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Abstract

Internal pipe inspection apparatus is disclosed having a novel collapsible centralizer mechanism for an in-line pipe inspection head. The inspection apparatus is insertable into different size pipelines through a small, lateral service opening. The apparatus includes a compact inspection pipe head having a viewing assembly for imaging the interior of the pipe. The head is sized to pass through a standard lateral service opening substantially less in diameter than the diameter of the pipe. Various collapsible centralizing members are described for positioning the pipe inspection head viewing assembly substantially concentric with an axis of the pipe. The novel centralizers include multiple bendable support legs which are pivotally connected at different points to the inspection device such that each leg forms a substantially sinusoidal shape when extended and each leg collapses close to the inspection head and trailing ferrules when retracted for insertion into (or removal from) the pipe. The sinusoidal-shaped legs are selectively biased to their extended positions.

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First Claim