Systems and methods for robotic inspection of above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler having a plurality of motors that are individually controllable for improved positioning on the pipeline to facilitate image acquisition. Embodiments may also include mounting systems to house and carry imaging equipment configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such mounting systems may be adjustable to account for different sizes of pipes (e.g., 2-40+ inches), and may be configured to account for traversing various pipe support structures. Still further, mounting systems may include quick-release members to allow for removal and re-mounting of imaging equipment when traversing support structures. In other aspects, embodiments may be directed toward control systems for the robotic crawler which assist in the navigation and image capture capabilities of the crawler.

A method for inspecting an object includes determining guide image data of the object from a determined orientation, the guide image data including a guide image pixel array and a pixel property for at least one guide image pixel in the guide image pixel array. The method also includes receiving inspection image data indicative of an inspection image and associating the inspection image data with the guide image data with a processor of a computing device. Additionally, the method includes determining a property of the object based on the guide image data and the associated inspection image data.

Various examples include systems, apparatuses, and methods to perform an automated visual-inspection of components undergoing various stages of fabrication. In one example, an inspection system includes a number of robots, each having a camera, to inspect a component for defects at various stages of fabrication. Generally, each of the cameras is located at a different geographical location corresponding to the various stages in the fabrication of the component. At least some of the cameras are arranged to inspect all surfaces of the component that are not facing a table upon which the component is mounted. The system also includes a respective data-collection station electronically coupled to each the number of robots and an associated one of the cameras. A master data-collection station is electronically coupled to each of the data-collection stations. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed.

A novel connection port is described for connecting a signal transmitter to an apparatus configured to wirelessly communicate video and images from a pipe inspection system. Such a connection port may establish an electrically conductive pathway to a push-cable and camera head further disposed in cable storage drum that the wireless communication apparatus may couple thereto. A signal transmitter, having an established electrically conductive pathway to the push-cable and camera head, may transmit electromagnetic signals that may be emitted by the push-cable and camera head and further be located at the ground surface via a utility locator device.

An inspection and/or cleaning nozzle for operation with liquids under high pressure includes a coupling section coupleable to a high-pressure tube and a camera recess running concentric to a longitudinal axis arranged in a camera-receiving portion. A camera module is accommodated releasably connected to an encapsulated water-tight camera housing. Optics and camera electronics are permanently incorporated in the camera housing such that the optics and camera electronics are protected in the interior of the camera housing and fogging of the optics is prevented. This is achieved in that a bore is made in the wall of camera housing running radially across the longitudinal axis direction, the opening of bore is sealed water-tight and air-tight with a membrane, so that the surface of membrane fully overlaps the opening of bore. This surface of the membrane is made correspondingly larger than bore and the membrane is formed multilayered from a laminate film.

The present disclosure may relate to a detector and a detecting system. The detector may include a probe, a first connector connected to the probe, a second connector configured to connect to an external apparatus, an elastic member arranged between and connected to the first connector and the second connector, a transmission line and a flexible protector. An end of the transmission line may pass through the first connector and connect with the probe. The other end of the transmission line may connect with the second connector. An end of the flexible protector may be connected to the first connector. The other end of the flexible protector may be connected to the second connector. The length of the flexible protector may be greater than that of the elastic member in its natural state, and less than that of the transmission line between the first connector and the second connector.

Systems and methods for robotic inspection of above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler having a plurality of motors that are individually controllable for improved positioning on the pipeline to facilitate image acquisition. Embodiments may also include mounting systems to house and carry imaging equipment configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such mounting systems may be adjustable to account for different sizes of pipes (e.g., 2-40+ inches), and may be configured to account for traversing various pipe support structures. Still further, mounting systems may include quick-release members to allow for removal and re-mounting of imaging equipment when traversing support structures. In other aspects, embodiments may be directed toward control systems for the robotic crawler which assist in the navigation and image capture capabilities of the crawler.

An apparatus investigates a technical device using a borescope. The apparatus has: a guide tube which is introducible through a borescope opening on the technical device to be inspected using the borescope; and a repeatedly plastically deformable carrier configured to guide a borescope head arranged at one end of the carrier. The guide tube is designed to deform the carrier during the passage of the carrier through the guide tube.

An apparatus is used for inspecting a technical device using a borescope. The apparatus has a repeatedly plastically deformable and elongated carrier which is guidable in a deforming unit. The deforming unit has a stationary guide configured to axially guide the carrier at an outlet end and an actuator which is designed to axially guide the carrier and can be moved in at least one direction perpendicular to the gap between the guide and the actuator in order selectively to apply a bending moment to the carrier guided by the guide and the actuator. A borescope head is arranged at that end of the carrier which protrudes from the outlet end of the deforming unit.

An operation device for an into-bore introduction device, includes: a grasping section connected to a proximal portion of an insertion section to be inserted into a bore, and is to be grasped by an operator to operate the insertion section; a bending operation knob disposed on the grasping section and bends a bending portion of the insertion section; a projecting portion formed to project from the grasping section in a direction radial to a longitudinal axis of the grasping section, in a surface between a surface on which the bending operation knob is disposed and a surface on which operator's palm abuts to grasp the grasping section, in the grasping section; and an inclined surface inclined toward the insertion section on an insertion section side of the projecting portion.