Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for providing displays of maps or mapping objects in a mapping application or system, wherein transitions between the maps or mapping objects is provided seamlessly and/or with orientation(s) preserved based a user interface device control actuation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to utility locator and user interfaces for use with such locators. Such utility locators may include multiple antennas and sensors for determining and displaying information associated with a buried or otherwise inaccessible utility.

Abstract: Camera heads including multiple imaging elements with overlapping Fields of View (FOV) for inspecting pipes or cavities are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tracking movement over the ground or other surfaces of a buried utility locator during a utility locate operation are disclosed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed for utility locating with tracking of movement over the ground or other surfaces using a dodecahedral antenna array and a stereo-optical ground tracker having two or more spaced apart cameras and an associated processing element to detect ground features in images from the cameras and determine tracking parameters based on the position of the detected ground features.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locating buried utilities in conjunction with associated electromagnetic marker devices are disclosed. A marker device may include a marker device antenna and an electronic circuit operatively coupled to the marker device antenna. The electronic circuit may include at least two resonant circuits, including a first resonant circuit formed in combination with the marker device antenna for receiving an excitation signal at a first frequency from a marker excitation device. The received excitation signal may be converted into a power supply by a power circuit for powering the electronic circuit. Responsive to the received excitation signal, a processing element provided in the electronic circuit may generate an output signal at a second frequency, which is substantially different from the first frequency. The generated output signal may be tuned by a second resonant circuit and provided to the marker device antenna.

Abstract: In one embodiment a deep submersible light includes a substantially spherical exterior housing made of metal, the housing having a hollow interior and a first aperture extending through a front side of the housing. The first aperture may communicate with the hollow interior of the housing and an LED may be mounted inside the first aperture adjacent to the hollow interior of the housing. A transparent window may extend across the first aperture, and a seal may be situated between a periphery of the window and the housing adjacent the first aperture for providing resistance to the entry of water into the hollow interior of the housing. An electrical connector may be disposed on an aft section of the housing and may be configured to be readily field serviceable. The light may further include an internal water barrier between a connector wiring area and an inner driver element of the lighting element.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locating and/or mapping buried utilities are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more magnetic field sensing locating devices include antenna node(s) to sense magnetic field signals emitted from a buried utility and a processing unit to receive the sensed magnetic field signals may be mounted on a vehicle. The received magnetic field signals may be processed in conjunction with sensed vehicle velocity data to determine information associated with location of the buried utility such as depth and position.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to utility locators and associated antenna node support structure devices for allowing a utility locator to self-stand in an upright position without being held or otherwise supported by a user.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.