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Obstacle detection system for underground operations

  • US 7,013,991 B2
  • Filed: 08/17/2004
  • Issued: 03/21/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/24/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for obstacle detection in an opaque material comprising:

  • at least one electromagnetic signal source adapted to produce an electromagnetic source signal suitable for transmission through said opaque material;

    at least one electromagnetic signal detector adapted to receive reflected electromagnetic energy signals from discontinuities in said opaque material encountered by said electromagnetic source signal;

    a reflected electromagnetic energy signal processor suitable for determining a presence of at least one of obstructions and strata variations within said opaque material; and

    a head element having a leading edge and a trailing edge, said head element suitable for traversing at least a portion of said opaque material, and said at least one electromagnetic signal source, said at least one electromagnetic signal detector and said at least one reflected electromagnetic energy signal processor disposed at least one of in contact with said head element and proximate to said head element.

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