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).

  • Patent number: 9360588
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Vermeer Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Young, Kevin L. Alft
  • Publication number: 20150012215
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Gary Young, Kevin L. Alft
  • Patent number: 8775083
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
  • Publication number: 20130030704
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
  • Patent number: 8280634
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Underground Imaging Technologies
    Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
  • Publication number: 20110213585
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
  • Patent number: 7930103
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
  • Patent number: 7607494
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Gregory W. Draper, Hans Kelpe
  • Publication number: 20090024326
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
  • Patent number: 7400976
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
  • Patent number: 7143844
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Gregory W. Draper, Hans Kelpe
  • Patent number: 6975942
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
  • Patent number: 6929075
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Fred G. Delonti, Christopher Dean Rettig, Paul A. Cartwright
  • Publication number: 20040256159
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Brian J. Bischel, Gregg A. Austin, Hans Kelpe
  • Publication number: 20040243309
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Fred G. Delonti, Christopher Dean Rettig, Paul A. Cartwright
  • Publication number: 20040225444
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
  • Publication number: 20040190374
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Gregory W. Draper, Hans Kelpe
  • Patent number: 6755263
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Brian J. Bischel, Gregg A. Austin, Hans Kelpe
  • Patent number: 6751553
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
  • Patent number: 6749029
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alft, Fred G. Delonti, Christopher Dean Rettig, Paul A. Cartwright