×

Sonde locator

  • US 6,459,266 B1
  • Filed: 01/26/2000
  • Issued: 10/01/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/26/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for detecting the relationship between a locator and an inaccessible object, said inaccessible object having means for generating a magnetic field and said locator having detecting means for detecting the generated magnetic field and a magnetic compass, the method comprising:

  • (a) measuring horizontal and vertical components of said generated magnetic field using the locator in a first position;

    (b) processing said measurements to determine the separation of said inaccessible object from said locator in the first position;

    (c) moving said locator to a second position and using said compass to ensure that said locator has the same orientation relative to the Earth'"'"'s magnetic field as in said first position;

    (d) measuring horizontal and vertical components of said generated magnetic field using the locator in the second position; and

    , (e) processing said measurements to determine the separation of said inaccessible object from said locator at the second position.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×