G03B37/005

Camera enclosure for harsh commercial environments and method for using same
11283972 · 2022-03-22 ·

Disclosed is an enclosed camera apparatus for use in applications with high temperature and/or airborne powder. The apparatus includes a housing enclosing a camera, with air moving within the housing that cools the camera and pressurizes the housing such that some air expels through a camera outward viewing orifice (aka “camera hole”), such that the camera can look outwardly through the orifice without powder accumulating around and atop the camera lens and/or camera viewing orifice. The camera is held in place by a machined camera mount that centers the camera on the orifice and allows compressed air to pass over the camera and the cable to protect it from overheating. The machined camera mount allows compressed air to pass back through the rest of the housing after it cools the camera to cool the rest of the housing, including the power and signal supply lines of the camera, before it exhausts out the top. Also provided is a wiping apparatus that wipes accumulated powder from atop or around the camera viewing orifice.

IMAGING APPARATUS, VEHICLE AND IMAGE CAPTURING METHOD
20210337135 · 2021-10-28 · ·

An imaging apparatus mountable on a moveable apparatus includes a plurality of lighting-imaging units, each configured to capture an image of a different area on an object in a direction intersecting with a movement direction of the moveable apparatus. The each of the plurality of lighting-imaging units includes a light source unit configured to illuminate a partial area on the object as a lighting area; and an image capture unit configured to capture an image of an image capture area set within the lighting area. The plurality of lighting-imaging units captures an image of a non-overlapped lighting area on the object where the lighting areas of the plurality of lighting-imaging units do not overlap with each other.

Pipeline inspection devices and methods
11156911 · 2021-10-26 ·

A pipeline inspection device including a housing, an antenna, an imaging device having one or more lenses, two diaphragms extending from the housing and distal to one another along the length of the housing, the two diaphragms sharing a longitudinal axis with the housing, a processor, a storage device in communication with the processor, and a memory in communication with the processor, storing a machine learning algorithm and instructions to be executed by the processor, wherein the antenna is configured to communicate with a remote transceiver, the remote transceiver being located on a pipeline through which the pipeline inspection device travels. Also disclosed herein are systems and methods for using the same.

Borescope for drilled shaft inspection

A borescope may include a housing including a transparent viewing window, a bumper surrounding at least a portion of a periphery of the transparent viewing window, wherein the bumper is configured to be pressurized by a fluid, and at least one imaging assembly configured to visualize a field of view exterior of the housing through the transparent viewing window.

Combined camera and wearable ring for holding a camera
11140302 · 2021-10-05 · ·

A wearable device, such as a ring, is used to be worn on at least one part of a human body. A wearable device includes a body having a bottom surface and a top surface, an opening defined between the top surface and the bottom surface. The opening is used to receive therethrough and hold the at least one part of the human body. A pocket is defined in the body between the opening and the top surface for holding the camera presenting an activation button to turn on and turn off the camera. The body includes a membrane defined in the top surface of the body.

Pipe inspection system camera heads

Camera heads for use in pipe inspection systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a camera head includes a body, an image sensor disposed in the body for generating images of an interior of a pipe or cavity in which the camera head is inserted, and processing circuitry operatively coupled to the image sensor to automatically capture images or video frames by the camera head within the object.

Diagnostic camera apparatus and method for inspection of an enclosed tube system

The present disclosure relates in general to a diagnostic device for inspection of an enclosed tube system, and more particular, to obtain images or video of the interior of the enclosed tube system while the diagnostic device is attached to a moveable member and traveling through the enclosed tube system. A diagnostic apparatus including camera housing configured to include a camera assembly, battery housing configured to hold a battery assembly, and a main housing configured to be detachably secured to a moveable member, wherein the camera housing and battery assembly are secured to the main housing, and wherein the main housing includes at least one light.

Imaging system, optical element, and a catheter or endoscope using the same

The invention provides an imaging system comprising an optical element for deflecting axially incident light into a series of axially spaced outward radial projections, and further comprising an image collection means for collecting reflected light. The element comprises a plurality of light deflecting surfaces or features which are arranged at axially successive points along the element, each at a different radial location. The light-deflecting surfaces are arranged to deflect light incident upon them from an axial direction in a radial direction, each thereby generating a radial projection of light from the element. A beam or beam bundle projected along the element has successive outer annular layers stripped by the facets and deflected outwards at different axial points along the structure.

PIPE CLEANING AND/OR INSPECTION NOZZLE COMPRISING EXTENSION SLEEVE
20210245207 · 2021-08-12 · ·

In the case of a pipe cleaning and/or inspection nozzle, an available camera module can be coupled to a plurality of pipe cleaning and/or inspection nozzles in a simple and cost-efficient manner, and that a secure reliable coupling of the electrical lines is attained. An extension sleeve is inserted, which comprises a high-pressure line section comprising a sleeve loop contact. The sleeve loop contact is fastened in the extension sleeve with a sleeve insulator insert and runs so as to transition into an inner power/signal line within the extension sleeve all the way into an outlet section in the direction of the longitudinal axis. At least one outlet opening is recessed out of the outlet section, and the outlet section opens out into a coupling section, at which means are provided so that the coupling section can be fastened to a camera adapter.

Imaging apparatus, vehicle and image capturing method
11089237 · 2021-08-10 · ·

An imaging apparatus mountable on a moveable apparatus includes a plurality of lighting-imaging units, each configured to capture an image of a different area on an object in a direction intersecting with a movement direction of the moveable apparatus. The each of the plurality of lighting-imaging units includes a light source unit configured to illuminate a partial area on the object as a lighting area; and an image capture unit configured to capture an image of an image capture area set within the lighting area. The plurality of lighting-imaging units captures an image of a non-overlapped lighting area on the object where the lighting areas of the plurality of lighting-imaging units do not overlap with each other.