For Small Object Detection Or Location Patents (Class 324/326)
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Patent number: 10648326Abstract: An inground housing supports a transmitter for receiving electrical power from a battery. The transmitter transmits at least one signal using at least two different transmit power levels for at least one of locating the transmitter and characterizing an orientation of the transmitter. Based on detecting the battery voltage, the transmitter selects one of the transmit power levels. Transmitter output power can be controlled based on one or both of signal gain and duty cycle.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2019Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Jason Pothier
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Patent number: 10613140Abstract: Fault detection circuitry and a corresponding method are disclosed. A count value that is indicative of the switching period of a PWM signal is determined and it is determined whether this count value is between a first threshold and a second threshold. An error signal is generated when the switching period is not between the first and the second threshold. A count value that is indicative of the switch-on duration of the PWM signal is determined and compared with a switch-on threshold in order to determine whether the switch-on duration is greater than a maximum switch-on duration. A count value that is indicative of the switch-off duration of the PWM signal is determined and compared with a switch-off threshold in order to determine whether the switch-off duration is greater than a maximum switch-off duration. Error signals can be generated when the durations are greater than the maximum durations.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.Inventor: Giuseppe D'Angelo
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Patent number: 10598712Abstract: A portable device and associated method are described for use with a system in which a locating signal is transmitted from within the ground during an operational procedure. The locating signal includes a transmission frequency that is selectable from a group of discrete transmission frequencies in a frequency range and the region includes electromagnetic noise that can vary. The portable device includes a receiver having a bandwidth that includes the transmission frequency range and is operable for measuring the electromagnetic noise in the transmission frequency range to establish a frequency content of the electromagnetic noise for use in selecting one of the discrete transmission frequencies that is subsequently transmitted as the locating signal during the operational procedure. The locating signal can be transmitted from a boring tool, a pullback arrangement or an inground cable. A predicted maximum operational depth for a transmitter can be determined prior to the operational procedure.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.Inventors: Loc Viet Lam, Albert W. Chau
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Patent number: 10571594Abstract: A transmitter system for providing current to a utility when performing a locate operation is disclosed. The transmitter system may include a tray apparatus, a transmitter module for generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a magnetic field for detection by a utility locator disposed on or in the tray apparatus, and a sonde antenna node, a satellite antenna node, or a combined satellite navigation and sonde antenna node.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2015Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Jesse O. Casares, Jan Soukup, Stephanie M. Bench, Justin W. Taylor, Ray Merewether, David A. Cox
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Patent number: 10520632Abstract: A rotating magnetic field range finder for measuring relative distance in drilling, comprising a permanent magnet steel drill collar (1), an underground detector (2) and a ground interface box (3). The permanent magnet steel drill collar (1) is fixed to the rear part of a drill bit and rotates together with the drill bit to generate a rotating magnetic field to provide a magnetic field signal source. The underground detector (2) comprises two tri-axial fluxgates and three accelerometers. The ground interface box (3) is used for processing the obtained data, and powering the underground detector. The permanent magnet steel drill collar (1) is an obliquely arranged one or a perpendicularly-and-parallelly assembled one. A measuring method for magnetic range measurement is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: BEIJING NANA TESLA TECHNOLOGY CO. LTDInventors: Yue Zhang, Yuan Lin, Chenxiao Cao, Panpan Li
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Patent number: 10520537Abstract: A portable device and associated method are described for use with a system in which a locating signal is transmitted from within the ground during an operational procedure. The locating signal includes a transmission frequency that is selectable from a group of discrete transmission frequencies in a frequency range and the region includes electromagnetic noise that can vary. The portable device includes a receiver having a bandwidth that includes the transmission frequency range and is operable for measuring the electromagnetic noise in the transmission frequency range to establish a frequency content of the electromagnetic noise for use in selecting one of the discrete transmission frequencies that is subsequently transmitted as the locating signal during the operational procedure. The locating signal can be transmitted from a boring tool, a pullback arrangement or an inground cable. A predicted maximum operational depth for a transmitter can be determined prior to the operational procedure.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.Inventors: Loc Viet Lam, Albert W. Chau
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Patent number: 10520536Abstract: A portable device and associated method are described for use with a system in which a locating signal is transmitted from within the ground during an operational procedure. The locating signal includes a transmission frequency that is selectable from a group of discrete transmission frequencies in a frequency range and the region includes electromagnetic noise that can vary. The portable device includes a receiver having a bandwidth that includes the transmission frequency range and is operable for measuring the electromagnetic noise in the transmission frequency range to establish a frequency content of the electromagnetic noise for use in selecting one of the discrete transmission frequencies that is subsequently transmitted as the locating signal during the operational procedure. The locating signal can be transmitted from a boring tool, a pullback arrangement or an inground cable. A predicted maximum operational depth for a transmitter can be determined prior to the operational procedure.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.Inventors: Loc Viet Lam, Albert W. Chau
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Patent number: 10513919Abstract: A drill string communication system is described. An uphole transceiver can couple a signal onto the drill string at a power that is always greater that a selectable power for a downhole signal. Communication from a drill rig to an inground tool can be re-initiated using a maximum uphole transmit power of an uphole transceiver. A procedure can establish a new set of transmission parameters for a drill string signal to establish communication between the drill rig and the inground tool. The system can include a walkover locator that receives an active/inactive status-controlled electromagnetic locating signal. Responsive to a locating signal degradation, a reconfiguration command can modify the locating signal. The uphole transceiver and a downhole transceiver can automatically modify at least one parameter of a downhole signal. An uphole receiver can apply a compensation response to a transferred signal to compensate for a drill string channel transfer function.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Loc Viet Lam
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Patent number: 10467473Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing images to identify Energy Infrastructure (EI) features within aerial images of global terrain is provided. The image processing method identifies information about EI features by applying an EI feature recognition model to aerial images of global terrain. The EI feature recognition model identifies the EI feature information according to image content of the aerial image and according to supplemental information about EI features in the global terrain. The method further uses the results of the identification to update the EI feature recognition model.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: SOURCEWATER, INC.Inventor: Joshua Adler
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Patent number: 10460170Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing images to determine EI site status is provided. The method includes image processing of an aerial image by two EI feature recognition models. A first EI feature recognition model recognizes a first EI feature and a second EI feature recognition model recognizes a second EI feature. The results of each model are further used to determine a composite indication of EI site status.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: SOURCEWATER, INC.Inventor: Joshua Adler
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Patent number: 10460169Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing images to identify Energy Infrastructure (EI) features within aerial images of global terrain is provided. The image processing method identifies information about EI features by applying an EI feature recognition model to aerial images of global terrain. The EI feature recognition model identifies the EI feature information according to image content of the aerial image. The method further provides updates to the identification of the EI feature information according to relationships between identified EI features.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: SOURCEWATER, INC.Inventor: Joshua Adler
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Patent number: 10416276Abstract: An RF position tracking system for wirelessly tracking the three-dimensional position of a tracked object. The tracked object has at least one mobile antenna and at least one inertial sensor. The system uses a plurality of base antennas which communicate with the mobile antenna using radio signals. The tracked object also incorporates the inertial sensor to improve position stability by allowing the system to compare position data from radio signals to data provided by the inertial sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: POSITION IMAGING, INC.Inventors: Edward L. Hill, Mark Schneider
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Patent number: 10401526Abstract: Systems and methods for locating buried utilities in conjunction with associated electromagnetic marker devices are disclosed. A marker device may include a marker device antenna and an electronic circuit operatively coupled to the marker device antenna. The electronic circuit may include at least two resonant circuits, including a first resonant circuit formed in combination with the marker device antenna for receiving an excitation signal at a first frequency from a marker excitation device. The received excitation signal may be converted into a power supply by a power circuit for powering the electronic circuit. Responsive to the received excitation signal, a processing element provided in the electronic circuit may generate an output signal at a second frequency, which is substantially different from the first frequency. The generated output signal may be tuned by a second resonant circuit and provided to the marker device antenna.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Stephanie M. Bench, Mark S. Olsson
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Patent number: 10393906Abstract: To provide a method and device for detecting buried metal, whereby it is possible to radio (wirelessly) transmit a synchronizing signal, and, when the frequency band of the transmission signal is restricted, to problem synchronous detection using a reference signal having a frequency equal to or greater than the frequency band.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2016Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: FUJI TECOM INC.Inventors: Masaru Tsunasaki, Kenshi Kubota
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Patent number: 10378338Abstract: A transmitter for inground use controls a depth signal transmit power in relation to a data signal transmit power such that one reception range of the depth signal at least approximately matches another, different reception range of the data signal. A portable device can form a system with the transmitter in which the portable device scans a plurality of frequencies within at least one low frequency depth signal range to measure the electromagnetic noise at each one of the plurality of frequencies and identify at least one of the frequencies as a potential depth frequency for the transmitter. The portable device can include a dual mode filter having a rebar mode and a normal mode filter. The depth signal frequency is dynamically positionable in relation to low frequency noise.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Rudolf Zeller, Gary Garrabrant, Timothy Bayliss, Scott Phillips
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Patent number: 10378334Abstract: 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: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 10353103Abstract: Self-standing attachment devices for use with utility locator systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a self-standing attachment device includes a top assembly, three extendable legs coupled to the top assembly with a movable joint, and a bottom assembly, with the self-standing attachment device detachably coupleable to a locator of the system. A formed coupler in the top assembly allows for readily attaching and detaching the self-standing attachment device and the locator.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, James H. Gruenbaum, Ryan B. Levin
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Patent number: 10309634Abstract: An LED strip connector system for providing secure electrical and mechanical connection between LED strips comprising a male socket end, a female socket end, a locking mechanism, a gasket, a wired housing, and an end cap. The locking mechanism consists of a clip and clip catch and provides a detachable, secure, vibration-resistant mechanical connection between strips. The gasket is made of an elastic, impermeable material and is configured and positioned to establish a moisture-resistant seal between connectors, protecting the electrical connection from environmental moisture. The wired housing connects a female socket end to a power cord. The end cap protects the exposed contacts of an open socket.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Inventor: David Webb
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Patent number: 10304351Abstract: A printed circuit card assembly (PCBA) configured for retrofitting a conventional electromagnetic locator device (ELD) for a simulator system is provided. The PCBA includes a printed circuit board (PCB), data connectors, each data connector configured for communicatively coupling with a separate one of antenna amplifiers on the conventional ELD, a low-power radio frequency (RF) receiver for receiving emulated electromagnetic (EM) field data, a processor for reading the emulated EM field data that includes constituent parts, wherein each constituent part corresponds to EM field data for a specific one of the antenna amplifiers on the conventional ELD, disassembling the emulated EM field data into its constituent parts, and transmitting to the antenna amplifiers, via the data connectors, the constituent part of the emulated EM field data that corresponds to said antenna amplifier, thereby emulating an EM field on the conventional ELD.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: IPEG CORPORATIONInventor: Alan Haddy
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Patent number: 10300887Abstract: A method to determine a position of a portable apparatus relative to a vehicle including generating a magnetic field by the vehicle, detecting the magnetic field by a magnetic field sensor of the portable apparatus, and evaluating the magnetic field to determine the position of the portable apparatus relative to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventors: Hannes Haupt, Bastian Bartels
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Patent number: 10291885Abstract: A retrieving device for retrieving an object may be provided. The retrieving device may include a retriever pole that may include a scooping device positioned at one end of the retriever pole. The scooping device may be configured to retrieve the object when positioned over the object. Additionally, the retrieving device may include a camera configured to record image data of an area within a viewing range of the camera and image data associated with the object. The retrieving device may also include a monitor positionable at the other end of the retrieving pole, which may be electrically coupled to the camera via an insulated electrical wire. The monitor may display the image data of the area and the image data associated with the object recorded by the camera. Furthermore, the retrieving device may include a power source that may be electrically coupled to the monitor and the camera.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Inventor: Eric D. Schwartz
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Patent number: 10284258Abstract: A method and system for detecting and diagnosing leaks and interferences in a cable network by detecting interferences through radio receivers and correlating with data extracted from the network elements. Interferences in a cable network are detected with a kit comprising an antenna, a radio receiver, a computer device, a global positioning system (GPS), and an application. The method includes moving the radio receiver within an area of coverage; receiving and recording a radio frequency (RF) measurement; detecting an interference point based on a signal level of the RF measurement; determining, with the GPS, a location of the interference point; and reporting the location of the interference point, as it is detected, to the application.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2018Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Intraway R&D S.A.Inventors: Patricio Latini, Matias Torchinsky, Diego Ambuhl
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Patent number: 10274632Abstract: Mobile base stations for use with one or more portable utility locators to aid in determining the location of a particular locator during operation and receive information associated with the utility for storage and/or retransmission to other devices or systems are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Paul Wisecaver, Austin Rutledge
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Patent number: 10252816Abstract: An EM emitter includes at least three orthogonal coils driven by an oscillating voltage source, with the coils being electrically in parallel or series. When used in a vehicle, particularly an airplane, and the vehicle is lost, e.g., sinks, the emitter's EM signal passes through water with little attenuation and can be detected and the vehicle located.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: The Bedard Family TrustInventor: Fernand Bedard
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Patent number: 10254425Abstract: 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: October 13, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 10247845Abstract: A high-Q human-portable, battery-powered self-correcting tunable transmitter apparatus for inducing alternating currents in buried conductors to facilitate their location is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Ray Merewether, Mark S. Olsson, Jan Soukup, Ryan B. Levin, David A. Cox
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Patent number: 10240456Abstract: An inground housing supports a transmitter for receiving electrical power from a battery. The transmitter transmits at least one signal using at least two different transmit power levels for at least one of locating the transmitter and characterizing an orientation of the transmitter. Based on detecting the battery voltage, the transmitter selects one of the transmit power levels. Transmitter output power can be controlled based on one or both of signal gain and duty cycle.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Jason Pothier
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Patent number: 10228481Abstract: Remanent ground response is induced by rapid high current in a transmit coil. The transmit coil remains at zero current for a sufficient time for the remanent ground response to be sensed in a receive coil. A rapid high voltage and a sustained low voltage establish and maintain a stable current in the transmit coil followed by a zero current period. The sequence is repeated with a stable negative and followed by positive currents and a zero current. The receive coil is repeatedly interrogated at zero current between switch closings connecting in the transmit coil. Combined ground remanence and target eddy current signals are received during the constant current periods, and the ground remanence signals sensed during zero transmit coil current are subtracted from the combined signals.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: White's Electronics, Inc.Inventor: John L. Earle
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Patent number: 10209385Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: CABLE DETECTION LIMITEDInventor: Simon Branson
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Patent number: 10197625Abstract: Fault detection circuitry and a corresponding method are disclosed. A count value that is indicative of the switching period of a PWM signal is determined and it is determined whether this count value is between a first threshold and a second threshold. An error signal is generated when the switching period is not between the first and the second threshold. A count value that is indicative of the switch-on duration of the PWM signal is determined and compared with a switch-on threshold in order to determine whether the switch-on duration is greater than a maximum switch-on duration. A count value that is indicative of the switch-off duration of the PWM signal is determined and compared with a switch-off threshold in order to determine whether the switch-off duration is greater than a maximum switch-off duration. Error signals can be generated when the durations are greater than the maximum durations.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventor: Giuseppe D'Angelo
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Patent number: 10175350Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for detecting buried objects includes receiving ground penetrating radar (GPR) signals captured at discrete locations along a surface of a medium in which an object may be buried, computing parameters based on the received GPR signals that are indicative of the proximity of a buried object, plotting the computed parameters as a function of location, determining an apex of a hyperbola that results from the plotting of the computed parameters, and designating a location at which the apex occurs as an estimated location of the buried object.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2018Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignees: University of South Florida, University of the Sciences in PhiladelphiaInventors: Chris P. Tsokos, Abolfazl Saghafi, Sajad Jazayeri, Sanaz Esmaeili
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Patent number: 10171721Abstract: Portable pipe inspection video systems are disclosed. The system may include a camera head, a push-cable, a cable reel, and a camera controller having a built-in transmitter for energizing a pipe-inspection cable for magnetic field tracing applications.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: SEESOAN, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Dawn E. Shaffer
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Patent number: 10162679Abstract: A method for assigning a computational block of a software program to cores of a multi-processor system includes: evaluating a first number of available cores of a first type of the multi-processor system and a second number of available cores of a second type of the multi-processor system; determining a first number of loops of the computational block for binding with the cores of the first type and a second number of loops of the computational block for binding with the cores of the second type; binding the first number of loops with the cores of the first type and binding the second number of loops with the cores of the second type; and executing the loops of the computational block according to the binding.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mikhail Petrovich Levin, Alexander Vladimirovich Slesarenko, Hongbo Zhang
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Patent number: 10162074Abstract: The disclosure is directed to utility locators and associated antenna node support structure devices for allowing a utility locator to self-stand in an upright position without being held or otherwise supported by a user.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, James F. Kleyn
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Patent number: 10151850Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: CABLE DETECTION LIMITEDInventor: Simon Branson
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Patent number: 10132956Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to compensation of magnetic data, and, in particular, to a system and method for compensation of magnetic data as collected during autonomous underwater vehicle mapping surveys.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: OCEAN FLOOR GEOPHYSICS, INC.Inventor: Peter Kowalczyk
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Patent number: 10107091Abstract: 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: June 1, 2017Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 10094946Abstract: Location determination is performed using a transmitter including an elongated generally planar loop antenna defining an elongation axis. The elongation axis is positioned along at least a portion of a path. A magnetic field is then generated which approximates a dipole field. Certain characteristics of the magnetic field are then determined at a receiving position radially displaced from the antenna elongation axis. Using the determined certain characteristics, at least one orientation parameter is established which characterizes a positional relationship between the receiving position and the antenna on the path. The magnetic field may be transmitted as a monotone single phase signal. The orientation parameter may be a radial offset and/or an angular orientation between the receiving position and the antenna on the path. The antenna of the transmitter may be inserted into a first borehole to transmit the magnetic field to a receiver inserted into a second borehole.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.Inventors: Guenter W. Brune, John E. Mercer, Albert W. Chau, Rudolf Zeller
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Patent number: 10094947Abstract: A system and method of for underground line location includes an underground line locator. The underground line locator includes an antenna system configured to generate signal information based on a proximity and an orientation of an underground line relative to the antenna system, a positioning system configured to generate position information based on the location of the underground line locator, and a controller coupled to the antenna system and the positioning system. The controller is configured to receive the signal information from the antenna system and the positioning information from the positioning system.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: METROTECH CORPORATIONInventor: Richard Pearson
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Patent number: 10083767Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting cooling tower fill pack to detect the presence of fouling, wherein the method comprises using ground penetrating radar (GPR). The method comprises transmitting GPR to the fill pack and detecting reflected radar signals from the fill pack. A method of cleaning fouling from a cooling tower, comprising the steps of: inspecting the cooling tower fill pack with ground penetrating radar (GPR); identifying those parts of the fill pack in which unacceptable levels of fouling are present; and cleaning the parts so identified is also presented.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2013Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: EPSCO, Ltd.Inventor: Stuart Oliver Smith
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Patent number: 10082599Abstract: Portable locators for detecting a buried object based on sensing electromagnetic emissions therefrom is disclosed. A portable locator may include a magnetic field sensor array and associated processing circuitry as well as a camera and image or video processing circuitry to process images or video received from the camera.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2016Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Paul G. Stuart, David A. Cox, Ray Merewether, Dawn E. Shaffer, Ryan B. Levin, Michael J. Martin
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Patent number: 10078149Abstract: Systems for locating hidden utilities including a portable locator with a dodecahedral antenna node are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Ray Merewether, Sequoyah Aldridge, Ryan B. Levin
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Patent number: 10073186Abstract: Utility locating systems using keyed magnetic field signaling are disclosed. the systems include a utility locating transmitter for generating and outputting one or more different keyed current output signals, where the keyed signals include data defining a utility type or designator a locator sub-system, and corresponding utility locators for receiving keyed magnetic field signals resulting from flow of the keyed output current signals in the utilities and determining locate information and utility type information from the received magnetic field signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Stephanie M. Bench, Jan Soukup, Inho Shin, Ray Merewether
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Patent number: 10042074Abstract: A locator for determining the location of a buried utility line from an offset position. The locator has a top peak antenna, a bottom peak antenna, and a null antenna. The locator is tilted until the null antenna is pointed directly at the utility line with the top and bottom peak antennas disposed in a locating plane that is substantially vertical and perpendicular to the line. The tilt angle of the locator and the direct distance between the locator and the utility is measured. The tilt angle and direct distance are used by the processor to determine the vertical and horizontal distances between the locator and the utility.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Brian K. Bailey
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Patent number: 10042072Abstract: Omnidirectional electromagnetic signal inducer (omni-inducer) devices are disclosed. The omni-inducer device may include a housing, which may include a conductive base for coupling signals to ground, and an omnidirectional antenna node including a plurality of antenna coil assemblies, where the node may be disposed on or within the housing. The omni-inducer device may further include one or more transmitter modules for generating ones of a plurality of output signals, which may be generated at ones of a plurality of different frequencies, and one or more control circuits configured to control the transmitters and/or other circuits to selectively switch the ones of the plurality of output signals between ones of the plurality of antenna coil assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2013Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Ray Merewether, Jan Soukup, Michael J. Martin
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Patent number: 10026001Abstract: Systems and methods to generate maps or models of structures are disclosed. Features of the structure to be mapped may be determined for the purposes of generating the map or model based at least in part on images associated with the structure, sensor measurements associated with the structure, and phase data of communications signals that interact with the structure. The mapping or modeling processes may be performed at a mapping server that receives images, sensor data, and/or communications signal phase information from one or more user devices, such as mobile devices. The mapping servers may perform a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) process and may enhance the generated maps using sensor and/or communications phase data to map one or more hidden features of the structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: INTEL CORPORATIONInventors: Maynard C. Falconer, Debabani Choudhury, Reza Arefi, Daniel J. Dahle, Denver H. Dash, Vallabhajosyula S. Somayazulu, Xingang Guo
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Patent number: 10024994Abstract: A buried utility locator system may include a portable locator that generates audio signals representative of positional and/or depth information of the locator relative to a buried utility, along with a plurality of audio transducers and a cord or wireless transmitter for communicating the audio signals to the audio transducers for generating an audio output field providing information about the buried utility.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2013Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: David A. Cox, Mark S. Olsson
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Patent number: 10017864Abstract: An automated tank Cathodic/Corrosion Protection (CCP) monitoring system includes a mobile CCP data collection device. The data collection device can be moved horizontally to different locations in the tank. A reference electrode and corrosion coupon are lowered from the data collection device to desired depths within a liquid medium in the tank to collect data. The data collection device is connected to a programmable, external control unit enabling a operator to program a data collection schedule, the horizontal and vertical distance between readings, interruption of the system if the system is designed in a way to handle interruption, and has the ability to transmit the data remotely to a control center. These capabilities enable automated, remote monitoring of the CCP system, eliminate the safety concerns associated with sending technicians onto tank roofs, and give a more accurate and complete representation of the CCP system functionality and level of protection achieved.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Inventors: Omidreza Moghbeli, Sebastian Borucki
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Patent number: 10001509Abstract: A semiconductor testing fixture is provided. The semiconductor testing fixture includes a substrate having a plurality of testing regions; and a plurality of testing probes with a predetermined distribution pattern formed on the substrate in each of the plurality of testing regions. Etch of the testing probes comprises a first testing tip; an insulation layer formed on a side surface of the first testing tip; and a second testing tip being coaxial with the first testing tip and surrounding the first testing tip formed on a side surface of the insulation layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: TONGFU MICROELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Lei Shi
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Patent number: 9945976Abstract: Man-portable locator systems for locating buried or otherwise inaccessible pipes, conduits, cables, wires and inserted transmitters using detector arrays and stochastic signal processing and similar techniques to analyze and display multiple target objects at differing frequencies in a layered user interface (UI) are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Ray Merewether, Michael J. Martin, Paul G. Stuart