A method of retrieving a mobile platform from a tank having a hatch and at least partially filled with a non-conductive, energetic substance includes configuring the mobile platform to include at least a retrieval system disposed at least partially on an enclosure. The retrieval system includes at least: a primary tether connected to a buoyant body and to the enclosure, and a secondary tether connected to the buoyant body and to the enclosure. The method further includes: predetermining a buoyant body retrieval zone within the tank, and positioning a released buoyant body within the buoyant body retrieval zone by using the primary tether. The method also includes retrieving the primary tether by using the buoyant body; using the primary tether to release the secondary tether; and inserting a retrieval member through the hatch to retrieve the buoyant body, the primary tether, and/or the secondary tether.

A borescope is for optically inspecting gas turbines of aircraft engines. The borescope having an electronic image capture unit as a borescope objective at an end of a shaft, which is suitable for insertion into a borescope opening and configured for accurate positioning of the borescope objective relative to the borescope opening and through which data lines and supply lines for the image capture unit are guided. The image capture unit has: two spaced apart image capture sensors, recording cones of which overlap in a specified recording plane forming a recording region, in such a way that image data of the two image capture sensors are configured to be processed into 3-D data by way of triangulation.

A method uses a flexible endoscope to inspect one or more hard-to-reach components of a gas turbine. The flexible endoscope has at least one image capture unit, which is configured to capture visual image information and associated 3D data, and which is located at a free end of the flexible endoscope. The method includes: introducing the flexible endoscope through an inspection opening; capturing the visual image information and the associated 3D data by the at least one image capture unit; comparing the captured 3D data to a 3D model of a component to be examined, and based on the comparison, ascertaining a relative pose of the at least one image capture unit in relation to the component; and texturing the 3D model with the visual image information captured by the at least one image capture unit, in accordance with the ascertained relative pose of the image capture unit.

A system for downhole optical analysis includes a housing forming at least part of a pressure barrier. The system also includes a window, formed at an end of the housing, the window being at least semi-transparent to permit light to travel through the window. The system further includes at least one light source, arranged within the housing, wherein the at least one light source is configured to emit a beam of light at a wavelength to enable non-contact, optical cleaning of the window, the wavelength being selected to reduce interaction with the window while heating a fluid film formed on the window outside the housing.

A launching tube for use with a liquid filled tank can be sized to accommodate a submersible vehicle for dispensing into the liquid tank. The tank can be an electrical transformer or any other liquid containing tank such as but not limited to a chemical tank. The launching tube can include a valve for insertion into a launching chamber, and a tank side valve for launching of the submersible into the tank. In one form the launching tube includes an antenna for communication with the submersible and/or a base station. The launching tube can also include a sensor such as a camera, as well as an agitator. The agitator can be used to facilitate bubble removal from the inside of the launching tube.

A borescope plug system includes a housing, a driver, and a spring. The housing includes a first housing end and a second housing end. The housing further includes a longitudinally extending centerline extending between the first housing end and the second housing end. The driver is disposed at least partially within the housing along the longitudinally extending centerline and includes a first driver end and a second driver end. The spring is disposed within the housing and couples the housing to the driver. The driver is configured to move within the housing, along the longitudinally extending centerline, to engage the first driver end with a borescope plug of a borescope plug port, and to install or remove the borescope plug from the borescope plug port based on a rotation of the driver about the longitudinally extending centerline.

A high temperature cooling tube for use with an inspection device is provided. The cooling tube permits operation of the inspection device in environments having a temperature of greater than about 302° F. (150° C.). By providing the capability to inspect equipment in a relatively hot condition, cooling time required before inspection is reduced, overall turnaround time for such inspections is reduced, inspected equipment is placed back into service more quickly, and revenues are increased. In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling tube includes an inner sleeve for protecting the inspection device, a middle sleeve for insulation and air flow, and an outer sleeve for protecting the cooling tube and the inspection device from damage. The middle sleeve can include expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (EPTFE), which protects the inspection device from extreme high temperature working environments, and which permits flexibility. Related apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

A process scope for monitoring, closed-loop and open-loop control of chemical and physical processes in the interior of explosion-proof containers and reactors during operation without interruption of the production and/or research processes. The device has an observation tube tip, an electro-optic or spectroscopic camera, a shock-proof housing with an electronic protection circuit, a lighting device, and image processing electronics. The tube tip does not have any ignition sources and is suitable for use in danger zones. Optical fibers are provided for transferring light from the lighting device to the tube tip and for the image transfer from the tube tip to the electro-optic or spectroscopic camera. A glass fiber data cable is provided for the transmission of image data from the camera to the data acquisition, system. By arranging the lighting and monitoring front windows laterally in the tube tip, parallax distance measurements can be made within the reaction vessel.

An electronic visual food probe for viewing the interior of a body of food being cooked. The probe has a food-safe, heat resistant and elongated stem designed for insertion into the body of food. A thermally insulated cavity formed in one end of the stem has an opening that allows light into and out of the cavity. A light source illuminates the interior of the food exposed to the opening. An electronic image sensor receives the light reflected from the interior surfaces of the food proximate the opening and generates an elongated color image of the reflected light. An electronic display system receives the elongated color image from the image sensor and displays it on an electronic display for viewing.

A nozzle camera system and method that can be used to inspect the interior of a pipe. The system comprises a nozzle main body, a video camera, a controller and a user interface (UI). The nozzle main body serves as a housing for the video camera and for a jet former configuration. The jet former configuration comprises at least one liquid intake port and at least one liquid flow channel. The liquid intake port has a connection for connecting the jet former configuration to a liquid conduit that supplies liquid to the nozzle main body. The liquid intake port is in fluid communication with the liquid flow channel for supplying liquid via the liquid flow channel to one or more jet ports. The controller is in communication with the video camera and the UI is in communication with the controller and includes at least a display system that displays video images captured by the video camera.