High voltage contact monitor with built-in self tester
US6091337A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02F9/245
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor system for use on drilling equipment to detect the presence of high voltages during horizontal or vertical drilling and providing an alarm signal corresponding to one of three possibilities: (1) the drilling tool hitting a high voltage line; (2) the drilling tool remaining in contact after hitting the high voltage line; and (3) an exposed or damaged high voltage line in close proximity to the drilling implement. The sensor system detects alternating current, converts the alternating current signal to a pseudo square waveform signal, compares the magnitude of the square waveform signal with a reference voltage, and sounds an alarm if the magnitude of the square waveform signal exceeds the reference voltage. The sensor system also incorporates a self-test circuit which allows an operator to check its functionality before use. The operator can also check the sensor at any time during drilling process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.