Abstract: A mobile detection device evaluating a depth of an occluded underground elongate utility line. The device comprises at least a first and a second detector unit, each comprising at least a detection loop and corresponding transmitting loop arranged close together. The device also comprises at least one excitation coil for emitting an alternating electromagnetic excitation field with its emission direction substantially in line with the sensitivity direction of the detection loop. The device has an electronic signal evaluation unit for detecting the utility line according to an electrical signal induced in the detection loops and evaluating the depth according to a difference of the electrical signal in-between the detection loops. There is a compensation unit built to apply an electrical signal to the transmitting loops for establishing a compensation field, which nullifies influences of direct coupling residuals of the excitation field at the detection loops.

Abstract: A mobile detection device for an evaluation of a location information of one or more occluded utility lines. The device comprises at least two magnetic detector units with detection coils for an alternating magnetic field. An electronic signal evaluation unit derives the location information of the utility line according to a difference in the electrical signals from the detector units. A spectral analyzing unit derives a spectral signature of a detected signal and a data link is established to a server, at which an identification of a type or class of one or more utility lines is derived by comparing the spectral signature to a database of signatures of known utility lines. A resulting utility line identification information is provided to the detection device. A visualisation unit of the device charting the one or more utility lines with the utility line location information and providing the utility line identification information.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a mobile detection device embodied as a bucket of an earth moving machine for an evaluation of a distance value and/or proximity from the bucket to an occluded AC-current carrying structure according to the magnetic field emanated from the structures AC-current. There is at least one detection coil, comprising at least one winding of an electrically conductive material, which is connected to a first amplification stage, with an amplifier circuit embodied as a current sensing amplifier, which are both are sealed within a common enclosure that is located at the bucket. An output of the amplifier circuit is configured to be linked to an electronic signal evaluation unit for detecting the occluded structure according to an electrical signal induced in the detection coil by the magnetic field.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a mobile detection device for an evaluation of a distance value from the mobile detection device to an occluded AC-current carrying structure according to its emanated magnetic field, like a location of underground services. The mobile detection device may include multiple detection coils arranged with a spacing with respect to one another and an electronic signal evaluation unit for detecting the structure according to an electrical signal induced in the detection coils by the magnetic field and to evaluate the distance value according to a difference of the electrical signal in-between at least two of the detection coils.

Abstract: A mobile detection device for an evaluation of a location information of one or more occluded utility lines. The device comprises at least two magnetic detector units with detection coils for an alternating magnetic field. An electronic signal evaluation unit derives the location information of the utility line according to a difference in the electrical signals from the detector units. A spectral analyzing unit derives a spectral signature of a detected signal and a data link is established to a server, at which an identification of a type or class of one or more utility lines is derived by comparing the spectral signature to a database of signatures of known utility lines. A resulting utility line identification information is provided to the detection device. A visualisation unit of the device charting the one or more utility lines with the utility line location information and providing the utility line identification information.

Abstract: A mobile detection device evaluating a depth of an occluded underground elongate utility line. The device comprises at least a first and a second detector unit, each comprising at least a detection loop and corresponding transmitting loop arranged close together. The device also comprises at least one excitation coil for emitting an alternating electromagnetic excitation field with its emission direction substantially in line with the sensitivity direction of the detection loop. The device has an electronic signal evaluation unit for detecting the utility line according to an electrical signal induced in the detection loops and evaluating the depth according to a difference of the electrical signal in-between the detection loops. There is a compensation unit built to apply an electrical signal to the transmitting loops for establishing a compensation field, which nullifies influences of direct coupling residuals of the excitation field at the detection loops.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting buried services by electromagnetic means with introducing an artificially generated electrical detection signal indirectly via soil to the buried service, detecting an electromagnetic field originating from the introduced underground detection signal, which is preferably following along the buried services, by a mobile detection unit above ground, and determining the proximity of the structure to the detection unit according to the detected electromagnetic field of the detection signal. Therein, the soil conducted detection signal is supplied via a mains socket.

Abstract: The invention concerns a proximity detection of buried conductive structures before or while digging in areas being excavated. By means of the enclosed methods, devices, and setups, the ability and accuracy of the detection of underground structures, such as conduits, pipes, etc. is improved by conductively applying a current into the structure through the soil. The thereby emitted electromagnetic field is detected by a movable detection-unit over ground. According to this electromagnetic field the detection-unit can determine the proximity of the structure and issue a warning signal. This warning signal helps an operator of an earth moving machine to avoid a collision with the structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a proximity detection of buried conductive structures before or while digging in areas being excavated. By means of the enclosed methods, devices, and setups, the ability and accuracy of the detection of underground structures, such as conduits, pipes, etc. is improved by conductively applying a current into the structure through the soil. The thereby emitted electromagnetic field is detected by a movable detection- unit over ground. According to this electromagnetic field the detection-unit can determine the proximity of the structure and issue a warning signal. This warning signal helps an operator of an earth moving machine to avoid a collision with the structure.