Patents by Inventor Kevin L. Alft
Kevin L. Alft has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9360588Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Vermeer CorporationInventors: Gary Young, Kevin L. Alft
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Publication number: 20150012215Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Gary Young, Kevin L. Alft
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Patent number: 8775083Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
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Publication number: 20130030704Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
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Patent number: 8280634Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Underground Imaging TechnologiesInventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
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Publication number: 20110213585Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
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Patent number: 7930103Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
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Patent number: 7607494Abstract: An earth penetrating apparatus includes a cutting tool and a sensor housing. A radar unit, rate sensor unit, processor, and transmitter are provided in the sensor housing. An antenna arrangement is coupled to the radar unit and configured for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals in a relatively forward and/or lateral looking direction relative to a distal end of the cutting tool. The rate sensor unit may include one or both of a gyroscope and an accelerometer. The processor receives radar data from the radar unit indicative of subsurface strata and obstacles respectively located generally forward and/or lateral of the cutting tool, and receives displacement data from the rate sensor unit indicative of one or both of longitudinal and rotational displacement of the cutting tool. The transmitter is configured for transmitting one or both of the radar data and the displacement data to an aboveground location.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kevin L. Alft, Gregory W. Draper, Hans Kelpe
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Publication number: 20090024326Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
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Patent number: 7400976Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
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Patent number: 7143844Abstract: An earth penetrating apparatus includes a cutting tool and a sensor housing. A radar unit, rate sensor unit, processor, and transmitter are provided in the sensor housing. An antenna arrangement is coupled to the radar unit and configured for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals in a relatively forward and/or lateral looking direction relative to a distal end of the cutting tool. The rate sensor unit may include one or both of a gyroscope and an accelerometer. The processor receives radar data from the radar unit indicative of subsurface strata and obstacles respectively located generally forward and/or lateral of the cutting tool, and receives displacement data from the rate sensor unit indicative of one or both of longitudinal and rotational displacement of the cutting tool. The transmitter is configured for transmitting one or both of the radar data and the displacement data to an aboveground location.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kevin L. Alft, Gregory W. Draper, Hans Kelpe
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Patent number: 6975942Abstract: Systems and methods provide for detection of one or more underground utilities. Radar waves and seismic waves of about the same wavelength are generated and communicated into a subsurface. Radar and seismic response signals resulting from communication of the radar and seismic waves into the subsurface are concurrently received. Data associated with the received radar and seismic response signals are stored. One or more underground utilities within the subsurface is/are detected using the stored data. The underground utilities may include metallic and non-metallic utilities.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
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Patent number: 6929075Abstract: Systems provide for electronic development of a bore plan for use in connection with an underground boring machine. Electronically developing a bore plan involves providing topographical information representative of topography of the bore site and providing bore path information representative of an intended bore path for the bore site. The bore path information includes at least two target points through which the intended bore path is to pass. The intended bore path can define a pilot bore path or a backream path. The target points comprise an entry point and an exit point, and each of the target points is defined by at least a distance value, lateral value, and a depth value.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kevin L. Alft, Fred G. Delonti, Christopher Dean Rettig, Paul A. Cartwright
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Publication number: 20040256159Abstract: Devices for sensing at an underground drilling device in communication with an above-ground locator involve transmitting a radar probe signal from the underground drilling device. A radar return signal is received at the underground drilling device. The radar return signal is processed at the underground drilling device to produce sensor data. The sensor data is transmitted in a form suitable for reception by the above-ground locator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kevin L. Alft, Brian J. Bischel, Gregg A. Austin, Hans Kelpe
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Publication number: 20040243309Abstract: Systems provide for electronic development of a bore plan for use in connection with an underground boring machine. Electronically developing a bore plan involves providing topographical information representative of topography of the bore site and providing bore path information representative of an intended bore path for the bore site. The bore path information includes at least two target points through which the intended bore path is to pass. The intended bore path can define a pilot bore path or a backream path. The target points comprise an entry point and an exit point, and each of the target points is defined by at least a distance value, lateral value, and a depth value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kevin L. Alft, Fred G. Delonti, Christopher Dean Rettig, Paul A. Cartwright
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Publication number: 20040225444Abstract: Systems and methods provide for detection of one or more underground utilities. Radar waves and seismic waves of about the same wavelength are generated and communicated into a subsurface. Radar and seismic response signals resulting from communication of the radar and seismic waves into the subsurface are concurrently received. Data associated with the received radar and seismic response signals are stored. One or more underground utilities within the subsurface is/are detected using the stored data. The underground utilities may include metallic and non-metallic utilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
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Publication number: 20040190374Abstract: An earth penetrating apparatus includes a cutting tool and a sensor housing. A radar unit, rate sensor unit, processor, and transmitter are provided in the sensor housing. An antenna arrangement is coupled to the radar unit and configured for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals in a relatively forward and/or lateral looking direction relative to a distal end of the cutting tool. The rate sensor unit may include one or both of a gyroscope and an accelerometer. The processor receives radar data from the radar unit indicative of subsurface strata and obstacles respectively located generally forward and/or lateral of the cutting tool, and receives displacement data from the rate sensor unit indicative of one or both of longitudinal and rotational displacement of the cutting tool. The transmitter is configured for transmitting one or both of the radar data and the displacement data to an aboveground location.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kevin L. Alft, Gregory W. Draper, Hans Kelpe
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Patent number: 6755263Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing at an underground drilling device in communication with an above-ground locator involve transmitting a radar probe signal from the underground drilling device. A radar return signal is received at the underground drilling device. The radar return signal is processed at the underground drilling device to produce sensor data. The sensor data is transmitted in a form suitable for reception by the above-ground locator.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kevin L. Alft, Brian J. Bischel, Gregg A. Austin, Hans Kelpe
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Patent number: 6751553Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
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Patent number: 6749029Abstract: A system and method provide for electronic development of a bore plan for use in connection with an underground boring machine. Electronically developing a bore plan involves providing topographical information representative of topography of the bore site and providing bore path information representative of an intended bore path for the bore site. The bore path information includes at least two target points through which the intended bore path is to pass. The intended bore path can define a pilot bore path or a backream path. The target points comprise an entry point and an exit point, and each of the target points is defined by at least a distance value, lateral value, and a depth value.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kevin L. Alft, Fred G. Delonti, Christopher Dean Rettig, Paul A. Cartwright