Abstract: A positioning device for capacitively detecting an object enclosed in a medium includes a measuring electrode, a receiving electrode, and a reference capacitance. The measuring electrode and the receiving electrode form a measuring capacitance that can be influenced by the object and the reference capacitance cannot be influenced by the object. The electrodes are disposed in a plane, and the device includes a spacer that is configured to keep the electrodes at a predetermined minimum distance from the surface of the medium. The predetermined minimum distance is different from zero.

Abstract: A positioning device for capacitively detecting an object enclosed in a medium includes a measuring electrode, a reference electrode, and a receiving electrode. The measuring electrode with the receiving electrode forms a measuring capacitance, which can be influenced by the object. The reference electrode with the receiving electrode forms a reference capacitance, which cannot be influenced by the object. The positioning device further includes an oscillator configured to supply the measuring capacitance and the reference capacitance with phase-shifted AC voltages and a control device configured to control amplitudes of at least one of the AC voltages, in order to adapt effects of electrical fields of the measuring electrode or of the reference electrode on the receiving electrode to one another. The measuring, reference, and receiving electrodes are planarly formed. The measuring electrode has a larger surface area than the reference electrode.

Abstract: A high speed controllable load uses a voltage waveform synthesizer and a driver circuit to dynamically control an electronically variable load to generate a current though an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) device under test. Sensors may be used to monitor a source voltage and the output current to generate an arbitrary waveform have a range of voltage and current phase shifts. An optical isolation circuit allows separation of grounds between a control stage and the AFCI device under test.

Abstract: An implementation of a system and method for a hand tool having a pivot grip is provided. The pivot grip provides an axis of rotation perpendicular to and centered with a pair of concave finger holds positioned at the grip. The hand tool includes a housing forming the pivot grip, a sensor (e.g., stud sensor, capacitive sensor, electromagnetic sensor, metallic sensor, RF sensor, and/or the like) and a power switch.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring subsurface electrical conductivity, using first and second sensor coils. The second sensor coil has a smaller effective area and a greater bandwidth than the first sensor coil. The first and second sensor coils are positioned with respect to each other to achieve zero or near zero mutual inductance.

Abstract: A metal detector has one or more feedback loops to control its repeating transmit signal cycle so that there is no reactive voltage drop across the transmit coil of the metal detector during at least one receive period of the metal detector.

Abstract: A marking device for a marking operation to mark a presence or an absence of one or more underground facilities is configured to access and display facilities map information, and/or other image information, as a visual aid to facilitate the marking operation. In various aspects, methods and apparatus relate to: selection of a “base” facilities map, or information from a database of facilities map data, relating to a given work site/dig area; selection of a pan and/or zoom (resolution) for displaying facilities map information; updating displayed facilities map information while a marking device is used during a marking operation (e.g. changing pan, zoom and/or orientation); overlaying on the displayed facilities map information marking information and/or landmark information relating to the marking operation; and storing locally on the marking device, and/or transmitting from the marking device, facilities map information and/or overlaid marking/landmark information (e.g.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for use with energy management systems that electric utilities use to manage power distribution networks. The methods can account for changes in phase value that dynamic cross-phasing causes in the power distribution network. In one embodiment, the methods facilitate computer-based modeling of the power distribution network to include such changes in phase value into a connectivity model, which provides a schematic representation of the power distribution network.

Abstract: A position-finding apparatus, particularly a handheld position-finding appliance, having a position-finding unit, is provided for the purpose of using a measurement signal to detect the presence of an article arranged in an examination object and which has a sensor unit, a computation unit, and a display unit. The computation unit associates differing sensor elements of the sensor unit with differing display points of the display unit in at least one dimension.

Abstract: A technique for indicating an input cable length includes measuring within a cable equalizer circuit a differential voltage that varies approximately linearly in proportion to cable length. The measured voltage is translated into a cable length measurement corresponding to the connected input cable. The translated input cable length measurements can be provided on a graphical user interface (GUI) in the form of a graphical representation and/or numerical value.

Abstract: Magnetic locators for detection of buried objects, such as ferromagnetic objects, are disclosed. Inputs provided from one or more magnetic sensors, such as three three-axis magnetic sensors, as well as from other sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopic sensors, may be used to determine magnetic field distortion indicative of ferromagnetic objects and provide output information corresponding to the detected object.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting metal disturbance during a medical procedure includes a probe having an insertion tube, a joint, and a joint sensor for sensing a position of the insertion tube. The joint sensor comprises first and second subassemblies having coils. A processor is used for measuring force using the joint sensor, and having a pre-established baseline value stored therein. The processor detects changes in a position of the insertion tube by applying current to one coil and measures a signal output by a remainder of the other coils. The signal output by a remainder of the coils defines a pickup value, wherein the processor compares the pickup value to the pre-established baseline value and identifies presence of metal when the pickup value is outside of a range of the pre-established baseline value.

Abstract: In connection with a locate operation to detect a presence or absence of an underground facility, a magnetic field from an underground facility is detected, and one or more signals also are obtained that are indicative of one or more environmental conditions in an environment in which the underground facility is detected. The signal(s) indicative of the environmental condition(s) are compared to a target value or range of values to determine if an out-of-tolerance condition exists.

Abstract: A circuit having a first, second, and third capacitor. Capacitor plates of the capacitors are connected to a first circuit node. The circuit supplies a first time-dependent voltage to the first capacitor, a second time-dependent voltage to the second capacitor, and a third time-dependent voltage to the third capacitor. The first and second voltages are clocked in antiphase. The second and third voltages are clocked in phase. The circuit has an amplifier, a synchronous demodulator, and a comparator. Inputs of the amplifier are connected to the first circuit node and ground. The synchronous demodulator alternately applies an output signal of the amplifier to inputs of the comparator, synchronously with the clock frequency of the first voltage. The circuit generates a control value dependent on an output of the comparator. The circuit changes amplitudes of the first and third voltage and/or the second voltage dependent on the control value.

Abstract: A method for operating a metal detection apparatus that comprises a transmitter unit with a drive circuit that alternately applies two different drive voltages via a first set of two drive switches to a first tail and via a second set of two drive switches to a second tail of a transmitter coil that is coupled to a receiver coil, which is connected to the input of a receiver unit. A system adapted to operate according to an exemplary method is also provided. In one embodiment, at least a first waveform is generated for controlling the first set of drive switches and at least a second waveform is generated for controlling the second set of drive switches, wherein the first and second waveforms that correspond to a selected operating frequency are shifted relative to one another in order to allow a desired drive current to flow through the transmitter coil.

Abstract: An article, system and method related to a magnetomechanical marker used to mark stationary assets. Magnetomechanical markers can be arranged in clusters and associated with stationary assets, including assets buried underground. Markers can be associated with an asset by being attached to the asset, arranged in a particular spatial relationship with the asset, or in any other appropriate way. A portable locating device can be used to generate an alternating magnetic field to activate the magnetomechanical marker and thus locate the asset.

Abstract: A locator for locating a concealed conductor carrying an alternating current having at least first and second frequencies, the alternating current produced by at least one dedicated signal generator. The locator includes at least one magnetic field sensor operable to convert electromagnetic radiation from the conductor into a field strength signal; a digital analog converter configured to generate a digitized signal dependent upon the field strength signals from the magnetic field sensor; a digital signal processor configured to isolate components of the digitized signal resulting from the first frequency and the second frequency; and process the isolated components to generate one or more signals indicative of the proximity of the conductor to the detector; and an output configured to generate an audio and/or visual indication of the proximity of the conductor, wherein the isolated signal components resulting from the first frequency signal and the second frequency signal are contemporaneously processed.

Abstract: A locating appliance for a capacitive detection of an object encloses in a medium. The locating appliance comprises a measurement electrode such that a first alternating current flows from the measurement electrode into the medium. The locating appliance further comprises a reception electrode where the measurement electrode forms a measurement capacitance with the reception electrode, where the measurement capacitance is based at least in part on the object. The locating appliance further comprises a reference electrode such that the reference electrode forms a reference capacitance with the reception electrode, where the reference capacitance is not based on the object. The locating appliance further comprises a first opposing electrode that is configured to introduce a first alternating current in the medium. The absolute value of the second alternating current corresponds to an absolute value of the first alternating current and is in antiphase with the second alternating current.

Abstract: An electrically identifiable medical electrode lead. The lead includes a flexible lead body having a distal end and a connector end. The lead also includes a plurality of electrodes disposed near the distal end of the flexible lead body. The lead further includes a connector disposed at the connector end of the flexible lead body, the connector including a plurality of contacts. The lead additionally includes a plurality of conductors supported by and passing through the flexible lead body, the plurality of conductors including electrical conductors that provide paths for electrical current from the connector to the plurality of electrodes. Finally, the lead includes a memory circuit supported by the flexible lead body and being in electrical communication with a contact of the plurality of contacts in the connector.

Abstract: A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates 32 to measure the capacitances of the sensor plates. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and are selectively activated to identify the location of an obscured feature behind a surface.

Abstract: A constant current is provided to an energizing coil in a magnetic detector by charging a capacitor through a resistor from a high voltage source. Discharging of the capacitor into the energizing coil quickly increases current in the energizing coil. After the capacitor is switched off, a low voltage source maintains current constant in the energizing coil. The coil discharges its energy as a negative voltage to the capacitor. A high negative voltage source tops off the capacitor. After a delay, the capacitor discharges a negative current into the energizing coil. A negative low voltage source maintains the negative current. The negative voltage source is disconnected, and the coil discharges positive voltage into the capacitor. The high voltage source tops off the capacitor with positive voltage to repeat the cycle.

Abstract: A buried utility locator uses the “gradient method” to determine the depth of a buried, current-carrying utility. The method and corresponding apparatus used in said locator, to minimize field gradient measurement errors, includes first and second antennas. Both the first and second antennas are mounted along a common vertical axis inside the locator's housing. The first antenna is a gradiometer formed by two vertically spaced-apart magnetic field sensors connected in a differential configuration. The second antenna provides a secondary field measurement along the direction of the gradient sensor axes.

Abstract: A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates 32 to measure the capacitances of the sensor plates. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and are selectively activated to identify the location of an obscured feature behind a surface.

Abstract: A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates 32 to measure the capacitances of the sensor plates. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and are selectively activated to identify the location of an obscured feature behind a surface.

Abstract: Electromagnetic proximity detection method for a buried structure executed with a mobile detection device, including sensing an electromagnetic field emitted from the structure as an analog electrical signal and digitalizing the analog electrical signal as a digital signal, performed after or while filtering the analog and/or digital signal. The proximity of the buried structure is determined by analyzing the digital signal, wherein the detection method can be alternatively executed in at least two of the following modes of detection: Power-Mode of detection, Radio-Mode of detection or Active-Mode of detection. An additional Switching-Mode of operation includes a repeated sequential detection in at least two of the mentioned modes of detection and is done by automatic subsequent alternating of the mode of detection with a minimum rate of alternation that an area of detection is coverable by the at least two modes of detection in a single execution of the detection method.

Abstract: A stud finder in one embodiment includes a first surface configured to be positioned adjacent to an object, a second surface generally opposite the first surface, an orifice opening to the first surface and to the second surface, a stud sensor configured to sense a structure through the object, and a vacuum source configured to draw a first vacuum in the orifice.

Abstract: An electronic device for detecting an object beneath a wall section of interest has an elongate rectangular base for temporarily mounting to the wall section of interest and for carrying a display panel to display a persistent image of the object. The device can be a two-part device comprising a first part comprising a light projector and a second part comprising a sensor. The device can also be a single part device where the display and the sensor are incorporated into a single body.

Abstract: A locator for determining the location and/or orientation of a concealed conductor, comprising a reference field detector operable to detect an alternating magnetic field along a reference axis; a first field detector operable to detect an alternating magnetic field along a first axis; and a processor operable to calculate an in-phase component of a signal detected by the first field detector, the in-phase component being in phase with a signal detected at the reference field detector and to calculate a signal indicative of a position of the concealed conductor relative to the locator using at least the in-phase component.

Abstract: A device, system and method of locating a target pipe in a pipe system utilizes an electric signal transmitter and an electrical signal detector. A pipe locator signal conductor comprises a spool and a flexible insulated electrical conductor wound around the spool. The exposed end of the conductor is fixed near an entry point in the pipe system, and the spool is fed into the pipe system such that the conductor pays off of the spool and extends at least partially through the target pipe. The signal transmitter is coupled to the exposed end of the conductor, transmitting a signal through the conductor and allowing the pipe to be located by the signal detector.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for localizing objects enclosed in a medium in which a measurement signal correlated to the enclosed object is generated and is used to produce a signal for transmission to a user. The signal allows at least a distinction between a first state “Object detected” and at least one second state “no object detected.” The disclosure proposes that a third state “Object close by” be provided. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a measuring device, particularly a hand-held locating device, for carrying out the method according to the disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detection circuit for detecting that a power supply unit is connected to a wrong supply voltage. Said detection circuit comprises a first voltage divider (24, 26, 28) connected to the output terminals (20, 50) of a rectifier (16) of the power supply unit, a second voltage divider (26, 32) connected to a first power input terminal (10) of the power supply unit and to one of the output terminals (20, 50) of the rectifier (16), and a circuit breaker (14) connected to the first power input terminal (10) of the power supply unit and to an input terminal of the rectifier (16), wherein at least one partial voltage of each voltage divider (24, 26, 28; 26, 32) is used a signal (22, 46) for identifying the wrong supply voltage. The invention relates further to a method for detecting that a power supply unit is connected to a wrong supply voltage.

Abstract: A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates 32 to measure the capacitances of the sensor plates. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and are selectively activated to identify the location of an obscured feature behind a surface.

Abstract: A self-calibrating magnetic field monitor is disclosed. In one embodiment, a magnetic field sensor repeatedly generates an electronic signal related to the magnetic field. In addition, a calibration module generates a relative baseline signal based on an average value of the electronic signals for a given time period. A comparator compares the electronic signal with the relative baseline signal and generating an output signal if a difference in the comparing is greater than or equal to a threshold.

Abstract: A method is described for use in a region which contains at least first and second in-ground cables, each of which cables includes an electrically conductive component such that, when the first cable is driven at a locating signal frequency to emit a locating signal in an electromagnetic form, the locating signal can be coupled to the second cable in a way which causes the second cable to generate a false locating signal in electromagnetic form. The locating signal is received along with the false locating signal as well as receiving a reference signal which contains the locating signal frequency impressed thereon. The locating signal is distinguished from the false locating signal based on the locating signal frequency as contained by the reference signal.

Abstract: An implementation of a system and method for a hand tool having a pivot grip is provided. The pivot grip provides an axis of rotation perpendicular to and centered with a pair of concave finger holds positioned at the grip. The hand tool includes a housing forming the pivot grip, a sensor (e.g., stud sensor, capacitive sensor, electromagnetic sensor, metallic sensor, RF sensor, and/or the like) and a power switch.

Abstract: A portable locator and method for establishing the location of the cable line in a region which includes at least one generally straight electrically conductive cable line extending across the region from which cable line a locating signal includes a first arrangement for measuring a local flux intensity of the locating signal at a first above ground point within the region with the portable locator in a particular orientation at the first above ground point. A second arrangement uses the local flux intensity to establish a cable line angular orientation which limits the possible directions to the cable line relative to the particular orientation of the portable locator at the above ground point. A third arrangement uses the measured local flux intensity to establish an actual direction of the cable line that is selected from the possible directions based on certain characteristics of the locating signal.

Abstract: An arrangement and an associated method are described in which a boring tool is moved through the ground within a given region along a path in which region a cable is buried. The boring tool and the cable transmit a boring tool locating signal and a cable locating signal, respectively. Intensities of the boring tool locating signal and the cable locating signal are measured along with a pitch orientation of the boring tool. Using the measured intensities and established pitch orientation, a positional relationship is determined to relative scale including at least the boring tool and the cable in the region. The positional relationship is displayed to scale in one view. The positional relationship may be determined and displayed including the forward locate point in scaled relation to the boring tool and the cable. Cable depth determination techniques are described including a two-point ground depth determination method.

Abstract: A locator for locating a concealed conductor comprises a first field detector operable to detect an alternating magnetic field along a first axis parallel to a primary axis of the locator; a second field detector, displaced from the first field detector and operable to detect an alternating magnetic field along a second axis parallel to the primary axis of the locator; and a processor operable to calculate a difference between a field detected by the first detector and a field detected by the second detector, and to calculate an indication of the lateral displacement of the concealed conductor from the primary axis of the locator using the difference.

Abstract: A device, system and method of locating a target pipe in a pipe system utilizes an electric signal transmitter and an electrical signal detector. A pipe locator signal conductor comprises a spool and a flexible insulated electrical conductor wound around the spool. The exposed end of the conductor is fixed near an entry point in the pipe system, and the spool is fed into the pipe system such that the conductor pays off of the spool and extends at least partially through the target pipe. The signal transmitter is coupled to the exposed end of the conductor, transmitting a signal through the conductor and allowing the pipe to be located by the signal detector.

Abstract: A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates 32 to measure the capacitances of the sensor plates. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and are selectively activated to identify the location of an obscured feature behind a surface.

Abstract: A steering tool is movable by a drill string to form an underground bore along an intended path. A sensing arrangement of the steering tool detects its pitch and yaw orientations at a series of spaced apart positions along the bore, each position is characterized by a measured extension of the drill string. The steering tool further includes a receiver. At least one marker is positioned proximate to the intended path, for transmitting a rotating dipole field to expose a portion of the intended path to the field for reception by the receiver. The detected pitch orientation, the detected yaw orientation and the measured extension of the drill string are used in conjunction with magnetic information from the receiver to locate the steering tool. The steering tool may automatically use the magnetic information when it is available. A customized overall position determination accuracy can be provided along the intended path.

Abstract: A handheld device providing an internal view through an obscuring wall or other obscuring surfaces of hidden structural or facilities elements (such as wooden studs, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC), or the absence thereof. A continuous and homogeneous luminescent gas or other visual display material whose optical characteristics change as a result of the applied electric field is used both to simultaneously detect capacitance changes associated with hidden objects and to display those detected those objects. Different types of chambers are disclosed for the gas as well as means to prevent fringing effects. The gas is held just at its ionization level at which point it becomes optically visible. Circuitry is disclosed for controlling the energy source based on current draw or light output of the gas and feedback circuitry is disclosed to neutralize the effects of ambient light. Also disclosed is a device and method for the detection and mapping of electric fields.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for determining the electrical connections of a plurality of nodes. The nodes may include an electrical power distribution system including a plurality of nodes, connected to the power distribution system. At least two of the nodes include node electronics, at least one of the nodes is configured to be operatively coupled to an external power drawing load, and at least one of the nodes upstream from the node configured to be operatively coupled to the external power drawing load is configured to detect power drawn by the external power drawing load. The at least one upstream node is configured to send a node electrical signals using the node electronics indicating that the drawn power was detected. The system is configured to identify the wiring configuration of the plurality of nodes relative to each other based on the node electrical signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for identifying a cable path may be provided. The system may include a cable set operable to transmit data, the cable set comprising power delivery wires designed to transmit electrical power. The cable set may also comprise two adapters proximate respective ends of the cable set, the first adapter operable to be coupled to a signal generator operable to transmit electrical power across the power delivery wires. In some embodiments, the cable set may further comprise a circuit coupled to the power delivery wires of the cable set, the circuit operable to receive electrical power from the signal generator and allow at least a portion of the electrical power to continue across the power delivery wires. The cable set may further comprise an indicator coupled to the circuit and operable to emit light when electrical power from the circuit is received at the indicator.

Abstract: An arc fault circuit interrupter test circuit is disclosed. The test circuit incorporates a controller along with at least one power transistor, a current sense circuit and a voltage sense circuit. When the power transistor is operated, the current flowing through the transistor is sensed, and if the current is not at least equal to a threshold value, the voltage at which the power transistor is operated is increased.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for facilitating a marking operation to indicate a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility. Marking information, including one or both of environmental information representative of at least one environmental condition of an environment in which the marking operation is located, and operating information representative of at least one operating condition of a marking device used to perform the marking operation, is received and compared to a target value or a range of values to determine if an out-of-tolerance condition exists.

Abstract: An implementation of a system and method for a hand tool having a pivot grip is provided. The pivot grip provides an axis of rotation perpendicular and centered with a pair of concave finger holds positioned at the grip. The hand tool includes a housing forming the pivot grip, a sensor (e.g., stud sensor, capacitive sensor, electromagnetic sensor, metallic sensor, RF sensor, and/or the like) and a power switch.

Abstract: A template set for position of electrical boxes that is a two piece tool system comprising of 1) Template A 2) Template B Template A is used to mark the wall studs at specific elevations for the setting of the electrical boxes, either for outlets or light switches. Template B is then used to mark the sheetrock for the holes for the electrical boxes and switches. The result is a near perfect fit of the sheetrock over the electrical boxes every time.

Abstract: An electrical circuit identification means is revealed. The electrical circuit identification device includes a signal generator connected directly to an AC power socket and a signal receiver set in a power control panel. The signal generator blocks a half cycle of sine waves and produces a short off-and-off signal at an interval. The signal receiver includes a signal sensor receiving signals from the signal generator and connected to both a control voltage divider and a signal strength switch for modulating and amplifying signals received by the control voltage divider, and a signal integration module that is connected to the signal strength switch and a microcontroller for outputting digital signals with different waveform. An identification system in the microcontroller cross checks the digital signals and the identification accuracy is determined according to the position of a light lit up in an indicator light module.

Abstract: A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates flexibly connected together, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates to measure the capacitances of the sensor plates. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and are selectively activated to identify the location of a relative high capacitance, which can be indicative of an obscured feature behind a surface.