Line locator with accurate horizontal displacement detection
US6407550B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V3/15
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A line locator having the capability of determining the horizontal position with respect to a line is described. The line locator includes a left sensor and a right sensor of any orientation. The left sensor and the right sensor are coupled to a convolution amplifier that amplifies the sum of the output signals from the left sensor and the right sensor. The detection circuitry includes automatic gain control amplification where the automatic gain control signal is obtained digitally from a digital controller. In addition, the detection circuitry includes phase detection circuitry where the phase reference signal is obtained from an external transmitter that is coupled to the line. In addition, the AGC signal and the phase reference signal may both be obtained by processing output signals from magnetic field detectors in the line locator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.