Abstract: An IPC device may include a pole in a ground surface. The IPC device also includes an upper end with tapered walls extending inwardly from a base and into an apex to abut the pole, and a seam extending along a peripheral edge of the tapered walls. The upper end defines a plant-receiving cavity. The IPC device also includes a lower tubular end opposite the upper end and having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a major mesh surface extending between the first end and the second end. The lower tubular end also defines the plant-receiving cavity therein. The IPC also includes a medial seam coupling the base of the upper end and the first end of the lower tubular end. The IPC also includes a curved flexible support carried by the medial seam. The IPC also includes a base member.

Abstract: A fall protection apparatus is disclosed herein. The fall protection apparatus can include a sensing device, an alert generating device, a processing circuit communicably coupled to the sensing device and the alert generating device, and a memory communicably coupled to the processing circuit. The memory can store a fall-detection intelligence algorithm that, when executed by the processing circuit, causes the processing circuit to receive a signal from the sensing device, determine a parameter associated with a potential fall based on the signal, determine the parameter exceeds a user-defined threshold based on the parameter, and cause the alert generating device to generate an alert based on the determination that the parameter exceeds the user-defined threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to stabilize and recover unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a capture line, a mast to support the capture line for contact with the UAV, and a braking stabilizer. The braking stabilizer includes a flexible stem, a body at a distal end of the stem, where the body defines first and second flexible posts, and a filament extending between the first and second posts to contact and engage a hook of the UAV.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to stabilize and recover unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a capture line, a mast to support the capture line for contact with the UAV, and a braking stabilizer. The braking stabilizer includes a flexible stem, a body at a distal end of the stem, where the body defines first and second flexible posts, and a filament extending between the first and second posts to contact and engage a hook of the UAV.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for inspecting manholes or other voids and collecting data in a comprehensive, repeatable, and measurable manner. A sensor head is suspended and lowered into a manhole or other void. The sensor head collects data related to the condition of the manhole or void walls, and locations of defects, damage, or lateral pipe openings. The data can then be processed to provide a three-dimensional model of the manhole or void, and can be compared to previous or future data.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for indexing, archiving, analyzing and reporting pipe and other void network data. Specifically, multi-dimensional indexing and correlation of spatial, temporal, feature, environmental, uncertainty and/or context-based data is synchronized, indexed and analyzed across a wide variety of pipe networks at various times. The present invention preferably includes data represented at several different levels of reference including: referenced to the sensor with which it was collected; referenced to the robot or platform upon which the sensor is attached; and the world. The structure and functionality of the system provides for extensive querying, trouble-shooting and predictive analysis for pipe networks.

Abstract: An autonomous inspector mobile platform robot that is used to inspect a pipe or network of pipes. The robot includes a locomotion device that enables the device to autonomously progress through the pipe and accurately track its pose and odometry during movement. At the same time, image data is autonomously captured to detail the interior portions of the pipe. Images are taken at periodic intervals using a wide angle lens, and additional video images may be captured at locations of interest. Either onboard or offboard the device, each captured image is unwarped (if necessary) and combined with images of adjacent pipe sections to create a complete image of the interior features of the inspected pipe. Optional features include additional sensors and measurement devices, various communications systems to communicate with an end node or the surface, and/or image compression software.