| CPC H04N 23/555 (2023.01) [F16M 11/2078 (2013.01); F16M 11/24 (2013.01); F16M 13/022 (2013.01); G03B 15/05 (2013.01); G03B 17/561 (2013.01); H04N 23/54 (2023.01); H04N 23/56 (2023.01); H04N 23/66 (2023.01); H04N 23/695 (2023.01); G03B 2215/0514 (2013.01); G03B 2215/0557 (2013.01); G03B 2215/0567 (2013.01)] | 18 Claims |
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1. An inspection apparatus for remotely inspecting underground electrical manhole vaults and other structures, the apparatus comprising:
a platform capable of centering over an access point of a selected structure, the platform including a central opening extending through the platform;
an extendable pole;
a mounting bracket coupled to the platform in alignment with the central opening, wherein the mounting bracket is adapted for coupling the extendable pole to the platform, wherein the mounting bracket further includes an angle alignment member that is adapted to engage and disengage with the extendable pole, and further wherein the angle alignment member includes a ball fixed about the extendable pole such that the ball is adapted for coupling to a ball clamp so that the extendable pole may be pivoted, swiveled and fixed about the mounting bracket in controlled increments;
a camera having a camera mount that engages the camera to an end of the extendable pole, the camera further having a link to transmit and receive signals to and from a receiver positioned near the structure, and further wherein the camera mount includes servo motors such that the servo motors rotate the camera in at least one of a vertical, horizontal and circular orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the extendable pole, and further wherein the servo motors are linked to the receiver to transmit and receive servo control signals to and from the receiver; and
light emitting sources coupled to the extendable pole proximate the camera wherein the light emitting sources emit light to illuminate 360 degrees about the extendable pole.
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