System and method for detecting cross bores
US10704380B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 20, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L2101/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for detecting a cross-bore between a first pipe and a second pipe that are installed underground includes a support and an electronic circuit assembly. The support is movable through the first pipe. The electronic circuit assembly is mounted to the support to move through the first pipe with the support. The electronic circuit assembly includes a controller and a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor outputs a capacitance value based on an interaction of an electric field generated by the capacitance sensor with an environment of the first pipe. The capacitance sensor outputs to the controller a given capacitance value when the capacitance sensor is at a location where the environment of the first pipe is a cross-bore intersection with the second pipe. The controller generates an indicator indicative of a presence of a cross-bore upon the capacitance sensor outputting the given capacitance value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.