Patents Assigned to Seescan, Inc.
  • Utility locating systems, devices, and methods using radio broadcast signals
    Patent number: 11092712
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for locating buried conductors using ambient electromagnetic signals, such as AM or other broadcast signals, are described. A buried utility locator may include a plurality of spatially separated antenna arrays, a receiver circuit coupled thereto, and a processing element programmed to process measurements of ambient electromagnetic signals and associated electromagnetic signals radiated from current induced in the buried conductor from the ambient signals to determine information about the buried conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Ray Merewether, Stephanie M. Bench, Sequoyah Aldridge, Paul Wisecaver, Austin Rutledge
  • Video inspection systems and methods using self-synchronizing QAM
    Patent number: 11088890
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wired communications are disclosed. A method for transmitting a data stream through a wired communications channel includes encoding the data stream to produce a first baseband modulating signal I(t) and a second baseband modulating signal Q(t) whose amplitudes together represent a time series of complex symbols (I, Q) each selected from a two-dimensional (2-D) constellation of symbols distributed on the phase plane about the origin such that at least one of the baseband modulating signals has a substantially non-zero mean amplitude, modulating the baseband signals I(t) and Q(t) to produce a modulated signal, wherein the I(t) and Q(t) components of the modulated signals are generally fixed in quadrature, and providing the modulated signal to a wired communications channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Stephanie M. Bench, Roger B. Shaffer
  • Locating devices, systems, and methods using frequency suites for utility detection
    Patent number: 11073632
    Abstract: A buried utility locator includes an antenna array for receiving magnetic field signals from a buried utility, a receiver operatively coupled to the antenna array for generating a receiver output signal including amplitude and/or phase information of two or more signal components in two or more simultaneously received signals of the frequency suite, a processing element operatively coupled to the receiver for receiving the receiver output signal and generating a first set of data associated with the two or more signal components of the frequency suite, and a non-transitory memory for storing the first set of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Stephanie M. Bench, Michael J. Martin, Ray Merewether, Paul Wisecaver, Austin Rutledge
  • Underwater video housings and imaging systems with light contamination mitigation
    Patent number: 11061299
    Abstract: An integrated underwater imaging device includes a housing with a transparent optical port, a camera and one or more LED light sources with optically coupled to light pipes within the housing. The optical port includes light mitigation features to reduce internal light contamination from the LED light sources on the imager of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Eric M. Chapman, Aaron J. Steiner, Jon E. Simmons, Steven C. Tietsworth
  • Dockable tripodal camera control unit
    Patent number: 11047516
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Dawn E. Shaffer, Eric M. Chapman, Jesse O. Casares
  • Utility locator apparatus, systems, and methods
    Patent number: 11029439
    Abstract: Man-portable locator systems for locating buried or otherwise inaccessible pipes, conduits, cables, wires, and/or inserted transmitters using magnetic field antenna arrays and signal processing to analyze and display information about multiple buried utilities simultaneously are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Michael J. Martin, Ray Merewether, Paul G. Stuart
  • Submersible light fixture with multilayer stack for pressure transfer
    Patent number: 11029015
    Abstract: An underwater light or submersible luminaire may include a housing and a transparent pressure bearing window positioned at a forward end of the housing. A window supporting structure may be mounted in the housing behind the transparent window. A printed circuit board element having a plurality of LEDs may be positioned within the housing behind the window supporting structure to bear substantially all of the ambient water pressure applied to the transparent window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, John R. Sanderson, IV, Jon E. Simmons, Brian P. Lakin, Steven B. Weston
  • Marking paint applicator apparatus
    Patent number: 11014734
    Abstract: A marking paint applicator apparatus is disclosed. The marking paint application may include an elongated support structure and a trigger mechanism, a receptacle for holding paint, and an actuating mechanism for selectively controlling release of the paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Michael E. Turgeon
  • Spring assemblies with variable flexibility for use with push-cables and pipe inspection systems
    Patent number: 11016381
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Eric M. Chapman, James F. Kleyn
  • Light fixture with internally-loaded multilayer stack for pressure transfer
    Patent number: 10995937
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Jon E. Simmons, John R. Sanderson, IV, Aaron J. Steiner
  • Pipe inspection systems with self-grounding portable camera controllers
    Patent number: 10992849
    Abstract: Portable pipe inspection video systems are disclosed. The system may include a camera head, a push-cable, a cable reel, and a camera controller having a built-in transmitter for energizing a pipe-inspection cable for magnetic field tracing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Dawn E. Shaffer
  • Utility locator apparatus and systems
    Patent number: 10989830
    Abstract: Buried object locators including an omnidirectional antenna array and a gradient antenna array are disclosed. A locator display may include information associated with a buried object determined based on processing of both omnidirectional antenna array signals and gradient antenna array signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Ray Merewether, Michael J. Martin, Ryan B. Levin
  • Multi-frequency locating systems and methods
    Patent number: 10983239
    Abstract: Multi-frequency buried object location system transmitters and locators are disclosed. A transmitter may generate and provide output signals to a buried object at a plurality of frequencies, which may be selected based on a connection type. Corresponding locators may simultaneously receive a plurality of magnetic field signals emitted from the buried object and generate visual and/or audible output information based at least in part on the plurality of received magnetic field signals. The visual and/or audible output may be further based on signals received from a quad-gradient antenna array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, David A. Cox, Stephanie M. Bench, Jan Soukup, Timothy M. Turner, Ryan B. Levin, Ray Merewether
  • Magnetic utility locator devices and methods
    Patent number: 10983240
    Abstract: Magnetic locators and uses of such locators for detection of buried objects, such as buried utilities, are disclosed. Outputs provided from two or more three three-axis magnetic sensors, as well as optionally from other sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopic sensors, may be used to determine information about the buried utilities including one or more of position and depth of the buried utilities relative to the locator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Ray Merewether
  • Video inspection systems with personal communication device user interfaces
    Patent number: 10976462
    Abstract: Video inspection systems using personal communications devices for information display, control and storage are disclosed. In one embodiment a video inspection system includes a cable storage drum, a push-cable, a rotatable support for carrying the drum, a camera head coupled to the push-cable, and a personal communications device operatively connected to the camera head through a wired or wireless communications link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventor: Mark S. Olsson
  • Boring inspection systems and methods
    Patent number: 10955583
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to apparatus, systems, and methods for boring in earth or other environments, both manmade and natural. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to devices and methods for inspecting the path of a bore (e.g., including horizontal, angular, vertical bores in 3-dimensional space) to detect any damage caused by the boring activity to infrastructure in the path of the bore. Such infrastructure may include, but not by way of limitation, gas lines, sewer lines, communication lines (e.g., fiber optic lines), electric lines, and other infrastructure. The disclosure further relates to devices and methods for mapping locations of underground objects, geological compositions, and other detectable underground features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Ray Merewether, Eric M. Chapman, Alexander L. Warren
  • Video pipe inspection systems with snap-on pipe guides
    Patent number: 10935880
    Abstract: A video pipe inspection system may include a push-cable, camera head, and pipe guide having a pair of cylindrical shells, with each shell having a plurality of radially extending circumferentially spaced vanes and structure for holding the shells together when the shells are axially mated end-to-end. A pair of curved tab arms may extend circumferentially about corresponding ones of the cylindrical shells. A pair of slide-locks may be configured to slide over corresponding ones of the tab arms to move them into a locking position in which keys on the tab arms extend between adjacent coils of a coil spring surrounded by the shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Eric M. Chapman, Allen W. Tucker, Dawn E. Shaffer
  • Utility locating system with mobile base station
    Patent number: 10935686
    Abstract: Mobile base stations for use with one or more portable utility locators to aid in determining the location of a particular locator during operation and to receive information associated with the utility for storage and/or retransmission to other devices or systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Paul Wisecaver, Austin Rutledge
  • Keyed current signal utility locating systems and methods
    Patent number: 10928538
    Abstract: A buried utility locating system includes a transmitter circuit including electronic circuits to generate keyed current signals for coupling to the buried utility including a signal generation module and an output current signal generation module, a direct or inductive coupling apparatus, and an associated utility locator for sensing magnetic field signals radiated from a buried utility and decode keying therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Stephanie M. Bench, Jan Soukup, Inho Shin, Ray Merewether
  • Buried utility locator
    Patent number: D922885
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Michael J. Martin