This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for locating and mapping buried or hidden utility objects. In one embodiment, a utility locator collects EM measurements in a local frame (from a locator perspective reference), then, internally, in real-time or near real-time at the locator, EM measurements are rotated into the world frame (transformed) so that they are aligned with gravity down (tilted), and rotated (yaw) into true north (not magnetic north). Once transformed, objects are represented in a global coordinate system relative to this fixed (true north) position. Other mapping and data layers may be combined with the transformed EM measurements, and displayed in the world frame. Combined and processed data can be rotated back into a gravity down position and yaw rotated into the local frame of a display to provide a "bird's-eye" view independent of locator tilt. The locator may be hand-held or vehicle mounted.
Signal generation devices including an auto-tuning electronic circuit module for generating tuned output signals are disclosed. The auto-tuning electronic circuit module may include a tunable resonant electronic circuit element for providing a tuned output signal, including a voltage divider element and a tuning array element and control element.
G01R 33/36 - Electrical details, e.g. matching or coupling of the coil to the receiver
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
G01V 3/17 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat operating with electromagnetic waves
Mobile base stations for use with one or more portable utility locators to aid in determining the location of a particular locator during operation and to receive information associated with the utility for storage and/or retransmission to other devices or systems are disclosed.
G01V 3/16 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat specially adapted for use from aircraft
G01S 19/00 - Satellite radio beacon positioning systemsDetermining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
Systems for inspecting pipes or cavities including a camera head, a coaxial push-cable, and a video signal transmitter and a communicatively coupled camera control unit (CCU) are disclosed.
H01B 1/02 - Conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materialsSelection of materials as conductors mainly consisting of metals or alloys
H01B 3/30 - Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances plasticsInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances resinsInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances waxes
H01B 3/47 - Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances plasticsInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances resinsInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances waxes fibre-reinforced plastics, e.g. glass-reinforced plastics
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
G03B 37/00 - Panoramic or wide-screen photographyPhotographing extended surfaces, e.g. for surveyingPhotographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Utility locators for detecting utilities by sensing magnetic fields, namely, electromagnetic apparatus for electromagnetically locating hidden or buried utility pipes, conduits, cables, or other electrical conductors; Signal induction devices for inducing current onto utilities or other electrical conductors using magnetic fields comprising magnetic field antennas; utility transmitters for generating current signals for coupling to utilities or other electrical conductors; coupling apparatus for inductively coupling signals to utilities or other electrical conductors; coupling apparatus for direct physical coupling of signals to utilities or other electrical conductors; online downloadable software for use with utility locators or transmitters for control or data display; online downloadable software for use with coupling apparatus for control or data display.
Electronic circuit modules including a housing, electronic circuit board disposed in the housing, and a high density electrical connector to couple an electrical cable between the electronic circuit board and another circuit board or electrical connection point are disclosed. Some embodiments may include a heat sink, spring plate, and antenna coupled via coaxial cable through the heat sink to the electronic circuit board.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Utility locators, namely, electromagnetic apparatus for electronically locating hidden or buried utility pipes, conduits, cables, or other electrical conductors; Signal induction devices for inducing current onto utilities or other electrical conductors using magnetic fields comprising of signal generators and magnetic field antennas; utility transmitters for generating current signals for coupling to utilities or other electrical conductors; coupling apparatus for electrically coupling current signals from transmitters to utilities or other electrical conductors; downloadable software for use with utility locators, transmitters, or induction devices for device control or data display
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Buried utility locators, namely, electromagnetic apparatus used to detect and process magnetic field signals for locating or mapping buried utility pipes, cables, and conduits; sensors for magnetic field detection of buried objects; mapping locators, namely, buried utility locators that collect and generate mapping data during operation; sondes for generating magnetic field signals for sensing by buried utility locators; transmitters for use with locators, namely, current transmitters used with buried utility locators; coupling apparatus for coupling current signals from transmitters to buried conductors; RFID tags; buried markers, namely, electronic marker device used to electronically mark and locate underground utilities by producing a radio frequency field for reception by a corresponding receiver device; downloadable software for generating current signals; downloadable software for processing received RFID signals; downloadable software for controlling operation of utility locators; downloadable software for processing magnetic field information from utility locators to provide information about and displays of hidden or buried utilities
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Utility locators, namely, devices for determining the location of hidden or buried pipes, conduits, cables, or other conductors by sensing magnetic fields; utility current transmitters for use with electronic utility locators to generate current signals for coupling to hidden or buried pipes, conduits, cables, or other conductors; backpacks specially adapted for utility locator positioning systems comprised of a positional receiver, a magnetic field sonde for use with utility locators, and a signal processor; mobile utility locator base stations comprised of signal processors, local or wide area networking transceivers, and local wireless communications transceivers for sending and receiving data between utility locators and utility locator transmitters; magnetic field sondes for use with utility locators; video inspection camera systems comprised of a video camera, push cables to deploy video cameras within pipes or other cavities and to send and receive signals, and a video display; video pipe inspection cameras; video pipe inspection camera control units (CCUs); downloadable operating system software for utility locators; downloadable operating system software for utility locator transmitters; downloadable operating system software for video pipe inspection systems; downloadable mapping software for generating mapping data and information using utility locator data; downloadable software for controlling video pipe inspection cameras; downloadable software for controlling utility locators; downloadable software for controlling utility locator transmitters; downloadable software for collecting and managing utility locator data; cameras for use with utility locators for providing mapping information; batteries for use with utility locators and utility locator transmitters; RFID devices
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Utility locators, namely, electromagnetic apparatus for measuring electromagnetic fields to magnetically sense hidden or buried utility pipes, cables, conduits, or other conductors; utility current transmitters for use with utility locators for generating electrical current signals for coupling to hidden or buried utility pipes, cables, conduits, or other conductors; sondes for generating dipole magnetic fields for detection by utility locators; coupling apparatus for coupling electrical current signals from utility electrical transmitters to hidden or buried utility pipes, cables, conduits, or other conductors; downloadable software for use with utility locators or transmitters for device control or data display; video inspection systems for inspecting the interior of pipes of cavities; software for use with video inspection systems for controlling operation and for displaying images, video, or data
An underwater LED light for use in high ambient pressure environments having a housing, a transparent pressure-bearing window, an MCPCB having one or more LEDS, and a multilayer stack of spacers for carrying loads applied to the window to the MCPCB and to the housing.
Portable self-standing electromagnetic (EM) field sensing locator systems with attachments for finding and mapping buried objects such as utilities and with intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) displays are described. Accessories may include a ground penetrating radar (GPR) system with a rotating Tx/Rx antenna assembly, a leak detection system, a multi-probe voltage mapping system, a man-portable laser-range finder system with embedded dipole beacon, and other detachable accessory sensor systems are accepted for attachment to the locator system for simultaneous operation in cooperation with the basic locator system. The integration of the locator system with one or mom additional devices, such as fault-finding, geophones and conductance sensors, may be used to facilitate the rapid detection and localization of many different types of buried objects.
G01R 19/00 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof
G01V 3/15 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat
G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics
13.
Dockable camera reel and camera control unit (CCU) system
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Camera systems for underwater exploration, extraction, or oceanographic use comprising video cameras, video and control cables, and camera control electronics; high definition undersea cameras for exploration, extraction, or oceanographic use; cabling for use underwater with underwater camera systems; electronic interfaces for use with underwater cameras for exploration, extraction, or oceanographic use; video cameras; still cameras; downloadable software for cameras for camera operation; downloadable software for camera systems for control, display, and data and video storage; video camera housings; video camera lights
Video push-cables, and methods for manufacturing video push-cables are disclosed. One embodiment may include an insulated push-cable with a fiberglass rod structural center member. A parallel bonded conductor including two separately insulated conductors is positioned along, and touches the center structural member along the length of the push-cable. The two conductors are insulated so that they are substantially equidistance from each other along the length of the center structural member. Since the parallel bonded conductor controls the distance between the two conductors, they are unlikely to short out if accidentally cut or otherwise damaged. In another embodiment, a push-cable fiberglass rod structural center member is surrounded by multiple concentric layers including a braided conductive layer, a layer of fiberglass rods and dielectric rods, a second braided conductive layer, and an insulated jacket. Other layers may be included.
H01B 7/00 - Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form
H01B 3/44 - Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances plasticsInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances resinsInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances waxes vinyl resinsInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances plasticsInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances resinsInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances waxes acrylic resins
The application discloses various systems and methods using magnification to eliminate or substantially reduce empty spaces from letterboxing caused during self-leveling rotations of a digital self-leveling camera system. The display methods herein that utilize magnification to avoid the empty space associated letterboxing may provide an enhanced viewing experience for the end user.
The application discloses various systems and methods using magnification to eliminate or substantially reduce empty spaces from letterboxing caused during self-leveling rotations of a digital self-leveling camera system. The display methods herein that utilize magnification to avoid the empty space associated letterboxing may provide an enhanced viewing experience for the end user.
The present disclosure is directed to buried utility locating devices, systems, and methods having a plurality of spatially separated GNSS antennas. Baselines or other spatial relationships may be formed between pairs of position estimates associated with the GNSS antennas to determine information about the position, heading, and tilt/pose of the utility locating device.
G01S 19/36 - Constructional details or hardware or software details of the signal processing chain relating to the receiver frond end
G01S 19/07 - Cooperating elementsInteraction or communication between different cooperating elements or between cooperating elements and receivers providing data for correcting measured positioning data, e.g. DGPS [differential GPS] or ionosphere corrections
G01S 19/32 - Multimode operation in a single same satellite system, e.g. GPS L1/L2
G01S 19/47 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement the supplementary measurement being an inertial measurement, e.g. tightly coupled inertial
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
Cable handling devices, methods, and systems for securing and deploying or retracting one or more cables or hoses into or out of a pipe or cavity allowing inspection of the pipe or cavity are disclosed.
Battery pack for use with a portable device, including colored LEDs for presenting a high granularity battery charge state, are disclosed. One embodiment includes a red and a green LED, wherein solid and blinking patterns are presented by the LEDs to correspond to a relative battery charge state. Other battery state indications, such as failure states, may also be presented on the colored LEDs.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
G08B 5/38 - Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmissionVisible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electromagnetic transmission using visible light sources using flashing light
A marker device embodiment may include separate concentrically-oriented receive and transmit antenna elements coupled to an ASIC which includes electronics to receive an input signal at a first frequency from a transmitter, convert the input signal to a power supply to power the electronic circuit, generate, in response to the input signal, an output signal at a second frequency different from the first frequency, and provide the output signal, via the transmit antenna element, to an above-ground receiver for assistance in determining the location of a buried utility.
G01V 15/00 - Tags attached to, or associated with, an object, in order to enable detection of the object
H01Q 1/24 - SupportsMounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set
H01Q 7/00 - Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop
22.
Antennas, multi-antenna apparatus, and antenna housings
The disclosure relates to antennas for use in satellite positioning systems and other wireless bands. An antenna may include a UV resistance treated Polymethylpentene housing having enhanced dielectric properties.
Tracked distance measuring device, systems, and methods for determining and mapping point of interest for use in utility locating operations and other mapping applications are disclosed. A tracked distance measuring device embodiment includes simultaneously triggered rangefinder and positioning elements to measure a distance and determine location and pose, optionally in conjunction with a utility locator.
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
G01V 3/15 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat
G01V 3/38 - Processing data, e.g. for analysis, for interpretation or for correction
Video push-cables, and methods for manufacturing video push-cables are disclosed. One embodiment may include an insulated push-cable with a fiberglass rod structural center member. A parallel bonded conductor including two separately insulated conductors is positioned along, and touches the center structural member along the length of the push-cable. The two conductors are insulated so that they are substantially equidistance from each other along the length of the center structural member. Since the parallel bonded conductor controls the distance between the two conductors, they are unlikely to short out if accidentally cut or otherwise damaged. In another embodiment, a push-cable fiberglass rod structural center member is surrounded by multiple concentric layers including a braided conductive layer, a layer of fiberglass rods and dielectric rods, a second braided conductive layer, and an insulated jacket. Other layers may be included.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Buried utility locators for detecting buried pipes, cables, or other conductors by sensing AC magnetic fields emitted therefrom; video cameras; camera control units (CCUs); wireless transceivers
26.
Antenna systems for circularly polarized radio signals
Antenna systems for receiving right and left hand circularly polarized signals are disclosed. An antenna system embodiment includes a top printed circuit board (PCB), a ground plane, and an antenna array including four conductive antenna elements positioned at relative zero, 90, 180, and 270 degree increments radially about a shared center point on the PCB, with each antenna element sloping upward in a left-handed direction from the ground plane towards the top PCB and connected to the ground plane and top PCB.
H01Q 21/24 - Combinations of antenna units polarised in different directions for transmitting or receiving circularly and elliptically polarised waves or waves linearly polarised in any direction
H01Q 23/00 - Antennas with active circuits or circuit elements integrated within them or attached to them
H03F 3/19 - High-frequency amplifiers, e.g. radio frequency amplifiers with semiconductor devices only
H01Q 1/42 - Housings not intimately mechanically associated with radiating elements, e.g. radome
27.
Buried utility marker devices, systems, and methods
G01V 3/165 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by the object or by the detecting device
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
G01V 3/15 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat
G01V 15/00 - Tags attached to, or associated with, an object, in order to enable detection of the object
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Electronic signal generators for generating and coupling electrical current signals to pipes, cables, or other hidden or buried utilities; signal generators and signal couplers for providing test signals to hidden or buried pipes, cables, or other utilities; buried utility locators for receiving magnetic field signals emitted from hidden or buried utilities and determining depth, position, or other information about the hidden or buried utilities based on processing of the received magnetic fields; downloadable software for controlling generation and provision of current signals for coupling to buried utilities; downloadable software for processing magnetic field signals received at a utility locator to generate information about hidden or buried utilities; utility locating transmitters for generating current signals for utility locating; downloadable software for generating signals for controlling generation and provision of current signals for coupling to buried utilities; accessories for use with buried utility locating systems; wireless communication modules for wireless coupling of data and information to buried utility locators; wireless communication modules for wireless coupling of data and information to cellular phones, tablets, or computers
29.
ELECTROMAGNETIC MARKER DEVICES FOR BURIED OR HIDDEN USE
The present disclosure relates to electromagnetic marker devices for use in locating hidden or buried objects, the marker devices including a tubular housing with a plurality of conductive windings therein and circuitry to receive an excitation signal at a first frequency and generate an output transmission signal at a second frequency different from the first frequency.
G01V 15/00 - Tags attached to, or associated with, an object, in order to enable detection of the object
G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
30.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR BATTERY SWAPPING IN UTILITY LOCATOR DEVICES AND OTHER COMPLEX BOOTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
This disclosure relates to an apparatus and methods for swapping out batteries in complex bootable battery powered devices with minimal disruption. Such complex bootable battery powered devices may have various operation settings that a user may not need to reconfigure upon swapping out a battery due to the battery swapping apparatus methods disclosed. Further, such battery-swapping apparatus may avoid boot time by powering the device via internal capacitance or a secondary power source in the device. Likewise, the complex bootable battery powered devices may automatically restart wherein a charged battery is installed prior to the depletion of the internal power capacity of the device. The battery-swapping apparatus, amongst many battery-powered host devices, may be employed in various devices used utility locator devices and other devices used in utility locating systems and pipe inspection systems.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer programming services; computer software design services; computer software maintenance services; computer software installation; consultancy in the design and development of computer hardware for oceanographic applications; consultancy services in the field of oceanographic equipment; design services for embedded software for electronics; design services for embedded firmware for electronics; services for development of embedded software and firmware; and development of embedded software and firmware; design and development of software for monitoring, controlling, and managing electrical power, data communications, and peripheral devices; engineering design services for electronic control systems; design services for embedded software, firmware, and hardware for industrial, marine, and subsea environments; design and development services for oceanographic equipment; design and development services for oceanographic software
32.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR BATTERY SWAPPING IN UTILITY LOCATOR DEVICES AND OTHER COMPLEX BOOTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
This disclosure relates to an apparatus and methods for swapping out batteries in complex bootable battery powered devices with minimal disruption. Such complex bootable battery powered devices may have various operation settings that a user may not need to reconfigure upon swapping out a battery due to the battery swapping apparatus methods disclosed. Further, such battery-swapping apparatus may avoid boot time by powering the device via internal capacitance or a secondary power source in the device. Likewise, the complex bootable battery powered devices may automatically restart wherein a charged battery is installed prior to the depletion of the internal power capacity of the device. The battery-swapping apparatus, amongst many battery-powered host devices, may be employed in various devices used utility locator devices and other devices used in utility locating systems and pipe inspection systems.
Electronic circuit modules including a housing, electronic circuit board disposed in the housing, and a high density electrical connector to couple an electrical cable between the electronic circuit board and another circuit board or electrical connection point are disclosed. Some embodiments may include a heat sink, spring plate, and antenna coupled via coaxial cable through the heat sink to the electronic circuit board.
signal generators; accessories for use with buried utility locators; accessories for use with signal generators; Buried utility locators; software for use with buried utility locators; software for use with signal generators.; accessories for use with buried utility locator transmitters
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Buried utility locators to detect hidden or buried utility based on AC electromagnetic fields emitted therefrom; metal detectors; buried utility locating transmitters; RFID tags for detection by buried utility locators; buried utility locating induction devices; buried utility locating clamps for coupling current signals to buried utilities; buried utility locating clips for coupling current signals to buried utilities; accessories for use with buried utility locators for detecting hidden or buried utilities, namely, batteries, cables, computers, tablet computers, display devices, wireless transceivers, satellite system receivers, mounting mechanisms, stands; downloadable software for communicating with buried utility locators from cellular phones, tablets, or computer devices; online downloadable software for use with buried utility locators; online downloadable software for use with buried utility locating transmitters; online downloadable software for use with RFID tags; online downloadable software for use with buried utility locators for determining mapping information; electronic devices for mapping buried utilities; sonde devices for use with buried utility locators; online downloadable software for use in communicating data and information from buried utility locators to remove server systems
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Utility locators for detecting magnetic field signals emitted by utilities or sondes, namely, electromagnetic apparatus used to measure electromagnetic fields from hidden or buried utility pipes, conduits, cables, or other electrical conductors or dipole field signal generators; Signal induction devices for inducing current onto utilities or other electrical conductors using magnetic fields comprising of signal generators and magnetic field antennas; portable battery powered dipole magnetic field signal generators; remotely powered dipole magnetic field signal generators; inductive couplers for magnetically coupling electrical current signals to hidden or buried utility pipes, conduits, cables, or other electrical conductors; downloadable software for controlling magnetic field sonde signal generators; downloadable software for use with utility locators for receiving and processing magnetic field dipole sonde signals; downloadable software for use with utility locators or transmitters for device control or data display; downloadable software for generating mapping data; downloadable software for generating maps
Location systems and methods for locating paint and other markings on a surface are described. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to smart paint stick devices and methods for locating and marking buried utility lines or other buried objects. One system for locating a buried object may include a buried object locator and paint stick. The locator may include a tracking component for detecting a location of a buried object. The paint stick may be configured to cause a paint container to dispense paint at a first position associated with the location of the buried object. The paint stick may include a position determination component for transmitting one or more range vector signals that are detected by the tracking component. Sensors may be used to determine when paint is dispensed from a paint container, and to determine a color of the paint or a type of a marking.
B05B 12/00 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area
B05B 12/04 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area for controlling time, or sequence, of delivery for sequential operation or multiple outlets
B05B 12/12 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target responsive to conditions of ambient medium or target, e.g. humidity, temperature
B05B 15/62 - Arrangements for supporting spraying apparatus, e.g. suction cups
B65D 83/184 - Hand lever actuators combined with hand grips at the end of extension rods
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
G01V 3/15 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat
E01C 23/22 - Devices for marking-out, applying or forming traffic or like markings on finished pavingProtecting fresh markings for forming markings in situ by spraying
G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics
Methods and systems for updating digital maps by refining map feature positions and improving map position accuracy are disclosed. One embodiment includes identifying a point of interest's position data and updating the map data within a map region surrounding the point of interest.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Video cameras; cameras for underwater use; lights for underwater use; ruggedized hardware for underwater or harsh environment use; ruggedized electronics for underwater or harsh environment use; downloadable software for use with underwater cameras; downloadable software for use with underwater lights; embedded electronic hardware; embedded software for use with underwater cameras; embedded software for use with underwater lights; underwater sensors; electronics for use with underwater sensors
40.
PIPE MAPPING FOR FEATURE AND ASSET RECOGNITION USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Systems and methods are provided for recognizing and mapping features inside of pipes using Artificial Intelligence (AI). In an exemplary embodiment, a pipe inspection camera system including Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and other sensor capabilities is inserted into a pipe to collect data that can be provided to a Deep Learning model to build a training set. Training data may include newly collected data and/or historical data. The model may be trained based on collected sets of training data, testing data, and/or user predefined classifiers. The Deep Learning model may use thresholds to determine if a set of data falls within a specific class. Classes may be based on data related to pipe features such as size, shape, material, age, routing or connection features including bends and/or joints, etc. AI data may be processed locally in the pipe inspection camera system, remotely on a mobile device, and/or in the Cloud.
Systems and methods are provided for recognizing and mapping features inside of pipes using Artificial Intelligence (AI). In an exemplary embodiment, a pipe inspection camera system including Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and other sensor capabilities is inserted into a pipe to collect data that can be provided to a Deep Learning model to build a training set. Training data may include newly collected data and/or historical data. The model may be trained based on collected sets of training data, testing data, and/or user predefined classifiers. The Deep Learning model may use thresholds to determine if a set of data falls within a specific class. Classes may be based on data related to pipe features such as size, shape, material, age, routing or connection features including bends and/or joints, etc. AI data may be processed locally in the pipe inspection camera system, remotely on a mobile device, and/or in the Cloud.
G06V 10/80 - Fusion, i.e. combining data from various sources at the sensor level, preprocessing level, feature extraction level or classification level
42.
Adjustable variable resolution inspection systems and methods
Camera heads configured to provide digitally articulated images or video, at adjustable resolutions and/or offsets and orientations, to a camera control unit (CCU) or other electronic computing system for display, storage, and/or transmission to other systems are disclosed.
G01N 21/954 - Inspecting the inner surface of hollow bodies, e.g. bores
G03B 37/00 - Panoramic or wide-screen photographyPhotographing extended surfaces, e.g. for surveyingPhotographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe
G06T 3/4038 - Image mosaicing, e.g. composing plane images from plane sub-images
H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
H04N 23/58 - Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
H04N 25/44 - Extracting pixel data from image sensors by controlling scanning circuits, e.g. by modifying the number of pixels sampled or to be sampled by partially reading an SSIS array
H04N 25/443 - Extracting pixel data from image sensors by controlling scanning circuits, e.g. by modifying the number of pixels sampled or to be sampled by partially reading an SSIS array by reading pixels from selected 2D regions of the array, e.g. for windowing or digital zooming
G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination
A slip ring for transferring electrical signals between rotating and static elements of a device includes a rotating element, a static element, an electrical contact assembly, including a plurality of subassemblies, contacting the rotating element and static element, one subassembly including a deformable PCB, and a spring element positioned to supply an axially aligned force to a face of the PCB to facilitate electrical contact between the PCB and other electrical contacts elements on another subassembly.
H01R 39/34 - Connections of conductor to slip-ring
H02K 13/00 - Structural associations of current collectors with motors or generators, e.g. brush mounting plates or connections to windingsDisposition of current collectors in motors or generatorsArrangements for improving commutation
Enclosures for deep ocean or other high exterior pressure environment including a dome window with an angular measurement of between 164 and 178 degrees, a structure housing, a dome support ring, and a compliance material positioned between the dome support ring and housing are disclosed.
The disclosure includes vehicle-mounting devices to mount one or more utility locator devices to a vehicle for use in locating and mapping buried utility lines. Such vehicle-mounting devices may improve over other vehicle-mounting devices known in the art by preventing damage to associated utility locator devices as well as the vehicle mounting device. Further, such devices may be included in vehicle-based locate systems as well as in a computer implemented method for utility line positions and characteristics using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The disclosure includes vehicle-mounting devices to mount one or more utility locator devices to a vehicle for use in locating and mapping buried utility lines. Such vehicle-mounting devices may improve over other vehicle-mounting devices known in the art by preventing damage to associated utility locator devices as well as the vehicle mounting device. Further, such devices may be included in vehicle-based locate systems as well as in a computer implemented method for utility line positions and characteristics using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
G01V 3/165 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by the object or by the detecting device
G01V 3/17 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat operating with electromagnetic waves
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Utility locators, namely, devices for determining the location of hidden or buried pipes, conduits, cables, or other conductors by sensing magnetic fields emitted therefrom; utility current transmitters for use with utility locators; backpacks specially adapted for utility locator positioning systems comprised of a positional receiver, a sonde, and a signal processor; mobile utility locator base stations comprised of signal processors, local or wide area networking transceivers, and local wireless communications transceivers for sending and receiving data between utility locators, utility locator transmitters, and other communicatively coupled electronic devices; magnetic field sondes for use with utility locators; video inspection camera systems comprised of a video camera, push cable to send and receive signals, and a video display; video pipe inspection cameras; video pipe inspection camera control units (CCUs); downloadable software for the operation of utility locators as well as data collection, downloading, and display from utility locators; downloadable software for use with utility locator transmitters, namely, for use in locating underground utilities; downloadable software for use with video pipe inspection systems, namely, for imaging pipes or cavities; downloadable mapping software for generating mapping data and information using utility locator data; downloadable software for controlling video pipe inspection cameras; downloadable software for controlling utility locators; downloadable software for controlling utility locator transmitters; downloadable software for collecting and managing utility locator data; cameras for use with utility locator devices for providing mapping information; batteries for use with utility locators and utility locator transmitters; video inspection systems comprised of cameras, push cables coupled thereto, and cable reels; computer hardware and downloadable software for inspecting buried pipes or cavities
48.
Systems and methods for utility locating in a multi-utility environment
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for uniquely identifying buried utilities in a multi-utility region by sensing magnetic fields emitted from the buried utilities.
G01V 3/165 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by the object or by the detecting device
G01R 33/02 - Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
G01R 33/12 - Measuring magnetic properties of articles or specimens of solids or fluids
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
G01V 3/15 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat
G01V 3/16 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat specially adapted for use from aircraft
G01V 3/38 - Processing data, e.g. for analysis, for interpretation or for correction
Locator systems are disclosed for locating buried utilities such as conduits, cables, pipes. or wires. The locator system may include image-capturing and position and orientation measuring devices such as magnetic compass, accelerometers, gyros, GPS, and DGPS. The system may associate images captured during the locate process with buried utility position data and the other sensor data. These data and images may be further associated with terrain images from satellites or aerial photography to provide a highly precision map and database of buried utility locations and visual images of the burial site. Information so obtained may be transferred to a hand-held personal communication device, such as a smart phone to show the location of buried utilities in combination with photo-images and/or terrain maps.
This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for locating and mapping buried utility objects using Artificial Intelligence (AI). In an exemplary embodiment, electromagnetic data related to underground utilities and communication systems is collected and provided to a Deep Learning model to build a training set. New data is then collected and provided to the learning model to enable AI to make a prediction as to the type and location of any existing utilities. This predicted data may be used to create a map which may be stored and/or displayed. In some embodiments, the AI (Deep Learning model) processing may be performed locally in a Utility Locator and/or cable drum-reel, and/or remotely in a wireless device such as a mobile phone, laptop, vehicle, etc., and/or in the Cloud.
G01V 3/12 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with electromagnetic waves
G01V 3/17 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat operating with electromagnetic waves
H04W 4/38 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for collecting sensor information
51.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCATING AND MAPPING BURIED UTILITY OBJECTS USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WITH LOCAL OR REMOTE PROCESSING
This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for locating and mapping buried utility objects using Artificial Intelligence (AI). In an exemplary embodiment, electromagnetic data related to underground utilities and communication systems is collected and provided to a Deep Learning model to build a training set. New data is then collected and provided to the learning model to enable AI to make a prediction as to the type and location of any existing utilities. This predicted data may be used to create a map which may be stored and/or displayed. In some embodiments, the AI (Deep Learning model) processing may be performed locally in a Utility Locator and/or cable drum-reel, and/or remotely in a wireless device such as a mobile phone, laptop, vehicle, etc., and/or in the Cloud.
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
G01V 11/00 - Prospecting or detecting by methods combining techniques covered by two or more of main groups
Magnetic field cancelling audio systems and associated devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an audio system with two electromagnetic audio drivers positioned and electrically connected to reduce emitted magnetic fields over a range of predefined frequencies.
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
H04R 1/24 - Structural combinations of separate transducers or of parts of the same transducer and responsive respectively to two or more frequency ranges
H04R 1/28 - Transducer mountings or enclosures designed for specific frequency responseTransducer enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
H04R 5/02 - Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
H04R 9/02 - Transducers of moving-coil, moving-strip, or moving-wire type Details
H04R 19/01 - Electrostatic transducers characterised by the use of electrets
Utility locators for providing information about hidden or buried pipes or other cavities are disclosed. A locator may be configured to provide positional information associated with the buried utility based on signals received from a line trace signal and a sonde signal and present the positional information on a visual display or other output device.
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
G01V 11/00 - Prospecting or detecting by methods combining techniques covered by two or more of main groups
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
54.
Satellite and magnetic field sonde apparatus and methods
G01V 3/15 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat
G01V 3/02 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with propagation of electric current
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
G01V 3/165 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by the object or by the detecting device
55.
SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR DOCUMENTING GROUND ASSETS AND ASSOCIATED UTILITY LINES
The present application relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for mapping utility lines that includes the identification and use of ground assets. Such ground assets may be identifiable aspects along the ground surface that may be of interest or use, including mapping of utility locating. Further, updating to ground asset locations and yaw/orientations may be applied in maps such that utility line positions relative to such ground assets may be more accurately known by future excavation operations.
G01C 3/06 - Use of electric means to obtain final indication
G01C 19/38 - Rotary gyroscopes for indicating a direction in the horizontal plane, e.g. directional gyroscopes with north-seeking action by other than magnetic means, e.g. gyrocompasses using earth's rotation
G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
56.
SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR DOCUMENTING GROUND ASSETS AND ASSOCIATED UTILITY LINES
The present application relates to aparatuses, systems, and methods for mapping utility lines that includes the identification and use of ground assets. Such ground assets may be identifiable aspects along the ground surface that may be of interest or use, including mapping of utility locating. Further, updating to ground asset locations and yaw/orientations may be applied in maps such that utility line positions relative to such ground assets may be more accurately known by future excavation operations.
G01V 3/15 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat
G01V 15/00 - Tags attached to, or associated with, an object, in order to enable detection of the object
57.
ACCESSIBLE DRUM-REEL FRAME FOR PIPE INSPECTION CAMERA SYSTEM
A pipe inspection system includes a cable storage drum and a housing configured to removably receive and rotatably support the cable storage drum. A push-cable with multiple conductors is stored in the drum. An inspection camera may be attached to a distal end of the push-cable. The housing includes an accessible frame outer shell which can be opened to allow access to, and/or replacement of the cable storage drum. The frame has a hinged or otherwise transformably coupled portion that can be opened and closed. At least one latching/locking mechanism is provided to allow the frame to be opened, or closed and latched/locked. The frame accepts different size drum-reels. The frame may be configured to accept a removable bearing ring which mates with the cable storage drum. The frame may include a handle, as well as one or more wheels to allow the cable storage drum to be relocated.
Location systems and methods for locating paint and other markings on a surface are disclosed. A paint marking stick may include a magnetic field sonde that is actuated in conjunction with dispensing of paint or other markers, where the sonde generates a magnetic field signal in conjunction with dispensing of paint or placement of a marker. A corresponding utility locator may receive the sonde magnetic field dipole signal and determine and store positional information and type information associated with the paint or other marker.
C23C 16/00 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes
B05B 12/00 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area
B05B 12/12 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target responsive to conditions of ambient medium or target, e.g. humidity, temperature
B05D 1/02 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials performed by spraying
B65D 83/184 - Hand lever actuators combined with hand grips at the end of extension rods
E01C 23/22 - Devices for marking-out, applying or forming traffic or like markings on finished pavingProtecting fresh markings for forming markings in situ by spraying
G01V 3/12 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with electromagnetic waves
G01V 3/165 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by the object or by the detecting device
59.
ACCESSIBLE DRUM-REEL FRAME FOR PIPE INSPECTION CAMERA SYSTEM
A pipe inspection system includes a cable storage drum (200) and a housing (230) configured to removably receive and rotatably support the cable storage drum. A push-cable (220) with multiple conductors is stored in the drum. An inspection camera (280) may be attached to a distal end of the push-cable. The housing includes an accessible frame outer shell which can be opened to allow access to, and/or replacement of the cable storage drum. The frame has a hinged (1050) coupled portion (1010) that can be opened and closed. At least one latching/locking mechanism (1080) is provided to allow the frame to be opened, or closed and latched/locked. The frame accepts different size drum-reels. The frame is configured to accept a removable bearing ring (1067, 1072) which mates with the cable storage drum. The frame may include a handle (1097), as well as one or more wheels (1085) to allow the cable storage drum to be relocated.
B65H 75/40 - Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material mobile or transportable
Pipe inspection systems including a push-cable, jetter, and camera assembly are disclosed. A jetter nozzle may be configured to spin and/or propel the camera head within a pipe or other cavity. A cutter line may be attached to the camera head to clean obstructions. A sonde may be coupled to a camera head to generate magnetic field signals for use with a buried utility locator to locate a pipe or other cavity into which the camera head is deployed.
B05B 1/14 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openingsNozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
B05B 13/06 - Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups specially designed for treating the inside of hollow bodies
B08B 9/043 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes
B08B 9/049 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes having self-contained propelling means for moving the cleaning devices along the pipes
E03F 7/12 - Installations enabling inspection personnel to drive along sewer canals
E03F 9/00 - Arrangements or fixed installations for cleaning sewer pipes, e.g. by flushing
G01N 21/954 - Inspecting the inner surface of hollow bodies, e.g. bores
H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
G01S 19/36 - Constructional details or hardware or software details of the signal processing chain relating to the receiver frond end
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
H01Q 1/22 - SupportsMounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
H01Q 1/52 - Means for reducing coupling between antennas Means for reducing coupling between an antenna and another structure
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Utility locators, namely, electronic devices for locating buried or hidden pipes, conduits, and cables by sensing magnetic fields; electronic devices for sensing buried or hidden utilities by receiving magnetic signals emitted therefrom; downloadable software for operating utility locators; magnetic field sensors; magnetic field signal generators; compact battery powered AC magnetic field signal generators; keyed magnetic field signal generators; multi-frequency magnetic field signal generators; downloadable software for mapping buried utilities; video inspection camera systems primarily comprised of cameras, camera control units (CCUs), and downloadable video inspection software for displaying and storing videos and images within pipes or other cavities or mapping pipes or buried utilities; downloadable video inspection software for displaying or mapping pipes or other cavities; video inspection systems primarily comprised of camera heads, camera control units, and push-cables; video cameras
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Inductive current wands for electromagnetically inducing current signals in conductors; signal generators and couplers for generating and coupling electrical current to hidden or buried utilities; signal generators and electric signal couplers for providing test signals to buried pipes or other conductors; electromagnetic locators, namely, buried utility locators for receiving magnetic field signals emitted from hidden or buried utilities and determining information about the hidden or buried utilities based on the received magnetic fields; electronic devices, namely, electromagnetic induction devices for inducing current flow in conductive buried utilities using electromagnetic fields to couple the currents thereto; downloadable software for controlling electronic devices for inducing current flow in conductive buried utilities using electromagnetic fields to couple the currents thereto; video camera systems primarily comprised of camera heads, camera control units, and push-cables; electronic devices, namely, sondes used to generate dipole magnetic fields for sensing by utility locators; electronic devices for locating buried utilities
Buried utility transmitters and associated locator devices, systems, and methods used for locating utility lines, pipes, and/or other conductors that are obscured from view are disclosed.
G01V 3/02 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with propagation of electric current
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
66.
Multi-dielectric coaxial push-cables and associated apparatus
Coaxial video push-cables are disclosed. One embodiment includes a central conductor and a multi-dielectric stack of multiple concentric tubular layers disposed around the central conductor having one or more structural layers and one or more impedance tuning layers where the thickness of materials of each layer are selected to provide a pre-defined elastic modulus and electromagnetic impedance, an electromagnetic shielding layer, and a jacket enclosing the shielding layer, multi-dielectric stack layers, and central conductor.
G03B 37/00 - Panoramic or wide-screen photographyPhotographing extended surfaces, e.g. for surveyingPhotographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe
G02B 6/44 - Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
H01B 1/02 - Conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materialsSelection of materials as conductors mainly consisting of metals or alloys
H01B 11/18 - Coaxial cablesAnalogous cables having more than one inner conductor within a common outer conductor
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
H04N 23/56 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof provided with illuminating means
Video inspection systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a video camera for use in a pipe inspection system includes a camera head including an outer housing, a camera module assembly including video and non-video sensors, a processing circuit, and a data link receiver.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Cameras; camera control units (CCUs) for video inspection systems; video inspection systems comprised of cameras; buried utility magnetic field sensing locators, namely, devices for AC electromagnetically locating hidden or buried utilities; apparatus for conveying and distributing AC electric current signals to be coupled to hidden or buried utilities; magnetic field sondes for insertion into pipes and other cavities to generate dipole magnetic field tracing signals, namely, AC electromagnetic field generating apparatus used to generate and measure magnetic fields; utility magnetic locators comprised of electromagnetic sensors, processing circuits, and memory for mapping hidden or buried utilities and storing associated information; electronic apparatus for displaying information, images, and maps of hidden or buried utilities and other objects, namely, surface features; mobile wireless telecommunication base stations for wireless communicating with buried utility locators, transmitters, and remote server systems to send and receive information associated with hidden or buried utilities; electronic devices for integrating position and location information with radio signals and sending the position and location information to a server system; electronic devices for integrating information associated with hidden or buried utilities with geographical location information and displaying and storing the integrated information for later user; buried utility magnetic locators comprised of GPS and other positioning system receivers for detecting utilities and storing associated data and positional information; electronic locator transmitters for sending radio signals with integrated data and information; buried electronic safety markers using radio frequency identification (RFID) information to mark underground locations in pipes, conduits, and other cavities; electronic devices for receiving radio frequency identification (RFID) signals, determining associated information, and integrating the associated information with hidden or buried utility information and geographic location information; electromagnetic sensors for locating faults in pipes, wires, and conduits; downloadable software for generating maps of hidden or buried utilities and buried objects; downloadable software for detecting, displaying, mapping and storing information associated with hidden or buried conduits, pipes, conductors, and other utilities and objects by receiving and processing magnetic field signals emitted from the utilities; downloadable software for integrating location and position information with buried utility and object information and displaying and storing the integrated information; downloadable software for generating maps featuring information associated with hidden or buried utilities and other buried objects and geographical information; downloadable software for providing inspection information and reports related to electromagnetically sensed hidden or buried pipes, cables, wires, and other objects; downloadable software for processing images and video based on information provided from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags; downloadable software for combining information from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags with geographic location information and storing and displaying the associated combined information; downloadable computer application software for mobile phones, tablets, computers, or other electronic devices, namely, software for enabling construction personnel and others to make requests for the location of buried pipes, cables, and other underground utilities prior to excavating construction sites; downloadable computer application software for mobile phones, tablets, computers, or other electronic devices, namely, software for identifying the location of buried pipes, cables, and other underground utilities prior to construction and excavation; downloadable software for combining locator and video inspection information with map images and graphics for user presentation; virtual reality computer hardware and downloadable software, namely, monitors, glasses, and headsets for viewing utility locating and pipe inspection models and representations generated by pipe inspection systems and locators; downloadable computer simulation software for viewing utility locating and pipe inspection models and representations generated by data from pipe inspection systems and locators; downloadable software for map display Providing online non-downloadable software for generating maps of hidden or buried utilities and buried objects; providing online non-downloadable software for detecting, displaying, mapping and storing information associated with hidden or buried conduits, pipes, conductors, and other utilities and objects by receiving and processing magnetic field signals emitted from the utilities; providing online non-downloadable software for integrating location and position information with buried utility and object information and displaying and storing the integrated information and generating maps thereof; Providing online non-downloadable software for generating maps featuring information associated with hidden or buried utilities and other buried objects; providing online non-downloadable software to allow use of still camera and video camera inspection systems for underground pipes, conduits, and cavities to generate and manage still inspection images, inspection videos, associated data, and associated reports; providing online non-downloadable software for providing inspection information and reports related to electromagnetically sensed hidden or buried pipes, cables, wires, and other objects; providing online non-downloadable software for processing images and video based on information provided from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags; providing online non- downloadable software for combining information from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags with geographic location information and storing and displaying the associated combined information; providing temporary use of a non-downloadable web application for enabling construction personnel and others to make requests for the location of buried pipes, cables, and other underground utilities prior to excavating construction sites; providing temporary use of a non-downloadable web application for identifying the location of buried pipes, cables, and other underground utilities prior to excavation
69.
Input multiplexed signal processing apparatus and methods
Front end circuits and associated apparatus, systems, and methods for use in electronic devices such as buried utility locators are disclosed. The circuits include receivers and filters on input signals that are coupled to ground rather than differentially. A multiplexing circuit allows shared use of amplifiers, and analog-to-digital converters via a switching mechanism for selectively making or breaking electrical connection to the receiver channels for efficient sharing of electronics resources while minimizing crosstalk interference and advantageously reducing costs.
H01Q 23/00 - Antennas with active circuits or circuit elements integrated within them or attached to them
H01Q 1/24 - SupportsMounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set
H01Q 1/52 - Means for reducing coupling between antennas Means for reducing coupling between an antenna and another structure
H01Q 7/06 - Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop with core of ferromagnetic material
Omnidirectional electromagnetic signal inducer (omni-inducer) devices are disclosed. The omni-inducer device may include a housing, which may include a conductive base for coupling signals to ground, and an omnidirectional antenna node including a plurality of antenna coil assemblies, where the node may be disposed on or within the housing. The omni-inducer device may further include one or more transmitter modules for generating ones of a plurality of output signals, which may be generated at ones of a plurality of different frequencies, and one or more control circuits configured to control the transmitters and/or other circuits to selectively switch the ones of the plurality of output signals between ones of the plurality of antenna coil assemblies.
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
G01V 3/12 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with electromagnetic waves
H01Q 21/20 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart the units being spaced along, or adjacent to, a curvilinear path
H01Q 21/29 - Combinations of different interacting antenna units for giving a desired directional characteristic
H01Q 23/00 - Antennas with active circuits or circuit elements integrated within them or attached to them
Sonde devices for providing magnetic field signals for use with utility locators or other devices are disclosed. In one embodiment a sonde device includes a housing, a core comprising a plurality of core sections, and one or more support structures, which may include windings. Circuit and/or power supply elements may be disposed fully or partially within the core to control generation of predefined magnetic field frequencies and waveforms.
G01V 3/165 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by the object or by the detecting device
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
H01Q 1/04 - Adaptation for subterranean or subaqueous use
H01Q 1/36 - Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella
H01Q 7/06 - Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop with core of ferromagnetic material
Camera head apparatus, systems, and methods for providing wide angle/panoramic images and/or video of the interior of pipes or other cavities using multiple imaging and illumination modules are disclosed.
G03B 37/00 - Panoramic or wide-screen photographyPhotographing extended surfaces, e.g. for surveyingPhotographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe
G03B 37/04 - Panoramic or wide-screen photographyPhotographing extended surfaces, e.g. for surveyingPhotographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe with cameras or projectors providing touching or overlapping fields of view
H04N 23/45 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images
Portable pipe inspection video systems are disclosed. The system may include a camera head, a push-cable, a cable reel, and a camera controller having a built-in transmitter for energizing a pipe-inspection cable for magnetic field tracing applications.
The present disclosure relates to electromagnetic marker devices for locating hidden or buried objects. One embodiment includes an antenna having a plurality of conductive windings enclosed in a housing made of a low dielectric constant material and an electronic circuit including a circuit board having circuit elements disposed thereon and electrically coupled to the conductive windings through a connector. The circuit elements receive an input signal having a first frequency from an above-ground transmitter, convert the input signal to a power supply to power up the electronic circuit, generate, in response to the input signal, an output signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency, and provide the output signal, via the antenna element, to an above-ground receiver.
G01V 15/00 - Tags attached to, or associated with, an object, in order to enable detection of the object
G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
75.
SMARTPHONE MOUNTING APPARATUS AND IMAGING METHODS FOR ASSET TAGGING AND UTILTY MAPPING AS USED WITH UTILITY LOCATOR DEVICES
Methods for mapping utility lines and identifying and tagging assets relating to utility lines as well as a smartphone mounting apparatus are disclosed. The smartphone mounting apparatus may couple to a utility locator device in a known position and orientation for use in tagging assets in a utility locating operation. Such assets along the ground surface may be captured by the camera(s) of the smartphone and/or cameras of the utility locator device and the resulting still images and/or video may be correlated with geolocation data of the tagged asset. Further, methods using Deep Learning/artificial intelligence are included to recognize patterns and make predictions related to underground utilities including utility line type classification.
Methods for mapping utility lines and identifying and tagging assets relating to utility lines as well as a smartphone mounting apparatus are disclosed. The smartphone mounting apparatus may couple to a utility locator device in a known position and orientation for use in tagging assets in a utility locating operation. Such assets along the ground surface may be captured by the camera(s) of the smartphone and/or cameras of the utility locator device and the resulting still images and/or video may be correlated with geolocation data of the tagged asset. Further, methods using Deep Learning/artificial intelligence are included to recognize patterns and make predictions related to underground utilities including utility line type classification.
Various devices and methods are disclosed to efficiently determine and map the geolocations of utility lines. The devices and methods may, from measurements of electromagnetic signals of an area and the known geolocation of the utility locator device, map the geolocations of electromagnetic signals. Such maps may be generated from electromagnetic signal measurements at two or more measurement points and, in comparing the maps generated at two or more measurement points in space, determine the presence and geolocations of utility lines.
G01V 3/15 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
78.
FILTERING METHODS AND ASSOCIATED UTILITY LOCATOR DEVICES FOR LOCATING AND MAPPING BURIED UTILITY LINES
Various devices and methods are disclosed to efficiently determine and map the geolocations of utility lines. The devices and methods may, from measurements of electromagnetic signals of an area and the known geolocation of the utility locator device, map the geolocations of electromagnetic signals. Such maps may be generated from electromagnetic signal measurements at two or more measurement points and, in comparing the maps generated at two or more measurement points in space, determine the presence and geolocations of utility lines.
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
G01C 21/16 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration executed aboard the object being navigatedDead reckoning by integrating acceleration or speed, i.e. inertial navigation
G01S 19/14 - Receivers specially adapted for specific applications
79.
Inner drum module with push-cable interface for pipe inspection
A pipe inspection system includes a cable storage drum and a housing configured to removably receive and rotatably support the cable storage drum. A push-cable with a plurality of conductors is stored in the drum. An inspection camera may be attached to a distal end of the push-cable. The drum includes a hollow core outer cone configured to accept an inner core removable module. The removable module may include electrical, mechanical, wireless, satellite, and power/battery interfaces. The module mates with a contact plate sealed inside the inner cone. The inner core components, including the battery module, are stationary relative to the inner core. The inner core is free to rotate bidirectionally inside the outer cone as the camera is being fed into, and out of a pipe or conduit for inspection. Slip-rings are not required to maintain connectivity because the electronics and battery module are stationary relative to each other.
A pipe inspection system (200) includes a cable storage drum (300) and a housing configured to removably receive and rotatably support the cable storage drum. A push-cable (220) with a plurality of conductors is stored in the drum. An inspection camera (280) may be attached to a distal end of the push-cable (220). The drum (300) includes a hollow core outer cone (310) configured to accept an inner core removable module (400). The removable module may include electrical, mechanical, wireless, satellite, and power/battery interfaces. The module mates with a contact plate sealed inside the inner cone. The inner core components, including the battery module, are stationary relative to the inner core. The inner core is free to rotate bidirectionally inside the outer cone as the camera is being fed into, and out of a pipe or conduit for inspection. Slip-rings are not required to maintain connectivity because the electronics and battery module are stationary relative to each other.
B65H 75/36 - Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables without essentially involving the use of a core or former internal to a stored package of material, e.g. with stored material housed within casing or container, or intermittently engaging a plurality of supports as in sinuous or serpentine fashion
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Parts for video inspection systems, namely, power adapters, cable guide assemblies for push cables, camera assemblies being replacement video camera modules for camera heads, camera heads, cable drums in the nature of reels for storing push cables, electronic transmitters for generating electromagnetic signals for detection by utility locators, sondes, slip rings in the nature of movable electrical contacts, circuit boards, electrical interconnect cables, electrical cords and cables, electronic keypads, electrical connectors, electronic components for camera control units being replacement electronic circuit boards and modules for operation, control, display, and wireless communication of information provided to camera control units, battery assemblies in the nature of rechargeable batteries and battery cables, bearings for video camera systems, pipe guides for video camera systems in the nature of guides to direct movement of camera heads through pipes, push-cables for video camera systems, audio speakers, cable counters for video camera systems in the nature of deployed push cable distance measuring apparatus, video camera system frames in the nature of metal or plastic frames being mounting devices used to mount inspection camera systems and cable reels, electrical outlet kits comprised of electrical outlet plates, testers, connectors, and covers, labels carrying electronically recorded or encoded information for video camera systems, computer hardware for video camera systems, drums in the nature of reels for electric cables for video camera systems, stands for photographic apparatus in the nature of kickstands for video camera systems, drum assembly parts for video camera systems in the nature of inspection camera cable storage drums being cable reels, LCD displays, battery electronic circuits, dust cover assemblies for video camera systems, fan assemblies for video camera systems in the nature of internal cooling fans for video cameras, camera control unit (CCU) troubleshooting kits for video camera systems comprised of electronic test equipment to diagnose problems with electronic circuits in utility locators and inspection camera systems, power adapters for video camera systems, cable guide mechanical components for video camera systems in the nature of guides to direct movement of cable through pipes or cavities in video inspection systems, hub components for video camera systems in the nature of electrical slip rings and wireless communication transceiver modules for use in unlicensed radio spectrum, electronic interconnectors for audio and video signals for video camera systems, pipe guides for video camera systems in the nature of guides to direct movement of camera heads through pipes or cavities, downloadable computer software for running diagnostic tests for video inspection systems, LCD displays for video inspection systems, wireless communications transceiver modules for use in video inspection systems, electronic apparatus for testing video pipe inspection electronic assemblies
82.
Pipe inspection and/or mapping camera heads, systems, and methods
Camera heads and associated systems, methods, and devices for inspecting and/or mapping pipes or cavities are disclosed. A camera head may be coupled to a push-cable and may include one or more image sensors to capture images and/or videos from interior of the pipe or cavity. One or more multi-axis sensors may be disposed in the camera head to sense data corresponding to movement of the camera head within the pipe or cavity. The images and/or videos captured by the image sensors may be used in conjunction with the data sensed by the multi-axis sensors to generate information pertaining to the pipe or cavity may be generated.
F16L 55/46 - Launching or retrieval of pigs or moles
F16L 55/48 - Indicating the position of the pig or mole in the pipe or conduit
G01C 21/16 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration executed aboard the object being navigatedDead reckoning by integrating acceleration or speed, i.e. inertial navigation
G01V 3/12 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with electromagnetic waves
G06F 11/07 - Responding to the occurrence of a fault, e.g. fault tolerance
G06F 11/14 - Error detection or correction of the data by redundancy in operation, e.g. by using different operation sequences leading to the same result
G06F 11/16 - Error detection or correction of the data by redundancy in hardware
G06F 11/36 - Prevention of errors by analysis, debugging or testing of software
H02P 21/14 - Estimation or adaptation of machine parameters, e.g. flux, current or voltage
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
H04N 9/31 - Projection devices for colour picture display
H04N 23/54 - Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
H04N 23/56 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof provided with illuminating means
H04N 23/741 - Circuitry for compensating brightness variation in the scene by increasing the dynamic range of the image compared to the dynamic range of the electronic image sensors
Systems, devices, and methods for drain cleaning using high voltage, high frequency AC electrical power supplied through a video push-cable are disclosed. In one embodiment, a drain cleaning system may include a cable for carrying electrical control and/or data signals as well as alternating current (AC) power at a high voltage and high frequency relative to AC mains frequencies.
E03F 9/00 - Arrangements or fixed installations for cleaning sewer pipes, e.g. by flushing
B65H 75/40 - Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material mobile or transportable
E03C 1/302 - Devices to facilitate removing of obstructions in waste pipes or sinks using devices moved through the pipes
H01B 1/02 - Conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materialsSelection of materials as conductors mainly consisting of metals or alloys
H01B 3/08 - Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances quartzInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances glassInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances glass woolInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances slag woolInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances vitreous enamels
H01B 3/48 - Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances fibrous materials
Cable handling devices, methods and systems are provided for securing and deploying, or retracting, one or more cables or hoses into or out of a pipe or cavity allowing inspection of the pipe or cavity. The cables and/or hoses may be coupled and moved together, or decoupled enabling them to be moved independently. A hand-held device with a housing for at least partially enclosing one or more cables or hoses, at least one coupling mechanism integrally attached to the housing, and a coupling control for coupling and decoupling the one or more cables or hoses may be provided. One or more of the cables may be connected to a camera disposed at the distal end of a cable thereby facilitating inspection of the pipe or cavity. Tools such as cutting devices or a jetter may be provided at the end of the one or more cables and/or hoses.
H02G 1/08 - Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing, or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle through tubing or conduit, e.g. rod or draw wire for pushing or pulling
E03F 7/00 - Other installations or implements for operating sewer systems, e.g. for preventing or indicating stoppageEmptying cesspools
E03F 9/00 - Arrangements or fixed installations for cleaning sewer pipes, e.g. by flushing
F16L 55/30 - Constructional aspects of the propulsion means, e.g. towed by cables
F16L 55/46 - Launching or retrieval of pigs or moles
Embodiments of video inspection systems with moveably dockable camera control units (CCUs) which may include a display are disclosed. In one embodiment, a video inspection system includes two frame elements which each have a handle. The frame elements may be moved into multiple positions and orientations relative to each other and provide a secure stand for a CCU. The CCU may be attached and detached from the frame elements. The handles may be used to carry the frame elements with or without the CCU attached. The handles may be slip resistant to provide a stable support for a CCU when the frame elements are positioned on a surface. Docking apparatus are provided to allow a CCU, tablet, pad, laptop, or smartphone to be attached to the frame elements and put in a variety of positions or orientations to make viewing convenient for a user.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
video pipe inspection systems comprised of cameras and lighting elements; electronic camera controllers; downloadable software for controlling operation of inspection cameras; downloadable software for providing visual displays of images and video taken from inspection cameras; online downloadable video inspection camera software and displaying images, video, and data and controlling camera operation; high definition cameras for capturing images and video within pipes and cavities; high definition inspection system cameras; camera lenses providing online, non-downloadable software for controlling operation of inspection system cameras; providing online, non-downloadable software for providing visual displays of images and video taken with video inspection cameras; providing online non-downloadable imaging software for use with video inspection systems
87.
Buried object locator apparatus including twelve nodes
G01V 3/165 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by the object or by the detecting device
G01V 3/00 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
G01V 3/15 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat
Mobile base stations for use with one or more portable utility locators to aid in determining the location of a particular locator during operation and to receive information associated with the utility for storage and/or retransmission to other devices or systems are disclosed.
G01V 3/16 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat specially adapted for use from aircraft
G01S 19/00 - Satellite radio beacon positioning systemsDetermining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
Goods & Services
High definition (HD) cameras; batteries for use with lights; still cameras; video cameras; camera housings for containing and protecting cameras from environmental exposure; lights for use on video cameras for use with well or cavity inspection systems; cameras with lights for use with water well inspection systems; water well inspection systems comprising camera heads and electrical cables for providing mechanical deployment and electrical connectivity of cameras and lights in wells or other cavities; cameras for use in well, horizontal or vertical pipe, or cavity inspection systems; video and still camera inspection systems comprising camera heads, electrical push cables, and camera electrical controllers; downloadable computer software for use with water well, pipe, or cavity video camera inspection systems to control system operation and to display or store captured images or video; camera electrical controllers for use with video camera inspection systems; video inspection systems comprising camera heads, electrical push cables, and camera electrical controllers, and also including cutting or jetting heads for removing obstructions in pipes or wells by cutting or jetter action; utility locators, namely, electromagnetic detectors and sensors for the magnetic detection of hidden or buried utility cables, pipes, and conduits; downloadable computer software for controlling cameras; downloadable computer software for controlling lights; downloadable computer software for receiving and displaying still or video images from cameras Underwater lights for deep ocean or high pressure use; LED flood lights; LED spot lights; LED beam lights for wide angle illumination and LED spot lights for narrow angle illumination; LED lights for use in illuminating areas being inspected with portable well, pipe, or cavity camera inspection systems; LED underwater lights for use with well or cavity inspection systems; lighting installations, namely, light housings Robotic transport vehicles for use in deploying camera heads and lights in water wells, pipes, or other cavities; video camera inspection systems comprising robotic transport vehicles and also including camera heads, electrical push cables, lights, and camera electrical controllers, for use in the deployment of the camera heads into water wells, pipes, or cavities
90.
Video inspection and camera head tracking systems and methods
Various systems and methods are disclosed for tracking a camera head deployed into a pipe or other cavity. The systems and methods may include inertial navigation sensors for generating inertial navigation data to direct a user towards a location where the signal emitted by a pipe Sonde may be found at startup or, when in use, the pipe Sonde signal has been temporarily lost by the utility locator device. Various other sensors and elements may generate camera head position data.
Various systems and methods are disclosed for tracking a camera head deployed into a pipe or other cavity. The systems and methods may include inertial navigation sensors for generating inertial navigation data to direct a user towards a location where the signal emitted by a pipe Sonde may be found at startup or, when in use, the pipe Sonde signal has been temporarily lost by the utility locator device. Various other sensors and elements may generate camera head position data.
Electrical contact clips for use in utility locating operations to couple signals from a transmitter to a hidden or buried utility via direct electrical contact are disclosed.
H01R 11/24 - End pieces terminating in a spring clip with gripping jaws, e.g. crocodile clip
H01R 4/26 - Connections in which at least one of the connecting parts has projections which bite into or engage the other connecting part in order to improve the contact
H01R 4/48 - Clamped connectionsSpring connections using a spring, clip or other resilient member
93.
Buried utility locator auto-tuning apparatus and methods
Signal generation devices including an auto-tuning electronic circuit module for generating tuned output signals are disclosed. The auto-tuning electronic circuit module may include a tunable resonant electronic circuit element for providing a tuned output signal, including a voltage divider element and a tuning array element and control element.
G01R 33/36 - Electrical details, e.g. matching or coupling of the coil to the receiver
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
G01V 3/17 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat operating with electromagnetic waves
94.
Phase-synchronized buried object transmitter and locator methods and apparatus
Buried object locator systems including transmitters and associated buried object locators using phase-synchronized signals are disclosed. A transmitter may generate output current signals that are phase-synchronized with a timing reference for detection by a corresponding buried utility locator that is phase-synchronized with a second timing reference.
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
Self-standing attachment devices for use with utility locator systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a self-standing attachment device includes a top assembly, three extendable legs coupled to the top assembly with a movable joint, and a bottom assembly, with the self-standing attachment device detachably coupleable to a locator of the system. A formed coupler in the top assembly allows for readily attaching and detaching the self-standing attachment device and the locator.
G01V 3/08 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
F16M 11/04 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
Sonde devices for providing magnetic field signals for use with utility locators or other devices are disclosed. In one embodiment a Sonde device includes a housing, a core comprising a plurality of core sections, and one or more support structures, which may include windings. Circuit and/or power supply elements may be disposed fully or partially within the core to control generation of predefined magnetic field frequencies and waveforms.
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
G01V 3/15 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer hard discs and portable computer memory devices containing software that allows users of still camera and video camera inspection systems to manage collection, display, storage, and transmission of still images, videos, and associated reports and annotations; Downloadable software made available on the Internet that allows users of still camera and video camera inspection systems to manage collection, display, and storage of still images, videos, and associated reports and annotations; Camera control units (CCUs); Downloadable software for operating camera control units; Downloadable software for operating video inspection systems; Downloadable software for providing annotation of video and still images; Video cameras; Downloadable software for operating video cameras; Downloadable software available online for use with pipe and underground cavity inspection systems for controlling camera operation and viewing and capturing images and video; Downloadable mobile applications for use on smartphone and tablet computer operating platforms for controlling inspection camera operation and viewing, capturing, storing, and sending images and video; Inspection camera systems consisting of video cameras, push-cables, and camera control units; Downloadable software for providing video inspection system information in conjunction with utility locator information; Downloadable software for mapping hidden or buried utility location; Downloadable software for providing images, videos, or reports of pipe or cavity obstructions or defects; Video camera inspection systems to manage collection, display, storage, and transmission of still images, videos, and associated reports and annotations Providing online non-downloadable software for use in inspecting pipe and cavities; Providing online non-downloadable software for displaying, storing, and transmitting images and videos of pipe or cavity inspections; Providing online software for mapping the location of underground utilities for use with utility locators; providing online non-downloadable software for mapping piping or conduits and conditions or obstructions therein; Providing online non-downloadable software for using pipe and underground cavity inspection systems for controlling camera operation and viewing and capturing images and video; Providing online non-downloadable software for operating inspection camera systems; Providing online non-downloadable software for providing images and video from pipe or cavity inspection systems; Providing online non-downloadable pipe mapping and display software for displaying and storing map information associated with piping or cavities; Providing online non-downloadable software for providing information about pipes or cavities; Providing online non-downloadable software for storing and sending pipe and cavity date and information
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags; radio frequency identification (RFID) tag readers; buryable wireless transmitter marker devices, in the nature of buryable wireless transmitter markers being passively powered radio transmitters; buried utility locators, namely, portable electronic devices being magnetic locators for receiving magnetic field signals and determining information about hidden or buried pipes, cables, or conduits and receiving RFID tag information based on the received magnetic field signals and RFID tag signals; electronic transmitters for generating current signals that couple with hidden or buried pipes, cables, or conduits, and also to generate magnetic fields for detection by buried utility locators and RFID tags and RFID tag readers coupled or integrated therewith; electronic coupling devices incorporating RFID tags for use in coupling current signals received from transmitters with buried pipes, cables, or conduits; electronic probes in the nature of sondes used for generating magnetic field signals for sensing by electronic buried utility locator devices; video inspection systems consisting primarily of video camera heads electronic push-cables, reels for electronic push-cables reels, RFID tags, and electronic camera control units for controlling the video camera heads and displaying and storing captured video, images, or data; downloadable software for generating mapping information associated with hidden or buried utilities; downloadable software for processing images or video based on information provided from RFID tags; downloadable software for generating maps showing pipe location and pipe inspection information and for generating information provided from RFID tags Providing online non-downloadable software for providing information associated with RFID tags; providing online non-downloadable software for providing mapping information based on information provided from RFID tags
Cable handling methods for securing and deploying or retracting one or more cables or hoses into or out of a pipe or cavity allowing inspection of the pipe or cavity are disclosed. In one embodiment a cable is inserted through a cable guide, a flex shaft is attached to the outer surface of the cable guide, and the cable and the flex shaft are deployed into a pipe or cavity to inspect and/or clear an obstruction via a jetter or cutting mechanism.
