Redzone Robotics, Inc.

Eric C Close

Subramanian Vallapuzha

Adam Slifko

Scott Mason Thayer

Edison Thurman Hudson

Carlos Felipe Reverte

Ronald Genise

Prasanna Kumar Velagapudi

William L Whittaker

Sam E Cancilla

Kevin Lipkin

Foster J Salotti

Gregory D Baltus

Brian Bannon

Tyler Foreman

Matt Horton

Joseph Salotti

Alan Gerber

William Ommert

Carlos Reverte

Embodiments may be used to evaluate completed inspection jobs using updated pipe segment data obtained by inspecting a rehabilitated pipe after completion of a project. One embodiment provides a method of generating an infrastructure project summary, including: collecting, using one or more sensors of an inspection robot, pipe segment data relating to the one or more pipe segments; the second pipe segment data comprising one or more of laser condition assessment data and sonar condition assessment data; generating infrastructure summary data for at least a part of the network using the pipe segment data, comparing, using a processor, first and second infrastructure summary data; generating, using the processor, a parameter of the infrastructure project summary based on the comparing; and including the parameter of the infrastructure project summary in a project summary report. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Managing infrastructure data

An embodiment provides for storing, in a server, pipe segment data, e.g., pipe scan data derived from a pipe inspection robot that traversed through an interior of the segment of pipe. The pipe scan data may include three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) image data of the interior of the segment of pipe, where the 2D image data includes a flat graph formed from the 3D image data. In one example, infrastructure summary data is stored in the server, including a level of corrosion and a level of sediment buildup determined based on the pipe scan data. An infrastructure project summary report is based on the infrastructure summary data, and after receiving a request from a client device, the pipe segment data and the infrastructure project summary report are transmitted to the client device.

Server-based management of robotic pipe inspection data and analysis reports

One aspect provides a method, including: storing an infrastructure project summary report with one or more other infrastructure project reports pooled in a database of project summary reports; the infrastructure project report being prepared via accessing fluid conveyance infrastructure summary data describing a condition of a fluid conveyance infrastructure segment; and using a processor of an electronic device to match the infrastructure project summary report with one or more other infrastructure project reports pooled in the database of project summary reports. Other aspects are described and claimed.

One aspect provides a modular infrastructure asset inspection robot, including: a plurality of modules for use in fluid conveyance infrastructure assets; each of the plurality of modules including at least one standardized electromechanical connection permitting a connection to be established with another of the plurality of modules; the plurality of modules being interchangeable and allowing reconfiguration of said modular infrastructure asset inspection robot to perform one or more of: two or more deployment methods for a first infrastructure asset type; and one deployment method for the first infrastructure asset type and a second infrastructure asset type. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Modular infrastructure asset inspection robot

One aspect provides a method of generating an infrastructure analysis report, including: accessing infrastructure data stored in a database relating to one or more fluid conveyance infrastructure assets, wherein the infrastructure data is one or more of sensed data, contextual data and institutional knowledge data; and generating an analysis report based on a failure risk and consequence analysis of the one or more fluid conveyance infrastructure assets. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Analyzing infrastructure data

One aspect provides a method of generating an infrastructure project summary, including: accessing fluid conveyance infrastructure summary data describing a condition of a fluid conveyance infrastructure segment; generating least one parameter of the infrastructure project summary based on the condition of the fluid conveyance infrastructure segment; and including the at least one generated parameter of the infrastructure project summary in a project summary report. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Methods and apparatuses for inspecting manholes or other voids and collecting data in a comprehensive, repeatable, and measurable manner. A sensor head is suspended and lowered into a manhole or other void. The sensor head collects data related to the condition of the manhole or void walls, and locations of defects, damage, or lateral pipe openings. The data can then be processed to provide a three-dimensional model of the manhole or void, and can be compared to previous or future data.

Manhole modeler using a plurality of scanners to monitor the conduit walls and exterior

Methods and tools for automatically performing work within a pipe or pipe network based on sensed impedance information. A robot, which may be tethered or un-tethered, includes a computer controller and a work tool for performing work within the pipe. With or without impedance-based calibration, the robot senses environmental and tool-based impedance characteristics and determines, using said software, ways in which the current work performance can be altered or improved based on the impedance information. The operation of the work tool is then altered in line with the control software. Many different types of work related to the inspection, cleaning and rehabilitation of pipes can be accomplished with the present robots including reinstating laterals after lining, cutting or clearing debris, sealing pipe joints and/or other heretofore manual pipe-based processes.

Methods and devices for automated work in pipes based on impedance control

Systems, methods and devices for the remote control of a robot which incorporates interchangeable tool heads. Although applicable to many different industries, the core structure of the system includes a robot with a tool head interface for mechanically, electrically and operatively interconnecting a plurality of interchangeable tool heads to perform various work functions. The robot and tool head may include several levels of digital feedback (local, remote and wide area) depending on the application. The systems include a single umbilical cord to send power, air, and communications signals between the robot and a remote computer. Additionally, all communication (including video) is preferably sent in a digital format. Finally, a GUI running on the remote computer automatically queries and identifies all of the various devices on the network and automatically configures its user options to parallel the installed devices. Systems according to the preferred embodiments find particular application in the pipeline arts. For example, interchangeable tool heads may be designed to facilitate inspection, debris clearing, cleaning, relining, lateral cutting after relining, mapping, and various other common pipeline-related tasks.

Network architecture for remote robot with interchangeable tools

Systems, methods and devices for indexing, archiving, analyzing and reporting pipe and other void network data. Specifically, multi-dimensional indexing and correlation of spatial, temporal, feature, environmental, uncertainty and/or context-based data is synchronized, indexed and analyzed across a wide variety of pipe networks at various times. The present invention preferably includes data represented at several different levels of reference including: referenced to the sensor with which it was collected; referenced to the robot or platform upon which the sensor is attached; and the world. The structure and functionality of the system provides for extensive querying, trouble-shooting and predictive analysis for pipe networks.

Spatio-temporal and context-based indexing and representation of subterranean networks and means for doing the same

An autonomous inspector mobile platform robot that is used to inspect a pipe or network of pipes. The robot includes a locomotion device that enables the device to autonomously progress through the pipe and accurately track its pose and odometry during movement. At the same time, image data is autonomously captured to detail the interior portions of the pipe. Images are taken at periodic intervals using a wide angle lens, and additional video images may be captured at locations of interest. Either onboard or offboard the device, each captured image is unwarped (if necessary) and combined with images of adjacent pipe sections to create a complete image of the interior features of the inspected pipe. Optional features include additional sensors and measurement devices, various communications systems to communicate with an end node or the surface, and/or image compression software.

Autonomous inspector mobile platform

Methods and tools for cleaning pipes or pipe networks based on characteristics of pipes and debris in the pipes. A mobile platform includes a cleaning head and a sensor head. The platform implements a cleaning plan and senses characteristics of the pipe and debris. The cleaning plan is incrementally updated based on the sensed characteristics, and can be automatically updated using software. Many different cleaning tasks can be accomplished using the present platforms including agitation of sediment, pulverization of large debris, and movement of debris to facilitate removal.

Sensor based micro-cleaning of buried infrastructure

Devices and methods for streamlining the completion of work functions within a lateral pipe connected to a main pipe. A variety of different lateral devices may be used to aid in the process of relining the main or lateral pipe. A lateral location device is inserted into the lateral pipe prior to relining of the main pipe and is subsequently used to aid in the conventional cutting of the main-lateral interface. A lateral cutting device actually performs the main-lateral cutting process from within the lateral or from within the main. A lateral inspection device crawls up the lateral for inspection via camera. A lateral relining device aids in the placement of a liner used to reline the lateral pipe. Each of these interchangeable work functions may be optional performed by one or more lateral devices, often carried and inserted by a delivery device.

Growing community of inventors

Sewickley, PA, United States of America

Eric C Close