Methods, systems and apparatuses for sensing and measuring the electric field within the earth
US9405032B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R15/165
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for measuring an electric potential in the earth, which includes a first sensor are disclosed. The first sensor includes a sensing plate for placement in an environment in close proximity to the earth. The sensing plate has an operative capacitive coupling with the earth and measures the earth's electric potential. The sensor also includes a barrier providing electrochemical segregation between the sensing plate and the earth and an amplifier having at least one stage for receiving and amplifying a first signal carrying the potential measured by the sensing plate. The sensor also includes a first connection carrying the first signal from the sensing plate to the amplifier; and a reference voltage for application to the first stage of the amplifier, the reference voltage providing a reference against which the potential measured by the sensing plate is compared. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.