Abstract: The present disclosure relates to combined antenna apparatus for receiving GNSS signals and other radio signals to mitigate cross-coupling.

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: Self-leveling inspection system methods and devices for use in inspecting buried pipes or other cavities are disclosed. The system includes a camera head with an image sensor, an orientation sensor, and a signal processing module including a processing programmed to receive an image from the image sensor, and an orientation signal from the orientation sensor, generate a second image based at least in part on information provided from the orientation sensor, and store the second image in a non-transitory memory.

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: 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: 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: Pipe inspection systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a pipe inspection system includes a camera head, a push-cable, a cable storage drum, and a wireless transmitter configured to automatically capture images or video frames and transmit them to an external device.

Abstract: Lights with features for underwater use that provide tailored beam-width and/or other tailored light patterns are disclosed. One embodiment includes a housing having a front end with a port and a back end, a port window having a plurality of lens features positioned at the front end of the housing within or behind the port, and a circuit element, including a plurality of LED lighting elements, positioned behind the window.

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: 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: Sensor modules for measuring parameters such as magnetic fields, tilts, orientation, or other parameters in high resolution in three orthogonal axes using single-axis sensor arrays are disclosed.

Abstract: Utility locators with various antenna configurations for detecting buried objects or otherwise inaccessible pipes and other conduits, cables, conductors and inserted transmitters are disclosed. In one embodiment, a locator includes a body with a mast and head unit, one or more dodecahedral antenna nodes coupled to or on or within the body, and a camera disposed on or within the body. The camera may be a still camera, a video camera, or both. The locator may also include one or more GPS sensors coupled to one or more GPS antennas.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for locating underground utility equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the local utility power grid frequency is detected using a bandwidth filter centered around the nominal or expected frequency, for example, 60 Hz in the US, or 50 Hz in Europe. From the actual utility power grid frequency detected, the frequency of one or more harmonics of the detected power grid frequency are calculated, and then the calculated value(s) may be used to tune one or more bandwidth filters, or to further refine a power grid frequency offset enabling detection of a larger range of frequencies. Using the offset, any detected power grid frequencies and desired harmonics may be used by a utility locator or system to increase detection and location accuracy by adjusting for any power grid frequency fluctuations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electronically marking, locating, and virtually displaying buried utilities are disclosed. According to one embodiment, one or more electronic marker devices may be placed below a ground surface in proximity to a buried utility, and marker device data indicative of position and/or identity of such electronic marker devices may be obtained. The obtained marker device data may be associated to the utility data and stored in a database. The stored data may thereafter be retrieved based in part on the marker device data for use in subsequent locate operations and/or for other purposes.

Abstract: 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.

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: Pressure relief valves for use in high pressure underwater applications that may include a plunger, a body with a mating surface corresponding to the shape of a mating surface sub-section of the plunger, and one or more sealing elements, such as a pair of O-rings, are disclosed.

Abstract: Magnetic locators and uses of such locators for detection of buried utilities are disclosed. Outputs provided from two or more three three-axis magnetic sensors based on magnetic field signals sensed at single points in space in three axes may be used to determine information about the buried utilities including position and/or depth of the buried utilities relative to the locator.

Abstract: Push-cables and associated apparatus for pipe inspection systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a pipe inspection system includes a camera head, a push-cable including an outer covering enclosing a plurality of electrical conductors for transmitting signals and/or power between the camera head and an electronic device operatively coupled to the push-cable, and a spring assembly disposed about the push-cable near the distal end where the spring assembly comprises a spring with a tapered flex section having a varying cross-sectional area and/or a varying cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for mapping pipes under inspection includes generating, from a video inspection camera inserted into a pipe, one or more images of the interior of the pipe, generating video camera velocity data, and determining, based at least in part on the one or more images and the velocity data, an estimation of the interior size of the pipe.