US 10,501,181 B1 · Method and apparatus for aerial scanning and detection of contact voltages and distinguishing between normal and abnormal sources of electric fields

Abstract

A sensor-enabled aerial vehicle carries spatial electric and magnetic field detection sensors and a processing system that employs algorithmic methods to process sensor data. The sensors effectively detect electric and magnetic fields that emanate from energized objects, and the algorithmic methodology analyzes the sensor data to distinguish whether the energized object is unintentionally energized. The aerial propulsion system is enclosed within two electrically conducting hemispheres that are electrically insulated from each other. Alternatively, the hemispheres may be suspended below the aerial vehicle. The hemispheres function as a large area electric-field collection surface, wherein a small alternating current (AC) developed between the two hemispheres is proportional to the collected AC electric fields.

Claims19

Dependent claims

An apparatus for detecting unintentionally energized objects, comprising:

a first electric field collection surface formed of electrically conductive material;
a second electric field collection surface formed of electrically conductive material disposed opposite the first electric field collection surface, wherein the first and second electric field collection surfaces form first and second portions, respectively, of a cage;
an electrically insulative structure disposed between and electrically isolating the first and second electric field collection surfaces;
circuitry for generating an E-field voltage signal indicative of a field strength of an electric field incident on the first and second electric field collection surfaces;
and
an aerial vehicle mechanically attached to one or both of the first and second electric field collection surfaces, wherein the aerial vehicle is disposed within the cage.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for aerial scanning and detection of contact voltages and distinguishing between normal and abnormal sources of electric fields

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for aerial scanning and detection of contact voltages and distinguishing between normal and abnormal sources of electric fields

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19