Importance

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Abstract

A system for detecting and removing foreign object debris from an enclosed region is capable of insertion through a small-sized opening. A source of light is optically transmitted through a first window in the outer peripheral surface of an elongated borescope adjacent its distal end to illuminate a debris containing region. An image of the region is transmitted through a second window in the distal end of the borescope to a remote television monitor. A vacuum conduit extends to a flexible tip end which is proximate to the distal end of the borescope and is connected to a source of vacuum to create a suction at the tip end. An elongated guide sleeve serves to slidably receive the vacuum conduit. The tip end of the vacuum conduit is movable relative to the guide sleeve between a retracted position substantially coincident with the first end of the guide sleeve and an extended position whereat the tip end of the vacuum conduit is distant from the first end. The first end of the guide sleeve can be articulated from a neutral position aligned with its longitudinal axis and an operating transverse position such that the flexible tip end of the vacuum conduit is similarly turned. Additionally, the guide sleeve is rotatable about its longitudinal axis to thereby position the tip end of the vacuum conduit proximate to the debris when the tip end is in the operating position for withdrawal of the debris for disposal.

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First Claim