Abstract: Systems for locating hidden utilities including a portable locator and associated portable transmitter are disclosed. The portable locator may include a magnetic field measurement module for determining a current signal in the hidden utility based on a received magnetic field, and a receiver module for receiving data from the portable transmitter. The portable transmitter may include a data transmitter module for wirelessly sending information associated with a current signal provided to the hidden utility to the portable receiver module. The portable receiver may be configured to measure a relative change in magnetic field angles, and determine an amount of cross coupling to adjacent utilities based at least in part on the measured magnetic field angles.

Abstract: Pipe inspection systems including cameras and camera control units (CCU) are disclosed. A CCU may include a switching circuit for automatically controlling power to elements of the CCU in response to movement of a display cover. A display of the CCU may display captured images and/or video, which may be integrated with data provided by a buried object locator or other device. The CCU may include a retractable kickstand assembly and a stowable handle, which may be removably attached to a cable storage reel.

Abstract: Among other things, techniques, systems, methods and computer readable storage medium with executable instructions relating to the viewing of data from and the controlling of the operation of an inspection camera at a remote computing device that is connected to the inspection camera via a network are described. Various features may be realized by using an installable software application or a web browser at the remote computing device. Features of the invention also pertain to a smart cable storage drum comprising a push cable, an inspection camera, and a network transceiver configured to communicate with a remote computer.

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 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: 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: Systems and methods are provided for determining and distinguishing buried 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. The Deep Learning 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 include gas, electric, water, cable, communications lines, or other buried utility and communication classes. Electromagnetic data collected may include multi-frequency measurements, phase measurements, signal strength measurements, and other related measurements. Data may be collected from locators, Sondes, transmitting and receiving antennas, inductive clamps, electrical clips, and satellite systems such as GPS, and other sources.

Abstract: The present application relates to PPP-RTK, RTK, SSR, or like correction data based devices and methods to produce geolocation solutions with improved accuracy. Further, such devices and methods may be further employed in various related utility locator devices, utility locating transmitters, and other utility locating and mapping devices.

Abstract: 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 cable storage drum. A camera head is connected to a distal end of the push-cable. A slip-ring assembly has first and second mating portions that when mated provide conductive paths between the plurality of conductors at a proximal end of the push-capable and a display device. The first portion of the slip-ring assembly is mounted on the housing and the second portion of the slip-ring assembly is mounted on the removable cable storage drum. The system connection cable joining the inspection system with a display unit is removable and may be replaced with cables compatible with various alternate image display systems.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed for tracking movement over the ground or other surfaces using 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 in the images.

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: 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.

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: 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: Buried utility locator systems, including a locator including an integrated marker device excitation transmitter for generating and sending a marker device excitation signal to one or more marker devices, are disclosed.

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: 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.

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: Submersible lights including housings and a multilayer stack for pressure transfer are disclosed. A transparent pressure-bearing window, a window support structure, a circuit element populated with LEDs, and a pressure support structure may be mounted inside the housing. The support structure may be structured to bear at least some of the pressure applied to the transparent window from external pressure sources. The support structures may also be adapted to transfer thermal energy to an exterior environment such as sea water.