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Pointing device carried by digging arm of excavator, for dynamically indicating location and direction of extension of underground cable

  • US 5,371,959 A
  • Filed: 07/29/1992
  • Issued: 12/13/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/14/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A pointing device for dynamically indicating location of an underground cable, comprising:

  • an elongated pointer having a pivotable mounting provided at one end, for pivotally mounting the pointer to a digging arm of a excavator, and having an opposite, free end for dynamically pointing a direction from said one end towards an underground cable as said digging arm is moved while an excavation is being made, said pivotal mounting being constructed to permit said elongated pointer to rotate about a pivot axis which is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis extending between said ends of said elongated pointer;

    a device for sensing location of an underground cable relative to said elongated pointer; and

    a servomotor mechanism effectively coupled between said elongated pointer and said location sensing device, for automatically pivoting said elongated pointer about said pivot axis as said digging arm is moved, in response to sensations received by said location sensing device, so that said elongated pointer tends to remain pointing towards said underground cable.

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