Apparatus for detecting subsurface objects with a reach-in arm
First Claim
1. An apparatus for detecting objects on or beneath a surface of a medium comprising:
- (a) a platform comprising a vehicle;
(b) a reach-in arm configured as a single arm having a base;
wherein the base of said reach-in arm is mounted to said platform;
(c) a ground penetrating radar sensor for sensing objects on or beneath a surface of a medium, wherein said sensor is connected to the distal end of said reach-in arm by a quick connect-interface configured to provide an automatic disconnect of the sensor from the reach-in arm, said quick-connect interface comprising a contact switch breakaway system and a spring mechanism;
(d) at least one motor controller electronically connected to said reach-in arm and to said sensor;
said at least one motor controller for controlling the movements of said reach-in arm and said sensor;
(e) a computer in communication with said reach-in arm, said sensor, and said at least one motor controller;
said computer;
(i) for processing data received from said sensor to detect objects on or beneath a surface of a medium;
(ii) for controlling the movement of said reach-in arm; and
(iii) for controlling the movement of said sensor.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for detecting objects on or beneath a surface of a medium having a reach-in arm, the base of the reach in arm connected to a platform, and the distal end of the reach-in arm connected to a sensor. The sensor detects objects on or beneath the surface of a medium and is capable of monitoring the distance of the sensor from objects in the path of the sensor. Motor controllers are connected to the reach-in arm and the sensor for controlling the movements of the reach-in arm and sensor. A computer is in communication with the reach-in arm, the sensor, and the motor controllers. The computer detects objects on or beneath the surface of a medium; determines the location of the reach-in arm and sensor relative to objects in their paths; and controls the movement of the reach-in arm and sensor either automatically using pre-programmed software or according to user inputted commands.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. An apparatus for detecting objects on or beneath a surface of a medium comprising:
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(a) a platform comprising a vehicle; (b) a reach-in arm configured as a single arm having a base;
wherein the base of said reach-in arm is mounted to said platform;(c) a ground penetrating radar sensor for sensing objects on or beneath a surface of a medium, wherein said sensor is connected to the distal end of said reach-in arm by a quick connect-interface configured to provide an automatic disconnect of the sensor from the reach-in arm, said quick-connect interface comprising a contact switch breakaway system and a spring mechanism; (d) at least one motor controller electronically connected to said reach-in arm and to said sensor;
said at least one motor controller for controlling the movements of said reach-in arm and said sensor;(e) a computer in communication with said reach-in arm, said sensor, and said at least one motor controller;
said computer;(i) for processing data received from said sensor to detect objects on or beneath a surface of a medium; (ii) for controlling the movement of said reach-in arm; and (iii) for controlling the movement of said sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for detecting objects on or beneath a surface of a medium, the method comprising:
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(a) providing a platform comprising a vehicle and a reach-in arm configured as a single arm having a base that is mounted to said platform; (b) providing a ground penetrating radar sensor for detecting an object on or beneath a surface of a medium;
said sensor connected to the distal end of the reach-in arm by a quick connect-interface configured to provide an automatic disconnect of the sensor from the reach-in arm, said quick-connect interface comprising a contact switch breakaway system and a spring mechanism;(c) moving said reach-in arm in a specified direction to position the sensor over a surface of a medium; and (d) moving said sensor in a specified direction over the surface of a medium in search of an object on or beneath a surface of said medium. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification