Abstract: An asymmetric bearing device automatically decreases, without the need for manual adjustment, an amount of friction exerted against rotation of a drum or other mechanism upon reversal of the direction of rotation of the drum.

Abstract: High bandwidth push-cables for high speed image or video data transmission between a camera head and a cable reel or camera control unit (CCU) are disclosed.

Abstract: Lights with features for underwater use that provide tailored beam-width and/or other tailored light patterns are disclosed. One embodiment includes a housing having a front end with a port and a back end, a port window having a plurality of lens features positioned at the front end of the housing within or behind the port, and a circuit element, including a plurality of LED lighting elements, positioned behind the window.

Abstract: Pressure relief valves for use in high pressure underwater applications that may include a plunger, a body with a mating surface corresponding to the shape of a mating surface sub-section of the plunger, and one or more sealing elements, such as a pair of O-rings, are disclosed.

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.

Abstract: Push-cables and associated apparatus and systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a push-cable assembly for use with a pipe inspection system may include a push-cable element having a proximal end and a distal end, with a spring assembly having varying flexibility coupled to or near the distal end. The spring assembly may include an outer coiled spring having a proximal and a distal end, and an inner coiled spring nested at least partially within the outer coiled spring. A camera head and/or other elements such as a cutting or jetting apparatus may be coupled at or near the distal end.

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: 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: High bandwidth push-cables for high speed image or video data transmission between a camera head and a cable reel or camera control unit (CCU) are disclosed.

Abstract: Camera heads and associated rotating contact assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment a slip-ring assembly includes a rotating contact assembly including slip rings having a cylindrical ring assembly and a flexible or bendable brush assembly. Brush elements may flexed to remain in contact with corresponding ring assembly electrical contacts. Bush contacts may be coated or have attached contact assemblies to increase hardness and oxide resistance with materials such as palladium nickel, rhodium, or hard gold, though a variety of other materials may be used as a suitable coating.

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: Camera heads configured to provide digitally articulated images or video, at adjustable resolutions and/or offsets and orientations, to a camera control unit (CCU) or other electronic computing system for display, storage, and/or transmission to other systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Thermal extraction architectures for heat-generating electronic devices such as digital cameras or lights are disclosed.

Abstract: Enclosures for deep ocean or other high exterior pressure environment including a dome window with an angular measurement of between 164 and 178 degrees, a structure housing, a dome support ring, and a compliance material positioned between the dome support ring and housing are disclosed.

Abstract: Thermal extraction architectures for heat-generating electronic devices such as digital cameras or lights are disclosed.

Abstract: Lighting device embodiments having a housing enclosing one or more interior volumes, a metal core printed circuit board, a multilayer stack of spacers, and a serviceable port in the housing to allow venting of one or more of the interior volumes are disclosed.

Abstract: Lights with features for underwater use that provide tailored beam-width and/or other tailored light patterns are disclosed. One embodiment includes a housing having a front end with a port and a back end, a port window having a plurality of lens features positioned at the front end of the housing within or behind the port, and a circuit element, including a plurality of LED lighting elements, positioned behind the window.

Abstract: An asymmetric bearing device automatically decreases, without the need for manual adjustment, an amount of friction exerted against rotation of a drum or other mechanism upon reversal of the direction of rotation of the drum.

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: Pipe inspection and pressurized fluid cleaning methods and apparatus are disclosed. A method of fluid output from a jetter push-cable device may include providing high pressure fluid from a push-cable apparatus via one or more jetter outputs. A camera assembly, which may include lighting elements, may be further included in the push-cable device for imaging during inspection or jetter cleaning of an obstruction in a pipe or other cavity.