Abstract: A system and method for pipeline data acquisition using a robotic system is provided. The robotic system includes a transport module with a video camera designed to capture images as the transport module traverses along an interior of a pipeline. The robotic system also includes a control module with a processor designed to process the images, identify a feature in the images using a machine learning model, and generate a 3-D point cloud of the interior of the pipeline.

Abstract: A system and method for installing solar panels using an advanced robotic system of one or more autonomous machines is provided. The system for installing solar panels can include a solar panel setting robot provided in the form of a first robotic system, a plurality of solar panel carrying robots provided in the form of a second robotic system, and a control system designed to coordinate installation activities between the solar panel setting robot and the solar panel carrying robot. The installation process may include identifying an installation location for the first solar panel installation, driving one or more of the autonomous machines to the installation location, and initiating an installation process. The initiation process may include sending a notification that the installation process has been initiated, retrieving a solar panel from the solar panel carrying robot, aligning the solar panel, and completing the solar panel installation process.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a lighting system may be integrated into a lighting fixture or into a stand-alone device. A plurality of inputs defining one or more lighting parameters may be received. The inputs may include input signals characterized by at least two different control protocols. The input signals may be combined into an output signal characterized by a single control protocol, and the output signal used to control the lighting system.

Abstract: A system and method for improving verbal skills—i.e., both written and spoken language skills—may include one or more hardware devices, including a processor or processors configured to execute an instruction set embodying an embodiment of the method. The system may also include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), or both. At least some embodiments may include a software tool run on a hardware device such as described above. The software tool may be configured to check spelling, grammar, or both, and then identify incorrect words or phrases, but not provide a correction until the user has attempted to make the correction themselves.

Abstract: A system and method for pipeline data acquisition may include a software program that can autonomously review new and legacy videos collected by camera-equipped robotic systems from inside the pipelines, and automatically detect and categorize different features. Three-dimensional (3-D) point clouds may also be generated using software algorithms that stitch together like features in different video frames.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a lighting system may be integrated into a lighting fixture or into a stand-alone device. A plurality of inputs defining one or more lighting parameters may be received. The inputs may include input signals characterized by at least two different control protocols. The input signals may be combined into an output signal characterized by a single control protocol, and the output signal used to control the lighting system.

Abstract: A circuit breaker racking system and method may include a movable A-frame operable to attach to and release a circuit breaker, and move it forward and rearward along two space-apart arms. Rails associated with each of the arms may be movable upward and downward to lift and release the circuit breaker from a floor or platform. A drive screw assembly on the circuit breaker racking system may be actuated to pull a circuit breaker forward out of a cabinet or to push the circuit breaker back into the cabinet by engaging with a screw mounted to a wall of the cabinet. The circuit breaker racking system may be manually operated and moved about a control room, or may be remotely moved and actuated by an operator outside of the control room.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a cross-bore between a first pipe and a second pipe that are installed underground includes a support and an electronic circuit assembly. The support is movable through the first pipe. The electronic circuit assembly is mounted to the support to move through the first pipe with the support. The electronic circuit assembly includes a controller and a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor outputs a capacitance value based on an interaction of an electric field generated by the capacitance sensor with an environment of the first pipe. The capacitance sensor outputs to the controller a given capacitance value when the capacitance sensor is at a location where the environment of the first pipe is a cross-bore intersection with the second pipe. The controller generates an indicator indicative of a presence of a cross-bore upon the capacitance sensor outputting the given capacitance value.

Abstract: A system and method for pipeline data acquisition may include a software program that can autonomously review new and legacy videos collected by camera-equipped robotic systems from inside the pipelines, and automatically detect and categorize different features. Three-dimensional (3-D) point clouds may also be generated using software algorithms that stitch together like features in different video frames.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a cross-bore between a first pipe and a second pipe that are installed underground includes a support and an electronic circuit assembly. The support is movable through the first pipe. The electronic circuit assembly is mounted to the support to move through the first pipe with the support. The electronic circuit assembly includes a controller and a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor outputs a capacitance value based on an interaction of an electric field generated by the capacitance sensor with an environment of the first pipe. The capacitance sensor outputs to the controller a given capacitance value when the capacitance sensor is at a location where the environment of the first pipe is a cross-bore intersection with the second pipe. The controller generates an indicator indicative of a presence of a cross-bore upon the capacitance sensor outputting the given capacitance value.

Abstract: An excavation system has a soil-agitation arrangement including an agitator operable to disturb soil to facilitate removal of disturbed soil from the ground. Also included is a vacuum arrangement operable to remove the disturbed soil from the ground, and a sensor arrangement including at least one sensor configured to detect a presence of at least one type of buried infrastructure in the ground. A shroud arrangement including a shroud disposed over at least a portion of the agitator and may be movable relative to the agitator to selectively cover and uncover at least a portion of the agitator.

Abstract: A circuit breaker racking system and method may include a movable A-frame operable to attach to and release a circuit breaker, and move it forward and rearward along two space-apart arms. Rails associated with each of the arms may be movable upward and downward to lift and release the circuit breaker from a floor or platform. A drive screw assembly on the circuit breaker racking system may be actuated to pull a circuit breaker forward out of a cabinet or to push the circuit breaker back into the cabinet by engaging with a screw mounted to a wall of the cabinet. The circuit breaker racking system may be manually operated and moved about a control room, or may be remotely moved and actuated by an operator outside of the control room.

Abstract: A system and method for utility maintenance may include a robotic system having an articulating arm capable of utilizing a variety of tools and sensors for locating and accessing underground structures. The robotic system may be contained within a truck or other vehicle that provides access to the ground through the floor of the vehicle or truck bed. A curtain may be extended from a bottom of the vehicle to the ground to enclose a work site and inhibit visual and physical access to it.

Abstract: A system for electrical infrastructure maintenance includes a cutter arrangement configured for insertion into an electrical conduit and operable to cut around at least a portion of a perimeter of an electrical cable disposed within the conduit. A gripper arrangement is operable to capture a portion of the electrical cable, and a motor arrangement may be used to rotate and move linearly the cutter arrangement and the gripper arrangement.

Abstract: A system and method for utility maintenance may include a robotic system having an articulating arm capable of utilizing a variety of tools and sensors for locating and accessing underground structures. The robotic system may be contained within a truck or other vehicle that provides access to the ground through the floor of the vehicle or truck bed. A curtain may be extended from a bottom of the vehicle to the ground to enclose a work site and inhibit visual and physical access to it.

Abstract: A testing system and method for performing integrity testing in a gas piping system include using a motorized pump to pressurize the piping system. A pressure sensor is used for measuring the pressure in the piping system, and an input device receives inputs from an operator related to a test to be performed. An output device is provided for communicating information to the operator. A control system includes at least one controller and is configured to: control the pump to pressurize the piping system to a predetermined pressure, receive inputs from the pressure sensor, and output data related to the pressure of the piping system.

Abstract: A thermal management system for an electrical component includes a printed circuit board (PCB) capable of receiving the electrical component on a first side of the PCB. An elongate member has one end attached to a second side of the PCB, and another end disposed away from the PCB. The elongate member also has an open interior that facilitates fluid communication between the two ends. One of the ends defines an at least partially closed boundary on the PCB. The PCB includes an aperture disposed therethrough proximate the boundary such that fluid communication is facilitated between the first side of the PCB and the second side of the PCB, and along at least a portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: A testing system and method for performing integrity testing in a gas piping system include using a motorized pump to pressurize the piping system. A pressure sensor is used for measuring the pressure in the piping system, and an input device receives inputs from an operator related to a test to be performed. An output device is provided for communicating information to the operator. A control system includes at least one controller and is configured to: control the pump to pressurize the piping system to a predetermined pressure, receive inputs from the pressure sensor, and output data related to the pressure of the piping system.

Abstract: A thermal management system for an electrical component includes a printed circuit board (PCB) capable of receiving the electrical component on a first side of the PCB. An elongate member has one end attached to a second side of the PCB, and another end disposed away from the PCB. The elongate member also has an open interior that facilitates fluid communication between the two ends. One of the ends defines an at least partially closed boundary on the PCB. The PCB includes an aperture disposed therethrough proximate the boundary such that fluid communication is facilitated between the first side of the PCB and the second side of the PCB, and along at least a portion of the elongate member.