×

Apparatus and method for microwave imaging and excavation of objects

  • US 6,377,872 B1
  • Filed: 07/02/1999
  • Issued: 04/23/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/02/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. Movable imaging and excavating apparatus for locating and removing objects on the surface or in the ground, said apparatus comprising:

  • a remotely controlled unit with movable arm;

    an auger movably attached to said arm, said auger having a first spade and a second spade;

    a first antenna mounted on said first spade, said first antenna for transmitting electromagnetic energy into the ground;

    a second antenna mounted on said second spade, said second antenna for receiving said electromagnetic energy reflected from objects on the surface or in the ground beneath said auger; and

    wherein as said apparatus moves said arm above the ground in a scanning pattern said reflected electromagnetic energy is received by said second antenna indicating the presence of a first of said objects beneath said auger, and wherein said arm is moved to position said auger over said first of said objects, said auger is inserted into the ground around said first object, and said first and said second spades are moved toward each other to grasp said first object and said auger is then moved to withdraw said first object from the ground.

View all claims
  • 5 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×