Patents Assigned to Franklin Sensors, Inc.
  • Patent number: 12174333
    Abstract: Method, techniques, and apparatus of providing obscured feature detection. The disclosed embodiments provide an obscured feature detector to be placed on a surface to detect an obscured feature obscured by the surface, the obscured feature detector having a plurality of sensor plates arranged in an array. Measurements, via a sensing circuit, of capacitance readings sensed by the sensor plates in a plurality of regions are taken, each region corresponding to an area surrounding one or more of the at least three sensor plates. A comparison is made of the sensed capacitance readings in different regions using a controller coupled to the sensing circuit. The controller identifies an edge of the obscured feature and a centerline of the obscured feature, based on the comparison of the sensed capacitance readings. The controller activates an edge indicator to indicate proximity to the edge of the obscured feature and a centerline indicator to indicate the centerline of the obscured feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Dorrough, Natalie A. Boehm, Jay R. Paxman, Daniel S. Toborg
  • Patent number: 12117319
    Abstract: Systems are described for variably displaying at a display of an obscured feature detector a variable output responsive to signal strength at one or more sensor elements of the obscured feature detector. The variable output may vary by one or more of luminance, color, size, shape, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors Inc.
    Inventors: Natalie A. Boehm, David M. Dorrough, Jay R. Paxman, Daniel S. Toborg
  • Patent number: 12092785
    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. An interleaving component, such as a MUX, can interleave the sensing of obscured features and the sensing of live wires. The interleaving component is configured to alternately couple the electrical wire sensing element to the electrical wire sensing circuitry or to the common plate separately. Coupling the live wire sensing element to the electrical wire sensing circuitry can allow sensing of a live electrical wire and coupling the live wire sensing element to a known reference signal can allow sensing of obscured features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Dorrough, Jay R. Paxman, Daniel S. Toborg, Natalie A. Boehm
  • Publication number: 20240230740
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2024
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Applicant: Franklin Sensors Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Dorrough
  • Patent number: 11921143
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Dorrough
  • Patent number: 10895657
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Dorrough, Daniel Scott Toborg
  • Patent number: 10663613
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Dorrough, Daniel Scott Toborg, Dylan Thomas Smith
  • Patent number: 10613243
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Dorrough, Daniel Scott Toborg
  • Patent number: 9228969
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Dorrough
  • Publication number: 20150015278
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: FRANKLIN SENSORS INC.
    Inventor: David M. Dorrough
  • Patent number: 8884633
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Dorrough
  • Patent number: 8836347
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Dorrough
  • Patent number: 8791708
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Dorrough
  • Patent number: 8736283
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Dorrough
  • Patent number: 8669772
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Dorrough
  • Patent number: 8593163
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Dorrough
  • Patent number: 8476912
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors, Inc.
    Inventor: David Dorrough