Ulc Robotics, Inc.

Ulc Technologies, LLC

Black Tank LLC

National Grid USA Service Co., Inc.

Robert E Kodadek, Iii

G Gregory Penza

Benjamin J Lagosz-Sinclair

Michael Passaretti

Eric S Feldman

David Antanavige

Ali Asmari

Xinghua Jia

Jamie Sternlicht

Douglas A Johnson

Hermann H Herrlich

Ray G Moore

John L Jayne

Michael W Johnson

Michael Hauser

Joseph M Vitelli, Jr

Ryan McGowan

Mike McGrade

Serafino Catapano

Griffin Reames

GGregory Penza

A system and method for pipeline data acquisition may include a software program that can autonomously review new and legacy videos collected by camera-equipped robotic systems from inside the pipelines, and automatically detect and categorize different features. Three-dimensional (3-D) point cloud may also be generated using software algorithms that stitch together like features in different video frames.

System and method for data acquisition

A system and method for controlling a lighting system may be integrated into a lighting fixture or into a stand-alone device. A plurality of inputs defining one or more lighting parameters may be received. The inputs may include input signals characterized by at least two different control protocols. The input signals may be combined into an output signal characterized by a single control protocol, and the output signal used to control the lighting system.

Lighting control system and method

A system and method for pipeline data acquisition may include a software program that can autonomously review new and legacy videos collected by camera-equipped robotic systems from inside the pipelines, and automatically detect and categorize different features. Three-dimensional (3-D) point clouds may also be generated using software algorithms that stitch together like features in different video frames.

A circuit breaker racking system and method may include a movable A-frame operable to attach to and release a circuit breaker, and move it forward and rearward along two space-apart arms. Rails associated with each of the arms may be movable upward and downward to lift and release the circuit breaker from a floor or platform. A drive screw assembly on the circuit breaker racking system may be actuated to pull a circuit breaker forward out of a cabinet or to push the circuit breaker back into the cabinet by engaging with a screw mounted to a wall of the cabinet. The circuit breaker racking system may be manually operated and moved about a control room, or may be remotely moved and actuated by an operator outside of the control room.

Circuit breaker racking system and method

An apparatus for detecting a cross-bore between a first pipe and a second pipe that are installed underground includes a support and an electronic circuit assembly. The support is movable through the first pipe. The electronic circuit assembly is mounted to the support to move through the first pipe with the support. The electronic circuit assembly includes a controller and a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor outputs a capacitance value based on an interaction of an electric field generated by the capacitance sensor with an environment of the first pipe. The capacitance sensor outputs to the controller a given capacitance value when the capacitance sensor is at a location where the environment of the first pipe is a cross-bore intersection with the second pipe. The controller generates an indicator indicative of a presence of a cross-bore upon the capacitance sensor outputting the given capacitance value.

System and method for detecting cross bores

A system and method for pipeline inspection may include a transport module having a sensor arrangement configured to carry one or more sensors, and it may be movable longitudinally through the pipeline and circumferentially around an interior of the pipeline. The sensor arrangement may include a sensor and a sensor cover selectively disposable over the sensor for isolating the sensor from contact with the inside surface of a wall of the pipeline. The sensor cover may include a cleaning arrangement disposed proximate the sensor for removing debris from the sensor.

System and method for pipeline inspection

A system and method for pipe insertion in live gas mains includes isolating a section of the gas main and taking measurements of service line connection points. This data is then used to prepare a pipe to be inserted into the gas main by drilling holes and applying fittings at the appropriate locations. The prepared pipe is then inserted into the gas main and the service lines are connected to it without the need to excavate the street over each service connection. The inserted pipe is then fluidly connected to the cut ends of the gas main and gas flow is routed through the newly inserted pipe and the attached service lines, while gas continues to flow through the original portions of the gas main that still remain in service.

System and method for pipe insertion in a pipeline

A launch system for a pressurized pipeline includes a housing attachable to the pipeline such that an inside of the housing is open to an interior of the pipeline and an outside of the housing is exposed to an ambient environment outside the pipeline. A first actuator arrangement is disposed on the outside of the housing, and a second actuator arrangement is disposed on the inside of the housing. A seal arrangement is disposed in the housing between the first actuator arrangement and the second actuator arrangement. Each of the first and second actuator arrangements is configured to receive a cable having a portion extending outside the housing, a portion extending through the seal arrangement, and a portion extending inside the housing. The actuator arrangements are independently operable to pull the cable relative to the seal arrangement for moving the cable into and out of the pipeline.

Launch system for a pressurized pipeline

A system and method for utility maintenance may include a robotic system having an articulating arm capable of utilizing a variety of tools and sensors for locating and accessing underground structures. The robotic system may be contained within a truck or other vehicle that provides access to the ground through the floor of the vehicle or truck bed. A curtain may be extended from a bottom of the vehicle to the ground to enclose a work site and inhibit visual and physical access to it.

System and method for utility maintenance

A system and method for pipeline maintenance may include a payload and a transport module having the payload attached thereto. The transport module may include a plurality of movable arms each having at least one respective wheel. At least some of the wheels may be drive wheels which are operable in a first orientation to drive the transport module linearly along a length of a pipeline, and are further operable in a second orientation to drive the transport module circumferentially around an inner surface of the pipeline. At least some of the arms are operable to move the payload in a generally radial direction toward and away from an interior surface of the pipeline.

System and method for pipeline maintenance

A gas flow test apparatus and method include a flow monitor that is selectively connectable to a gas pipeline. An air motor driven regenerative blower is used to increase the flow of gas through the around a blockage in the pipeline to simulate an increased gas loading condition on the intake side of the apparatus. The gas drawn from the intake side is not vented to the atmosphere, but rather, is discharged to the exhaust side of the apparatus back into the pipeline. Pipeline pressure is measured on the intake side of the apparatus to ensure that gas supply is adequate for blocking off the pipeline for maintenance.

Growing community of inventors

Long Beach, NY, United States of America

Robert E Kodadek, Iii