Wood pole decay detector
US5105453A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 28, 1990 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 28, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N23/18
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A manually operable device for detecting wood pole decay and a method of using the same are disclosed. A gamma ray emitter is provided with guide means enabling it to be piloted longitudinally along the wooden pole so that gamma rays from the emitter pass diametrically through the wooden pole along a longitudinal axis of the pole. The attenuation of the gamma rays are continuously recorded along the longitudinal axis, and a permanent record of the variation in gamma ray attenuation is made, from which it can be determined whether the pole is healthy or decayed, and if decayed, the location of the decay along the pole. In order to facilitate locating decay in the pole, the guide means includes an odometer programmed to provide an electrical pulse every 15 cm which is recorded with the data of gamma ray attenuation. Once data on gamma ray attenation has been recorded along one longitudinal axis of the pole, the device may be used on a longitudinal axis at 90.degree. to the first axis, in order to pinpoint the latitude and extent of decay points in the wooden pole.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.