Abstract: A system includes a visual inspection system and an image analysis system. The visual inspection system includes an inspection camera that captures images from within an interior of at least one of a utility line and a tunnel for installing a utility line, and a first communication interface that communicates image data corresponding to the images. The image analysis system includes a second communication interface that receives the image data from the visual inspection system, a model adaptation module that modifies a classifier model based on at least one of feedback data and training data, and a classifier module that implements the classifier model to identify a plurality of features in the image data corresponding to defects and that modifies the image data according to the identified plurality of features. The defects include at least one of a cross-bore, a lateral pipe, and an imperfection.

Abstract: A system includes a visual inspection system and an image analysis system. The visual inspection system includes an inspection camera that captures images from within an interior of at least one of a utility line and a tunnel for installing a utility line, and a first communication interface that communicates image data corresponding to the images. The image analysis system includes a second communication interface that receives the image data from the visual inspection system, a model adaptation module that modifies a classifier model based on at least one of feedback data and training data, and a classifier module that implements the classifier model to identify a plurality of features in the image data corresponding to defects and that modifies the image data according to the identified plurality of features. The defects include at least one of a cross-bore, a lateral pipe, and an imperfection.

Abstract: A networked video bridge device includes a data input module that receives at least one raw image data stream from a plurality of data sources. The device further includes a storage module that records the raw image data and temporarily stores the raw image data. A display screen displays the raw image data. The device also includes a user interface module that receives user input data from a user of the networked video bridge device. The device also includes a control module that selectively augments the raw image data based on the user input data. The control module also communicates the augmented image data to a remote image data storage device.

Abstract: A ducted fan for a helicopter includes a transverse duct and a counter-torque device supported within the duct. The counter-torque device includes a rotor rotatably mounted within the duct and a stator fixedly mounted within the duct downstream from the rotor. The rotor includes a rotor hub having a rotor axis, and rotor blades extending from the hub. The Rotor blades have a modulated angular distribution about the rotor axis. The stator includes a stator hub, and a plurality of stator vanes distributed around the stator hub. The stator vanes are angularly modulated around the stator hub.

Abstract: A method is provided for reporting location of a buried object detected by a utility locator device. The method includes: determining location of a buried object using electromagnetic field emissions emitted from a utility locator device, determining global coordinates for the location of the buried object using a global positioning system (GPS), determining an accuracy measure for the global coordinates using the accuracy of the location determined by the locator and the accuracy of the GPS; and reporting the global coordinates for the buried object, along with the accuracy measure, to an operator of the utility locator device. An operator of the locator may be notified when the accuracy measure for the global coordinates exceeds a tolerance for reporting the location of the buried object.

Abstract: A ducted fan for a helicopter includes a transverse duct and a counter-torque device supported within the duct. The counter-torque device includes a rotor rotatably mounted within the duct and a stator fixedly mounted within the duct downstream from the rotor. The rotor includes a rotor hub having a rotor axis, and rotor blades extending from the hub. The Rotor blades have a modulated angular distribution about the rotor axis. The stator includes a stator hub, and a plurality of stator vanes distributed around the stator hub. The stator vanes are angularly modulated around the stator hub.

Abstract: A ducted fan for a helicopter includes a transverse duct and a counter-torque device supported within the duct. The counter-torque device includes a rotor rotatably mounted within the duct and a stator fixedly mounted within the duct downstream from the rotor. The rotor includes a rotor hub having a rotor axis, and rotor blades extending from the hub. The Rotor blades have a modulated angular distribution about the rotor axis. The stator includes a stator hub, and a plurality of stator vanes distributed around the stator hub. The stator vanes are angularly modulated around the stator hub.

Abstract: A method is provided for reporting location of a buried object detected by a utility locator device. The method includes: determining location of a buried object using electromagnetic field emissions emitted from a utility locator device, determining global coordinates for the location of the buried object using a global positioning system (GPS), determining an accuracy measure for the global coordinates using the accuracy of the location determined by the locator and the accuracy of the GPS; and reporting the global coordinates for the buried object, along with the accuracy measure, to an operator of the utility locator device. An operator of the locator may be notified when the accuracy measure for the global coordinates exceeds a tolerance for reporting the location of the buried object.

Abstract: A ducted fan for a helicopter includes a transverse duct and a counter-torque device supported within the duct. The counter-torque device includes a rotor rotatably mounted within the duct and a stator fixedly mounted within the duct downstream from the rotor. The rotor includes a rotor hub having a rotor axis, and rotor blades extending from the hub. The Rotor blades have a modulated angular distribution about the rotor axis. The stator includes a stator hub, and a plurality of stator vanes distributed around the stator hub. The stator vanes are angularly modulated around the stator hub.