Transmitter with locating signal frequency phase shift based on switchable cable coupling

• US 10,101,487 B2
• Filed: 10/17/2017
• Issued: 10/16/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Merlin Technologies Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Merlin Technologies Incorporated
• Inventors: Mercer, John E., Chau, Albert W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Patidar, Jay
• Application Number:
  US15/785,986
• Publication Number:
  US 20180038982A1
• Time in Patent Office: 364 Days
• Field of Search: 324326-329
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/08 operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices with electromagnetic waves G01V3/12
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/12 operating with electromagnetic waves operating with millimetre waves G01V8/005
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/165 operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by the object or by the detecting device with electromagnetic waves G01V3/17
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/17 operating with electromagnetic waves operating with millimetre waves G01V8/005

Abstract

A transmitter is part of a cable locating system for use in a region which contains at least first and second in-ground cables such that, when the first cable is driven at a locating signal frequency to emit a locating signal, the locating signal is coupled to the second cable to cause the second cable to generate a false locating signal. A frequency generator produces the locating signal frequency for coupling onto the first cable and a reference signal, which includes the locating signal frequency, such that the reference signal includes a modulation envelope for distinguishing the locating signal from the false locating signal. A switch selectively couples the locating signal frequency to the first cable in a selected coupling configuration such that the locating signal is subject to a coupling phase shift that varies based on the coupling configuration. A phase shifter phase shifts the locating signal frequency responsive to the selected coupling configuration such that the locating signal frequency at least approximately matches the phase of the locating signal to compensate for the coupling phase shift.

Claims

1. A transmitter as part of a cable locating system for use in a region which contains at least first and second in-ground cables, each of which cables includes an electrically conductive component such that, when the first cable is driven at a locating signal frequency to emit a locating signal in an electromagnetic form, the locating signal is coupled to the second cable in a way which causes the second cable to generate a false locating signal in electromagnetic form, said transmitter comprising:

a frequency generator for generating said locating signal frequency for coupling onto the first cable and a reference signal, which includes said locating signal frequency modulated thereon such that the reference signal includes a modulation envelope for distinguishing the locating signal from the false locating signal;

a switch selectively coupling the locating signal frequency to the first cable in each one of a plurality of selectable coupling configurations such that the locating signal is subject to a coupling phase shift that varies based on the selected coupling configuration; and

a phase shifter for phase shifting the locating signal frequency responsive to the selected coupling configuration such that the locating signal frequency at least approximately matches the phase of the locating signal at least to compensate for the coupling phase shift.

2. The transmitter of claim 1 wherein the switch outputs a selection signal to the phase shifter that is indicative of the selected coupling configuration.

3. The transmitter of claim 2 wherein the plurality of selectable coupling configurations includes inductive coupling, antenna coupling and direct electrical coupling.

4. The transmitter of claim 1 wherein said locating signal frequency, as modulated on the reference signal, is at least approximately in a fixed phase relationship with said locating signal for distinguishing between the locating signal and the false locating signal based, at least in part, on said fixed phase relationship.

5. The transmitter of claim 4 wherein said locating signal is driven onto the first cable using inductive coupling and wherein said fixed phase relationship is at least approximately 90 degrees.

6. The transmitter of claim 4 wherein said fixed phase relationship is of a known magnitude and phase angle in relationship to said locating signal frequency.

7. The transmitter of claim 4 configured for driving the locating signal onto said first cable in a given way which establishes the fixed phase relationship.

8. The transmitter of claim 1 wherein the reference signal includes a carrier frequency that is modulated by said locating signal frequency.

9. The transmitter of claim 8 wherein the carrier frequency is higher than the locating signal frequency.

10. The transmitter of claim 8 wherein the carrier frequency is amplitude modulated by the locating signal frequency such that the reference signal is amplitude modulated.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said modulation envelope of the reference signal corresponds to the locating signal frequency.