pressurized fluid
jetting and/or additional cutting elements, as well as providing
imaging within pipes to facilitate inspection and cleaning.
[0036] For example, in one aspect, the invention relates to a cable
apparatus for pressurized pipe cleaning. The apparatus may include,
for example, a push-cable structure. The push-cable structure may
include a hose element having a central channel configured for
transmitting fluid under pressure through the push-cable structure.
The apparatus may further include a stiffening structure, which may
be helically wrapped around the hose to provide rigidity to the
push-cable structure. The apparatus may further include a jetter
nozzle. The jetter nozzle may be coupled to a distal end of the
push-cable structure, and configured to control a flow of the
pressurized fluid from the distal end of the push-cable.
[0037] The hose element may be made, for example, from a
thermoplastic material. The push-cable structure may further
include a reinforcing braid disposed around the hose. The
stiffening structure may include a plurality of rods. The rods may
be fiberglass rods. The rods may be metallic rods. The rods may be
made from a composite material, such as carbon fiber and resin.
[0038] The cable apparatus may further include, for example, one or
more drain wires distributed among the plurality of rods. The cable
apparatus may further include one or more conductive wires
distributed among the plurality of rods. The cable apparatus may
further include a copper foil element disposed around the rods and
the conductive wires to providing electrical shielding.
[0039] The cable apparatus may further include, for example, a
camera assembly having a plurality of camera elements. The camera
assembly may be an annular configuration. The camera assembly may
be disposed around the central channel. The camera assembly may
include a hose connector mechanism at a first end and a nozzle
connector mechanism at a second end to facilitate coupling to the
push-cable and/or nozzle. The camera assembly may be an annular
camera assembly comprising three camera elements disposed
equidistantly around the central channel. The plurality of camera
elements may comprise imaging sensors. The imaging sensor may be
configured to provide still images and/or video, and/or audio
signals.
[0040] The cable apparatus may further include, fore example, one
or more lighting elements. The lighting elements may be disposed in
the camera assembly. The one or more lighting elements may be light
emitting diodes (LEDs) or other lighting elements.
[0041] The cable apparatus may further include, for example, a
position sensing device. The position sensing device may be an
accelerometer. The accelerometer may be a 2 or 3 axis
accelerometer. The position sensing device may be disposed in the
camera assembly.
[0042] The cable apparatus may further include, for example, a
camera element switching circuit. The camera element switching
circuit may include electronic components on a circuit board or
other substrate configured to receive outputs from the camera
elements and select one or more outputs the plurality of camera
elements. A particular camera element output may be selected to
provide an orientation adjusted camera output. The orientation
adjusted camera output may be selected based on information
provided from the position sensing device. The orientation adjusted
output may be provided to a display device, which may be in
proximity to an operator.
[0043] The cable apparatus may further include, for example, an
operator controlled switching circuit. The operator controlled
switching circuit may be integral with or separate from the camera
element switching circuit. The operator controlled switching
circuit may be configured to select, responsive to an operator
provided input, an output from one of the plurality of camera
elements so as to provide an operator selected camera output. The
operator selected camera output may be provided to a display
device, which may be in proximity to an operator.
[0044] The cable apparatus may further include, for example, a
multiplexer circuit. The multiplexer circuit may be integral with
or separate from one or both of the camera element and operator
switching circuits. The multiplexer circuit may be configured to
multiplex ones of outputs from the plurality of camera elements to
provide a multiplexed camera output. The multiplexed camera output
may be provided to a display device, which may be in proximity to
an operator.
[0045] The cable apparatus may further include, for example, an
extender element coupled between the distal end of the push-cable
structure and the jetter nozzle. The cable apparatus may further
include one or a plurality of spring stiffeners configured to
control the rigidity of sections of the camera assembly and
extender. The cable apparatus may further include one or more
spring stiffeners configured to control the rigidity of the
push-cable apparatus. The spring stiffeners may be disposed on one
or more segments of the push-cable apparatus.
[0046] The jetter nozzle may include one or a plurality of
orifices. One or more orifices may be configured at a predefined
orientation in the jetter nozzle so as to spin the jetter nozzle
responsive to jetting of the pressurized fluid. One or more
orifices may be configured at a predefined orientation in the
jetter nozzle so as to propel the jetter nozzle and push-cable
within a pipe or cavity being cleaned. One or more orifices may be
configured at a predefined orientation in the jetter nozzle so as
to clear debris or build up within a pipe or cavity being
cleaned.
[0047] The cable apparatus may further include, for example, a
cutting element. The cutting element may be a cutter line assembly.
One or more orifices may be configured at a predefined orientation
in the jetter nozzle and/or cutting element so as to rotate a
cutter line within a pipe or cavity being cleaned. The cable
apparatus may further include a cutter blade attachment assembly.
The cutter blade attachment assembly may be configured to couple
one or more cutter blades to the jetter nozzle and/or cutter line
assembly.
[0048] The cable apparatus may further include, for example, a
plurality of spring stiffeners disposed about the camera assembly
to control the rigidity of sections of the camera assembly and
extender.
[0049] The cable apparatus may further include, for example, a
sonde element. The sonde element may be coupled to the cable
apparatus and may be configured for locating a buried object.
[0050] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a system
for pressurized fluid cleaning of a pipe or other cavity. The
system may include, for example, A pump unit, a fluid storage unit
coupled to the pump unit, and a push-cable. The push-cable may
include a hose having a central channel configured for transmitting
fluid under pressure through the push-cable structure. The
push-cable may further include a stiffening structure helically
wrapped around the hose to provide rigidity to the push-cable
structure. The system may further include a jetter nozzle coupled
to a distal end of the push-cable. The jetter nozzle may be
configured to control a flow of the pressurized fluid from the
distal end of the push-cable to facilitate cleaning of a pipe being
inspected.
[0051] The system may further include, for example, a cutter
element disposed adjacent to the distal end of the push-cable. The
system may further include, for example, a camera assembly. The
camera assembly may include one or more camera elements and one or
more lighting elements. The system may further include one or more
displays. The displays may be configured to receive images or video
signals from the one or more camera elements. The system may
further include one or more control elements for controlling the
camera elements and/or lighting elements. The camera elements may
be controlled to provide a selected image from ones of a plurality
of the camera elements based on, for example, an orientation of the
ones of camera elements. The system may further include an
orientation sensing elements, such as a three-axis accelerometer.
The sensing element may be used to provide an orientation signal to
a switching circuit, which may be configured to switch an output
from ones of a plurality of the camera elements for display on the
displays.
[0052] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method
of clearing a pipe obstruction using an apparatus and/or system
such as described previously. The method may include, for example,
deploying a push cable in an obstructed cavity, wherein the push
cable includes a push-cable structure including a hose having a
central channel configured for transmitting fluid under pressure
through the push-cable structure, a stiffening structure helically
wrapped around the hose to provide rigidity to the push-cable
structure, and a jetter nozzle coupled to a distal end of the
push-cable structure, The jetter nozzle may be configured to
control a flow of the pressurized fluid from the distal end of the
push-cable. The pressurized fluid may be provided to the push cable
from a tank and/or pump. The pressurized fluid may be provided from
a distal end of the push-cable to control movement of the nozzle
and/or clearance of an obstruction.
[0053] Various additional aspects, features, and functions are
described below in conjunction with the embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 1 through 21 of the appended Drawings.
[0054] It is noted that as used herein, the term, "exemplary" means
"serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any aspect,
detail, function, implementation, and/or embodiment described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other aspects and/or
embodiments.
[0055] Some video pipe inspection systems have included a
semi-rigid push-cable connecting a camera head. The push-cable is
stored on a reel and can be manually pushed to move the camera head
down the pipe. However, conventional push-cables do not have a
channel in place to allow jetting high-pressure fluid. Some devices
for cleaning pipes use hoses with jetter heads. Motorized pipe
cleaning devices typically use a motor-driven rotating head
equipped with cutter blades or brushes. However, such devices have
a number of deficiencies. For example, they do not typically permit
visualization of the pipe's interior while cleaning, and are
difficult to transport to an inspection and/or cleaning site. The
embodiments described below illustrated various aspect, features,
configurations, and functions that may be used to address these as
well as other deficiencies in current systems.
[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates a pipe inspection and jetting system 100
in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. System
100 may include a pump unit 102 for providing pressurized fluid and
a heater unit 104 which may optionally be used to heat the fluid.
These may be further combined with an injection system (not shown)
for adding surfactants and/or other chemicals to the fluid.
[0057] A cable reel 106 may functionally connect between a camera
assembly 108, and a monitor or other display device 110. A jetter
push-cable 112, which may be stored and fed from the cable reel
106, may be used to provide pressurized fluid from pump unit 102 to
a jetter nozzle 116. Push-cable 112 may also be used to couple
signals from the camera assembly 108 to the display 110 and/or
provide electrical power to camera assembly 108 from a power source
(not shown). The camera assembly may be in an annular configuration
around and/or integral with the push-cable 112.
[0058] The cable reel 106 may be configured with a combined
rotating electrical slip ring and fluid swivel joint (not
illustrated). Water or other fluids provided under pressure from
pump 102 may be optionally heated and then sent through jetter
push-cable 112 from a proximal end 130 to a distal end 140.
Push-cable 112 may be manually moved down a pipe 114 by the
operator to the location of an obstruction in a pipe or other
cavity 114.
[0059] The camera assembly 108 may be seated around or within the
exterior of the jetter push-cable 112. The pressurized fluid passes
through jetter push-cable 112 and exits jetter nozzle 116 to clear
build-up, roots, and/or other obstructions or blockages found in
pipe or other cavity 114. Pressurized fluid may be further used to
facilitate deployment of the push-cable 112, camera assembly 108,
and jetter nozzle 106 within pipe 114, and/or provide other
functions, such as spinning jetter nozzle 116 as further described
subsequently herein.
[0060] FIGS. 2 through 21 illustrate details of embodiments of pipe
inspection and jetting apparatus and systems in accordance with
various aspects of the present invention, which may correspond with
details and/or components of system 100 of FIG. 1, as well as
example interior constructions and features thereof.
[0061] Turning to FIG. 2, a perspective view illustrates details of
an embodiment of a jetter push-cable 220, which may correspond to
the jetter push-cable 112 of FIG. 1. Push-cable 220 may be used in
the pipe inspection and jetting system 100 as shown in FIG. 1. A
hose 220, such as a thermoplastic hose, may be built of a seamless
inner core 202 with a central channel 230 to carry pressurized
fluid, and may be surrounded by a high-tensile reinforcing braid
204, as well as a cover 206, such as a thin thermoplastic cover.
The hose 200 may be a medium- or high-pressure hose such as, for
example, the Piranha Series 201 hoses. A layer of low-friction tape
208, such as Teflon.RTM. tape, may optionally surround the hose
200.
[0062] A series of thin (1 mm in an exemplary embodiment) rods 210,
which may be made of fiberglass and/or other lightweight. high
strength materials, may be wound helically around the hose 200. A
drain wire 212, and/or a series of one or more conductive wires
214, may be distributed among the rods 210 to carry power and/or
signals. The conductive wires 214 may individually be contained in
jackets as shown in FIG. 3. A layer of copper foil 216 may
optionally surround the rods 210, the drain wire 212, and/or the
conductive wires 214 to act as electrical shielding. When the
copper foil 216 is used, drain wire 212 may be used as an
electrical drain. A jacket 218, such as a nylon jacket, may be used
as the outermost layer of the jetter push-cable 112 to provide
durability.
[0063] Turning to FIG. 3, components of jetter push-cable 220 of
FIG. 2 are illustrated from an end or cross-sectional view. The
jetter push-cable 220, which may correspond with one or more cable
embodiments as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/371,540 (incorporated by reference herein), may be combined with
apparatus to transmit fluid under medium to high pressure (for
example, 3500 p.s.i.). In an exemplary embodiment, camera assembly
108 may be mounted in the middle of a segment of the jetter
push-cable 220 (in an embodiment where the push-cable is configured
in segments) or hose 200 as shown in FIG. 2, rather than at the
distal end of the push-cable.
[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of an effector end 400 of a
push-cable 420. Push-cable 420 may correspond with push-cable 112
of FIG. 1 and/or push-cable 220 of FIG. 2. A camera assembly 430,
which may correspond with camera assembly 108 of FIG. 1, may be
mounted on or within a segment of the jetter push-cable 420 as
shown. The camera assembly may be in an annular configuration
mounted on or within the push-cable. For example, camera assembly
430 may be formed with a central circular opening so that a hose
element 450, which may correspond with hose 200 of FIG. 2, may pass
through the center of camera assembly 430.
[0065] Elements of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, such as
the low-friction tape 208, rods 210, drain wire 212, conductive
wires 214, copper foil 216, and/or the jacket 218, may extend to an
adaptor 402 connecting to the back of the camera assembly 430. The
hose 450 may terminate in a coupler end 404 attached by a circular
crimp 406 or other connection mechanism. An array of camera
elements 408 and/or one or more light elements 410, such as LEDs,
may be disposed onto or in the front face of camera assembly
430.
[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the camera
assembly embodiment 430 of FIG. 4, which may correspond with camera
assembly 108 as shown in FIG. 1. In an exemplary embodiment, three
camera elements 408, which may be small cameras, may be used. Other
numbers and/or configuration of camera elements may be used in
alternate embodiments. Camera elements 408 may be located
equidistantly around the perimeter of the face of camera assembly
430. Between the camera elements 408, one or more light elements
410, which may be LEDs, may be disposed.
[0067] Hose 450, which may correspond to hose 200 as shown in FIG.
2, may be configured to protrude centrally through camera assembly
430. Within the body of the camera assembly 430, an orientation
sensing device 500, such as a three-axis accelerometer, may be
installed to provide a signal corresponding to an orientation of
the camera elements 408. In some embodiments, input from sensing
device 500 may be used by a switching circuit element (not shown)
to selectively switch an output signal provided to a display, such
as display element 110 as shown in FIG. 1, so that outputs from one
or more particular camera elements 408 are shown on the display.
For example, an accelerometer may provide an orientation signal to
the switching circuit to provide an output from the uppermost one
of the camera elements 408 to the display. In some embodiments, the
switching circuit may be configured to receive a control input
provided by a user so as to allow for manual selection of outputs
from one or more of camera elements 408 for provision to the
display. In some embodiments, images or video frames from each of
the camera elements 408 may be multiplexed in the switching
circuit, and the choice of displayed images or vide frames
controlled by software, or all displayed simultaneously or
sequentially on the display.
[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an effector
end 600 that may be coupled to a jetter nozzle 650, which may
correspond with jetter nozzle 116 as shown in FIG. 1. A jetter
push-cable 620, which may correspond to the jetter push-cable 112
as shown in FIG. 1, may be secured to a hose fitting camera
assembly 602, with an adaptor 604, which may be secured to a camera
head 606. A coupler 606a may be formed on the camera head 606 which
may connect to an extender 608. In one embodiment of the effector
end 600, the coupler 606a may be threaded. In other embodiments,
other connection mechanisms, such as quick-disconnect couplings,
may be used. For example, the extender 608 may be detachable, and
may include a camera-side coupler 610 and a nozzle-side coupler
612. The camera-side coupler 610 may connect to the coupler 606a of
the camera head 606 and the nozzle-side coupler 612 may connect to
the jetter nozzle 620. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of
using extenders of varying lengths and degrees of stiffness,
depending on the requirements of the specific application.
[0069] In some embodiments, a spring stiffener 614, which may be
optionally removable, may be included as shown in FIG. 6. The
spring stiffener 614 may be secured around the extender 608 and
anchored at its ends. Providing an optional means for increasing
the stiffness of the extender 608 when deployed may be advantageous
when the jetter push-cable 620 is used with forward-oriented jets,
which may typically add back-pressure on the jetter push-cable 620
and the extender 608. The spring stiffener 614 may similarly be
implemented with other configurations. For example, a continuous
length of hose elements, such as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 may be
used, rather than extender 608.
[0070] FIG. 7 illustrates a side cutaway view of details of an
effector end embodiment 780, which may correspond with effector end
400 as shown in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, a camera assembly 730,
which may correspond with camera assembly 108 as shown in FIG. 1 or
other camera assemblies described previously herein. Outputs from
camera assembly 730 may be coupled to one or more conductive wires
714 and/or one or more drain wires 712, which may correspond to
conductive wires 214 and/or the drain wire 212 as shown in FIGS. 2
and 3, either directly or through a switching circuit (not
shown).
[0071] Camera assembly 730 may be configured integrally with jetter
push-cable 720, which may correspond with jetter push-cable 112 as
shown in FIG. 1 and/or other push-cables described previously
herein. Such an embodiment may include elements as illustrated
previously herein, such as in FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, jetter
push-cable 720 may have small openings cut into a nylon jacket
corresponding to jacket 218, and through copper foil, such as
copper foil 216, exposing the conductive wires 714 and/or the drain
wire 712. In assembly, each of the conductive wires 714 may by
exposed and soldered directly to a lead wire 700 in order to power
a camera module 702 and/or provide a mechanism for data
transfer.
[0072] In other embodiments, an IDC connector may be used to
penetrate the surrounding layers of the conductive wires 714. Other
mechanisms of connection to the conductive wires 714 as known or
developed in the art may also be used to provide power and data
connectivity to camera elements 702, which may correspond with
camera elements described previously herein, as well as to other
elements of camera assembly 730, such as switching circuits,
lighting, and/or other components. For example, conductive wires
714 may be routed directly to the back of camera assembly 730 as
shown in FIG. 7.
[0073] Turning to FIG. 8, one embodiment of a jetter nozzle 800 is
illustrated. Nozzle 800 may include a jetter nozzle head 802, which
may include a jetter nozzle coupler 804 that may be formed to mate
to a coupler end of a push-cable, such as coupler end 404 as shown
in FIG. 4 or nozzle-side coupler 612 as shown in FIG. 6. Jetter
nozzle coupler 804 may be configured to allow the jetter nozzle
head 802 to rotate freely on bushings, bearings, or other
rotational elements (not shown).
[0074] One or more lateral orifices 806 may be formed into jetter
nozzle head 802 to allow pressurized fluid to be jetted from the
jetter nozzle head 802 in pre-determined angles and directions at
predefined output sizes. For example, the lateral orifices 806 may
be sized and positioned to cause the jetter nozzle head 802 to
spin, and may also be slanted slightly rearward to assist in
propelling the jetter nozzle assembly 800 and an attached
push-cable, such as push-cable 112 of FIG. 1, and/or other
push-cables described previously herein, in a forward direction
within the pipe under inspection. One or more forward-oriented
orifices 808 may be included to enable an operator to clear debris
or build-up. Jetter nozzle heads may be connected to a push-cable
by the coupler end 404 as shown in FIG. 4, to the forward end of a
hose element, such as hose 200 shown in FIG. 2 and/or to other hose
elements described previously herein. Alternately, jetter nozzle
heads may be connected to a push-cable by the coupler 606a as shown
in FIG. 6.
[0075] An embodiment of a cutter-line jetter nozzle head 900 is
illustrated in FIG. 9. Head 900 may include a cutter-line jetter
nozzle body 902 having a base coupler 904, which may correspond to
the jetter nozzle coupler 804 as shown in FIG. 8. Head 900 may
further include a series of lateral jet orifices 906. A special
purpose port 908 into which lengths of a cutter line 910 that may
be composed of a cutting material such as a high-density synthetic
material or stainless steel, for example, may also be disposed in
the front of the cutter-line jetter nozzle head 900. The lateral
jet orifices 906 may be used to rotate the cutter line 910 using
pressurized fluid. Other embodiments may include attachment points
for cutter blades and/or other obstruction clearance tools, for
example. Such a configuration enables an operator to quickly remove
or attach an array of different jetter nozzles and/or cutters,
and/or other obstruction clearage devices according to the
requirements of the specific application.
[0076] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of details of
a pipe inspection pushjetter 1000. Various details of the
illustrated embodiment of pushjetter 1000 may be used in an
obstruction clearance system such as system 100 of FIG. 1.
Pushjetter 1000 may include a jetter push-cable 1002 that connects
to an end adaptor 1004. A posterior spring 1006 may be used to
connect an end adaptor 1004 to a camera and light module 1008. An
anterior spring 1010 extends centrally from the center of the
camera and light module 1008 to a pushjetter nozzle 1012. The
posterior spring 1006 and the anterior spring 1010 may be used to
provide additional stiffness and protection for internal components
(not shown).
[0077] FIG. 11 illustrates additional details of an alternative
jetter push-cable 1120, which may correspond to alternative jetter
push-cable 1002 as shown in FIG. 10. Push-cable 1120 may include a
reinforced hose 1100, such as a stainless steel braided hose, and
may be optionally surrounded by a low friction layer 1102, which
may be composed of material such as Teflon.RTM. or other low
friction materials. The low friction layer 1102 may be surrounded
by a series of 1104, which may be fiberglass rods or rods of other
low weight, high strength materials. A composite cable 1106, which
may include multiple conductors suitable for conveyance of power,
signals, and/or a ground wire, which may further serve as a
strengthening member, may be included. A foil layer 1108, which may
be configured to provide shielding, may optionally surround the
rods 1104 and the composite cable 1106. An outer layer 1110
configured for durability and ease of deployment, such as of a
material such as nylon, may be used to surround the shield foil
layer 1108 and inner layers.
[0078] FIG. 12 illustrates an end or cross-sectional view of
various layers of the push-cable embodiment 1120 of FIG. 11. The
composite cable 1106 may provide wiring for powering and
transmitting information for the alternative pipe inspection
pushjetter 1000 as shown in FIG. 10.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 13, an end adaptor 1340, which may
correspond to end adaptor 1004 shown in FIG. 10, may externally
include a termination housing 1300, a spring shell 1302, and a
termination cap 1304. The termination housing 1300 and the
termination cap 1304 may be threaded to mate together. The spring
shell 1302 may be sized to mount around the termination housing
1300 and the termination cap 1304, and may be secured thereto by a
plurality of set screws 1306 that screw into the sides of the
spring shell 1302. End adaptor 1340 may be coupled to a push-cable
1320, which may correspond with push-cable 1002 as shown in FIG.
10. Similar a composite cable 1350, which may correspond with cable
1106 of FIG. 10, and/or a shield 1330, which may correspond with
shield 1108, may be included as shown.
[0080] FIG. 14 illustrates additional details of an end adaptor
1440, which may correspond end adaptor 1004 as shown in FIG. 10,
and/or other end adaptors described previously herein. End adaptor
1440 may include an inner jacket wedge 1400, an outer jacket wedge
1402, an inner rod wedge 1404, and an outer rod wedge 1406 with a
series of dowel pins 1408. The inner jacket wedge 1400 and the
outer jacket wedge 1402 may be shaped so that the end of the inner
jacket wedge 1400 may be secured into the outer jacket wedge
1402.
[0081] In assembly, as an alternative jetter push-cable such as
cable 1002 (not shown) enters the end adaptor 1440, an outer layer,
such as layer 1110 as shown in FIG. 11 may be peeled back and
secured between the inner jacket wedge 1400 and the outer jacket
wedge 1402. A reinforced hose, such as hose 1100 as shown in FIG.
11, may continue through the center of the inner jacket wedge 1400.
The inner rod wedge 1404 may be constructed to fit within the outer
rod wedge 1406. Grooves may be formed along the outer surface of
the inner rod wedge 1404 as well as the inner surface of the outer
rod wedge 1406. The grooves may be constructed to accommodate rods
(not shown), such as rods 1104 of FIG. 11, a composite cable (not
shown), such as cable 1106, to separate the rods and composite
cable from a low friction layer (not shown), such as layer 1102 and
a reinforced hose (not shown), such as hose 1100.
[0082] In assembly, the fiberglass rods (not shown) may be trimmed
off at the forward facing edge of the outer rod wedge 1406 while
the composite cable (not shown) may be fed through a hole on the
forward face of the termination cap 1404, which may correspond with
the termination cap 1304 shown in FIG. 13. The reinforced hose (not
shown) may continue through the center of the inner rod wedge 1404
and a centrally located hole formed through the forward face of the
termination cap 1420. A spring shell 1422, which may correspond
with the spring shell 1302 as shown in FIG. 13, may be further
formed with a series of grooves to accommodate the end of a
posterior spring (not shown), such as spring 1006 of FIG. 10. The
spring shell 1422 may mount by a plurality of set screws 1424,
which may correspond with the set screws 1306 as shown in FIG. 13,
that screw into the sides of the spring shell 1422 A termination
housing 1430, which may correspond with housing 1300 of FIG. 13,
may be included as shown.
[0083] FIG. 15 illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of an
end adaptor 1540, which may correspond to end adaptor 1004 of FIG.
10 and/or other end adaptors described previously herein. The
cutaway view shown in FIG. 15 may correspond with line 15-15 as
shown in FIG. 13 with corresponding elements A composite cable
1550, which may correspond with composite cable 1106 of FIG. 11,
may be configured as shown to pass through a hole on the forward
face of termination cap 1504, which may correspond with termination
cap 1304 of FIG. 13.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 16, an embodiment of a camera and light
module 1680, which may correspond to camera and light module 1008
as shown in FIG. 10 is illustrated. Module 1680 may include a rear
housing 1600 and a front bezel piece 1602. The rear housing 1600
and the front bezel piece 1602 may be formed so that they may be
secured together in such a way that a central hollow post 1600a
with threaded ends formed on the rear housing 1600, fits through a
circular opening on the front bezel piece 1602. A series of window
modules 1604, such as lens/LED window modules, may be secured
within the forward face of the front bezel piece 1602.
[0085] FIG. 17 illustrates additional details associated with the
embodiment of module 1680 of FIG. 16. A reinforced hose, such as
hose 1100 of FIG. 11 and/or other hoses described previously
herein, may be secured to a threaded hose fitting 1700 and threaded
into the back of rear housing 1600 during assembly. The reinforced
hose 1100 and central hollow post 1600a of the rear housing 1600
may be aligned such that pressurized fluid may flow from the
reinforced hose and through the central hollow post 1600a of the
rear housing 1600. A central bezel piece O-ring 1702 may be used to
aid in providing a waterproof seal between the central hollow post
1600a and the front bezel piece 1602. A rear housing O-ring 1704
may be used to aid in further providing a waterproof seal between
the rear housing 1600 and the front bezel piece 1602.
[0086] A cable connector 1706 may be fitted onto the end of a
composite cable, such as cable 1106 of FIG. 11 and/or other
composite cables described previously herein. A connector sleeve
1708 may be fitted within an offset hole formed on the rear housing
1600. A pin connector 1710 may be secured to the connector sleeve
1708 and the rear housing 1600 by a set of small screws 1712. In
assembly, the cable connector 1706 may be plugged into the
connector sleeve 1708 and the pin connector 1710 attached to the
rear housing 1600. A sleeve O-ring 1714 may be used to aid in
providing a waterproof seal between the connector sleeve 1708 and
the rear housing 1600.
[0087] FIG. 18 illustrates additional details of an embodiment of
camera assembly and bezel 1602 of FIG. 16. A pin connector 1710 as
shown in FIG. 17 creates a mechanism by which the pins of cable
connector 1706 may be aligned with contact pads on the side of a
camera printed circuit board (PCB) 1800 opposite a series of image
sensors 1802. The camera PCB may include switching circuits such as
described previously herein, as well as other circuits associated
with camera and lighting element operation. Camera PCB 1800 may be
annular in shape so as to allow the central hollow post 1600a of
the rear housing 1600 to pass through the center of the camera PCB
1800.
[0088] One suitable camera element is the Omnivision OV7962 sensor.
Sensor OV7962, or another imaging sensor, may be used as image
sensor 1802 and/or as a camera element as described previously
herein. Multiple image sensors 1802 may be evenly spaced on the
camera PCB 1800. In an exemplary embodiment, three image sensors
1802 may be used on the camera PCB 1800. An IR filter 1804 may also
be secured in front of each of the image sensors 1802.
[0089] A camera holder ring and lens mount 1806, which may also
annular in shape, may be used to hold in place a series of lens
modules 1808 in front of the image sensors 1802 and the IR filters
1804 on the camera PCB 1800. The lens modules 1808 may be comprised
of a series of lenses and O-rings secured together within a largely
cylindrical housing. A series of electrical spring contacts 1810
may be secured within the camera holder ring and lens mount 1806 in
order to power lighting elements, which may be mounted on a LED PCB
1812.
[0090] The LED PCB 1812 may also be annular in shape with holes
formed to allow multiple lens modules 1808 to pass through in
assembly. Between each of the holes on the LED PCB 1812 where the
lens modules 1808 are made to pass though, an LED 1814 may be
connected to the LED PCB 1812. One of the lens/LED window modules
1604 may be secured above each of the lens modules 1808 and the
LEDs 1814. A series of short screws 1818 may be used to secure the
LED PCB 1812 to the front bezel piece 1602. A series of long screws
1820 may be further used to secure the camera PCB 1800, the camera
holder ring and lens mount 1806, and the lens modules 1808 to the
LED PCB 1812 and a bezel casing 1822.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 19, a sectional view along line 19-19 of
FIG. 16 further shows details of an embodiment of assembly of the
camera and light module 1680, which may correspond to the camera
and light module 1008 as shown in FIG. 10. A cable connector O-ring
1902 may be used to aid in providing a waterproof seal between the
cable connector 1706 of FIG. 17 and the connector sleeve 1708. A
pin connector O-ring 1904 may be secured between the connector
sleeve 1708 and the pin connector 1710.
[0092] Still referring to FIG. 19, in some alternative embodiments,
the lens/LED window modules 1604, the lens modules 1808, the IR
filters 1804 and/or the image sensors 1802 may be oriented in a
number of different ways. For instance, these components may be
divergent from the central axis of the camera and light module 1680
at angles of different degrees providing a different view of the
inspection area or a different number of individual camera modules
and light modules may be used. In addition, a position sensing
device (not illustrated), such as a multi-axis accelerometer, may
be used to detect the orientation of each of the image sensors 1802
and provide a signal for use by a switching circuit (not shown) to
select a particular image or video to display to the user. The
particular image or video may include, for example, a composite
display from several of the image sensors 1802, separate displays
from each of the image sensors 1802, or a single display from one
of the image sensors 1802 (such as a top-oriented image). In other
embodiments, the image sensors 1802 may be manually selected by the
user, such as in response to a received user input at a switching
circuit.
[0093] FIG. 20 illustrates additional details of embodiments of the
window modules 1640 of FIG. 16. Window modules 1604 may be formed
by a window seat 2000 that may be largely cylindrical in shape with
a front lip 2000a of smaller diameter formed on the forward facing
side of the window seat 2000 so that a sapphire window 2002 may fit
within the window seat 2000 and be secured behind the front lip
2000a. An inner window O-ring 2004 may be inserted behind the
sapphire window 2002 and secured by a window press ring 2006. The
lens/LED window module 1604 may also contain an outer window O-ring
2008 fitted on the outside of the window seat 2000 to create a
waterproof seal between the window seat 2000 and the front bezel
piece 1602 as shown in FIG. 16.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 21, alternative pipe inspection pushjetter
embodiment 1000 of FIG. 10 is shown with posterior spring 1006 and
anterior spring 1010 removed. When the anterior spring 1010 is
removed, an extender piece 2100 may be better seen. The extender
piece 2100 may be used to connect the central hollow post 1600a of
FIG. 16 of the rear housing 1600 from the camera and light module
1680, which may correspond to the camera and light modules shown in
FIGS. 10, 16, and 19, to a pushjetter nozzle, such as pushjetter
nozzle 1012 or other pushjetter nozzles shown previously herein. A
sonde 2102 may optionally be connected to the alternative pipe
inspection pushjetter 1000 to aid the user in locating work areas
that may be buried within the ground.
[0095] In FIG. 21, the sonde 2102 may be located on a composite
cable, such as composite cable 1106 or other composite cables
described previously herein, between an end adaptor, which may also
correspond to end adaptor 1004 or other end adaptors as shown in
FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, and a camera and light module,
such as module 1008 and/or other cameral and light modules
described previously herein. In some alternative embodiments, the
sonde 2102 may be built into other areas such as within a camera
and light module such as cameral and light module 1008 and/or other
camera assembly or camera and light modules described previously
herein.
[0096] In some configurations, the apparatus and systems described
herein may include means for implementing features or providing
functions described herein. In one aspect, the aforementioned means
may be a module including a processor or processors, associated
memory and/or other electronics in which embodiments of the
invention reside, such as to implement image and/or video signal
processing, switching, transmission, or other functions to process
and/or condition camera outputs, control lighting elements, control
camera selection, or provide other electronic or optical functions
described herein. These may be, for example, modules or apparatus
residing in camera assemblies, camera and lighting assemblies, or
other assemblies disposed on or within a push-cable or similar
apparatus.
[0097] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the electronic
functions, methods and processes described herein and associated
with camera and lighting elements may be implemented in hardware,
software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in
software, the functions may be stored on or encoded as one or more
instructions or code on a computer-readable medium.
Computer-readable media includes computer storage media. Storage
media may be any available media that can be accessed by a
computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such
computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or
other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or
store desired program code in the form of instructions or data
structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc,
as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical
disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc
where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs
reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above
should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media.
[0098] As used herein, computer program products comprising
computer-readable media including all forms of computer-readable
medium except, to the extent that such media is deemed to be
non-statutory, transitory propagating signals.
[0099] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of
steps or stages in the processes and methods disclosed herein are
examples of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it
is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the
processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0100] Those of skill in the art would understand that information
and signals, such as video and/or audio signals or data, control
signals, or other signals or data may be represented using any of a
variety of different technologies and techniques. For example,
data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols,
and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description
may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves,
magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any
combination thereof.
[0101] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various
illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps
described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may
be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software,
electro-mechanical components, or combinations thereof. Whether
such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends
upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on
the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described
functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but
such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing
a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0102] The various illustrative functions and circuits described in
connection with the embodiments disclosed herein with respect to
camera and lighting elements may be implemented or performed with a
general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field
programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or
any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in
the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,
controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also
be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0103] The steps or stages of a method, process or algorithm
described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may
be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by
a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may
reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory,
EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or
any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary
storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processor can
read information from, and write information to, the storage
medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to
the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in
an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the
alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as
discrete components in a user terminal.
[0104] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the
present disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will
be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments
without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus,
the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the
embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed
herein.
[0105] The disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects
shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with
the specification and drawings, wherein reference to an element in
the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless
specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." Unless
specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or
more. A phrase referring to "at least one of" a list of items
refers to any combination of those items, including single members.
As an example, "at least one of: a, b, or c" is intended to cover:
a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c.
[0106] The previous description of the disclosed aspects is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use
embodiments of the present invention. Various modifications to
these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art,
and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other
aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the
aspects shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
It is intended that the following Claims and their equivalents
define the scope of presently claimed invention.
* * * * *