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Sonde with replaceable electronics and a rotatable, tubular inner shell wherein a battery is located

  • US 5,530,357 A
  • Filed: 06/29/1994
  • Issued: 06/25/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/29/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A system for determining the path of an underground pipe, comprising:

  • at least one sonde casing, includinga housing formed of a durable, rigid polymer, said housing having a closed end and an open end, and a threaded portion at said open end, anda cap formed of a durable, rigid polymer, said cap having a threaded portion adapted to engage said threaded portion of said housing;

    a plurality of transmitter units, each havinga generally elongate, tubular inner shell sized to fit within said housing, be removable therefrom, and free to rotate therein,a battery at least partially located in said inner shell, andcircuit means, permanently potted in said inner shell, for transmitting an electromagnetic signal;

    each of said transmitter units having different circuit means imparting, respectively, different transmission characteristics to said electromagnetic signal;

    a resilient pad located inside said cap, sized to engage said battery whereby, as said cap is screwed onto said housing, said battery and inner shell rotate therein;

    means for transporting said sonde casing down the pipe;

    reel means for storing and dispensing said rod means; and

    receiver means for detecting said electromagnetic signal.

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