Abstract: A method for locating buried utilities in a utility locator is disclosed. The method may include receiving, at an antenna array for receiving magnetic field signals, a plurality of magnetic field signals at predefined signal frequencies in a predefined frequency suite, generating, in a receiver coupled to an output of the antenna array, a first receiver output signal, generating, in a processing element coupled to the receiver, a first set of data associated with the two or more signal components, and storing, in a non-transitory memory of the locator, the first set of data.

Abstract: Antenna systems for receiving right and left hand circularly polarized signals are disclosed. An antenna system embodiment includes a top printed circuit board (PCB), a ground plane, and an antenna array including four conductive antenna elements positioned at relative zero, 90, 180, and 270 degree increments radially about a shared center point on the PCB, with each antenna element sloping upward in a left-handed direction from the ground plane towards the top PCB and connected to the ground plane and top PCB.

Abstract: Sonde devices for providing magnetic field signals for use with utility locators or other devices are disclosed. In one embodiment a sonde device includes a housing, a core comprising a plurality of core sections, and one or more support structures, which may include windings. Circuit and/or power supply elements may be disposed fully or partially within the core to control generation of predefined magnetic field frequencies and waveforms.

Abstract: Omnidirectional electromagnetic signal inducer (omni-inducer) devices are disclosed. The omni-inducer device may include a housing, which may include a conductive base for coupling signals to ground, and an omnidirectional antenna node including a plurality of antenna coil assemblies, where the node may be disposed on or within the housing. The omni-inducer device may further include one or more transmitter modules for generating ones of a plurality of output signals, which may be generated at ones of a plurality of different frequencies, and one or more control circuits configured to control the transmitters and/or other circuits to selectively switch the ones of the plurality of output signals between ones of the plurality of antenna coil assemblies.

Abstract: Self-leveling inspection system methods and devices for use in inspecting buried pipes or other cavities are disclosed. The system includes a camera head with an image sensor, an orientation sensor, and a signal processing module including a processing programmed to receive an image from the image sensor, and an orientation signal from the orientation sensor, generate a second image based at least in part on information provided from the orientation sensor, and store the second image in a non-transitory memory.

Abstract: Pipe inspection systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a pipe inspection system includes a camera head, a push-cable, a cable storage drum, and a wireless transmitter configured to automatically capture images or video frames and transmit them to an external device.

Abstract: Utility locators with various antenna configurations for detecting buried objects or otherwise inaccessible pipes and other conduits, cables, conductors and inserted transmitters are disclosed. In one embodiment, a locator includes a body with a mast and head unit, one or more dodecahedral antenna nodes coupled to or on or within the body, and a camera disposed on or within the body. The camera may be a still camera, a video camera, or both. The locator may also include one or more GPS sensors coupled to one or more GPS antennas.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for locating underground utility equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the local utility power grid frequency is detected using a bandwidth filter centered around the nominal or expected frequency, for example, 60 Hz in the US, or 50 Hz in Europe. From the actual utility power grid frequency detected, the frequency of one or more harmonics of the detected power grid frequency are calculated, and then the calculated value(s) may be used to tune one or more bandwidth filters, or to further refine a power grid frequency offset enabling detection of a larger range of frequencies. Using the offset, any detected power grid frequencies and desired harmonics may be used by a utility locator or system to increase detection and location accuracy by adjusting for any power grid frequency fluctuations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electronically marking, locating, and virtually displaying buried utilities are disclosed. According to one embodiment, one or more electronic marker devices may be placed below a ground surface in proximity to a buried utility, and marker device data indicative of position and/or identity of such electronic marker devices may be obtained. The obtained marker device data may be associated to the utility data and stored in a database. The stored data may thereafter be retrieved based in part on the marker device data for use in subsequent locate operations and/or for other purposes.

Abstract: Magnetic locators and uses of such locators for detection of buried utilities are disclosed. Outputs provided from two or more three three-axis magnetic sensors based on magnetic field signals sensed at single points in space in three axes may be used to determine information about the buried utilities including position and/or depth of the buried utilities relative to the locator.

Abstract: Systems for locating hidden utilities including a portable locator and associated portable transmitter are disclosed. The portable locator may include a magnetic field measurement module for determining a current signal in the hidden utility based on a received magnetic field, and a receiver module for receiving data from the portable transmitter. The portable transmitter may include a data transmitter module for wirelessly sending information associated with a current signal provided to the hidden utility to the portable receiver module. The portable receiver may be configured to measure a relative change in magnetic field angles, and determine an amount of cross coupling to adjacent utilities based at least in part on the measured magnetic field angles.

Abstract: Sonde devices for providing magnetic field signals for use with utility locators or other devices are disclosed. In one embodiment a sonde device includes a housing, a core comprising a plurality of core sections, and one or more support structures, which may include windings. Circuit and/or power supply elements may be disposed fully or partially within the core to control generation of predefined magnetic field frequencies and waveforms.

Abstract: Self-leveling inspection system methods and devices for use in inspecting buried pipes or other cavities are disclosed. The system includes a camera head with an image sensor, an orientation sensor, and a signal processing module including a processing programmed to receive an image from the image sensor, and an orientation signal from the orientation sensor, generate a second image based at least in part on information provided from the orientation sensor, and store the second image in a non-transitory memory.

Abstract: Magnetic field cancelling audio systems and associated devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an audio system with two electromagnetic audio drivers positioned and electrically connected to reduce emitted magnetic fields over a range of predefined frequencies.

Abstract: Buried utility locator systems, including a locator including an integrated marker device excitation transmitter for generating and sending a marker device excitation signal to one or more marker devices, are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems for inspecting pipes or cavities including a camera head, a coaxial push-cable, and a video signal transmitter and a communicatively coupled camera control unit (CCU) are disclosed.

Abstract: Buried utility locator systems, including a camera, for detecting buried utilities and determining information therefrom based on sensing electromagnetic emissions from the buried utilities are disclosed. Images and/or video captured by the camera are stored in association with the determined information in a non-transitory memory.

Abstract: Omnidirectional electromagnetic signal inducer (omni-inducer) devices are disclosed. The omni-inducer device may include a housing, which may include a conductive base for coupling signals to ground, and an omnidirectional antenna node including a plurality of antenna coil assemblies, where the node may be disposed on or within the housing. The omni-inducer device may further include one or more transmitter modules for generating ones of a plurality of output signals, which may be generated at ones of a plurality of different frequencies, and one or more control circuits configured to control the transmitters and/or other circuits to selectively switch the ones of the plurality of output signals between ones of the plurality of antenna coil assemblies.

Abstract: A user interface device including a floating actuator sub-assembly and a base assembly flexibly coupled to the floating actuator assembly is disclosed. The floating actuator assembly may include a magnet array assembly with a plurality of magnets fixed relative to each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tracking movement over the ground or other surfaces of a buried utility locator during a utility locate operation are disclosed.