Abstract: Systems and techniques for customizing and installing a configuration of a user-reconfigurable metal detector. In embodiments, a user-reconfigurable metal detector system is configured to enable customization of a configuration for the user-reconfigurable metal detector and to enable installation of the customized configuration on the user-reconfigurable metal detector. In embodiments, users interact with an update system to customize the configuration of the user-reconfigurable metal detector, and to deploy or install the customized configuration onto the user-reconfigurable metal detector. In embodiments, a current configuration of the user-reconfigurable metal detector may be replaced with the new customized configuration.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for reconfiguring a metal detector. In embodiments, the metal detector includes a current product profile with a first set of features selected from a set of available features. The current product profile facilitates a first classification of metal detecting operations. In embodiments, a request to reconfigure the metal detector and modify the current product profile based on the request is received. The modification results in a modified product profile that facilitates a second classification of metal detecting operations of the metal detector. The reconfiguration of the metal detector is performed without replacing hardware components of the metal detector. The reconfiguration allows for the metal detector to be upgraded, downgraded, or modified to suit different user requirements or applications.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for managing reconfiguration of user-reconfigurable metal detectors. In embodiments, a set of available features associated with a user-reconfigurable metal detector is generated based on a set of capabilities associated with hardware components of the user-reconfigurable metal detector. A first set of features is selected from the set of available features to include in a first product profile configured to enable a first classification of metal detecting operations. A second set of features is selected to include in a second product profile configured to enable a second classification of metal detecting operations. The user-reconfigurable metal detector is configured with the first product profile. Upon receiving a request to reconfigure the user-reconfigurable metal detector, the first product profile is replaced with the second product profile.

Abstract: A ground search metal detector with a pivotally mounted search coil that locates a stem connector at either of a storage position or an operational position. The operational position locates the connector adjacent to the central portion of the search coil to facilitate useful operational characteristics, and the storage position locates the connector adjacent to the perimeter edge to facilitate compact storage of the metal detector by pivoting the stem to overlap the search coil.

Abstract: A ground search metal detector with a pivotally mounted search coil that locates a stem connector at either of a storage position or an operational position. The operational position locates the connector adjacent to the central portion of the search coil to facilitate useful operational characteristics, and the storage position locates the connector adjacent to the perimeter edge to facilitate compact storage of the metal detector by pivoting the stem to overlap the search coil.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed metal detector includes a plastic housing with an integrally formed diaphragm having a predetermined area and a thickness that enables vibration thereof by an internal acoustic transducer. An alert signal audibly drives the transducer in response to a metal detector circuit. The acoustic transducer is positioned to align the transducer output port adjacent to the interior surface of the diaphragm, which enables coupling of the acoustic signal through an air gap to vibrate the diaphragm. A cover is disposed about the diaphragm on the exterior of the housing. The cover has a vent formed therethrough for enabling passage of the acoustic energy to the exterior of the housing. Light and battery hermetic sealing are also presented.

Abstract: A hand-held metal detector and soil excavation device useful for locating and retrieving metallic objects concealed in soil or other materials. The device includes a housing with a hand-grip portion and an elongated probe portion. There is an excavation tool connected to the housing that is useful for moving soil to locate metallic objects that are sought. The device also includes a metal detector circuit located within the housing, that operates to generate an alert signal when the probe portion is moved into proximity of metallic objects.

Abstract: A metal detector has multiple transmit and receive coils for producing multiple detection fields. In one embodiment, a transmit coil is combined with two receive coils in a configuration that enables the detector to generate two detection fields, one being substantially narrower than the other. The transmit coil is inductively balanced with the receive coils such that the transmit coil induces minimum signals in each of the two receive coils. A metal target lying within a detection field changes the coupling between transit and receive coils and produces signals in the receive coils. The received signals are utilized to identify the target's presence within one or both of the detection fields. The use of two detection fields, substantially different in size, enables the metal detector to search over a broad area for object detection and then narrow the search to more precisely locate the detected object.