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US 7,612,682 B2Granted
Locator with removable antenna portion
AssigneeMetrotech Corporation
InventorsGreg Staples, George Crothall, James W. Walte
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A locator is disclosed that includes a base module and an antenna module. The base module and antenna module are coupled both mechanically and electrically at a joint. Such an arrangement allows for easy stowage and shipment of the locator as well as the ability, by interchanging antenna modules, to provide multi-functional locators.
Claims9
A locator that locates underground objects, comprising:
- a base module;
- and
- an antenna module,
- wherein the base module and the antenna module are electrically and mechanically coupled in a removable fashion to form the locator;
- and
- wherein the locator is able to locate underground objects only when the base module and the antenna module are coupled.
3 more elements
A base module of a locator, comprising:
- electronics for receiving and processing data from an antenna module to locate an underground object;
- an electrical coupler for accepting an electrical connection to the antenna module;
- and
- a mechanical coupler for mechanically coupling to the antenna module;
- wherein the base module is able to locate an underground object only when coupled with the antenna module.
2 more elements
An antenna module for a locator, comprising:
- at least one electromagnetic field detector;
- an electrical coupler for accepting an electrical connection to a base module, the base module receiving signals from the at least one electromagnetic field detector to locate an underground object;
- and
- a mechanical coupler for mechanically coupling to the base module;
- wherein the locator is able to locate an underground object only when the base module and the at least one electromagnetic field detector are coupled.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.