Drone-based electromagnetics for early detection of shallow drilling hazards
US10845498B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 2018 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an unmanned aerial vehicle system includes a first loop airframe structure having a transmitter loop antenna and defining a plane, a second loop airframe structure having a receiver loop antenna having a diameter smaller than the transmitter loop antenna and oriented substantially parallel to the plane, a plurality of vertical thrusters configured to provide lift substantially perpendicular to the plane and elevate the system above a ground surface, at least one lateral thruster configured to provide thrust substantially parallel to the plane, a controller affixed configured to control the plurality of vertical thrusters and the lateral thruster, and an electromagnetic sensing system (such as ground-penetrating radar) configured to transmit electromagnetic signals using the transmitter loop antenna and receive secondary electromagnetic signals of secondary eddy currents caused by interactions between the EM signals and underground geological structures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.