Abstract: An ultrasound sensing system for monitoring the condition or integrity of a structure, comprising: a plurality of ultrasound sensors, each sensor being configured to receive at least one first electrical signal, transmit an ultrasound signal in response to said first electrical signal, receive at least one reflected ultrasound signal, and transmit a second electrical signal in response to said reflected ultrasound signal, said first and second electrical signals being analog; and at least one digital sensor interface (DSI) to which at least a portion of said sensors are connectable, said DSI being configured to transmit said first electrical signal and receive said second electrical signal, and to generate at least an A-scan signal based on said first and second electrical signals for each sensor, said DSI having a cellular transceiver for transmitting a cellular signal based directly or indirectly on at least said A-scan signal, said cellular signal including an address corresponding to said at least one DSI

Abstract: A retrieval device for retrieving items within a confined space with limited access, said device comprising: (a) an elongated body having a front and rear and a longitudinal axis; (b) a clamping mechanism comprising at least a set of jaws disposed at said front, said jaws being configured to actuate between closed and open positions, said clamping mechanism also comprising at least one actuating member connected to said jaws and at least partially disposed in said body; (c) an actuator laterally offset from said axis and beside said at least one actuating member, said actuator operatively connected to said at least one actuating member to actuate said jaws between said closed and opened positions; and (d) at least one camera disposed proximate said motor and offset from said axis, said at least one camera having a field of view of at least a portion of said jaws.

Abstract: An ultrasound sensing system for monitoring the condition or integrity of a structure, comprising: a plurality of ultrasound sensors, each sensor being configured to receive at least one first electrical signal, transmit an ultrasound signal in response to said first electrical signal, receive at least one reflected ultrasound signal, and transmit a second electrical signal in response to said reflected ultrasound signal, said first and second electrical signals being analog; and at least one digital sensor interface (DSI) to which at least a portion of said sensors are connectable, said DSI being configured to transmit said first electrical signal and receive said second electrical signal, and to generate at least an A-scan signal based on said first and second electrical signals for each sensor, said DSI having a cellular transceiver for transmitting a cellular signal based directly or indirectly on at least said A-scan signal, said cellular signal including an address corresponding to said at least one DSI

Abstract: An ultrasound sensing system for monitoring the condition or integrity of a structure, comprising (a) a plurality of ultrasound sensors, each sensor being configured to receive at least one first electrical signal, transmit an ultrasound signal in response to the first electrical signal, receive at least one reflected ultrasound signal, and transmit a second electrical signal in response to the reflected ultrasound signal, the first and second electrical signals being analog; (b) at least one digital sensor interface (DSI) to which at least a portion of the sensors are connectable, the DSI being configured to transmit the first electrical signal and receive the second electrical signal, and to generate an A-scan signal based on the first and second electrical signals for each sensor, the DSI having circuitry for transmitting a digital signal based directly or indirectly on at least the A-scan signal, the digital signal including an address corresponding to the at least one DSI; (c) a digital bus configured to

Abstract: An ultrasound sensing system for monitoring the condition or integrity of a structure, comprising (a) a plurality of ultrasound sensors, each sensor being configured to receive at least one first electrical signal, transmit an ultrasound signal in response to the first electrical signal, receive at least one reflected ultrasound signal, and transmit a second electrical signal in response to the reflected ultrasound signal, the first and second electrical signals being analog; (b) at least one digital sensor interface (DSI) to which at least a portion of the sensors are connectable, the DSI being configured to transmit the first electrical signal and receive the second electrical signal, and to generate an A-scan signal based on the first and second electrical signals for each sensor, the DSI having circuitry for transmitting a digital signal based directly or indirectly on at least the A-scan signal, the digital signal including an address corresponding to the at least one DSI; (c) a digital bus configured to

Abstract: A retrieval device for retrieving items within a confined space with limited access, said device comprising: (a) an elongated body having a front and rear and a longitudinal axis; (b) a clamping mechanism comprising at least a set of jaws disposed at said front, said jaws being configured to actuate between closed and open positions, said clamping mechanism also comprising at least one actuating member connected to said jaws and at least partially disposed in said body; (c) an actuator laterally offset from said axis and beside said at least one actuating member, said actuator operatively connected to said at least one actuating member to actuate said jaws between said closed and opened positions; and (d) at least one camera disposed proximate said motor and offset from said axis, said at least one camera having a field of view of at least a portion of said jaws.

Abstract: An ultrasound sensing system for monitoring the condition or integrity of a structure, comprising (a) a plurality of ultrasound sensors, each sensor being configured to receive at least one first electrical signal, transmit an ultrasound signal in response to the first electrical signal, receive at least one reflected ultrasound signal, and transmit a second electrical signal in response to the reflected ultrasound signal, the first and second electrical signals being analog; (b) at least one digital sensor interface (DSI) to which at least a portion of the sensors are connectable, the DSI being configured to transmit the first electrical signal and receive the second electrical signal, and to generate an A-scan signal based on the first and second electrical signals for each sensor, the DSI having circuitry for transmitting a digital signal based directly or indirectly on at least the A-scan signal, the digital signal including an address corresponding to the at least one DSI; (c) a digital bus configured to

Abstract: A method of monitoring defects in a structure, the method comprising the steps of: (a) detecting the potential for a defect in the structure using a first detection method; (b) identifying the location on the structure of the defect using a second detection method; (c) determining if the defect exceeds an allowable limit, and, if so, transmitting information that the structure needs to be repaired; (d) if the defect does not exceed the allowable limit, then monitoring the structure by applying permanently installed ultrasonic sensor to the location; and (e) after step (d), repeatedly performing step (c) until the defect exceeds the allowable limit.

Abstract: An ultrasound sensing system for monitoring the condition or integrity of a structure, comprising: a plurality of ultrasound sensors, each sensor being configured to receive at least one first electrical signal, transmit an ultrasound signal in response to said first electrical signal, receive at least one reflected ultrasound signal, and transmit a second electrical signal in response to said reflected ultrasound signal, said first and second electrical signals being analog; and at least one digital sensor interface (DSI) to which at least a portion of said sensors are connectable, said DSI being configured to transmit said first electrical signal and receive said second electrical signal, and to generate at least an A-scan signal based on said first and second electrical signals for each sensor, said DSI having a cellular transceiver for transmitting a cellular signal based directly or indirectly on at least said A-scan signal, said cellular signal including an address corresponding to said at least one DSI

Abstract: An ultrasound sensing system for monitoring the condition or integrity of a structure, comprising (a) a plurality of ultrasound sensors, each sensor being configured to receive at least one first electrical signal, transmit an ultrasound signal in response to the first electrical signal, receive at least one reflected ultrasound signal, and transmit a second electrical signal in response to the reflected ultrasound signal, the first and second electrical signals being analog; (b) at least one digital sensor interface (DSI) to which at least a portion of the sensors are connectable, the DSI being configured to transmit the first electrical signal and receive the second electrical signal, and to generate an A-scan signal based on the first and second electrical signals for each sensor, the DSI having circuitry for transmitting a digital signal based directly or indirectly on at least the A-scan signal, the digital signal including an address corresponding to the at least one DSI; (c) a digital bus configured to

Abstract: An inspection apparatus can be operated to collect files during performance of an inspection. An inspection apparatus can associate metadata to a collected file. In one embodiment metadata associated with a collected file can include an article identifier. In one embodiment metadata that is associated with a collected file can include data input into an inspection apparatus by an inspector. In one embodiment metadata that is associated with a collected media file can include sensor output data. An inspection apparatus in one embodiment can include an application guiding an inspector in the performance of an inspection.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus can include an application guiding an inspector in the performance of an inspection. The application can be provided in such form as to be modified. In one embodiment, an application for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data collected by an inspection apparatus of an inspection system. In one embodiment an application for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data output by a data output device.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a lateral pipe extending from a manhole, said method comprising: (a) inserting an imaging head into said manhole using a positioning system, said imaging head connected to an elongated member and comprising an imaging device adapted to convert an image to an image signal, a lens optically coupled to said imaging device, and at least one lamp suitable for projecting a light beam, said lamp having a beam that is adjustable to enable said beam to move relative said imaging device; (b) imaging a target located within said lateral pipe; (c) holding said imaging device essentially steady while imaging said target and adjusting said beam to adjust the illumination of said target.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus can be operated to collect files during performance of an inspection. An inspection apparatus can associate metadata to a collected file. In one embodiment metadata associated with a collected file can include an article identifier. In one embodiment metadata that is associated with a collected file can include data input into an inspection apparatus by an inspector. In one embodiment metadata that is associated with a collected media file can include sensor output data. An inspection apparatus in one embodiment can include an application guiding an inspector in the performance of an inspection.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus can include an application guiding an inspector in the performance of an inspection. The application can be provided in such form as to be modified. In one embodiment, an application for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data collected by an inspection apparatus of an inspection system. In one embodiment an application for guiding an inspector can be modified responsively to data output by a data output device.

Abstract: A process for maintaining an area using a non-invasive inspection device, the inspection device comprising at least: an imaging system having an adjustable field of view and an imaging device for transmitting an electrical signal corresponding to an area within the field of view; a portable support system operatively connected to the imaging system and adapted to provide functional support to the imaging system; and a positioning system connected to the imaging system and adapted for moving the imaging system independently of the portable support system; the process comprising: (a) positioning the imaging system independently of the support system such that a target area is in the field of view while at a first magnification level; (b) imaging a the target area at a second magnification level greater than the first magnification level; (c) outputting an image of the target area; (d) evaluating the image to determine whether the target area is acceptable or whether an invasive procedure needs to be performed;

Abstract: A process for maintaining an area using a non-invasive inspection device, the inspection device comprising at least: an imaging system having an adjustable field of view and an imaging device for transmitting an electrical signal corresponding to an area within the field of view; a portable support system operatively connected to the imaging system and adapted to provide functional support to the imaging system; and a positioning system connected to the imaging system and adapted for moving the imaging system independently of the portable support system; the process comprising: (a) positioning the imaging system independently of the support system such that a target area is in the field of view while at a first magnification level; (b) imaging a the target area at a second magnification level greater than the first magnification level; (c) outputting an image of the target area; (d) evaluating the image to determine whether the target area is acceptable or whether an invasive procedure needs to be performed;

Abstract: An inspection system comprising: (a) a moveable inspection device comprising an imaging device and a range finder, the imaging device comprising a lens assembly which is adapted to define a particular field of view, and an optical converter for converting an image of an object captured within the particular field of view into image data and for transmitting the image data on an image signal, the range finder being adapted for determining the distance from the imaging device to a point within the particular field of view and for transmitting distance data on a range signal; (b) a base station communicatively coupled to the imaging device for receiving the image signal and the range signal, the base station having an image display device for displaying an image based on the image data; and (c) a measurement system comprising a processing unit which is configured to calculate measurement data corresponding to the dimensions of the object based upon the distance data and the field of view.