Metallic cable-locating apparatus and method having an image capturing means
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for locating and identifying a metallic cable comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying a Radio Frequency (RF) signal to the metallic cable so that the metallic cable radiates RF energy;
(b) establishing the approximate location of the cable by sensing the RF energy radiated by the cable via an RF sensing device;
(c) situating a cable-locating member, having a viewing window in one end thereof, proximate the cable so that the viewing window in the member is approximately contiguous to the cable; and
(d) capturing an image of the cable, visible through the viewing window in the member, to observe and identify the cable.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A probe (10) for locating a buried cable (12) includes a casing (16) adapted to be driven into the earth (14). Situated in the casing is an RF receiver (23) for sensing RF energy radiated by the cable to establish the cable'"'"'s approximate location. The casing also has a viewing window (19) in its lower tip (18) in optical communication with a television camera (30). The camera allows the cable, once its approximate location is established by the RF receiver, to be visually identified.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for locating and identifying a metallic cable comprising the steps of:
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(a) applying a Radio Frequency (RF) signal to the metallic cable so that the metallic cable radiates RF energy; (b) establishing the approximate location of the cable by sensing the RF energy radiated by the cable via an RF sensing device; (c) situating a cable-locating member, having a viewing window in one end thereof, proximate the cable so that the viewing window in the member is approximately contiguous to the cable; and (d) capturing an image of the cable, visible through the viewing window in the member, to observe and identify the cable. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A probe for locating and identifying a cable on which an RF signal is superimposed comprising:
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a generally cylindrical, at least partially hollow, cable-locating member having a closed-rounded tip at one end, for placement proximate the cable, and a head at another end; a viewing window situated in the tip of the member so as to touch the cable when the member is placed proximate thereto; a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver situated within the cable-locating member for sensing RF energy radiated by the cable; an illumination window situated in the tip of the member; a viewing means for capturing an image visible through the viewing window; and a light source for directing illumination out through the illumination window to illuminate the image visible through the viewing window. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification