For Small Object Detection Or Location Patents (Class 324/326)
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Publication number: 20080309345Abstract: A device rotates at least one static magnetic field about an axis, producing a rotating magnetic dipole field, and is movable in relation to the surface of the ground. The field is periodically sensed using a receiver to produce a receiver output responsive to the field. A positional relationship between the receiver and the device is monitored using the output. In one aspect, changing the positional relationship, by moving the device nearer to a boring tool which supports the receiver, causes an increase in accuracy of depth determination. In another aspect, determination of an actual overhead position of the boring tool, and its application, are described. Use of a plurality of measurements over at least one-half revolution of each magnet is disclosed. Establishing a surface radial direction toward a boring tool and resolution of multi-valued parameters is described. Calibration techniques, as well as a three transmitter configuration are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Rudolf Zeller, Guenter W. Brune, Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer
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Publication number: 20080309344Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods which can be employed to locate or detect presence of various materials, including nonferrous metals. These systems include new and useful sensors, circuits, systems and devices which power and/or interoperate with the sensors, and methods of making, operating and using such systems. Any or all of the systems, devices or processes can be combined with other systems, devices or processes disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventor: James Wagner Larsen
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Patent number: 7466134Abstract: An apparatus for locating underground cast iron pipe joints having an electrically driven resonant coil generating an alternating magnetic field and two resonant sensor coils disposed within the alternating magnetic field, each of the resonant sensor coils having an independent magnetic reluctance circuit. A device is provided for comparing electrical currents induced in each of the resonant sensor coils and a device is provided for indicating a relative magnitude of the electrical currents.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventor: Joe W. McCarty
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Patent number: 7463034Abstract: A system for selectively grounding each of a plurality of short-haul buried utility conveyances coupled to a common long-haul buried utility conveyance to enable a conveyance locating signal transmitted through the long-haul conveyance to travel from the long-haul utility conveyance to a selected short-haul utility conveyance. The system includes a first optical switch for selecting each of the plurality of short-haul utility conveyances to be grounded, where the first optical switch is adapted to receive an optical signal and selectively output the optical signal on one of a plurality of optical fibers; and a second optical switch coupled to each of the plurality of optical fibers for grounding each short-haul utility conveyance in response to the optical signal on a corresponding optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: AT&T Corp.Inventors: Hossein Eslambolchi, John Huffman, John K. Boland, Claywell D. Turley
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Publication number: 20080297158Abstract: An implementation of a direction finding and magnetic nulling metal detector is provided. Some embodiments of the present invention provide for a metal detector having multiple resonant circuits and associated coils for transmitting a primary transmit signal, transmitting a magnetic nulling signal, and receiving a receive signal. A controller includes logic to process the generate the transmit signals and to process the received signal in order to determine a gradient vector along one or two dimensions, a depth and whether or not a metal object is ferrous.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: Zircon CorporationInventors: Charles E. Heger, Anthony J. Rossetti
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Patent number: 7443154Abstract: Portable locators are disclosed for finding and mapping buried objects such as utilities. A articulatable antenna node configuration and the use of Doppler radar and GPS navigation are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Seektech, Inc.Inventors: Ray Merewether, Mark S. Olsson
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Publication number: 20080246481Abstract: An arrangement and an associated method are described in which a boring tool is moved through the ground within a given region along a path in which region a cable is buried. The boring tool and the cable transmit a boring tool locating signal and a cable locating signal, respectively. Intensities of the boring tool locating signal and the cable locating signal are measured along with a pitch orientation of the boring tool. Using the measured intensities and established pitch orientation, a positional relationship is determined to relative scale including at least the boring tool and the cable in the region. The positional relationship is displayed to scale in one view. The positional relationship may be determined and displayed including the forward locate point in scaled relation to the boring tool and the cable. Cable depth determination techniques are described including a two-point ground depth determination method.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer
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Publication number: 20080246482Abstract: Discriminating between a cable locating signal and a false cable locating signal is described. A reference signal, which contains a locating signal frequency impressed on it, is transmitted in a way which provides for detection of a phase shift between the locating signal and the false locating signal. Based on the phase shift, a receiver is used to distinguish the locating signal from the false locating signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: John E. Mercer, Albert W. Chau
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Publication number: 20080224704Abstract: A metal detector using a linear current ramp followed by an abrupt current transition to energize the transmitter coil. The constant emf imposed on the target during the current ramp permits separation of transient voltages generated in response to eddy currents in the target and its environment from the voltages arising as a result of an inductive imbalance of the coil system The temporal separation of the various voltages makes reliable differentiation between ferrous and non-ferrous targets possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2005Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Allan Westersten
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Patent number: 7425829Abstract: A device rotates at least one static magnetic field about an axis, producing a rotating magnetic dipole field, and is movable in relation to the surface of the ground. The field is periodically sensed using a receiver to produce a receiver output responsive to the field. A positional relationship between the receiver and the device is monitored using the output. In one aspect, changing the positional relationship, by moving the device nearer to a boring tool which supports the receiver, causes an increase in accuracy of depth determination. In another aspect, determination of an actual overhead position of the boring tool, and its application, are described. Use of a plurality of measurements over at least one-half revolution of each magnet is disclosed. Establishing a surface radial direction toward a boring tool and resolution of multi-valued parameters is described. Calibration techniques, as well as a three transmitter configuration are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Rudolf Zeller, Guenter W. Brune, Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 7423422Abstract: A memory (33) is provided for storing in advance data of signals supplied from a detector unit (26) when a plurality of metallic foreign matter samples differing in magnitude passes an alternating field, and data representing the magnitude of each foreign matter sample. A setting device (32) causes an indicator 36 to display the magnitude of metal detectable by a determination device (31) on the basis of those data on the foreign matter samples. Further, a contained metal displaying device (34), when the determination device (31) has determined that metallic foreign matter is contained in the object of inspection, displays the magnitude of that metal content on the indicator (36). The user can intuitively grasp the detectable magnitude of metal and the magnitude of the metal contained in the object of inspection.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Anritsu Industrial Solutions Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Kubotera, Toshihiko Nagaoka, Satoshi Mitani
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Patent number: 7411399Abstract: Multiple sources are provided for a transmitter cable for use in electromagnetic surveying. The transmitter cable includes a dipole antenna comprising a pair of spaced apart electrodes mounted on their respective cables. Two antennas may be powered from each source. Alternatively, the outputs of each source are connected to a common antenna pair. A single large power supply may be mounted on a vessel to supply power through the tow cable. Alternatively, a number of power supplies may be provided aboard the vessel, with each power supply having dedicated conductors through the tow cable to power the plurality of current sources.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Ransom Reddig, Philip Heelan
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Publication number: 20080179522Abstract: A hand-held metal detector for checking persons with a probe section serving for housing a metal detection probe implemented as a detector coil, followed by a shaft serving as a handle that holds display elements and operating elements as well as metal detection electronics. In addition to the metal detection probe, the hand-held metal detector is equipped with a radiation detection probe with associated radiation detection electronics, with the radiation detection probe preferably formed by a scintillation detector. The metal and the radiation detection electronics are coupled with a differentiated signaling and alarm system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: VALLON GMBHInventors: Gerhard VALLON, Joachim BRUCKSCH
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Patent number: 7403014Abstract: A boring tool is moved through the ground in a region which includes at least one electrically conductive in-ground line and which is subject to static magnetic fields including the magnetic field of the earth.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: John E. Mercer, Albert W. Chau
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Patent number: 7403012Abstract: A detector for detecting a buried current carrying conductor includes a digital signal processor, magnetic sensors, and a power supply unit. The power supply unit is a switched mode power supply which incorporates a proportional integral differential controller feedback algorithm and which is managed by the digital signal processor. The load and source voltage are monitored by the digital signal processor and a look-up table is used to control a pulse width modulator, which drives a single ended primary induction controller. The digital signal processor processes and compares signals received from the sensors to calculate a depth of a buried conductor. The self-generated noise of the power supply unit does not interfere with the frequency bands of detection of the detector.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Inventors: Robert Worsley, Jeff Thompson, Richard Pearson, Mark Royle
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Patent number: 7403013Abstract: Tracking a boring tool is performed within an underground region using a locating signal. The boring tool is moved through the ground during a series of distance movements such that potential movement of the boring tool during any one of the distance movements is less than a maximum movement value. A current positional relationship is determined for a current one of the distance movements based on: a last-determined positional relationship established for an immediately preceding one of the distance movements, certain orientation parameters, the maximum movement value and the determined signal strength of the locating signal in the current positional relationship. Target coordinates are accepted and a target position, based on the target coordinates, is included as part of the current positional relationship. The position of the target is unconstrained with respect to system geometry. Steering command features are provided along with steering warnings.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, John E. Mercer, Albert W. Chau
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Patent number: 7397249Abstract: Discriminating between a cable locating signal and a false cable locating signal is described. A reference signal, which contains a locating signal frequency impressed on it, is transmitted in a way which provides for detection of a phase shift between the locating signal and the false locating signal. Based on the phase shift, a receiver is used to distinguish the locating signal from the false locating signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: John E. Mercer, Albert W. Chau
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Patent number: 7397366Abstract: A search apparatus and related method facilitate the final stage of a search for a buried person carrying a transmitter. When the searcher is in the close vicinity of the buried transmitter, the search enters a point-localization phase where the apparatus displays a representation of the current target distance from the apparatus to the buried transmitter as well as a representation of a previously-stored value for the target distance. By comparing the current distance to the previously-stored distance, the searcher can readily see whether the apparatus is getting closer to the buried transmitter or further away. Preferably, graphic symbols are displayed to represent the current distance and the previously-stored distance. The display can also provide a representation of whether the current distance is greater than or less than an immediately preceding distance that has been stored.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Inventor: Gerald Kampel
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Publication number: 20080150537Abstract: A pulse-induction type metal detector capable of distinguishing between metal targets and minerals that mimic metals owing to absorption and release of energy. The amount of energy being transferred is measured by comparing the signals generated during specified intervals of a coil energizing pulse train that comprises bipolar current ramps that induce identical signals in metallic targets but differing signals in magnetic minerals. The criterion used to make the distinction between the targets is thus an inherent characteristic of the target and not subject to a particular adjustment of the electronic circuitry, as is the case with conventional metal detectors. This property of the detector makes it usable in industrial applications, where periodic readjustment of the detector is impractical.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: Allan Westersten
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Patent number: 7391216Abstract: An arrangement and an associated method are described in which a boring tool is moved through the ground within a given region along a path in which region a cable is buried. The boring tool and the cable transmit a boring tool locating signal and a cable locating signal, respectively. Intensities of the boring tool locating signal and the cable locating signal are measured along with a pitch orientation of the boring tool. Using the measured intensities and established pitch orientation, a positional relationship is determined to relative scale including at least the boring tool and the cable in the region. The positional relationship is displayed to scale in one view. The positional relationship may be determined and displayed including the forward locate point in scaled relation to the boring tool and the cable. Cable depth determination techniques are described including a two-point ground depth determination method.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 7391217Abstract: Metal detectors include a sense coil coupled to an analog to digital converter that produces a numeric representation of an electrical signal associated with a conductive object situated in an active region of a sense coil. The numeric representation is processed to obtain a noise contribution associated with random noise, fixed pattern noise, and/or thermal drift. The noise is subtracted from the numeric representation to produce a numeric difference. The numeric difference includes contributions associated with conductive objects located in a sense volume defined by the sense coil. The numeric difference (or the numeric representation) can be digitally processed with, for example, a matched filter to enhance the conductive object contribution. The matched filter can be based on a measured sense coil speed or can be based on typical sense coil speeds.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: White's Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Michael H. Linse, Phillip R. Hays, Gary J. Oliver, Thomas V. Scrivner, Jimmy Jack Jewell
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Publication number: 20080129299Abstract: The present invention provides a locator/monitor capable of locating a boring tool and monitoring the progress of the tool for control purposes. The locator/monitor may be used in expedited locating methodology and straightforward calibration techniques of the present invention. A durable and cost effective pitch sensor is also provided by the present invention. In addition, the present invention provides a slotted transmitter housing formed of an electrically conductive material, where the magnetic field generated by the transmitter is capable of penetrating to the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 7382266Abstract: A surface tracker includes a tubular marker body having an interior electronic marker and a visual indicator attached to an upper end of the marker body which extends away from the marker body. When deployed, the marker body is mostly underground and the visual indictor extends upwardly from the ground level to provide above-ground visual recognition. The electronic marker may be a passive electronic marker that includes a ferrite core assembly having a longitudinal axis which is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the marker body. The visual indicator may be a plurality of resilient filaments which pass through a hole in a tab portion of the marker body at the upper end thereof, the filaments being folded about the tab portion and secured to the tab portion using a heat-shrink tube. In an exemplary embodiment, the filaments extend about six inches from the marker body and are brightly colored. Multiple trackers can be used to mark the path of a buried utility.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Inventor: Joe T. Minarovic
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Patent number: 7372247Abstract: An apparatus and method to locate and mark the surface position of an underground utility while maneuvering along the path of the utility. The apparatus uses an underground utility detector that responds to the location of an underground utility to continually position a carriage proximate vertical of the utility. Marker systems are aligned with the carriage and apply either a unique paint symbol on pavement or a spike in the ground. The apparatus is configured to use an underground utility detector or positioning equipment that generate positional signals. The apparatus may be configured to mark utility positions at predetermined intervals and mark utility offset positions. The apparatus may be attached to a vehicle, towed by a vehicle, motorized or propelled by a person.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Tri-Site, Inc.Inventors: Alex Giusti, Derrick Torres, Michael Roach
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Patent number: 7372276Abstract: An underground digital locating system includes a receiver capable of acquiring a signal produced by an underground object and displaying a digital representation of the orientation of underground object and of its depth. The system includes a carrying case for the digital locating receiver, the carrying case further including a transmitter for energizing underground objects to emit a magnetic field. A method of locating an underground object using the described system is also disclosed, as well as methods of measuring a flux field and translating a flux field signal of an underground object into a visual representation of the underground object on the display screen of the locating receiver.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Goldak, Inc.Inventor: Butch Mulcahey
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Patent number: 7367269Abstract: A method for measuring the movement of boundaries between different portions of a heterogeneous rock body is disclosed. The method comprises placing a plurality of blast movement monitors 109 in a rock body prior to blasting and noting the position of each blast movement monitor. The rock body is then blasted to break it up into a plurality of pieces. Thereafter the position of the blast movement monitors 109 is located and based on this the boundaries of rock portions can be adjusted to account for the blast. This leads to a more accurate reporting of different ore bodies to the appropriate processor in a heterogeneous rock body. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises broadly a said monitor 109 and a receiver. The monitor 1 comprises a transmitter 109 received within a casing 111 that in turn is received within a housing 126. Further the casing 111 can move within the housing 126 and self right so that it always transmits its signal in an upright direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: University of QueenslandInventors: David Mario La Rosa, Darren Mark Thornton, Michael Wortley
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Method of using continuous-wave radiation for detecting and locating targets hidden behind a surface
Patent number: 7362260Abstract: Continuous-wave radiation is used to detect a target hidden behind a surface. In an embodiment, a transmitter directs a beam of continuous-wave microwave radiation from a transmitting location, and reflected radiation from the target is received at first and second receiving locations closer to the surface than the transmitting location. The transmitting and receiving locations have spatial relationships such that the phase of reflected radiation received at one receiving location is in quadrature with the phase of reflected radiation received at the other receiving location. In an embodiment, direct transmitted radiation is received at the receiving locations in quadrature.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Innovatum, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Cloutier, Delbert R. Oehme -
Patent number: 7358738Abstract: An electronic marker locator with a digital architecture for providing accurate and consistent estimation of the signal strength is presented. The marker locator includes a Digital Phase-Locked Loop (DPLL) structure. The electronic marker locator transmits known and adjustable frequency bursts corresponding to the markers to be located while synchronously capturing the signals returned from the markers. Because of the convergence properties of the DPLL, very consistent measurements of the reflected marker signal field strength are possible, resulting in both an improvement of maximum detection depth and depth accuracy. Further, the analog front-end hardware can be reduced, offering wider resistance to component tolerances, lower calibration and test times, and flexible frequency selectivity.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Metrotech Corporation, Inc.Inventors: Johan D. Overby, James W. Waite
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Patent number: 7355409Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods which can be employed to locate or detect presence of various materials, including nonferrous metals. These systems include new and useful sensors, circuits, systems and devices which power and/or interoperate with the sensors, and methods of making, operating and using such systems. Any or all of the systems, devices or processes can be combined with other systems, devices or processes disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Admiralty CorporationInventor: James Wagner Larsen
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Patent number: 7355410Abstract: A handheld scanning subsurface detector (1) includes a detector module (2) and a computing unit (3) located in handheld housing (5), a guide (7) for guiding the detector module (2) at a predetermined distance over a to-be-analyzed wall surface (6), at least one path sensor (8) connected to the computing means (3) and connected, in a controlling manner, to the detector module (2) by controlling means (9). A corresponding control method is also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Harald Schmitzer, Christoph Würsch
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Patent number: 7356421Abstract: A new approach for locating an underground line described herein remains accurate in the face of bleedover by including both amplitude and phase from at least two magnetic field strength sensors in the measurement set. A numerical optimization step is introduced to deduce the positions and currents of each of several cables, of which one is the targeted cable and the others are termed bleedover cables. Furthermore, some embodiments of the method accounts for practical problems that exist in the field that relate to reliable estimation of cable positions, like the phase transfer function between transmitter and receiver, the estimation of confidence bounds for each estimate, and the rejection of false positive locates due to the presence of noise and interference.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Metrotech Corporation, Inc.Inventors: Thorkell Gudmundsson, Jim Waite, Johan Överby, Stevan Polak, Niklas Lindstrom
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Publication number: 20080074114Abstract: An electronic metal detector having a transmit coil (1) adapted to transmit an alternating magnetic field associated with a reactive transmit voltage, wherein the transmit voltage signal is selected such that the reactive transmit voltage is approximately constant for at least a time period during which a magnetic field signal to be processed is received by the detector for processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2004Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: BHC Consulting Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Bruce Halcro Candy
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Patent number: 7345486Abstract: The present invention provides a locator/monitor capable of locating a boring tool and monitoring the progress of the tool for control purposes. The locator/monitor may be used in expedited locating methodology and straightforward calibration techniques of the present invention. A durable and cost effective pitch sensor is also provided by the present invention. In addition, the present invention provides a slotted transmitter housing formed of an electrically conductive material, where the magnetic field generated by the transmitter is capable of penetrating to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventor: John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 7342399Abstract: A system for tracking a moving magnetic target uses a magnetic anomaly sensing system to continually determine magnetic gradient tensors associated with the target and converts the magnetic gradient tensors to gradient contraction scalars. A processor uses the magnetic gradient tensors and gradient contraction scalars to determine a minimum of bearing and range to the target. A velocity of the target is determined using the determined bearing and range at two points in time as the target is moving. To continually track with the moving target, the processor determines adjustments in elevation and azimuth using the magnetic gradient tensors and gradient contraction scalars along with bearing, range and determined velocities of the target. The processor can include a routine that determines range while accounting for asphericity errors introduced by the aspherical nature of constant magnetic gradient contours associated with the target.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Roy Wiegert
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Patent number: 7342537Abstract: A detector 1 for detecting a current carrying conductor determines the presence of a current carrying conductor one or more of passive or active modes. In the passive modes, the detector 1 detects either very low frequency radio signals re-radiated from a conductor or electromagnetic radiation produced by a conductor as a result of mains voltage carried in the conductor, or in a nearby conductor. In the active mode, an alternating signal from a dedicated signal generator is coupled into the buried conductor. Signals are induced in a pair of antennae 3, 5 in the detector 1, and the signals are processed in each of these modes simultaneously. The outputs of each of the modes are convolved to produce an audio and/or visual alert if a current carrying conductor is detected by any of these modes.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Radiodetection LimitedInventors: Richard Pearson, Steve Benzie
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Publication number: 20080055080Abstract: A metal detector (1) used for identifying contaminants (35) in products (35). The detector (1) includes an oscillator coil assembly (10) that may be formed as a combination of pairs of series wound coils (15, 18) and pairs of parallel wound coils (16, 17). A pair of input coils (13, 14) defines the boundaries of a region (39) within which the oscillator coil assembly (10) resides. A first signal (8) is generated by the first input coil (13) in response to the presence of a metallic object (35) while a second signal (24) is generated by the second input coil (14) in response to the presence of the metallic object (35). By measuring the ratio of the first signal (8) to the second signal (24) the physical location of a metal object within the metal detector cavity (7) can be determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventor: Andrew Michael Britton
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Publication number: 20080054905Abstract: Metal detectors include a sense coil coupled to an analog to digital converter that produces a numeric representation of an electrical signal associated with a conductive object situated in an active region of a sense coil. The numeric representation is processed to obtain a noise contribution associated with random noise, fixed pattern noise, and/or thermal drift. The noise is subtracted from the numeric representation to produce a numeric difference. The numeric difference includes contributions associated with conductive objects located in a sense volume defined by the sense coil. The numeric difference (or the numeric representation) can be digitally processed with, for example, a matched filter to enhance the conductive object contribution. The matched filter can be based on a measured sense coil speed or can be based on typical sense coil speeds.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Michael H. Linse, Phillip R. Hays, Gary J. Oliver, Thomas V. Scrivner, Jimmy Jack Jewell
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Patent number: 7339379Abstract: A detector 1 for detecting a current carrying conductor has a pair of vertically spaced antennae 3, 5 to detect the magnetic radiation produced by a current carrying conductor as a result of one or both of the mains power supply or an electromagnetic signal which is induced in the conductor by a dedicated signal transmitter. The detector 1 continuously calculates the depth of a buried conductor and if the buried conductor is above a predetermined minimum depth then the detector 1 triggers an audio and/or visual alarm. By reducing the sensitivity of the antennae 3, 5, the lateral offset range for which the alarm sounds is reduced and the location of a buried conductor can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Radiodetection LimitedInventors: Jeff Thompson, Richard Pearson, Robert White
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Patent number: 7336078Abstract: Portable locators are disclosed for finding and mapping buried objects such as utilities. A articulatable antenna node configuration and the use of Doppler radar and GPS navigation are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Seektech, Inc.Inventors: Ray Merewether, Mark S. Olsson
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Patent number: 7332901Abstract: A human-portable utility locator system for locating and tracing a buried utility line characterized by an electromagnetic field emission. The locator may include a horizontal spaced sensor pair for detecting the horizontal field asymmetry of the emitted field in one or more independent frequency bands, which is employed to assist in determining an accurate “virtual depth” measurement for producing detection events. An event detector may be disposed to detect events corresponding to extremum in the B-field gradient with respect to time and a user interface (UI) coupled to the event detector signals the detected event to a user. In a preferred embodiment, one pair of spaced-apart 3D magnetic sensor arrays is disposed substantially orthogonal to another intermediate spaced-apart pair of sensors.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: SeekTech, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Michael J. Martin, Christoph H. Maier, Paul G. Stuart
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Patent number: 7327144Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus and associated methods are described for use in a multi-frequency boring tool locating system. The boring tool includes a transmitter for transmitting a locating signal at two or more selectable frequencies. One set of above ground procedures may be applied to the transmitter in order to change the frequency of the boring tool transmitter. Another set of procedures is applicable for changing the frequency during below ground drilling operations, for example, by subjecting the boring tool to a predetermined roll orientation sequence. An enhanced portable locator operates in a manual or automatic mode to receive locating frequency information transmitted from the boring tool transmitter including frequency updates. Boring tool transmitter, as well as above ground locator shutdown/restart procedures are described relating to multi-frequency operation. A tone detector is described which implements one or more digital match filters.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 7310584Abstract: A detector for locating a sonde includes a plurality of antennas, an analogue to digital converter 11 and a digital signal processor to isolate the magnetic signal produced by the sonde. The digital signal processor includes a phase feedback loop 21 to allow the digital processing unit to follow variations in the frequency of oscillation of the magnetic signal produced by the sonde.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Radiodetection Ltd.Inventor: John Mark Royle
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Patent number: 7308911Abstract: A hose is provided having at least one layer defining a tubular body with a length and an electrically conductive lead joined to the tubular body and extending along the length of the tubular body. The electrically conductive lead is adapted to receive an electrical signal and create an electromagnetic field that can be remotely detected to determine a location of the hose. A method of determining the location of a hose is also contemplated.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Kuriyama of American, Inc.Inventor: Daniel M. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 7310060Abstract: An multi-mode target detection system includes a ground penetrating metal detector and a ground penetrating radar detector permitting operation of the system in a variety of target detection modes. The system includes a control section having a selection device for selecting at least two operating modes from the group consisting of a buried land mine detection mode, a through wall detection mode, a perimeter warning mode, a buried cache detection mode and an in-wall cache detection mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: L-3 Communications CyTerra CorporationInventors: Gregory Stilwell, Geoffrey Solomon, Richard McCoy, Steve McCarthy
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Patent number: 7309990Abstract: An above ground locator includes an apparatus for determining the strength of the locating signal at a selected point relative to the boring tool. The apparatus includes an antenna arrangement configured for measuring the strength of the locating signal at the selected point along first and second orthogonally opposed receiving axes to produce first and second received signals. A phase shifting arrangement phase shifts the first and second received signals in a predetermined way to generate first and second phase shifted signals, respectively. Thereafter, a summing arrangement adds the first and second phase shifted received signals to generate an output signal which is a vector sum of the first and second received signals. In one feature, third and fourth signals derived from the first and second signals are used to eliminate balance point ambiguity which is present using the first and second signals alone.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Merlin Technology, IncInventor: John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 7310586Abstract: A metal detector adapted to generate a transmit search signal and to receive a receive search signal, and to analyse such received search signal, wherein the detector is adapted to allow a selection of operating parameters for each of these functions, said selection being effected by the storage as data in a memory of such selection, characterised in that the detector is adapted to allow such stored data to be modified in accordance with data in an external store, further characterised in that there is a digital data communication transmission program, adapted to effect a transmission of some or all of the stored data through a data transmission means to enable a further metal detector to receive and store for use in such further detector the said data.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Minelab Electronics Pty LtdInventors: Laurentiu Stamatescu, Alexander Lewis Jones
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Patent number: 7304479Abstract: A portable locator and method for establishing the location of the cable line in a region which includes at least one generally straight electrically conductive cable line extending across the region from which cable line a locating signal includes a first arrangement for measuring a local flux intensity of the locating signal at a first above ground point within the region with the portable locator in a particular orientation at the first above ground point. A second arrangement uses the local flux intensity to establish a cable line angular orientation which limits the possible directions to the cable line relative to the particular orientation of the portable locator at the above ground point. A third arrangement uses the measured local flux intensity to establish an actual direction of the cable line that is selected from the possible directions based on certain characteristics of the locating signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2007Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 7298126Abstract: A sonde includes an elongate flexible ferromagnetic core and a coil surrounds an intermediate segment of the core. A housing surrounds and supports the coil. An electronic drive circuit is mounted in the housing for supplying the coil with an electric signal that will induce the core to emit electromagnetic signals at a predetermined strength and frequency that can be remotely detected. Self-contained battery powered float-type and pill-type sondes are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Seektech, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Jan Soukup, Jeffrey A. Prsha, Michael E. Turgeon, David A. Cox, Ray Merewether
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Patent number: 7285958Abstract: An electronic marker locator with a digital architecture for providing accurate and consistent estimation of the signal strength is presented. The marker locator includes a Digital Phase-Locked Loop (DPLL) structure. The electronic marker locator transmits known and adjustable frequency bursts corresponding to the markers to be located while synchronously capturing the signals returned from the markers.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Metrotech Corporation, Inc.Inventors: Johan D. Overby, James W. Waite
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Patent number: 7285953Abstract: A device for producing a detection signal when interfering, preferably metallic conductive pieces occur in an at least largely non-conductive conveyor stream. An alternating electromagnetic field is built up by an alternating current generator through a transmission coil in a segment of the conveyor stream to be monitored. The changes in amplitude and phase of the alternating electromagnetic field are detected by a coil system that feeds an evaluating circuit for deriving the detection signal, which, when an interfering piece appears, causes a stoppage of the conveyor stream for the purpose of removing the interfering piece. A resetting device (reset button) is also provided which is able to cancel the conveyor stoppage. A device is also provided for blocking the resetting device, controlled by the evaluating circuit, which disables the resetting device as long as the evaluating circuit still emits a detection signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Firma Mesutronic Geratebau GmbHInventors: Manfred Artinger, Karlheinz Dürrmeier