Abstract: Obscured feature detectors are disclosed that have both the capability to sense the location of obscured structural features and the ability to warn a user of obscured live electrical wires in the vicinity. Apparatus, devices, and methods to detect a presence of hidden or obscured objects or features behind opaque, solid surfaces are disclosed. Beams, studs and columns behind walls and joists beneath floors can be located. Also, a presence of an electrical field strength associated with live wires behind walls and beneath floors can be detected. The location of obscured features and the electric field strength can be displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: Obscured feature detectors and methods of detecting obscured features are disclosed. An obscured feature detector can include a plurality of sensor plates and a common plate. The sensor plates may be arranged linearly to form a sensor array. The common plate may extend along the sensor array and have a length that is shortened. 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 can be selectively set to identify a location of an obscured feature behind a surface.

Abstract: Obscured feature detectors are disclosed. An obscured feature detector includes a sensor plate array including three or more sensor plates, each of the three or more sensor plates configured to form a first end of a corresponding electric field and to take a sensor reading of the corresponding electric field. The corresponding electric field varies based on a proximity of the sensor plate to one or more surrounding objects and on a material property of each of the one or more surrounding objects. The three or more sensor plates include a first sensor plate that has a first shape and a second sensor plate that has a second shape that is different from the first shape of the first sensor plate. The obscured feature detector also includes one or more common plates to form a second end of the corresponding electric field of the three or more sensor plates.

Abstract: An obscured feature detector can include a plurality of sensor plates and a common plate. The sensor plates may be arranged linearly to form a sensor array. The common plate may extend along the sensor array and have a length that is shortened. An end sensor plate at an end of the sensor array has a smaller area than a non-end sensor plate that is not at the end of the sensor array. A controller coupled to the sensing circuit can analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or more indicators are coupled to the controller, and each can be selectively set to identify a location of an obscured feature behind a surface, or otherwise indicate variances of capacitance measurements along the sensor array. Other disclosed obscured feature detectors include a plurality of sensor plates arranged radially around a center point.

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: 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: 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: 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 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.

Abstract: An obscured feature detector operates from a stationary position on a surface being examined. The detector includes a plurality of sensor plates positioned in an array on the underside of the device, which sense the examined surface. The sensor plates are connected to a capacitance sensing circuit, which connects to indicators positioned on the back side of the detector through additional circuitry. A handle positioned on the back of the detector allows the user to grasp the device and place it in a stationary position on the surface being examined while also observing the indicators on the back side of the detector. Increases in capacitance caused by the presence of features behind or within the surface being examined are detected by the sensor plates and the capacitance sensing circuit. The indicators identify locations of larger capacitances, associated with the presence of a feature, such as a stud, beam, or electrical wiring.