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: The application discloses various systems and methods for generating and utilizing computer animation transition methods and systems in the leveling of a video to an upright, earth normal orientation which may be used in pipe inspections. Such computer animation transitions may be generated from a single inspection image at one time in the inspection video or from subsequent inspection images at different times and points in space in the inspection video. Some leveling methods may include rotating a square GL surface in ninety degree increments that includes one or more computer animation transition. Other leveling methods may also include rotating a three dimensional GL surface that is shaped to match the shape of the pipe that includes one or more. Further methods may include rotating a GL surface that is a regular polygon in shape that includes one or more computer animation transition.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for annotating, also known as tagging, visually identifiable objects using natural language (i.e. spoken voice) are provided. More specifically, but not exclusively, this disclosure relates to systems and methods for tagging identified objects related to underground utilities and assets, and communication systems. Once tagged, data representing identified objects can be stored, transmitted, and/or mapped. In an exemplary embodiment, a utility service worker or other personnel may walk or drive around an area of interest using utility locating equipment or systems to collect data. As data is being collected, the user may visually identify utility related or other items using a laser pointer, and then use their voice to tag items of interest. A headset including a microphone may be provided for capturing the user's voice. Hardware and/or software may be provided for processing tagged items, and relating them to a specific location, and/or utility asset.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Electrical contact assemblies for use in rotating video camera heads are disclosed. A contact assembly may include a first element movable relative to the camera head's housing on which an imager is disposed, a second element rotationally movable relative to the first element, and a slip ring including one or more PCB brush elements to transfer imager signals to an output connector.

Abstract: Interchangeable battery interface apparatus and modular battery systems employing interchangeable battery adapter apparatus are disclosed. Embodiments may be used for adapting tools, instruments, and/or other devices to use different rechargeable battery types on hosts with different battery interface geometries.

Abstract: 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. In an exemplary embodiment, 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 is provided. The cable handling device and the one or more cables or hoses can be coupled and moved together, or decoupled enabling the cable handling device and the one or more cables or hoses to move independently of each other. One or more of the cables may be connected to a camera for facilitating inspection of a pipe or cavity.

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: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Cable storage drum-reels, methods and systems are provided for deploying and retracting at least one push-cable with a distally mounted camera into and out of a pipe or cavity for applications such as plumbing and underground utility location. In an exemplary embodiment, a cable storage drum may include a centrally mounted axially projecting hub, and a housing to removably receive and rotatably support the cable storage drum. The housing may include an inside portion, and an outside portion with a front face and a rear face. The front face has an opening and is sloped inward toward the inside portion of the drum allowing a push-cable to be directed as desired into the cable storage drum and around the drum-reel. One or more cable guide points may be included for providing additional directional guidance of the push-cable into the drum and onto the hub.

Abstract: Intelligent modular battery pack assemblies and associated charging and docking systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A user interface device including a floating actuator sub-assembly and a base assembly flexibly coupled to the floating actuator assembly is disclosed. The floating actuator assembly may include a magnet array assembly with a plurality of magnets fixed relative to each other.

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