Patents by Inventor Simon Branson

Simon Branson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10788599
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: CABLE DETECTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Simon Branson
  • Patent number: 10712467
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: CABLE DETECTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Anshul Vohra, Terence Morley, Simon Branson
  • Patent number: 10209385
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: CABLE DETECTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Simon Branson
  • Patent number: 10151850
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: CABLE DETECTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Simon Branson
  • Publication number: 20180172866
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: CABLE DETECTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Anshul VOHRA, Terence MORLEY, Simon BRANSON
  • Publication number: 20180172868
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: CABLE DETECTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Simon BRANSON
  • Patent number: 9594183
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignees: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG, CABLE DETECTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Simon Branson
  • Publication number: 20160109608
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventor: Simon BRANSON
  • Publication number: 20160097874
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a mobile detection device for an evaluation of a distance value from the device to an occluded AC-current carrying structure according to its emanated magnetic field, like a location of underground services. The 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventor: Simon BRANSON
  • Publication number: 20150077121
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method, device and system 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Simon Branson
  • Patent number: 8791701
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Simon Branson, Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 8766639
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: Leica Geosystems AG, Cable Detection Limited
    Inventors: Simon Branson, Andrew Allen
  • Publication number: 20130002256
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Simon Branson, Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 8183867
    Abstract: The invention relates to a localization system for localizing an underground object for an earthmoving machine comprising a working part. The localization system comprises a fastening component and a detector component. The fastening component can be arranged on the working part for example by means of magnets. The detector component is adapted to detect the object using an electromagnetic field that can be associated with the object and is arranged on the fastening component so as to swing like a pendulum, thereby effecting an alignment of the detector component under the effect of gravity. Optionally, the localization system comprises an arithmetic component for deriving a distance information of the object from the detected value. The localization system also comprises a display component for displaying and/or forwarding the detected value and/or the distance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Richard Fling, Simon Branson
  • Patent number: 8164338
    Abstract: The invention relates to a localization system for localizing an underground object for an Earthmoving machine comprising a working part. Said localization system comprises a fastening component and a detector component. The fastening component can be arranged on the working part for example by means of magnets. The detector component is adapted to detect the object using an electromagnetic field that can be associated with the object and is arranged on the fastening component so as to swing like a pendulum, thereby effecting an alignment of the detector component under the effect of gravity. Optionally, the localization system comprises an arithmetic component for deriving a distance information of the object from the detected value. The localization system also comprises a display component for displaying and/or forwarding the detected value and/or the distance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Richard Fling, Simon Branson
  • Publication number: 20120074945
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicants: Cable Detection Limited, Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Simon Branson, Andrew Allan
  • Patent number: 7876090
    Abstract: A calibration apparatus for a hand-held locating device (7) has at least one first coil configuration (1a) having a first measuring range (2?) and a second coil configuration (1a?) having a second measuring range (2a?), in which measuring ranges (2a, 2a?) homogeneous alternating magnetic fields can be generated in a specifiable ratio with respect to the strength of the magnetic fields. The coil configurations (1a, 1a?) are arranged a specifiable distance apart so that the magnetic fields can be detected simultaneously by means of at least two aerials of the locating device (7) which are arranged at a fixed distance. The specifiable ratios define true distance parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventor: Simon Branson
  • Publication number: 20100207633
    Abstract: The invention relates to a localization system for localizing an underground object for an earthmoving machine comprising a working part. Said localization system comprises a fastening component and a detector component. The fastening component can be arranged on the working part for example by means of magnets. The detector component is adapted to detect the object using an electromagnetic field that can be associated with the object and is arranged on the fastening component so as to swing like a pendulum, thereby effecting an alignment of the detector component under the effect of gravity. Optionally, the localization system comprises an arithmetic component for deriving a distance information of the object from the detected value. The localization system also comprises a display component for displaying and/or forwarding the detected value and/or the distance information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Richard Fling, Simon Branson
  • Publication number: 20100052684
    Abstract: The invention relates to a localization system for localizing an underground object for an earthmoving machine comprising a working part. Said localization system comprises a fastening component and a detector component. The fastening component can be arranged on the working part for example by means of magnets. The detector component is adapted to detect the object using an electromagnetic field that can be associated with the object and is arranged on the fastening component so as to swing like a pendulum, thereby effecting an alignment of the detector component under the effect of gravity. Optionally, the localization system comprises an arithmetic component for deriving a distance information of the object from the detected value. The localization system also comprises a display component for displaying and/or forwarding the detected value and/or the distance information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Richard Fling, Simon Branson
  • Publication number: 20090273339
    Abstract: A calibration apparatus for a hand-held locating device (7) has at least one first coil configuration (1a) having a first measuring range (2?) and a second coil configuration (1a?) having a second measuring range (2a?), in which measuring ranges (2a, 2a?) homogeneous alternating magnetic fields can be generated in a specifiable ratio with respect to the strength of the magnetic fields. The coil configurations (1a, 1a?) are arranged a specifiable distance apart so that the magnetic fields can be detected simultaneously by means of at least two aerials of the locating device (7) which are arranged at a fixed distance. The specifiable ratios define true distance parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventor: Simon Branson