Method and apparatus for locating utility conveyances in an enclosed area
AssigneeAT&T Corp.
InventorsHossein Eslambolchi, John Sinclair Huffman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A selected one of a plurality of underground utility conveyances(14--14) may be located in an enclosure (10) by providing each conveyance with an electronic marker (18). Each marker is responsive to a first RF signal from an electronic marker locator (32) operated by a utility worker. Upon receipt of the first RF signal, the electronic marker associated with the conveyance of interest responds by broadcasting a second RF signal containing information indicative of the conveyance. The second RF signal is received and processed by the electronic locator marker to locate the conveyance and ascertain information related thereto.
Claims13
A method for locating an underground utility conveyance comprising the steps of:
- broadcasting a first RF signal from an electronic marker detector for detection by an electronic marker associated with such first signal and carried by the underground utility conveyance;
- detecting the first RF signal at the electronic marker;
- converting the first RF signal at the electronic marker into a DC voltage within the marker to power the marker;
- and
- responsive to receipt of the DC power, transmitting from the electronic marker a second RF signal containing information specific to the conveyance to facilitate its location by the electronic marker detector.
A system for locating an underground utility conveyance, comprising:
- an electronic marker carried by the conveyance and responsive to a first RF signal specific to the marker for transmitting a second RF signal containing information specific to the conveyance to facilitate its location;
- and
- an electronic marker locator for transmitting the first RF signal and for receiving the second RF signal to locate the conveyance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.