Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for scanning and detecting defects in sewer and similar pipelines that eliminate the need to stop and pan-and-tilt areas of concern. In the method of the invention, a pipeline (15) inspection probe (10) of the apparatus of the invention comprising a CCD camera (14) with fish-eye lens (12) travels through the pipeline (15) on a self-propelled tractor automatically collecting data and transmitting it to a computer to provide a real-time display of the pipeline (15) interior with quasi three-dimensional information for effective and quick data analysis and management. The data includes digitized forward views and unfolded 360 degree laid-flat side-san (22) views of the pipeline (15) interior. Additionally, the digitized data may be stored for further analysis, tabulation, and for use with pipeline infrastructure maintenance software.

Abstract: The method of detecting vibrations comprises establishing a magnetic circuit with magnetic flux producing means and at least one airgap. Elastically supporting an annular non-magnetic conductor within the airgap. Fixedly supporting an annular coil in the airgap without there being relative movement between the coil means and the airgap, so that an electric signal becomes induced in the coil means in response to relative movement between the annular conductor and the airgap.The vibration transducer comprises a magnetic circuit having magnetic flux producing means and at least one airgap. An annular non-magnetic conductor is elastically supported within the airgap. An annular coil means is fixedly supported in the airgap without there being relative movement between the coil means and the airgap, so that an electric signal becomes induced in the coil means in response to relative movement between the annular conductor and the airgap.

Abstract: The geophone transducer comprises in combination: a geophone capable of detecting horizontal seismic waves, and a rigid casing having a gimbal chamber. A gimbal is provided inside the chamber on which the geophone is mounted for limited free angular movement in one direction only. The gimbal includes in one preferred embodiment a viscous liquid in which the geophone is only partially submerged while it is supported by a U-shaped bracket which is mounted for rotation about a fixed axis.