Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
348084000 | Pipeline | 51 |
20090244276 | Pipeline Inspection System - An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline. | 10-01-2009 |
20100033563 | Light Pipe For Imaging Head of Video Inspection Device - A light dispersal unit or light pipe for a video imaging device includes a transparent body. The body includes a tubular ring having an outer diameter and a through bore defining an inner diameter. Four equidistantly spaced raised portions are homogenously joined to the tubular ring. The ring has a semi-circular shape corresponding to the outer and inner diameters of the tubular ring. The raised portions each include a slot created between opposed first and second extending portions, the slot having an end wall and opposed first and second slot walls. A rounded end face defines a free end of each of the first and second extending portions facing away from the tubular ring. The rounded end face includes at least two curved portions each having a different radius of curvature. The light pipe can be a tapered light pipe having a flange portion for mounting the tapered light pipe. | 02-11-2010 |
20100157043 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF A PIPELINE - An inspection system for inspecting an interior surface of a pipeline has a frame adapted to travel in the pipeline and an imaging means for imaging a selected portion of the interior surface of the pipeline. The imaging means has a field of view and is mounted in a rotatable manner on the frame. The inspection system has with a two-dimensional pattern generator for generating a two-dimensional pattern projection. The generator is mounted with the imaging means to project the two-dimensional pattern projection in the field of view thereof. The imaging means provide images of the selected portion of the internal surface comprising the two-dimensional pattern projection for monitoring a perpendicularity of the optical axis of the imaging means with respect to the selected portion of the interior surface of the pipeline thanks to a shape of the two-dimensional pattern projection prior to inspection of the internal surface. | 06-24-2010 |
20100208055 | Push-Cable for Pipe Inspection System - In accordance with the present invention a push-cable comprises a central core including a least one conductor, a plurality of non-metallic resilient flexible stiffness members surrounding the core, and a layer of sheathing surrounding the stiffness members. | 08-19-2010 |
20100208056 | Pipe Inspection System with Replaceable Cable Storage Drum - 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. | 08-19-2010 |
20110157351 | Apparatus and Method for Analyzing Fluids in Vessels and Pipelines - Apparatus for analyzing fluid or surfaces within a pipeline or vessel includes a probe positioned to capture or record images through a viewing port of the pipeline/vessel and an illumination assembly arranged to illuminate the fluid/surfaces within the pipeline/vessel adjacent the port with visible, infrared or ultraviolet light of a predetermined wavelength or within a predetermined range of wavelengths. Depending upon the type of fluid, light or radiation of a particular wavelength may be required to capture an image of high contrast and clarity. Accordingly, an electronic controller communicates with the probe and the illumination assembly for automatically controlling operation thereof so that images are captured and recorded of the fluid illuminated with light of different predetermined wavelength or predetermined range of wavelengths. An analyzing unit analyzes the images and identifies an image of greatest level of contrast or clarity and the wavelength or predetermined range of wavelengths of the light used to illuminate the fluid for the image of greatest level of contrast or clarity. A method is also disclosed. | 06-30-2011 |
20110169940 | CAMERA MANIPULATING DEVICE FOR VIDEO INSPECTION SYSTEM - A camera manipulating device for a camera attached to a cable includes a first member, a second member, and a connecting member disposed therebetween. The first member is attached to the camera so that the camera moves with the first member. The second member is rotatably mounted over the cable. The camera is movable in a first plane when the connecting member defines an angle relative to the second member. The camera is movable in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane when the second member is rotated around the cable. | 07-14-2011 |
20110175996 | Pipeline Inspection System - An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline. | 07-21-2011 |
20110228076 | Multifunctional monitoring apparatus - A multifunctional monitoring apparatus includes an operating portion, two flexible tubes and two camera modules. The operating portion includes a handle, a controller, a display screen and two connecting ends. The handle provides a grip for users and facilitates the operation of the monitoring apparatus. The controller is connected to the display screen. Each flexible tube is coupled to each connecting end. Each camera module includes a sleeve, a camera and a circuit board. Each camera is installed in each sleeve and connected to each circuit board. Each circuit board is connected to the controller through a transmission line, such that after the controller has received image data captured by the cameras, the image data can be transmitted to the display screen. Users simply need to place the two camera modules at two desired observing locations to observe and compare the environments of two different locations. | 09-22-2011 |
20110310240 | DETECTION OF NON-PROTRUDING POTABLE WATER CONDUIT OR WATERMAIN SERVICES USING THERMAL IMAGING - A method and system of detecting a service entrance in a conduit having a rehabilitation liner, comprising generating heat using a heat source; introducing the heat into the lined conduit; allowing the lined conduit to cool; generating a thermal image of the lined conduit using an infrared camera system; detecting temperature differentiations in the lined conduit in order to detect a service entrance wherein the service entrance is a non-protruding service entrance, a partially-protruding service entrance or a service entrance in a saddle fixed to the conduit. | 12-22-2011 |
20120069172 | CAMERA-BASED PIPELINE INSPECTION SYSTEM - A camera head is provided that is adapted to interface with an existing host camera supported on an existing inspection vehicle of an analog-based pipeline inspection system. The camera head allows for capture, processing and storage of digital image data in a memory at the camera head. The camera head includes a digital-to-analog signal converter, and a control module causing selected images to be converted from digital format to analog format, and to be transmitted for navigation purposes via a conventional analog control cable to conventional analog video monitoring equipment in a conventional operator station. Digital Image and other data may be retrieved directly from the digital data memory of the camera head. This approach provides numerous advantages with respect to capture and review of images in digital format, while also permitting control of the vehicle for navigation purposes using an operator's existing analog-based monitoring and control equipment. | 03-22-2012 |
20120098955 | WATER MAINS INSPECTION AND SERVICING - An inspection system for internal pipe inspection, comprises a feed cable ( | 04-26-2012 |
20120147173 | HAND-CARRYABLE PUSHROD-BASED CAMERA SYSTEM - A hand-carryable pushrod-based camera system includes a storage cage rotatably supported on a manually-graspable handle, a semi-rigid pushrod having a distal end, at least a portion of the pushrod being coiled within the storage cage, an image monitor supported on the handle, a camera comprising an illumination system, the camera being supported on the distal end of the pushrod and being capable of capturing at least one of video and still images; and a cable extending along and supported by the pushrod, the cable comprising a first conductor carrying a power signal to the camera and a second conductor carrying an image signal from the camera to the image monitor. The cable may include no more than four conductors in a low-voltage system. The camera system may include a port permitting physical detachment of the image monitor, and a controller board wirelessly communicating image signals to the image monitor. | 06-14-2012 |
20120236138 | MONITORING APPARATUS HAVING A DETACHABLE DISPLAY AND A POWER FAILURE PROTECTION - The present invention discloses a monitoring apparatus having a detachable display device and a power failure protection, wherein the monitoring apparatus comprises a main body and the display device. When the display device is installed to the main body, a second terminal socket of the display device and a first terminal socket of the main body are inlaid, such that corresponding connecting terminals exposed out of the main body and display device can be electrically conducted with each other. When the display device is detached from the main body, a second switch of the display device and a first switch of the main body are in an opened status respectively, such that the connecting terminals exposed out of the main body and display device cannot receive electric power, however, the main body and display device can still be electrically coupled by a transmission line through corresponding ports thereof. | 09-20-2012 |
20120257042 | System for scanning, mapping and measuring conduits - The present invention relates to a system for scanning, mapping and measuring conduits. The system includes a data collection subsystem having a carriage assembly sized to fit within a conduit for travel therethrough and equipment module supported on the carriage assembly. The equipment module includes a housing, a video capture system and a lighting assembly accommodated within the housing, and a laser beam emitting and diffusion assembly attached to the housing forwardly of the video capture system. The laser beam emitting and diffusion assembly is operable to emit a laser beam and diffuse the laser beam along a plane P substantially perpendicular to the laser beam so as to trace a visible light contour where the plane P intersects the inner surface of the conduit. The laser beam is a light of a first colour. The video capture system is operable to record images of the conduit and the visible light contour generated by the laser beam emitting and diffusion assembly. The lighting assembly includes at least one LED light capable of emitting light of a second colour. The light of the second colour is different than the light of the first colour. The light of the second colour is selected so as provide sufficient illumination within the conduit to reveal features of the conduit when the at least one LED light is activated, while not substantially lessening the contrast of the visible light contour against the dark background formed by the conduit thereby allowing the images of the visible light contour of a sufficient quality to be captured for further processing. The system is further provided with a data processing subsystem that is in data communication with the data collection subsystem. The data processing subsystem being operable to process the images of the conduit and the visible light contour and to generate therefrom digital views of the conduit. | 10-11-2012 |
20120300057 | SELF-CONTAINED SIGNAL CARRIER FOR PLUMBING & METHODS OF USE THEREOF - A device is provided for remotely locating an obstruction in a plumbing system. The spring assembly may include (i) a connector having a sewer cable connection portion at a proximal end and a retaining collar portion at a distal end; (ii) a spring having a proximal end, a medial portion and a distal end, the proximal end of the spring connected to the distal end of the connector; (iii) an end cap connected to a distal end of the spring. A signal transmitter may be removably housed within the spring. A cable may be connected to the connector at the proximal end of the connector to push or drive the spring assembly through a pipe system. A receiver may be used to detect wireless signals from the signal transmitter, thereby determine a location of an obstruction in the pipe system. | 11-29-2012 |
20120307040 | TECHNIQUE FOR CYLINDRICAL PART INNER SURFACE INSPECTION - A system and method for inspecting inner surfaces ( | 12-06-2012 |
20120314053 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ROUTING, MONITORING REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE OF UNDERGROUND GAS INSULATED TRANSMISSION LINES - An underground gas insulated transmission line (UGIL) system is provided that includes a first compartment having a gas insulated transmission line, a first camera slider disposed on a wall of the first compartment, a camera moveably coupled to the camera slider, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver disposed in the first compartment, and a gas sensor disposed in the first compartment. | 12-13-2012 |
20130057675 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR MEASURING FLOW RATE OF OPTICALLY NON-HOMOGENEOUS MATERIAL - A method and arrangement are disclosed for measuring a flow rate of optically non-homogeneous material in a process pipe. The non-homogeneous material can be illuminated through a window. Images are taken with a camera, through a window, of illuminated non-homogeneous material. Correlation between temporally successive images determines travel performed by the non-homogeneous material in the process pipe between capture of temporally successive images. Velocity of the non-homogeneous material is determined by the time difference between the successive images and the travel. | 03-07-2013 |
20130215255 | PIPELINE CLEANING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system can include a first vehicle operating a mobile pipeline cleaning device for cleaning a pipeline, a second vehicle operating a mobile camera device configured to enter said pipeline and capture video data corresponding to an interior of said pipeline, and a mobile video unit device. The second vehicle can have a transmitter configured to transmit the video data over a communication path, and the mobile video unit device can have a receiver configured to receive the video data from the transmitter over the communication path. The mobile video unit device can visually present to a user a video feed corresponding to the video data. | 08-22-2013 |
20130286184 | APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND MEASURING CYLINDRICAL SURFACES ON FIREPROOF CERAMIC COMPONENTS IN METALLURIGAL APPLICATIONS - The invention relates to an apparatus for detecting and measuring cylindrical surfaces on fireproof ceramic components in metallurgical applications. | 10-31-2013 |
20130293699 | DEVICE FOR INSPECTING AND/OR REHABILITATING PIPELINES - A device for inspecting and/or rehabilitating pipelines includes a camera or a tool arranged at a carrier that can be passed through the pipeline. To enable the device to pass through pipelines having bends, as used in house service connections, a first cross section of the carrier, taken in a first plane, which includes a central longitudinal axis of the carrier, an essentially straight or concave underside with outer ends. End-side sections of a top side extend upwardly in an arc-shaped and convex manner and away from the respective outer end of the underside in the direction of the opposite end thereof. The radius of curvature or radii of curvature of the end-side sections of the top side of the first cross section, equals (equal) more than 50% of the maximum distance of the underside from the top side. | 11-07-2013 |
20130321613 | ELECTRO-SCAN INTEGRATION INTO VIDEO PIPE INSPECTION VEHICLE - A camera based sewer evaluation vehicle has an electro-scan pipe defect detection system integrated therein. A cable and winch of the camera based system are utilized to support either a camera or an electro-scan probe. A signal transmitted through the cable is passed along for processing of signals received through the cable for final output and analysis, such as on a common computer. To facilitate electro-scan probe based pipe defect detection, a ground rod is utilized. The system can include a funnel plug downstream of the electro-scan probe for interconnection to a haul line and to assist in maintaining a liquid filled status in the pipe adjacent the electro-scan probe. A downstream bypass funnel plug or a blockade of some form can operate within and past a downstream manhole adjacent the pipe to keep the pipe filled with liquid. | 12-05-2013 |
20130335551 | DEVICE FOR INSPECTING A STEAM GENERATOR - An inspection device for inspecting a steam generator having a first long and flexible video probe intended to be inserted inside the housing of the steam generator and configured to be moveable through a fluid passage orifice defined by a spacer plate and a flow tube, all arranged inside the housing. The first video probe includes at least one ferromagnetic element. The inspection device also includes a second long and flexible probe to be inserted into a flow tube, the second probe including at least one permanent magnet arranged to cooperate with the at least one ferromagnetic element of the first probe so that the first probe can be driven along the exterior surface of a flow tube by the second probe when the second probe is inserted into the flow tube and moved therein, and when the first probe is inserted into the housing of the steam generator and positioned near the exterior surface of the flow tube in which the second probe is inserted. | 12-19-2013 |
20140009598 | Pipeline Inspection Piglets - For pipeline inspection, a small, untethered capsule (a “piglet”) images from within a pipeline. The capsule is small enough that rotation about any of three orthogonal axes while within the pipeline is possible. Movement both along the pipeline and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is possible. To assure images of the pipeline without viewing gaps, the field of view for imaging surrounds the capsule without a gap. Given the possible rotation and translation, the captured images may be motion compensated to provide oriented images of a length of the pipeline. | 01-09-2014 |
20140022374 | REMOTE VISUAL INSPECTION SYSTEM - A visual inspection system [ | 01-23-2014 |
20140063229 | ADJUSTABLE VARIABLE RESOLUTION INSPECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - 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. | 03-06-2014 |
20140071266 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING QUALITY OF TUBES - Disclosed herein is a system having an optically transparent substrate having a first side and a second side that are opposed to each other, a microprocessor, a database, a camera disposed upon the first side of the optically transparent substrate and a source of illumination. The source of illumination is disposed in a ring around the camera on the first side and is operative to illuminate the object disposed on the second side of the optically transparent substrate. Further the camera is in operative communication with the microprocessor and the database. The camera is operative to capture an image of an object disposed upon the second side of the optically transparent substrate. The microprocessor is operative to calculate dimensions and geometry of the object from the image and facilitate acceptance or rejection of the object based upon a standard, a parameter or a calibration chart. | 03-13-2014 |
20140092234 | DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM USEFUL FOR INSPECTION OF TUBULARS - A data acquisition system for determining the state of a tubular while the tubular rotates about its cylindrical axis. The tubular remains otherwise substantially stationary. Sensors travel up and down the length of the rotating tubular, interrogating the inside and outside of the tubular for data regarding the tubular's state. Sensors may take samples which may be associated with rotational reference information tying the sample to its absolute position on the internal or external surface of the tubular. A data processor processes the samples and other sensor data to produce a wide array of output, including data signatures of the tubular, maps of contour data regarding the internal or external surface of the tubular, and dimensional data regarding the tubular. Data acquisition is advantageously done in real time, and may further be done concurrently with internal or external cleaning operations. | 04-03-2014 |
20140146161 | OUTER SURFACE INSPECTING ROBOT WITH FLIPPING OVER FLANGE MECHANISM - A pipe inspecting robot for traveling along the surface of a pipeline, the robot having a body, first and second independently articulating legs attached to the body, and first and second leg motors in controlling communication with the first and second articulating legs, respectively. The robot also has first and second pairs of wheels attached to the first and second articulating legs at an opposite end of the legs from the body. The first and second leg motors are configured so that when the first pair of wheels encounters an obstacle, the second leg motor rotates the second leg upward away from the surface of the pipeline and radially around the body until the second pair of wheels contacts the surface of the pipeline on an opposite side of the obstacle, after which the first leg motor rotates the first leg upward away from the surface of the pipeline and radially around the body until the first pair of wheels contacts the surface of the pipeline, thereby causing the robot to pass over the obstacle. | 05-29-2014 |
20140152802 | MULTI-CAMERA PIPE INSPECTION APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A camera head for inspecting pipes or cavities including an array of two or more imaging elements with overlapping Fields of View (FOV) is disclosed. The camera head may include one or more light source elements, such as LEDs, for providing illumination in dimly lit inspection sites, such as the interior of underground pipes. The imaging elements and LEDs may be used in conjunction with a remote display device, such as an LCD panel of a camera control unit (CCU) or monitor in proximity to an operator, to display the interior of a pipe or other cavity. | 06-05-2014 |
20140152803 | SYSTEM, METHOD & APPARATUS FOR REMOTE PIPE INSPECTION - The present invention relates generally to the inspection of pipes, and the like, and more particularly to the remote inspection of ferromagnetic pipes. The invention teaches apparatus comprising, in combination: a vehicle equipped with a plurality of wheels capable of propelling the vehicle within a predetermined ferromagnetic environment to be inspected; means for remotely applying drive forces to said wheels; said wheels including a plurality of passive non-driven rollers; said passive rollers including magnetized means; means for acquiring visual images of the condition of said pipes; and means for remotely accessing said visual images; thereby enabling remote inspection of said pipes. An immediate environment in which the use of the present invention is contemplated is in inspection of ferromagnetic pipes which are located above and/or below ground. | 06-05-2014 |
20140168406 | SELF-LEVELING CAMERA HEADS - In one embodiment, a self-leveling camera head may include an eccentric leveling weight assembly that is supported inside an outer housing for free rotation about an axis. The leveling weight assembly may be removably coupled to a separate camera module assembly supported inside the outer housing for rotation about the axis so that its images will be “upright,” i.e. earth normal. | 06-19-2014 |
20140168407 | PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEMS WITH SNAP-ON PIPE GUIDES - 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. | 06-19-2014 |
20140176696 | ROTATING CONTACT ASSEMBLIES FOR SELF-LEVELING CAMERA HEADS - 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. | 06-26-2014 |
20140192179 | REMOTE INSPECTION DEVICE - A portable inspection unit is provided. The portable inspection unit may include a unit body, a flexible cable, and an imager housing, The flexible cable may extend from the unit body and the imager housing may be disposed at a distal end of the flexible cable. The portable inspection unit may be configured to receive an actuating accessory. | 07-10-2014 |
20140204197 | SELF-GROUNDING TRANSMITTING PORTABLE CAMERA CONTROLLER FOR USE WITH PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM - A portable camera controller for use with a pipe inspection system is disclosed. The controller may include an onboard display, USB ports, wireless capability, and a built-in transmitter for energizing a pipe-inspection cable for tracing purposes. The camera controller may be configured to support auto-logging and automatic report generation of pipe inspection operations and associated locating operations. The camera controller may be self-grounding using conductive and/or capacitive grounding circuits and an associated transmitter may be used without a separate grounding stake through use of the conductive and/or capacitive grounding circuits. | 07-24-2014 |
20140210989 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS INVOLVING A SMART CABLE STORAGE DRUM AND NETWORK NODE FOR TRANSMISSION OF DATA - Among other things, techniques, systems, methods and computer readable storage medium with executable instructions relating to the viewing of data from and the controlling of the operation of an inspection camera at a remote computing device that is connected to the inspection camera via a network are described. Various features may be realized by using an installable software application or a web browser at the remote computing device. Features of the invention also pertain to a smart cable storage drum comprising a push cable, an inspection camera, and a network transceiver configured to communicate with a remote computer. | 07-31-2014 |
20140218501 | Pipeline Inspection System - An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline. | 08-07-2014 |
20140247338 | NOZZLE-MOUNTED CAMERA SYSTEM AND METHOD - A spray nozzle with a camera comprising: (a) a nozzle having an adapter for attaching a hose and one or more jets; and (b) a camera operatively connected to said nozzle, said camera comprising at least: (i) a water-proof housing having a transparent window on one end of said housing, said housing being configured for attachment to said nozzle; (ii) an imaging device in said housing with a field of view through said window; (iii) one or more lamps to illuminate at least a portion of said field of view; and (iv) a memory device operatively connected to said imaging device. | 09-04-2014 |
20140285656 | CAMERA SKID TRACTOR NOZZLE ASSEMBLY - A camera skid and thrust nozzle assembly for supporting a camera while being positioned in a tubular pipe or conduit spaced. from any wall of the conduit and permitting movement of the assembly along the conduit. The assembly includes a cage rotatably fastened to a high pressure fluid tractor nozzle, wherein the cage can rotate about an axis through the tractor nozzle. A camera support structure is fastened within the cage for rotation of the support structure about the axis independent of rotation of the cage. The camera support structure has a weight attached thereto for urging rotational orientation of the camera support structure within the cage according to a sensed external gravitational force on the assembly. | 09-25-2014 |
20140313316 | ADJUSTABLE VARIABLE RESOLUTION INSPECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING MULTIPLE IMAGE SENSORS - Camera heads having multiple image sensors, 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. | 10-23-2014 |
20140320631 | MULTI-CAMERA PIPE INSPECTION APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems for inspecting pipes or cavities including a camera head having an array of two or more imaging elements with overlapping Fields of View (FOV) are disclosed. The camera head may include one or more light source elements, such as LEDs, for providing illumination in dimly lit inspection sites, such as the interior of underground pipes. The imaging elements and LEDs may be used in conjunction with a remote display device, such as an LCD panel of a camera control unit (CCU) or monitor in proximity to an operator, to display the interior of a pipe or other cavity. | 10-30-2014 |
20140333753 | SPRING ASSEMBLIES WITH VARIABLE FLEXILIBILITY FOR USE WITH PUSH-CABLES AND PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEMS - 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. | 11-13-2014 |
20140340505 | SELF-GROUNDING TRANSMITTING PORTABLE CAMERA CONTROLLER FOR USE WITH PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM - A portable camera controller for use with a pipe inspection system is disclosed. The controller may include an onboard display, USB ports, wireless capability, and a built-in transmitter for energizing a pipe-inspection cable for tracing purposes. The camera controller may be configured to support auto-logging and automatic report generation of pipe inspection operations and associated locating operations. The camera controller may be self-grounding using conductive and/or capacitive grounding circuits and an associated transmitter may be used without a separate grounding stake through use of the conductive and/or capacitive grounding circuits. | 11-20-2014 |
20150015695 | Inner Diameter Measuring Device - An inner diameter measuring device, which comprises an object to be measured supporting carriage ( | 01-15-2015 |
20150350506 | PIPE MAPPING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In one embodiment, a method for mapping pipes under inspection includes receiving, at a locator, magnetic field signals from a sonde deployed in a pipe or cavity, generating, in the locator, positional information associated with the pipe or cavity from the received sonde signals, and storing the positional information in a non-transitory memory of the locator. Depth information may be further determined for the pipe or cavity and the positional and/or depth information may be provided on a display device of the locator as an overlaid map display. | 12-03-2015 |
20160021285 | FOCUSING SYSTEM AS WELL AS CAMERA UNIT WITH A FOCUSING SYSTEM - A focusing system is provided, in particular, for a camera unit of an inspection system, in particular, a pipe inspection system, comprising a distance measuring device for measuring a distance to an object, a control means operatively coupled to the distance measuring device, and an optical lens configured as liquid lens and operatively coupled to the control means, wherein the control means is adapted to adjust the focal distance of the liquid lens by means of the distance data received from the distance measuring device. Further, a camera unit comprising an imaging means and an inventive focusing system assigned to the imaging means, and an inspection system having an inventive camera unit are provided. | 01-21-2016 |
20160025961 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS MULTI-TUBE INSPECTION OF VERTICAL TUBE BUNDLES - A multi-tube inspection system with a reel having a plurality of cameras is placed in the upper header. Each camera is attached to its own lead line and has a light source. An inspector, located in the upper header, aligns each camera with a tube and then operates the reel to simultaneously lower the cameras through their respective tube. As the cameras pass through the tubes, they capture a video image of the interior length of the tube. The video image is stored and relayed to a control center where additional inspectors can review the video image of the interior of the tube. Each video is identified and tied back to the tube in a data base. If a defect is identified, the tube can be taken out of service (blocked off) or scheduled for cleaning. Once cleaned, the tube is then reinspected. | 01-28-2016 |
20160080701 | ROTATION MODULE FOR AN INSPECTION SYSTEM - The invention relates to a device for an inspection system, in particular, to a sewer and pipe, respectively, inspection system comprising a rotation module, which is coupled to a pivoting housing, wherein the rotation module is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relatively to the pivoting housing, and wherein the rotation module comprises a slip ring for signal and energy transmission, respectively, between the rotation module and the pivoting housing. | 03-17-2016 |
20160173829 | COAXIAL VIDEO PUSH-CABLES FOR USE IN INSPECTION SYSTEMS | 06-16-2016 |