A switch unit includes a frame body which is fixed to an opening section and in which a plurality of holes are formed, a plurality of switches provided in each of two of the plurality of holes, a soft switch cover that is disposed in each of the two holes and covers the plurality of switches, a first catch section formed as part of the switch cover in a position between the plurality of switches, a switch fixing member that is disposed in each of the two holes, is covered with the switch cover, fixes the plurality of switches to the opening section, and catches the first catch section in a position facing the first catch section, and a second catch section formed at an outer circumference of the switch cover and caught by the frame body.

An imaging system includes a sight tube extending along a longitudinal axis of the imaging system and configured to extend through an access port. The sight tube includes a wall extending about the longitudinal axis and defining a cavity. The imaging system also includes a plurality of cooling channels extending through the sight tube. The plurality of cooling channels are configured to direct cooling fluid through the sight tube for cooling the imaging system. The plurality of cooling channels are formed in the sight tube such that at least one cooling channel of the plurality of cooling channels extends in a direction oblique to the longitudinal axis.

An optical system comprises a detector to determine one or more intensities of light impinging on one or more locations of the detector and an optical element to direct light towards the detector along a detection axis. The detector and optical element are coupled together by three or more substantially flat flexures respectively defining three or more flexure planes parallel to the detection axis. The three or more substantially flat flexures maintain an alignment of the optical element to the detector with changes in temperature.

A flash thermography device for generating an infrared image of each of a plurality of rotating turbine components located inside a turbine. The device includes an infrared sensor for detecting thermal energy radiated by each component. The device also includes a borescope having a viewing end located on a longitudinal axis of the borescope. The borescope is positioned in an inspection port to locate the viewing end inside the turbine such that at least one component is within a field of view of the viewing end. In addition, the device includes a flash source that generates a plurality of light pulses corresponding to the number of components that rotate during a single rotation of the rotor, wherein the light pulses are oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal. Thermal energy radiated from each component is transmitted through the borescope to the infrared sensor to enable generation infrared images.

The present invention relates to an optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways, a camera system for the inspection of passageways and a method of illuminating a passageway during inspection with a camera. An optical element for use in a camera system for the inspection of passageways comprises a first optical portion arranged to transmit light into a camera, a second optical portion arranged to transmit light emitted from a light source, the second optical portion located adjacent the first optical portion, and barrier means arranged to prevent light being transmitted from the second optical portion into the first optical portion.

An endoscope includes an imaging system and an illumination system. The illumination system includes a light guide and at least one illumination lens, and the imaging system includes an objective lens unit and an image pickup element. When a direction along a long side of the image pickup element is set to be a first direction, and a direction along a short side of the image pickup element is set to be a second direction, the illumination system is disposed at a position shifted in the second direction with respect to the imaging system.

An optical system comprises a detector to determine one or more intensities of light impinging on one or more locations of the detector and an optical element to redirect light towards the detector along a detection axis. The detector and optical element are coupled together by three or more substantially flat flexures respectively defining three or more flexure planes parallel to the detection axis. The three or more substantially flat flexures prevent rotational movement of the optical element with respect to the detector with changes in temperature.

A flash thermography device for generating an infrared image of a turbine component located inside a turbine, wherein the turbine includes at least one inspection port. The device includes a flash source that generates a light pulse that heats the turbine component and an infrared sensor for detecting thermal energy radiated by the turbine component. The device also includes a borescope having a sensor end, a viewing end that includes the flash source and an interior hollow that extends between the sensor and viewing ends. The borescope is positioned in the inspection port such that the viewing end is located inside the turbine. Thermal energy radiated from the turbine component is transmitted through the hollow to the infrared sensor to enable generation of the infrared image. The device further includes a reflector located on the viewing end that directs the light pulse toward the turbine component and a flash power supply for energizing the flash source.

An endoscope includes an insertion portion. First and second electronic instruments are located in the insertion portion and are supplied with drive power from different systems. A plurality of power limiting portions limit the drive power supplied to the first and second electronic instruments, respectively, via mutually different systems. First and second wirings, at least a portion of which are located inside the insertion portion, connect respective power limiting portions with the respective ones of the first and second electronic instruments. A ground conductor extends from one end of the insertion portion to the other end of the insertion portion and is connected between a first connection connecting the first electronic instrument and the first wiring and a second connection connecting the second electronic instrument and the second wiring.

A centering aid is for centering borescopes. The centering aid includes an elongate central body with a passage channel for borescope lines and with a spacer device. The spacer device extends variably in a radial direction over an entire circumference of the central body. The spacer device is configured to support the central body in at least two support planes which are mutually spaced apart along the central body and run perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the central body.