Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
A planar reflector is supported on a ball-and-socket joint and can be independently pivoted about X and Y axes by magnetic drives that propel corresponding bail arms hingedly connected to the reflector. Control is achieved using the outputs of a multi-axis magnetic field sensor closely positioned adjacent a spherical magnet embedded in the ball of a ball-and-socket joint that supports the reflector for pivoting motion.
Abstract:
A lens element has a curved surface mounted adjacent an LED for improving the light transmission efficiency and the dispersal pattern of radiation emitted by the LED.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
A weight belt which a diver can release quickly and swing free and clear of the diver's legs and gear with one hand in case of an emergency. The ends of a waist encircling piece of webbing are threaded through corresponding male and female parts of a buckle. The male part has a transversely extending hook formed at a forward end thereof. The female part has a transversely extending post at a forward end thereof and a transversely extending hook receiving cavity. The hook can be inserted into the cavity to engage and surround the post when the male and female parts of the buckle extend substantially at a right angle relative to one another. The male and female parts can thereafter be rotated so that they are in substantial longitudinal alignment and lie flat against the diver's body. The male and female parts cannot more transversely or longitudinally with respect to each other in this alignment. A release knob may be pulled with one hand to rotate the male part of the buckle through a sufficient angle relative to the female part so that the parts will disengage.
Abstract:
Location systems and methods for locating paint and other markings on a surface are described. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to smart paint stick devices and methods of use in locating and marking buried utility lines or other buried objects. One system for locating a buried object may include a buried object locator and a paint stick. The locator may include a tracking component configured to detect a location of a buried object. The paint stick may be configured to cause a paint container to dispense paint at a first position associated with the location of the buried object. The paint stick may include a position determination component configured to transmit one or more range vector signals that are detected by the tracking component. Sensors may be used to determine when paint is dispensed from a paint container, and to determine a color of the paint or a type of a marking.
Abstract:
Sonde devices for providing magnetic field signals for use with utility locators or other devices are disclosed. In one embodiment a sonde device includes a housing, a core comprising a plurality of core sections, and one or more support structures, which may include windings. Circuit and/or power supply elements may be disposed fully or partially within the core to control generation of predefined magnetic field frequencies and waveforms.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to utility locator and user interfaces for use with such locators. Such utility locators may include multiple antennas and sensors for determining and displaying information associated with a buried or otherwise inaccessible utility.
Abstract:
Portable self-standing electromagnetic (EM) field sensing locator systems with attachments for finding and mapping buried objects such as utilities and with intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) displays are described. Accessories may include a ground penetrating radar (GPR) system with a rotating Tx/Rx antenna assembly, a leak detection system, a multi-probe voltage mapping system, a man-portable laser-range finder system with embedded dipole beacon, and other detachable accessory sensor systems are accepted for attachment to the locator system for simultaneous operation in cooperation with the basic locator system. The integration of the locator system with one or more additional devices, such as fault-finding, geophones and conductance sensors, may be used to facilitate the rapid detection and localization of many different types of buried objects.
Abstract:
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.