Dockable camera reel and camera control unit (CCU) system

Inventors: Mark S. Olsson (La Jolla, CA); Michael J. Martin (San Diego, CA); Alexander L. Warren (Escondido, CA); Garrett A. Newby (San Diego, CA); Gina M. Hartman (San Diego, CA)

Assignee: SeeScan, Inc.

G02B23/2484 G02B23/2446

View Patent ↗

Loading inventors, assignments & file history…

Monitor This Case

Get email alerts when status or documents change.

Order Certified Copies

Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.

Order via The Patent Place →

Pre-filled with this patent's details

Quick Facts

Patent No.: US 12663633
App. No.: 18/946,907
Granted: Jun 23, 2026
Kind: B1

External Links

USPTO Patent Center↗ Full Patent PDF↗

Abstract

Video inspection systems with moveably dockable camera control units (CCUs) which may include a display are disclosed.

Claims (33)

1 . An apparatus for storing, carrying, and positioning a camera control unit (CCU) including a display, comprising:

a first docking apparatus attached to the CCU comprising a flexible member;

a first closed inner frame element comprising a first handle positioned at a proximate end of the first frame element and a crossmember positioned at a second distal end of the the first frame element opposite the first handle, wherein the crossmember is positioned substantially parallel to the first handle, wherein the cross member is configured with a plurality of slip resistant components which includes one or more rubber strips, feet, or pads and/or extrusions, grooves, treads, or the like for contacting a surface, wherein the crossmember is configured with substantially symmetrical indentations or grooves for receiving the CCU via the flexible member, wherein the display is removably attached via the flexible member in either a forward or backward direction on top of the crossmember, or in either the forward or backward direction on the bottom of the crossmember; and a second substantially u-shaped open frame element with a second handle attached at one end of the second frame element, wherein the first inner frame element is positioned inside the second outer frame element,

at least one rotating element to connect the first and second frame elements, wherein the rotating element is configured such that the first and second frame elements are free to rotate 360 degrees relative to each other, wherein the rotating elements have a frictional component to retain the first and second frame elements in an angled or upright self-supporting position,

wherein the second frame element is configured with a second docking apparatus comprising two downwardly protruding prongs for removably docking the apparatus to a drum-reel configured with prong receiving slots; and

at least one slip resistant component attached to the first handle and at at least one slip resistant component attached to the second handle, wherein each slip resistant component is configured to prevent or reduce movement of the first and second frame elements once positioned on the surface,

wherein an attached CCU is put in a free standing position for viewing by adjusting the position of the first frame element and the second frame element relative to each other, wherein the first handle and second handle provide a base for the display when placed on the surface.

2 . An apparatus for storing, carrying, and positioning a camera control unit (CCU) including a display, comprising:

an adjustable mounting device for removably attaching a tablet, pad, laptop, smartphone, or the like;

a first docking apparatus;

a first closed inner frame element comprising a first handle positioned at a proximate end of the first frame element and a crossmember positioned at a second distal end of the the first frame element opposite the first handle, wherein the crossmember is positioned substantially parallel to the first handle, wherein the cross member is configured with a plurality of slip resistant components which includes one or more rubber strips, feet, or pads and/or extrusions, grooves, treads, or the like for contacting a surface, wherein the crossmember is attached to a baseplate attached to a ball for receiving the adjustable mounting device via the first docking apparatus wherein the tablet, pad, laptop, smartphone, or the like is removably attached via adjustable mounting device and oriented and positioned in multiple positions and orientations including up, down, forward, backward, angled, and the like; and a second substantially u-shaped open frame element with a second handle attached at one end of the second frame element, wherein the first inner frame element is positioned inside the second outer frame element,

wherein an attached tablet, pad, laptop, smartphone, or the like is put in a free standing position for viewing by adjusting the position of the first frame element and the second frame element relative to each other, wherein the first handle and second handle provide a base for the display when placed on the surface.

3 . A video inspection system, comprising:

a first frame element with at least one handle and a second frame element with at least one handle;

an adjustable arm comprising a proximal end and a distal end; and

a tablet mounting device, wherein the proximal end of the adjustable arm is connected to at least one of the first frame element or the second frame element, and the distal end of the adjustable arm is connected to the tablet mounting device.

4 . The video inspection system of claim 3 , wherein the tablet mounting device includes at least two opposing sides, wherein the opposing sides are configured to removably accept and hold a display or computing device.

5 . The video inspection system of claim 4 , wherein the computing device comprises at least one of a tablet, pad, laptop, cellular phone, or smart phone.

6 . The video inspection system of claim 3 , wherein the adjustable arm comprises at least one docking ball connector configured to mate with a ball receiving connector on one or both of the proximal or distal ends of the adjustable arm.

7 . The video inspection system of claim 3 , wherein the adjustable arm comprises a friction hinge on one or more or both of the proximal or distal ends of the adjustable arms.

8 . The video inspection system of claim 7 , wherein the adjustable arm includes an inner channel which provides a conduit for wiring or conductors.

9 . The video inspection system of claim 3 , further comprising a battery holder configured to be removably attachable to a battery baseplate.

10 . The video inspection system of claim 9 , wherein the battery baseplate includes two or more slots and one or more straps, wherein the one or more straps are threaded around the baseplate through two or more slots, and wherein the straps hold one or more batteries in place.

11 . The video inspection system of claim 10 , wherein each of the one or more straps have a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends are connectable via hook and loop fasteners.

12 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the crossmember is rotatable relative to the first inner frame element.

13 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second frame element is curved or angled to allow the apparatus to rest on an edge of a table, desk, counter, or ledge.

14 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a latch indicator configured to indicate whether the second docking apparatus is in a locked state or a released state.

15 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first docking apparatus is configured to automatically reset into a docking-ready state upon removal of the CCU.

16 . The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a battery mount attached to the first inner frame element and configured to removably receive a battery for powering the tablet, pad, laptop, smartphone, or the like.