Abstract: A marker for locating and identify assets which includes an ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tag optimized for use below ground and able to more effectively communicate with a RFID reader through a lossy medium such as soil and air. The markers include a reflector which is sized relatively larger than the tag to help focus the forward pattern of the tag more tightly in a forward direction normal to the spiral surface. In addition, the tag includes a chip configured for the soil in which it is to be buried, and an antenna polarized to match the polarization of an RFID reader antenna that is part of a system that includes the marker and reader.

Abstract: A marker for locating and identify assets which includes an ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tag optimized for use below ground and able to more effectively communicate with a RFID reader through a lossy medium such as soil and air. The markers include a reflector which is sized relatively larger than the tag to help focus the forward pattern of the tag more tightly in a forward direction normal to the spiral surface. In addition, the tag includes a chip configured for the soil in which it is to be buried, and an antenna polarized to match the polarization of an RFID reader antenna that is part of a system that includes the marker and reader.

Abstract: A system for managing underground assets with RFID tags provides for expanded virtual storage by wirelessly linking the field RFID tag reader to a centralized database through a unique series code in the RFID tag. Real-time updating of information about underground assets coordination between multiple users may be accomplished through use of the central database as an information broker.

Abstract: A marker for underground assets employs a long life battery to provide an active mode for recording data from a sensor or the like and/or for boosting transmissions after being activated by an interrogation signal, the long life battery greatly increasing the range of such underground markers. In some embodiments, the marker antenna may be automatically tuned for different environmental conditions of the underground marker. A field unit for locating the marker may provide for dead reckoning ability in the absence of reliable radio location.

Abstract: A monument usable for locating stationary geographical positions and/or assets includes a housing, comprising a body and a cap; at least one permanent magnet mounted on or in the housing; and at least one electronic marker located on or in the housing. The magnet has a magnetic field of sufficient strength for its location to be readily identified from outside the housing using a portable magnetic locator and the electronic marker includes an electronic transceiver for receiving and/or transmitting electronic information unique to the geographical location and/or functional properties of the monument or an asset associated with the monument.

Abstract: A monument usable for locating stationary geographical positions and/or assets includes a housing, comprising a body and a cap; at least one permanent magnet mounted on or in the housing; and at least one electronic marker located on or in the housing. The magnet has a magnetic field of sufficient strength for its location to be readily identified from outside the housing using a portable magnetic locator and the electronic marker includes an electronic transceiver for receiving and/or transmitting electronic information unique to the geographical location and/or functional properties of the monument or an asset associated with the monument.

Abstract: A system for managing underground assets with RFID tags provides for expanded virtual storage by wirelessly linking the field RFID tag reader to a centralized database through a unique series code in the RFID tag.

Abstract: A locator assembly for the detection, location and identification of a buried object is provided comprising a sensor portion adapted to detect and measure the magnetic field strength of a buried object. A control assembly is connected to the sensor portion, wherein the control assembly is adapted to receive and analyze the magnetic field strength provided by the sensor portion to ascertain the location of a buried object. An identification portion is connected to the control assembly and operates independent of the sensor portion, wherein the identification portion is adapted to communicate with the buried object to ascertain the identity of the buried object. A method for the detection, location and identification of a buried object is also provided.

Abstract: A monument usable for locating stationary geographical positions and/or assets includes a housing, comprising a body and a cap; at least one permanent magnet mounted on or in the housing; and at least one electronic marker located on or in the housing. The magnet has a magnetic field of sufficient strength for its location to be readily identified from outside the housing using a portable magnetic locator and the electronic marker includes an electronic transceiver for receiving and/or transmitting electronic information unique to the geographical location and/or functional properties of the monument or an asset associated with the monument.

Abstract: A sleeve is provided for a driven-type survey monument having a penetrating point and cylindrical rod sections to stabilize the monument in the ground. The sleeve has an elongated body having a hollow bore, which receives a first portion of the survey monument, and a plurality of fins formed integrally with and extending outwardly from the elongated body of the sleeve.

Abstract: An anti-twist rod section (10) is disclosed which adapts a survey monument (38) at once to resist rotation and to conveniently accept hardware designed to engage cylindrical rods. The method of using the anti-twist rod section (10) in placing a survey monument (38) is also disclosed. The anti-twist rod section includes an elongated body (12) which may have at least one surface channel (18). At least one fin (20) joined to the body (20) at a junction (22) preferably within the channel (18). The junction (22) is adapted to allow the anti-twist rod section (10) to be driven into the ground with the fins (20) in place such that a portion of the fin (20) resists rotation of the anti-twist section. The junction (22) is also adapted to allow the fins (20) to be severed from the body (12) as they are bent tangentially away from the body (12) such that the anti-twist rod section (10) is left unimpeded by fins. The body of the anti-twist rod section (10) may then accept hardware designed to engage cylindrical rods.

Abstract: A sectionalized, driven-type survey monument (10) is disclosed having at least one cylindrical rod section (11), a penetrating point section (14) attached by a threaded connector (28) seated in bores (26, 27) in the adjacent cylindrical rod section (11) and the point section (14), and an anti-twist rod section (19) attached by a threaded connector (34) to a cylindrical rod section (12). The anti-twist rod section (19) includes a substantially cylindrical body (20) and straight fins (21) which extend radially outward from the cylindrical body over part of the length of the body. The monument is driven into the ground a section at a time, with additional cylindrical rod sections being added to allow the monument to be driven as deeply as desired. Rotation of the penetrating point section as it is driven into the ground, caused by the action of biased turning surfaces (16) on the point section (14), causes the connections between each of the sections in the series to be tightened during driving.